Posts from the ‘Designer Picks’ Category

Jul 9

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Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest | Bracket F | Division

Up next the lodge-like style of Nostrana is up against the rustic Woodsman Tavern.

Whose design details would you steal in our Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest? Read on.

Want to play along at home and win dinner for 2? Here’s how to do it:

Complete and submit a bracket by July 10th
Vote in the comments for which restaurant’s vibe you’d most like to steal for your own home

Click here for more information and contest rules.

Nostrana

Known for their seasonally influenced Italian dishes served in a cozy lodge-like environment.

Stealable Idea #1: Dramatic Lighting

Dramatic lighting fixtures can liven the space up, which is why we love this wrought iron piece.

A dramatic fixture with some sparkle. Design by Anne De Wolf.

For dramatic lighting pieces, 1stdibs has some great options.

Stealable Idea #2: Tinted Plaster Walls

The tinted plaster walls add to the ambiance of this Italian-inspired eatery.

Tinted plastered walls in this 1908 home make the space warm and inviting. Design by Anne De Wolf.

John Macnab Plastering is our go-to for all of our plastering needs.

The Woodsman Tavern

This rustic spot serves small plates and inventive cocktails.

Stealable Idea #1: Unique Lighting Fixtures

This rustic piece is the perfect fit for the space and it’s on a pulley!

This antler chandelier is a focal point in this nook. Design by Kristyn Bester.

A focal point of the room, this antler chandelier was rigged to a salvaged pulley system. Design by Kristyn Bester.

We recommend Pottery Barn and Old Portland Hardware and Architectural for cool, unique pieces.

Stealable Idea #2: Millwork Details

The millwork detail around the bar is romantic and dramatic.

Striking staircase millwork in this 1909 home. Design by Anne De Wolf.

With a catalog of over 500 custom ground woodworking knives, Versatile Wood Products can shape your mouldings and other wood details to any shape you desire.

Time to choose, which style would you steal for your home? Pick one and tell us in the comments!

Explore the Arciform Project Galleries | About Arciform | Schedule a Design Consultation

Jul 6

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Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest | Bracket E | Division

Ava Gene’s is up against Little T Bakers in our first SE Division lineup.

Whose design details would you steal in our Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest? Read on.

Want to play along at home and win dinner for 2? Here’s how to do it:

Complete and submit a bracket
Vote in the comments for which restaurant’s vibe you’d most like to steal for your own home

Click here for more information and contest rules.

Ava Gene’s

This Italian eatery on SE Division is known for their Roman inspired menu.

Stealable Idea #1: Open Shelving over Subway Tile

These open shelves with dark brackets against the white subway tile are simple and classic.

Another simple and classy application of open shelving, jazzed up with brass brackets. Design by Kristyn Bester.

Some of our favorite shelving options are the Floyd Shelf and live edge shelving from Salvage Works, complemented with these industrial brackets from Rejuvenation. Our go-to subway tile is the Rittenhouse Square from Daltile.

Stealable Idea #2: Wine Bar

These wine coolers were cleverly hidden behind beautiful cabinetry with a marble counter.

This otherwise empty wall space was utilized by adding a bar, complete with an integrated wine cooler and storage for bar items. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Sub-Zero has a range of integrated wine coolers and Versatile Wood Products can fulfill your cabinetry needs.

Little T Bakers

A rustic-chic bakery offering artisanal bread and pastries.

Stealable Idea #1: Stainless Steel Counter

We love the durability of stainless steel counters and the modern loft-like vibe they produce.

The stainless steel counters in this art studio are versatile and balanced by warm wood tones. Design by Anne De Wolf.

We recommend Metal Supermarkets or Hanset Stainless for all of your steel needs.

Stealable Idea #2: Glass Subway Tile & Stainless Steel Backsplash

We love the durability of stainless steel against the sleekness of stacked glass tile.

The stacked glass tile and stainless steel range and hood are focal points in this kitchen. Design by Anne De Wolf.

