March 28, 2012

STYLE FILES – Luminous Lighting

March 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Portland OR. Interior Design Company

Light fixtures and lamps are not only an important element of design in your space, but  a necessity.  They can be a conversation piece and a focal point in your rooms.  There are so many beautiful fixtures to choose from that I thought I would share with you just a few of our favorites.

Screen shot 2012 03 25 at 8.14.18 AM STYLE FILES Luminous LightingImage via Capital Lighting

Screen shot 2012 03 28 at 9.02.35 AM STYLE FILES Luminous LightingImage via Brock Design Group

Screen shot 2012 03 25 at 8.18.42 AM STYLE FILES Luminous LightingImage via A Touch of Luxe

Screen shot 2012 03 25 at 8.21.33 AM STYLE FILES Luminous LightingImage via Neiman Marcus

Screen shot 2012 03 25 at 8.23.47 AM STYLE FILES Luminous LightingImage via Home Design Interior

Screen shot 2012 03 25 at 8.38.42 AM STYLE FILES Luminous LightingImage via Heather Garrett Designs

Screen shot 2012 03 25 at 8.41.28 AM STYLE FILES Luminous LightingImage via Woodmeister Master Builders

Screen shot 2012 03 25 at 8.43.36 AM STYLE FILES Luminous LightingImage via Pottery Barn

Screen shot 2012 03 25 at 8.45.30 AM STYLE FILES Luminous LightingImage via Grunsfeld Shafer Architects

*Check back on Friday to see how to make these pendents yourself!

So much eye candy, I could keep going!  I love how functional lighting can make such a statement!

For more of my favorite lighting fixtures and ideas, click on my Lighting Board on Pinterest!

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March 26, 2012

INSPIRED MONDAYS – Light

March 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Hello there! Hope you enjoyed your weekend.

This week we are gonna LIGHT it up! Yes, it’s all about lighting – that critical (often overlooked) element of interior design that can make or break a space. So….

165999936234600783 bNMTinXh f INSPIRED MONDAYS Light

It’s not as complicated as it may seem and successful lighting is key to creating a room that is warm and inviting. Did you know that bad lighting can actually affect your mood and health? Yes, it’s serious stuff. But don’t worry, I’m here to show you the best ways to successfully illuminate your space!

238127899016697143 fPxdMagp f INSPIRED MONDAYS LightTogether we will banish dark corners and invite beautiful light into our homes!
5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 INSPIRED MONDAYS Light
Images via here and here.

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March 23, 2012

DIY – Prepare to Pamper Yourself

March 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 9.23.52 PM DIY Prepare to Pamper YourselfImage via With Love, Freckles

Hello everyone!  Since we are invigorating our minds this week, I thought I would show you how you can invigorate your body and spirit at home in a budget friendly way.  It’s surprising that so many of us don’t set aside time for ourselves, but  I think that it’s so important to keep our minds and bodies refreshed.  Treat yourself to these homemade remedies!

Using Herbs to Relax Your Feet

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 9.27.05 PM DIY Prepare to Pamper YourselfImage and Instructions Here via Wikibase

Eye Soothers

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 10.00.45 PM DIY Prepare to Pamper YourselfImage and Instructions Here via Whole Living

DIY Vanilla-Ginger Milk Bath

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 10.03.33 PM DIY Prepare to Pamper YourselfImage and Instructions Here via Spa at Home

DIY Lavender Salt Body Scrub

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 10.08.57 PM DIY Prepare to Pamper YourselfImage and Instructions Here via Deliciously Organized

DIY Honey and Olive Oil Hair Mask

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 10.16.02 PM DIY Prepare to Pamper YourselfImage and Instructions Here via Petit Elephant

Make sure to take time for yourself, curl up with a good book and try one (or all) of these pampered goodies and give yourself a boost this weekend.

For more DIY relaxation recipes, check my Relaxation/Pamper Board on Pinterest.

Have a wonderful weekend!

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March 22, 2012

COLOR PALETTE – More Than Nautical Navy

March 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Portland OR. Interior Design Company

One of our favorite “neutrals” is navy.  This elegant and sophisticated color conveys importance, confidence, power, and intelligence. White always compliments navy, but we’ve been seeing more exciting accent colors that can be paired with it. Take a look and see how exciting neutral blue can be.

