^ vintage spaces
ABOVE: Bright splashes of color adorn the hallways at iWerx. This jazzy oil painting is from a collection held by one of the managing partners.
sources of inspiration. The aim of Uncommon Relics is approachabil- ity and affordability for everyone, Newton said. “Nobody ever gets it until it comes together,” she said of her skeptics. “People just generally have to trust me, that I am going to pull off what is in my head and what I have con- veyed to them.” From there, she seeks out her “favorite haunts,” which range from everywhere from estate sales, curb- side finds, and Craigslist to Liberty’s
trepreneur. Newton put it on a canvas transfer, and it now hangs above a side desk in Martin’s office. “I know that with her eye – and what she does – that I am going to get incredible value,” Martin said. The iWerx space at 1501 Burlington St., which was once a Kroger’s regional grocery distribution center, also features an event space. Near the event space is the “ladies lounge,” where bridal parties can prepare for the big day in a space that Newton decorated with special charms in mind. The iWerx partners will continue to work with Newton because of the ever-changing nature of the space, Martin said. With the iWerx design work as ongoing, Newton also is preparing to design a 10,000-square-foot space across the street from iWerx. Again, she said she wants to create one-of-a-kind settings for entrepreneurial spaces rather than relying upon a cookie-cutter feeling that can often accompany such office furnishings. “And, my wheels are always spinning for the what-next,” she said. Reflecting back on the origins of her design career that began 30 years ago, Newton said she would have been more forthright in trusting her gut and listening to what really made her heart sing – and today, she encour- ages others to do the same. “Back then, I had no idea, and so I floundered and aimlessly wan- dered around looking for that thing, that one big thing. Thirty-five years, looking back, I would have given anything to have dove head first into architecture and design – things would have been different, I think. “But, to that, I don’t believe that people always necessarily need a back- ground in that education field. I think you can be self-taught and very successful. I think it’s all about your tenacity and personal drive. I think people can do anything.” ^
The Red Apron and Urban Mining in West Bottoms. Her ideal Sunday afternoon consists of coffee and a stroll through River Market Antiques, starting on the third floor and working her way down. Her period influences include her all-time favorite of mid-century modern, alongside Bohemian, with the latter as a nod to her gypsy soul. “I think the two combined are clean and rich,” Newton said, pointing to architect Frank Lloyd Wright as a universal inspiration, alongside classic media inspirations fromThe Brat Pack and Audrey Hepburn. When designing a space for customers, Newton is “100 percent alone” prior to the big reveal – but, she makes it clear that if someone doesn’t like her work upon the reveal, she’ll return to the drawing board. Her first reveal for the space came in late 2016, for iWerx partner Bob Martin. It was the designing of a space that, in a short time, has helped change Newton’s business. Martin co-founded EnCorps 45, which sup- ports the “what’s next movement” for professionals ages 45 and older, and he is the president of Martin Marketing. Martin said he trusted Newton’s judgment and vision, in incorpo- rating his set budget and natural pull toward mid-century modern. He is especially drawn to an expanded print of an original 5-by-7 inch black-and-white photograph of his grandfather, who also was an en-
TOP: 1970s whiskey barrel chairs were found in mint condition at an auction. A handmade vintage wooden bookcase is a perfect backdrop. MIDDLE: Pam sought to create conversation areas throughout iWerx and provide people a place to take an office break and change of scenery. A grey sofa came from and estate sale and the painting from Facebook Swap Shop. BOTTOM: Mid-century modern chairs have been updated with stylish cow-print seats offering a cozy, private spot for brainstorming.
18 VINTAGEKC FALL 2017
VINTAGEKCMAG.COM 19
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog