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 Grand Ely Lodge on Shagawa Lake, Ely, Mn.
Two years ago when the owners of the Holiday Inn Sun Spree Resort decided they wanted to remodel the hotel, they knew they wanted to change not only the name but also the image. Bare Bones Studio was one of the design firms they contacted to make a presentation based on what their ideas of a North Woods Lodge was. They had been visiting hotels and rustic retreats with lodge themes across the United States. Based on my presentation Bare Bones was selected as the interior design firm. To begin with we needed a focal point in the main lobby. A beautiful log space, without a fire place. The original construction plans from 7 years ago had called for a massive three story fireplace in the middle of the lobby. That fireplace was eliminated due to cost in the initial construction phase. At this point this same fireplace design could not be added for technical reasons. I designed a gas fireplace at the end of the lobby under the balcony area. It is faced with stone, has a log mantle and very detailed black iron screen. I also designed a built-in for the large screen TV. In all areas we added V-groove pine paneling where there had been just white sheet rock walls. This adds a warmer more north woods feeling. One of the main features of the project is the custom designed carpet. Designed by myself and Durkin Carpets it took us about a year to finalize the design. The whole color scheme revolves around the carpet. There are coordinating patterns that run throughout the hotel. All new lighting fixtures were selected and custom made to fit our size requirements. These new fixtures are rust iron and replace old contemporary fluorescent fixtures that cast good light but cold light. We used amber mica to create a warm inviting glow. Inviting furniture groupings were created in various areas. The chairs, and sofas are made by Old Hickory with red and black buffalo checks. Leather sofa and chair with nail head trim and big pillows in red, black and green deer and snow shoe pattern. Completing the furniture in the lobby are my custom designed rustic jackpine coffee table and squirrley leg sofa table. The lounge/bar area we eliminated the teal and mauve color scheme. We created an outdoor theme. A coordinated carpet to the lobby, dark green wallpaper, wood paneling and lots of antique minnow buckets, fishing rods, nets, bobbers, decoys and the like are artfully displayed on walls and on the rustic shelves above the window areas. The dining room follows along the same themes. New carpet wood paneling, wallpaper, an additional booth for more private dining, softer lighting, and rustic shelves for all the north woods type antiques. The most wonderful addition in the dining room are all the framed original watercolors by Carl Gawboy.
Come visit Grand Ely Lodge and Bare Bones Studio.
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