Spectrum Paint At Home 2020 PPG

SPECTRUM PAINT Backyard Bouquet ARRANGING YOUR OWN FRESH CUT FLOWERS

BLOOMING AND BOOMING: FLORET FLOWERS ON BEAUTY, BUSINESS, AND BRINGING PEOPLE JOY GET INSPIRED: TOUR FOUR HOMES YOU'LL BE OBSESSED WITH ALL YEAR GRILL OUT CHILL OUT: FALL-OFF-THEBONE RIBS WITH RAZZY RHUBARB SANGRIA

color of the year ChinesE

THE PORTLAND REPORT: EXPLORING AMERICA'S HIPPEST CITY

Modern Farmhouse Colors

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Shop Your Local

Independent Paint Store

Shop Your Local

Independent Paint Store

Gď ةáȫ ȫ ØÊ Øȫɐȫ@ÊØ ȫ ÊÂÕ¼ ã ȫRØÊ ç ãȫGď ةáȫ㦠Ãȫ Gď ةáȫ ȫ ØÊ Øȫɐȫ@ÊØ ȫ ÊÂÕ¼ ã ȫRØÊ ç ãȫGď ةáȫ㦠Ãȫ A ã©Êà ¼ȫȜ ÊÂÕ ÃùȒGóà ȝȫYãÊØ Üȫɐȫ'Ê ȫ Ãã ØÜ A ã©Êà ¼ȫȜ ÊÂÕ ÃùȒGóà ȝȫYãÊØ Üȫɐȫ'Ê ȫ Ãã ØÜ

_ÊÕȫTç ¼©ãùȫRØÊ ç ãÜǭȫ ÊÂÕ ã©ã©ò ȫRØ© Üǭȫ ÜãȫRÊÜÜ© ¼ ȫY Øò© _ÊÕȫTç ¼©ãùȫRØÊ ç ãÜǭȫ ÊÂÕ ã©ã©ò ȫRØ© Üǭȫ ÜãȫRÊÜÜ© ¼ ȫY Øò©

www.spectrumpaint.com foraalocation location near you! www.spectrumpaint.com for near you!

SPACES: Real-home redesigns with wall-to-wall ideas you can use.

32

THE BAY AREA BEAUTY California chic meets mid-century magic.

42

COASTAL LUXURY Transitional design inspired by nature's palette.

47

A VIVID IMAGINATION A bold dreamscape worth swooning over.

52

ALL ADVENTUROUS HOMES DO Fearless design in action.

P G. 52

Check out more colorful and inspiring spaces starting on page thirty-two.

Products featured in At Home are available at Spectrum Paint, some by special order.

SPR ING 2020

5

CO N T R IBU T OR S

Love the designs within our pages?

Connect with the talented folks behind the gorgeous spaces.

CARLEE BAIGRIE ARTHUR LIFFMANN OLIVIA HIEBERT BRIAN JOHNSON JIM TAYLOR

THE BAY AREA BEAUTY

PAGE 32

Amy Friedberg Design | Amy Friedberg amy@amyfriedberg.com | www.amyfriedbergdesign.com COASTAL LUXURY

PAGE 40

Holmes + Salter | Victoria Holmes & Lana Salter contact@holmesandsalter.com | www.holmesandsalter.com Jack Roberts, J. Roberts Construction | www.jrobertsconst.com Jonathon Leonard, Sawyer Design Studio | www.sawyerdd.com A VIVID IMAGINATION

PAGE 46

Vivid Interior Design | Danielle Loven info@vividinteriordesign.com | vividinteriordesign.com ALL ADVENTUROUS HOMES DO Mel Bean Interiors | Mel Bean mel@melbeaninteriors.com | www.melbeaninteriors.com

PAGE 52

CON TEN TS

SPRING 2020

Bahia Taylor Editor in Chief Co-founder Leigh McKenzie Creative Director Co-founder Carlee Baigrie Contributing Writer & Editor Olivia Hiebert Graphic Designer Melanie Truman Project Management Graphic Design Styling Gallon Creative www.galloncreative.com Owned and Published by: Gallon Creative For inquiries, please contact us at hello@galloncreative.com 5 Scurfield Blvd #25 Winnipeg, Manitoba R3Y 3G4 www.galloncreative.com hello@galloncreative.com Cover Photography - Viking Projects www.vikingprojectsco.ca

Rachael King Johnson, Istockphoto

While every effort has been made to ensure that advertisements and articles appear correctly, At Home Magazine cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. All material is intended for informational purposes only. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor.

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CRAFT TABLE: DIY? WE SAY Y-E-S!

P. 60

WOODEN RINGS: Stacked or tied makes simple room decor.

26

HOT SPOT: High standards and strong ethics breed beautiful results.

BLOOMING AND BOOMING The Art of Arrangement and the Good in Growing with Floret.

66

CHOW: Just thinking about it is making us hungry.

P.74

GRILL OUT, CHILL OUT Recipes for a memorable backyard bash.

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EXPLORER: Pack your sense of adventure and let’s go.

THE PORTLAND REPORT The Hippest City in the States.

Color Trends p. 86

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TOOLBOX: Helpful resources for any homeowner.

CUT FLOWERS Bringing the Art of Arrangement into your Daily Routine.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

Typeset in Adobe Garamond and Avenir Printed in Canada

SPR ING 2020

7

WE L C O M E

S

pring has always been the great purveyor of change; a chance to take a step back from the minutia of our daily lives and take inventory of our homes and our hearts. As the cool ice of the winter melts away, we reach to re-establish our trajectories and discard of what no longer serves us, all while the promise of new beginnings blooms on the horizon. But perhaps with the turn of a new decade, the potency of Spring’s revitalizing powers are especially strong. As we transition into this new era, we cannot help but feel an intensified hope in the exciting adventures that await us with a renewed investment in this annual wiping of the slate.

With this issue, we wanted to reflect this inkling of new potentialities, focusing on how this openness to evolution and growth is manifesting in the patterns and colors of our world. What we found was that once we started looking for it, we couldn’t help but see this unbridled optimism peering out at us everywhere we looked. We see it in this year’s Color of the Year (pg. 86), ripe with its own youthful burst of energy. We found it in designer Mel Bean’s bold and vivacious remodel (pg. 52), evidenced by the miraculous montages of color and pattern her wonderful designers concocted. And in Holmes and Salter’s willingness to lean into nature and let their coastal remodel’s landscape drive their imaginings (pg. 40). We see it in Erin Benzakein of Floret Flower Farms, in her fierce entrepreneurial spirit and her determination to foster beauty in this world (pg. 26). We saw it in every corner of this earth (and the internet) that we scourged through in preparation for this issue, and so, we tried our very best to incorporate that feeling of aliveness to the possibilities of life onto every page. What we’ve learned on our quest was that perhaps these morsels of hope had not sprouted miraculously at the turn of the decade, but rather, like the May flowers are sure to return in a few short months, they were just waiting for the snow to melt.

P.6 2

SPRING 2020

SPECTRUM PAINT Backyard Bouquet

SPECTRUM PAINT AT HOME

GET INSPIRED: TOUR FOUR HOMES YOU'LL BE OBSESSED WITH ALL YEAR

Our Top 12 Accent Colors for 2019

P.2 6 BOGO

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ISSUE 7

ISSUE SEVEN

FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU WWW.SPECTRUMPAINT.COM

ChinesE

THE PORTLAND REPORT: EXPLORING AMERICA'S HIPPEST CITY

FI ND A BRE AKD O W N O F TH I S CO VER O N P. 92

BOGO

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Visit spectrumpaint.com to view all locations

Offer 08/31/20 Offer ends 6/30/19

Kelli Boyd Photography, Floret

GRILL OUT CHILL OUT: FALL-OFF-THEBONE RIBS WITH RAZZY RHUBARB SANGRIA

color year

of the

Modern Farmhouse Colors

ARRANGING YOUR OWN FRESH CUT FLOWERS

BLOOMING AND BOOMING: FLORET FLOWERS ON BEAUTY, BUSINESS, AND BRINGING PEOPLE JOY

GOOD OLD FASHIONED TRADITIONAL OIL STAIN

P. 22

O NE HI G H Q U A LI T Y F O R MUL A FO R AL L A P P L I C AT I O NS

Decks • Docks • Fences • Log Homes • Cedar Siding • Shake Shingles

Long Lasting, Easy to Apply & a Breeze to Maintain • •

Can be applied in direct sun in the heat of the day No peeling, cracking, flashing or sh

• Can be applied to wood with 20% wood moisture • No stripping or sanding required on maintenance coatsiners

Oil Based Exterior Wood Stains Legal in all cities & states (no modified oils)

@armstrongclarkco

Ask your ALLPRO Retailer for Armstrong-Clark

1.800.916.8211

www.armclark.com

PUT YOUR COLOR TO THE TEST Color, color on the wall – which paint sample is fairest of all?

ISOLATE YOUR COLOR CHOICE

You fell in love with a paint chip. Hey, it happens. But as enamored as you may be with that particular shade of awesome, how appealing will that color be when it’s painted on a wall, fills an entire room or covers the outside of your house?

Luckily, before you invest in an entire can of paint, there are ways to test out your love to see if it’s real – and if that love will last.

A color card will have a number of similar but different color options on it. Avoid the temptation to hold them up and evaluate them at once. Instead, isolate the one color you are considering (either by concealing the others or cutting it out). Viewing only one color at a time will give you a more authentic feel for the bigger picture: how it will look once applied.

STOP! DON’T PAINT YOUR SAMPLE ON THE WALL

NORTHERN EXPOSURE

Consider where sunlight comes into the room you are painting: does the window face north, south, east or west? North-facing rooms get less direct sun and are cooler so you may want to choose a warmer color.

South-facing rooms may benefit from a cooler hue while east-facing rooms need a warmer palette to offset a lack of natural light in the afternoon and evening. West-facing rooms get a warm glow in the evening so a cooler color will help tone down the light.

Always try paint samples in your space before deciding on a color. However, consider not painting your sample directly on the wall. The existing paint can affect or alter the accuracy of the new paint’s true color. Instead, paint a poster board with two coats of your sample.

This way, you can tote it around day or night and see how it will look amidst your home furnishings in all types of light.

A LIGHTBULB MOMENT

LIGHT SWITCHING

MULTIPLY THE INTENSITY

Light is never consistent; it varies by time of day, season and even the weather outside. Of course, paint color will look different depending on the type of light it is exposed to, which is why samples should be examined in both natural (daylight) and artificial (evening) lighting. This is especially important when choosing interior paint as some colors will take on dramatically different appearances in different light.

