Rare Find

The most beautiful ornaments I've seen this year.  Michelle Hartney can be found at Rare Device.  'Tis the season!

Portfolio: Sisters Coffee Company

Sisters Coffee: The Pearl // Exterior custom graphics by Fig Studio

Almost two years after the project's original inception, Fig Studio is delighted to share final installation photos created by Josh Partee Photography.  Enjoy!

Project Team
Client: Sisters Coffee Company
Interior Design: Fig Studio
Lighting Design: Biella Lighting
Contractor: R&H Construction
Construction Administration: Giulietti/Schouten Architects
Masonry: John Dibona
Map Graphics: Meagan Geer

Learn more about the project at Fig's Portfolio Site.

Reading Loft // Book Exchange

The Hearth // Mezzanine Stair Detail

Barista Bar // Custom Countertops by Bamboo Revolution

Residential Portfolio

We've updated our Residential Portfolio and have now instituted a self-imposed moratorium on Ink wall colors.  Apparently we're smitten.  Enjoy!

Bocci Studio Tour + Omer Arbel

Photo by Fig

Inform Interiors was kind enough to host Hope and I for the weekend and we had the pleasure of attending several intimate events over our three days in BC.  Although I've found it nearly impossible to rank my favorite, I'd have to say that our time with Omer Arbel and touring the Bocci office and production facilities was the most inspirational and mind shifting in terms of shaping Fig Studio for future success.  As many of you may know I never set out to be an entrepreneur or business owner. I just wanted to design my heart out and work my creative muscles until I became old and gray, still creating from my rocking chair on a porch somewhere.  What I learned during my short time with Omer, is that design is inherently entrepreneurial and that there is no reason to fight the business side of your creative endeavors.  Approach ideas with openness and see where they take you.  You don't have to take traditional routes in Interior Design or what your professional practice publications tell you.  Why not play with materials, shapes, and construction and decide it's function later?

Bocci 28 Series as displayed at IDS West and 14 Series at Vancouver's Inform Interiors Showroom  Photos by Fig

I'm lucky enough to have recently specified Bocci's 14 Series pendant fixtures on a current project on the Columbia Gorge in White Salmon, Washington.  When grouped, the ethereal quality of these lights allows volumes of space to be turned into an artistic focus.  The above right photo demonstrates a few different combinations of the 14 series while the photo at the top of this post takes the concept a few steps further and envelopes a 5-story stairwell at the Bocci offices.

White Salmon Residence. Architect: Giulietti/Schouten.  Interior Design: Fig Studio Rendering by Tim Schouten

Bocci's creative process and Omer Arbel's design philosophy really got me thinking about the path Fig Studio will take in the future.  How can we turn our love for good design into an accessible product for our clients and collaborators. How do we weave our tapestry of ideas?  Fig is still an infant, and we have the chance to really shape where we go and what we become.  I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to meet visionaries like Omer, Brent Comber, and Ross Lovegrove at events like IDS West.  My goal for the next year is to seek out as much information as I can, continue to experiment with new ideas, and allow myself the freedom to try. 

Oh yeah, specifying amazing light fixtures is pretty cool.  I think I'll do some of that too.

IDS West + Vancouver BC

 Photo by Fig

I'm recovering from a near-perfect long weekend in Vancouver BC, which included a recharging trip to IDS West trade show and auxiliary events hosted by Inform.  My friend and fellow interior designer Hope Telford and I met the whirlwind trip head-on and enjoyed nearly every second of our time in chilly BC.  We spent a fair amount of time exploring product booths in the Convention Center and we definitely spent some time drooling over design details in the building itself.  The multi-layered end-grain wall paneling somehow seemed quintessentially Vancouver.  The structure was built during preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympics and has lived on as a beautiful resource for this growing city.

Photos by Fig

Trade shows are the perfect opportunity to recharge your design batteries, hone your editing skills, and meet new and interesting products in the world of interiors.  With Dwell on Design last Spring, IDS West, and my upcoming trip to the Milan Furniture fair, I'm focused on what's new and fresh in my industry and can pass these ideas on to my clients.  Knowing how to distill all of what we see into our design library and knowing what to toss aside is a great exercise in editing.  Let's face it, not all trends are worth following and may not be the right fit for every client.  Good designers know where to direct their focus and know what to leave back at the show.  I'll be sharing my favorite finds from IDS this week and may throw in a few from Dwell on Design last Spring.  Until then-  Fig. 

Custom Media Solution

My morning began with coordinating the installation of a storage piece Fig Studio designed for our West Haven clients.  Not only is the piece itself beautiful, but it really does wonders for the room it inhabits.  Their dark media wall instantly became lighter, sleeker, and a more sophisticated space for all of those necessary but unsightly media components.  The client's previous storage solution is an absolutely beautiful example of mid-century furniture, but it did not fit the look and feel of the new room Fig is busy creating for their family or the client's desire to move away from mid-century influence.

The new cabinet, constructed of solid Fir and Fir veneer, better suites the interior Fig's creating for this young family

 It was my first experience working with Kai Fuhrmann of Master Furniture Makers in Portland.  He'd previously built a few pieces for my client's dining space and the finished products really did speak for themselves--  fine craftsmanship, absolute stability, and precise connection. 

Kai installs his handiwork  |  Details designed by Fig and executed by Master Furniture Makers

 Fig collaborates with a number of craftspeople in the Portland area-  from custom upholstery design, casework, tables...you name it.  When we design a piece, we take our drawings to the best person for the job and finely tune each detail until it's time to build.  We often find that a custom solution is the most detailed, affordable, and time conscious solution for our projects.  Check out some of our previous custom work here.

Exploring Portland's Bitar Mansion

If the iconic peacock entry motif doesn't impress you, I don't know what will.  I recently had the pleasure of touring the 12,000 sq. ft. Bitar Mansion with Giulietti/Schouten Architects on sunny afternoon in SE Portland.  The mansion is up for sale and is in desperate need of some care.  This place rivals (if not surpasses) the Pittock Mansion in the West Hills and really deserves to be purchased by someone who can appreciate the architecture and original details of this historical register-worthy gem. 

The listing agent, Tommy Jedrzejczyk,  gave us an incredibly detailed tour of each beautiful room.  Thoughtful details such as hidden operable window screens, secret storage nooks, and custom plasterwork are found throughout the home.  Beautifully patterned floors are solid and in nearly perfect condition-- I don't think I heard a squeak from a single board. 

My favorite room in the home had to be the solarium with center-situated fountain.  I could imagine sipping the day away in a luxurious chaise lounge and tending to my plants in style.  

Though the custom bathroom tile isn't necessarily my taste, I can't deny it's impressive color.  Check out that pink (original) throne and custom-glazed men's shaving sink.

This home definitely had it's moment in the sun, and now it's time for someone to breath new life into the property.  The sad reality is that there is no longer a functional kitchen, the landscaping is all but destroyed, the basement-level ballroom and speakeasy bar needs total restoration, and the exterior needs some extra TLC.  However, listed at $1.6 it's a steal for anyone who appreciates this level of historical detail.  Elenore Roosevelt, concert pianist Van Cliburn, and a laundry list of Portland celebrities have all been guests on the property--- who will you invite for tea?

Dave Giulietti and his team have some excellent ideas for restoring the property to it's proper splendor.  With a little heart, this property could once again be the jewel of Laurelhurst.

Out and About: Rolling Huts

Continuing our tradition of surprise travel, Jeff and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary a few weekends back in the beautiful Methow (met-how) Valley, Washington.  After running myself ragged trying to work full-time, move from our condo to a little cottage in Portland's Sabin neighborhood, and take on a few DIY projects, I managed to catch a nasty bug right before we left town.  If you remember last years epic anniversary trip to a rural fire lookout, you might recall that I was struck with food poisoning just before departure.  Here's to a healthy July 2012.

 Jeff and I made a pact to alternate planning a surprise celebratory trip each July.  Last year's fire lookout + Crater Lake Lodge combo was tough to beat, but I think I managed to pull off a grand surprise.  We're both architecture geeks (and Jeff is just one test away from being awarded official Architect status!) so I decided to make our trip both design and adventure friendly.  Sunset Magazine had an integral hand in my scheme, enticing me with their December 2010 feature on peaceful winter getaways.  I knew the Rolling Huts would make for the perfect surprise trip, even during the summer months. 

