Indoor/outdoor Furniture In New Material

In February of 200, when we were preparing our new location in the Pearl in Portland, I wrote

There can be disagreement about global warming and its causes, but there is no denying the Green Movement. Our bookkeeper, Helen Pilgrim, sends us a note about Slatescape, EcoCem and Paper Stone (for) Counter tops. She says she first heard about it in the Oregonian Home & Gardens section. "I don't know how this compares to granite, but it looks great."

We fell in love with PaperStone and used the chocolate color as the reception and work counter top in the showroom front area. It's warm and satiny smooth to the touch. When we first saw the material, it was only available in slabs of several thicknesses.

Now, thanks to Material Process Systems, there is indoor/outdoor furniture available in material similar to paperstone with the same outstanding features. Take a look:



The company writes

The material is waterproof so it does very well outside. Over time, it acquires a natural patina, but the integrity of the material is never compromised. Variations of this material have actually been used for decades in the marine industry and in the manufacturing of skate ramps -- that's how durable it is.

If you have questions write:

Niina Pollari
Material Process Systems, Inc.
niina@materialprocess.com

Bev & Mike
Landfair Futniture + Design Gallery

$22,000 Picnic Basket

Some think the economy is bad. Maybe it is, but just maybe IT'S OVER for conspicuous consumption.

Several months ago the New York Observer wrote about Margaret Russell, Elle Décor’s editor-in-chief, who ran a story about a picnic basket that sold for $22,000!

In contrast The Sale Rack went to the Strasburg Antique Market in Strasburg, PA, where Natasha bought an all-inclusive picnic basket for $25.



Did some of us just go bonkers for awhile? I think so. Its akin to an investor switching from go-go growth stocks to book value and dividend paying stocks.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery, where we offer value.

Tomaz Erzetic of Slovenia

Click to enlarge.

Tomaz Erzetic of Slovenia has just sent me pictures of the most unusual piece of furniture I've ever seen.


Click to enlarge.

Erzetic is a young designer and has this description of his work:

Based on an elaborate concept and a carefully planned study this unique artistic creation is a perfect combination of functionality, and the art of painting, sculpturing and design.

New, revolutionary design of unique pieces of furniture does not only pervade the space, filling it up with a soul of its own, but also creates a charismatic essence of the object of art itself. This piece is the fruit of work of two promising young artists; Klemen Benedik, painter and designer, and Tomaž Erzetič, sculptor and designer.

Elaborately planed furniture design and a tender, refined painting are the artistic soul and an added value of this unique piece of furniture, which moves one's heart by its very existence, suggesting and narrating its story.

Erzetic writes the piece is 3.8m in length, 2.15m in height, 1m max in depth.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Jennifer Adams Has Made A Name For Herself

Jennifer Adams of Jennifer Adams/Design Group has been very active sharing her ideas and information on TV. Recently she completed a special titled Area Rugs: Commitment phobic? Where do you even begin?.

With the help of my favorite area rug distributor, Tufenkians, of Portland, Oregon, I recently filmed a segment for BETTER, with Brooke Carlson, in the home of News Anchor Natalie Marmion. We discussed the do's and don'ts and where to begin when trying to find the best area rug.

In the piece she offers these tips for selecting area rugs:

- Rugs change color based on which direction you lay them. If it looks too light, try turning it the other direction and watch how the colors in the rug completely change!

- When selecting size for the living room, a good rule of thumb is to have all of the furniture on the rug or off the rug. Obviously the coffee table can stay on the rug, but it's best not to have any of your chairs or sofas halfway on and halfway off the rug.

- When selecting size for the dining room make sure you have a minimum of 2' behind each dining chair on all sides. No teetering chairs at the dinner table allowed!

- Always try out the rug in your home prior to committing to the piece. Tufenkians will deliver your rugs, help you place them and then bring back the pieces you dont want.

It's exciting to see the various ways designers market themselves.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Take A Look At Maramiki

Hat tip to decorology for bringing Maramiki to our attention. Maramiki is the creation of Mara Snipes, a designer and textile artist based in Chicago, who also sells screenprinted fabric by the yard..



"The drawings that Maramiki screenprints on to pillowcases, tea towels, and placemats are wonderfully imaginative and organic, and the fabric really lends itself to the natural aesthetic of the art."

