December 4, 2012

STYLE FILES – “Trimming” the Entire Home for Christmas

December 4, 2012 by 2 Comments

Portland OR. Interior Design Company

I love this time of year.  Twinkling lights, having coffee by the fire with family and friends gathering together.  My husband complains every year about getting all the Christmas boxes down for me – I do have more than I need, but I just can’t help myself.  I believe you don’t have to restrict your Christmas decorating to one room, or just the Christmas tree.  It’s so uplifting to walk through the house and and feel the holiday spirit in every room…and I think my husband loves the final outcome as much as I do!  Here are some photos to inspire you…

Screen shot 2012 11 29 at 11.42.22 AM 292x300 STYLE FILES Trimming the Entire Home for ChristmasImage via Home Sick Designs

Screen shot 2012 11 29 at 11.48.54 AM 300x300 STYLE FILES Trimming the Entire Home for ChristmasImage via Trendirs.net

Screen shot 2012 11 29 at 11.54.04 AM STYLE FILES Trimming the Entire Home for ChristmasImage via Pinterest

Screen shot 2012 11 29 at 11.58.33 AM 300x298 STYLE FILES Trimming the Entire Home for ChristmasImage via House to Home

Screen shot 2012 11 29 at 12.07.30 PM STYLE FILES Trimming the Entire Home for ChristmasImage via Houzz

Screen shot 2012 11 29 at 12.16.03 PM STYLE FILES Trimming the Entire Home for ChristmasImage via Houzz

Screen shot 2012 11 29 at 12.21.55 PM STYLE FILES Trimming the Entire Home for ChristmasImage via The Inspired Room

Screen shot 2012 11 29 at 12.25.13 PM STYLE FILES Trimming the Entire Home for ChristmasImage via Shelterness

Screen shot 2012 11 29 at 12.29.58 PM STYLE FILES Trimming the Entire Home for ChristmasImage via Kitchen Decorating Ideas

Screen shot 2012 11 29 at 12.36.54 PM STYLE FILES Trimming the Entire Home for ChristmasImage via Hello Beautiful

Screen shot 2012 11 29 at 12.40.06 PM STYLE FILES Trimming the Entire Home for ChristmasImage via Pretty Little Houses

Hopefully this will give you as much inspiration as it has to me!  My decorating is in progress – let me know how yours turns out by emailing me at brockdesigns@gmail.com

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 STYLE FILES Trimming the Entire Home for Christmas

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April 30, 2012

INSPIRED MONDAYS: Color

April 30, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Hi all! How was your weekend? The sun showed its face again and revealed all the gorgeous color that Spring time brings! There’s no denying that color is inspiring! Color evokes emotion, creates a mood and demands a reaction! Color is powerful.

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Look around your home or better yet, in your closet – what colors are you drawn to? Why? What do those hues do for you? Now, look around your house…do you see these same colors? If you don’t, maybe you should. Don’t be afraid of color. Start small…maybe a pop of your favorite green in a throw pillow or a lovely dose of that beloved shade of pink in a throw. Pay attention to the colors you love and include them into your decor. It could make all the difference and break up the ever predictable beige that many of us stick to.

What’s your favorite shade?
5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 INSPIRED MONDAYS: Color

P.S. For more color inspiration, check out this fabulous color combination site – Design Seeds – a wonderful way to play with color!

image via here.

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January 5, 2012

DIY : Organize and Simplify Your Laundry Room

January 5, 2012 by 1 Comment

Brock Designs, Portland OR. Interior Design Company

 

On Tuesday, I hopefully inspired you with some pictures of luxurious laundry rooms.  Today, I am going to give you some fabulous DIY and organization projects that you can easily get done over the weekend and still have plenty of time to relax.

The first project is a washer and dryer pedestal like the one pictured below.  This is a fantastic way to get those pesky laundry baskets out from under our feet and all over the house as well as to keep it easy and organized to start a load or two, not to mention raising the machines to make it easier on the back!

Screen shot 2012 01 04 at 2.02.39 PM DIY : Organize and Simplify Your Laundry RoomImage via Ana White

You can get the shopping list and detailed instructions to make this wonderful pedestal here.

This “Drying Rack” (a painted ladder) gives you so much space and saves you from throwing your clothes over the top of the door to dry!

Screen shot 2012 01 04 at 2.17.34 PM DIY : Organize and Simplify Your Laundry Room

Image via Little Lucy Lu

So simple right?  Just paint an old wooden ladder, attach chains to it and the ceiling and voila….a perfect place to dry your delicate attire!

Or you can add a simple closet rod from wall to cabinet like this one.

Screen shot 2012 01 04 at 2.57.45 PM DIY : Organize and Simplify Your Laundry Room

A effortless shelf mounted above your machines will create the space you need for all of your detergents and miscellaneous items at an arms reach…and what a beautiful wall color against the white cabinetry!

