Friday, March 20, 2009

The Phillips Collection - “every piece a conversation.”

TODL.com reminded me today of the beauty of The Phillips Collection and how they are on the forefront of reusing materials and coming up with new look accessories:







For over twenty years, The Phillips Collection has brought the freshest and most exciting products to the marketplace. From sculpture to wall décor to vases, Phillips defines global style for the contemporary market. Each piece is as unique as the next, and you’ll find them nowhere else.

Landfair Furniture is proud to carry The Phillips Collection pieces.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery
Follow us @landfairfurnitu

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Ren-Wil Featured At Home Accents Today

Home Accents Today features Ren-Wil as the Product of the Day:



We proudly carry Ren-Wil's products and can order over 2500 pieces of wall art to meet your design needs.
Ren-Wil began operating in 1967 and has advanced to become Canada’s leading producer of framed artwork, offering a line of over 2,500 pictures, mirrors, and lamps. Thousands of framed pictures and mirrors, produced each week in our modern manufacturing facility, are shipped to furniture, gift, and design shops as well as major chain and department stores across North America.

Ren-Wil also has a contract division that answers the needs of architects and designers, supplying art to hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and other institutions.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery
Follow us @landfairfurnitu

Saturday, March 14, 2009

A sample Of Service



Explore The Pearl has an article titled A Sample Of Service and our own Miss Beverly is one of those interviewed.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Coromandel

We sat by the pool here in Pueblo Bonito Emerald bay talking with a woman from Las Vegas. The subject turned to furniture and she mentioned she had an antique Coromandel trunk that she really loved. That was a word we hadn't heard in awhile, Coromandel.



Coromandel is a decorative lacquer design developed in China that depicts figures or scenes etc. When we first started Landfair Furniture, one of our biggest sellers off the floor was unique Coromandel decorative trunks and boxes. They were end table height, perfect for a lamp and they could be used for storage. It was perfect for adding texture to a room. The trunks and boxes were great gifts for newly weds, or a spouse that is hard to buy for.



We still carry the storage boxes in our store. They are beautiful and brand new. If you can afford a good piece of furniture, buy a Coromandel Decorative Trunk - something you will value, that will become a classic. No matter how many times you change your design or the look of your home, this quality trunk will work.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery
Follow us @landfairfurnitu

Monday, March 02, 2009

Quatrefoil Motif



At The Landfair Retail Focus, Mike has posted about the Quatrefoil Motif. You might find it interesting.

UPDATE 5/19/09: Emily Paben blogging at Wide Open Spaces has added more examples of Quartrefoil Motif. Some are just great examples of the design.

Sunday, March 01, 2009

LDC Design Studio

We received a note from Joel Dessaules of LDC design studio

As you likely recall, we licensed our furniture line to BermanFalk a few years ago. They produced a limited number of items from our collection. BermanFalk is now out of business, but we have continued designing and manufacturing ourselves and we have a new exclusive showroom in Los Angeles.



New from LDC design studio is the Versailles Bed and Artemis Side Table. The bed is available in all sizes and an array of finishes and fabric options. The Artemis Collection includes the side table as shown, as well as a 6 drawer dresser and credenza all with optional inlaid marble top.

These will appear in Elle Décor and Met Home in March 2009.

We were sorry to see the upscale BermanFalk cease doing business, but we are happy to promote the quality prosucts of LDC design studio.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery
@landfairfurnitu

New From Artisan House

We were very impressed last year at Las Vegas World Market with the metal wall decor of Artisan House. We wanted to share with you some new designs just introduced:


Shawn Coffey, head artist, christened the new design "Fontage" after the name of a font. "Like the piece itself, the word 'fontage' has a hip yet elegant, European feel about it..."


The power of purple is expressed in "Pixels," with a monochromatic look created by different shades of purple including deep dark purple and lighter pinkish purple.


The three-piece wall décor set called "Purity" also rocks a retro vibe, thanks in part to the shiny "river" that meanders throughout each piece and lends a sense of movement.


"At Last" has a mid-century modern design with three rectangular, elemental pieces connected by bearings that are welded and sealed at the joints. "When the bottom element is pushed, the other two play off its movement," says Coffey.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery
@landfairfurnitu

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

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

Sunday, February 22, 2009

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

Saturday, February 21, 2009

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

Friday, February 20, 2009

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

Monday, February 16, 2009

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!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

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

Friday, February 13, 2009

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

Thursday, February 12, 2009

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

Sunday, February 08, 2009

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

Saturday, February 07, 2009

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

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

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

Monday, February 02, 2009

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

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Tidal Pulls



I was co-contractor in our house built in the late '70s. I still remember the cabinets in the kitchen. They were white oak, which was the "in" accent wood at the time, in fact we had white oak through out the house. After the cabinets were hung, my job was to wipe everything with a kind of oil that brought out the grain and protected the wood. After the oil was applied, then you needed to vigorously wipe off the excess so it felt smooth not tacky. It left them the color of honey, as I recall.

