Monday, January 28, 2008

The Step Chest

We received an email from Michael Ramsey of Greentea Design out of Toronto. The Canadian based Asian furniture retailer deals in both antiques and contemporary pieces with customers throughout North America. Their main claim to fame is that their contemporary pieces are made from reclaimed wood so as to be more environmentally friendly. We were intrigued by one of their pieces and the history behind it, The Step Chest:




History of the Step Chest

The most recognizable piece of Japanese furniture is the Kaidan Dansu or Step Chest. It first appeared in the late 1700s in stores and homes with loft spaces.

The idea was simple -- why not have a staircase that could actually act as storage space as well?

These giant pieces (usually about 7 ft. high) would be constructed by the local carpenter who would build it to the owners specifications.

The chests would usually consist of a combination of sliding doors and drawers and different-sized storage spaces.

Then the next clever idea was spawned. Since the government at that time taxed owners on their livable floor space, someone thought of making the step chest in pieces.

The idea was be that when the tax inspector came around, you would simply disassemble your staircase and claim that your loft was only storage and had no permanent access. This worked for a while until, predictably, that loophole was closed.

These antique step chests remain one of the most unique and collectible pieces of Japanese furniture. Because of this, prices remain very high and availability is limited.
Isn't it amazing how people work around intrusive government?

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

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[Source: Landfair Furniture (Blog)]

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Bridget A Otto Thursday Two

In the second Bridget A Otto article entitled From 'funky' to fine, the NW Pro is Keri Davis of Keri Davis Design.
The Problem: The master bedroom was poorly configured, the bathroom needed an update and the closet was insufficient.

The second-story bedroom had an exterior door that led to a deck with stairs down to the backyard....There was no real place for the bed and it was awkward.

The bedroom also needed better lighting.
What's the value of a good designer?
Lisa gives full credit for the success of the remodel to Davis, who quietly steered her through the choices of materials and finishes. Having a designer with Davis' experience and ability, Lisa (McBee) says, was essential.

"When you're busy and trying to work, but there are so many choices, you need someone to steer the helm," Lisa says.

Most clients haven't seen what a professional sees in years of design work. So when you ask if they want dark floors with lighter cabinetry, says Davis, they can't visualize it.

Keri L. Davis, CKD, can be reached at
(503) 475-5883
Email: keridavisdesign@aol.com

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

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[Source: Landfair Furniture (Blog)]

Bridget A Otto Thursday

You know what day it is, it's Bridget A Otto Thursday and she has been busy. First an article on finding the perfect chair, entitled Take a seat. She has some nice pictures in pdfs here and here of some chair styles. There are no pictures from Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery. How did that happen?

How about this chair and ottoman from Sherrill?



Someone said recently that they tried a lot of chairs for comfort. Everytime there was item we liked, it was a Sherrill!

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

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[Source: Landfair Furniture (Blog)]

Sunday, January 20, 2008

glow chandelier

A CHANDELIER YOU ASK? WHERE ARE THE CRYSTALS?  Chandeliers aren't what one normally thinks of when considering lighting for a modern home.  Usually the calling card of palacial estates or ornately decorated mansions, the chandelier had received a modern upgrade with Palluco's brass "Glow" Chandelier, designed by Enrico Fanzoline and Vincente [...]

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[Source: PadStyle | Modern Furniture Blog]

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Attention NFL Fans! Win a Leather Recliner!


Want to WIN a leather recliner? If you think you can guess the final score of Super Bowl XLII, you have a chance to win a supple, top grain leather recliner by Stanley Chair. View our collection of Stanley Chair leather recliners to choose the recliner you want to win!

Want to enter? For your chance to win, write a blog post that includes:
1. Your prediction of the final score of Super Bowl XLII.
2. Discuss which Stanley Chair leather recliner you would like to win.
3. Link to, http://www.gowfb.com/Living-Room-Furniture-Recliners-c-59_206.php?cPath=59_206, with one of the following words 'Recliner', 'Recliners', 'Leather Recliner', or 'Leather Chair' as the anchor text on your blog.

Submit your blog post to SuperBowlRecliner@GoWFB.com. Notify us of your posting by February 2, 2008.

After you post your blog, it should remain in your archive. If you choose to post on a website, you must follow the same criteria as posting on a blog. Keep viewing the Official Site of Super Bowl XLII for the final score on February 3, 2008!

The winner will be announced on February 3, 2008!

View our official contest page
. Good luck!


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[Source: Furniture Store Updates from GoWFB]

Digg For Interior Decorating Launches in Beta

APOLOGIES FOR THE ERRATIC POSTING SCHEDULE as of late but I have been very busing preparing the launch of theMDRN.  theMDRN is a user-driven online community dedicated to discovering the best stories on interior decorating, home decor and modern furniture, gathered by people just like you. Vote for your favorite stories, or become a member [...]

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[Source: PadStyle | Modern Furniture Blog]

Monday, January 14, 2008

JoAnn Rouza, "The Art of Flawless Accessorizing!"

Landfair Furniture will host JoAnn Rouza of JoAnn Rouza Interiors as she speaks about the "Art of Flawless Accessorizing!"

JoAnn of JoAnn Rouza Interiors will share her tips and tricks that Interior Designers use to put the finishing touches on their clients' projects. In just one hour, you will learn how to perfectly accessorize a fireplace mantel, tabletops and bookshelves.

If you have a particularly challenging area to accessorize, bring a digital photo and JoAnn Rouza will offer suggestions as time allows. You will be able to go home and immediately apply your new knowledge for stunning results!

