Finally though, Big Bear seems on its way to a much-needed makeover. During recent years, a new look has slowly spread amongst new and remodeled businesses, as well as Valley homes: a more contemporary design accentuated with modern and rural elements, nicknamed modern rustic. nike air max pas cher It’s a combination of the rustic farmhouse, post-industrial and mid-century modern architectural and interior design trends that have become predominant in fashionable circles worldwide. The difference is that while mid-century modern is often thought of as cold, modern rustic is all about warmth in a chilly environment. With Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego counties as our closest neighbors, as well as Las Vegas, it’s no secret where the bulk of Big Bear Valley’s visitors reside. It makes sense to look to those locales’ design trends for inspiration. And the hot spots with the most inviting ambiance almost always reflect the Bauhaus Movement’s aesthetic of less is more and function over form. Bauhaus Big Bear To appreciate the burgeoning style makeover in Big Bear Lake, it’s useful to understand the roots and overwhelming reach of modern architecture and design. In 1919, Walter Gropius created the Bauhaus School, a modern art school in Germany characterized by efficiency, simplicity and a focus on mass production. The movement’s teachers and students rejected the overly ornate aesthetic that remained after the Victorian and Edwardian periods up to the start of World War I, instead favoring clean lines and open floor plans with functional flow. One of the main tenets of Bauhaus was a dedication to using materials in their most honest form, the closest to their natural state. Artists including Marcel Breuer and Mies Van der Rohe’s design sense was a direct result of the Industrial Revolution, particularly in furniture design where there was a need for well-made, mass-produced items for the everyman that were stylish, unpretentious, and most importantly, affordable. Many of Bauhaus’ biggest talents went on to teach and influence an entire generation of the brightest and best students of design in the States. «Those who studied with them became the who’s who of modern architecture,» says local interior designer Cathie Correy, who is a huge fan of and an active participant in Big Bear’s contemporary transformation. nike tn noir Show us the modern Modern design has become increasingly popular throughout Southern California during the last two decades, particularly because of the proximity to ASID-centric Los Angeles. And with the proliferation of do-it-yourself, decorating and house flipping TV shows, consumers are more design savvy than ever. To capitalize on the more sophisticated set, however, Big Bear will have to get out of its cozy comfort zone. The Valley’s narrow interpretation of rustic design hinged on over-stuffed sofas and country quaint has struggled to keep up with the new wave of finesse favored by the emerging 25-to-45-year-old visitor demographic, along with some savvy Palm Springs seniors, that frequents Big Bear and brings its expendable income along for the windy road to the top Shorts. For those on board in Big Bear, the latest rustic modern interpretation juxtaposes salvaged elements such as reclaimed wood from old cabins or barns as exterior siding or even custom-made furniture, with post-industrial materials like corrugated steel or exposed brick . «It always makes it more interesting when you mix elements of design,» adds Corrie, who recently won a Hauzz.com’s award for Best of Hauzz. Other design features that mesh with the rustic, modern elements include wire-brushed wood, cement plaster walls, sand-cast bronze hardware and trussed ceilings. Most designs boast open floor plans and shelving that make rooms feel lighter, with a neutral palette complimented by subtle bursts of color. Bringing in the industrial feel, exposed plumbing, and utilitarian, sometimes upcycled elements become part of the design rather than something to camouflage. Original architectural elements in a remodel, such as a featured stone wall or fireplace, are retained instead of demolished to add character and historical context to a room or exterior. Large windows bring nature to the forefront, as well, using natural light to illuminate and create a warm, welcoming sense of space. Rad renovations Some of the first local businesses to integrate the rustic aesthetic to their contemporary designs were The Copper Q, the coffee shop/café and kitchen accessories store in the Big Bear Village and Hacienda Grill on Big Bear Boulevard. Both created a buzz right from the start among locals and visitors who had grown tired of the folksy, little-mountain-town feel of many Big Bear eateries. For the Hacienda owners, Gus and Nancy Gonzalez, their gamble paid off on an ambitious 2012 remodel incorporating a not-trendy-yet reclaimed wood wall made from a historic Big Bear cabin. They mixed California mission-style elements with copper fixtures and Mexican folk art, transforming the restaurant into a hot spot immediately, confirming for many business owners that customers want more from their dining experience than a perfectly fried chile relleno. «I wanted to do something more trendy but I also wanted to add on something more mountain-like,» Nancy says. When the remodel’s project manager suggested the reclaimed wall, the couple did not hesitate even though they had never seen it done. «At the end, we were very happy with it.» Two more recent standouts are Goldsmiths Sports, which added an extension and remodeled the existing building to match, and Snow Summit Resort, which was purchased two years ago by Mammoth Mountain Resort, and has undergone a similar facelift. The Snow Summit remodel, which fittingly is where