Then we purchased pulls. Every door had to be drilled once for the pull and every drawer need two holes drilled. I thought I would never get done with the measuring and centering and drilling. In the house we are in now, there are no pulls on the kitchen cabinets. Mike and I just have never found the time or extra money for the job.

LinkedIn introduced me to Linda Thompson who started a company called Tidal Pulls that uses a brushed chrome strip for a pull and it's attached to the back of the door or drawer. I love the ease of installation and its clean appearance. Linda's asking for feedback. What do you think?

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Come Join Us!

I want to discuss a "group" we've started at LinkedIn called Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery for Designers. We wrote early on
We invite you to join our group: Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery for interior designers in Portland, Oregon and surrounding states. This group will offer feedback about furniture and accessories seen and needed, help with purchasing decisions and insight into offerings at High Point and Las Vegas Market Bev & Mike landfair
Let me add that the interior design group in this area is a community. It forms smaller communities called NWSID. ASID. IIDA. ISD and AIA. Members talk to each other in those groups, but the community doesn't have a centralized platform for sharing information and questions. We hope to be that platform.

We also want to encourage you to be online. Have a web presence, be it a business website or a blog or Facebook or LinkedIn or Twitter. In Jeff Jarvis' new book "What Would Google Do?", he writes that people take you less seriously if you are not online and believe you aren't professional if you are not online. The easiest thing to do is Google your name. Can a family moving to Portland, needing a designer find you and your phone number and email you with questions? Can they see any photos of your work?

You can accomplish this today and it's free. See those two little words "Create Blog" in the upper right hand corner in the blue strip. It's that easy! Do you have any photos of your work on your computer? You can share them with us on your blog or through Flickr. It's all free!

Now's the time. Come join us!

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Friday, January 30, 2009

Facundo Poj Design


facundo: adj.
eloquent, articulate, having a fluent manner of speaking; expressive!

That certainly describes this find!


ofidio dining table
materials: 44 layers of engineered bamboo ply
oak dowels
dimensions: 73”l X 33”w X 29”h (sits 6) 94”l X 33”w X 29”h (sits 8)



aztec stool & wine rack
materials: 23 layers of engineered bamboo ply
oak dowels
dimensions: 17”l X 36”w X 26”h



ofidio bar chair
materials: 23 layers of engineered bamboo ply
oak dowels
dimensions: 17”l X 20”w X 59”h

I love the flowing lines which feels like each piece is alive and the pieces are made from bamboo. The artist writes:
I choose Plyboo as my medium because it is manufactured in large enough sheets, it is strong, durable, sexy looking and non toxic. Bamboo is also a fast growing grass and this helps prevent forest depletion. I do not use nails or screws. All layers are glued with a non-toxic glue, threaded together with oak dowels and clamp pressed. The result is structurally solid and soft at the same time.

His pieces are all limited editions or unique. He mostly exhibits them exclusively at Avant Gallery in Miami's Design District.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Thursday, January 29, 2009

21 Tips for Downsizing!



I want to call your attention to the latest issue of Oregon Home. They have a very interesting article titled 21 Tips for Downsizing. They interviewed "a designer, two real estate brokers, an estate sale organizer and a downsizer for tips to ease the move from living large to living small."

Our friend RayAnn Bogert owner of 12-year-old Bizy Girl Interiors in Lake Oswego,OR. was the designer interviewed. She offered this advice:
1. Fill your new pad with furniture that's properly scaled to it. - Like a Dachshund trying to push a Great Dane-sized doggie bed into its diminutive crate, you can end up with the same old cluttered-to-the-rafters feeling if you don't consider the scale of the furniture that will decorate your new digs.
Others interviewed for the article are Kent Mathews, a real estate broker at The Real Estate Firm, Karen Young Estate Sales and Appraisals in Beaverton, OR, Connie Osborne, Kim Childs, and a real estate broker with Keller Williams Realty in Lake Oswego, OR.

If you're thinking of downsizing check out the 21 suggestions. Our 22nd suggestion: come see us after the move. You might find your old furniture and accessories a little shabby in you sparkling new digs. Come see us. We'll help you brighten things up!

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Monday, January 19, 2009

Obama's Choose Michael S Smith For Interior Designer



Meet President-elect Obama's new interior designer for the private quarters. According to the Washington Post, he's Michael S Smith, 44, known for his "stratospheric budgets", his clients include Cindy Crawford, Steven Spielberg, Rupert Murdoch, Dustin Hoffman and Michelle Pfeiffer.

