To Market, To Market We Go!

Brock Designs, Portland OR. Interior Design Company

photo 1 23 17 19 764x1024 To Market, To Market We Go!

WOW today was amazing, I am not even sure where to begin.  Our first day at the Las Vegas Market was filled with so many amazing products and meeting with some fantastic vendors, like Arteriors and Global Views, just to name a couple. I can’t wait to bring all of these luscious finds back for our clients. Here, take a peek….

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photo 11 To Market, To Market We Go!

photo 2 23 17 19 300x213 To Market, To Market We Go!photo 2 21 240x300 To Market, To Market We Go!It’s a tough job but someone has to do it, right?  I am glad it’s us!

And this is just day one, I can’t wait to show you more tomorrow!

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 To Market, To Market We Go!

 

 

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INSPIRED MONDAYS: Las Vegas Market

Hi everyone! We are deviating from our typical schedule a bit this week. Why? Well, we are off to MARKET in Las Vegas! So excited to find new inspiration and see the latest and greatest from a plethora of fabulous vendors! Stay posted as we share our finds from this expansive show of today’s most beautiful home furnishings and decor!

cropped capturelvmarket INSPIRED MONDAYS: Las Vegas MarketPicnik collage1 INSPIRED MONDAYS: Las Vegas Market

Off we go! Have a wonderful start to your week.

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 INSPIRED MONDAYS: Las Vegas Market

Images via here.

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HOME TOUR – The Wabi Sabi House

Brock Designs, Portland OR. Interior Design Company

In the spirit of sticking to our theme this week, I thought it would be great to share this Wabi Sabi house with you.  Take a look at this award winning Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen design.  It is a beautifully minimalistic way of living!

 

Screen shot 2012 01 26 at 1.51.19 PM HOME TOUR   The Wabi Sabi House

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Screen shot 2012 01 26 at 1.54.44 PM HOME TOUR   The Wabi Sabi Househttp://www.carolisaakbarden.com/

 

At first look, you might think this home is incomplete or under-staged, however, this is a perfect example of the Wabi Sabi design style.  The simple living, clean lines and imperfect nature of the wood and furniture is so peaceful and real.  This is a favorite of mine.

Have a great weekend and enjoy!  Remember to do something that makes YOU happy……..

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 HOME TOUR   The Wabi Sabi House

All images via Carol Issac Bardin

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DIY – Hand-Antiqued Mirror

Brock Designs, Portland OR. Interior Design Company

On Tuesday we talked about Wabi Sabi, the beauty in aged and “damaged” possessions and its perfect imperfection.  Did you find yourself looking around your home for a sign of Wabi Sabi like I did?  I found this great tutorial on Salvage Savvy on how to hand-antique a mirror to give that stylish, imperfect look that would blend seamlessly into this style.

Screen shot 2012 01 24 at 8.17.37 PM DIY   Hand Antiqued MirrorImage via House Beautiful

Shopping List:

3 boxes of plain edge 12″x 12″ mirrors

Paint stripper

Scraper

Chemical-grade gloves

Muriatic acid (in spray bottle)

2 cans of black spray paint

Glass adhesive & caulk gun

4′ x 8′ MDF board cut down to 36 1/2” x 72 1/2 (most hardware stores can cut this for you)

Drop cloth

Step by Step:

~ Lay your drop cloth down outside by a water hose

~ Place all mirrors reflection side down on the drop cloth

~ With your gloves on, spread paint stripper generously over the backs of the mirrors and let sit for about 10-15 minutes

~ Using the scrapper, remove the paint from the backs of the mirrors

~ Wash off the backs of the mirrors (and your gloves, but don’t take them off) with the outdoor hose

~ Now spray the Muriatic Acid on the back of one mirror square (this stuff can be very dangerous so be careful.  Follow all directions directly on product label).  Wait about 10-20 second and wash it off.  Take a look at the other side to see what you think.  If you would like it more “antiqued” then spray again and wait 20-60 seconds before you wash off.  Each mirror will be different so repeat this step for each one individually.  Should look something like this:

Screen shot 2012 01 24 at 8.21.11 PM DIY   Hand Antiqued MirrorImage via Salvage Savvy

~ Wash all mirrors thoroughly and let dry.