Screen shot 2012 01 04 at 3.00.44 PM DIY : Organize and Simplify Your Laundry RoomImage via Cameras and Chaos

These perfect little baskets with mini chalkboards on them (which can be made with small pieces of wood and chalkboard paint) are great for those items that you need on hand for whenever they are needed.

Screen shot 2012 01 04 at 2.34.31 PM DIY : Organize and Simplify Your Laundry RoomImage via Houzz

For those of us that keep all of our cleaning supplies in the laundry room, here is a great way to keep them organized and easy to find.

Screen shot 2012 01 04 at 2.50.01 PM DIY : Organize and Simplify Your Laundry RoomImage via Houzz

These “towel rods” and hooks can be found at Ikea…simple!

I hope that these simple little projects will motivate you to get up and get organized and make some more space for yourself.  I know what I am going to be doing this weekend and I cannot wait!

Make it a great day,

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 DIY : Organize and Simplify Your Laundry Room



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January 3, 2012

STYLE FILES: Lovely Laundry Rooms

January 3, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Brock Designs, Portland OR. Interior Design Company

 

In this new year, I am craving to get organized, a “winter” clean if you will.  I decided that the perfect place to start is in the laundry room.  It’s the place where we spend much more of our time than maybe we would like to.  Why not create a space that we’d actually enjoy working in?

Screen shot 2012 01 02 at 7.35.48 PM STYLE FILES: Lovely Laundry RoomsImage via remodeling therapy

I love this beautiful and aesthetic laundry room.  The red machines pop against the steel grey cabinets.  The center island with the sink is a perfect work space.

Screen shot 2012 01 02 at 7.42.36 PM STYLE FILES: Lovely Laundry RoomsImage by Haute Box via Houzz

Natural light is a bonus in any work area.  If you are lucky enough to have a window, treat it with beautiful fabric and choose a paint color for the walls that will make you happy.  The stacking washer and dryer are a great way to save space and have been proven to be less noisy.

Screen shot 2012 01 02 at 7.54.57 PM STYLE FILES: Lovely Laundry RoomsImage by Frog Hill Designs via Honey & Fitz

Oh the storage!  These custom cabinets allow for all of the extra needs for a laundry room, including a fold out ironing board, cleaning centers with doors to hide it all away.

Screen shot 2012 01 02 at 8.01.06 PM STYLE FILES: Lovely Laundry RoomsImage via Swagalicious

I just love this wonderful laundry area.  The storage space and marble enclosure makes it not only beautiful but very functional.  Add an under the counter TV to watch your favorite show or listen to music while you work.

Screen shot 2012 01 02 at 8.16.08 PM STYLE FILES: Lovely Laundry RoomsImage by Spinnaker Development via Houzz

This grand laundry room is magnificent!  The custom antiqued cabinets provide plenty of extra storage – so organized and beautiful.

Screen shot 2012 01 02 at 8.21.31 PM STYLE FILES: Lovely Laundry RoomsImage by Charlie & Co. Design, Ltd. via Houzz

I know this isn’t exactly a laundry room but I would be remiss if I didn’t add in this gorgeous mud room where each person gets their own “cubby” area for their belongings.  What a great way to keep the rest of the house from the clutter!

I hope that these pictures inspire you as much as they did me!  Make sure to check back the rest of this week for DIY projects and organization ideas for your laundry room. I am ready to get mine looking luxurious….are you?

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 STYLE FILES: Lovely Laundry Rooms

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December 30, 2011

Warmth For Your New Year

December 30, 2011 by 1 Comment

Brock Designs, Portland OR. Interior Design Company

After the holidays are over, we can all use a little down time  My favorite relaxation moment is being snuggled up next to a fire with my coffee, a blanket and my magazines.  I thought I would share some beautifully designed fireplaces that invite you in to spend the day.

Screen shot 2011 12 30 at 8.02.06 AM1 Warmth For Your New Year With the floor to ceiling curved stone this fireplace beckons you to relax.  What a beautiful focal point to your, and I love the gorgeous chandelier!

Screen shot 2011 12 30 at 8.35.42 AM1 Warmth For Your New Year The fireplace in this bedroom brings such warmth to the high ceilings and rustic floors.  The lovely sitting room with two wing-back chairs makes it almost too easy to move straight from the bed to the fire!

Screen shot 2011 12 30 at 10.16.43 AM Warmth For Your New Year

Don’t have a fireplace in your home?  This beautiful, portable tabletop fire can be moved anywhere you want some ambiance.

Screen shot 2011 12 30 at 10.28.26 AM Warmth For Your New Year What a statement this fireplace makes!    The 70 inch viewing area makes any seat in the room a wonderful spot to be.  This fireplace also comes with a touch screen remote that lets you control the height of your flame or activate the floor illumination for cozy ambiance when the fire is not lit.  Talk about your state of the art fire!  Ask Brock Design Group from Portland, OR. how to add this to your renovation.

Screen shot 2011 12 30 at 10.43.43 AM Warmth For Your New Year Image via Highcamphome.com

Yes please!  With the cold mountains outside, can you imagine emerging yourself in this amazing copper bath tub with a warm water fall and a beautiful crackling fireplace?  I certainly can…..

Screen shot 2011 12 30 at 10.51.01 AM Warmth For Your New Year Making an outdoor living space with a cozy fire easily extends the space of your home.  Shielded from the elements, this home, designed by Brock Designs a Portland, Oregon interior design company, combines the beauty of the outdoors with the warmth of the fire in perfect harmony.

Screen shot 2011 12 30 at 11.10.40 AM Warmth For Your New Year Screen shot 2011 12 30 at 11.12.55 AM Warmth For Your New Year

These artistic fireplaces, combining modern and traditional simultaneously, are so unique and beautiful I just had to share them with you.

 

I hope that this inspires you to take some time for yourself and relax, wherever your happy place may be!  Have a great weekend and a wonderful new year!

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 Warmth For Your New Year

 

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November 16, 2011

STYLE TIPS: Creative Headboards

November 16, 2011 by 2 Comments

In most bedrooms, the bed is the main event. It takes up the most room, it’s usually placed on the largest wall and often, bedding choices determine the style and color palette of the room. So with all that importance a bed really deserves to be the focal point and you don’t need to always use a predictable headboard to achieve this! Check out these creative ideas!

45036064993304938 uSJ4PF2h c STYLE TIPS: Creative HeadboardsUsing framed photographs above the bed creates vertical interest.  Fabric panels flanking the bed make it even more dramatic! Best thing about this trick – you can achieve this look with or without windows!

99219998010032405 kneIHp5U c e1321475087985 STYLE TIPS: Creative HeadboardsA salvaged piece of moulding adds an architectural element to this bedroom and mirrors the ceiling beams! Brilliant!

144467100516262022 BsnSkL8T c e1321475197843 STYLE TIPS: Creative HeadboardsLove the graphic style of these metal wall hangings!

259942209711813574 X7WUTjH0 c e1321475267496 STYLE TIPS: Creative HeadboardsHow gorgeous is this antique mirror? It’s the perfect opulent headboard to this bed.

180284791302747572 sz5CvJXw c e1321475663615 STYLE TIPS: Creative HeadboardsHere, a beautiful dressing screen is a lovely feminine touch.

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Painted details can create wonderful drama and flair! This is such a great treatment for a child or teenager.

So next time you are changing up a bedroom in your home, think outside the box and have some fun – see what you come up with!  I would love to hear about it or better yet, send me picture and we can share it on here!

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 STYLE TIPS: Creative Headboards

 

All images via here.

 

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November 8, 2011

STYLE TIPS: PREPPING FOR HOLIDAY HOUSE GUESTS

November 8, 2011 by 4 Comments

Hello friends! Hope your weekend was fabulous!

I can’t believe how fast this month is zooming by! In no time, it will be Thanksgiving and I’m sure many of you will be prepping the house for visitors. Our Thanksgivings are always big, boisterous events. A full house of family and friends, delicious aromas coming from the kitchen, kids scampering about and of course a healthy dose of laughter! When those out-of-town guests come to stay, I always like to make them feel right at home. Here are some tips to make your guest room extra special!

bedding STYLE TIPS: PREPPING FOR HOLIDAY HOUSE GUESTSDO use high quality, freshly laundered, soft cotton sheets on your guest bed and layer bedding to create a cozy look. An extra throw folded at the end of the bed and pretty throw pillows adds a luxurious touch!

extras STYLE TIPS: PREPPING FOR HOLIDAY HOUSE GUESTSDO provide fresh, fluffy towels, toiletries and little extras that will make your guests feel pampered. For bonus points, include their favorite items if you know them.

DO clear out some space in your bathroom for your guests’ belongings and buy extra toothbrushes just in case!

bedside STYLE TIPS: PREPPING FOR HOLIDAY HOUSE GUESTS

DO provide bottled water or a carafe on the bedside table and make sure there is ample reading light on both sides of the bed. Three way bulbs are a great way to create versatility. Leave them on the lowest setting when you are waiting for your guests to arrive to give the room a warm glow. A collection of current magazines and books are also a nice touch.

DO ready the closet by supplying extra hangers and if possible, shelf or drawer space.

flowers STYLE TIPS: PREPPING FOR HOLIDAY HOUSE GUESTSDO arrange a lovely cluster of fresh flowers – this is a must! Flowers brighten any room!

So there you go! Some easy tips to put your guests at ease and make them feel pampered and loved.

Have a beautiful day!
5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 STYLE TIPS: PREPPING FOR HOLIDAY HOUSE GUESTS
Images via here and here.

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