The lightbulbs you use around the house can also influence the way colors look. LED bulbs look good with most paint colors. Incandescent bulbs give off a warmer light that enhances reds, yellows and oranges while florescent bulbs have a cooler glow that enhances blues and greens. Halogen light most closely resembles daylight, so colors stand out more.

It’s important to remember that any color will look more intense over large surface area than it is on a paint chip or color card. A bright yellow paint sample might inspire you, but painting an entire room that color may require wearing sunglasses! The faint of heart or less courageous may want to lean toward more neutral colors when painting a room all one color, or save the bold choice for an accent color instead.

The bright folks at Spectrum Paint have a huge selection of paint color tools to help with your project.

SHEEN CHEAT SHEET A breakdown of the sheen spectrum from flat to high-gloss

From flat and matte to eggshell, pearl or satin, semi and high-gloss, it can be hard to know which sheen will work best for your space. For newbies who are just dipping their toes into the sheen pool, your best bet is to chat with the professionals at Spectrum Paint, who can point you in the right direction, but before you go shopping it never hurts to have a basic idea of what you’re after.

Generally speaking, the sheen spectrum — from low to high sheen — goes flat, matte, eggshell, satin or pearl, semi-gloss and high-gloss.

Check out the sheen cheat sheet below to get the details on each of these options and see which one sounds like the perfect fit for your project.

SATIN OR PEARL: Has a lustrous finish, and is a good option for high-traffic areas due to its durability. It can also stand some exposure to moisture.

FLAT: Low-sheen with a non-reflective finish. Ideal for very low-traffic areas and ceilings.

SEMI-GLOSS: Super sleek, shiny appearance, and best for hightraffic areas and spots that get touched or bumped a lot, such as doors and trims.

MATTE: Low-lustre finish, relatively durable, easy to clean and hides minor surface imperfections well.

HIGH-GLOSS: Creates a bright, ultra-shiny and reflective finish that almost resembles glass. Suitable for surfaces in a high-use environment.

EGGSHELL: Has a soft, smooth appearance, very much like its namesake, an eggshell; slightly reflective. It’s a moderately durable sheen and is a safe choice for most types of walls in your home.

HERE’S A COUPLE OTHER THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SHEEN SHOPPING:

More sheen means more durability: One rule of thumb is the higher the sheen the better it will be in a high-traffic area that requires a bit more durability. Flat and matte sheens that have little or no shine can be quite easily scratched and marked up, so bedrooms and home offices or similar, lower-traffic spaces would probably be the only places you’d want to use those sheens in. That said, some manufacturers have developed matte finish products with durability equal to that of their eggshells.

Moderate sheens like eggshell, satin or pearl, and higher sheens such as

semi or high-gloss, however, can stand a lot of abuse, so they are great for busy areas. Moisture-prone areas such as the bathroom or kitchen are great candidates for paints made specifically for those conditions, ask your local expert.

Sheen affects room mood: It’s important to base your sheen selection on the function of your room and using the sheen that will accommodate that, but you should also consider how it will look in that room and the overall feel you are after. For example, lower sheen paints soak up light, which helps hide imperfections, and high-gloss sheens do the opposite, reflecting light to make darker rooms feel brighter and lighter and emphasizing imperfections.

KEEP IN MIND SHEENS CAN VARY FROM MANUFACTURER TO MANUFACTURER, SO LET SPECTRUM PAINT FILL YOU IN ON ALL THE INFORMATION BEFORE YOUR MAKE YOUR FINAL DECISION!

Winning

WITH WHITES

A F E W OF O U R FAV O RITE S

A true design lover will understand the impact that even subtle variations of white can have on a room. From frosty blue tinges to hints of warm yellow, the shade you select will set the tone for the mood of your space. Many a home-owner have warned about the trials and tribulations that come along with selecting a white paint color. The source of all this woe? White is THE most reflective color, which means that whatever shade of natural light you have pouring into your space will show up on your new white walls. That’s why it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the ways that your home’s natural light will work with whatever shade you select.

1. NORTHERN EXPOSURE Sunlight streaming in from the North may create a gray or blue-ish hue.

2. SOUTHERN EXPOSURE If your room has a window facing south, white walls might appear slightly warmer or softer.

3. FURNITURE & TEXTURES If your room has a significant amount of wooden textures (furniture, ceilings, etc) or boldly colored furniture (potent blues, reds, yellows, etc) this may further impact your shade of white,

TU N DR A FRO ST P P G100 9- 1 Intuitively sophisticated & highly versatile, this shade is the ideal shade to enhance its surroundings with a grayish hue.

DELI CATE WHITE P P G100 1- 1 Our favorite bright white, this shade is the best background to help illuminate your furniture & fixtures.

This cool white reflects a lot of light, creating an expansive feel & an inviting aesthetic.

reflecting the colors and tones of the fixtures in your room onto the walls. A large surface area of wood will create a warm or orangey reflection.

4. INDOOR LIGHTING Warm-toned bulbs paired with blue hued whites may create a green tinge.

5. GREENERY If your home is surrounded by green ery, it’s likely even a bright white will have somewhat of a greenish hue during day.

M OU N TA I N G RAY P P G102 1- 1 With a subtle tinge of warm light, this shade breathes life and calming energy into the room.

TOUCHING UP IS (NOT) HARD TO DO How to spot paint scratches, marks and dings without repainting the entire room It happens. In the rush of daily life, walls in high-traffic areas of the home get scratched and scuffed. With a bit of time, patience and procedure, you can touch up those marks and keep your walls looking fresh and smooth. Before you start in on the six-step process below, remember that the ability to touch up a painted surface depends on the gloss and color of the original paint product, whether it is alkyd (oilbased) or latex, as well as the length of time it has been on the surface. The experts at Spectrum Paint can help you do the job right.

Step 1: Clean the wall surface Dirt, dust and grime build up can affect paint adhesion so it’s important to wipe down your wall before beginning. Using a sponge, lightly clean the work area with a mixture of mild detergent and water.

Step 2: Repair divots and dents Premixed spackling compound can fill in any dents, nail holes or deep scratches that have accumulated on your wall. Before applying, smooth the surface with a fine-grit sandpaper, then use just enough compound to fill the hole or crack. Wipe away any excess with a damp cloth and allow it to set (this takes a few hours) before lightly sanding it again.

Step 3: Prime the area To ensure proper paint adhesion and color blending, you must prime the repair area before painting. If you skip this step, the touched-up spot will stand out from the rest of the wall surface. Apply the primer just to the repair area and allow it to dry completely.

Step 4: Use the same paint It’s always wise to store leftover paint so that you can use it for making repairs. In fact, your touch-up paint should be from the original can – otherwise, matching colors could be mission impossible. If that’s not possible, return to your paint store and ask for the same brand, color and finish (flat, eggshell, semi-gloss, gloss). Bonus tip: Alkyd paint loses 30% of its gloss after a few months, making new touch ups appear too glossy for several weeks – even if from the original paint can. Generally, latex paint makes touch ups easier because the paint’s age does not affect gloss or color.

Step 5: Use the same application tool If the wall surface was originally painted with a roller, use a roller to touch up the paint finish. Brushes and rollers will leave different surface textures, making necessary repair jobs quite apparent.

Step 6: Inspect once dry Let the paint dry before doing a visual inspection. You will want to see how it looks at different angles as well as in both natural and artificial light. Remember, even though you know where the patch is, visitors will not be able to spot it once the paint dries and ages.

POP IN TO SPECTRUM PAINT FOR ALL THE TIPS AND TOOLS YOU NEED TO MAKE QUICK WORK OF ANY PAINT TOUCH-UP JOB IN YOUR HOME.

MATCHES MADE IN HEAVEN Sometimes, you see a pairing so beautiful, there’s no doubt in your mind that they were meant to be.

But unlike our favorite celebrity couples, these paint pairings have some serious staying power.

GARRISON GRAY + BALSAM The moody depth of this stunning blue is grounding and contemplative, while the airiness of Balsam elevates the palette, ending a sense of restorative energy to whatever room these colors come to inhabit. Nature is always the best source of inspiration, and these combos transport us into the scenic arena of the great outdoors, creating the illusion of a lakeside landscape. This duo is perfect for an office or bedroom, inviting serenity while blocking out distractions from the outside world.

MESA RED + ACCELERATION Feeling a little bit dramatic? This dynamic duo may be just the thing you’re craving. The luxurious opulence of this ruby red is perfectly balanced by the coolness of Acceleration, a subtle shade of blue that welcomes and soothes. The stark contrast between the two shades offers a vibrant and energetic vibe, without overwhelming the eye. This combination would be ideal for a dining room—an excellent space to experiment with bolder shades—or a living room/bar area that isn’t afraid to be a little daring.

SOOTHING SAPPHIRE + ATRIUM WHITE Soothing Sapphire is one of our tried and true blues, soaring in popularity and highly versatile. We’ve seen this shade pop up everywhere from bathrooms to exteriors. The trick to utilizing this stand-out shade is paring it with the perfect accent color to complement its mesmerizing depth. Atrium White is the perfect white for the job, with its cool undertone and almost chalky properties. A great palette for a dreamy bedroom, kitchen, or even an all-out exterior scheme.

MAYBE MAUI + FRESH DOUGH If you need to give a room a boost of sunshine, these are the right shades for the job. The warmth of this yellow boasts a burst of optimism and energy, without being too on-the-nose or in-your-face. It has a vague burnt quality to it, making it appear subtle and sophisticated. The understated and refined warmth of Fresh Dough perfectly complements and calms the vibrancy of the yellow, making for one beautiful pairing, perfect for a nursery, bathroom, or bolder living room look.

WHAT YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE HIRING A PRO … and why a coupon shouldn’t be the only criteria for choosing your paint contractor!

Certain painting jobs are too big, too complex or simply out of reach for the average homeowner. That’s when it’s time to call in a professional.

While it may be tempting to do an online search for local painters, redeem a handy coupon or contact the last company to stuff a sales flyer in your mailbox – hiring a good professional painter requires some forethought and due diligence. Don’t reward your painting job to the first person to answer their phone. Seeking out a qualified, experienced and reputable contractor will save you migraines down the road.

It is important to find a professional painting firm that will deliver quality from start to finish. A happy, satisfied customer should be their ultimate goal and upholding their reputation and workmanship should be essential to them. Start by asking neighbors, family and friends to recommend local painters who have recently completed jobs for them.

Would they hire the same company again?

Before making your decision, collect at least three quotes. A good contractor will visit your home before giving you a written cost estimate.