His interiors reflect a well-traveled look that includes the use of fine fabrics and rare antiques and a combination of different time periods, cultures and price points. His designs are known for being comfortable yet sophisticated, classic yet modern, filled with priceless pieces yet inviting and livable.

"He takes classic modern and he makes it usable to people today," says Key Hall, chief executive of the fabric house Cowtan & Tout. "His homes are very inviting and very livable."

[...]

In addition to his interior design business, Smith is involved in a number of commercial ventures, including his furniture and fabric lines called Jasper; a fabric and leather collection with Cowtan & Tout; bath collections with Kohler's Kallista brand; a collection of tile at Ann Sacks; and licensing agreements with Visual Comfort Lighting, the Mansour Modern rug company, Samuel and Sons Passementerie and Agraria Home Fragrances.

We can't wait to see pictures of the finished designs.

Bev & Mike

Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Sienna Architecture Is Closing

The blog Portland Architecture has posted about the closing of Sienna Architecture. The firm has been in business for 58 years.
As recently as last summer, the firm employed 45 people in its local office and 9 more in Seattle.


As I was scrolling through the post, I was struck by the similarity of a wall-hanging in the home (pictured above), of "a West Hills renovation of a small cottage into a dazzling modern residence..." that appeared in the the December 2008 issue of Metropolitan Home magazine.



We hope that some new firms will emerge from the Sienna ashes.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Purity to Forbidden: From Tinted Neutral to Deep Jewels

Global Apparel Trends Inspire the early '09 Robin Bruce Collections

According to trend expert Kai Chow, Rowe Fine Furniture, the manufacturer of the Robin Bruce collection of upholstered furniture,
Home furnishings décor trends for early 2009 will revolve around two fundamental concepts: Purity and Forbidden. The color and texture of fabrics will offer a range of Tinted Neutral to Deep Jewels textiles with both simplicity and boldness.
Purity: Tinted Neutral
The emerging trend for early '09 of Tinted Neutral is best described as a search for a pure, soft aesthetic. Ninety natural fiber fabrics, including eight new certified organic cottons, are the foundation of this trend. The colors range from pure white to creamy vanilla to barely blue and natural ecru. A washed, soft hand to the fabrics add a pleasing touch to compliment the lightness in color. Floral patterns are more in silhouette and contemporary.
Forbidden: Deep Jewels
Simultaneously, early '09 trends point to a desire for more Deep Jewels epitomized by richer colors and handcrafted textures. Asian and Far Eastern influences are noticeable and a bold approach to pattern is desired. Colors range from rich reds and golds to accents of black and intense blues. Such home décor statements create iconic pieces in a room setting rather than a more harmonious tonal palette.

These seemingly contrasting trends both point to a desire to define home furnishings with more fashion sensibility. The Robin Bruce collection was conceived as a custom upholstery line of furniture to allow consumers to explore, imagine and create unique home environments.

Robin Bruce offers a distinctive, designer's approach to custom upholstered furniture with a selection of over 200 fabrics. Robin Bruce is manufactured by Rowe Fine Furniture, Inc., a leader in custom upholstered furniture in the United States. Established in 1946, Rowe offers a wide range of styling in sofas, sectionals, chairs and ottomans with hundreds of fabric selections.

Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery is proud to offer Rowe furniture.

Bev & Mike

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Reclaim Your Rubbish



Many designers for furniture and fashion are very green attempting to recycle our junk instead of dumping it into landfills. I was struck by two items at Planet Pink & Green that are very creative ways to utilize those things we accumulate.

Cheryl Janis attended Junk for Funk 2008, hosted by Portland Mayor Sam Adams and posted about how couture designers are using our rubbish to create high fashion.
Dress for the Queen of Clubs, (shown above) and designed by China Hamilton was created with shopping bags, kitchen drawer lining, automotive pin striping, discarded tubing, old packaging foam and stockings made out of shower puffs.



If you haven’t already guessed, the above is a gorgeous vase. The pages of books have been wrapped around a water-proof glass center for flowers.
If you had to guess you might think the vase is wrapped in feathers.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Last Call for Blogging TeleClass

If you haven't registered yet for the "Blogging for Interior Designers," you don't have much time left to decide. This 3-week live TeleClass, developed and taught by Cathy Perkins, The WordPress Wizard, is rapidly approaching capacity enrollment. So the time has come for you to make one of the most important business decisions you will make in 2009.

Cathy Perkins writes,
In emails, I have explained how this class will enable you to brand yourself, create relationships with your readers, find your competitive edge and identify blog-specific income streams.