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 1.15.59 PM COLOR PALETTE More Than Nautical NavyImage via Brian Watford ID

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 1.19.11 PM COLOR PALETTE More Than Nautical NavyImage via Apartment Therapy

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 1.21.33 PM COLOR PALETTE More Than Nautical NavyImage via Kerrie L. Kelly

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 1.39.42 PM COLOR PALETTE More Than Nautical NavyImage via My Sweet Savannah

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 1.41.38 PM COLOR PALETTE More Than Nautical NavyImage via Apartment Therapy

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 1.44.09 PM COLOR PALETTE More Than Nautical NavyImage via Austin Patterson Disston Architects

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 1.46.18 PM COLOR PALETTE More Than Nautical NavyImage via Glenn Gissler Design

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 1.49.53 PM COLOR PALETTE More Than Nautical NavyImage via DIY Del Ray

I love these combinations!  What color would YOU use with Navy?

Check out more navy pictures, as well as other color palettes on my Color Palette Pinterest Board!

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March 21, 2012

STYLE FILES – Liberating Libraries

March 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Portland OR. Interior Design Company

It’s early springtime here in the Northwest, meaning we are still getting lots of rain and even some snow.   It’s nice to have a place to curl up with a good book on those days!  Falling into a good book can be so liberating – having the perfect place to “fall” can bring great inspiration and relaxation.  Take a look at some of my favorite in-home libraries.

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 12.28.50 PM STYLE FILES Liberating Libraries Image via Marla Schrank Interiors

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 12.37.28 PM STYLE FILES Liberating Libraries Image via Shannon Malone

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 12.35.01 PM STYLE FILES Liberating Libraries Image via Yahooimages

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 12.45.35 PM STYLE FILES Liberating Libraries Image via HP Rovinelli Architects

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 12.43.16 PM STYLE FILES Liberating Libraries Image via Stonewood, LLC

Screen shot 2012 03 19 at 12.50.25 PM STYLE FILES Liberating Libraries Image via Archia Homes

Don’t these rooms call you in to relax?  Try to imagine where you could carve out your home library. 

Enjoy!

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March 20, 2012

INSPIRED MONDAYS: Books

March 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Hi everyone! How was your weekend? Did you get out and enjoy some Spring like weather?

It was really fun celebrating the Springtime flowers last week and hopefully you’re inspired to get out and work in your garden!  But, if the rain (or snow) is still falling where you live, maybe you can curl up with a good book – about gardening!   I found this great quote and wanted to share it with you since we will be bringing you some gorgeous ideas for home libraries and decorating with books this week!

199284352230676439 apFDpJmI f INSPIRED MONDAYS: BooksSo true, right? Our gardens bring us such joy and connect us to nature, while a library inspires our creativity and imagination!  Two wonderful spaces that add richness and depth to our homes.

Do you have a special place in your home for your collection of books and magazines?
5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 INSPIRED MONDAYS: Books

 

Image via here.

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March 16, 2012

DIY – Planting Your Spring Garden

March 16, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Portland OR. Interior Design Company  

One of my favorite springtime activities is creating colorful planters and gardens.  For me, having a beautiful space outdoors to sit and relax, helps me to renew my creative spirit and sense of well-being.  Today’s DIY is a step-by-step guide to planting the perfect garden so we can revive our spirits and our surroundings.

Screen shot 2012 03 15 at 9.33.26 AM DIY Planting Your Spring GardenImage via Ed O’Keeffe Phototgraphy

Tools you’ll need to build an annual flower bed:

  • Garden Rake / Hard Rake
  • Round Point or Flat Shovel
  • Leaf Rake
  • Tiller (Optional)

STEP 1 – Start by outlining the shape of your new flower bed on the ground with spray paint, flour or a garden house.

STEP 2 – Then spray any grass or weeds growing inside the outlined area with a solution of glyphosphate, such as Killzall or Roundup. Wet all foliage of grass and weeds thoroughly with weed killer allowing 2 hours to dry completely. Always wear protective clothing and eyewear when spraying any chemical.