This is a perfect time to learn more about their company by asking several pertinent questions: • How long have you been in business?

This is not the same as “How long have you been painting?” so ask both questions. You should hire someone who has been in operation for some time.

• Who will do the work? The company owner may do the project estimating, but not the job itself. Ask whether employees or subcontractors will be assigned to paint your home and how much experience they have. This also opens the door to verifying their safe practices, licenses and insurance coverage.

• How much? You get what you pay for, which is why the lowest bid is never the only consideration in hiring a pro painter – just as the highest bid doesn’t make that company the best contractor. Instead of hiring on price alone, look at the bigger picture to see the value of what is being offered.

• What kind of preparation work will you do? Proper preparation is more than just providing drop cloths to protect floors and furniture. Will the contractor clean and prime the walls, remove switch plates and outlet covers, mask trim and mouldings with tape and otherwise prepare the area as necessary?

• Can you provide references? Don’t be shy about asking for multiple referrals – and they should be as recent as possible.

Follow up by calling the names on the list and asking what it was like to work with the company: did they show up on time every morning and tidy well before leaving in the evening? How long did it take to complete the actual job compared to set expectations and did they charge the price quoted on the original bid?

If there was a difference, ask why.

• What kind of paint do you use? Unless you work with an interior designer, choosing the wall color is up to you. However, find out what brand or brands of paint the contractor works with and if they have recommendations on other materials, colors or finishes that would work best.

Ask Spectrum Paint which local house painting pros they recommend

D E S I G N E R inspiration P.32

EMPRESS TEAL PPG1142-7 This majestic emerald green hue acts as the perfect backdrop for a cozy bedroom that isn’t afraid to think outside the box.

With plenty of natural light due to floorto-ceiling windows, this space offers the ideal opportunity to dabble in the dark arts.

The shade feels simultaneously moody and uplifting, boasting plenty of personality and even more intrigue. A shade like this packs a punch, and paired with the right neutrals, it steals the show in the best way possible.

P.40

DELICATE WHITE PPG1001-1 Elegant, understated, and effortlessly chic, this white is a favorite in the industry. Sporting grey undertones, it pairs beautifully with blues to bring out their full potential. Its coolness and character prevents spaces from feeling too sterile, breathing life into its surroundings with its subtle charm. Its simplicity makes it highly versatile, and a staple among many kitchen remodels.

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P.46

MERCURIAL PPG1006-4

This grey is undeniably sophisticated. Its clarity and simplicity make for a beautiful floor-to-ceiling shade sure to bring elegance to any space it occupies. This designer opted to pair the shade with warm wooden hues, striking the perfect balance between the two tonalities. The stunning grey lends the room a calmness and sense of serenity that is well-suited for rest, relaxation, and connection, while also shining a spotlight on mixed metals and fun prints.

SHIMMERING SEA PPG1152-7

This fierce blue screams character, refusing to be ignored; it’s the perfect shade to make a statement with. This kitchen scene chooses to be adventurous and forgo the traditional markers of the modern kitchen, trading the standard neutrals in for bold colors with plenty of depth. The vibrant magnetism of this electric shade brings an eye-catching complexity to the space, and, paired with elegant features like gold hardware and a pearl-adorned chandelier, it creates a fun and polished kitchen to be admired for years to come.

P.52

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Everything you need for a better finish.

The highest quality paint prep and application tools from HYDEÂŽ and Richard. Two great brands from one great company.

Š2020 Hyde Group. All rights reserved.

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custrelations@hydetools.com 800.872.4933

Treatments Tailored TO YO U R TA ST E

A well-dressed window is fundamental to your well-appointed home. Whether contemporary or traditional or somewhere in between, you’ll find a Graber custom window treatment to suit your style.

For our comprehensive product portfolio, check out graberblinds.com/athome.

CRA FT TABL E

�ooden �ing� stack 'em up or tie 'em

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I

f there’s one thing we’ve learned while traversing the wild world of design trends, it’s this: it’s fun to flirt

with the big, bold and fabulous look of the moment but, when we’re over it, we inevitably long for simplicity and ease. Like our favourite comfort foods, it’s often the familiar and uncomplicated things that really hit the spot.

The simple joy of organic shapes and materials are what make these little projects so satisfying. The repetition of clean lines on a stack of wooden rings is calming and reminiscent of childhood toys; depending on whether you choose to paint, stain, gild or simply leave them unfinished, the style of these cute little pots will compliment both transitional and modern spaces. Likewise, these minimacrame wall decorations throw us right back to our roots - give the hanging plants a break and tie your look together with these tactile woven pieces of art. We guarantee you’ll love it (and we’re knot kidding).

SUPPLIES

Wooden rings Hot glue sticks and glue gun Paint or stain Cotton rope cording Small plants like air plants or baby succulents

Plant Pot How To:

• Paint or stain wood rings in desired color or combination of multiple colors and let dry thoroughly.

• Using a hot glue gun adhere rings together, one at a time, until set. Be mindful of lining the rings up precisely so as not create a leaning tower of rings.

• Once the glue is set and your tower is complete you can sow a small plant directly into the rings or insert something already potted.

• Repeat until your crafting heart is content!

Macrame Hanging How To:

• If you’re new to macramé we suggest you start with basic patterns and knots to get your technique down, but as you get more comfortable there are so many beautiful knots and variations to try. A good first knot to

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learn is a simple square knot. This knot is the very basis of most macramé and is a wonderfully easy beginner knot to try.

• Paint or stain wood rings in desired color and let dry thoroughly.

• Cut your macramé cords to 2 yards in length.

• Start by attaching your cord with a Larkshead Knot, this knot is commonly used to attach cords to rings or dowels to begin knotting.

• Our featured hangings were made with the Repeating Square Knot and the Alternating Square Knot.

With the current popularity of all things macra-made there are a wealth of how-to videos and tutorials available online to walk you through a multitude of knotting techniques.

GE Sealants & Adhesives offers a full range of reliable, durable, and high-performing caulks and sealants to meet all your household project needs, both inside and outside. Learn more at GEsealants.com

For additional performance and warranty information, see product packaging or visit www.GEsealants.com.

GE is a trademark of General Electric Company. Used under trademark license. *Silicone 1, Silicone 2 and Max are trademarks of Momentive Performance Materials Inc. Copyright 2020 Momentive Performance Materials Inc. All rights reserved.

https://hp.seal-krete.com

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HOT SPO T

Blooming and Booming

The Art of Arrangement and the Good in Growing with Floret Flower Farms Photography: Chris Benzakein, and Heather Payne

Chris Benzakein

Text: Carlee Baigrie

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With a focus on creating seasonal bouquets that capture “a fleeting moment in time” and an emphasis on sustainability and local ingredients, the Floret Flower Farms brand achieves innovation and disruption without sacrificing traditional values.

L

Chris Benzakein, and Heather Payne

ike most great businesses, Flower Farms began as a sort of fluke.

After Erin and Chris married, they decided they wanted to raise their family immersed in nature, influencing them to pack up their belongings and move from Seattle to Skagit Valley, where they tilled up a portion of their backyard with the prospect of planting a huge vegetable garden. Erin describes this land as an oasis, relishing in the mountain views, the sweeping fields, the Skagit river and the sunsets which produce “a gorgeous glow that makes everything look as if its dusted in glitter.” A portion of this picturesque plot was dedicated to Erin’s great grandmother, where two rows of sweet peas were planted in her memory. As a child, Erin was prized with the title of Grammy’s “little flower girl” and was tasked with arranging bouquets for her bedside, a role that Erin had passed off as a fond childhood memory. Like any good neighbor, Erin shared the bounty of her garden with friends and family, and soon started receiving requests for bouquets, the first of which she hand delivered. It was when this lucky first recipient cried tears of joy at accepting them that Erin realized she had found her calling.

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Initially, their production area totaled two acres, employing “high intensity production techniques that work on a small scale” so they could utilize every square inch of their lot. “As soon as one variety is just about done blooming, we had another ready to plant in its place,” shares Erin. For many years, Floret Flower Farms focused on supplying natural grocery stores, event planners/designers, and weddings across the Pacific Northwest, but a few years ago they expanded into selling specialty seeds as well as dahlias, bulbs, and other garden supplies to “flower lovers all over the world.” Also, in recent years, they’ve begun offering video training, titled the “Floret Flower Farms' Online Workshop,” to teach others the small-scale, high intensity techniques that they have perfected on their small plot.

They also continue to inspire floral-fanatics through their social media platforms, where Erin tries to shed light on both the “beauty and reality” of what she does. She describes her following as a group that is “hungry for beauty, kindness, and a closer connection to the

natural world.” Her goal isn’t just about gaining customers though, she genuinely wants to influence a new wave of gardeners to “try their hand at growing some of their own flowers and cultivate beauty in their own backyards.” Erin adds: “There’s no sense in hoarding all these pretty flowers for ourselves, so I share snippets of our flower filled life on the Floret Flower Farms' website and through social media.”

Erin is a double-threat, an expert both in growing and in arranging flowers, increasing her control over the quality of her materials and connecting her to virtually every aspect of production, rather than relying on an external source with its own set of established production techniques. This proximity to the resources she relies on offers a greater appreciation for nature and sustainable practices. “From day one,” Erin asserts, “we’ve practiced organic growing methods. I didn’t want to expose myself, our staff, or the creatures that live here to toxic chemicals, just so I could get a perfect crop.

The only thing better than your classic white subway tile back splash is knowing that you are supporting a company that takes their impact on the environment seriously.

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What started out as a passion project ended up blossoming into a fullfledged business, all aimed at seeing and appreciating the beauty this world has to offer; a noble pursuit to say the least!

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Chris Benzakein, and Heather Payne

Most importantly, my children have grown up in the garden and I believe that they should be safe and free from anything harmful.” Instead, Erin opted to focus on growing crops with resilience in mind. “I worked extra hard to grow the healthiest plants possible that could resist pests and disease using only natural amendments and growing methods.” It’s clear just from images of Floret Flower Farms’ extraordinary flowers that her plants are not missing these traditional pesticides. One of the ways Floret Flower Farms maintains this commitment to sustainability is by employing small-scale production methods. They use methods like tight plant spacing, season extension structures like unheated greenhouses, low tunnels, and succession planting, all of which help them get a maximized yield without damaging their land. With so many plants growing year after year, they also invest in ensuring their soil remains fertile every season, with practices like composting, applying natural fertilizers, and foliar treatments. They hold a steadfast commitment to “slow” or “seasonal production” which resonates with locally-minded consumers who are continuing to grow skeptical of the practices that enable our fast-paced economy. “Flowers are just like food” informs Erin, “the best results always come from using local, seasonal ingredients picked at their prime.” “Plus,” elaborates Erin, “seasonal flowers have a story. There is a farm and a face associated with each bloom. Those connections have led to direct-to-florist sales and directto-consumer sales that are disrupting the traditional wholesale flower industry.”

In 2017, Erin had her first book, Cut Flower Garden, published, which focused on the farming aspect of her business, encouraging others to bring the joy of flower growing into their own lives and elucidating the process of “planting, cultivating, and harvesting more than 175 variants of flowers.” In early February of 2020, Floret Flower Farms released a much anticipated follow-up book, A Year in Flowers, which zeroes in on the arrangement aspect of Erin’s passion. Before solidifying her practice as a dual farmer-florist, she practiced the art of arrangement religiously, experimenting with colors and cuts until she found a knack for it. After an outpouring of positive feedback, she wanted to share what she had learned. “After teaching hundreds of students how to create natural looking arrangements, I developed a tried-and-true process that reduced the guesswork and resulted in beautiful bouquets every time.”

In the book, Erin outlines “the basics of getting started with floral design, key ingredients, essential techniques, and ideas for every season” as well as how-to guides for over twenty-five seasonal arrangements that work beautifully as centerpieces, festive wreaths, and bridal bouquets. Part of this project was aimed at inspiring those who may not have access to their own garden, which Erin says you shouldn’t let stop you. “The farmers market, grocery store, or even foraged bits” will work fine, encourages Erin. “With a little practice and patience you’ll get the hang of it in no time.” Also included in A Year in Flowers is a guide for sourcing local, seasonal blooms and foraging responsibly.

To Erin (and her readers too, she hopes), the book is more than “words on a page and beautiful arrangements… it’s a part of something bigger.” It’s about celebrating the remarkable power flowers have to “tap into our emotions…. Provide comfort, spark memories, and stir nostalgia” and saluting

“the many dedicated farmers who work tirelessly to grow beautiful flowers for their local communities.” A Year in Flowers, according to Erin, “builds on the momentum created by those forward thinking pioneers and the thousands of flower lovers around the globe who are now growing, arranging, and sharing seasonal blooms.” It goes without saying that Erin and Floret Flower Farms have played a huge role in igniting this movement and passing it on to our future generations.

In terms of Floret Flower Farms’ future, we can expect to see big things from their once “postage sized” flower farm.

They recently had the opportunity to purchase a neighboring farm, a vast twenty-five acres of land. Erin can’t wait to “dive into the process of designing and planting the gardens” sharing, “after decades of dreaming, I finally was able to plant nearly 3,000 peonies and almost 100 different varieties, organized by bloom time and color.” Erin acknowledges it’ll be a few years before these peonies are circled into production, but adds they’ll be “well worth the wait.” Although Erin has been immersed in this industry for what feels like a lifetime, she feels “like a newbie again” with this new opportunity for growth, “which is both thrilling and terrifying,” shares Erin excitedly. With a strong hold on the values that sets Floret Flower Farms apart and a keen eye for finding the artistry hiding in every corner of this earth, there’s no doubt that Erin and her talented team will put this new land to great use.

Floret Flower Farms is located in Washington’s Skagit Valley, where they continue to cultivate their small plot of land and improve their business with a steadfast commitment to research and education.

Floret Flower Farms’ favorite flower blubs, seeds, flower arranging tools and gardening supplies, as well as access to their online workshops are available through their website floretflowers.com.

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T HE BAY AR E A B E A UTY

A tempered dose of mid-century magic and designer Amy Friedberg’s “elegant but relaxed” and “very California” design make this remodel a home to remember.

Design: Amy Friedberg Design Photography: Jean Bai, Konstrukt Photo Text: Carlee Baigire

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A live edge dining table adds character and warmth to this beautifully rendered space, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows in black trim boasting steady streams of California sunlight.

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my Friedberg hasn’t been on the interior design scene for long. In fact, this Bay View property marked her first major project after completing her design degree. Her inexperience is untraceable, thanks in large part to the industryexposure she cultivated in her first career, working on the business side of things in various marketing and business development roles throughout her tenure.

While Amy was busy having children, she took a step away from her career and began flipping houses, quickly sparking a passion she hadn’t realized was there all along. She enrolled in design school and completed courses where she could in between pregnancies. “I thought it was time to decide if this could be real for me,” recalls Amy. After nine years of hard work and juggling family as well as many smaller side projects, she was able to pick up along the way, Amy graduated with her design degree and landed her first major project: a mid-century remodel in the Bay Area of California, surrounded by giant red wood trees.

This entryway keeps things simple with a textured wall, a splash of greenery, and a bulbous light fixture.

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Amy describes the home’s initial state as “a mid-century home with a strong 80s influence.” Think, tiled countertops and cramped ceiling heights. To bring this space to its full potential would require a total overhaul. It wasn’t exactly in great condition either after several owners had basically let it fall apart. It was also classified as a historical building, which made getting permits (especially in the already difficult state of California) somewhat of a headache, but they were able to work around that. In the end, the only element of the original structure that was retained is the stunning fireplace, which was originally brick, but was plastered over. The client, a couple with a taste for European details and dreams of a nature-inspired abode, hoped for a space that felt both modern and grounded. Amy describes the desired aesthetic as “organic raw modern,” which is evidenced throughout the home with the generous dose of live-edged wooden accents which helped to bring warmth into the mix. “We used a lot of plaster… to create an earthy, old-world feel.”

The master bathroom (a favorite feature for many voyeurs of the home, Amy included) is the perfect example of this organic approach to design. “We had this idea to make the Top: Elegant lounger chairs with mid-century silhouettes upholstered in black leather are complimented by an industrial-style hearth and plush-textured pillows.

Bottom: Midnight blue acts as the perfect backdrop to this stunning space, lending a current of vibrancy to the room.

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powder room super moody with live-edged wood and plastering with lots of movement left in the wall.” Amy opted to backlight the oversized mirror, highlighting the contours of the wall, adorned in a dusty violet, an example of the ways in which Amy thinks outside the box, even when it comes to elements like lighting which so often feel standardized in modern design concepts. The room feels understated and luxurious all at once. This effect of effortlessness likely stems from Amy’s philosophy, which she summarizes with a quote from Coco Chanel: “Simplicity is always in vogue.”

Amy likes to leave room for her project to “grow and mutate” as it evolves, with all the various players bringing in their own insights as they go. With a contractor, architect, herself, and the client’s hands on deck, she calls the endeavor a “team sport.” But mostly, especially with this being an opportunity to make a mark on the industry, Amy was concerned with getting her clients to trust her. “You can design a beautiful space,” she explains, “but if you haven’t created one that works with how they live, it doesn’t matter.” For that reason, functionality is top of mind when Amy embarks on her creative process. “I’m a very

visual person. I see a property and I get inspired thinking of what I can do with it.” But before she sets pen to paper, she has her clients fill out a design questionnaire, which illuminates details like: “do you cook?”; “what do you like to look at while you cook?”; “are you right or left handed?”; and “if you’re entertaining, how many people would you entertain?” These seemingly insignificant and often overlooked nuggets of information help Amy to paint a picture of the lives that will be led in the space she hopes to create and cater it accordingly. “Getting to know the client is really important because once I know the goal, all kinds of ideas start popping up.” Clearly her method is working, because most of her clients wind up as friends. “I have at least ten clients right now that won’t even buy anything without texting or calling me to make sure it will work with what they’ve already done!”

The most rewarding moment in all of this for Amy came a few nights before the clients had moved in after a few particularly stressful speedbumps were encountered in the projects final months (unrelated to the design portion of things). “One night she texted me a picture from her new sofa with a glass of wine and she said ‘this is everything. Thank

A scene that proves that beauty is often found in the simplest of places.

An industrial inspired staircase with a black railing acts as the gateway between floors, while the open concept lets sunlight stream in from above..

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you so much! It was so worth all the stress. I don’t know if I could have worked with a designer that hadn’t met me [in a place] where my vision felt important like you did.” Amy saved that text message as a reminder of the importance of her work and why she started down this path in the first place.

Now, Amy has over twenty projects under her belt and shows no signs of slowing down. It seems she got off on the right foot with this remodel, or perhaps more likely, her genius was always destined to shine through. Either way, we can’t wait to see what she does next!

Top: Amy’s design takes a small space and makes it feel big with a bold emerald green accent wall and dark wooden hues.

Bottom: A millwork marvel, this vanity acts as the perfect spot to stretch out your morning routine.

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C OASTAL Luxury

Design: Victoria Holmes, Holmes & Salter Photography: Abby Mims Faircloth, Abby Caroline Photography Text: Carlee Baigrie

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Lined with live oaks and drenched in salt-infused sunshine, this sunning property finds its perfect companion in the form of a client’s forever home thanks to Holmes & Salter.

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ucked away on a gorgeous waterfront property freckled with live oak trees “dripping with Spanish moss” on the coast of Savannah lies a Holmes & Salter client’s forever home. Designer, Victoria Holmes, describes the lot as “a special piece of land” that needed to stay center stage, and required a home with subtle and simple designs that complimented rather than overpowered their stunning views of Low Country. Holmes & Salter first got involved with their coastal clients in the Spring of 2015 when the couple reached out during the beginning phase of their new build. Their early involvement was a huge asset for everyone involved, allowing them to “prevent a lot of future headaches” by “planning furniture layouts, selecting lighting and nail[ing] down the millwork design all before plans were finalized.” Because they were able to plan so proactively with their desired aesthetic in mind, the homeowners were able to “move windows and doors, widen hallways, increase and decrease room sizes” on paper, preventing the costly endeavor of making changes with building already underway. The designers worked in tandem with an architect and builder to craft the perfect space for this family to plant their roots.

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A mix of open shelving and closed cabinetry allow for both the showcasing of more aesthetically pleasing kitchen ware, and hiding away any clutter.

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Homes & Salter approached this project like they typically do, with lengthy conversations aimed at discovering the client’s unique style and site visits with the clients to “get a feel for how they live” or hope to live.

“Function comes before form for us” shares Victoria, “so understanding the way our clients plan on using the space is vital to getting the design right.” Once conceptual layouts are completed, they dive into cosmetic aspects, or “the pretty stuff”, as Victoria endearingly refers to it.