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Dan Carithers: Getting Specific

Back in April we wrote about Dan Carithers. He has a his own furniture line at Sherrill. We thought it might be interesting to take a look at specific examples of his collection. Remember, Carithers' use of button-tufted pieces gives the home an instant dose of comfort and glamour.


Dan Carithers Collection
H 36 W 81 D 23 in.
Arm Height: 33 in.
Overall Depth: 38 in.
Approx. Seat Height: 19 in.
Standard with 2 Throw Pillows

This sofa is 100 inches long and many want the extra length in a room.

Dan Carithers Collection
H 34 W 100 D 24 in.
Arm Height: 23 in.
Overall Depth: 42 in.
Approx. Seat Height: 18 in.


chaise
Dan Carithers Collection
H 36 W 41 D 54 in.
Arm Height: 24 in.
Overall Depth: 73 in.
Approx Seat Height: 17 in.

You can see more of his collection at Sherrill Dan Carithers' Collection.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Jenny Heinzen York on Cosumer Buying Habits

Here's Mike's editor at Home Accents Today, Jenny Heinzen York in an interview about consumer buying habits based on a study of HGTV consumers:



Hat tip to SuperWAHM.

What Style Are You?

My Home Redux is great blog with all sorts of tips for saving money to decorating rooms in your home. Recently, in Decorating Styles Defined, Julie Lohmeier helps us determine our furniture style with this fun little quiz from HGTV. Click through and learn about each one as well as see photos illustrating the styles.

Check them out here.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Your Chance To Earn A Tax-Free Income

Are you an Interior Designer with a desire to work in the Middle east?

Our client wishes to recruit a number of experienced talented INTERIOR DESIGNERS. They need degree qualified interior professionals who have over 5 years experience.

Some places are humming!

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Bridget Otto Thursday

We haven't had a Bridget Otto Thursday for a while, so I was struck by some of our friends mentioned today in one of her articles. In The Oregonian's HGNW, Using EXTREMES Requires BALANCE, the premise is that "tough economic times will push home decor to extremes."

Amanda Klash of Montogomery Klash Interior Design says "...we may see many opposites, but there needs to be a plan."

Jaime Stephens, executive director of Color Marketing Group, says:

"We are drawn to old-culture decor -- a Tuscan farmhouse kitchen -- but we want state-of-the-art appliances in that kitchen."

Celeste LeDuke of Portland's Designing Women, says pairing a rough or reclaimed wood floor with sleek appliances will work, but "you don't want it to look like a tool shed."

Sue Augustyn, the owner of SAID/Sue Augustyn Interior Design has been pairing high gloss with faded western artifacts for years.

All (the) designers warned against just bringing some sort of extreme look into a room.

Maybe, all three saying the juxtaposition of different styles is okay, it's fun to be edgy, but find a balance and moderation.

Genoa: Say it's Not So

Genoa is closing after 38 years. Billed as the premier restaurant in Portland, known widely for its regional Italian cooking and meticulous service, it just became available on Passport, but now is closing on November 22nd.

(Owner Kerry) DeBuse says he spent tens of thousands of dollars upgrading the old-fashioned dining room in June. Business had been slow since early summer, he says, "but it all changed 180 degrees within a week of the recent (Wall Street) crash."When the problems went global, the bottom fell out.

I've dined there possibly twice or more and have never been disappointed. Due to the upper end pricing, you didn't go all the time, but it was the place for a special occasion.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

The Armoire Is Dead

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reperts from High Point that the Armoire is dead. It is as old-fashioned as the telephone table.

...armoires were originally designed as gun cabinets. That is where they get their name. Later, when the French changed the tax code and began taxing the number of rooms, the aristocracy knocked down closet walls and replaced them with armoires or wardrobes.

Recently, meaning a five years ago, people bought armoires to hide the TV. Now, 42 to 50 inch flat screen TVs are considered status symbols, so there is a desire to show it off. Now we have media units or entertainment centers.

The latest solution is the low- to medium-height console, which is not necessarily dedicated to the flat-screen television.

"A console or buffet is a great way to anchor the flat screen, as well as a place for storage.

At Landfair Furniture, we see media centers of all styles from low credenza types to taller dresser type designs and from various vendors like Stanley, Dinec, BermanFALK, and Hammary. Come take a look at the styles on the floor and in catalogs, where you can select from many finsihes.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

High Point Observations

Since we went to Las Vegas Market at the end of July, we did not go to High Point, however here's what some are saying about trends at this fall's show.

Jean Greeson of Greeson and Fast Design wrote

As we saw in the spring, there were a lot of eco-friendly and natural materials, and on the other side of the fashion spectrum, a lot of glitz and glamour. Metallic colors and textures were featured in fabrics, rugs and even ceramics, and rich linens and velvets were employed in upholstery and drapery

Richard Fast of Greeson and Fast design noticed

an evolution in surface textures — a couple of years ago shiny black lacquer was popular, then it was replaced with shiny white lacquer, and this time there were some antique French reproductions finished in flat white. It gave them a contemporary look.

As for colors Greeson still saw blush pinks and earth tones, blacks and whites.

I should say “charcoal and white,” because charcoal seems to be the new black.

The Rocky Mountain News reports that Small is the new black.

Remember the McMansions, now we are seeing baby boomers and tight-fisted consumers down size to smaller homes, condos, apartments and flats. Oversized furniture is out. Now we are seeing smaller arms on sofas. Customers are asking for tables where the leaves are hidden. Storage in condos is at a premium. They also want furniture pieces to "do tricks", meaning be a coffee table and a dining table or at least have multiple functions.

Furniture manufacturers are responding to downsizing baby boomers and the growing appeal of urban living by reducing the scale of dressers, coffee tables, nightstands and the like. They're compressing home offices into a single fold-out cabinet. And they're cutting back the length of sofas and entertainment centers that sprawled across the length of wall in McMansions.

If you were at High Point, do you have some other observations?

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

10 tips to cut the cost of your holiday

It won't be long before we're taking off for foreign climates for the holidays or to beat the winter blues that can settle on us in the Northwest. Times Online has a valuable article listed under Money Central titled 10 tips to cut the cost of your holiday. Here's a sample of the tips:

1. Knock off hidden extras online - booking your trip online allows you to strip out things like your "world care fund" contribution, which is essentially the optional carbon-offset charge. This "carbon footprint offsetting" is one to watch on many flight and holiday websites as it may be included automatically, but you can usually remove it if you wish.

2.Plan your parking - we already do this. We stay the night before we leave at The Hampton Inn near the airport. There's an easy shuttle ride to the airport and we leave our car in their protected lot for free.

3. Chop the cost of flights - The best way to ensure you are not paying over the odds is to use a website such as Skyscanner, Flightchecker or Kayak. These send your trip details to scores of airlines and flight-broker websites for a range of quotes, listing the cheapest first.

4. Use the right card - In the UK there is The Abbey Zero credit card.

It does not charge a fee, will not charge you for foreign usage, and will enable you to withdraw up to £300 a day.

Make sure if from the US that your card offers the same service.

5. Cut car hire costs - by booking online you get the cheaper cars which may not be available on arrival.

There's five of the ten. Now check out the other five and start shopping for that new bathing suit.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects Is Honored

Each year, Contract Magazine's Healthcare Environments Awards Competition, is conducted in conjunction with The Center for Health Design and the HEALTHCARE DESIGN.08 Conference. The competition puts the healthcare market under the microscope to examine today's healing environments. The goal: To recognize design innovation that enhances the delivery of healthcare.

This year Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects was honored as the Health and Fitness Winner for its University of Oregon Athletic Medicine Center.

The University of Oregon's 15,000-sq.-ft. Athletic Medicine Center (AMC) is in a league of its own. Designed to reflect a holistic approach to athlete care, the sports therapy and training facility incorporates tools that heal (massage tables, hydro-therapy tubs, exam rooms, a pharmacy, an x-ray facility) alongside tools that help make athletes stronger (bikes and treadmills), better nourished (nutrition bar), and healthier and more motivated (optometry, dental, and acupuncture offices).

Student athletes are welcomed into the center via a seating area anchored by a reception desk and nutrition bar, that is further divided into smaller sections by a zig-zagging, internally illuminated white Corian bench that references an unraveling roll of tape. Throughout the space, four pictorial screens showcase the university's athletic history and a white oak wall features a horizontal stream of the names of the university's most important coaches physically branded into its surface. Other references to the university's history is the school's “O” logo springing from 3,000 aluminum rods in a glass wall separated the nutrition bar from custom-designed taping tables; bar stools with leather covers that were laser cut to reflect numerical statistics of various sports; and acrylic finds in the exam rooms that progress from yellow to green, the university's colors.

Go ZGF! Go Ducks!

Private Cloud

TrendHunter has this unique bed. A little like a hammock, the rocking bed.

Private Cloud looks like a giant rocking bed - which it is. It takes up more space than a normal bed, but certainly would be worth it. If you aren’t in the mood to rock the night away, the bed has a mechanism to lock the bed in one position. Why be normal?

Interior Design Summit

We have been promoting the Interior Design Summit to local designers because we saw the Summit as a way to be positive about the interior design business, and help designers learn some things that would help grow their business. Nika Stewart has been spearheading the effort to bring designers together with 14 experts on everything from

Edie Marks - the #24 realtor in the country. That's number 24 out of 1.3 million! She is going to reveal the secrets of her success, including how she networks and creates relationships with affluent homeowners.

to

Kathy Peterson - host of Lifetime TV's The Balancing Act? She is going to share the best ways to get publicity as a designer, both local and national.

This email from Nika this morning illustrates how positive she is and why we teamed up with her:

Can you personally affect this economy in a positive way? Absolutely! Don't think for a moment that one person can't make a big difference. And it doesn't take a lot of hard work or time.

I have been studying what makes some designers successful - wildly successful, despite what the outside world / media / friends are saying about the economy. Many of them have doubled or tripled profits this year. They are enjoying the dream businesses that they've worked for, and feeling fulfilled and happy.

And the best part about being successful is that you actually make more people successful - just by being successful!

What do I mean?

Think about it. Designers and decorators who are complaining about the economy, talking about how they don't have enough business, and reacting to their worries and concerns are affecting the economy in a negative way. Negative talk leads to more people worrying and reacting - and spending less! Which, of course, leads to more worry, more complaining, and LESS spending. A vicious cycle.

The opposite is also true. Designers who have made the decision to think positively and focus on what is good about their businesses (okay, I know I'm sounding a bit Pollyanna here, but just go with me), are noticing that they are NOT being affected by the so-called slow economy. They are investing more time and energy into improving their businesses in creative ways, which leads to more publicity and more clients, leading to more positive energy, more profits, more improving, etc.

I have designer clients who have worked with me over the past year on improving heir businesses - starting with their mindsets - who say to me, "I don't get what everyone is saying. My business is doing better than ever."

Imagine if we could recruit more designers to start thinking more positiveley? At some point we would reach what is called "The Tipping Point."

Then:
- more people would feel positive and optimistic,
- people would relax and release their worries,
- more money would be spent,
- the economy would improve!

Can you imagine? I know I want to be a part of that! Join me, won't you? If you want to have more success, model the designers who are having wild success right now. The most important thing to do first is focus on the positive. What are you most grateful for?

Now, I am NOT saying to bury your head in the sand. No, you should not ignore what is going on in the world. You NEED to keep current with business and design trends. Which leads me to the second thing you must do... The second thing you must do is learn how to run your business in the most effective way to create prosperity in current times. Creating success in business is a learned skill. Learn a few techniques, put them into action, and you WILL see improvement.

If you know anyone who needs a boost - in their mindset or in their pocketbook, please let them know about the upcoming Interior Design Summit. This Summit is designed to help designers in both areas - attitude and profits! The more designers who attend, the quicker we will see an upswing in the economy.

You can make a difference. Let's do it together!

Join me next week, and invite everyone you know:InteriorDesignSummit

To your easy success,
Nika

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

It's A Coffee Table

This ‘pool table’ spotted at the Tent London event is designed by Freshwest Design. It’s not a game table at all, but a coffee table that looks like a swimming pool. The table top is made of an aqua colored glass, which replicates the blue color of a backyard pool.

The simple addition of a tiny acrylic diving board enhances the fun realistic effect.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

HGTV is coming to Portland!

Here we are again for all you designers seeking stardom!

Have you recently remodeled a major room of your house?

Then HGTV is looking for you!

Home & Garden Television's (HGTV) BANG FOR YOUR BUCK is gearing up for its first season and we're looking for fun and enthusiastic homeowners in the greater Portland area RIGHT NOW!

We are looking for fun and energetic people who would like to showcase their fabulous renovation on TV! The remodels must have taken place recently (no more than 3 years ago). Each episode will compare three similar remodels at similar price points to see who got the most bang for their buck. We'll also provide viewers with expert advice, answers on remodeling values, and inspiring ideas for design.

Taping will begin shortly, so if you're interested, please apply immediately!
Request an application by emailing:

Kgrogan@highnoonentertainment.com

Or by calling Keri Grogan at (303) 712-3137

Bang For Your Buck is produced for HGTV by High Noon Entertainment in Centennial, CO

Good Luck from Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

We need your feedback!

We need your feedback! Remember the conversation at Color Pulse 2010 about "authenticity"? Part of being authentic is Genesis: - Genesis is an extension of the RAW from 2009. It exposes "the parts" as they become "the sum" ...with its emphasis on honest materials and eco-inspired themes that feel like a call to action.

We came across this New York manufacturer, Platform Furniture, that makes these wonderful storage cabinets in one, two or three units in solid reclaimed fir or in solid walnut. This company's products certainly seems to fit in with what is coming in 2010, but here now. They also seem to fit in with The New Luxury. They are very unique. I can't recall seeing this quality for this price.

Storage China Cabinet 2 Units (Fir) 86 x 19 x 39 $8,500.00





Storage China Cabinet 3 Units (Walnut) 129 x 19 x 39 $14,000.00




Now here's where we need your feedback. Is this something you are demanding for your clients? How about the price point, will the price point work within your client's budget?

Email Bev & Mike at landfair3554@comcast.net with your thoughts.

Duralee Introduces Thomas Paul

Known for his bold colors, iconic patterns, and signature style, DURALEE® has harnessed the creativity of designer Thomas Paul for his first fabric collection, Thomas Paul Prints Exclusively for DURALEE®. Featuring eye-catching patterns in numerous inspiring colorways, Thomas Paul Prints Exclusively for DURALEE® focuses on distinctive design that is unpretentious and versatile.

A native New Yorker, Thomas Paul began his career in the design world in the fashion business and has developed neckwear collections for designer names including: Bill Blass, Oscar De la Renta, Calvin Klein, and DKNY. This eventually led to the creation of a neckwear collection under his own label, and then to the thomaspaul pillow collection, originally conceived of to utilize the silk prints in his tie collection for throw pillows. Since 2001, the thomaspaul brand has steadily expanded into other categories, including tabletop, rugs, stationary, lighting, bags, and wall art.

Thomas Paul Prints Exclusively for DURALEE® is a natural progression towards the goal of having Thomas Paul products covering every aspect of the home. His bright, graphic patterns are the perfect addition to the DURALEE® family of fabrics by reflecting the DURALEE® style of fun, fresh, flexible design.

Click here to view fabrics from Thomas Paul Prints Exclusively for DURALEE®.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Buy A Ceiling Fan To Save, Now!

Summer before last, we put a ceiling fan in our bedroom. We were tired of bringing up the AC for the window each summer for a few +90 degree days. When summer was over, we would have to empty the water buildup and haul the 50 pound unit back to the basement storage. The ceiling fan has worked great. It sends a nice breeze down and keeps us and the dog, cool and comfortable.

Now the fan not only has three speeds, but it can revolve clockwise or counter clockwise. I've tried it both ways and couldn't tell the difference. Well now after perusing Gregory’s Light Bulb, I know the difference. Gregory writes that now is the time to buy a ceiling fan - for the winter!

And getting a ceiling fan right now doesn’t mean that you have to put it away in the garage until next June - you can start using it right away and save on your heating bill! Simply adjust the fan motor to go counterclockwise and the fan will push rising heat from your thermostat down to where you are.

With fuel costs expected to rise over time, what a great thing to know: Counter clockwise in the winter; clockwise in the summer.

Bev & Mike
Landfair furniture + Design Gallery

Congrats! Ryan Walsh

Oregon Architect has a nice interview with Portland's Ryan Walsh.

Who's Ryan Walsh? He's the Grand Prize winner of Dwell Magazine's challenge to architects across the country with the question, How Green Are You?

Walsh renovated a 1925 Bungalow in SE Portland over eight years.