STEP 3 – Place your plants, while still in the containers, and space them (as directed on plant tag) over the surface of bed. Start with a row around perimeter of bed. Then stagger plants towards the inside of the perimeter row, and so on towards the center until the bed is full.

STEP 4 – It’s time to start digging!  When planting, use hand trowel to dig a hole only as deep as the root ball is tall.

STEP 5 – Now, mix in equal amounts of a light professional potting or planting mix and a soil conditioner or compost, such as mushroom compost or composted cow manure, with the soil removed from the holes dug.

STEP 6 – Now you are ready to plant.

STEP 7 – Remove the plants from their containers.  Its a good idea to loosen roots at the bottom of the root ball or plug before planting. . Drop rootball in hole and gently pack in soil to fill.

STEP 8 – When you have finished planting, you can broadcast weed preventer granules, such as Treflan, over surface of bed for season-long weed prevention.

STEP 9 – Fertilize your new flower bed with a granular flower food.

 

Don’t have room for a garden?  You can still get the feel of one by planting in a upcycled wood pallet!

Screen shot 2012 03 15 at 9.37.17 AM DIY Planting Your Spring GardenImage and full instructions via Life On The Balcony

I hope you can get out and work in your garden, after the snow is gone anyway!  Make sure to share those pictures when you are done! 

Have a great weekend!

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March 15, 2012

Style Files – The Soft Touch of Carpet

March 15, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Portland OR. Interior Design Company

As featured on Screen shot 2012 03 12 at 11.03.59 AM Style Files The Soft Touch of Carpet

Adding carpet to even just one room in your home can soften the look of your whole house but it can be a little overwhelming to know where to begin.  Between the pile of the carpet, type of pad and, not to mention, color,  it can get you a little frazzled.  Well, don’t fret about those carpets.  We are going to help you today with all of the information that you need to get started and get your questions answered.

Screen shot 2012 03 14 at 1.04.32 PM Style Files The Soft Touch of CarpetImage via Brock Designs Group

  • First thing you will want to know is what kind of traffic will you have in the area.  Is it a sitting room used every once in a while or is it like a highway of feet coming and going?  This will help you when it comes to choosing the color and durability of your carpet.
  • There are many different materials, or fibers, to choose from. The material that you choose should also depend on the traffic.  People who have pets or small children will often choose the nylon version for durability. This material is very affordable and can withstand just about anything that crosses its path. This will help to save a lot of money when a spill or stain occurs. Wool is a natural fiber that lasts forever but is more of an investment.  Olefin is less expensive and resistant to wear, but perhaps not as dense as some other fibers.
  • The padding is also very important. Padding, or cushion, is the layer of spongy material between carpet and floor.  It’s the padding that determines whether the carpet feels good or great under your feet.  A qualtiy padding can help preserve a carpet’s look and can extend its life and comfort by providing tougher protection against wear and tear.

Screen shot 2012 03 14 at 1.52.42 PM Style Files The Soft Touch of Carpet

  • Color is so important.  Getting the right color to go with the perfect pattern and necessary durability is something that needs coordination.  Check out samples and bring them to your home to see what that color of carpet will look like with the light in your home.  Letting it sit there as you walk by it for a day or two may help to see if it fits your style and taste as well.

Screen shot 2012 03 14 at 7.10.30 PM Style Files The Soft Touch of CarpetImage via Brock Designs Group

For more information on how to choose the right carpet, check out these two articles from Better Homes and Gardens, Your Guide to Carpet and Ultimate Guide to Flooring.

 

You can also watch the Koin Local 6 television segment, with me, your Koin Local 6 Designer!

 

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March 14, 2012

DIY – “Wash” Away Your Old Laundry Room

March 14, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Portland OR. Interior Design Company

As featured on Screen shot 2012 03 12 at 11.03.59 AM DIY Wash Away Your Old Laundry Room

 

Change the look and feel of your laundry room quickly and inexpensively while elevating your home’s value – and your mood!  Let me walk you through this amazing transformation.   Our client asked us to bring some life into her dark and dated space – something that reflected her vibrant and energetic personality.