A night in the Rolling Huts is like upscale camping, complete with a Danish-designed woodburning fireplace and an epic view, both night and day.  I don't think I've seen so many stars in my life.  We lucked out with incredible weather, friendly hut neighbors, and many wildlife sightings.  We spent a lot of time wandering,  hanging at Twisp's natural market, eating Cinnamon Twips, and even managed an 18 mile (what seemed ALL uphill) mountain bike ride.

We really couldn't have asked for a better weekend (with the exception of the super cough I developed) and would recommend the trip to anyone interested in getting away for a few days.  If you go, be sure to grab a meal at the Wesola Polana Diner adjacent to the huts.  Their tapas can't be beat.  It's true, we had tapas while camping and didn't feel the least bit guilty.

Sisters Country

Sisters Coffee- The Pearl

We had the pleasure of coordinating and supervising the final installation for Sisters Coffee yesterday evening: a 9 by 16 foot map of the Oregon Territory, complete with a couple of very special Where's Waldo elements.  Graphic design expertise compliments of Meagan Geer Designs (the very talented lady who also designed Fig Studio's new logo).  High style, high impact!

I have a lot of great things to share with you all, but alas, no time to do it.  In addition to all the great projects going on right now, I'm in the process of moving and getting ready for a wedding anniversary road trip.  Not enough hours in the day, and not enough coffee in the pot! 


Stay tuned for more-
Fig

L.A. Bound

via Vintage LA

I'm headed down to L.A. this afternoon to partake in all the Dwell on Design festivities with my friend Casey.  We may not be able to rent a car quite this cool, or wear chinos quite that colorful (you can bet I am going to try that hot Jughead Jones-style hem detail this summer) but we'll be soaking in all that LA's design scene and sun has to offer.  We are planning on getting to know the Silverlake neighborhood and tour some incredible homes in the area-  crossing our fingers that they allow interior photos. 

Cheers!
Jenny

Hunt & Gather: I Got No Strings

Objeti via Design Milk

I'm digging Objeti's playfully faceted introduction at ICFF- the spiraled red cording really makes this fixture come alive.

Event: Sisters Coffee First Thursday

 

 Come and enjoy a special evening of live music and local art. Sisters Coffee is pleased to feature Singer/Songwriters Slater Smith and Travis Ehrenstrom, both are Alumni of Sisters High School and each well-known for their creative acoustic talent. Genres include Blues, Folk, Americana and more.

I'll be on hand with Fir Face!  We have quite a few Oregon Silhouette's back in stock for those of you who were waiting patiently. 

1235 NW Marshall St.  (next to Bridgeport Brewery)

See you there!

Jenny

Illuminate Color: The Life Aquatic

Access to a good waterproof camera is priceless when you're swimming above underwater landscapes like the ones in Hawaii.  I was able to capture the bright, vivid colors unique to the Islands with ease.  Traveling gives us the unique opportunity to retrieve and archive inspiration from sights normally reserved for pages in a magazine.

The above photos were taken within a five minute swim out into Kapalua Bay's warm, still water.

1.  Farrow and Ball // Studio Green // 93
2.  Farrow and Ball // Arsenic //214
3.  Farrow and Ball // Tunsgate Green //250
4.  Yolo Colorhouse // Petal // .06

In a Heartbeat

SASAKI in action via Dwell on Design

Dwell on Design 2011:  tickets are purchased and the excitement builds.  My friend Casey and I are headed to LA at the end of June to seek inspiration, see what's new in Dwell's design world, and tour a few fabulously modern homes.  If that isn't enough, we have the chance to see and possibly participate in SASAKI'S Heartbeat drawing; a live art installation benefiting Japan's relief efforts.   

From HEARTBEAT DRAWING:

"People are being connected with one another through the heartbeats..."
This is a way that people from all over the world can purely feel their 'living'. This is... to feel 'heartbeat'. This is an artwork of ripples that SASAKI feels the rhythm of a real time heart beating of the participants by putting a sensor on their fingertips. This HEARTBEAT DRAWING is a 'connect' with all the visitors' proof of living"

"Heartbeat-Portraits in Chiyoda" 2010, 3331 Arts Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan via HEARTBEAT DRAWING

The rich story behind SASAKI'S art is mesmerizing, inspiring, and beyond meaningful.  I'm truly grateful to have the opportunity to seek design inspiration in such an amazing city and to be surrounded by some incredible creatives.  I'll be sharing our journey as it unfolds.  Until then, I have a heap of fun projects to complete!

Until next time,
Jenny @ Fig

FIG. STUDIO Happenings

 PHOTO BY FIG - Travel Tip: an underwater camera in Hawaii is priceless!

Turtle sightings, sandy toes, and Plumerias were just a few elements that made my Maui trip both restful and exhilarating.  I spent plenty of time absorbing the sun, reading Bossypants, and perfecting my standup paddleboard technique.  I am thankful to have had the opportunity to travel, and even more thankful that Fig is starting out the month of May with a few new projects on the boards:  Furnishing a high-rise Pearl apartment for a young Seattleite turned Portlander, designing a mid-century inspired entertainment room in Portland's Montclair neighborhood, and helping a young couple adjust their home's surroundings to accommodate their growing family.

Next to design, travel is my most prized passion in life.  Everytime I explore a new place, swim with some creature of the deep, or taste a local specialty, I gather infinite inspiration for my life and work back home.  The photo above is the perfect example of how to find color inspiration in everyday life or in a once in a lifetime opportunity.  Textures, flavors, colors, patterns.  It's all there. 

Until next time,
Fig.

Out and About: Vacation

 Photo by Fig, Big Island, Hawaii 2009

Fig's taking a break this week for a family vacation to Maui, Hawaii.  Though I've been to the Island several times, I did brush up on my Maui research through the Design Sponge Maui Guide, Trip Advisor, and friends and family.  We're looking forward to a week of relaxation and sun, something Portland's seriously been lacking lately.  I am beyond excited to get the chance to rent an SUP for the week and really see the Pacific from a new perspective.  Aloha!

Local: Blue Pointe Fixture

Rejuvenation's Blue Pointe Fixture:  just another reason we're lucky to live in Portland.  I'm prepping to go fixture shopping this morning and in my research the Blue Pointe stuck out as the most creative reproduction of a classic fixture on the market.  Although pendant fixtures over a center kitchen island are simple and expected, why not take a small leap over to a canopy-like structure and really own that air space?

If you haven't stopped by Rejuvenation's Grand Ave. location lately, you're in for a treat.  They've curated a beautiful mix of home accessories and furnishings perfectly suited to match their fixture and hardware collection.  You can pickup a cup of coffee or tea at Daily Cafe's adjacent location and browse to your heart's content.

BESPOKE: For You, For Me

One of the little luxuries we love here at Fig is the opportunity to get our hands on some great castoffs from past projects or contractor archives.  We recently acquired a great piece of polished Carrera marble (our favorite for vanity tops) and knew it was perfectly suited as a base point for a dining table.  We developed a design that melds simplicity, function, and grace while letting the materiality inform the shapes and scale with which we designed.  We call this piece PLATE.  You can see more photos over at our Facebook Album.

Design: Fig Studio
Materials: Power coated plate steel and Carrera Marble
Craftsman: Tim Fouch

The Clock Radio Conundrum

They're highly functional, yet highly unsightly:  the ubiquitous clock radio.  My husband and I have  been looking for a beautiful yet functional solution to our multiple alarm needs for as long as we've lived together.  I've been waking up to the "ocean sounds" function on my digital eyesore for over ten years, but over the weekend I had to accept the fact that my ocean sounds now more closely replicate a failing robot.  Our doh! moment hit us when we realized our iphones would make for the perfect replacements.  I know what you're thinking, but it just didn't occur to us until now.  Plus should I really have my work phone next to my sleeping quarters?  I decided it was the best and most compact solution, but it is important to me to have our gadgets thoughtfully displayed to avoid the classic cord tangle next to my pillow.  I've landed on the perfect find for our space: the book dock from Inbook.  It's simple, classic, and beautiful.  Now to decide if I'm more of a To Kill a Mockingbird or Homer's Odyssey.

Thinking of Spring

 Photo by Fig

Thurman Street is starting to brighten up with it's yearly show of pink blooms, it's sunny one minute and hailing the next, and farmers markets are beginning to pop up around town.  This all means Spring really is on it's way and I'm waiting patiently for summer to soon follow.  While scouring through my food album in iphoto (yes, I do take pictures of my food on a regular basis) I came across the fresh blueberry puffed pancake I made at the end of summer '10 with handpicked Sauvie Island fruit.  Berry picking is one of my favorite Summer activities and I can't wait to head down the St. Helens Highway in a few short months to get another year's supply.  Who's coming with me?

Event: Benefit Concert for Japan

Local & Green

Photos by Fig

My two favorite items in the kitchen this week:  Two dozen farm-fresh eggs from Afton Field Farm, and my Shamrock plant.  Have a safe and festive evening!


*If you live in Portland and would like access to Afton Field Farm's goods, take a peek in to their Metro Buying Club. 

Wine Club: Spain

Architects and designers tend to magnetically attach themselves to each other, talk about architecture, the latest Brian Libby post, and how CAD crashed on them at least twice last week.  It's true.  It's like a social security blanket for most of us.  But when one of my architecture buddies suggested we start a wine club, I thought would it really work?  Would we be swishing Cabernet and spitting out Corbu?  With Sebastien and Hope at the helm, our first meeting was truly all about wine.  Not a cad layer in sight.

 Photos by Fig.  Next time I'll remember to bring a real camera.  Phone pics just aren't the same.

I won't pretend to be an expert in this arena.  I've ventured to plenty of NW tasting rooms- swished a few glasses, and declared my allegiance to many Pinot Noirs.  Truthfully, I didn't really know what I was doing.  Our first wine club meeting taught me the art of the taste, how to focus on the wine, and what elements help create it's distinct character.  We focused on Spanish wines, moving from Cavas to rich reds.  Sebastien is our resident expert, and detailed our evening on his blog, Downcellar.  Take a gander at his tasting notes- perhaps it will help inspire your weekend meal.

My husband and I are on tap to host next month's meeting.  We're thinking of profiling an area in South America or perhaps even tackling a region in Italy.  Suggestions are welcome!

Salud!
Jenny

Tea Party: Farrow & Ball 2011

Oxford Stone

Farrow & Ball's 2011 color releases are so artfully and gracefully presented.  Time for Tea?

Charlotte's Locks

Plummett

Today we're inspired by...

FACETS

MOLDED PLASTIC AND METALLIC GEOMETRY

COWHIDE

New: Higgens for Jonathan Adler

Jonathan proves Chic mobiles aren't just for children.  I could see this gracing a creative's kitchen nook or in a bold entryway surrounded by bare bulbs. 

Event: Kengo Kuma

Although I'm disappointed the event was moved from the Japanese Gardens to downtown office space (snowpocalypse?)  I'm sure the lecture will be just as thrilling.  I'm excited to learn about all that Kuma has in store for the much loved garden.  During the summer months, I often take a walk from my condo to the garden and through the trails surrounding the landscape.  Though I thoroughly enjoy the summer blooms, I really wanted some snow this evening so that I can see how it looks with a beautiful white dusting.  Maybe next year.  

Local: The Art of the Camera

I ran across Mottweiler Studio this morning (I won't get into the dominoes that lead me there) and was surprised to learn that Portland has an incredible resource for handmade Pinhole and Stereoscopic cameras.  I'm particularly enthralled with the P.90 pictured above. Take a peek at Kurt's work here. 

Refresh: Part II

Hello friends.  I'm writing to you surrounded by Fig's newly refreshed brand thoughtfully created by Meagan Geer Designs.  I can't tell you how happy and lucky I am to have worked with Meagan and to have established a more concrete branding structure for Fig Studio- a structure we'll be using for years to come.  I've been fortunate enough to be able to continually invest in the studio and see it grow with every passing day.  Thank you for supporting me on this journey as Fig continues to evolve and adapt.

What I've loved best about starting Fig Studio is my ability to showcase and establish my personal style, experiment with color/texture/balance, and design all aspects of the business...right down to the notebooks I use.  I do, however, know my limits and my d.i.y. attempts at graphics and branding just weren't cutting it. Just like that moment you realized you needed to call me instead of taking on that kitchen remodel yourself.  I admired Meagan's sense of style and knew she would guide my brand to the place I was trying to take it over the past two years:  Clean, simple, meaningful, and indicative of where the name Fig originated.  In phase two of my work with Meagan, we are going to dive deeper into Fig's origins and carefully illustrate the meaning of the name.  You'll be surprised to learn it has nothing to do with fruit, and everything to do with design.  Until then, keep up with the studio here on Fig Notes, where I'll be sharing all of the going's on here in my NW Portland office.

Cheers,
Jenny