Walsh’s Recycled Aesthetic project stood out for its alternative design approach, affordable cost, and uncommon use of recycled materials. Rather than pre-determining the aesthetic, Walsh first figured out what repurposed materials he wanted to use, and let the process inform the appearance. “The reward of this design challenge was reaching the utilitarian goals” Walsh said, “while honoring the inherent beauty of the materials.”

You can reach Ryan Walsh of DRW Design Build in Portland, Oregon at info@drwdesignbuild.com - 503-577-2824

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

“Mention this blog when you visit our store, and we’ll have a token of appreciation for you.”

Visit Ken Hoyt

Here's local Portland authority, Ken Hoyt, with some appropriate actions you can take now for your drains that will save you an expensive call to Roto Rooter.

And when you visit Ken Hoyt's site check out his formulas for cleaning outdoor furniture and pads before winter storage.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

The OdeChair

In the previous post about Color Pulse 2010 part of what Doty Horn sees as a trend from now to 2010 is "authenticity." Authenticity that sheds new light on known materials and an extension of that is use of materials that exposes "the parts" as they become" the sum.

After I wrote that I remembered an email from Jolyon Yates about OdeChairs- contemporary organic chairs hand made in Northumberland.



You can see the parts of wood that make up the chair, it's authentic, and the parts are changed into a new sum. No longer a tree, or pieces of a tree, the OdeChair is a whole new way of seeing the tree...and it's right brained.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Color Pulse 2010

Wednesday, October 1, marked the return to Portland of Color Director Doty Horn of Benjamin Moore giving her fifth annual presentation on the future of color, in Color Pulse 2010.

Ms Horn and her team travel the world looking for the colors and designs that we will see in our fashions, our architecture, our automobiles, our furniture and homes. She always entertains with her comments and marvelous photos. In many cases her findings give us a look into our future politics and economics.

For 2010, the overarching theme is Authenticity. Authenticity is the new counter culture. It is "out of the box" thinking (in my words) that sheds new light on known materials and may combine the tactile with the technical. As an example:

Black Honey.MGX, designed by Arik Levy, made by Stereolithography, is inspired by the honeycomb.

Color Pulse 2010 translates Authenticity into 3 distinct influences:

Genesis: - Genesis is an extension of the RAW from 2009. It exposes "the parts" as they become "the sum." It seems more political with its emphasis on honest materials and eco-inspired themes that feel like a call to action.

Heatherwick Studio was commissioned to design a café building to replace a seafront kiosk in Littlehampton, a traditional seaside town on England's south coast. Exposed to weather and vandalism, the narrow site sits between the sea and a parade of houses.

The New Luxury: - Here it's authenticity combining with luxury. Think of remarkable one-offs; buildings, unique personal displays of wealth.



Ingenuity: - Ms Horn sees a move to "right brain" thinking, picking up on former Al Gore speech writer Daniel Pink’s book "Whole New Mind".

The era of "left brain" dominance, and the Information Age that it engendered, are giving way to a new world in which "right brain" qualities-inventiveness, empathy, meaning-predominate.

For 2010 colors, for that's what Color Pulse 2010 is all about, take a look at Lisa Radon's description of colors in her blog, The Design District, titled Finger on the Color Pulse: Trends 2010

What occurred to me is that for the third year in a row Gold Metallic is still one of the hot colors, leading me to believe that with the combination of authenticity and gold, you have a desire for the metal, for gold is money, and an escape from fiat currencies. Currencies that have no intrinsic worth. Color Pulse, in addition, describes a move from "money" green to an "acid" green.

I think we see this movement to the authentic in our politics. Americans will decide on November 4th, which set of candidates is the most honest and empathetic. This line of thinking is not outlandish. We've known for years that art reflects the culture and culture is reflected in our art and music and poetry.

Every year Benjamin Moore publishes a book on the findings with photos, narrative and color swatches. You can look at our copy in our showroom at 15th and NW Savier.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

My Design Secrets

Remember us mentioning My Design Secrets written by Lorrie Brown? We signed up for her newsletter and we are glad we did for we just love her pictures. It works the same way we our vendor Global Views. The photos just make you grab your ordering pen.



Here are some photos from My Design Secrets:









Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Take A Look At Artisan House At High Point

Xporadical
Dimensions
inch: 45 x 3 x 20

When Bev and I attended Las Vegas Market, we were invited to stop at Artisan House. We were very impressed! Today Casual Living reported that Artisan House will make some major product introductions at High Point.


