Thursday, June 26, 2008

Bridget Otto Thursday

Today Bridget Otto writes about Julie Kihlstrum and Stephen Francis who have a problem:
The family room off the kitchen has a row of windows that allow lots of natural light, a fireplace to warm the room and adequate wall space for a flat-screen TV.

...but it set up the perfect storm: competing focal points, awkward furniture placement and glare from the windows on the TV. The placement of the cable and the fireplace sticking out from the wall almost asked for little kids to bang their heads. There was no place to put toys away and limited ways to arrange furniture.
Enter interior designer Celeste LeDuke, who has a store in the southeast called Designing Women. Julie stopped in to talk and they immediately hit it off.

One of Julie's concerns: working with an interior designer would result in too much "frou-frou". This was her conclusion when it was all done:


Marv Bondarowicz / The Oregonian
After the makeover
"It's functional, but not too fussy," Kihlstrum says. "We watch TV with the kids and I love it. ... The built-ins are done so beautifully. The girls play and then put their things away. The ottoman has storage in it. ... And the swivel chairs? Love those. Absolutely just love it."
The designer: Celeste LeDuke
The firm: Designing Women
Contact: 503-232-9965 or celeste@designingwomenoforegon.com

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

New From CBK



CONTEMPORARY-STYLE WALL CLOCK
with Straight Line Accents and Antique Pewter Finish, 50"D,
CBK Exclusive SUG. RETAIL $140.00.




TROJAN HORSE FIGURINE
with Embossed Saddle Accent and Alpine Blue Finish, 10"L x 3.5"W x 10.75"H, Ceramic, CBK SUG. RETAIL $39.00.

Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery is proud to carry CBK.

Bev & Mike

Monday, June 23, 2008

Exhibit Passion

The International Interior Design Association Oregon annual dinner was held Thursday evening at the Governor Hotel. Katie Weeks, senior editor of Contract Magazine, spoke before several hundred designers and industry specialists. The Daily Journal of Commerce reports that Weeks said,
"Clients want to do business with people who exhibit passion. Your enthusiasm for what you do is contagious."
Seems like great advice!

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Ollie & Lime

I came across the blog Green Your Decor, initially by the article on Flooring You Can Live With: Natural Cork. Mike and I have talked about ripping up the carpet, refinishing the hardwood floors underneath and using area rugs. This made me sit upright:.
..if you know anything about carpet, you know that no matter what it’s made of, even if it’s recycled or otherwise eco-friendly in terms of materials, it is one of the most unhealthy (though affordable) floor coverings you can have in your home.
I enjoyed that article. What else does this website offer. Then I was stopped in my tracks



There was something familiar about that wallpaper. Then it hit me. It's very close to the bubbles in our logo. The wallpaper is from a UK company called Ollie & Lime, Exclusively for Kids. I love the shoe wallpaper.



Two fun websites.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Pier 1 And Cost Plus, K I S S I N G!



Mike has posted about the latest offer from Pier 1 (PIR) to acquire Cost Plus (CPWM), of which Oregon has many stores, for $88.4 Million. It looks like a steal for PIR.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Fresh Dirt On Jennifer Leonard!

Our friend Jennifer Leonard of Nifelle Design is singled out for special attention at Sunset Magazine's Fresh Dirt section By Jim McCausland.
Visiting Jennifer and Justin Leonard’s garden in Portland yesterday, it occurred to me that this renovated garden is so inviting partly because it offers so many delightful places to sit.
Here Jennifer is pictured with her dog:



Jennifer is an interior designer, who it, appears, doubles as an exterior designer. She can be reached at:

Jennifer Leonard
Nifelle Design
The Portland Division of Wall Street Interiors
503.730.7117

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Two Takes On Martha Stewart Living Resignation


Susan Dickenson writing for Home Accents Today reported that the President and CEO of Martha Stewart Living, Susan Lyne, resigned and Mike followed up with some wall street takes on the resignation.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

New Products in Home Accents Today

Home Accents Today/Product Line features new products from a variety of furniture and accessories manufacturers. Here are samples of vendors represented at Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery:

Chic cushion
Woven of natural abaca, the Aqua Bead Circle pillow from Palecek showcases an embroidered bead design ($138).



GOBLET-SHAPED VASE
with Brushed Silver Trumpet-Style Base and Turquoise, Beige and Chocolate Finish, 5.5"D x 11.25"H, For Decorative Purposes Only, Glass, Brass, BB, Cs pk/4, ©2008, CBK Exclusive SUG. RETAIL $60.00.


WAVE-SHAPED TRAYS
with Light Blue and Light Green Reactive Glaze Finish, Set of 2, Lg: 20.75"L x 4.75"W x 4"H, Sm: 12"L x 3"W x 3"H, Ceramic, BB, Cs pk/4 sets, ©2008, CBK Exclusive SUG. RETAIL $34.50/ea. tray.


Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Curb Side Furniture



Have you ever driven around the city and seen furniture sitting on the parking or next to the street with a sign that says, "FREE". My husband does all the time from his big yellow bus. So many times it rains, then the furniture is of no use to anybody.

We recently donated a sleeper sofa to Oregon Community Warehouse. It was still in good shape, but we wanted a change in the den and with our remodel of the lower level, just didn't see the need for the sofa in the den.

We were interested to learn that the Community Warehouse has a need for lots of furniture and it's a shame to see it sit outside in the rain when there are so many in need.

I called Sharon and found out they don't need more sofas. They need beds and dresser drawers, and tables and chairs. They may drive by with one of their trucks and pick up your used items if you call. They may even take your sofa if you have additional furniture items items.

Won't you pick up the phone and call Sharon at 503-235-8786 or the other volunteers about your gently used items before putting it on the curb.

Their web site says
Clients include women escaping domestic violence, individuals and families who have been homeless, elderly persons on limited incomes, people with mental and physical disabilities, refugee families from all over the world, youth and adults recovering from substance abuse, and the working poor.

Community Warehouse
2267 N. Interstate Ave.
Portland, OR 97227

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Saturday, June 07, 2008

Cool Cat Furniture

So, you bought one of those sleek, contemporary, lots-of-glass condos in The Pearl or in South Waterfront. What are you going to do for your cat? Are you going to bring that carpet covered cat tower from your old home to the new digs?



Is their an alternative? Decidedly, Yes! I received an email from Dan Lilly at Modern Cat Designs in Oceanside, CA about Designer Cat Furniture for the Choosy Feline and Owner, and liked the lines of the furniture. Take a look:



No, Lilly didn't pay me to write this and I don't have a cat, just a big, goofball golden retriever who loves to chase cats and squirrels.

Dude, Bev & Mike do not sell furniture for cats at Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery.

Just furniture and accessories to "cool cats".

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Two New Posts at Home Accents Today

Mike has posted at Home Accents Today about his circuitous path to finding Abundance.

He also posts about Nichols & Stone.
Nichols & Stone, the only sizable furniture manufacturer still operating in the "chair city" of Gardner, is poised to quit making products from scratch.

Nichols & Stone is a premier manufacturer of furniture and the only sizable furniture manufacturer still operating in the "chair city" of Gardner, Massachusetts.

Are we seeing the end of Nichols & Stone? We certainly hope not. They have been a wonderful vendor of tables and chairs and we are proud to offer them to our customers.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Monday, June 02, 2008

Bombay Co. News For Gift Card Claimants

Mike has written an important post, Bombay Co. Plans Repayment Of Up To 31.5 Percent To Creditors, that includes information about gift card claimants of bankrupt retailers like Bombay Co. that may apply to other retailers in Chapter 11 that offered gift cards and certificates.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Eleven Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Interior Designer.

Back in January 2006, we wrote a post entitled Eight Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Interior Designer. The eight questions were part of an article in Home magazine and we linked to the magazine.

We like to link to an article and highlight several questions in our post, rather
than list all the questions. That way people go to the linked site and we both benefit from the traffic. One of our frustrations looking back at some of our posts is that not all articles are archived. If you click on the link above, you land on the magazine’s website, but it’s the June 2008 issue and the “Eight Questions…are gone!

It’s been awhile, so, because of inflation, we’ve come up with our own eleven questions:

1. Do I like the designer? Can I spend a lot of time with him/her? Good communication is a must. Working with an interior designer involves some give and take. You will share ideas, and the designer will contribute insights and advice based on his or her talents, knowledge and experience. Depending on the scope of the project, you could be working with your designer a couple of weeks to many, many months.

2. Do I get that he/she is trying to understand me by asking a lot of questions? The key to success is really getting to know you in the early stages and how you and your family use your home and your interests.

3. Does the scale of my project really warrant an interior designer? Even if you think you could accomplish the redesign, do you have the time and inclination? You need to be realistic about how much money you are willing to spend. Include in this estimate the cost of all raw materials, new furniture, labor for installations, and possibly a designer.

4. How do you charge for your time? Designers may charge by the hour, which can be anywhere from $35 to $300, and these costs can quickly mount up. Others may offer a free first consultation, and then quote you a flat fee on the basis of your discussions. Some may charge for the first meeting in advance and then a fee for the whole project based on the estimated hours. Some may bill you for hours used each month. Some may bill each month a level amount. Some may get a designer discount and pass some or all the savings on to you. Whatever the basis on which your interior decorator is paid, make sure you both agree on the budget.

5. Can we accomplish the redesign and stay within my budget?

6. I can’t decide if I like the design. Do I still have to pay for it? “Yes! When you decide to hire an interior design firm, you have decided to trust the design recommendations of that firm.”

7. Are you available for conversation about changes and fine tuning? A good designer knowing you may present you with several options and give you the choice of one or the other. ASID recommends: “Minimize changes to your plan. Each part of the design will affect the whole. Changes or special requests can require any number of adjustments that will add time and expenses to your project.

8. My friend doesn’t like your ideas. Why shouldn’t I listen to her/him? If you have to ask this question you should probably have hired your friend.

9. Can I go to the local Design Center? With or without you? Of course, just let them know that you are working with a designer and his/her name.

10. What if a piece of furniture comes damaged? The furniture store should inspect the furniture when it arrives. The designer should also inspect the furniture before it goes to the client. If something is missed or it breaks when it is used, the designer and the furniture store will work together with the vendor to resolve any problem.

11. How long does it take to receive things, once they are ordered? Here’s a guideline (though individual vendors may vary):
Upholstered Furniture: 10-16 weeks depending on vendor.
Casegoods – Chests, bookcases, tables, hutches, etc.: 8-12 weeks depending on vendor.
Window Treatments: 6-8 weeks depending on size of job
Accessories, Lamps, Art Prints, Silk Flowers/Plants: 4-6 weeks or less.
Rugs: If machine made, 2-4 weeks. If hand knotted, 3-4 months
Wallpaper/Fabrics: 3-5 days.

Several websites contributed to this list of questions and their answers:

Apartment Therapy LA Good Questions: Hiring an Interior Designer
ASID Working with a Designer
Nancy Werneken Interior Design Frequently Asked Questions
Lynle Ellis Designs Before You Hire an Interior Designer
NWSID Why Hire an Interior Designer?
CCIDC Frequently Asked Questions About Certified Interior Designers
Directory M articles Interior Decorator

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery