August 23, 2012

DIY – Re-purposing Old Furniture

August 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Brock Designs Portland OR. Interior Design Blog

Before you throw out that piece of furniture or pass on that great deal at the yard sale this weekend, get your creative juices flowing and take a look at these great re-purposing ideas that we found.

Add legs to an old drawer to create a side table

Screen shot 2012 08 21 at 9.41.54 AM 240x300 DIY Re purposing Old FurnitureImage via Pure and Noble

Use cabinet doors and add hooks to hang towels…

Screen shot 2012 08 21 at 9.45.56 AM 201x300 DIY Re purposing Old FurnitureImage via Brainstorm

Use a dresser missing some drawers, cut off the top to make a bench

Screen shot 2012 08 21 at 9.50.03 AM 195x300 DIY Re purposing Old FurnitureImage via Better After

Another spin on the dresser bench

Screen shot 2012 08 21 at 9.53.37 AM 279x300 DIY Re purposing Old FurnitureImage via Etsy

Take an old window and transform it in to a table

Screen shot 2012 08 21 at 9.56.10 AM 300x223 DIY Re purposing Old FurnitureImage via Robojunker

Using the backs of two chairs you can make a bench

Screen shot 2012 08 21 at 9.59.34 AM 300x218 DIY Re purposing Old FurnitureImage via Pinterest

Take that fallen tree and make a great coffee table

Screen shot 2012 08 21 at 10.03.25 AM 281x300 DIY Re purposing Old FurnitureImage via All You

Use old crates (or you can buy these at Michael’s) to create a new coffee table

Screen shot 2012 08 21 at 10.06.22 AM 297x300 DIY Re purposing Old FurnitureImage via Etsy

Find your creative spirit and enjoy your weekend!

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August 22, 2012

DELICIOUS – Grilled Peach Salad with Mozzarella and Arugula

August 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Brock Designs Portland OR. Interior Design Blog

With all of this heat, grilling outside and making salads seem to be what I am leaning towards when it comes to dinner.  This salad sounds just “peachy” for these perfect summer nights!

Screen shot 2012 08 20 at 9.34.20 AM 205x300 DELICIOUS Grilled Peach Salad with Mozzarella and ArugulaImage and Recipe via Farm House Delivery

Ingredients

6 peaches, cut in half and pitted

salt

3-4 large handfuls arugula, washed and dried

1 small red onion, slivered

5 oz. buffalo mozarella or other fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-size pieces

4 Tbs. white balsamic vinegar

2 tsp. honey

2 tsp. dijon or whole grain mustard

2 Tbs. minced chives

1/3 c. olive oil

2 Tbs. creme fraiche or 1 Tbs. heavy cream

 

Directions

Light a fire in grill and let it burn down to medium-hot.  I like to build the fire on one side of the grill so I can move things around to different temperatures.  Lightly salt the cut sides of the peaches, drizzle very lightly with olive oil and place cut side down on the grill.  When the peaches are charred and just beginning to soften, remove them to a platter and set aside.  Make the dressing: place vinegar, honey, mustard and chives in a small bowl.  While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in olive oil until emulsified.  Whisk in the creme fraiche or cream.  Toss arugula and onion with vinaigrette and place on serving platter or dish.  Nestle peaches and mozzarella amongst greens and drizzle with a little more dressing.  Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and serve.

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 DELICIOUS Grilled Peach Salad with Mozzarella and Arugula

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August 21, 2012

COLOR PALETTE – Perfectly Peach

August 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Brock Designs Portland OR. Interior Design Blog

As I flip through my design magazines and websites, I have been noticing peach popping up everywhere.  A spin off the color of the year called “tangerine tango”, you can merely add a soft touch or rev it up to add that pop of color you’ve been looking for.  I love how this color has come back into the design world and modernized itself.

Screen shot 2012 08 13 at 10.45.24 AM COLOR PALETTE Perfectly PeachImage via Decor Pad

Screen shot 2012 08 13 at 10.49.04 AM COLOR PALETTE Perfectly PeachImage via Birch and Bird

Screen shot 2012 08 13 at 10.54.15 AM COLOR PALETTE Perfectly PeachImage via Mark English Arichitects

Screen shot 2012 08 13 at 2.31.39 PM COLOR PALETTE Perfectly PeachImage via theLennoxx

Screen shot 2012 08 13 at 2.38.56 PM COLOR PALETTE Perfectly PeachImage via Emily Mackie

Screen shot 2012 08 13 at 2.44.20 PM COLOR PALETTE Perfectly PeachImage via Refined LLC

Make it a great day!

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August 17, 2012

Why didn’t I think of that??