Autumn
Dimensions
inch: 18 x 4 x 43

"To address continued customer interest in vibrantly-hued pieces, several of Artisan House's new metal sculptures will be alive with color," Artisan House President John Shilling said. "These splashy color additions will attract the eye - and encourage our customers and their clients to be a shade less color conservative when decorating their homes and offices."

These metal sculptures were introduced in April of '08 and are included here to illustrate the quality and fibrancy of the colors. We were excited because the line was affordable for consumers in today's marketplace.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

The Fennell House

While surfing, I came across the blog Desire To Inspire. Written by Midcenturyjo and Kim, they have pictures of interior designers' work, including Roland Emmerich, Lars Ranek, James Mohn, and Michael P Johnson. That's when I came across this Portland floating home:



That's the Fennell House designed by Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Fashion And Interior Design

The other day we posted here and here about the fall fashion shown in Fashion Week Daily. Our intent was to give you a first look at trends in fashion you will see in furniture in two years or less. Now check out Coco & Kelly. This blog pairs fashion and room design, showing how the fashion is used in the room.

Caring For Our Retired Parents

I've a sinking feeling that my parents' health may require my siblings and me to step in and relocate our parents from their home to some kind of assisted living arrangement in the near future. I hope not right away, because both want to stay in their home. If they do need assistance, we hope that it can be some kind of in-home care. But, Pop was just diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and needs full time oxygen support and Mom will be having hip replacement surgery on October 29th and will be living temporarily in a nursing home, afterwards.

Ellen James Martin just wrote a piece titled How to help retired parents prepare for a sale.

They're pre-boomers, usually 75 or older. They've lived in their current home for a couple of decades or longer. But an adverse health event — perhaps a broken hip or a cancer diagnosis — means they must sell their home and move. To whom do they turn for support during this difficult transition? Nearly always, it's their grown children.

Michael Dean, a real estate broker who specializes in the senior market, notes that things can change quickly with our parents and he recommends tackling the problem as soon as you know they must move.

The article offers some pointers for people helping their elder parents prepare for a major move:

• Acknowledge your parents' deep attachment to their home.
• If your parents have been in the house for a long time, it will be difficult to decide what to keep and what to sell or give away.
• Be careful with the decluttering process, if done by the children, for it can lead to family disagreements. It might be best to hire a professional.
• Assure your parents you'll honor belongings they consider precious.
• An estate sale may be a good idea, however your parents may be offended at how their possessions are displayed and handled.
• The stager may want to update the house and that could ruffle your parents feathers.

As we boomers get older, we may experience these kinds of situations while caring for our aging parents. This is a time for tact and quiet persuasion, rather than demands.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

New Products

From Uttermost:



The Atara
Table Lamp has a crushed, amber-gold glass body with dark bronze details and gold highlights. The oval, semi drum shade is a silkened chocolate bronze textile. This Billy Moon design is 33" tall.




Set of Six, Paris Scenes monotone prints are accented by wooden frames with a black finish. The frames inner lip has a glazed champagne finish. These Grace Feyock prints each measure 19"W x 24"H.

From Palecek:

Woven wonder
A basket weave havana rope top and bridge leg design combine to create the sleek bench from Palecek.

Both company's products can be found at Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Bev & Mike

BermanFALK Will Make News At High Point

High Point starts October 20th and BermanFALK has a new buffet, in the background, and chairs.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Loft Living 101

Click on image to enlarge.

We almost missed it, but in the latest Explore the Pearl magazine, there's a sidebar titled Loft Living 101 written by Monica Spoelstra that features a picture of me in the research and fabric section of our store.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

I came across My Design Secrets written by Lorrie Brown, an interior designer in South Florida. Here's an unusual post about the front door, How to Create a Welcoming Front Door. She goes on to tie the article to online sales of products for the front door area. However, she has three points worth considering:

1. The Door - Choose a front door that reflects the style and personality of your home and paint it or stain it in a contrasting color to make it a focal point. My favorite colors? Red, Black & stained finishes.
2. The Accessories- Just like any other room in the house, the accessories are the finishing touch and there are quite a few to consider: door hardware, house numbers, door knockers, door bells, mailboxes, doormats, lighting and plants. Since it’s a small space, try to keep finishes and styles similar.
3. A Commitment - Keep the area neat and clean. A simple sweeping up and wiping down will usually do. Flowers & plants are a bonus. It brightens up the area and shows others that you take pride in your nest.