One of our favorite stackable glass tiles is the Ann Sacks Lucian field tile.

Which style would you steal? Pick one and tell us in the comments!

Explore the Arciform Project Galleries | About Arciform | Schedule a Design Consultation

Jun 29

1 Comment

Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest | Bracket D | Downtown

In our last downtown bracket the charming St. Honore is up against the swanky Driftwood Room. Whose design details would you steal in our Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest? Read on.

Want to play along at home and win dinner for 2? Here’s how to do it:

Complete and submit a bracket by June 30th.
Vote in the comments for which restaurant’s vibe you’d most like to steal for your own home

Click here for more information and contest rules.

St. Honore Boulangerie

This cozy, rustic boulangerie exudes the old-world charms of France.

Stealable Idea #1: Industrial Pendant Lighting

We love the way these rustic pendants complement the exposed beams.

The industrial pendant in this sleek kitchen adds a rustic touch. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Some of our favorite industrial pendants can be found at Restoration Hardware and Schoolhouse Electric Co.

Stealable Idea #2: Decorative Appliques

Decorative appliques draw your eye to the fine details on this built-in piece.

The decorative applique on this hood-vent creates a point of interest. Design by Anne De Wolf.

With over 200 options, Van Dyke’s Restorers is a great option for hand-carved appliques.

The Driftwood Room

This swanky mid-century cocktail lounge in the Hotel deLuxe is known for their champagne cocktails and actor-named martinis.

Stealable Idea #1: Exposed Beams

We like these exposed beams because they make the space classy and sophisticated.

These striking mahogany ceiling spines are original to the home. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Stealable Idea #2: Live Edge Wood Paneling

Wood paneling doesn’t have to be an eye-sore. This vertical paneling adds a sense of romance and class to the space.

This custom-milled and routed paneling gives the basement a loft-like feel. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Which style gets your vote? Pick one and tell us in the comments!

Explore the Arciform Project Galleries | About Arciform | Schedule a Design Consultation

Jun 18

1 Comment

Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest | Bracket C | Downtown

Up next in the ring, the classy and charming Mother’s Bistro is ready to take on the romantic and sophisticated Hubers Cafe. Whose design details would you steal in our Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest? Read on.

Want to play along at home and win dinner for 2? Here’s how to do it:

Complete and submit a bracket by June 30th.
Vote in the comments for which restaurant’s vibe you’d most like to steal for your own home

Click here for more information and contest rules.

Mother’s Bistro

This homey cafe and bar with country-chic decor specializes in hearty comfort-food classics.

Stealable Idea #1: Wainscoting

Whether a dining space or bathroom, wainscoting adds a new dimensionality and texture to a space.

Wainscoting adds charm to any room. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Find the wainscoting that fits your style at Pioneer Millworks or McCoy Millwork.

Stealable Idea #2: Wallpaper

Wallpaper can be an alternative to paint, or an addition. We love this bold design complemented by dark wainscoting and gold accessories.

This Arciform client made a statement with a bold yet sophisticated wallpaper at her entryway. Design by Kristyn Bester.

Whether you’re looking for a subtle design or something funky, Farrow & Ball and Miller Paint have you covered.

Stealable Idea #3: Shelving

We love these high shelves throughout the bistro, great for storing treasures that shouldn’t be touched!

The high shelving in this historic kitchen provides a perfect place to display special items and mimics the millwork. Design by Anne De Wolf.

House of Antique Hardware has great shelving bracket options and McCoy Millwork can supply you with the perfect molding option.

Hubers

Known for their turkey dinners, this 1879 establishment is Portland’s oldest restaurant!

Stealable Idea #1: Stained Glass

The arched stained glass is not only breathtaking, but unique and we love it!

Stealable Idea #2: Gothic Arches

These dark framed Gothic arch mirrors are romantic and classy.

This eclectic kitchen incorporated a Gothic arch and stained glass window. Design by Anne De Wolf.

The above Gothic arch window was custom made by Versatile Wood Products. There are a few good options in Portland for salvaged stained glass: The ReBuilding Center, Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, Old Portland Hardware & Architectural and Chuck Franklin Glass Studio.

Stealable Idea #3: Dark Wood Paneled Walls

These dark wood paneled walls are dramatic and a perfect way to balance the tall ceilings.

The wood paneled walls in this roomy bathroom tie in with the window framing. Design by Anne De Wolf.

For all of your paneling needs, McCoy Millwork or Pioneer Millworks are great sources.

Time to vote: tell us which style you’d choose. Pick one and tell us in the comments!

Explore the Arciform Project Galleries | About Arciform | Schedule a Design Consultation

Jun 15

4 Comments

Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest | Bracket B | NoPo

Up next in our Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest, Sweedeedee’s simple charms sidle up against the sophisticated swagger of Expatriate. Whose design details would you steal? Read on.

Want to play along at home and win dinner for 2? Here’s how to do it:

Complete and submit a bracket by June 30th.
Vote in the comments for which restaurant’s vibe you’d most like to steal for your own home

Click here for more information and contest rules.

Sweedeedee

This cozy cafe serves up home-style breakfast and lunch in the Humboldt neighborhood.

Stealable Idea #1: Butcher Block Counter

A butcher block counter, whether throughout your kitchen or just a part, adds warmth and natural tones to the space.

The butcher block counter at this prep area pops against the white cabinetry. Ideal space for canning as it’s a softer surface for glass jars. Design by Chelly Wentworth.

Versatile Wood Products is a great place to have a custom butcher block counter made.

Stealable Idea #2: Open Shelving

Open shelving can be a great way to add color and personality to your kitchen that can be changed up by simply adding or removing items. Salvaged or unique shelving brackets also add a point of interest.

Designed to look like a storefront, this pantry utilizes opening shelving to store colorful and interesting items. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Open shelving is another project that Versatile Wood Products can tackle. For unique brackets, we typically turn to House of Antique Hardware.

Stealable Idea #3: Wood Paneled Ceiling

To get that rustic vibe, add some wood paneling to your ceiling and paint it white.

By painting a wood paneled ceiling white, another dimension is added to the room. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Wood paneling can be a DIY project, purchasing lumber and fixing it to the ceiling, or you can purchase sheet paneling from places like McCoy Millwork or The Home Depot.

Expatriate

This hip bar in the Concordia neighborhood is known for their cocktails and “drinking snacks”.

Stealable Idea #1: Wood Features

A walnut top bar sets the tone for this swanky space.

The natural wood cabinetry in this mid-century kitchen creates a warm space while the custom brass hardware adds a sophisticated touch. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Veneer is a good option for creating a mid-century appropriate wood feature in your home. There are a few local options: Goby, Crosscut Hardwood, Rockler Woodworking and Hardware.

Stealable Idea #2: Exotic Pieces

Add personality to your space by incorporating a favorite piece, whether it’s from a trip or just because it looks cool.

Versatile Wood Products created a custom Tansu chest for a client.

Whether you picked up a special piece on a recent vacation or have a family heirloom to incorporate, personal touches go a long way in a space. Replicas are always an option too, the Versatile Wood Products Custom Design Team can make your dreams come true.

Stealable Idea #3: Dark & Dramatic Paint

Sometimes the bathroom facilities offer inspiration. Have a bold personality? Match it with a paint color!

The vivid orange red in this mid-century guest bath makes a small space really pop. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Paint options are endless! Farrow & Ball is a great place to find some paint inspiration.

Time to choose: which style gets your vote? Pick one and tell us in the comments!

Jun 10

3 Comments

Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest | Bracket A | NoPo

This is the first round of our Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest. Each week we will spotlight a few pairs of restaurants from a different Portland neighborhood. Each post will highlight stealable ideas for your own home.

Want to play? Here’s how to do it:

Complete and submit a bracket
Vote in the comments of this post for which restaurant’s vibe you’d most like to steal for your own home

Click here for more information and contest rules.

First up, rustic Ox will battle it out against eclectic Broder Nord!

Located in the Eliot neighborhood, the Argentinean-inspired NW fare is cooked on a wood-fired grill.

Stealable Idea #1: Vintage Refrigerator

Our favorite back-bar item is this vintage style refrigerator…

This 1931 era appropriate kitchen features a Big Chill refrigerator. Design by Kristyn Bester

One of Arciform’s favorite retro refrigerators is Big Chill. Available in a number of sizes and colors.

Stealable Idea #2: Globe Pendant Light Fixture

Light fixtures can help to achieve the look and style you’re after which is why we love these sleek globe pendants.

A perfect frame for the vanity, these custom globe pendants fit perfectly in this sleek bathroom . Design by Kristyn Bester. Photo by Photo Art Portraits.

Stealable Idea #3: Rustic Wide-Plank Floors

We love these wide-plank floors because they look like they’ve always been here and give the space a rustic vibe.

Wide-plank flooring in this fun kitchen is rustic and charming. Design by Anne De Wolf. Photo by Photo Art Portraits

Pioneer Millwork here in Portland is a good option for your salvaged flooring needs.

Broder Nord

Also in the Eliot neighborhood, this Swedish inspired spot is a popular brunch destination.

Stealable Idea #1: Concrete Floor

Concrete flooring is a great option for a heavy traffic area as it extremely durable while giving off an industrial yet modern vibe.

A concrete floor was a given for easy maintenance in this 1924 basement wet room. It also allowed for extra, much needed headroom for this tall client. Design by Kristyn Bester. Photo by Photo Art Portraits.

A polished, stained or painted concrete floor makes for easy maintenance and gives a modern feel to the space. Finishing products can be found through most large paint retailers.

Stealable Idea #2: Vintage Prep Cart

Here at Arciform, we LOVE salvaged materials which is why we like this vintage prep station.

The salvaged metal frame was updated with a custom butcher block counter and wood shelving. Design by Anne De Wolf. Photo by Photo Art Portraits.

Do you have a special vintage or salvaged piece that needs some updating? Versatile Wood Products‘ custom shop can fulfill just about all of your custom woodworking needs.

Stealable Idea #3: Brick-Set Ceramic Tile

A simple brick-set subway tile is classic yet sophisticated, always a great option for that timeless look.

A simple brick-set subway tile is a perfect fit for this 1912 kitchen. Design by Chelly Wentworth. Photo by Photo Art Portraits.

There are so many options when it comes to tile, but one of our favorites is the Rittenhouse Square from Daltile.

Which restaurant’s style would you steal? Choose one and tell us why in the comments below.

May 6

3 Comments

Knife Storage Solutions

We asked our Junior Designers for some of their favorite knife storage solutions. Read on to find out what Bianca and Kat have been seeing lately…

Bianca says…

This is the knife block that I have at home. I absolutely love it because it’s a beautiful way to display my knives and very easy to access.

Kat and Bianca agree…

The best knife storage solutions are easily accessible in a prep area but are still out of the way of little hands. The drawer insert is probably one of the best options and would also age appropriately with the home. They keep countertop clutter to a minimum and protect the knives, too. You can have drawer inserts custom-created to fit into a very shallow top drawer for flat things like spatulas, etc.

Because Bianca is a sucker for unique design, she loves these options…

Kat says…

Another popular option for very busy chefs who prefer to have everything in-sight and readily accessible is a magnetic knife board. Easy to grab what you need, easy to put it back after washing.

Other unique options we’ve been seeing…

Looking for more design inspiration for your kitchen? Join us for our Kitchens that Work Design Workshop on May 18th. Get the details and RSVP here by May 15th to attend FREE.

Explore the Arciform Project Galleries | About Arciform | Schedule a Design Consultation

Mar 20

Designer Picks: New Appliances We Love

One of the most important decisions you make when planning a kitchen that will really work for your family is which appliances to select. But how to choose?

We polled our design team to find out which appliances they’ve been recommending recently.

Senior Designer Anne’s Picks

Liebherr Refrigerators

Why? They integrate beautifully and have models that fit fabulously in small spaces.

Viking Ranges

Why? They are great performers and have color options that allow them to integrate well.

Miele Integrated Appliances

Why? They are also great performers and are beautifully designed.

Vent-A-Hood

Why? This hood is one of my favorites because it comes in different colors and has such a classic shape.

Senior Designer Kristyn’s Picks

BEST Flush Inset Hoods

Why? These are ideal for 7’ – 9’ ceilings and can be up to 72” above a range. Great to use in spaces where you want clear sight lines. For example, they are a perfect choice for an island or peninsula that contains the cooking appliance and is open to an adjacent dining room or living room, or where the island extends into a seating area.

Wolf Convection Steam Oven

Why? Because moisture, heat and air are the best combination! Moisture, heat and airflow work together to create tasty results while preserving foods’ natural nutrition. You can select a cooking mode that’s ideal for your dish and the oven’s unique digital technology senses the amount and size of the food and automatically adjusts all the details of cooking.

U-Line & Perlick Drawer Refrigeration

Why? Adding additional refrigeration under the counter is a great space saver and often a must-have for families.

Senior Designer Chelly’s Picks

Jenn-Air’s Obsidian Interior Refrigerator

Why? This fridge is exciting because there are now more options on the market that have dual compressors and LED lighting. And that black interior is pretty cool!

Miele’s Induction Cooktop

Why? I love induction! It’s clean, responsive and energy efficient. Miele cooktops offer a distinctive non-contact method of heating using magnetic fields to transfer energy directly to cookware. They offer the benefits of a gas flame without introducing excess heat into the working environment. Their new induction range is also exciting and great for small kitchens.

Blue Star’s Frenchtop Series Range

Why? Not only does it let you cook like a pro, it’s available in 750 colors!

Miele Dishwashers

Why? Hands down the best dishwashers out there! They are quiet, reliable, innovative and pretty. Rumor has it that they are working on their line up and soon their higher model features will be integrated in the lower classic and crystal models.

Big Chill Appliances

Why? Big Chill appliances (fridges, stoves, ovens, hoods, microwaves) combine modern day amenities with a vintage aesthetic that can play up the retro feel of a space.

Senior Designer Anne also loves Big Chill:

They are fun as they do not need additional work to look good in a kitchen!

Design Assistant Marty’s Picks

Electrolux Dryer

Why? It has settings for a speedy dry (14 minutes), gentlest dry and steam dry to get rid of wrinkles so you don’t have to iron!

AGA Undercounter Refrigerated Drawers

Why? These are great for those who do not want a full-sized fridge.

Junior Designer Trisha’s Picks

SMEG Retro Refrigerators

Why? A smaller, but still awesome, option.

Junior Designer Kat’s Pick

Blomberg Refrigerator

Why? I love their tall, skinny refrigerators. They take up less floor space but give you lots of storage with height. These last for years and are a bargain compared to other brands. The freezer on the bottom puts most foods at eye level.

And of course, who wouldn’t want one of these?

La Cornue W. Freestanding Induction Stove

In the words of designer Kristyn Bester:

“The most beautiful appliance I’ve ever seen!”

We agree.

Looking for more design inspiration for your kitchen? Join us for our Kitchens that Work Design Workshop on May 18th. Get the details and RSVP here by May 15th to attend FREE.

Explore the Arciform Project Galleries | About Arciform | Schedule a Design Consultation

Posts from the ‘Designer Picks’ Category

Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest | Bracket F | Division

Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest | Bracket E | Division

Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest | Bracket D | Downtown

Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest | Bracket C | Downtown

Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest | Bracket B | NoPo

Steal this Idea! Summer Design Contest | Bracket A | NoPo

Knife Storage Solutions

Designer Picks: New Appliances We Love

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