August 17, 2012 by 1 Comment

Brock Designs Portland OR. Interior Design Blog

This is a new section of our blog called “Why didn’t I think of that” with household ideas that will streamline your everyday or occasional occurrences.  Please let us know your “why didn’t I think of that” ideas so that we can share them!

Use a hot glue gun in a zig zag on hangers to keep shirts from slipping

Screen shot 2012 08 13 at 3.49.20 PM Why didnt I think of that?? Image via In this Crazy Life

Use a walnut as a wood scratch filler

Screen shot 2012 08 13 at 3.57.47 PM 300x185 Why didnt I think of that?? Image via The Daily Buzz

Use a pillow case to dust a ceiling fan and keep the dust contained

Screen shot 2012 08 13 at 4.02.31 PM 251x300 Why didnt I think of that?? Image via Real Simple

Store bedlinen sets inside of their pillowcases

Screen shot 2012 08 13 at 4.07.50 PM 300x223 Why didnt I think of that?? Image via Martha Stewart

Protect wine bottles with kids floaties when packing

Screen shot 2012 08 13 at 4.15.12 PM 300x300 Why didnt I think of that?? Image via Real Simple

These are just a few of the ideas! We will have more next month and remember to post in the comments any ideas you have to share!

Have a great weekend!

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August 16, 2012

GUEST POST – Sweet Little Work Nooks

August 16, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Hi everyone! I’m Jessica with Arcadian Lighting, a blog and website featuring the latest in interior design trends, while also providing the beautiful, affordable light fixtures that go with them. I’m excited to be guest posting for Lori today because I’d like to share a collection of inspiring work nooks. There’s something about a cozy corner workspace or home office tucked away in an open closet that makes getting some work done that much easier. I hope you find these work nooks as inspiring as I do!

 

1 Work Nook1 GUEST POST Sweet Little Work Nooks

A black accent wall and inspirational photos instantly draw the attention to this stylish office space. The retro leather upholstered tulip chair is a very cool piece, as well.

2 Work Nook1 GUEST POST Sweet Little Work Nooks

A pair of matching mirrors add a feeling of depth to this corner work space. The deep blue wall colors really helps the white accent pieces pop.

3 Work Nook1 GUEST POST Sweet Little Work Nooks

This charming window seat and work nook is the perfect spot to keep your mind focused on completing that assignment. A modern wall sconce provides just the right amount of light in the evening.

4 Work Nook1 GUEST POST Sweet Little Work Nooks

Not only is there plenty of storage in this room, but there’s space enough for a desk and chair. The colorful wall paper and bright green Chippendale chair add plenty of character to this very organized space.

5 Work Nook1 GUEST POST Sweet Little Work Nooks

A sparkling trio of chandeliers create a lovely, glamorous atmosphere in this attic work nook. The all-white color palette is particularly chic against the subtle wall paper.

6 Work Nook1 GUEST POST Sweet Little Work Nooks

An eclectic mix of artwork provides plenty of inspiration in this corner home office. The elegant desk cabinet and chair are a perfect match, as well.

7 Work Nook1 GUEST POST Sweet Little Work Nooks

The cupboards and wall paper create a playful repeating pattern throughout this adorable bedroom. I just love the colorful table lamp.

8 Work Nook1 GUEST POST Sweet Little Work Nooks

The woodsy theme of this work nook under the stairs as a bit of whimsy to a place of business that is very inspiring. The illustrated forest wall paper is a beautiful touch.††Images†1†|†2†|†3†|†4†|†5†|†6†|†7†|†8

Which of these work nooks is your favorite? Let us know in the comments and be sure to stop by Arcadian Lighting for brilliant lights to brighten your work space!

 

 

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August 4, 2012

Brock Designs Update – Featured on Houzz.com

August 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Brock Designs Portland OR. Interior Design Blog

Recently we completed a remodel in Forest Heights which was a feature article in Houzz.com.  This was such a great project to work on and I had a wonderful team!

My Houzz: A Horse Lover’s Stylish Portland Retreat

With a wine room, a yoga studio and plenty of supercomfy spots, this Oregon home puts the good life through its paces

Written by Georgia Perry

Marian Weidow’s four favorite things are color, copper, horses and wine. With that in mind, Weidow worked closely with Lori Brock and Danielle McGrain of Brock Design Group, and local general contractor Dave Schuetze of Joshua Construction, to revamp her 1990s Portland home. The use of unique light fixtures, bright paint and equine accessories resulted in a country oasis where Weidow can relax and recharge after her busy days as a jet-setting executive.Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Marian Weidow, an executive at Nike
Location: Forest Heights neighborhood of Portland, Oregon
Size: 3,000 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, yoga studio
Screen shot 2012 08 01 at 7.39.52 AM 300x256 Brock Designs Update Featured on Houzz.comWeidow grew up in Arizona, so she wanted a home that incorporated a distinctly Southwestern look. “Lori really hit it out of the park,” she says. “The excellent craftsmanship and attention to details have made this a place I always want to come home to.”In the foyer, guests are greeted by a chorus line of Weidow’s many colorful cowboy boots. She alternates them while riding her four horses. The framed black and white photo is of Weidow horseback riding.
Screen shot 2012 08 01 at 7.43.14 AM 300x209 Brock Designs Update Featured on Houzz.comThe first thing Brock designed was Weidow’s wine room. “She was storing wine in every closet of the house,” says Brock. Through the glass doors, Weidow’s wine is stored at a comfortable 61 degrees at all times. Brock’s colleague, Aaron Velasquez, created the Venetian plaster walls.Table: Liberty Furniture with custom copper banding by Justin Rees of Keep It Custom
Screen shot 2012 08 01 at 7.45.43 AM Brock Designs Update Featured on Houzz.comScreen shot 2012 08 01 at 7.48.24 AM Brock Designs Update Featured on Houzz.com
The tall built-in bookcase cabinets were previously stained in a yellow color. Brock worked with artisan Adrienne Wannamaker to treat them with a custom gray finish to match the kitchen cabinets. “If something is working, you can fix it. There’s no point in wasting all that wood and labor to build something similar,” says McGrain. The cracked leather of the light brown couch adds to the rustic aesthetic.Throw pillows: custom by Brock Designs; lamp with square shade: Bellacor
Screen shot 2012 08 01 at 7.53.08 AM 300x199 Brock Designs Update Featured on Houzz.comBrock put in all new appliances and cabinets in this kitchen, donating all of the old ones to a Habitat for Humanity store. The copper hood above the stove is a hand-crafted, custom-designed piece by Vent-A-Hood.Copper artisan tiles behind stove: Signature Hardware
Screen shot 2012 08 01 at 7.56.01 AM 300x193 Brock Designs Update Featured on Houzz.comThe kitchen backsplash is made of layered white tiles jutting out at varying latitudes. “It looks like it would be very hard to keep clean,” says Brock, “but because of the way we had it sealed with a special, durable sealer, it is very easy to keep clean.”Backsplash: Pental; sealer: TEC; ingredient jars: Crate & Barrel
Screen shot 2012 08 01 at 7.58.19 AM Brock Designs Update Featured on Houzz.comScreen shot 2012 08 01 at 8.00.24 AM Brock Designs Update Featured on Houzz.comA custom dining nook sits next to the kitchen. The original didn’t fit, so Brock had a table built to fit the space perfectly. The new table has a flat area on one side, which doesn’t block the walkway.Table base: Brownstone; half-circle bench: F&C Cabinets; couch cushions: Trio Furniture
Screen shot 2012 08 01 at 8.02.39 AM Brock Designs Update Featured on Houzz.comScreen shot 2012 08 01 at 8.05.05 AM Brock Designs Update Featured on Houzz.comThis den, directly to the left of the front door, gets great bright afternoon sunlight, which complements the citrus-colored walls. With a flowered rug and red leather chaise, this room is perfect for reading a good book.Flower rug: Jaipur; paint: Jack O Lantern, Benjamin Moore
Screen shot 2012 08 01 at 8.07.46 AM Brock Designs Update Featured on Houzz.comHere’s a shot of Weidow riding one of her four horses.
Houzz call: Do you have a creative house? Show us your home and it could be featured on Houzz!

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August 2, 2012

DELICIOUS – Summer Salmon Salad

August 2, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Brock Designs Portland OR. Interior Design Blog

Mango Salmon Salad

Screen shot 2012 07 31 at 7.53.34 AM 300x300 DELICIOUS Summer Salmon SaladImage and Recipe from What’s Cooking

Ingredients:

  • 1 salmon fillet
  • zest of one lemon
  • juice of two lemons
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 TBSP butter
  • Romain lettuce leaves
  • 1 mango, diced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh mint
  • 1 TBSP olive oil

Directions:

  1. Mix the juice of one lemon, lemon zest, pepper and salt and rub thoroughly over the salmon fillet.
  2. Heat a frying pan and add the butter. When it melts fry the salmon slightly. Let it cool for a little while.
  3. Mix mango, avocado, tomato and mint with the juice of the other lemon and olive oil.
  4. Serve the salmon over the lettuce leaves and the mango-avocado salad on the side.

 

Sometimes the heat of the summer just calls out for a delicious summer salad, I can’t wait to try this one!

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 DELICIOUS Summer Salmon Salad

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