Whenever I have my camera out, I love to photograph doors. Doors keep us from secrets, or magical gardens or mysterious people with lives totally different from our own. Here are some front doors from My design secrets:


Click on the image to enlarge.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Mart Visser show in Amsterdam

David Nicholas said in a comment, he saw Mart Visser show in Amsterdam. "Check it out." So we did:



Mike said he loved the confident strut of the models to the music: today's woman. Sort of reminded him of Sarah Palin or what she would wear.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture +Design Gallery

More Fashion Week Daily

Maybe we spoke to soon about short skirts and what it means for the market. Fashion Week Daily has more runway reviews from New York Spring 2009. Take a peek:

Proenza Schouler

Jack and Lazaro took their collection to new heights-outer space, to be exact. Jumpsuits in tech fibers, belted or beaded, drew adoring stares. "They were the best jumpsuits I've ever seen," raved Allure's Linda Wells. "These guys really are the next generation of style setters."

Malandrino

"I was inspired by a new dawn-the sun rising and the woman awakening," cooed the sultry Catherine Malandrino, who now has 10 years and 9 stores under her belt.

Ports 1961

We saw fitted skirt suits, printed dresses, and light and airy trousers in metallics, cobalt, scarlet, and taupe. Statement accessories were also in the mix-ballet flats, sculpted wooden wedges, corset belts and an array of chunky necklaces.

Remember, style elements you see on the runway one year make their way to your furniture the next year.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Fashion Week Daily

Fashion Week Daily has pictures of the New York Spring 2009 fashion Reviews in a three parts; here, here and here.

Mike particularly liked the idea that short skirts are still in. He thinks that means the stock market will stay high and his eyes low.



This little number is from Hervé Léger by Max Azria.

He took the bandage dress and pushed forward. Aside from the iconic cinched mini, this season brought forth innovative fabrics, geometric color blocking and leather. A beaded one-shoulder minidress glistened on the runway.

Among those attending in the front row were Kate Mara, Joy Bryant, Maria Sharapova, Lou Doillon and Michelle Trachtenberg.

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For more about color and style, mark your calendars for Color Pulse 2010, featuring Doty Horn, Benjamin Moore's Director of Color Design, on October 1st at the George Morlan arena at the Northwest Design Centerfrom 5:30 to 8:00.

We suggest you email your intent to attend as early as possible to portlandcolor@benjaminmoore.com.

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Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Out Of The Box!

They are more slender generally than the lamps you see today and the bases are smaller, but what a find. I'm talking about the lamps Ed Sexton and Doug Taylor found all crated and untouched in the Edward P. Paul Company's east coast warehouse.

The Edward P. Paul Company originally imported these gorgeous high-end lamps from the 40s, 50s and 60s, from the finest Venetian glass houses including Barovier & Toso, Barbini, Seguso, and Venini. They were marketed under the BALBOA trade name and were sold exclusively at their New York City store. Later, BALBOA lamps were offered at fine department stores such as Macy’s, Bloomingdales and Marshall Fields.

Changing tastes and mass production techniques in the 1970s compelled the Edward P. Paul Company to focus fully on their gilded iron furniture business, leaving hundreds of beautiful Murano lamps ...all but forgotten.

Ed and Doug purchased the entire contents of the warehouse. They took seven months to uncrate these timeless works of art and then completely restored the Murano lamps using UL Certified hardware. That's when Swank Lighting was born.

Now, Swank Lighting is working with MaterialGirls to sponsor a ‘virtual’ design contest. Their contest was inspired by the collaboration between Metropolitan Home Magazine and SHOWTIME to create ‘Metropolitan Home’s SHOWTIME House’.

You must design your own room based on one of your favorite tv characters! Your design must be from a a pretty well known tv show, new or old, but the winner will be the one whose room captures the tv character’s personality the best, AND you must include a pair of Swank Lighting lamps in your design board.

After MaterialGirls gets all the submissions via email (laurenehayden@gmail.com or emily@ejinteriors.net) by November 1st, they will announce a winner on November 15th!

Do you want to know what you are competing for?

**The winner will receive a pair of lamps (valued at more than $2,000) from Swank Lighting!**

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery