Country With Class

What is it about a new year that stirs up within us a desire for change? 

Afterall, change is what New Year's resolutions are all about, right? 

There are a number of things I've resolved to alter in my life

during 2012.  Some will require a great deal of effort, determination, and prayer

 on my part—others, not so much so.

I've decided to start with some of the simpler changes...like a new hairstyle.

The problem is, I just can't seem to lock in to the

direction I want to take.

Thankfully, I won't have to fret over where this transformation will take place.

Though I live in the country, and most of the neighboring towns are rural,

I'm blessed to have a friend—also my hairstylist—who happens to be 

the owner of the classiest salon around.

Kim is not only an incredibly talented stylist, she is also very artistic—
as reflected in the tastefully eclectic décor of her salon.

She has masterfully combined a variety of materials

and furnishings to create a chic, upscale vibe.

The salon is housed in a historic building that has donned many masks

over the years—the city jail and a hardware store, to name but a few. 

What is now the reception area was once a display window,

during the building's hardware store days.

Kim is not only a fantastic stylist, artist, and decorator, but she's

quite the DIYer to boot!

She and a friend spent a week—with very little rest—

renovating this fabulous old place.

They did everything from demolishing the walls that cloaked the

 gorgeous old bricks, to building the trendy stylists' stations.

Did you notice the contrasts of the refined decorative elements set

against the rustic backdrop?  Sound familiar?   ; )

The faux leather treatment on the wall—above the molding—and the corrugated metal 

below are more examples of Kim's handiwork.

AND...there are more unique wall treatments surrounding

the shampoo, manicure, and pedicure stations.

These lights are really a fun touch, don't you think?

Kim calls them her "chicken lights."  Indeed, their original purpose was to keep

baby chicks warm.  But with the addition of sparkling crystals, they impart 

an air of urban farmhouse chic.

And what about this unique bit of illumination hanging in the cantina?

Certainly not something you would expect in a small town.

I think Kim—a fellow farmgirl—has proven with 12 12 Salon

that you can have class...even in the country.

Linking to:

Angie's Knick of Time Tuesday; SJ's Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop;

Nita's Mod Mix Monday; Linda's Nifty Thrifty Tuesday;

Kristin's Tuesday Treasures; Tammy's Anything Goes;

Angelina's Sew-Crafty Tuesday; Patti and Paula's What's It Wednesday