Saturday, June 30, 2012

Bathrooms Are Changing

An article in Cincinnati.com about bathrooms informs us that renovations are on the rise with some surprising changes. Gone are the massive spa-tubs with jets and whirlpools. Gone are the little, smooth tiles. Gone are toilets and showers that use lots of water. What's in are doorless showers, soaking tubs, dual-flush toilets and low-flow showers with air injection that delivers that high, water pressure feel. In are big tiles and texture and color.

While walking during First Thursday, we visited Ann Sacks, which is HQ'ed in Portland. Here are two shots of the new bathroom look:




Notice the sink seems to exist without any plumbing in the top picture and in the bottom, notice the colored tiles and many of the tiles and textures available in the mirror.




Or take a look at this bathroom from Mike's article in Oregon Home:



Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Jetset Magazine has an interview of Dr. H.C. Günther W. Amann-Jennson who is the founder of Bioenergetic Sleep® and considered a pioneer in the sleep-health movement. We learn from the article that the wellness and luxury hotel industry is responding with big money to the traveling public's desire for healthier sleeping environments. Since 2007 Mariott Hotels have invested more than 150 million euro in healthy sleeping utilizing Power Sleeping Rooms ® a holistic concept of healthy sleeping from SAMINA


 

It's hard enough to get a good and untroubled or uninterrupted sleep at home. It may be even harder on the road as you encounter sleep difficulties away from home in hotels. You are in a strange room, maybe an uncomfortable bed, the air conditioner may be running all night, and there can be different lighting and people walking in the halls. Why the emphasis on healthy sleep? Scientists have learned that a healthy, restful sleep is the most important pillar of our physical and mental performance, as well as mental well-being. Also, our immune systems are strengthened while we sleep.

Why use SAMINA healthy sleep systems? SAMINA has spent years working together with scientists and experts to develop a complete sleeping system. The SAMINA bed is made up of three layers; the flexible slat frame forms the basis of the system providing support for the whole body, the natural rubber mattress for cushioning and comfort, and the pure sheep’s wool pad for a perfectly dry and warm bed climate. Then couple all that with SAMINA duvets and pillows that contain only 100% biologically active wool of high-grade Merino quality from free-range sheep.

There's one more aspect of healthy sleep: eliminating electrical smog! Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are produced by power lines, electrical wiring, electrical appliances such as televisions, radios and microwaves as well as mobile phones, mobile phone towers, DECT telephones and radio towers. It is becoming more widely acknowledged that these EMFs or ‘electrical smog’ are closely linked to health concerns and the disruption of sleep.

Lokosana® is a new and natural method for protection against electromagnetic radiation. The Lokosana® is an overlay that is placed between the natural rubber mattress and the wool pad of a SAMINA system. It is made from the same high quality organic virgin sheep’s wool and encased in a pure twisted certified organic cotton cover. The addition of Lokosana® to your SAMINA sleeping system will convert your certified organic bed into a place of true recuperation, free from disturbances created by electromagnetic pollution.

Contact the sleep-health advisor Claus Pummer
For over 10 years, Claus Pummer, a certified sleep-health coach, has represented the SAMINA firm and its sleep-healthy philosophy in Canada and the United States. He will advise you about how to get a healthy, bioenergetic sleep and will give you valuable tips on how to improve it. From a scientific perspective, this is one of the best strategies for stress and burnout.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Bridget Otto, today calls our attention to an article by Courtney from A Thoughtful Place about slipper chairs. Courtney shows a number of chairs and writes:
One of my very favorite ways to infuse personality and pattern into a room is with a slipper chair. Without being a huge investment, they really open up the seating possibilities in a space. You can add texture and pattern without eating up too much real estate.
We have some thoughts on the subject. If you would like a designer look and a selection of fine fabrics from Bernhardt Interiors, why not take a look a these Bernhardt Interiors slipper chairs:
Avignon $1,485
Holdan $1,395
Beaumont $1,395
Naomi $1,395
Roland $1,200
Portia $1.320 



The chairs shown above are quoted with retail pricing. Remember you have a choice of Bernhardt Interiors fabrics or you can use your own fabrics. The website will even tell you how much fabric is needed.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Interiors of Dictators' Houses

I came across this poem sometime ago and thought there was a truth here about the interior design of dictator's homes around the world:


Photographs of the Interiors of Dictators' Houses
by Albert Goldbarth

It's as if every demon from hell with aspirations

toward interior design flew overhead and indiscriminately

spouted gouts of molten gold, that cooled down

into swan-shape spigots, doorknobs, pen-and-inkwell sets.

A chandelier the size of a planetarium dome

is gold, and the commodes. The handrails

heading to the wine cellar and the shelving for the DVDs

and the base for the five stuffed tigers posed in a fighting phalanx:

gold, as is the samovar and the overripe harp

and the framework for the crocodile-hide ottoman and settee.

The full-size cinema theater accommodating an audience

of hundreds for the screening of home (or possibly

high-end f--k flick) videos: starred in gold

from vaulted ceiling to clawfoot legs on the seating.

Of course the scepter is gold, but the horns

on the mounted stag heads: do they need to be gilded?

You can read the rest of the long poem here.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

June's First Thursday

June 7th arrived and we stopped down at First Thursday to see Nathalie Equall's gallery showing.  She's really come along way with her pastels:



We stopped by Ann Sacks Tiles and looked at some fine ideas for re-doing the bathroom:




The last picture is of the elevator outside one gallery.  At first glance I thought it said "Morally Impaired." Whatever, I felt right at home.


(Click on the image to enlarge.)
I'm a little late on this post, however I want to share with you some sights on the afternoon walk with our dog, Ralph.  This year the sun was out and flowers were beyond belief.

 Our Rhodie against our Marigold house.

A neighbor's rose.

The neighbor's back door steps.

This Rhodie is glorious every year.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Bernhardt Interiors Offers Nailhead Chest

One of our clients just ordered this beautiful Nailhead Chest made by Bernhardt Interiors.  It features:

  • Fully wrapped linen covered chest with nailhead trim
  • Clear lay-on glass with eased edges on top of chest
  • Three drawers with nailhead trim pattern
  • Anti-tip kit

The dimensions are:
W 38-5/8 | D 20 | H 33-1/4 in.
W 98 | D 50.8 | H 84.46 cm.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Our Line List

We don't think we've posted for some time the Landfair Furniture Line List.  We are so proud to represent these proven vendors:



·      Bernhardt Interiors
·      Dovetail Furniture
·      New Century Picture
·      NOVA Lighting
·      Old Biscayne – (Beds & Casegoods)
·      Raschella Lamps
·      Sitcom Casegoods
·      Stanley Furniture
·      Tempo Barstools
·      Uttermost – Lamps, Mirrors, Accessories, & Furniture
     

Monday, June 18, 2012

Carlton Stunner !


Look at that beautiful rug!  It anchors the room.  Morris Design ordered this stunner GLOBAL VIEWS ARABESQUE Coral 9 x 12 area rug for their living room of the Carlton/Gates project in Carlton or "Little Napa" as they lovingly refer to the small town  located outside of McMinnville.    Morris Design completely refurbished this 2800 square foot home inside and out complete with two Master Suites.  This home sleeps ten and is available for rent.  It looks yummy!

LANDFAIR FURNITURE + DESIGN was tapped to order a gorgeous BERNHARDT INTERIORS Cooper Wing Bed for one of the suites and the above GLOBAL VIEWS Rug for this project.  Thank you Morris Design for making us part of your project.

Contact Kim Morris
Morris Design, Inc.
(971) 241-3846
morrisdesign@onlinemac.com


Call us to assist YOU with your next project!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Classic Counter Stool From Stanley

New from Stanley Furniture, available both in counter and bar stool:








Expect comfort from the gently-curved back of the Wood Counter Stool. While you're at it, prop those boots on the foot rest without worry. The kick plate protects your chair from scrapes and scratches.

Archipelago From Stanley

We love these new stools from Stanley Furniture, available both in counter and bar stool:





Woven materials says Caribbean, and our Tambu Counter Stool proudly expresses just how attractive natural fibers can be. A swivel seat makes it easy to flow with the breezes, and conversations, seaside or barside.

