SE Neighborhood Art Walk

We received this email from our friend and photographer David Duck:

Please join us for the Neighborhood Art Walk. We will be hosting two artists, Wendy Price, hand crafted jewelry, and Stephanie Meredith, oils on canvas. Dave will be donating 10% of his photography sales to Kayla’s school’s Garden of Wonder program. The GOW supports the garden at her school, the gardening classroom and the scratch kitchen that serves up delicious hot lunches for the children (and visitors).

There are over 100 local artists exhibiting at 54 locations between SE 11th/Hawthorne/41st Ave/Powell Blvd. All locations will be open from 10-5 this Saturday and Sunday, February 28 and March 1st. Plan your walk, preview the artwork and print a map at www.seportlandartwalk.com. Or start your art walk at our house (3550 SE Tibbetts St.) and pick up a copy of the map before you start your walk.

Kayla has decided to join the fun and she and her friend Daisy will be exhibiting their artwork as well. Percentage of sales going to the GOW and the Foundation are still being negotiated with these artists.

Hope to see you this weekend!

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery
@landfairfurnitu

Duralee Introduces Two Fabric Collections

In July, 2008 we posted that we've added a whole section of Duralee Fabrics so you can see these fine designer fabrics and we added Duralee Fabric memo samples. We also said that we featured the amazingly beautiful fabrics from the Philip Gorrivan Collection of Highland Court.

Since then Duralee has introduced the Courtyard Faux Raffia collection.

The Courtyard Faux Raffia collection features 40 selections that have been specially engineered to endure the outdoors with the luxury and sophistication expected from a Highland Court® design.

Rich neutrals such as Teak, Ebony, Charcoal, Jute and Beige mingle with Pool, Leaf, Papaya and Melon to create a collection that is perfect for wood, metal or resin outdoor frames, yet are also fitting for headboards, ottomans and lounge chairs.

Wonderfully distinctive textures with simple care and cleaning, the fabrics of the Courtyard Faux Raffia collection were designed to enhance any space, outside or in.

Now Duralee Fine Fabrics has introduced The Marakesh Collection.

The globally inspired Marakesh Collection celebrates color and innovative styling to evoke optimism, joy and imagination. Neither masculine nor feminine, the low-tech hand weaving techniques, unrefined florals and simple tile designs reflect the simplicity of the every day artisan while maintaining the luxurious qualities of a Highland Court® fabric.

You can see the two collections at Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery. Watch for the announcement of Duralee Fabric Show in April led By Scott McKay.

Bev & Mike
@landfairfurnitu

The Bag Head

Ladies, I love Isaac Mizrahi and I consider myself a member in good standing of the "Fashion Police", but he has gone too far.



A cartoon in the latest New Yorker magazine shows two men sitting in opposing chairs. One man has feet resembling an eagle's talons. The other man says, "I hear you're into hunting."

Isaac Mizrahi has made a handle to snatch models. Hat tip to @amandagravel.

Bev & Mike

The Amazing WAVE

What is there about a hammock?

In relaxation exercises you are told to think of a favorite place where it's sunny and warm. Where the ocean waves can be heard. Picture yourself lying in a hammock, gently rocking in the breeze. You are not asleep, but you are completely relaxed.

That whole feeling came over me, when I saw this picture of The WAVE Hammock by Erik Nyberg and Gustav Ström:


Click on image to enlarge

The designers created The WAVE for Belgian outdoor furniture manufacturer Royal Botania. It even has what looks like our dog Ralph in the picture.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery
@landfairfurnitu

Would You Like to See Your Business Grow?

If you’re like many interior designers, you might be wondering where your clients have gone. We’d like to encourage you to attend the Interior Design Summit. There is still time to take advantage of the $50 early bird discount.
click here

Don’t miss out on hearing from David Bassett-Parkins - the founder of AvaLiving, the world’s premier website for interior design. David is going to show you how to easily get and do business in foreign countries! And can you imagine if you missed out on listening to Gail Doby, a successful ASID designer who has worked on multi-million dollar design projects? She is generously sharing the most profitable and effective ways to work with builders and contractors.
click here

- If you want more clients…
- If you are worried about the economy…
- If you need support and encouragement and real, effective, immediately useful strategies and advice for growing your design business, please do yourself a favor and invest in yourself.

For a small fee, you will get immense value. In fact, it’s guaranteed! For more info, go to the Interior Design Summit information page:

click here

Don’t miss this great opportunity - and take advantage of the early bird savings!