With the family of four cooped up in a rental property during construction, the clock was ticking and their timeline was tight, which Victoria admits was one of the most challenging aspects of this project. “Luckily” Victoria shares, “the contractor was family and he put everything he had into this job; he was impressive with his push to the finish line and his coordination of the tradesman.” All the moving parts finally came together, and when it did, the homeowner's had 9,000 square feet to call their own, an expansive sanctuary that boasted 12 foot ceilings throughout the main floor and 10 foot ceilings on the upper level. Though ceiling heights of this caliber almost always lend a sense of luxury, Victoria cautions that it’s crucial to find the right pieces to prevent a space of this scale from feeling too “cavernous.” “We wanted to make sure the expansiveness didn’t become overwhelming” acknowledges Victoria. “We knew we were going to have to work hard to make it feel inviting and livable while at the same time maintaining the openness and airiness the clients were after. ”Paneling and shiplap offer texture along the home’s wide-surfaced walls, while 10-inch baseboards tame the space between floor and coffered ceilings, which are clad with Pecky Cypress.

Two sets of cozy armchairs arranged around a small-scale coffee table provide the perfect place to warm up around the fire or catch-up with old friends.

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“THIS HOME FEELS ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY, PERHAPS BECAUSE IT TAKES ITS CUES SO DILIGENTLY FROM THE NATURAL WORLD” A live-edge wooden barn door conveniently tucks away a mud room outfitted with built-ins—perfect for keeping little ones and all their gear organized and out of sight.

Also unique to the space is the kitchen island countertop, which is made out of a material called Vetrostone, a quartz composite “manufactured with sea glass, seashells, oyster shells, and other coastal materials,” strengthening this home’s bond with the land it lies on.

Perhaps especially so, since the Vetrostone is produced locally in a warehouse just 45 minutes away from the property. Because of this close proximity, the owners got the chance to visit the manufacturer in-person and hand select their countertop.

Victoria explains that this home’s particular brand of interior is common for the region; the request for “coastal, but not beachy” is commonplace, identified by its standard palette of “whites, blues, grays, and wooden accents,” but this home feels anything but ordinary, perhaps because it takes its cues so diligently from the natural world that surrounds the home. “We knew we would pull all of our inspiration from nature,” reveals Victoria. “The silvery moss…the ever-changing blues and whites of the sky and the soft greens in the marsh grass were all too beautiful to overlook and quickly became our jumping off point.”

In fact, when a few precious trees needed to be removed from the land to make room for the structure, the homeowners opted to salvage the wood and used it as lumber for the project, which added an element of “instant history” to this new build. These natural elements ground the sheer decadence of this home’s array of amenities, which include a home gym, which stretches out above the four-car garage and a collegiate sized basketball court in the side yard.

With its stunning ocean views and dreamy color palette, this home is rendered alive with the textures of nature and is firmly planted in its surroundings. It stands tall as proof of the power in simplicity and inspiration for all those with coastal aesthetics in mind. Hats off to Holmes & Salter and all those dedicated teams that helped breathe this forever home into life.

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Expertly curated shelves frame the perfect spot to curl up with a good book while a bold and intricate light fixture lends a flare of eccentricity and elegance all at once.

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a Vivid IMAGINATION Design: Danielle Loven, Vivid Interior Design Photography: Corey Gaffer Photography Text: Carlee Baigrie

A brilliant display of lights and an inkling of the wild-child persona outfit this home in a boldness of character that feels classic and fresh, calming and exhilarating.

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Wooden beams anchor a space overflowing with color and character. A true master of the art of vibrancy, Vivid achieves all this without overwhelming the eye.

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t’s hard to believe it, but the vibrant medley of color and texture that is this home began with just a single work of art. Full disclosure, it was an original portrait of Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, rendered in bold hues and graphic patterning, and its sensibility was the key informant for the design elements that would come to enliven the rest of the house. It does so somehow with equal parts elegance and individualism, a choice that reflects the eclectic and unruly tastes of this family of six: “fun with a classic touch”, as Danielle Loven, the lead designer on this project, describes it. Beyond the initial inspiration of that charmed canvas, the rest of the home built itself around Danielle’s vivid (we tried to avoid this adjective, but it’s too perfectly suited as a descriptor for this creative) imagination and the client’s vision. “My process is to do a visual listening and show clients images of various deigns and styles to see how they react and what they gravitate toward, like and dislike” reveals Danielle.

From there, she begins developing concepts for the areas requiring plumbing, appliance regions, and any other spaces that need hard, immovable fixtures.

“I like to close my eyes and imagine what I want the home to look like for the client and what will best fit what they’re dreaming of.” Danielle didn’t just want to capture her client’s unique style, she wanted to “expand upon it,” and improve her client’s lives by providing the perfect backdrop to live out their days in comfort. What Vivid achieves with Danielle’s design is simultaneously edgy and timeless, a microcosm of the duality that pervades the home.

Top: Patterned chairs extend the living room’s vivacious color scheme into the dining area, with rustic touches that bring a sense of earthliness.

Bottom: Details like this patterned rug and thoughtfully placed coffee table accents show off Danielle’s intuitive eye for design.

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Once Danielle had a handle on what she hoped to bring to life, she brought together the architect, builder, and the rest of the team and got to work.

Some of the most enjoyable parts of the project for Vivid were incorporating “custom elements” which added both function and “a one-of-a-kind luxury” to the space. One example of this remarkable attention to detail is the custom cocktail table, designed by Vivid themselves and manufactured nearby in Minneapolis.

Also indicative of Vivid’s design prowess are the neatly tucked ottomans, made locally as well. The Julie Dasher watercolor area rug that sweeps across the floor in dramatic fashion was also dreamt-up in-house, along with the geometric Opuzen fabric that outline the accent pillows, drapes, and dining chairs. But Vivid is familiar with going above and beyond for their clients. Where many designers stop at furnishings, they prefer to be “truly full service”; “we stop when styling is complete.” Elaborating further, Danielle shares they are happy to see their projects through all the way and provide “all of the furnishing elements that complete the lifestyle down to dishes and silverware and bedding!” Based on previous experiences the couple had had, Danielle made extra effort to assure her clients that they were with them every step of the way.

The home seems to make a dramatic turn at every corner, going from a bohemian beaded chandelier in the guest room to the Walker Zanger mosaic tiling that overlays the fireplace, but Vivid makes this all feel intentional and cohesive. Each element adds another layer of depth, helping to complete a look that can only be described as “bespoke.” Although dynamic and brimming with competitors to be the standout feature of the home, Danielle’s genius ensured that the couple’s starting point underscored the finished project: the client’s expertly arranged artwork collection is the true hero of this story.

Top: The bedroom takes a step into a dreamier palette, with gorgeous greys offering refuge and solace—the perfect place to hide out from the world in the company of cozy throws, pillows, and a tufted headboard.

Bottom: With no shortage of counterspace, this bathroom puts most kitchens to shame. A glass chandelier outfits the room with a generous helping of luxury.

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ALL ADVENTUROUS HOMES DO Design: Mel Bean Interiors Photography: Kacey Gilpin Text: Carlee Baigrie

These leopard-print chairs were a must-have for homeowners, and while Mel needed a little nudge, they wound up being a defining feature of this character-infused home.

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Mel Bean’s interior design career was born out of boldness, so it makes sense that her projects seem to follow suit with the same adventurous energy that refuses to be ignored.

The walls of the staircase offered the perfect opportunity to showcase the homeowner’s already extensive art collection in gallery form, with colorful prints and patterns adding to the home’s already energetic spirit.

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Mel Bean Interiors trades traditional neutrals for a bold navy, instantly providing personality and depth while brass hardware and bohemian accents elevate the design to stunning proportions.

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el was in her second year of pre-med at Oklahoma State University when she began wondering whether the path she had chosen would be enough for her. “I realized I just wasn’t passionate about what I was studying and I had the feeling… I needed more creativity,” reflects Mel. She promptly switched her major and fell in love, finally feeling she was headed in the right direction.

Although this seems like a sudden shift and a little risky, Mel was pragmatic about her choice to switch gears. She wanted further confirmation beyond her own inklings that her new journey was the right one for her. “In the summer of my sophomore year I went through the phone book—and I mean an actual phone book—and looked up every interior design and architecture firm in Oklahoma.” She explained to her prospective employers her situation, asking for an internship where she’d be happy to fulfil odd jobs like watering the plants, taking out the trash and vacuuming in exchange for immersion in the industry she one day hoped to participate in. “A lot of people politely declined,” admits Mel, ‘but then I had a few interviews and one firm hired me on and they also had an incredible showroom where I was able to help out, and then I eventually started helping out with design projects. I worked on and off with that firm until I graduated college.” This experience not only solidified Mel’s choice in career path, but it also gave her a valuable advantage when it came to finding work post-graduation. “I had several years of experience in the industry actually getting to help with projects and getting familiar with vendors,” shares Mel, adding “things I wouldn’t have necessarily gotten just from school.”

For Mel, following her intuition and being brave enough to change her course ended up paying off in a huge way, but on reflecting, she is surprised by her own courage. “I’m a driven person, I’m ambitious but I’m also pretty agreeable and I kind of go with the flow” explains Mel. “So I look back and I’m like wow that was pretty bold of me, I don’t know where that came from.” Wherever it came from, Mel’s knack for taking risks that produce stunning results shows no sign of fading, and her recent Tulsa project is no exception.

The project started with a young married couple who were soon to be expecting their first child. They had been searching for their forever home with no luck, until they found a new build in its final stages of renovation on the same street as the wife’s parents house—it felt like fate. The clients called Mel and explained that they’d be getting possession in a few weeks and would love to start construction on the elements they wanted to be changed as soon as possible. This made for a relatively “cramped initial design process” for Mel, but she and her team were up for the challenge, understanding better than most the importance of customizing a home for the individuals who will inhabit it. “I believe that each project should be completely customized and tailored to each client and so I don’t feel that any project should look like another. It’s great to be inspired by other projects and a lot of times that’s the best way a client can communicate their vision clearly, but

This image showcases Mel’s fearlessness when it comes to mixing patterns and often overlooked colors.

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I’m never into replicating what I see.” Although the home was technically nearly finished, there was still work to do to tailor the home to its new owners. In order to produce a space that “met and exceeded the needs” of her clients, Mel started by getting “inside the client's head as much as possible,” creating jointly accessible Pinterest pages, having upfront conversations about likes and dislikes, and getting into nitty gritty details like, “how many bras should I plan for in your closet?” The process can get very intimate. Once the initial vision is drawn up, which includes functional elements and layouts and over-arching color concepts, they can begin to chip away at the details as they go.

