MCI’s “Downtown Dogtainer” Wins First Place People’s Choice in Charity Dog House Competition

The MCI crew recently took on a fun little side project designing a stylish, eco-friendly dog house to be auctioned off at this year’s Facings of America Design for Dogs fundraiser. We partnered with Structurology, a structural engineering company we work with at our co-working space The McKinley Club, to create a badass “Downtown Dogtainer,” and *drum roll* we’re excited to share our little pup palace won first place among voters!

Willo the Corgi works with us at the McKinley Club and just had to crawl inside this spacious pup palace!

Inspired by the surge of adaptable and reusable shipping containers throughout Phoenix, we designed a dog house any pooch would love to live in, and we dubbed it the Downtown Dogtainer. This dog-topia showcases a sustainable and unique concept that has been seen around the valley in unique and unexpected ways. There was also a focus on highlighting local Phoenix vendors, such as Tuft & Needle, Our Block Co., muralist Dani Hacche, woodworkers Taylor and Michael of Rhodes Creative, and steelwork by Resolute Performance Iron. This dog house pays homage to the heart and soul seen around the Phoenix community. We hope your pup can't get enough!

Design Concept by Mackenzie Collier Interiors

Local Love

We partnered with local vendors to create this downtown dog haven that represented downtown Phoenix.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Wanting to focus on sustainability, we came up with the idea for a mini shipping container, similar to the Churchill in downtown Phoenix!

About the annual Design for Dogs event:

Hosted by Facings of America since 2015, the Design for Dogs event is a custom dog house design + build competition, silent auction, and most importantly, fundraiser! This dog-centric architectural event showcases one-of-a-kind dog house creations by local architects, interior designers, builders, and industry partners. The family-friendly event has something for everyone: food, music, beer and wine tasting, local vendor booths, learning opportunities for adoption and animal advocacy, a puppy kissing booth, AND... some lucky winners go home with cool, new custom homes for their furry friends!

Thank you Facings of America for this wonderful event and all the design teams for supporting the Arizona Animal Welfare League.

Anthropologie Launches New "Weather Ready" Indoor/Outdoor Living Collection—Here's What We Love!

Source: Anthropologie

Anthropologie did it again! They launched a new line that we are over the moon about and making us want to spend all our money on outdoor furniture. Forget a vacation to Asia this summer, their new "weather ready" line makes you want to cash in your plane ticket for a whole new patio collection so you can just vacay in your backyard. The new "weather ready" outdoor furniture collection is SO cute and has so many bold pieces to transform your patio. The best thing about a lot of these pieces is that they are truly versatile and can work inside and outside. 

So, before you head to the website and start adding everything to your cart, we want to show you a few of our favorite pieces so far...

Handcarved Lotus Indoor/Outdoor Daybed

A handcarved traditional day bed that creates the perfect outdoor living room feeling.

Source: Anthropologie

Tahiti Indoor/Outdoor Hanging Chair

A hanging chair that can be posted in the backyard or in the living room for ultimate relaxation.

Source: Anthropologie 

Wrapped Rattan Indoor/Outdoor Bar Cart

You can never go wrong with a bar cart; and that goes for outside as well. Making cocktails on this bar cart is the perfect lemon wedge on top. 

Source: Anthropologie 

Palmyra Indoor/Outdoor Chair

Talk about ultimate poolside glamour while sitting in this chic chair. 

Source: Anthropologie

Bombatta Indoor/Outdoor Chair

Patio can't be complete without the perfect chairs to sit in while soaking in the sun. 

Source: Anthropologie

Sun Porch Pot

Top it off with a couple of these glazed earthenware pots since everything is better with plants.

Source: Anthropologie

We just showed you a couple of the pieces we love from the collection, but there's so much more on their website we're dying to get our hands on. Make sure to check it out and let us know which one you like best!

Interior Design Blogs We Love

Picture: Jungalow

This week on the blog we decided to share a few of the places where we draw some of our inspiration from. Design trends are always changing and it is important to stay up to date on everything and anything design related. Since we can't travel constantly to get our inspiration (Sigh. One day...), we like to peruse various blogs, websites, and Instagram accounts that show space transformations and tips and tricks from all over the world. 

So, we had a mini discussion in the office and put together a list of some of our go-to blogs and websites that we think you might enjoy as well!

Apartment Therapy

Source: Apartment Therapy

It would be weird if Apartment Therapy didn't make it on the list. Design trends are changing constantly and Apartment Therapy is always informing us of new ideas, tips and tricks as well as refreshing inspiration from everywhere in the world. Also, their Instagram is a must follow for all the pretty pics!

Instagram

Refinery 29

Source: Refinery 29

Refinery 29 writes on A LOT of different things, and yes, sometimes it happens to be about home design. A lot of their home design articles tend to be about various spaces in New York, which gives a lot of inspiration on ways to make do in tiny spaces. While on their website, you may even run into a thought provoking or fun article that's super feminist and informative.

Instagram

Design*Sponge

Source: Design*Sponge

A design blog run by a girl who was declared a "Martha Stewart Living for the Millenials." We love that founder Grace Bonney doesn't just focus on the the design process but deeply shows the personality with each space. She does an amazing job at giving her readers insight into the personal stories associated with each project for her goal of curating a true, unique, and authentic space. Plus, her travel city guides and food and drink recipes are definite go-to's.

Instagram

Domino

Source: Domino Magazine

Domino magazine is a refreshing go-to website on a bunch of tips and tricks as well as getting inspiration from all over the world. We love how they keep you up to date on various interior design news as well as DIY's and cool room transformations. 

Instagram

The Jungalow

Source: The Jungalow

Our favorite and ideal boho-botanical inspired designer that we love due to how she incorporates her travel experiences and Arts and Culture degree into many of her designs. Founder Justina Blakeley is everything we love for creating a space that truly shows the personality and shares the journey of those living in the space. Bonus, she loves plants just as much as we do—or maybe even more.

Instagram

A Beautiful Mess

Source: A Beautiful Mess

Two sisters, Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman, created a lifestyle brand company built on everything they love—all while making sure to have fun. Although we love all the interior design inspiration from their blog, we also love their yummy recipes, DIY projects, and posts of them living a colorful and fun life.

Instagram

Design Milk

Source: Design Milk

Think of Design Milk as an online newspaper but just for daily stories related solely to interior design and architecture. It aims at giving you your "daily dose of vitamin D (that’s “D” for design!)" while also making sure to supply us with an endless amount of design inspiration pics—cause we can't get enough of them!

Instagram

Dwell Magazine

Source: Dwell Magazine

The perfect magazine for modern design tactics and inspiration. A lot of their articles include a look into how some spaces have a historic past or look on the outside while incorporating a modern look on the inside and still paying homage to the space.  

Instagram

Multifunctional Seating Ideas to Get the Most Out of Your Space

Source: Anthropologie 

Unconventional seating: it's a great way to enhance your space. Utilizing pieces of furniture that are refreshing and different, but also multifunctional, opens up a world of options! Instead of having your guest sit on a normal chair, pull out a bench or ottoman that can also double as storage. Thinking about rejuvenating your reading nook? Opt for a hanging chair or cozy bean bag to make things a little more cozy. Unconventional seating is the ultimate solution for saving space in smaller homes or apartments all while making your home accommodating for more guests.

We picked a few great pieces that range from bean bags and benches all the way to unique design chairs that can be used in various homes and office spaces to incorporate movement. 

Anthropologie Edlyn Bench

This oh-so-classic bench is definitely on the list when it comes to unconventional seating. We love this one from Anthropologie since it's customizable, letting you pick from an array of fabrics, colors and finishes. This can go in an entryway, a dining table or even in the living room in place of a couch. One of our interior designers Jenna suggests pushing the bench against the wall when you're not using it, since it doubles as storage, and pulling it out when you need it. 

Source: Anthropologie 

Urban Outfitters Cooper Faux Sheepskin Lounge Chair

A '90s revival that brings back so many memories for the MCI team. The bean bag chair, for grownups, is comfy, fun, and the perfect addition to any space. Wine night, game night, movies or even reading a book instantly becomes cozy with this chair, and it is definitely on Mackenzie's Pinterest board for a future purchase. 

Source: Urban Outfitters

Anthropologie Woven Hanging Chair

The perfect way to bring a little more fun in your space. Hanging chairs are also good at creating the illusion of more space since it is of the floor, opposed to most of your furniture items. This hanging chair from Anthro is an ideal way to make a comfortable nook in your home, filled with plants and ideal lighting. Pro tip: get a floor hook instead of mounting it to the ceiling so it's not permanent and you can move it wherever, whenever.

Source: Anthropologie

West Elm Montauk Nest Chair

Okay, so this one is technically a chair, but we just had to add it to the list! The shape is so different that we can't classify it as your average seat. This chair could live inside, outside on the patio or even in a cool Arizona room. Our Project Manager Aleah thinks it's a modern papasan chair that "looks like it just hugs you when you're sitting in it." 

Source: West Elm

Urban Outfitters Trixie Inflatable Chair

Inflatable furniture, it's making a comeback and we are supporting it's revival. This takes you right back to the '90s and can be a cool addition to a teenager's room. Can we also dream about how much cooler pool days would be when floating on this...

Source: Urban Outfitters

CB2 Leather Ottoman-Pouf

Sophisticated and chic—but still a fun, and not so risky, unconventional seat. This leather floor cushion is multi-functional and an ideal piece to add to your space without sacrificing style. Use it as an extra seat for guest or as a temporary home for your favorite book or magazine. Bonus points if you have an ottoman that doubles as storage!

Source: CB2

Design Within Reach Spun Chair

When talking about unconventional seating, this chair takes the cake! It is so fun to sit in but it's still architectural and can give your space a unique or edgy twist. Take it outside to sit by the pool or grab it for movie night with the fam. Whatever you do, you're destined to have some fun it. 

Source: Design Within Reach

Tree Stump from West Elm

We at MCI love the outdoors, that's no secret! So, we had to include an alternative seating idea that is inspired by what we love. The tree stump is so underrated and a multifunctional item that's a bonus to have in any home. This little guy can be a side table one minute and quick stool the next minute. You can even take him back outside to use on the patio!

Source: West Elm

Which alternative seating do you like best? Comment below and let us know! 

Tips on Creating the Perfect Gallery Wall

Source: Framebridge/Leslee Mitchell

Gallery walls are always a hit and is something that can help show more of your personality in your home. They can bring so much life to a boring wall in and transform the space completely. They can be as big or small as you want and can range from any color or style—whichever suits your space and personality. 

Now, we can all agree about how much we like them, but putting one together can seem like a hard task; one that might get you discouraged. Don't back out now, keep reading! We're going to give you a few tips on creating the perfect gallery wall that complements and adds to your ideal space! 

1. Plan out your purpose

Maybe you want to fill a boring blank wall. Maybe you have a few pictures you love but you don't know what to do with them. Maybe you just want a gallery wall since they're fun and cute. Whatever the reason is, make sure you plan out your purpose or the story you want your gallery wall to tell. Do you want it have a certain style or color theme? Think it out, brainstorm, get inspired, and most of all have fun with it.

Source: Domino

2. Choose art that you love

This should go without saying, but it's still something we felt was important to add. If a picture goes with your theme but you kind of hate it, don't add it to your gallery wall! The best thing about a gallery wall is that it can be eclectic and incorporate a bunch of different things you love—just make sure it's something you actually love, not something you think you should love!

Source:Elle (Sweden)

Figure out your ideal size and space 

First thing's first: pick out the perfect spot in your home for your gallery wall. Try getting creative and use spots you wouldn't normally think of like stairways and corners. Once that's covered, it's all about the ideal size you want for your gallery wall. Sizing all has to do with the space you have to work with, your style, and the number of items you have to contribute. Do you want a bold gallery wall with just a couple of big items or do you want a bigger one that's a little more spread out with numerous pictures and pieces to add? Make sure to make good use of your planned space while considering style and budget.

Source: Inside Out

4. Plan and measure

Planning out your gallery wall is key for creating the perfect one. Lay out all your frames on the floor and see which color and styles you believe to be complimentary of each other. This gives you an idea of how you want to arrange your pictures based on their individual style. Next step is to get butcher paper to trace the frames and arrange it on the wall to make sure everything is perfect before you start drilling or command stripping. 

Source: Momtastic

5. Work your way out 

Starting in the middle and working your way out is a great way to anchor your collection. A good tip is to start with your boldest, biggest, or favorite piece and then add all the other pictures around it. This makes it easier for planning since you are drawing a lot of your inspiration from your favorite piece or one that sticks out the most. Try to not be symmetrical and use an odd number of frames or items—nothing's perfect and that makes it fun!

Source: Mor Til Mernee

6. Don't forget the alternatives

Last but not least, don't forget about all the other items you can use to create your ideal gallery wall. There is so much to choose from: mirrors, clocks, plants, macrame, decorative objects, baskets—you name it. This is an expression of you and what you love so make sure to show that in any way possible. 

Source: Love Chic Living

Easy enough, right? Don't forget to have fun with it and comment to let us know what has worked for you!