The latest 20,000 square foot addition completed in November 2008, has the same industrial sensibility as the original 1928 automotive repair shop due to the distinct style of owner and designer Jill Young-Rosenast.
Formerly a textile artist and designer for Seattle based Nordstrom’s, Jill met her business savvy husband, Alex Rosenast back in the late 80’s when he was the start up owner and proprietor of the famous rock epicenter and live music venue, RockCandy (RKCNDY).
Garage’s newly built addition maintains consistency in the look and feel of the original structure with high-ceilings and exposed wooden beams thanks to the help of architect Curtic Mcguire. The uniformity of design gives the impression the entire building evolved at the same time, although the original conversion and two subsequent expansions span over 13 years. Inside, retro, 1950’s minimalist décor and vintage, chrome furniture and fixtures from Eames, Paulson, Saarnin and Varga co-mingle with the two newly designed spaces: the Star Lounge and the Echo Room.
The Star Lounge’s bar sparkles with mirrored tiles, and star-like cones illuminate the immense fish tank. The space includes two of Jill’s art installations.
The first is a series of intricately constructed little leather dresses adorned with the tiniest collection of stars. The second is displayed in the bowling area, doll parts recovered from the rubble of bombed doll factories in Eastern Bloc countries.
The Echo Room’s décor is inspired by a haunting image by photographer Nick Brandt of an African elephant herd with their matriarch Echo. This life-size photographic mural adorns an entire 50 foot wall and is balanced by several large-scale orb light fixtures transformed by recycled packing peanuts. Natural, raw elements and salvaged wood adorn the room’s other surfaces, and vintage bentwood chairs upholstered with antique Indian saris surround a gigantic elephant palm in the center of the room.
“I’m always devouring books, magazines and visual arts… I find inspiration in so many places, especially in my surroundings, which is why I focus on recycled, sustainable materials in the spaces I design. Growing up in the northwest, I think my design aesthetic is a reflection of the eclectic and artistic community I live in.” says Jill of her constantly evolving style.
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