Builders are not known for serving clients wine and cheese while they review the details of a project.
But why not? Gary Munch believes design and building should be not only an efficient process, but also a pleasant experience.
Hence “The Studio,” as it is known informally, a new cooperative of professionals who can provide a full range of design and building services for anyone—as well as a bit of branding for commercial clients—while you relax.
“The co-op was built around the philosophy the best projects begin with good collaborations,” says Munch, of Boss Enterprises in Wilmington. “It made sense to join with allied professionals that offer something different than we do.”
Those familiar with the Boss digs on Greenhill Avenue (654-0886, bossenterprises.net ) will notice that it has expanded into the space next door. The place—a marvel of contemporary design—houses Jeff Brooks of Integrated Home (656-1624, ihomellc.com), Bree Wellons of Dilwyne Designs (750-5954, dilwynedesigns.com), faux finisher and muralist Vicki Vinton (610-368-4757) and Jackie Ivy of J. Ivy & Co. (646-642-6392, jackieivy.com).
Brooks designs and installs whole-house telecom, security, and audio-visual systems and controls. Wellons does interior design. For commercial clients, Ivy develops visual identity. (Check her stunning work for Urban Outfitters.) Munch offers design and build services, as well as fabrication of custom cabinets and more.
The Studio houses a full kitchen and design library where customers and friends can dream and play while enjoying a glass of wine. And keeping the pros together prevents you from having to track down different contractors for different aspects of the project.
“Our clients are busy people. They don’t have a lot of time,” Munch says. “We make your life easy by making the experience enjoyable.” —Mark Nardone
Page 2: Ooh La La | Looking for that one-of-a-kind home accessory? You’ll likely find it at this homey boutique in Chadds Ford.
Ooh La La
Looking for that one-of-a-kind home accessory? You’ll likely find it at this homey boutique in Chadds Ford.
Stepping into La Maison Home (810 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, Pa., 610-388-1229) is like visiting a good friend’s digs. The home decor boutique is in a traditional house meant to serve as a staging space for furniture and other design accessories. Mother and daughter duo and co-owners, Pat and Stephanie Celii, who opened the boutique last September, display and sell antiques and furnishings. “My mom has been a collector for years,” says Stephanie, “and she has European, industrial, and shabby chic pieces.”
Most of the pieces sold are from Pat’s collection. “I get enjoyment from staging the items and admiring them and then others enjoying them,” she says. “It’s rewarding for me.”
Rooms are filled with mirrors, vases and all sorts of accessories, some made from repurposed materials. Prices are reasonable, ranging from $5 to $5,000.
Stephanie handles the business. Pat contributes her creative design vision and arranges displays. She also offers free one-hour in-house or in-store design consultations. “She works off of her vision,” Stephanie says. “We don’t use any computer layouts or drawings.” — Katherine DiMaggio
Page 3: Toasting the Coast | A Rehoboth artist celebrates beach towns through his colorful posters.
Toasting the Coast
A Rehoboth artist celebrates beach towns through his colorful posters.
Eight years ago, Aurelio Grisanty wanted to replicate the French posters of beaches he remembered as a child for his apartment in Rehoboth Beach. When he couldn’t find any he liked, he created his own.
“I did one, framed it, and hung it on the wall and everyone liked it,” Grisanty says. “That’s what gave me the idea that I should start printing them out.”
That was 2003. There are now 62 posters and more on the way.
Beach Town Posters resemble the postcards and travel advertisements from the 1920s and 1930s. Grisanty creates the images with computer programs like Photoshop and Painter.
Grisanty combines images from the Internet with photographs and sketches to develop his artwork. The Dominican Republic native loves the beach and all its mysteries. “The beach is magical,” he says. “It’s like this endless movement of water.”
Grisanty signs posters with the name “Rail,” which is short for Aurelio. He recommends that folks purchase his posters in groups. The names alternate, and the frames offer a cohesive design among them.
Grisanty wants to show people who don’t live in these small beach towns what they are, and give the people who do live in these towns something to be proud of. “I want to catch the essence of every place, no matter how small or big,” he says. “It’s a creation of the pride.” For more, visit grisanty.com. —Lauren Montenegro
