Shopping Trip: Portland's Bedford Brown

Over Memorial Day weekend, we threw the kids in the car and got out of dodge. It was a last minute trip to Portland under the guise of my 10-year-old meeting up with buddies down there for a lacrosse tournament, but I had some other things on the brain -- hitting up my favorite Portland shops while the kiddies (and husband) tracked down Voodoo Donuts and played in the pool.

Every time I hit Portland (and yes, I do feel like it's a "hit" because I always seem to be short on time and end up barreling through the stores) I make sure to visit Bedford Brown. It's the best and it's so different every time. They pride themselves on turning things around quickly because they buy in low quantities, making it so it's always special and you get something that isn't at many places. My pictures will never do the store justice and I left out the AMAZING stoneyard portion of the shop with great concrete planters, Asian ceramics and garden objects (the good news is, last year I posted about it, so you can get a feel for the amazingness here).

I did, however, get a few shots of the greenhouse where fabulous plants can be found and the shop, which has lots of great stuff in right now.

The store is broken out in to different areas, so this is near the back as you transition from storefront to greenhouse -- it's a big white tented "outdoor" set-up.

I love this media cabinet. Awhile back, I desperately wanted a client to get it but she was nervous about getting it without seeing it in person... If only we had a Bedford Brown in Seattle...

This picture is being sent out to another client because I want that chandelier to go above her dining table -- how about it Keri? Ha!

Amazing, all of it -- the walls, the chairs, the turquoise.

These on either side of a door would be spectacular. I'm such a sucker for things like this. Add in some striped awnings and some topiaries and you could just stick a fork in me.

They just got new paint colors in and this coral in person is stunning.

I mean, come on.

Bedford Brown

Last week I took a little trip to one of my favorite Northwest cities, Portland, Oregon. It's such a great city. Great shopping, restaurants, hotels, and a fun urban vibe, yet a real sense of community. Being an Oregon native, the city always makes me feel like I'm home.

But one of the best parts of my trip was the incredible shop, Bedford Brown. Part home decor, stone yard and greenhouse - it's more like stepping into a store in Paris than Oregon. I was instantly in love. The owners are interior designers which is obvious by the attention to detail and sophisticated, edited lines they carry. The rotate inventory in and out so no visit is the same. I love it when retailers give you a reason to "pop by" every week so you don't miss something fantastic.

Here's a couple picks I snapped with my phone. Enjoy

The outside of the store.

This is the fence outside the store. Gorgeous way to create atmosphere and a brand on a traditional wire fence. I couldn't contain myself as I was driving up.

Picture of the stone yard with the beautiful Portland bridge in the background. This image is from their website as the sun is shinning.

My picture of the stone yard. Yes, it was raining. But it didn't dampen my excitement.

Another image of some of their garden inventory. This is the best edited selection of statuary items I've seen. No tacky birdbaths or gnomes here.

Inside image of the greenhouse.

Another greenhouse interior with a selection of fabulous slip covered furniture. These ticking striped club chairs by Lee Industries were to die for and on sale!

An assortment of home decor accessories. This store is chocked full of them. Everywhere you turn is something fabulous.

Another inspirational vignette in the store.

And yet another one...

While most of the store has a subdued European flair right now, there is this great black and white stripped contemporary room at the front of the store. A great classic look.

This store really has something for everyone. I couldn't possibly take a picture of every vignette or item in the store - there was something great in every inch. It's so unique and inspiring. I can't wait to visit again... and again.