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Feb 28

CanStructing for Oregon’s Most Vulnerable

We love an opportunity to give back to the community while showing off our design-build chops. Which is why we are so excited about partnering with Ankrom Moisan Architecture to participate in this year’s Canstruction event.

The event, which takes place April 22nd through the 28th at Pioneer Place Mall in Portland, pits area construction and design firms against each other to see who can make the most creative, mind-bending structure entirely out of canned food. The contest is a benefit for one of Oregon’s top non-profits, the Oregon Food Bank.

Each team has only seven hours from start to finish to create their magnum opus, making the contest both a design and project management challenge. Awards are given out (last year we won the People’s Choice Award!) and all of the cans used in the design are ultimately donated to the Oregon Food Bank.

Check out our award winning collaboration with Ankrom Moisan from last year- a replica of the St. John’s Bridge:

We can’t give away the secret for this year’s design, but we can give you a hint: we’ll be sourcing some locally canned Oregon seafood ( salmon, oysters, maybe sardines?) and some cool water bottles for the project.

Would you like to donate to the Oregon Food Bank in support of our Canstruction project? The gift is tax deductible and will help Arciform and Ankrom/Moisan win the “Most Meals” award. Click here to donate in Arciform’s honor and join us in helping Oregon’s most vulnerable families!

We look forward to seeing you at Canstruction in April!

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Feb 25

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Add a Little Spring Sparkle to Your Bathroom

When you’ve been through 7 solid months of dark and drizzly days, it can be hard to get motivated to get going in the morning.

Today we’ve been inspired by this great post full of art deco era bathrooms in bright pastels from Retro Renovations to consider how the thoughtful application of luminous spring colors can perk up your morning routine and counteract the grey Northwest winters.

These Arciform bathroom renovations are great examples of how fresh colors and gorgeous vintage fixtures can add personality and charm to your powder room.

Pale sky colors can bring out the intriguing roof lines of a upstairs bathroom while bead board and a beautiful claw foot tub are a nod to the home’s 19th century history.

Sunny yellow keeps things light and bright when complemented with penny round tile and a beautiful diamond clerestory window.

Paint isn’t the only way to add pop to your bathroom. A border of bright tile adds energy to the bathroom of this Pearl District loft when combined with surprise splashes of tangerine on unusual surfaces (like the cabinet fronts and the edge of the door).

This Southwest Portland bathroom uses scattered blue and green tile to create an effervescent effect on the walls, giving a small bathroom big personality. The vivid blue sink and a salvage dresser as a wash stand brings the whole fun and eclectic look together.

How can Arciform help you put a little spring in your step in the mornings? Join us February 18th for a Master Suite Design Workshop to get inspired for your next project. Details and RSVP here.

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Feb 19

5 Tips to Transform Your Master Suite into a Home Retreat

A restful, well designed master suite can have a huge impact on the quality of your relationship – creating a private retreat from the world that celebrates who you are together and keeps you focused on the values you both share.

When planning for your dream master suite, these 5 tips from Arciform owner and senior designer Anne De Wolf can help you frame your goals and ensure you end up with a space that is both restful and rejuvenating for the relationship at the heart of your home:

1. Consider the view: What do you want to fall asleep to at night and wake up to in the morning? Is there a work of art or photograph that brings you happy memories or takes you away to a favorite place? A window view of your favorite backyard tree? Arrange your master suite so that the things that inspire you most are right in your line of sight when you are snuggled in bed.
Feng Shui tip: Arrange your bed so that your feet don’t point towards the door. Send your energy towards a great view (as in the picture above) or an inspiring image, whenever possible.

2. What sound scape will make for a more restful retreat? Consider insulating the walls of your master suite to block out household and neighborhood noises. Then add artfully placed speakers and a discreet music system to help set the mood for relaxation or play. But leave the other electronic devices out of your room – TVs, computers, or phones can divert your attention back to the cares of the world. Your bed should be a place of rest or play… not work.

3. Consider romance: Do soft and silky textures make you feel frisky? Do you prefer lighting that creates shadowy drama or playful colors? A favorite robe laid across the bed or a thick and luxurious rug can create an invitation to adventure. And think about mirrors: A surprise peek at an artfully placed reflection can keep the home fires… aflame.

4. What do you wear that you’d love to display? A picture frame can be used to show off favorite jewelry, while a dress form can brighten a corner with a dress you love. Conversely, what do you wear that you’d prefer to keep tucked out of sight? Have a space for undressing that has built in, convenient solutions for gathering laundry and keeping your room clutter-free.

5. What colors will lull you to sleep (or kick-start your day?) A simple tone on tone palette of greys and blues or warm earth tones can soothe the eye and keep the worries of the day from intruding on your private retreat at night. If you find you have trouble sleeping, a restful palette might be for you. By contrast, if you have trouble pulling yourself out of bed in the morning, a palette of light and airy colors might help you get in gear for the day.

A master suite should be as personal and unique as the couple who calls it home. How can Arciform help you transform your bedroom into an at home retreat?

Photos in this post by Photo Art Portraits of Arciform Clients in SW Portland, Forest Park and Mt Tabor.

Ready to turn your master suite into a home retreat? Join us February 18th for a Master Suite Design Workshop to get inspired for your next project. Details and RSVP here.

Explore the Arciform Photo Galleries | All About Arciform | Schedule a Design Consultation

Feb 5

A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place

Tired of tripping over the rain boots, digging for the car keys or looking at the litter box? Our own Kristyn Bester shares some clever design solutions to de-clutter your space in this month’s issue of NW Renovations. Check it out here