In this last message, I want to let you know about a very special bonus some registrants will receive. Upon registration, you will have an opportunity to quality for a complimentary 30-minute consultation with Cathy Perkins, The WordPress Wizard, or Gail Doby, founder of Design Success University.

If you are selected to receive one of these free consultations, you can use your access to these experts to discuss creating your blogging strategy or to evaluate your marketing plans. Their brains will be yours to pick for 30 minutes.
Please go to Blogging For Designers to register now, and then
mark your calendars for:

. Tuesday, January 13, 5pm to 8pm Eastern

. Tuesday, January 20, 5pm to 8pm Eastern

. Tuesday, January 27, 5pm to 8pm Eastern

I am really excited about this TeleClass, and the opportunity to learn the techniques for creating and promoting a strong brand identity for ourselves and our services, cultivating strong, loyalty-based relationships with our clients, and developing unique, creative ways to reach out to them.

Please don't miss this opportunity to register at Blogging For Designers to get more details and learn about the special bonuses you'll get by registering and learn how to use blogging as a powerful tool to grow your business.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Thoughts About Equal




When Mike and I first met, we would go out for coffee at Papa Hayden's on 23rd near where I lived on 19th and Hoyt. When the coffee arrived, I would ask for artificial sweetener, "Do you have any fake sugar?"

Invariably the wait staff would bring out a little tub filled with blue packets of Equal. My name at the time was Beverly Ann Equall, pronounced "Ek wall". Mike was so fascinated with me that he would pull out his pen and add an "L" to all the little blue packets in the tub.

I've noticed that the little tubs have changed. No longer do they have Equal, but Splenda. Today, I read the following headline in the New York Times, Maker of Equal Sweetener Files for Bankruptcy.

Merisant Worldwide, the maker of low-calorie tabletop sweetener Equal said "market share had declined in recent years amid competition from Splenda and other sweeteners."

After 16 years, Mike says, "I'm still crazy about you, Babe!" Some things never change!

Monday, January 05, 2009

Five Key Pieces That Will Retain Their Value



Not long after we were married, my wife, at the time, received some furniture from the estate of her grandmother who lived in Montana. The pieces included a round, pedestal, oak table with leaves that expanded the table so we could have big family dinners. Also, included was a hat-box dresser with a tall pivoting mirror and a large bottom drawer, also in oak. Those pieces of furniture are still in her family and will be passed on to our daughters.

I read recently that Americans throw into the dump 87.5 million tons of furniture and accessories each year. If we really want to be green and practice sustainability, we need to change our ways, by buying good pieces that last.

What pieces should the average household buy? Lynsy Smithson-Stanley wrote in the Kansas City.com These five key pieces for the home will retain their worth.
  1. Bed - We spend a third of our lives in bed. There a lot of things to consider with a bed, but you need a good headboard and footboard and frame, all built to last and pass down.
  2. Conversational sitting area - Increasingly, this furniture is used in open floor plans, where all sides are visible. Depending on how roughly the furniture will be used, get solid wood frames, that are eight-way hand tied and don't scimp on the quality of the fabric. Make sure it feels good when you sit on it. Cushions come in all sorts of fill for your comfort.
  3. A place to eat - formal dining furniture is an investment — in terms of money and square footage — that typically makes sense only for a household that often entertains formally. There are many alternatives for casual dining. Remember, "homework and or hobbies could demand a more durable top."
  4. Storage - "Today’s consumers want furniture that is multifunctional." Here's where you can use sideboards and hutches. While the armoire is a little out of favor, customers are buying low chests that hold flat screen TVs, electronics and have some storage.
  5. The question mark- Smithson-Stanley says this area "represents who (you) are, in terms of style and personality." It may be an antique, something from an artfair, or in our case we like to find original art in the cities we visit. We picked up a painting in Florence, Italy of the Door of the Supplicant. It cost more to frame the picture when we returned, but the piece means a lot to us.
Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

Friday, December 26, 2008

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

Sunday, December 21, 2008

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

Saturday, December 20, 2008

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

Friday, December 19, 2008

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

Saturday, December 13, 2008

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

Thursday, December 04, 2008

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

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

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

Saturday, November 22, 2008

North Pearl Wonderland 11/29/08


Pearl Design Center
1627 NW 14th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
Enjoy Family festivities and holiday shopping at the North Pearl Wonderland Event! Activities include:
1. Winter Saturday Market: Fine artwork, jewelry, and gifts for sale.
2. Santa's Workshop: Take your photo with santa and do kid's crafts.
3. Cocoa Cottage: Hot chocloate sampler station and topping bar.
4. Gingerbread House: Cookie and gingerbread house decorating.
5. Rudolf's Gift Wrap Lodge: Wrapping for all your holiday gifts.
6. Candy Cane Cafe: Dine in the North Pearl Wonderland.