Green Outdoor Living

Here's an innovative design from DesignConsul. The manufacturer Oasis Island says

One of the most noteworthy features of contemporary furniture design during the past year has been an effort to make use of natural material or, at least, to utilize processes that are environment-friendly. Oasis collection is taking this approach. Not only do we consciously use natural materials, we strive to incorporate living materials that help to ‘Grow’ our design

I like the concept and it's look is cool and refreshing, but Mike would freak if the living chair had spiders. He gets yippy-skippy if a little branch from the bamboo touches his cheek while he's sitting on the patio.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery
@landfairfurnitu

Hot News From Las Vegas Market

Caroline Kennedy writing in the magazine Gifts & Decorative Accessories has a view of Las Vegas Market hot trends.

She mentions Global Views, which is carried at Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery. Kennedy writes

Other key exhibitors, such as Global Views, which attracts buyers from all segments of the market — furniture stores, decorators, home accents retailers, gift shops and florists, also reported steady traffic and strong sales.

And on Palecek she writes

...a line that Onecoast represents on the road in the region, is a new line in the showroom. The company felt that it was important to have a presence in Vegas, as it is a growing market. Drawing customer interest were its striking carved wood wall decor pieces and smaller ceramic tile groupings for the wall.

When we last visited Las Vegas market we found Artisan House to have a whole variety of beutiful wall decor. This year they introduced several new designs. Many of the Artisan House designs become collector items ala Franklin Mint of a ways back. I particularly liked

"Power Point" which is described as a cause-and-effect design generated by the explosive energy of a copper circle and tapered copper element introduced to the tapered, ground-steel bursts that form its outer spokes. ("Power Point" measures 40 x 4.5 x 42; retail price, $599.)

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery
@landfairfurnitu

Fabric Talker

Just found Fabric Talker Written by Paula Tocker. Her blog discusses the history of Paisley and the difference between Damasks and Jacquards

You can read her blog or follow her on @FabricTalker.

Bev & Mike at Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery where we carry Sherrill Fabrics, Duralee Fabrics, Stout and Silk Loom.
@landfairfurnitu

Are You Green?

Mike has just posted on The Landfair Retail Focus on the Home Accents Today website titled Green With Le Corbusier.

He wrote about the Green Movement and how we've seen little demand for earth-friendly furniture even though Rowe and Precedent have some significant offerings. We also met with Greg Harden in Las Vegas in July, 2008. As you can see in the following video, he is practicing producing furniture from sustainable forests here in the U.S.



Bev and Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery
@landfairfurnitu

HAT Uses Twitter From Las Vegas Market

Twitter is being used in a new way. Home Accents Today (HAT) is at Las Vegas Market and is live blogging from there and posting the news on Twitter or popping out with fresh highlights.

Read Wes Kennedy, Art Director for HAT, list the TOP HOME ACCENT TRENDS AT THE LAS VEGAS MARKET and what colors are hot! at @HomeAccents2day

Follow Jenny Heinzen-York, editor-in-chief of HAT, and learn what she thinks while at Las Vegas Market at @jennyheinzen

Get a feel for the nightlife with Retail Editor Susan Dickenson at @SusanDickenson

Mike wishes he were there!

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery
@landfairfurnitu

Deb Seeley Of Deb Seeley Designs LLC

Interior designer Deb Seeley, member of ASID and NWSID, writes,

The before picture represents the view from my clients entry. When I first entered this contemporary home I observed a living room filled with traditional furniture, with no cohesiveness. My clients wanted color, seating, and a more contemporary feel without going over the top. My goal was to not only accomplish their wishes, but to add badly needed warmth to their living room.

First, on my list was to tackle the existing industrial looking cement fireplace, I added a wood mantle 10"D, the cement was resurfaced with Jerusalem gold limestone to add needed warmth with onyx tile accents across the front to add punch and interest.

This room has an amazing view of Mt.Hood and the day I was there the most brilliant blue sky. The sky was my motivation for the color of their walls. I wanted to bring the outside in by using a rich blue, and the ceiling a lighter version. This also made the white beam ceiling and moulding details pop. The teak shelves were recycled to another area in the home and replaced with white shelves which gave continuity to the space.

The depressing gray carpet was replaced with a New Zealand wool Fabrica carpet. Its contemporary pattern and gold color was selected to coordinate with the fireplace, adding texture and warmth.

To eliminate a bowling alley appearance from the front door the furniture was angled allowing two loveseats and overstuffed chairs, which created badly needed seating. The Precedent sofa covered in a Kravet goldish chenille fabric added contemporary flair with its stream line style, and pulled in the carpet color. The Precedent contemporary style chairs were done in a Pollack, gallery slate square patterned fabric to add a little punch and individuality to the space, at the same time pulling in the wall, sofa, and carpet colors.

I always tell my clients, the furniture is the cake, but you need to add the frosting to make it complete. My frosting, aka, accessories; included plants, lamps, pillows, candlesticks, mirror, and do da's for the shelf. Accessories are the jewelry of the room and the one area badly neglected by homeowners. Accessories are a must, they add charm and personality to a space.

Now my mission has been accomplished, a functional, warm, cohesive environment for my clients and their guests to enjoy!!

Deb Seeley Designs LLC
503-635-2967
www.debseeleydesigns.com
Allied Member ASID and Associate Member NWSID

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery
@landfairfurnitu

What Is Crenelation?

Mike learned a new word: Crenelation - a rampart built around the top of a castle with regular gaps for firing arrows or guns. He saw how this is used in design at the Peak of Chic blog in Mining The Middle Ages For Inspiration.

Crenellated nailshead design on these custom chairs by Ceylon et Cie

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery
@landfairfurnitu

A Tree Bed

I checked in with Arch Update and saw this wonderful bed.



Have you ever wanted a tree house? Can you imagine sleeping in this bed? Every morning we awake with the sound of birds from our deck or in the trees around. We hear their cheeps and calls as the breeze gently moves the wind chime. This bed would complete the ambiance.

What if we left a window open. Would the mama and papa birds take up residence and fly into the bedroom, to feed those hungry chicks in the nest, while dropping bird doo... No, that wouldn't happen, but the bed sure might lead to some interesting dreams!

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery
@landfairfurnitu

Mark Cutler Blogs

Celebrity Designer Mark Cutler wrote in The First Post in February 2007,

This is the first of what I hope will be many, many posts in the time ahead. You might wonder what is the goal here, well I think that this is a great medium to bring my philosophy of design to a large audience. I plan to post images not just of my work, but also images that I find that highlight particular design ideas, and I plan to discuss issues that people face when trying to create environments for themselves.

Mark will be in Las Vegas during Market and "...will also be appearing on a panel on Tuesday at 1pm...with a group of Industry leaders talking about doing business in this economy. For anyone in the design field, I think there will be lots of tips and insights to help navigate what promises to be an exciting year."

Mark was found by us on Twitter: @markcutler.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery
@landfairfurnitu

Barbara Miller's Blog

Browsing through Twitter, I came across another local interior designer with a blog, Barbara Miller, @barbara_miller, Designing My Life. Some designers ask Mike and I, "Why should I have a blog?" Here's another great answer from Miller's blog:

As an interior designer you are given a great trust. You are granted access into your client’s private lives. You see the state of their closets and laundry room, you learn about their family dynamics and you hear about their bottom line budgets. As a professional you tread carefully through all of this and never speak of it outside their doors, which is exactly as it should be. You need this information to be able to help your clients achieve a home/design that meets their needs. You build a relationship and the quirky things about their lives become endearing to you.

If you are considering hiring a designer, isn’t turn about fair play? Shouldn’t you know something about the person you are bringing into your family life? I think so.

Great answer Barbara Miller!

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery
@landfairfurnitu

Patti Marvitz, LEED AP Walls too Windows,LLC

We continuewith our feature of Before and After pictures of projects completed by local interior designers. In this case we are looking at a Patti Marvitz project. She writes

Before, this was a run down 1965ish 3 bedroom ranch with poor space function, after an extensive remodel, every square inch is now in usable space, the client has one of the best 3 bedroom ranches in all of Clark County.

I would love to come home to this new kitchen. It's warm and cozy and works so much better than the cold, closed in kitchen.

Patti Marvitz, LEED AP
Walls too Windows,LLC Interior Design
When Quality and Service Count
360-687-5076
360-666.0867 /fax
wallstoo@comcast.net

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Diane Plesset, of D.P. Design + Associates

As you know we started a new feature to showcase interior designer projects and show the before and after pictures.

Diane Plesset is a bath-kitchen specialist, so virtually all of her projects reflect this specialty. From her website is this his Master Bathroom which won the 2006 Gold Award in the Master Design Competition.

BEFORE:


AFTER:
Notice the lit display niche INSIDE the shower, the homeowners' favorite feature.



Do we really need the labels of "before" and "after"? What a beautiful makeover. It would be hard to get Mike out of that shower. He'd need a lot of hot water!

Diane Plesset, CMKBD, CID #5818, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S.
D.P. Design + Associates
503-632-8801
diane@dp-design.com

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Why Use Twitter?

Some think Twitter will go mainstream in 2009! Hat tip @larrybrauner and his Online Social Networking blog.

Show Us Your Before And Afters

Mike and I are starting a new feature. We want to feature your projects before and after photos with your commentary, if possible, about how you solved the problems. I know some of you do this on your web sites already. We'll give you additional face time and encourage all of you to email or mail your pics to us.

Let's start off with Kimberlee Jaynes at her website Kimberlee Jaynes Interior Designs, Inc.in Portland, Oregon. This is her client in a West Hills residence:





Our website is read by people all over the U.S. and beyond and we are a regular tweeter where our tweets are picked up and retweeted around the world. You can follow us @landfair on twitter and join us on Linked at Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniiture +Design Gallery