Worldwide leader in underwater camera housings hires modern coastal art gallery Thomas Studios to take the lead on their HQ remodel

The pairing was ideal given their mutual affinity for the ocean, their shared interest in modern design, and the company’s love for Thomas’ art and style.

AquaTech — worldwide leader in professional underwater camera housings and accessories chooses Shaun Thomas, owner, designer and artist of Thomas Studios, one of the top Laguna Beach Art Galleries for coastal modern art, to redesign their local headquarters here in Huntington Beach, California. Thomas and his team were the perfect fit. The pairing was ideal given their mutual affinity for the ocean, their shared interest in modern design, and the company’s love for Thomas’ art and style. After walking into Thomas Studios, a few AquaTech members knew he was the right person for the job. They also knew they wanted to replicate the serene but impactful interior of the gallery itself.

For the main room of AquaTech’s Huntington Beach headquarters, Mr. Thomas chose to completely change the atmosphere. He converted a very white, bland commercial office space into a stunning, perfectly usable display space. The space could easily double as a secondary gallery or party space in the future when COVID-19 restrictions have lessened. Shaun swapped out the boring white walls for charcoal-painted shiplap, enhancing but also elevating the coastal theme of the space — and the brand. Shaun also added platforms set into the wall — these platforms allow AquaTech to display their stunning underwater cameras as art pieces.

Shaun’s design plan also includes a flooring change — removing the gray/mauve linoleum in favor of a waxed pine plank effect. The basic office furniture included in the prior iteration of AquaTech’s lobby was removed and replaced with custom, quality pieces. A shallow, horizontal planter sits behind a frosted glass desk — which doubles as a dining table. The desk, a smoked glass dining table was chosen from Thomas Studios’ furniture collection. The planter houses snake plants, which fit right in with the deep sea theme given their striking visual similarity to kelp. A dark, low-pile rug sits beneath the desk, tying in the charcoal color of the walls while adding texture to the space. A color-changing electric fireplace has been installed behind the planter, above which is a mounted photo by one of AquaTech’s photographers. The desk and sleek leather mid century modern daybed against the far wall were both chosen from Thomas Studios’ furniture collection.

Wildlife Sculptures with a combination of california Mid Century furniture

One of the most exciting features of Shaun’s design for this space is the set of glass doors. The addition of frosted glass barn doors over the main entryway add an under-water feeling to the space. The marbled glass effect throws and refracts light in a way that replicates reflections over water. While Thomas originally planned to convert pieces from his own gallery into doors for the space, he felt the glass doors worked best. Artwork in the space also includes two amazing wildlife sculptures. Seen on the far wall is a series of Dorado Fish, another is a bronze sculpture of a lobster sits on the desk.

Eco-Friendly Water Vapor Fireplace

Thomas Studio’s redesign project included the addition of a sleek, color-changing electric fireplace. According to the article “Top 15 Interior Design Trends” published by DecorAid, electric fireplaces are becoming more and more popular. They indicate a turn towards more sustainable and healthy interior environments. Electric fireplaces do not release VOCs or other harmful indoor pollutants the way gas or wood burning fireplaces do. They are much easier to maintain and generally cost less in repair and maintenance fees over time.

The DecorAid article notes that “contemporary fireplaces will always appear timeless while adding defining value” to any space. They also take up far less of the valuable floor space needed in a commercial property. The black framed Water Vapor Fireplace chosen also serves to continue the monochromatic thread of the space, flanked by snake plants to add warmth and interest to the underwater-themed space.

A darker color palette of charcoal gray and deep black has the ability to instantly elevate a space. Dark monochromatic interior design has been taking over the commercial design space for several years now — especially in 2020. According to Ali Berg in her article “Monochrome Design Trend 2020” for Envato, gray, black and white have all been top of mind. Berg writes that “at Envato, [they have] seen black (65.1% YoY growth), white (49.4% YoY growth) and gray (46.4% YoY growth) all appear in [their] top 10 color-related search terms over the last 12 months.” According to Berg, fashion, graphic design, commercial advertising and interior and architectural design have all jumped on the monochromatic interior design trend. She writes that “a beautiful, curated monochromatic style” has become ubiquitous of quality commercial interior design.

While some might imagine a dark palette could flatten out a space, it actually tends to add more depth and interest to the room. Light — from overhead lights, floor lamps, and wall lights — has more punch and adds more drama in rooms with darker walls or ceilings. Darker rooms can actually feel more comfortable too, surprising given that they can equally add an air of contemporary coolness. According to House & Home, “dark walls add…a cozy feel.” They accomplish this without all the kitsch or impracticality of knitted throw pillows, chunky blankets or lit candles. Dark, monochromatic interiors are ideal for elevated office spaces and home interiors alike because they are incredibly versatile.

Approaching redesigning the gallery — which is intended to double as a conference room — this space’s priority was to be transitional. Thomas decided to continue the dark walls of the Main Office in the gallery space. He chose to reinforce this elevated, moody atmosphere by dry-walling over an ill-placed, pre-existing window/door. A set of darkly painted doors eclipses another pair of windows. This choice makes the space feel more like a gallery rather than another office. However, during the day when used for conferences or meetings, the doors can be slid open, allowing light to pour into the space.

This effect creates a transitional space perfect for hosting Aqua-tech’s featured photographers and entertaining customers and clients while also providing a gathering place for larger daytime meetings. The “After” image shows spotlight mounted photographs and prints across the walls, demonstrating how perfectly the space can be adapted for gallery shows. The image on the black wall — however — is actually a monitor, which can be used either during shows or during meetings. The monitor could either feature information about each exhibition, or could display relevant information for conferences.

Check out the website or visit us at our Laguna Beach Art Galleries to learn more about our services along with our unique line of coastal sculptures and modern surf art, wildlife sculptures, contemporary vibrant paintings and affordable mid century modern furniture. Call (949) 274-9023.