Spring into Summer with a Taste of each Designer's Personalized Room / by Mackenzie Collier

If the MCI team were a Room…

Get to know the MCI designers through a sneak peek of our personal designs that we created for one another. Each designer was tasked with creating a surprise teaser for one another to reflect each designers personal taste. Along with the design concept, designers’ included inspiration pictures that helped guide the design as well as a unique cocktail best suited to fit each space.

[Living-Room]
noun
a room in a home used, especially by a family, for leisure activities, entertaining guests, etc.; parlor.

[Dining-Room]
noun
a room in which meals are eaten, as in a home or hotel, especially the room in which the major or more formal meals are eaten.

After a year of still working from home (WFH) it’s safe to say the MCI team has become well acquainted with our home spaces. To spice up our inspiration each designer surprised one another with a concept page that aligned with the designer’s personality in both functionality and aesthetic. These designs offer a reflection of our style, experience and dreams of what this space might look like if we had the opportunity to design one for ourselves.

Cultivating Aleah’s space with plenty of sunshine for her plants is a must and adding vibrant colors ensures to spark joy in any room! This design and its unique pieces make for the perfect spot to curl up with a cup of coffee and a good book. With a gorgeous jewel toned sofa, this space is ready to welcome you to spend a relaxing Sunday morning or entertain guests on the weekends.

Inspiration Pic: Frida Kahlo’s Blue House – Casa Azul – was a touchstone throughout her life. Casa Azul offers a glimpse into the dining area and shows the bright colors and traditional themes that are found throughout.

Cocktail: Puma Tracks
2 oz reposado tequila
1 oz Lime juice
.5 oz cointreau
.5 oz cinnamon anise syrup
Pomegranate soda
Black Lava Sea Salt

Glassware: Double Old Fashioned
Technique: Rim half the glass with Black Lava Sea Salt. Add Tequila, Lime Juice, Cointreau and Cinnamon Syrup to cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain into the double old fashioned glass with fresh ice. Top with Pomegranate Soda.
Garnish: Orange Peel

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Jungle-icious

Inspired by Frida Kahlo’s vibrant casa, this living space exudes character and charm. A playful color palette with a mix of organic textures and earthy elements brings a laid back vibe to this chill space. With an emphasis on one-of-a-kind, sustainable and handmade pieces, this unique design is every vintage lover’s dream.

Created for Aleah Carr by Katie Simpson

When Yoselin’s not designing, she spends her spare time strutting to a new local restaurant with a glam set of heels and being a dog momager to her Goldendoodle, Charlotte. With the perfect dining room to gather for a cocktail and reminisce on the ocean’s breeze, this space is ready to wine and dine its guests. Of course, you can’t forget a set of stylish doggy bowls.

Inspiration Pic: Dreams of sun-kissed weather and the sound of west coast waters at sunset offers a moment to remember. A celebration of summer with friends makes you wish you never left the beach.

Cocktail: Yay Sorbet!
.75 oz Orange Cognac
.75 oz Lemon Juice
.5 oz Simple Syrup
1 Scoop Raspberry Sorbet
2-3 oz Champagne

Glassware: Martini
Technique: Add Cognac, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until cold. Add scope of sorbet to chilled martini glass, pour contents of cocktail shaker over sorbet. Top with Champaign.
Garnish: Lemon Peel, expressed

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Summer Sherbet Punch

A vibrant color palette and cool wood tones give this dining room the ultimate summer vibe all year round! Architectural silhouettes add interest and softness with their smooth lines and finishes. Touches of brass and velvet elevate the space giving you the perfect amount of glam while speckled details in the yellow centerpiece and dog bowls (how could we forget?) add a handmade quality for a curated look.

Created for Yoselin Castro by Aleah Carr

After a bustling day of getting through her to-do list, Courtney might be seen running around Portland looking for her next coffee shop obsession. This calm and serene space allows you to either unwind after a long day or host your closest friends. Nevertheless, this room is a picturesque escape begging you to enjoy the weekend.

Inspiration pic: What says cozy night in better than a sunset view from a gorgeous skyrise in the city? With an Insta-ready view all your worries slip away from the 9-to-5 hustle. Finding comfort in a city can be hard but with warm colors and textures this space is ready to make you feel right at home.

Cocktail: Highrise
1 oz Rye Whiskey
1 oz Laird’s Apple Jack
¾ oz Lillet Rouge
½ oz Salers Apertif Gentian
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Absinthe

Glass: Coupe
Technique: Spray coupe glass with 5 sprays of absinthe. Add remaining ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake with ice until very cold. Strain into coupe glass.
Garnish: Grapefruit Peel

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Picturesque Escape

Inspired by the charming views of NYC at sunset, Courtney’s love for neutral colors and curved silhouettes come together to create a living room that is cozy yet chic. Incorporating natural textures into the space allows for an earthy environment with big city flair. With versatility in mind, this design is ideal for hosting parties or weekday binging!

Created for Courtney Clark by Yoselin Castro

When she’s not backpacking around Europe or planning her next destination getaway, Katie’s well-rounded knowledge and exposure to other cultures translates into her own décor style. Drawing inspiration from Katie’s adventures this design style is sure to make this space a conversation starter!

Inspiration pic: With many stories to share from her travels, this living space offers any visitors a home-away-from-home feeling that is both comfortable and thrilling to take in.

Cocktail: Sweet Terracotta
1.5 oz Uncle Val’s Peppered Gin
1 oz Strawberry White Balsamic Shrub*
½ oz Lemon Juice
Prosecco

Glass: Coupe
Technique: Rim glass with Salt, Pepper and Sugar. Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake until cold. Double strain into a Coupe glass
Garnish: Prosecco Float & Grapefruit Peel

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Tranquil Fiesta

Katie has lived all over the globe including London, Mexico City and Luxembourg. Having traveled to 43 countries, she has fell in love with global culture and design. This concept page describes Katie’s love for Bohemian aesthetic with a subtle touch of Moroccan design.

Created for Katie Simpson by Courtney Clark