Monthly Archives: July 2012

Technical Difficulties

Apologies for the repeat post.  CWG is having  technical difficulties. Should be ok now.

Ginger

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Interview with Ginger Rodriguez on selling antique/vintage furniture and accessories?

 

Lauren Rissmiller of Potomac West: What got you into the business of selling antique/vintage furniture and accessories?

Ginger Rodriguez of WestBay Interiors: My clients want “eccentric”, “one-of-a-kind” pieces. Maybe not the entire room, but, at least an accent piece or two. So, I am constantly hunting and searching for the “unique antique”, or the vintage treasure. It was a natural progression to begin dealing in these, in addition to my regular interior design work.

Iron Sun Mirror available 7/10

 

Source

Lauren: What is your favorite piece that you have sold?

 

Ginger: I would have to say that my “favorite” changes – about every week! Right now, it would be a vintage piece of art I found at an auction. It’s a portrait of a woman, painted in wild, crazy colors… very amusing and energetic! And, actually, it became the Inspiration Piece for the entire room.

Source

Lauren: Where do you typically shop for pieces?

 

Ginger: To do this correctly, you must circulate a lot. Sources tend to gravitate to acquiring a certain genre, or style. So, to have a mix on hand, I need to keep my eye on many dealers – all the time. I buy pieces from different places to create a look that feels like it’s been achieved over time. Last week’s major find was an interesting glass sculpture from a vintage shop in Soho NY.

 

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Lauren: Do you enjoy the process of sourcing your inventory? Have you hired a picker or do you do it yourself?

 

Ginger: Oh, no…. I LOVE the Sprit of the Quest! It’s one of the most fun parts of my profession. If I happen to be over-loaded with projects, I use an assistant for the searching, but not usually. Gathering the perfect items is part of the very personal service approach that I pride myself on providing to my clients.

Pillow Sham - 15” x 30” available 7/10

Lauren: Are their certain pieces that always strike your fancy?

 

Ginger: In a general way, I would say yes. Big, bold colorful statement accessories with antiques tends to be what I gravitate to. There’s just nothing like the unexpected combination to create a dramatic room.

 

Lauren: Favorite color?

 

Ginger: A creamy, buttery yellow. Just enough warmth but just close enough to white – to give the fresh “sparkle” to a space and lift my mood.

 

Lauren: Where do you keep your excess inventory?

 

Ginger: When first purchased, many items “park” in my garage for a while. Then some go directly to the client, some get stored in a warehouse, some go to the new store.

 

Burlap curtains available now

Lauren: Does your style of merchandise reflect your personal style?

 

Ginger: I try to have a variety. My style tends to be a mix of eclectic items, that cover a wide range of time periods. That is a very broad category… and that is what you find in my merchandise.

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Available now

Available now

Lauren: If I walked into your house, what is the first piece/element I would notice?

 

Ginger: Right now, that would probably be “Tulip”. She is a huge, ceramic peacock imported from Italy at my fireplace hearth. Overall, you would notice that my home feels comfortable and lived-in. Or, to be more specific… you would notice that, although it looks very stylish and pulled-together, the fabrics and furnishings can all stand-up to an actual family – actually living in the home!

 

Lauren: What influences your “eye”?

 

Ginger: New discoveries – constantly learning about different people, places and cultures. There is always something new to be excited by… this is why a LOVE doing what I do!

 

Visit WestBay Interiors at Potomac West

1517 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 22301

Store Hours: 

Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm

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Thank you from Ginger:

 

 

I am so grateful to the many individuals, manufacturers, and companies who generously donated to help me enhance this event with the special décor it so deserved. Among those who contributed:

 

Designer Workroom of Bethesda - Sincere thanks to you for making custom cushions for our VIP lounge stone benches! They were a HUGE hit and so are all of you! This truly is a gift that keeps on giving as they can be used annually for the event. 301-656-4020

Thank you Jason Dixon for capturing the feeling of inspiration and love in the room. You are talented, warm, and attentive.

Much appreciation to my wonderful Interns for helping and assisting with everything from floor plans to unpacking for the event. From left to right: Christian, Karla, Ginger, and Luc. Arnold and personal friend, Israel (not pictured). Thanks so much for your support.

Karla and Arnold taking a much needed break.

 

Karla unpacking 36 boxes, she is on #9:) Image via Arnold's camera phone

 

 

 

Lounge15 minutes after opening

 

Gorgeous pillows and they're very well made. Love them, love them, love them. :)

 

40 lb Peacock imported from Italy- Image via Karla's camera phone

Cakepops for VIP goodie bags

 

 

A very special thanks to LaKisha Smith, of K. Joy’s Cake Pop. Lakisha jumped on board with no hesitation to support the event. Thank you for providing delicious pops that were custom made to represent all people beating cancer. I am your number one fan and you will be my go-to gal for birthday parties for years to come!

Owner, Winnette McIntosh Ambrose, of Sweet Lobby. You may remember them, the winners of the Food network “Cake Wars”. Thank you, Winnette for generously providing Parisian macarons. Honestly I’ve never tasted a better macaroon! The Sweet Lobby at Barracks Row is located at 404 8th St, SE Washington, DC 20003 202 544 2404

Jenny Czerwien, of Made Goods for working hard to make sure my space was beautiful, and inspired our guests with Cara cocktail tables.

 

 

 

Cheryl, of Howard Elliot for lending us alternative seating. Your lounge seating made the event comfortable and successful!

 

Sue, with Candy.com, thank you  for providing crystal rock candy to make our event extra special!

Global Views was amazing in getting our order to us in a flash.

 

And finally my friend Anna James for keeping me on track, supporting my every move, and keeping me sane. I adore you!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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