Love Adress Plaques

Door in Wall of Montepulciano

Have you ever noticed that when your friends return from a vacation with their vacation photos there are a lot of photos of doors.  There’s something about a big, weathered oak door with wrought iron hinges or a solid wall with just a beautiful door that taunts a tourist to take a shot for eternity. We went so far as to buy a picture of a door.  In Florenzia we bought from an artist an original piece of art titled “Door of the Supplicant.”  It now is framed and hangs in our living room.

I plead guilty to this fascination with doors and included in this fascination is one for residential address plaques. There are so many ways to announce to all who pass that this address is special.  There are bronze address plaques that just announce the number on the street or welcome you to the Landfair’s or do all that with a theme.  In the west hills where I drive often, the theme might be dueling bucks.  The plaques can be fastened to the house, be hanging to move in the wind or be mounted on a post. I’m not partial to the posts. I’ve seen too many knocked sideways.

Then there are the custom address plaques that catch the eye.  Mine might say, “Welcome to the road less traveled.” I don’t invite many guests over.  Some plaques can double as safety items around the pool: a life preserver that says “H.M.S Landfair.”  When Amber our first Golden Retriever died, she was cremated.  We planted her ashes in a park nearby where she loved to chase squirrels.  Wouldn’t it be great to plant a pet memorial plaque with her name and date on the site?

Saturday, June 09, 2012

Window Box Planters For The Neighbors




We have a small tradition in our neighborhood.  When we get a new neighbor, the existing neighbors contribute toward the purchase of a window box planter for the new family. The planter given to us was a cedar box, 36” X 10” X 10” given to us in 1995 and it still sits on the deck today. 

In a change from past years, Bev just filled it with one tomato plant and two basil plants.  I can taste the pesto she’ll make now. Most years it is planted with Cosmos, because they are tall and look pretty in the summer.

Many times we give plants to our mothers on Mother’s Day or plants as get well presents, but how many times do we give window boxes that can be mounted or set on decks and porches.  They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and materials from vinyl, wood, metal and fiberglass.

We’ve noticed that the terracotta pots on the deck, seem to suffer in the winter even if we are able to bring them to a sheltered part of the deck. We find they split and flake off.  Our friend Carol made us some great pots from rolled clay slabs, but they also have suffered.  I suspect it’s time to repot our plants with different materials.

Friday, June 08, 2012

Forgive us for tooting our own horn, but an email like this just makes our day. This wonderful email came from interior designer Deborah Melville and said in part:
I talked to (my client) today and she said, "The furniture is stunning - way prettier in person." They love it! Job well done...thanks for all your help!
Deborah and her client were ecstatic over Stanley Furniture's European Farmhouse collection.  It's described as feeling as if it was gathered over a lifetime of travel and treasure finding. It is both old and new, allowing the collection to serve nearly any decorating style.

Below are pieces that Deborah Melville ordered for her client:





If you want to see what Deborah Melville can do for you, why don't you contact her at:

Dm Designs in Wilsonville, OR Phone:(503) 682-5040

Thursday, June 07, 2012

We Love Al Fresco Dining.


We were invited to a good friend’s 70th Birthday party.  You know when you give a garden party in Oregon before mid-July or after mid-September, you need outdoor patio heaters to guard against icicles hanging off your guests noses. You may need more than two in our state.

We will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary on July 25th.  We were married in an orchard on a 90-degree day.  I still can remember the beautiful sight of Bev walking out of the trees on her father’s arm. A year after we were wed, one of Bev’s best friends married on the same date at Black Butte by the lake and it was unseasonably cold for that time of the year.  A wedding can be spoiled if your guests are uncomfortably cold.



We love al fresco dining.  It’s a causal way of dining in a garden atmosphere where we can hear the birds, feel the breeze and the sun and smell the fresh air as we savor the delightful flavors.  In Mexico, when we dine outside, we get the added bonus of the stars and the sounds of the surf.  Very few times has it been cold enough for heaters, but the waiters assured us one cold evening that this was unusual for March. They are trained to say that.

Speaking of casual dining, I love buffets.  I love to go down the event server line before the tops are lifted imagining what’s been cooked inside.  Then, I grab my plate as I balance my drink while holding my napkin and silver ware.  Next I put down my drink to dish some of the many salads on to my plate. I grab a roll and butter.  Then pick up my drink and move on, all the time chatting with those I’m with about how great everything looks.  There are usually rice or potatoes fixed one of many ways, so I put down my drink and dish up the carbs, pick up my drink and move on.  I’m running out of room before I get to the prime rib. 

