Fresh Cut: Light as Night

via Saipua's Blog

It's been pretty dark around Portland for the last week.  I can't decide if I'm ready for summer or I should buy some new sweaters for a cozy winter's nap.  Saipua's imagery perfectly captures the cozy room I'd love to visit this evening.  Happy Weekend.

Illuminate: South of France

On my last trip to Nice, afternoon snacks consistently involved wine and some form of cheese and bread.  This particular day, my snack turned into a 5 hour culinary journey.  What else can you do when it's raining on the Cote d'Azur?

1. Sherwin Williams SW 0055 French Gray

2. Sherwin Williams SW6090 Java

3. Sherwin Williams SW 0049 Silver Gray

4. Sherwin Williams SW 0027 Aristocrat Peach

Glimpse & Gander: Lan Su Chinese Gardens

My last trip to Portland's Lan Su Gardens doubled as a Mothers Day outing and project research.  I am proud to be designing a new master suite for my mom, and finally giving serious payback for all her support during my time in architecture school.  The project is close to my heart as she still lives in my childhood home outside of Portland.  Though we would have loved to fly to China for inspiration, the Lan Su Gardens were designed and built to closely replicate structures and landscaping found in Suzhou, China (Portland's sister city) so it made for the perfect local substitute.

My mom has a sincere connection with Chinese motifs and design principles, so we knew this was the right place to start.  We studied patterns, the connections between space and view, and prominent materials.  Using this information, I've adapted a design that fits within the context of her Northwest home, the budget, existing furnishings, and practical use.  Cascade Contracting is helping see this project to reality, so when we're all finished I'll be sure to post the finished product.

Hunt & Gather: Moonwoods Frames

These glasses are like tiny pieces of functional furniture!  I love them.  Handcrafted right here in pdx, Moonwoods offers custom frame styles for the most discerning clients.  When you're not wearing these beauties, they'll make the perfect table accessory.

Dust is Good

 credit unknown - borrowed from FitSugar

Fig Notes will be under construction for the next few days, so don't be alarmed if you see that posts are set to private.  We're excited to have a new, cleaner aesthetic thanks to Ellie Moore and Rainy Day Templates.  She's created a semi-custom format for us to play with.  Hope you like it!


Happy Weekend
Jenny @ Fig

Fresh Cut: Skygarden

BOSKKE Skyplanters

Illuminate: Not Your Grandma's Sofa

Ok, so maybe it was your Grandma's sofa...

1. Sherwin Williams SW6228 Refuge

2. Sherwin Williams SW6220 Interesting Aqua

3. Sherwin Williams SW6129 Restrained Gold

4. Sherwin Williams SW6111 Coconut Husk

Glimpse & Gander: Ames Boston

I'm planning a getaway to Boston this summer for a friend's wedding and stumbled upon the new Ames hotel.  Housed within an 1889 Romanesque-style structure, this historic property recently received a full renovation by the hotelier's in-house design team in partnership with the Rockwell Group.

Minimal white on grey standard guestrooms allow for relaxation after a day of heavy historical sightseeing and bountiful Italian cuisine, while the dramatic lobby art suggests a whimsical hello.  Suites are styled to glamorous Hollywood standards rather than historic revival, and I particularly like the hint of lavender creeping into the grey tones they've used throughout the property.  Now I'm on the hunt for the perfect lobstah dish.  Any suggestions?

Hunt & Gather: Heath Ceramics Creamer & Sugar

One of the first items we added to our wedding registry was the Heath Ceramics coup sugar bowl and creamer in linen glaze.  Smooth lines feel perfect in the hand and the classic shape is sure to stand the test of time.  Purchase locally at Canoe in PDX.

Urban Balcony

While walking through NW PDX this weekend, I noticed a plethora of empty balconies just asking for salvation from their dreary winter storage duties.  Add a shot of life to your piece of urban outdoor living: think easy maintenance, bright wall plantings, and adventure gear as art.

1.  Janus et Cie Twist Barstool

2.  Woollypocket's Wally-One

3.  Fridge Carafe 1L at Horne

4.  Grain Surfboard

5.  Hawai 2 Top Bar Height Table

6.  White Lustre Pot at Conran

Fig Studio on Raenovate

A special thanks to Rachel at Raenovate for featuring our little labor of love: the Adkinson chair restoration.  We've really enjoyed these beauties over the last couple of months and look forward to more great vintage finds!  You can see more about our process here and here.

Work for the Rested

Mexico was beyond amazing, but it seems reality at my desk, in my inbox, and on jobsites already has my mind far far away from white sand beaches and frosty margaritas.  Posting will be light to none this week due to exciting project progress with several great clients.   I see there was a blip last week with our color post- I will get that fixed soon for you all!

Tomorrow is extra special as I get to spend some time with Lisa Warninger (the talent behind Urban Weeds and some seriously beautiful fashion photography).  Some good marketing headshots are finally in order and I am happy to have Lisa on board for this project.  I'm stopping by Canoe, my favorite pdx retail establishment, to pickup some last minute styling props.  Wish me luck!

Thanks, and have a great week!

xoxo,
Jenny @ Fig Studio