ANTIQUE OAK ~ FROM OLD TO RENEWED
By Amanda Kowalski from Cochrans Lumber
Here at Cochran’s Lumber, we love seeing a good ‘Before and After’ renovation from our clients! The recent renovation of the iconic Bavarian Inn in historic Shepherdstown, WV may just be the best we have seen this year. Boldly designed by our friends at Frederick, MD based Zoltan Design Co., the inn was transformed from a dark, out-of-style space into a polished, comfortable bar, lounge, and eating area. Complete with flooring to ceiling windows, a glass-enclosed brewery, and of course our classic Antique Oak Distressed flooring, Zoltan Design Co. delivered not only a functional dining space but also a wow factor that patrons will enjoy for many years. Prost!
Below: Bar/Lounge Before
Above: Bar/Lounge After
RANDOM WIDTH ~ SINGLE PURPOSE
“The Bavarian Inn project was special because its design work was a combination of remodeling existing components, as well as the addition of a brand new, adjoining brewery and brewpub buildings. The location has a rich history and called for materials that would balance a fresh, updated look, while still being transitional and in line with the character of the building.
We selected Antique Oak, distressed in varying widths and lengths for flooring. It has a worn character and weathered look, displaying its history in every bit of patina and imperfection. The same wood floor runs from the remodeled bar area into the new brewpub seating area, blending the old and new spaces seamlessly.
The bar area now displays more modern furniture, with bright nailheads and mirrored backsplash tile, providing a beautiful balance to the existing stone walls and rich, history-filled, Antique Oak floor. The same layering effect is seen in the new brewpub area with its incredible architecture of wood beams against modern antique silver pendants; and the new modern furniture against the weathered Antique Oak floor. Overall, the Inn has received a new, updated look without compromising its story – the story and charm that makes this place special to many of its patrons and will for years to come.”
-Christopher Zoltan Ritchie, Creative Director and Founder of Zoltan Design Co.
In a recent article printed in the Washington Post, our Creative Director, Chris Ritchie discussed challenges and solutions for “How to create a modern, comfortable living space with room for games and reading”.
ABOUT CHRISTOPHER RITCHIE
Christopher has had a lifelong passion for unique furniture, interior design and custom woodworking. After more than 20 years of owning and working with furniture manufacturing companies, he landed in the Washington D.C. interior design scene to launch his rapidly growing firms.
Since honing his skills, Zoltan Design Co. has expanded from Washington D.C. into Maryland, Virginia, Philadelphia PA, Atlanta GA, and Los Angeles CA. Working with notable clients such as Starbuck’s, Neiman Marcus, Horchow, Marriott, Westin Aruba Casino Resort and Restoration Hardware has led to features in regional and national publications like the Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine, Baltimore Sun, and Garden & Gun Magazine.
Chris brings impressive experience, insights, and enthusiasm to each project. He and his team of dedicated interior designers work to find modern, stylish solutions to each challenge, creating functional spaces that match each client’s vision. Tell us about your residential, commercial or hospitality project.
Our design team had an opportunity to give back, and we jumped at the opportunity. Mike Rowe, star of Dirty Jobs is working on a new Facebook series called Returning the Favor. The latest reality social media sensation supports those who dedicate their lives to helping others in their communities. The newest episode aired on Oct. 17 with the Zoltan Design Co. team at the front and center of design and implementation. A project based in Baltimore, Maryland, this episode gives Melissa Badeker’s business, Baltimore Teachers Supply Swap, a facelift.
Baltimore Teachers Supply Swap was founded by Badeker, a former Baltimore County teacher who wanted to find a solution for the local schools that are underfunded and undersupplied. Her business is open to teachers in the area that need a helping hand by providing them with items such pencils, paper, notebooks and more.
Head designer for Zoltan Design Co., Ritchie derived the project’s creativity from Badeker’s own business vision. He knew the space should be interactive and it had to be fun. Ritchie and the team used exciting, up-to-date colors all throughout the building. The color choices aided in coding supplies and shelving systems, as well as providing modern furniture throughout the warehouse.
With the team’s expertise, Ritchie was able to help Rowe transform Badeker’s disorganized space into a vibrant, interactive teachers’ supply haven. Ritchie and his team of volunteers worked through the night to restore the warehouse and surprise Badeker. Workers reorganized the warehouse in just 24 hours, installing an interactive chalkboard, placing school supplies in colorful bins on a new shelving system, and hanging signs down each aisle to make the warehouse look navigable.
“It was a privilege and an honor to work with Mike Rowe in this capacity,” said Christopher Ritchie, head designer of Zoltan Design Co. “It was especially meaningful because this project is helping educators in a city that is right in our backyard.”
“We love this kind of work; we’re thrilled when projects like this come across our desk. It’s all about community; it’s not about us,” Ritchie said. “It’s all about giving back.”