I remember being in Dallas at a buffet hosted by my friend John May of May Petroleum.  He was ahead of me in line and when we came to the Baron of Beef.  The chef was slicing off thin pieces to make it last, I suspect.  John said he would like a piece this thick, holding he thumb and forefinger about a half inch apart. When it was my turn, I said to the chef, “I’ll have what he had!” 

When I sat down at the table I realized I forgot to pick up my drink again. Buffets are great.  The best part is going back for dessert.  There are usually more than a dozen offerings and the trick is to eat as many as possible without people getting wise.

On January 15th of 2014, I will be 70.  I’m going to have a party outside…in Mexico.

Wednesday, June 06, 2012

New From Old Biscayne



Izzy Desk - Shown in New Bronze Wood Top w/Black Rubbed Gold Iron Base Hardware: Saborn  Available in all OBD Finishes W: 59” H: 30” D: 28



 
















Courtney Buffet - Shown in Metallic Antique Pewter Available in all OBD Finishes W: 72” H: 34” D: 22”

Monday, June 04, 2012

Raschella Joins TODL

We offer an extensive collection of designer-oriented framed art, decorative mirrors and lamps. Our framed art is MADE IN USA ...

Sunday, June 03, 2012

Kusari Doi Or Rain Chains


I noticed the neighbors two doors away have taken out their downspouts and installed strainless steel rain chains. I am told that when it rains the chains produce a pleasing sound like a wind chime in light rain to the sound of roaring rapids in a downpour.  The chains can be fascinating to watch as the rain runs down the chain or flows down from cup to cup.

For hundreds of years the Japanese have used rain chains (‘kusari doi’ in Japanese).  Wikipedia says “Their purpose of a rain chain is largely decorative, to make a water feature out of the transport of rainwater from the guttering downwards to a drain or to a storage container. (Rainwater is sometimes collected for household usage.)” Japanese temples often incorporate quite ornate and large rain chains into their design. 



Chains for rain come in 8 to 8 ½ foot lengths and in a variety of materials including aluminum, brass, copper, glass, iron and stainless steel. In addition, they come in a variety of styles from linked and double-linked loops to cups with holes in their bottoms to enhance the water flow.

It’s interesting to learn that copper chains prevent the spread of germs.
Research indicates that a copper surface is more effective at preventing the spread of germs than stainless steel. Copper has a 2000 year history of antimicrobial applications in a multitude of cultures. More recent research has sought to determine uncoated copper's effectiveness in stemming the proliferation of infectious disease. At the University of Southampton in the U.K. research studies have shown that many common disease causing microbes such as  E. coli, Aspergillus niger (black mold) and Influenza A, die within hours on copper surfaces.
The only caution I found with rain chains is the possibility of winter ice build up on the chains. Although beautiful, can increase the weight on the gutter.

Saturday, June 02, 2012

Time For Green Training


We read so much every day about new developments that are LEED certified.  Many designers and architects have taken many hours of training to achieve their certification to design the new buildings.
But what about the 130 million homes that were built before modern energy and building codes were established. Where does the consumer go for qualified advice to bring their home up to the new standards? Where does the interior designer, architect or contractor get the knowledge to add this element to their repertoire?

The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) offers bpi certification to those taking bpi training in Residential & Commercial Energy Analysis, Building Performance Contracting, Solar Design a& Installation, Commercial Lighting and Assessment, Facility Energy Management, Indoor Air Quality, and Green Building Design.

In June 2012 the BPI will extend its certifications to energy auditor, retrofit installer, crew leader and quality control inspector. If you want to be involved in the energy upgrade industry, you might consider getting trained. The best part is the classes are offered by BPI and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

By becoming a bpi building analyst, you will be able help homeowners in those 130 million homes improve their comfort and safety and reduce their energy bills. I don’t need to tell you how the rising prices of energy have impacted the consumer’s wallet. Your knowledge will help homeowners qualify for utility incentive programs that range from tax credit, grants, loans and rebate programs.  Here’s a link to the many programs just in the State of Oregon. 

This is the time to grow a new business or add to your existing one