Charred Corn

Mike and I has a wonderful dinner last night with our neighbor from next door, in our backyard. We served Sockeye Salmon baked on a cedar plank on our BBQ. The salmon was served atop a charred corn relish, garnished with a slice of watermelon and a side of crunchy buttered toast, also fixed on the grill.

I came across this recipe for Charred Corn Salad from William Sonoma. It is very similar and looks wonderful with all the colors.

Charred Corn Salad

Tossed with a sprightly vinaigrette, this salad makes a wonderful accompaniment to grilled meats and poultry.
Ingredients:

* 2 Tbs. fresh lime juice
* 1 Tbs. fresh orange juice
* 1 tsp. diced chipotle chili in adobo, plus 1 Tbs. adobo sauce
* 2 tsp. salt
* 1 garlic clove, minced
* 1/2 tsp. honey
* 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. olive oil
* 6 ears of corn, husks and silks removed
* 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
* 2 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro, plus cilantro leaves for garnish
* 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
* 1/2 cup diced jicama
* 1/4 cup diced red onion

Directions:

In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, chipotle chili and adobo sauce, 1 tsp. of the salt, the garlic, honey and the 1/4 cup olive oil until smooth. Set the vinaigrette aside.

Prepare a hot fire in a grill or preheat a grill pan over high heat.

Rub the ears of corn with the 2 Tbs. olive oil and the remaining 1 tsp. salt. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until charred in spots, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a platter.

When the corn is cool enough to handle, remove the kernels from the cobs and place the kernels in a large bowl. Add the black beans, chopped cilantro, tomatoes, jicama, onion and vinaigrette and stir until well combined. Garnish with the cilantro leaves. Serve the salad at room temperature. Serves 6 to 8.
Williams-Sonoma Kitchen.

Bev & Mike

Sherrill Prices Increases

It's a sign of the times, isn't it?

Sherrill has announced price increases across the board effective July 21st!

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Sherrill is our most popular vendor. Many of you have sat in a Sherrill and loved it and many of you have held off buying yourself a Sherrill. Don't you want the quality of a Sherrill sofa with an opportunity to save a little money?

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This is the final week that all Sherrill Upholstery products can be ordered at today's prices. After the 17th the Sherrill price increases will be effective.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

The Spa Cushion

What do you do when you go to the pool or beach? You read, right? The one problem Mike and I have is everything is fine while sitting up with our books getting tan.

What happens when you need to get sun on your backside? Those darn chaise lounges are just not made for lying on your stomach. Either I am hanging off the end with my book on the ground or I've twisted my back into a half loop!

Now there's a solution: Kami Gallaher has invented
Spa Cushion!



Gallaher says, "The design has 1 opening for your head which allows for breathing and ergonomic neck placement and 2 openings for your knees to allow relief from pressing into the chaise. The cushion also has a flip over pillow for when you want to lie on your back."

Great ideas triumph again!

Bev & Mike

Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Making Homes Elder Safe

My parents are getting older and are starting to have health problems. Mike's mom and dad are still alive and knock on wood are getting around just fine. As they age, we know they want to stay in their homes, but we want them to be safe and have help if they need it.

As we age we our needs change and many in the design community specialize in redesigning homes so they are more elder friendly.

I was reminded of this when I read of national company that conducts audits of homes that might belong to our parents. Home Instead Senior Care

...does a thorough safety inspection of each client’s home, reviewing more than 50 different items. Areas such as the bathroom, bedroom or kitchen often receive additional scrutiny, as these are usually areas where the client spends the most time.

Things like safety bars in the bathtub, or removing trip and fall hazards might be obvious, but other items to consider are adequate lighting, lifting recliners and an elevated toilet seat.

One of the most dangerous items is a simple throw-rug.

Home Instead Senior Care has an office in Portland at 4415 NE Sandy Blvd Suite 208. There are a whole variety of services they can provide as this list points out.

Another local organization that can provide some of the same services and education is one that Mike's dad has been involved with for years; that's Elders in Action. They are at 1411 SW Morrison St. Suite 290 Phone 503-235-5474.

UPDATE: Betty Jung, a broker at RE/MAX, wrote along similar lines in: Baby Boomers Aging in their Homes

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Attic Gallery Hosts Judith Cunningham

Mike has been attracted to Judith Cunningham's paintings ever since her saw her painting of this place, Dead Horse Point . He was traveling in Utah a number of years ago when he met some people in Moab, Utah who invited him on a picnic at the point. I don't know if he has been the same since. He wrote this poem about the experience:


Dead Horse Point, Utah

At Dead Horse Point, great canyons stretch before me.
The setting sun backlights the scudding clouds.
A gentle breeze, wafts Junipers and whispers
of the desert to the south. The shawl of evening cloaks
the sandstone boulders.
Under the stars of Orion a red fox yips in the dying light.
I traveled much of a lifetime to this place to see a sunset.

Judith Cunningham captured the light and his feelings for that place. Now she captures the loneliness and majesty of the high plains in Wasco County


Canyon Shadows

She will be at the Attic Gallery tonight, 206 SW First Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97204 beginning at 6:00 showing her latest creations and they will be on display tomorrow without her. She makes her home in Hood River.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Two Doctors, Both Interior Designers!

Here's an amazing coincidence. Back in 2005, we interview Lisa Seung, as part of recognizing local designers for their business with Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery. (You can read that interview here.)
Here's a snippet of the interview:

LF+DG: We know you have a very interesting background. Please tell us about what you did before becoming an Interior Designer and your design credentials.
Lisa: People are usually a bit surprised when I tell them my background. I have a Ph.D in immunology and spent several years doing research.

LF+DG: In fact you and your husband share a common background.
Lisa: My husband is a radiation oncologist. He also has a Ph.D. We met doing research in the same lab in Chicago.

Today, I learned of Calvin Ashford Jr., the principal and design director of Gilmore-Ashford-Powers, who died at the age of 73 on June 24th.

After finishing high school early, he enrolled at Columbia University in New York City to study interior design, graduating at 18, his brother (Nickolas) said.

But Mr. Ashford, an African-American, found it difficult to find work as an interior designer, (Carol) Green, (a client and friend of Mr. Ashford for nearly 30 years) said, and opted to return to school to study microbiology.

After receiving a doctorate from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a professor there asked him to help his wife decorate their home, reawakening his love of interior design, his brother said.

[...]

Over his career, he did design work for Whitney Houston, Maya Angelou and such athletes as Sammy Sosa and Jalen Rose.

Isn't that amazing, two doctors and both end up as interior designers!

Bev & Mike

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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".

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

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

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

5 Things You Can Do To Survive and Thrive

Mike at the Landfair Retail Focus has posted about 5 Things You Can Do To Survive and Thrive in Today’s Challenging Economy! Written by George Whalin, President and CEO of Retail Management Consultants, it offers five tips:

Be True to Your Principles.
Take a Critical Look at Every Expense.
Support Your People.
Get Closer to Your Customers.
Fix What’s Broken.

Good advice from an expert.

Bev & Mike
Landfair furniture + Design Gallery