~ Lay down a dry drop cloth and transfer dry mirrors to it

~ Spray paint the backs of all the mirrors with the black spray paint

~ Sand the edges of your MDF

~ Spray paint the sides and the front with your black spray paint (you only have to spray paint about 3″ around the front of the MDF since the mirrors will cover the rest) and let it dry

~ Install a wall anchor system on the MDF to ensure it won’t fall.  (This mirror is meant for leaning up against a wall but installing this will make it that much safer)

~ Now it’s time to apply your mirrors.  You will have 1/4” border of black around the MDF around the entire piece so center your first row of mirrors and work your way down (I would advise placing all of the mirrors on to make sure they fit properly before gluing them down)  and apply them using the glass adhesive (follow the product label and directions)

Your finished product should look something like this:

Screen shot 2012 01 24 at 8.20.44 PM DIY   Hand Antiqued MirrorImage via Salvage Savvy

Such a fun weekend day project and fairly simple for the outcome!  I can’t wait to try it!

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 DIY   Hand Antiqued Mirror

Images and directions via Salvage Savvy

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COLOR PALETTE – Shining Silver

Brock Designs, Portland OR. Interior Design Company

Gone are the days where a silver room feels like cold metal.  Silver can be both dramatic and soft while adding a sparkle to any room!  This glorious color works harmoniously with many different palettes.  I invite you to see what I mean…..

Screen shot 2012 01 21 at 8.55.50 PM COLOR PALETTE   Shining SilverImage via Usedcarsale

Screen shot 2012 01 24 at 7.43.53 PM COLOR PALETTE   Shining SilverImage via Lillie’s Blog

Screen shot 2012 01 21 at 9.00.29 PM COLOR PALETTE   Shining SilverImage via House of Tourqouise

Screen shot 2012 01 24 at 8.10.37 PM COLOR PALETTE   Shining SilverImage via Kelly Interior Design

Screen shot 2012 01 21 at 8.53.19 PM COLOR PALETTE   Shining SilverImage via Rexa Home

Screen shot 2012 01 21 at 9.15.17 PM COLOR PALETTE   Shining SilverImage via Dream Kitchens

Screen shot 2012 01 21 at 9.11.40 PM COLOR PALETTE   Shining SilverImage via Simmer In Style

Screen shot 2012 01 21 at 8.45.48 PM COLOR PALETTE   Shining SilverImage via Create Beautiful Rooms

Screen shot 2012 01 24 at 7.57.10 PM COLOR PALETTE   Shining SilverImage via Blog of NYC Bed

Screen shot 2012 01 21 at 8.38.02 PM COLOR PALETTE   Shining SilverImage via Interior Zine

Screen shot 2012 01 21 at 8.43.31 PM COLOR PALETTE   Shining SilverImage via Elle Decor

Screen shot 2012 01 21 at 9.04.11 PM COLOR PALETTE   Shining SilverImage via Eden Mosaic

Screen shot 2012 01 21 at 9.29.41 PM COLOR PALETTE   Shining SilverImage via BA Stores

So enlightening and decadent are these combinations.  The shine and sophistication just lure you in and invite you to stay.  What color would you pair with the new warm silver tone?

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 COLOR PALETTE   Shining Silver

All images and more also found here

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STYLE FILES – The Beauty of Imperfection: Wabi Sabi

Brock Designs, Portland OR. Interior Design Company

 Screen shot 2012 01 21 at 3.59.02 PM STYLE FILES   The Beauty of Imperfection: Wabi SabiImage via Beemo

We are all about embracing our imperfections this week so today I thought I would share the art and design style of Wabi Sabi.  The idea of Wabi Sabi is being surrounded by natural, changing, unique objects which helps us to connect to our real world and escape potentially stressful distractions.  The minimalist style and simplistic design of this style creates a sense of calm and tranquility.  As defined by Wikipedia “In one sense wabi sabi is a training whereby the student of wabi sabi learns to find the most simple objects interesting, fascinating and beautiful. Fading autumn leaves would be an example. Wabi sabi can change our perception of the world to the extent that a chip or crack in a vase makes it more interesting and gives the object greater meditative value. Similarly materials that age such as bare wood, paper and fabric become more interesting as they exhibit changes that can be observed over time.”

Take a look and see what you think!

The cracks in the table, mismatched chairs and simplicity of what is

set on the table is a classic sign of Wabi Sabi.

Screen shot 2012 01 21 at 3.05.34 PM STYLE FILES   The Beauty of Imperfection: Wabi SabiImage via Style Files

The untreated look to the wood and clean simple lines are just unfinished

looking enough but yet very complete.

Screen shot 2012 01 21 at 3.24.05 PM STYLE FILES   The Beauty of Imperfection: Wabi SabiImage via Donna Karen’s Urban Zen

The “aged” furniture pieces in this room beautifully balance out the

newness of the growing plants.

Screen shot 2012 01 21 at 3.29.45 PM STYLE FILES   The Beauty of Imperfection: Wabi SabiImage via Adwait Kher

The very simple pillow seats and matured wood bring in the harmony of Wabi Sabi.

Screen shot 2012 01 21 at 3.35.48 PM STYLE FILES   The Beauty of Imperfection: Wabi SabiImage via Vanseodesign

These modest rooms are precisely imperfect.

Screen shot 2012 01 21 at 3.41.53 PM STYLE FILES   The Beauty of Imperfection: Wabi SabiImage via Apartment Therepy

Wabi Sabi is also defined as stripping away all the unnecessary and living

strictly with what is needed.

Screen shot 2012 01 21 at 3.52.19 PM STYLE FILES   The Beauty of Imperfection: Wabi SabiImage via From Glasgow With Love

This style is fascinating to me!  Bringing the old in with the new and separating the apparent beauty from the unique beauty is something that we could all use a little of!

Have a great day and remember to embrace your imperfections for they are beautiful!
5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 STYLE FILES   The Beauty of Imperfection: Wabi Sabi

All images and more can also be found here

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INSPIRED MONDAYS : Perfection

Hello there! Hope your weekend went well. A new week begins and I’m excited to get to work on my projects…but before I dig in, I wanted to share some thoughts on Perfection. Yes, the P word!

We often strive for the perfect life, the perfect body, the perfect relationships and of course, the perfect home! But let’s face it…perfection is overrated and rather unattainable.  Remember this, when decorating your own home. Even though we sometimes want our rooms to mirror those seen in glossy magazines, what we really desire is for our home to reflect us and all that we love…

Picnik collage e1327296232365 INSPIRED MONDAYS : Perfectionimages via here and here

This week we will be celebrating the beauty of imperfection – the worn patina of old wood, a chipped but loved piece of pottery, a distressed mirror…you get the idea. Personality is way more important than perfection don’t you think?

Have a great start to your week!
5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 INSPIRED MONDAYS : Perfection

P.S. Check in tomorrow to learn about the serene and beautiful Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-sabi.

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HOME TOUR – Tropical Oasis

Brock Designs, Portland OR. Interior Design Company

Let’s escape!

I’ve been enjoying the snow and the cold, but today I would like to take you away to the breathtaking Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora, ENJOY!

Screen shot 2012 01 18 at 7.29.36 PM HOME TOUR   Tropical OasisMost of the villas suspend over the crystal clear waters of the North Pacific Ocean

while others are nestled in the beautiful gardens of the island.

Screen shot 2012 01 18 at 7.42.07 PM HOME TOUR   Tropical OasisThe textures of the natural wood in the living room, the casual seating and the open air feel beckon you to relax here.

Screen shot 2012 01 18 at 7.48.14 PM HOME TOUR   Tropical OasisWarmth of the sun, view of the water, a lounge chair…  All I need is my book and an icy beverage.

Screen shot 2012 01 18 at 7.50.33 PM HOME TOUR   Tropical OasisI love the open plan of this bathroom and the view from the tub….heavenly!

Screen shot 2012 01 18 at 7.53.22 PM HOME TOUR   Tropical Oasis Opening up the wall of doors brings the beauty of nature right into the living area

Screen shot 2012 01 18 at 7.57.25 PM HOME TOUR   Tropical OasisThis private dreamy bathtub will actually melt your cares away.

Screen shot 2012 01 18 at 8.03.45 PM 1024x511 HOME TOUR   Tropical OasisThe tangerine pillows on this sun bed is the perfect pop of color next to the turquoise blue waters.

Screen shot 2012 01 18 at 8.05.23 PM 1024x528 HOME TOUR   Tropical OasisThis Zen relaxation room is exactly that.  Cozy up in these lounges and decompress!

I hope this was able to whisk you away, even for just a few minutes!  Enjoy your weekend and let that creativity flow!

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 HOME TOUR   Tropical Oasis

Images via here

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DIY – Creative Ways to Hang Your Photographs and Artwork

Brock Designs, Portland OR. Interior Design Company

Happy Thursday! Earlier this week, we showed you some wonderfully creative walls where artwork and photographs were the focal point.   Today I am going to show you how you can achieve the same look in your own home.

When hanging artwork over a sofa, don’t leave too much wall space

between the sofa and frame. Try six to twelve inches. If you go any higher,

the viewer’s eye will immediately go to the wall, not the artwork.

Screen shot 2012 01 18 at 6.20.29 PM DIY   Creative Ways to Hang Your Photographs and ArtworkImage via BHG.com

If there’s not enough artwork to fill up space on a large wall, consider

putting unique mirrors or a shadowbox in the grouping.

Screen shot 2012 01 18 at 6.34.33 PM DIY   Creative Ways to Hang Your Photographs and ArtworkImage via Design Sponge

Hang photographs in various types of frames using molding

hooks and ribbon or string.

Screen shot 2012 01 18 at 6.41.30 PM DIY   Creative Ways to Hang Your Photographs and ArtworkImage via Southern Living

Using decorative knobs is a fun and unique way to display your

photographs or artwork.

Screen shot 2012 01 18 at 6.50.13 PM DIY   Creative Ways to Hang Your Photographs and ArtworkImage via Pottery Barn

Try this wonderful homemade tool to mark the placement of the hanger or nail. 

(For larger pieces, us a paint stir stick and tap the nail through it).

Screen shot 2012 01 18 at 4.36.06 PM DIY   Creative Ways to Hang Your Photographs and ArtworkImage via The Scrap Shoppe

Once you have this tool made, place it behind your frame so that the nail is sitting in place and

lightly tap on the frame to make the mark on the wall.  No more crunched fingers!

Click on the link above for full instructions.

 For a gallery wall, lay the frames on the ground to find your favorite configuration. 

Make sure the spacing is correct by placing a long sheet of parchment paper over

the backs of the frames and mark where you need to nails to be placed.

Screen shot 2012 01 18 at 3.43.53 PM DIY   Creative Ways to Hang Your Photographs and ArtworkImage via Roost

After completing this step, hang the parchment paper on the wall and, using your marks, tap the nails into the wall.

Hanging a gallery wall can be a challenge.  A great tip to avoid putting so many unnecessary

holes in your wall is to cut out the frame sizes using butcher paper.  

Attach with painters tape and move them around, as in the photo below:

Screen shot 2012 01 18 at 4.32.45 PM DIY   Creative Ways to Hang Your Photographs and ArtworkImage via Ruby reDesign

For some great ideas on configuring a gallery wall, click on the following link.

on display: wall gallery inspiration Ann Beck Photography

I hope these ideas give you the confidence to get your artwork and photographs up on your walls.  Be creative!

Make it a great day!

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 DIY   Creative Ways to Hang Your Photographs and Artwork

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DELICIOUS – Veggie Pasta Bake

Brock Designs, Portland OR. Interior Design Company

With this week being all about creativity, a great way to extend your creative hand is at the dinner table.  See what you think about this yummy Veggie Pasta Bake dish, a creative switch from the spaghetti standby.

Screen shot 2012 01 17 at 9.26.00 PM 300x200 DELICIOUS   Veggie Pasta BakeImages and recipe via Polwig

Grocery List:

1lb of Elbow Macaroni Pasta (or other small tube pasta such as penne)

2Tbs of Olive Oil

1/2lb of Mushrooms (best for this recipe are Button, Cremini and Portabella)

1 Onion

3 Garlic Cloves

1 14.5oz can of Diced Tomatoes

1 10oz package of frozen Spinach (thawed with water and squeezed out)

1 Roasted Red Pepper

1 cup Bread Crumbs

1 cup of Parmesan/Romano Cheese

2Tbs of Butter

1lb of Mozzarella Cheese

1.4tsp of Nutmeg

1/4 tsp of Cayenne Pepper

Screen shot 2012 01 17 at 9.49.34 PM 300x200 DELICIOUS   Veggie Pasta BakeBoil the pasta until al dente at the same time preheat your oven to 350 F.

Screen shot 2012 01 17 at 9.52.11 PM 300x197 DELICIOUS   Veggie Pasta BakePeel and mince the garlic.  Remember to give the garlic cloves a good wack with the side of the knife to make peeling easier.

Screen shot 2012 01 17 at 9.54.27 PM 300x198 DELICIOUS   Veggie Pasta BakeChop up the roasted red pepper.

Screen shot 2012 01 17 at 9.55.46 PM 300x201 DELICIOUS   Veggie Pasta BakeWash off and dice up the assorted mushrooms.

Screen shot 2012 01 17 at 9.56.56 PM 300x200 DELICIOUS   Veggie Pasta BakeHeat the oil over medium heat.

Screen shot 2012 01 17 at 9.58.35 PM 300x198 DELICIOUS   Veggie Pasta BakeThrow in the mushrooms, onions and garlic.

Screen shot 2012 01 17 at 9.59.47 PM 300x198 DELICIOUS   Veggie Pasta BakeWhile the mushroom mix is cooking, cut up the mozzarella cheese in to cubes……Are you hungry yet?

Screen shot 2012 01 17 at 10.02.00 PM 300x199 DELICIOUS   Veggie Pasta BakeMix one cup of the Parmesan/Romano cheese with one cup of bread crumbs.  This will make the top and bottom crust of the casserole.

Screen shot 2012 01 17 at 10.04.43 PM 300x199 DELICIOUS   Veggie Pasta BakeButter a 9×12 baking dish and sprinkle half of the bread crumb/cheese mix on the bottom.  Move the dish around to spread the mixture evenly.

Screen shot 2012 01 17 at 10.07.04 PM 300x200 DELICIOUS   Veggie Pasta BakeNow back to the mushroom mixture!  Once the mushrooms are tender and the onions are golden, stir in the can of tomatoes, spinach, cayenne and nutmeg.  Stir in the roasted red pepper.

Screen shot 2012 01 17 at 10.10.24 PM 300x200 DELICIOUS   Veggie Pasta BakeFirst mix veggie mix and macaroni together, then add the cheese.

Screen shot 2012 01 17 at 10.11.58 PM 300x197 DELICIOUS   Veggie Pasta BakeAdd half of the remaining bread crumb mixture.

Screen shot 2012 01 17 at 10.13.03 PM 300x200 DELICIOUS   Veggie Pasta BakePut in the baking dish and add the remaining bread crumb mixture to the top.

Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes until golden brown!

Screen shot 2012 01 17 at 10.14.52 PM DELICIOUS   Veggie Pasta Bake

Now dig in and enjoy this fabulous dish….I am off to the grocery store to make this for my family tonight!

Have a great Wednesday and I’ll see you here tomorrow!

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 DELICIOUS   Veggie Pasta Bake

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