Hot Tub Time Machine was filmed in part because of its 1980s vibe, is continually in the process of its extreme makeover whenever the snow allows. With the help of a few designers and many of the resort’s own staff members, Snow Summit is emulating resorts in other parts of the country, as well as taking notes from surf and skate-centric OC with its many design-focused marketplaces. The first dabble in modernizing parts of the resort was the installation of the new Starbucks at the Ironwood Coffee & Craft complete with roughshod cedar treated with a rusted Brillo pad to bring out the deep wood tones complimented by a worn ebony stain and transparent green paint, and a subway tile statement wall behind the baristas. The outfacing bar functions as a venue inside of a venue at what was the bland Bear Bottom Lodge Duvets & Duvet Covers, now the revamped Oakfire Grill. Keeping with the form following function mantra of the modernists, much of the redesign is to draw crowds away from what was the main eatery and consistently became overwhelmed because of its location at the bottom of the ski runs. The resort not only needed to update the other restaurants, they needed them to stand out enough for people to notice. Steps away, the newish Big Horn Blues BBQ and Bar smokehouse seeks to seduce some of those diners away with the same roughshod wood aesthetic as the base area, complementing its corrugated steel siding for an industrial, modern feel. An outdoor seating area offers utilitarian tables and benches nearby where a stage will eventually stand. Above the rental shop near Chair 2, the eating area now called the SoCal Marketplace that always felt like a school cafeteria in its previous incarnation takes on the character of a craft brew hotspot, with the upstairs adding an indoor-outdoor full cocktail, called the Slopeslide Bar. Downstairs, the design came together by working with some of the room’s existing features like the reach-in fridge and the dropped ceiling over the prep areas, adding corrugated siding with a rust-colored patina, natural cedar walls, plywood that accentuates the raw construction look, and an open ceiling exposing the galvanized ducting and industrial-looking hanging lamps. asics france The original brick floor was retained, and looks perfectly in place with the rustic remodel. «We put a lot into the look and feel of the place,» says Wade Reeser, vice president of operations for the resort. The defining feature is the bright green paneling added to the exterior of the ticket sales building. But change can be hard for plenty of Big Bear folks. «You’re not going to leave it like that are you?» people chastised, not initially warming up to the bold use of color. «But now people like it Work Wear & Uniforms,» Reeser says. The new Adventure Academy, located in the former rental office, got a similar treatment, adding some cheery color to the exterior. The relocated rental shop, which Corrie designed, has mid-century pop with a retro Googie diner feel. Even the resort’s signage got a makeover with steel grades behind the trail markers. It takes a Village Back in the Village, four more restaurants have followed suit, including Nancy and Gus’ newest venture, 572 Social Kitchen & Lounge, as well as Dave Stone’s Big Bear Lake Brewing Company, Kayla & Erick Rolston’s Fire Rock Burgers & Brews, and most notably, the new location for Saucy Mama’s. The latter’s co-owners, husband and wife Adolfo and Tracy Gonzalez’s contemporary, upscale Italian restaurant and pizzeria’s interior entertains diners at every turn with its whimsical take on mountain modern Sportswear. Adolfo and Tracy entrusted their vision to their contractor, Shannon Seaman, who has seen his fair share of construction trends in Big Bear during his 51 years as a resident. «We need this sort of change,» he says. The business community needs to keep up with the sophistication level of its visitors and second-home owners more than ever from a business standpoint, Seaman says. Chaussure Asics Pas Cher «The days of a few tables and chairs and a wooden bear, those days are over,» Adolfo says about the momentum building around the restaurant business in Big Bear. Thanks to both Gonzalez couples, the Stalcups and others, Big Bear proper is becoming more of a complete destination.»The Village is a monster now,» Adolfo says about the increased traffic in the downtown area. Adding to the musical feel of the Village is Saucy Mama’s cheeky vinyl record-covered walls featuring albums by everyone from David Bowie to Wayne Newton giving a playful twist on the theme. Nike Air Max Flyknit Heren Long, angular light fixtures urge good people to drink good beer, and penny covered columns box in the bar compliment the distressed copper backsplash by the taps, surrounded by rows of perfectly aligned pizza peelers. The adjacent wall, covered in cut logs reminiscent of fire wood, are artfully displayed for high impact. Two doors down in the former Saucy Mama’s location the music theme continues with Fire Rock’s ode to rock ‘n roll with a post-industrial, juke joint feel, an homage to co-owner Erick’s years as a professional musician. The Rolstons chose to work with the natural materials the building had to offer like the brick staircase and the arch leading to the kitchen. They continued on, adding an entire brick wall at the bar area with its intent spelled out clearly: Craft Beer, Soda and Shakes. They used Erick’s own musical instruments for decorations, plus a prized acoustic that belonged to his grandfather. Nike Air Max Norge Nettbutikk «I think a lot of places are trying to attract a younger crowd and bring something new to Big Bear,» Kayla says, adding they decided from the start to go big Pants. «It’s going to take upping the ante. Design is such a big deal.