The program is free, but seating is limited, so call or go online to reserve your spot today!

Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery January 26 10:00 to 11:00, January 29 10:30 to 11:30 and January 30 7:00 to 8:00

Bev & Mike

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[Source: Landfair Furniture (Blog)]

Seminars In The Pearl

Design Within Reach - Wednesday, January 16, 6:308:30pm
DWR Portland invites you to the first of our bi-monthly architecture and design lecture series, Designs on Portland. Topics will vary, but stay topical as we take the pulse of our thriving design community. The first lecture will focus on Portlands growing reputation as an architectural center and how we can all play a role in the medias perception of our progress.

Randy Gragg, former Oregonian architecture critic and editor-in-chief of Portland Spaces magazine will join us to discuss the surge in media attention and the portrayal of Portland in the press. Local journalist (Metropolis, Dwell), author and blogger Brian Libby (portlandarchitecture.com) will serve as moderator. Refreshments will be served. Call for reservations at 503.220.0200

Versailles in the Pearl Thursday, Jan. 24, 5:00 8:00 p.m.
An evening with one of the regions foremost experts in the art of Faux Painting, Lorie Wolff, One Horse Studio, demonstrating the art of adding texture and patina to interiors to complement eclectic and traditional European settings.

The latest innovations and study of the oldest techniques will be demonstrated by transforming a showroom wall. A variety of techniques will create a historical story of a (newly) aged and layered wall that, if viewed in a century old European building, could have taken years to develop. Champagne, Hors doeuvres. RSVPs appreciated (222-2387)

Please, support businesses in the Pearl.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery

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[Source: Landfair Furniture (Blog)]

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Digg For Interior Decorating Launches in Beta

Apologies for the erratic posting schedule as of late but I have been very busing preparing the launch of theMDRN.  theMDRN is a user-driven online community dedicated to discovering the best stories on interior decorating, home decor and modern furniture, gathered by people just like you. Vote for your favorite stories, or become a member [...]

Read More...

[Source: PadStyle | Modern Furniture Blog]

Sunday, January 6, 2008

a short introduction

It is with great excitement that I write my first posting on PadStyle. This is a blog that I’ve tracked closely for several months, ever since I entered the modern furniture space.I greatly admire Si for what he has created and I hope that I can match his commitment as well as his writing ability. [...]

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[Source: PadStyle | Modern Furniture Blog]

AGK Mercury Lounge Chair

WHO COULD HAVE GUESSED THAT ANDRE AGASSI and Steffi Graf's first creation would have been a wire-frame lounge chair that seems to float on air. Teamed with renowned modern furniture designer Mike Kreiss, Agassi and Graf's creation is part of a 16-piece custom collection created for their Las Vegas home. A combination of Graf's [...]

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[Source: PadStyle | Modern Furniture Blog]

padstyle on facebook

HAVE A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT?  SO DOES PADSTYLE!  Now you can interact with the PadStyle community in an entirely new way.  Post your own images or videos, start a discussion, or suggest furniture to be featured on PadStyle.  What are you waiting for?  Get over there and become the founding member!

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[Source: PadStyle | Modern Furniture Blog]

padstyle: new ownership and a new year

Dear PadStyle Readers,I am pleased to announce that I have found a new owner for PadStyle. His name is Nuno Andrade, and after many conversations with him I believe he is the one to continue PadStyle’s legacy as a quality decor inspiration blog.Nuno is no stranger to the world of modern and contemporary decor, and [...]

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[Source: PadStyle | Modern Furniture Blog]

pencil bench

NOW THIS PIECE IS SOMETHING TO WRITE HOME ABOUT, or with, as it were. Based on a conversation in which the designers wondered if they could create a furniture piece from a regular office object, the Pencil Bench by Boex 3D Creative Solutions takes the oxymoron out of corporate creativity. Composed of [...]

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[Source: PadStyle | Modern Furniture Blog]

solas lighting

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GLOW: Cj O’Neill’s Solas Lighting seems to hover in mid-air with special acrylic brackets that offset them slightly from the wall. Graphics such as flying birds, swirling dots and arrows are all applied to give a sense of movement, while simultaneously adding further contrast to the light emanating [...]

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[Source: PadStyle | Modern Furniture Blog]

conventio wing chairs

WITH A FEW NOTABLE EXCEPTIONS office chairs tend to follow fairly tried and true formulas for design, since ergonomics necessarily rank first in importance. Ergonomics and design aren’t completely incompatible however, as evidenced by HAG’s Conventio Wing chairs. While the bifold crease is largely for looks, the ventilated polypropylene shell definitely [...]

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[Source: PadStyle | Modern Furniture Blog]

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Margo Jacobsen Gallery To Close



Just received this email:
Dear supporters, I am writing this letter to let you know that I will be closing the gallery for good, as of January 31st. It has been a very difficult decision for me. I love the business but it is time for me to make a change in my life. If you have time please stop by before the month is up, as we would love to see you again before closing. The best of the New Year to all of you. Cordially, Margo Jacobsen
In August of 2003 Margo Jacobsen moved to Singapore with her husband and closed the gallery which she opened in 1992. After returning to Portland in 2005, she opened the new gallery/art dealership with the focus on nationally recognized artists as well as representing artists from the Northwest.

Stop by before January 31st and wish her well, as we do in whatever comes next!

Bev & Mike

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[Source: Landfair Furniture (Blog)]