Mel made some impactful updates to the home, starting with painting the kitchen cabinets blue (previously white) to anchor the eclectic kitchen with a neutral navy that still provided enough visual variety for this bold family. She also swapped out all the hardware, created custom cabinetry in multiple areas of the home, re-wired the home for custom light fixtures to be scattered throughout the home, and completely re-worked the fireplace. The master bath was also given a magnificent upgrade, with a shower straight out of our wildest spa-dreams. Mel also notes, “rarely does a husband agree to a pale-pink bathroom wall, so we were pretty excited about that.”

The wife of this newlywed couple came into this project with more than your basic knowledge of interior design, helping move the project along smoothly and contributing to an excellent working relationship with Mel. “She, more than any other client before, came in with a clear knowledge of what she likes and doesn’t like,” shares Mel, elaborating to tell of her extensive knowledge of the design world. She came in hoping to use a wide range of elements and furniture pieces she had gathered throughout her life as well as some already selected new-buys. Mel remembers the butterfly wallpaper that she just had to incorporate.

Must-haves like these were a fun challenge to include: “for me, I was trying to find a way to use it that didn’t feel child-like and still felt sophisticated.” Her mission was accomplished by pairing it with an equally bold but decidedly chic custom magenta buffet and hutch: an elegant aside for cocktail preparations. Also an imperative for the client were the stunning leopard chairs that act as a focal This home office feels anything but dull; a contemplative blue balances the brightly colored wallpaper covering the upper half of the walls, while acrylic accents let the room’s permanent features shine in the spotlight.

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“ALTHOUGH PRACTICALLY NEON IN ITS VIBRANCY AND ITS WILLINGNESS TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND PUSH THE LIMITS, ALL THE BRILLIANT DISPLAYS OF COLOR, TEXTURE, AND PATTERN FEEL PERFECTLY IN SYNC”

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Hot pink isn’t necessarily what you would expect to see in a common space like this, but paired with deep emerald tiling and Mel’s expert eye, it feels perfectly placed.

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point in the living room: an ode to the wildness that clearly underlies the couple’s tastes. “I really was able to take her lead on a lot of those pieces” recalls Mel fondly, praising her clients for being “unafraid to make bold adventurous choices with color and pattern.” Continuing, Mel shares “we work with wonderful clients all the time but it’s rare to have a client that is just so willing to say ‘yes, I love it… that felt like the main difference between this and our other projects.”

Of course, the clients fell instantly in love with their new home (in fact, they’ve since partnered for another landscaping project), which Mel feels “came from a place of [her] really wanting it to be unique to them and represent who they are and how they live,” adding “and I think the home accomplishes that.” Although practically neon in its vibrancy and its willingness to think outside the box and push the limits, all the brilliant displays of color, texture, and pattern feel perfectly in sync. The mosaic of stimuli work perfectly in cohesion, preventing competing aspects from feeling overwhelming and creating a home that is indicative of both a vivacious young family and an adventurous designer with a keen eye for detail.

Mel’s adventurous design style feels ideal for creating spaces made for younger souls, black trim framing a textured ceiling lends a boyish playfulness to this nursery, which is sure to evolve and adapt to its tenant with ease.

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LIVI N G WE L L

e l l e B e Th k c o l B e h

Your front door is your first chance to make a good impression; it speaks to the personality of your space (and the people who live inside it!) and acts as a gateway from the outside world to your own little sanctuary. A front door upgrade is an easy way to elevate your property and give

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it a defining feature that passersby and visitors alike will instantly take note of. The best part about a front door makeover is that it requires minimal effort (just a coat of paint and a few accessories will do), while still making a big impact. So go ahead, pep up those front steps!

Text by: Carlee Baigrie | Kelli Boyd | Photography; Designer: Calimia Home

h t f o ďż˝

e s a ploeme i� c� Think of your address plaque as your home’s signature. It may seem straight forward enough, but there are plenty of options out there for personalization! Think about what fonts, colors, and metals best reflect the feel of your home.

R

ule number one in designing a front door scheme: don’t be afraid to go bold! A fresh coat of paint in a vibrant color (preferably one that contrasts and compliments the other exterior colors of your home) goes a long way. Once you’ve nailed down the color concept for your door, reach outwards and select accessories that help to compliment the shade, adding texture and detail as you go along.

Invest in a solid porchlight: not only will it save you time and frustration stumbling for your keys after dark, but it will also help to highlight your new space!

There are so many overlooked opportunities on a front porch to add subtle details that make a lasting impression, right down to your planter hangers!

Wreaths aren’t just for the winter months! Use the seasons as a guide and match the aesthetic to the colors you already have at play.

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th� nees k s bee' � Sometimes simplicity is best! A monochromatic wreath will work wonders to tie your space together without complicating the design too much or adding in too many clashing colors.

E

A welcome matt is the perfect way to make a statement to your guests about who you are. Get creative and don’t be afraid to think outside the box!

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The outline of this address plaque mimics the outline of the doorframe, adding a sense of cohesion to the overall look.

ven if you’re not quite ready to branch out into a full-blown paint makeover, there are still subtle changes you can make to spice things up a little. This scene makes traditional feel fresh and exciting with décor elements alone. A brightly colored mailbox adds just the right splash of color, while the vintage-inspired address plaque brings a sense of austerity, balancing out the playfulness of the bee-motif welcome matt.

Yellow is a color that instantly evokes optimism: perfect for greeting happy houseguests!

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These geometric lines and sharp angles play nicely off the crisp contours of the door frame.

The old school feel of this light fixture adds a retro-sensibility to this otherwise modern look.

cottage chic While we’d avoid the written notations of homes with four-digit addresses, a one or two word address scrawled in cursive is undeniably cute!

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door without a window can sometimes fall a little flat, but it’s a great chance to experiment with a daring and bold color, which can help add some depth and intrigue to any facade.

Contrasting elements can also help to keep things feeling fresh and exciting. Remember that you don’t always have to stick to neutrals when complimenting a bold color: sometimes two equally vibrant shades work just as well!

Nautical-inspired elements are perfect for lakeside retreats.

Consider objects in varying shapes in lieu of a round wreath for a whimsical look.

We sometimes see so many of the standard natural coir-colored welcome matts that we forget they can be vehicles for color too!

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e m o c l e W ome h�

White fixtures or accents feel coastal and airy! A bit of black contrast bolsters the look so it retains a marked presence.

Simple, yet effective.

Sometimes classic is the best way to go!

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A brightly-colored mailbox leaves little room for confusion, and it helps to highlight the beautiful blue of the door!

his doorway scene speaks volumes with its textured finish in an Easter-egg blue. The shade feels beachy and inviting all at once, while the intricate door handle lends a sense of luxury and old-world charm, making it feel a little more sophisticated. Geometric contours give the eye a sense of direction and provide the space with a little more depth, all while subliminally ushering visitors inside!

Get quirky with your welcome matt! Give your guests a sense of what you’re about… especially if you’re a cat-lover (there’s no shortage of cat-oriented welcome matts on the internet—as you might have guessed).

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Grill out, Photography & Styling by Brian Johnson & Rachael King Johnson

Chill out

SUCCULENT, SAUCY RIBS GRILLED TO PERFECTION. CHALLENGE SOMEONE TO A RIB-OFF; WITH THIS FALL-OFFTHE-BONE RECIPE, YOU’RE SURE TO BE THE GRILL MASTER. OPPOSITE: FRUITY AND FRESH RASPBERRY RHUBARB SANGRIA, A STARTER COCKTAIL SURE TO PLEASE EVERYONE .

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THE WORD "COLESLAW" COMES FROM THE DUTCH WORD "KOOLSLA" WHICH MEANS CABBAGE SALAD.

S U E s7u m m e r 2012 7070I S

A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE PERFECT OUTDOOR DINING NOOK, FLANKED ALL AROUND WITH SHADE PLANTS AND A BEAUTIFUL CANOPY OF TREES OVERHEAD.

SAUCEY-SMOTHERED RIBS MARINADE 2 slabs rib, cut into 4 rib sections 1 can beer ¼ cup soy sauce 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 4 cloves garlic, quartered ½ onion, sliced 1 tbsp beef & steak spice mix Apple Juice 1. P lace ribs in a roasting pan or casserole dish, sprinkle generously with the beef & steak spice on the meaty side.

2. Cover and refrigerate for 1-4 hours.

3. Place garlic & onion on top & around the rib pieces. Dash soy sauce & Worcestershire over ribs, hitting each piece. Pour can of beer carefully down the side of pan or dish so not to disturb spices & sauces on top. Add apple juice in the same fashion as the beer to bring the liquid in pan or dish high enough to meet the top of the rib piece, but not cover it.

5. Cover & let marinade in the refrigerator for approx. 4 hours.

6. Turn ribs over & let marinade for another 4 hours (this can also be overnight if desired).

7. Heat oven to 250° & cover ribs with tin foil. Bake low & slow for 3 hours, allowing them to cool in their marinade. ** Rib Recipe Continued on Page 73

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Sometimes rhubarb gets a bad rap.

We wholeheartedly vote to bring it back into fashion, as we love it so! Featured in our starter cocktail, in our chutney and in our dessert, we simply can't get enough. We called the evening our Rhubar-BQ!

RHUBARB UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

THIS PRETTY CAKE WITH ITS SWEET-TART CONTRADICTION FOR YOUR TASTE BUDS IS ABSOLUTE PERFECTION! TRY IT WITH A DOLLOP OF CRÈME FRAICHE.

½ cup salted butter ¾ cup flour ¼ cup sugar ½ cup salted butter 1 cup sugar 1 ½ cups flour 1 ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp orange zest 1 tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice 2 eggs 1 cup sour cream ¼ cup salted butter, cut into pieces 4 cups rhubarb, trimmed & cut sharp diagonally about ½" thick ½ cup sugar 1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Mash together the first three ingredients with a fork or pastry blender until crumbly.

3. Grease an 8" square pan & line with parchment paper. Dot with ¼ cup butter, cut into pieces.

4. Mix rhubarb with ½ cup sugar and let stand for two minutes, then toss again.

5. Whisk together flour and baking powder.

Then beat ½ cup butter with 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.

6. Beat in orange zest and juice. Beat in eggs one at a time until incorporated.

Alternatively beat in thirds of the flour mixture and sour cream until smooth.

7. Toss rhubarb again and spread in the pan.

Spread cake mixture evenly over rhubarb and cover with crumb mixture.

8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool for 10 minutes, then turn out to cool completely.

