Friday, February 25, 2011

Thursday, February 24, 2011

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. 

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

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.  

Monday, February 21, 2011

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

Friday, February 18, 2011

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

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Illuminate Color: Aged Copper


Photo via My Vibe My Life

1. Benjamin Moore: Bavarian Forest 2054-10
2. Benjamin Moore: Jojoba AF-460
3. Yolo Colorhouse: Leaf .05
4. Benjamin Moore: Majestic Blue 2051-40

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

You're My Inspiration: Happy Pinning


Thanks to Casey, I'm happily Pinning away at Pinterest.  Take a peek to see what inspires me and those I follow-  it's a whole new way to gather thoughts, brilliant ideas, and the occasional wish. 

Friday, February 11, 2011

Portfolio: Custom Walnut Dining Table



Custom 10-top dining table designed by Fig Studio + The Joinery for a NW Portland client.  

Hand built by The Joinery in Portland.  Solid Eastern Walnut with gracefully curved breadboard ends.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

On the Boards: Sisters Coffee Company



This project has been a secret for so long that I forgot to share the news with you all until now!  Fig Studio completed the design for Sisters Coffee Company's second location way back in September.  We're now under construction in the Pearl District- next time you stroll past the Wyatt @ 12th and Marshall, take a peek at the progress. You'll soon have a place to call home when you visit their Pearl location.  We've stayed true to the rustic aesthetic and the brand you've come to know and love in Sisters.  Enjoy your pour-over cup near the fireplace or up in the mezzanine, stocked with books and periodicals.


We are so happy to have this family-run business join our neighborhood.  It is truly the best cup of coffee you'll find:  small batch, mountain-roasted in Sisters, OR by master roaster Winfield Durham.  Welcome to Portland!

The Team
Client: Sisters Coffee Company
Interior Designer: Fig Studio
Lighting Designer: Biella Lighting
Construction Administration: Giulietti/Schouten Architects / Fig Studio
Contractor: R&H Construction

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Refresh

Hello.  We're updating our site so we'd like you to refresh your browser so that you may view it in it's full glory.

You may see some places that need touched up from time to time over the next couple of days.  We're in the process of incorporating new branding so please be patient while we try our hands at website design.  We like to think of ourselves as a multi-disciplinary studio, but we admit our talents are better served outside of writing code.  Thank you for your patience.

Cheers,
Fig Studio

Monday, February 7, 2011

Let's Eat: New Scandinavian Cooking


Confession:  Preparing a multi-course meal on the back of a riverboat in chilly Norway sounds more appealing to me than dining at a five-star restaurant.  New Scandinavian Cooking is my newfound kindred spirit, and I'm excited to learn all it has to offer.  Clearly cooking has become my idea of fun, not a chore to check off of my list...yes, mom, I can now do more than heat up a Hot Pocket.


Tina Nordstrom is my favorite chef on the show.  Her enthusiasm for Dill Weed and Crayfish is infectious and she always gives such practical and interesting advice.  She'll setup this incredible outdoor kitchen in a few minutes time and prepare a gorgeous spread of Scandinavian treats.  No lingonberry sauce or meatballs here-- it's all very creative and respectful of all Scan traditions while pushing forward with new ideas.  


Chef Andreas also offers up plenty of sage advice- he's makes even the most mundane topic seem interesting and has an anyone-can-do-this attitude.   What could be prettier than dining among the trees (and sheep)?  


See you on the river.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Local: Egg Press Spring 2011

 Photo by Fig

My lovely friends over at Egg Press sent me a nice little care package with a few of their newest greetings.  I'm thinking that dragon would be great in a silver frame.  Stay tuned for an updated Egg Press website and new giftcard options!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Hunt & Gather: Modern Windsor


We're loving the graphic quality of this glossy black interpretation of the classic Windsor.  Go for a sit test at your local West Elm.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

On the Boards: Laurelhurst Living Room


Fig Studio was tasked to create a functional, stylish, and simple living environment for a young family living in a turn-of-the-century Craftsman in Portland's Laurelhurst neighborhood.  The space serves as a graceful welcome to the house and occasionally supports parties and family gatherings.  Highly durable materials and low-maintenance finishes are key in this space, as dogs and children regularly play in the room.

1.  Supportive yet relaxed sofa is enhanced with beautifully tufted details
2.  A pair of sophisticated yet affordable upholstered ottomans provide flexibility
3.  Beautifully detailed and well-scaled side chairs are detailed with antique nailheads
4.  Who doesn't need a whale pillow?
5.  Flor tiles are a must in this dog-loving home
6.  Kazu root provides instant texture.  Sourced here.
7.  Mirrors flank the existing fireplace to provide a second and third light-source.

We are lucky enough to have an adjacent sunroom on this project.  The perfect place to collect plants, create a small seating area, and allow the owners to relax on sunny days.

8.  A small-scaled replica of a couturier's chair
9.  A sheepskin provides warmth on the tiled floor
10.  This pedestal table will allow us to display a collection of succulants
11.  Natural leather Moroccan Pouf is a must-have footstool
12.  Rope Cloche as terrarium.  Sourced here.

This project will be curated over time, so I'll be sure to post the final installation when it's finished.  Need help sourcing furniture and accessories for your space?  Send me a message and we'll create a plan for your family.