                                Before                                                                           After            

Weidow laundry before 764x1024 DIY Wash Away Your Old Laundry RoomDSC 0241 edit 652x1024 DIY Wash Away Your Old Laundry Room

Step 1: Painting Your Cabinets

Brand new cabinets can be a great addition for any room in your home, however they are costly and it just wasn’t in our budget for this design.  A great cost-saving tip is to paint the existing cabinets.  We chose a creamy white for these cabinets.

Step 2: Updating Your Hardware

Adding new hardware is also a very inexpensive way to add a great new look to your cabinetry.  Go to your local hardware store and pick out some fun pulls or handles.  TIP:  If you are replacing a handle, take the old one with you to make sure that the existing holes will line up. Not all handles are the same size.

Screen shot 2012 03 13 at 10.01.42 PM 298x300 DIY Wash Away Your Old Laundry RoomScreen shot 2012 03 13 at 10.02.11 PM 300x212 DIY Wash Away Your Old Laundry Room

Step 3: Choose a Wall Color

Paint is always a great way to quickly and cost effectively change the look and feel of any space.  A laundry room can be a perfect chance for you to use that bold color that you love but are scared to use in a larger area.  Choose a color that makes you feel good and vibrant.  Often times,  laundry rooms don’t have much wall space, so the cabinets can balance out the color beautifully.

A fun new back splash can bridge the area between your wall color and your counter. See more about back splashes in our Splashy Tile blog post.

Let me remind you of what this laundry room looked like before

Weidow laundry before 764x1024 DIY Wash Away Your Old Laundry Room

AFTER-  we “washed” away the old laundry room and created a fun, vibrant space.

DSC 0241 edit 652x1024 DIY Wash Away Your Old Laundry Room

 

I hope this inspires  you to spend a weekend making some much needed changes in your laundry room.  For more of my DIY projects, follow my DIY board and my Laundry Room inspiration board on Pinterest!

You can also watch  the Koin Local 6 television segment, with me, your Koin Local 6 Designer here!

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March 14, 2012

STYLE FILES – Tiles That Splash Back

March 14, 2012 by 2 Comments

Portland OR. Interior Design Company                                                                                                                                                   As featured onScreen shot 2012 03 12 at 11.03.59 AM STYLE FILES Tiles That Splash Back

There are so many beautiful choices in tile, but it can be a bit overwhelming when searching for that perfect backsplash design.  This important wall treatment can be the statement piece in your space – like jewelry for the wall.   Some of my favorites tie together natural stone and glass tiles.  This type of mosaic can be used with just about any style.

Here we have used the combination mosaic in a traditional style kitchen.  The full height backsplash makes such an impact on this room and really freshens the look.

Screen shot 2012 03 13 at 7.21.37 AM STYLE FILES Tiles That Splash BackImage via Brock Designs

Screen shot 2012 03 13 at 7.47.00 AM STYLE FILES Tiles That Splash Back

*Tip – For a cost cutting technique, simply cut the 12″ mosaic tiles, as we have done here, into 3″ strips.  You will get 3 linear feet out of just one square foot of tile and it still gives you a big punch of personality without breaking the bank.

Screen shot 2012 03 13 at 7.57.53 AM STYLE FILES Tiles That Splash Back

Here we broke up the 13″ field tiles with an accent strip to create a stunning design.

Screen shot 2012 03 13 at 2.46.35 PM STYLE FILES Tiles That Splash BackImage via Brock Designs Group

If all natural stone is what you are looking for, there are some great options out there to mix materials within the backsplash and tie it together with the countertop.

 In this bath remodel, just a small amount of accent tile was used to stay on budget.  A thin liner of the granite caps it off and ties all the materials together..

Screen shot 2012 03 13 at 7.30.45 AM STYLE FILES Tiles That Splash BackImage via Brock Designs

These shimmer slate tiles have been accented with a beautiful inset border of  1/2″ x 1/2″ travertine mosaic.

Screen shot 2012 03 13 at 2.48.58 PM STYLE FILES Tiles That Splash BackImage via Brock Designs Group

For instructions on how to cut and install a tile backsplash, take a look at this article from the diynetwork.com or contact brockdesigns@gmail.com for help.

View the Koin Local 6 television segment, with me, your Koin Local 6 Designer here!

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