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(Continued from Page 71)

SAUCE 2 tbsp olive oil ¼ cup minced onion 3 cloves minced garlic ½ cup salted butter 1 cup ketchup 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp red wine vinegar ¼ cup packed brown sugar 1 tsp dry mustard 2 tsp chili powder ¼ tsp ground ginger 1 tbsp beef & steak spice mix ½ cup molasses 1. H eat oil in a small saucepan over medium low, sauté onion & garlic until onion is soft and clear.

2. Reduce heat to low & add the remaining ingredients. Combine well & bring to a boil while stirring. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, & reduce heat back to low until you are ready to use the sauce.

3. Put ribs on preheated grill & baste with the sauce to crisp & caramelize. **Ribs will be very tender & fall from the

bone. Move them carefully from pan to grill – it's best to cradle the entire rib piece in tongs & only turn once.

KOHL-SLAW 8 small kohlrabi 1 large carrot 5 radishes ½ cup Miracle Whip ¼ cup sour cream 2 tbsp mustard 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp fresh orange juice ½ ince piece fresh ginger, peeled & grated Salt & fresh ground pepper 1 apple (optional)

1. W hisk together Miracle Whip, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, orange juice, ginger, and salt & pepper. Refrigerate for at least one hour.

2. Peel & julienne kohlrabi, carrots, & radishes. A julienne peeler gives a pretty presentation but takes time – feel free to use another method as desired.

3. Combine veggies in a bowl & toss with dressing. Julienne apple just before serving & toss into salad.

GREEN BEANS Blanche green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain, dollop with butter as desired, and season to taste with coarse sea salt.

GARLIC BREAD ¼ cup butter ¼ cup mayonnaise ¼ cup Parmesan cheese Cayenne pepper to taste 1 loaf unsliced French bread 1. C ut French bread into thick slices, three quarters of the way through, leaving envelopes between each slice.

2. Combine remaining ingredients & mix well. Spread butter mixture between the bread slices in the envelope, getting some on both sides of the bread. Be generous.

3. Wrap in foil & grill with indirect heat until butter is melted and toast is crispy, or place it in the oven at 400° for 10 minutes.

RHUBARB CHUTNEY 3 cups chopped rhubarb ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup water 1 apple, 1 cup peeled & chopped ½ cup dried cranberries 1 tbsp minced ginger ½ tsp salt ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground cloves 1. Combine rhubarb, sugar, water, apple, cranberries, & ginger in a saucepan & cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally, cooking for 10 minutes.

2. Once fruit has softened and mixture has thickened, stir in salt, cinnamon, & cloves. Remove from heat.

3. Your rhubarb chutney should be a great compliment to many meals.

To preserve, pour into sterilized jars & refrigerate for up to 1 month.

RAZZY RHUBARB SANGRIA ¼ cups sugar ½ cup water 2 rhubarb stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces ½ cup fresh orange juice (from 1 orange) 1 orange, halved & cut into ¼" slices 1 cup fresh raspberries 1 litre chilled club soda 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled sparkling wine Ice 1. I n a saucepan, combine sugar & water to make a simple syrup. Bring to a boil then add rhubarb. Remove from heat & let cool to room temperature.

2. In a pitcher or punch bowl, combine orange juice, orange, & raspberries.

Add cooled rhubarb mixture, soda, sparkling wine, & ice.

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E XPL O R ER

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TThe he Portland P ort la n d R e p ort report known for its forward-thinking mentality and booming artistic community, and delivering its unique brand of eccentric tastes as an embracing hug, it’s the perfect place to set your sights this spring.

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iStockphoto

The Hippest Ci ty The hippest city In in The the USA usa

iStockphoto

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he city of Portland sits straddling the Columbia and Willamet rivers, with the snow-capped summit of Mount Hood overlooking, the city sits cradled by the landscape’s tremendous beauty and sheltered by a near-constant cover of clouds, as if the sky were trying to hide America’s best kept secret. Micro-breweries and mom-and-pop coffee shops (that appear to have just escaped from a Wes Anderson film) scatter the streets, offering the life-giving liquids that fuel the city to its populace by the cup-full. The city somehow manages to feel bohemian without coming across as derivative or succumbing to its reputation as pretentious. In fact, Portland feels decidedly authentic, with its impassioned population genuinely happy to contribute to a society who’s values have been praised for their progressiveness, from environmental stainability to social inclusion. It’s inhabitants seem to have created a time-warp, in which nostalgia is the monetary system of choice. Perhaps this is why Portland has gained such notoriety in recent years; as society begins to question the cost of rapid economic advancement, we intuitively reach to the past. It is simultaneously ahead of its time and stuck in

the past, in the best ways possible. Portland seems to have never forgotten the value of community, holding true to traditional values without sacrificing modern perspectives. Small businesses thrive, and people prefer home-made, community-based, local services and goods above the mass-marketed.

On Saturday afternoons from March through December, the city’s residents gather to visit Portland’s Saturday Market, which acts as home for a day to local artisans and makers of all trades, lining their booths with pottery, homemade clothing, and other wares for purchase. Local music enlivens the streets with a never-ending loop of soulful tunes and riffs, while visitors and Portlandians alike drift excitedly through the maze.

If you’re wanting a keep sake to remember your trip, this would be the place to get it.

It should come as no surprise that this cultural mecca is also home to the world’s largest independent book store, Powell’s City of Books.

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Beer can be found in most places (including over 50% of the city’s movie theatres), and great-tasting, local food is in no short supply either. Maurice is a favorite for many, with its classically elegant interiors, meticulously prepared fare, and leisurely vibe; stop by for a sandwich and a sweet treat for a mid-day break. The comfort-food coven that is Screen Door is also great for a hardier meal (their mac and cheese is to die-for). Ava Gene’s is an outstanding choice for an Italianinspired dinner, and Beast is the spot for a luxury culinary experience (complete with a wine tasting menu to match its delicious plates).

You’ll stumble into live music at every turn and public places are immersed in art, but it’s a good idea to check out Portland’s Art Museum to get a better taste of the local flavor and a greater understanding of the local talent brewing in this city. Give yourself the time to stumble into odd shops and explore the city’s parks (Washington Park is a cherished meeting-place for many): inspiration is everywhere you look.

But most of all, you’ll want to make sure you let yourself take in your surroundings. Ask a local about themselves. Spend an afternoon wandering around, and don’t worry about getting lost. In fact, we recommend it.

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he store covers a sprawling 68,000 square feet, spread over nine different rooms: the perfect place for lit-lovers to settle in among the stacks bursting with stories from forgotten gems to eclectic memoirs. Locals have described the store as a microcosm for the city itself. For those interested in learning more about Portland’s origins and historical roots, visit Pittock Mansion, a turn-of-the-century estate converted into a museum hiding in the West Hills which also houses a stunning view of the city space from above Another must-see while in the city is the world-renowned Portland Japanese Garden, which was dubbed “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan”

by Nobuo Matsunaga, the former ambassador of Japan to the United States. The enchanting space is located in the upper hills of Washington Park, and it looks out onto the city, yes another memorable view of the city from above. The garden stretches a twelve acres scattered with wandering streams, eight unique garden styles, and an authentic Japanese Tea House. It’s the perfect oasis for an elongated exhale to relax and recharge after experiencing the rush of the city. Another notable green space worth ducking into?

The International Rose Test Garden, adored nation-wide as a jewel of the west, littered with hundreds of rows of delicate roses.

ISTOCKPHOTO iStockphoto

"Portland is simultaneously ahead of its time & stuck in the past, in the best ways possible."

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01

INTERNATIONAL ROSE TEST GARDEN

Places places To visit: Visi t to

Don’t miss out on these local destinations to make sure you experience the city’s vibrant scene in full.

America’s longest running Rose Test Garden, housing an astounding 10,000 roses. A feast for the eyes and a slice of history.

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PORTLAND'S SATURDAY MARKET

A weekend ritual for locals and the perfect crash-course in Portland’s culture for tourists filled with home-made wares of all forms and function.

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THE PORTLAND ART MUSEUM

A vibrant depiction of Portland’s commitment to supporting the maintenance of their artistic community. The building offers free admission on Fridays between 4pm and 8pm.

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68,000 square feet of spine-ridden shelves. A must-see for the lit-lover or the tourist interested in seeing a physical representation of the city’s obsession with arts and culture.

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iStockphoto

BONUS LOCATION: POWELL'S CITY OF BOOKS

BRAND POWER YO U WO N ’ T F IND ANY WHERE ELSE

© CBD Group RCBG4/20

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T OO L BO X

CUT FLOWERS written by: carlee baigrie

consumers, splurging on the store-bought variety often feels unnecessary.

Instead, opt to cut and create your own display with these simple steps.

And remember, inspiration is all around you!

iStockphoto

Floral Bouquets are always in style. Whether you’re sending off a welldeserved thank-you, celebrating a special occasion, or merely in need of a reminder of the beauty in the world, a fresh arrangement of petals always seems to do the trick. But in the world of diy and locally-minded

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TIP 01:

WARM WATER RULES!

Put cut flowers into warm water (think bath temperature—but not strip-your-skin-off hot!). Warm water travels up the stem better and faster than cool or cold water, actually allowing it to reach the flower heads and rejuvenate the plant’s petals. In fact, re-cutting and re-adding warm water is an old florist’s trick to force some stubborn flower heads to blow open. One of the few exceptions is tulips; use cold only (it’s a spring bulb thing).

TIP 02:

HAVE BUCKET, WILL TRAVEL

Take a vase or bucket of warm water with you if you’re going to stop and cut daisies on the way to the cabin. Don’t overfill the bucket or vase, or your passenger (the one stuck holding the vase) will have a very wet lap by the time you get there. My usual road trip arsenal includes a good pair of shears and a 5 gallon bucket with a lid. Luckily, once the flowers are in, the water’s less mobile, and your passenger will get less wet. In the garden, a large vase or jug works well. Place the stems directly into your container as you go. You can still take them out to clean and arrange the blooms later, but you’ll reduce water loss (i.e. droopy heads) by getting the flowers drinking as soon as they’re cut.

TIP 03:

THOU SHALT USE SHEARS!

Technically a good sharp knife will work in a pinch, but shears are easier, and ultimately lead to less thumb bleeding. I know that the hard-core gardeners out there probably have a trowel and shears stashed under the seat of the car right now (or possibly their purse). Plant stems are built like a bundle of very long, tiny straws, which run from root to shoot tip—the straws need a clean cut to draw the water up the stem. Scissors and rusty or blunt shears have a tendency to crush the stems. In addition, your garden and roadside plants are not specifically bred for the floral industry (selected to survive an 8+ hour international flight, wait in a fridge, and still drink in a vase).

TIP 04:

PRACTICE GOOD ETIQUETTE – STICK TO THE DITCH!

Never cut rare or endangered plants. You might think a wood lily or orchid looks lovely in the vase, but they also look lovely in their natural setting. When you remove the flower, you’re also removing the subsequent seed. Members of the aster family (golden rod, fall asters, and any cultivated escapees—daisies and tansy) are easily found along roadways and waste places, and drink well as cut flowers. Just keep the daisy and tansy heads from spreading their seed around (throw them into the garbage after using). Even grasses and willow branches are nice choices for foliage, and can be harvested responsibly without depleting native stock. And please, no picking in the park—any park.

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TIP 05:

REMEMBER YOUR GREENS

The old adage “know the rules, before you break them” applies here; don’t forget to use some greenery. Adding foliage to your vases not only makes the flowers easier to arrange, but adds texture and fullness to the arrangement. Techniques vary, but I often add some greenery first to bulk out the container and get the general desired shape, then place the flower stems, and add more greenery if needed. To add grasses, pinch a few stems together and place them as a group (so that the stems stay sturdy and workable). Grasses, willow (and many woody shrubs), peony leaves, all make easy choices for the garden florist—but you’ll need to use the shears to get the woody stems to drink.

TIP 06:

SPECIAL OCCASIONS TAKE SPECIAL MEASURES

If you’re cutting flowers for a big day (like Nanny’s tea-party themed 80th Birthday), cut a few more blooms than you need. Remember that garden blooms are more temperamental than flower shop blooms, so let them drink a few hours overnight before you arrange them. Only pick the best of the best for the final arrangements, and keep them out of direct sunlight. Much like trying a new recipe at your dinner party, the “big day” is not the day to learn which flowers will work, and which won’t—experiment first so you’ll have stunning results when you need them. It’s also worth a mention that day lily and bearded iris individual blooms only last one day (hence: “Day” lily), so add these (after taking off spent blooms) the “day of ” to keep the arrangements picture-perfect.

TIP 07:

BUGGY BLOOMS

Peonies are probably the most notorious of the buggy blooms—ironically, they make a fabulous cut flower if you can get past the ant thing. Many unwanted flower passengers can be removed by a gentle upside down shake (the flowers, not you!). For more stubborn critters (like ants on peonies) you can follow the quick shake with a dunk in cold water (again, the flowers, not you!). Fill a bucket or the sink with cold water and swish the blooms for a few seconds. Don’t soak flowers with fluffy stems or delicate blooms (like fall asters, or geraniums)—you’re just going to have to flick the bugs off those guys!

TIP 07:

FLOWER POWER

Arguably the most important tip is to grow the flowers you love—so that you can enjoy them on your dinner table, as well as in the garden. Experiment with the flowers in your garden (or the annuals in your pots). If one of your perennials is having a “leggy” summer and shooting towards the heavens (which happens with excessively rainy seasons followed by heat), take it as a sign that you need some cut flowers in the house, and cut them for the vase before the next storm cuts them for you. Even doing dishes is more pleasant with a vase, jar, or tea cup of cut flowers by the sink. Be creative and bring your lovely garden show-offs inside.

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INS ID ER

2020 COLOR OF THE YEAR CHINESE PORCELAIN PPG1160-6 86

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W HY BLUE?

In time of change, BLUE represents a safe haven BLUE is calming; something stable to hang onto in an unstable world BLUE is the color of knowledge, integrity and stability BLUE is both secure and promising BLUE is the best possible entry point from the world of neutrals to the world of colors The favorite of a large majority, BLUE is utterly likeable. It is the safest and the most loyal color amongst the spectrum And BLUE is the perfect backdrop for vivacious colors to pop BLUE impacts slowness, quells anxiety and encourages restful sleep

Walls: Caliente AF-290, Trim: White Opulence

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An ideal color for the bedroom for its calming influence, Chinese Porcelain also infuses the space with a healthy dose of charisma.

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<<Energetic and

Beautiful.>>

Chinese Porcelain is a dynamic blue, but it is still versatile enough to compliment the gamut of design styles from Traditional to Transitional to Contemporary.

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The best paint jobs start with No two surfaces are alike — that’s why starting with the right prep can make all the difference. With a family of tapes designed specifically for your surface, Scotch® Painter’s Tape helps you prep right for professional-looking results.

© 3M 2020. All rights reserved. 3M, Scotch, ScotchBlue, Edge-Lock and the BLUE color of the tape are trademarks of 3M.

COV ER FORM U L A

color of the year ChinesE

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GRACEFUL PPG 1152-5 • • • • •

My favorite stonewashed jeans Summers at the lake A groovy old pickup truck Paul Newman’s eyes Baby’s first onesie

SUMMER BREEZE PPG 1139-1 • • • • •

Vintage Jadeite milk glass Strolling through a greenhouse Homemade pistachio pudding A field of Kentucky bluegrass A rotary dial telephone

N E U T R A L COL ORS ARE A SAFE, TIM E L E SS, A ND CHI C WAY T O DE C OR ATE, BUT SOMETI MES T HAT R E C IP E C AN L EAVE YOU WAN T IN G T O A D D J U ST A L I TTL E SOMETHIN G TO Y O U R MAI NLY WHI TE, BEIGE, A N D G R AY SPA CE. NO MATT ER Y OU R C O M F ORT L EVEL , THERE'S A WAY TO I NCORPORATE A S M ALL DOSE OF C OL OR I NTO ANY SPAC E. TRY PA IN T I NG THESE EL EME N T S A R O U N D Y O U R HOME…WE BET YO U C A N ’T STOP AT JUST ONE!

F

irst impressions are everything, and color undoubtedly meets you with a firm handshake and an engaging presence at the moment you meet it. The right color can make or break any space and the landscape of color trends evolves continuously. While tried and true classic colors like bright and beautiful whites, grays (both cool and crisp as well as muted and warm) and dramatic statements in many measures of black are here to stay, there are many design settings where distinct shades will continue to evolve. We encourage you to experiment with the color trends of 2020 in ways both big and small, bold and bashful but always with the confidence that the perfect color choice is the one you LOVE!

ARTESIAN WELL PPG 1231-5 • • • • •

A bouquet of peacock feathers A piece of turquoise jewellery 1950’s kitchen appliances Woodland kingfishers A tiled Moroccan dome

• Mailbox • Pots and planters • Picture frames • End tables • Occasional chairs • Door • Window frame • Lamp • Stair riser • Powder room vanity SPR ING 2020

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s n ee r g s u o e g r o g t u o r o e d i s n i Moss Ring PPG 1130-6

Deep Emerald PPG 1148-7

Color trends this year are heading back to nature, and all its bounty.

Biophillic design is on everyone's mind. Greens feel authentic and organic and are amongst the most important colors for 2020 across the board.

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Colors in Context: It's All in the Details

W

e’ve all been there: you’re scrolling Pinterest and you stumble upon a stunning space that brings several design elements together as if they were invented with the room’s sole purpose in mind, and you’re thinking, how do they do that? You can identify pieces that you like and colors that spark joy to you, but when it comes to bringing those elements together, you feel like you wouldn’t know where to start. The truth is, there is no shortage of phenomenal designers out there producing amazing spaces that are completely worthy of our admiration, but being able to piece together your own vision isn’t as complicated or out of reach as you might think! Sometimes, it’s just about finding a starting point and choosing supporting elements that align with your first pick. As the most permanent

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aspect of most spaces (with the exception of flooring and built-in furniture), paint color is a great place to begin. Think about how you want to feel in the space, what you’ll be using it for. To entertain, to relax and recharge, to spend quality time with loved ones? Depending on the function of the space, you’ll likely have different ideas of the colors that will help evoke those feelings or support that activity. Then, you’re set to start perusing the paint chips in search of your perfect match. Once you find it, we recommend creating a sort of vision board, testing out elements that you think would pair nicely, trading items in and out as you progress. We’ve put together a few helpful examples of how you can do this so you can feel empowered to bring your own ideas and design concepts to fruition!

Rabbit PPG15-11

BASHFUL BLUSH This golden hue is bold and luxurious, so the muted elements of the rug, wallpaper, and pillow covers help to keep the opulence of the color in check, preventing it from feeling too overwhelming. Simple strips contrast the busier prints, while subtle baby blues and dusty pinks compliment one another effortlessly.

SUNNY SKIES Chinese Porcelain PPG1160-6

This stunning palette screams optimism with its warm gestures and bold blues. A particularly saturated hue like this blue paint color needs lighter shades to keep things from feeling weighed down, and the baby blues and stripped patterns of the textiles help bring these contrasting colors into cohesion.

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Sea Anemone PPG1056-1

DELICATE AND DREAMY This muted color scheme feels romantic, intimate, and ideal for a bedroom. Instead of letting bright colors play off one another, the elements of this palette stay relatively monochromatic. The wallpaper matches perfectly to the paint color, adding elegant details for depth, while light greys layer in a feeling of comfort in abundance.

COOL, CALM, AND COLLECTED

Donegal PPG1138-4

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This palette begins with a subtle green paint color, drawing inspiration outward into a stunning wallpaper that provides a sense of expansiveness.

Charcoal grey tiles help ground the other elements, while a tweedpatterned grey rug lends an airiness to the concept, tying it all together.

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Self piping (using the same fabric as the body of the pillow to trim the edges) of throw cushions ups the style ante and immediately adds a sense of grandeur in the quietest way.

Streamlined contrast piping on sofa frames and seat cushions define the edges and style of any piece. Use complimentary piping or even bold contrasting colors to make a real statement.

Adornments to occasional pieces like filigree, fretwork or pierced motifs can be understated accents when used sparingly and in monochromatic applications.

A thick and boldly bound edge will take any area rug from boring to bespoke and add an extra dose of room delineation.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The details are not the details, they make the design.â&#x20AC;?

Charles Eames

With current trends tilting toward revisiting design days when more was more those with minimalist sensibilities might begin to feel slight decor anxiety. But mavens of moderation need not fear as simple details can still exude the luxury that comes with decorative embellishments. Forego beaded fringe and ball tassels for simple and well appointed tailoring and accents that will have spaces feeling chic and comfortable and well situated under-the-top.

T U O T U C T O N E YOU’R S R E N R O C G N I T T F O R C U her are we Neit

If you’re doing-it-yourself, do it right with PPG PaINTS™.

For a confident finish with quality products and industry-leading color expertise, visit a PPG Paints retailer near you and get started!

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Our Top 12 Accent Colors for 2019