New Kinds Of Lighting

We've seen a lot of different means of lighting a room, including wall paper that lights up, to all sorts of crystals that are lit from within, to LED lighting, even a lamp that looks like it's dripping blood. The following two examples may take the cake. First lighting that resembles lightning:

Since the beginning of the 21st century, environmental friendly design in material and shape has been getting increasingly important. So I made lightning that gives us a feeling just like nature is getting into the house literally by using tree-shape.

Then there's this design for the man who complains that all the room lighting is just for ambiance and not to read by:



Isn't that fun?

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Angela Todd Has A Blog

Here's another local designer with a blog. Interior designer Angela Todd emails us to say

My blog, the Design Angle, is updated with a story every Tuesday and Friday. Visitors can read about design projects, advice, and new surfaces and lines.

The Design Angle is going live on KXL in January as a segment on "Around the House" from 12:00pm to 2:00pm each Saturday. I will be onair to answer design questions, discuss trends and talk about local vendors.

We wish you lots of success. BTW, Angela Todd is the Vice President Elect of the Portland chapter of the Interior Design Society (IDS).

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Unusual Desk Lamp

There's just something that is mesmerizing about this Japanese lamp. I especially like the desk lamp with the blood pooling below it. It belongs in a creepy writer's study. Imagine being Edgar Allen Poe with this lamp. Imagine a child hooked on Goth with this lamp...well, maybe not.

The white version sells for 19,950 yen (about $227).

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Faith Sheridan Has A Blog

Here's another designer that has recognized the power of a blog. Faith Sheridan in Seattle has had a blog since August of 2008 and she tweets. She started her posting career with the question what is taste? She liked fashion designer Norma Kamali answer:

“Taste is an evolution and refinement of one’s personal likes and dislikes. This evolution takes place with a constant curiosity and interest in everything. The editing consequently refines the choices and defines taste.”

Are you an interior designer with a blog? We'd like to know.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Kimberlee Jaynes' New Blog

Here's a designer that "gets it". Kimberlee Jaynes took my advice an started a blog and she's continuing to brand her name and business as Kimberlee Jaynes Interior Designs Inc with her blog. The great thing about her blog: we get to know about her and decide if we like her and want to hire with her.

Check out that beautiful and totally different Christmas tree and the view of the river from their home.

I know there are many interior designers out there with blogs. Let me know who you are and we will feature your blog here as well.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

NWSID Soiree

NWSID held a Christmas party Thursday night hosted at Elements International at 1825 NW 19th Avenue in Portland, Oregon. It was so much fun to see designers and their spouses dressed up enjoying the delicious food and desserts. It gave all of us a chance to chat and relax. Mike likes to ask designers what they are doing to attract business. For some the economy has been a challenge for others there has been little downtime. All it seems are taking action. Making phone calls to their clients, sending newsletters, asking for referrals, putting on events, writing articles, are some of the tactics being used.

One thing is evident, our area is attractive to people from all over the country. People want to move here. I've read that Portland city officials are preparing for an influx of 2 million people over the next 20 to 30 years. When these people in Dallas or Boca Rotan or Brooklyn, for example, do research for designer help, for when they get here, can they find your name when they Google "interior designer Portland"? I urge you to get a simple web site or even a blog with your name, address and phone number.

It is so easy to create a blog. There is even a little button in the upper right of this blog that says "Create Blog". Nothing cvould be easier. It's free and you can even add pictures of your work. If there is just one New Years Resolution on your "to do list" its get on the web so you can be found by your future clients.

One more thing. Elements International is supporting p:ear:

p:ear builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth, ages 15 to 23, through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives.

You can help p:ear this year for Christmas by making a contribution of cash, of course, or gift certicates to Rite-Aid, Fred Meyer or first aid supplies, bus tickets, food, pens and pencils, musical instruments, art supplies, clothing, etc.

You can reach p:ear at
338 NW 6th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
503.228.6677
info@pearmentor.org
Tax ID# 93-1327944

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Lorts Added

The move of Goldsmiths from a To the Trade establishment to just Contract has allowed Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery to add Lorts to our list of case goods manufacturers. Lorts was founded in 1966 by Andrew Lorts and is a family owned and operated furniture manufacturing company.

Lorts in 1990 began producing a stylized collection of furniture distributed through the finest higher-end furniture stores and designers across the country. Beginning with rustic, country styles, Lorts soon experimented with different finishes. Several other manufacturers answered to an increased demand for finish options, but their prices were astronomical.

Lorts responded to customers wishing for designer style and flexibility at reasonable prices. Soon word spread about the company producing hardwood furniture in several premium finishes at prices far below similarly styled product. Gradually, the product line developed and now includes dining furniture, stools and game sets, occasional pieces, bedroom furniture, armoires, and home office and wall units.

Lorts makes customization a reality...

Lorts prides itself on finding a niche in the market. Homeowners desire the ability to create furniture themselves by customizing finishes and sizes, and Lorts strives to make this a reality. From size changes on items currently in the Lorts line to new ideas sketched out on a napkin, Lorts allows customers to make each piece unique.

In a world where each furniture piece tends to look like every other, Lorts' customers can create furniture personalized to each individual need and style at a value unsurpassed within the industry.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Stout and Silk Loom Added

Many of you know that we sent out an email asking for your support. Goldsmiths changed its business model from selling just To the Trade and Contract to just Contract. That meant the fabric lines were going to go to other fabric houses in Portland. One line we wanted to keep in the area was Stroheim & Romann and thought Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery would be a good fit with our Duralee Fabrics line. We asked you to email Lesli Ann Cone recommending us to them. So many of you responded! We were very pleased and Stroheim & Romann was impressed. In the end, though, they made a decision to place the line with Jim Yockey owner of Linde Ltd.

We will be expanding our fabric offerings, however, and are very pleased to be adding Stout from Goldsmiths and Silk Loom from Linde Ltd. to our showroom

Stout Textiles and Trimmings "is a fourth generation company who carries both fabric and trim ranging from traditional to contemporary." Stout says on their website:

Sourced from around the world, we are confident our fabrics and trim will suit all your design ideas and needs. Our collections are conveniently separated into themes, colors, applications and/or style. With over 80 years of continued service to the interior design community, we pride ourselves on customer service and quality goods.

Visit their site and see What's New.

Our goal is for the design community to think of Landfair Furniture as a stop for furniture, accessories and fabrics.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Teamwork Is Wonderful

It's Bridget A Otto Thursday and she has outdone herself with the story today about the teamwork that has developed between Brent and Jorja Hicks, condo owners, and Interior designer Carole Jackson of Carole Jackson Design.

Every room in the house -- even the small bath that Jorja had called "her pet peeve" -- celebrates not only the collaboration between Jorja and Jackson, but also what can happen when talented craftspeople get to show off their skill.

Carole Jackson can be reached at (503) 291-9290

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

You May Need Some Color!

Diane Keaton Interiors has a blog that I checked out today and the blog has some before and after pictures of a Portland condo that has one of the clearest examples of how color competely changes a room.

Tired of your look? Need a quick lift in a depressing economy? Bring in some color. Still afraid? Call Diane Keaton Interiors or we can recommend a designer.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery