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Nov 24

Designer Holiday Gift Guide (Part 3)

This is the third and final installment of our designer holiday gift guide. For our final part Senior Designer Chelly Wentworth and Junior Designer Trisha Hopkins share some great ideas to take care of those final people on your list.

Chelly’s Picks

Portland CSA

A share of a CSA is an excellent present for the cook, foodie, or health nut on your list. Locally farmed, seasonal produce is delivered to your door to keep your fridge stocked without having to think about going to the store.

Portland Homestead Supply

A gift certificate for a class at Portland Homestead Supply (who doesn’t want to learn how to make cheese or stock up on canning supplies?) Here is a list of recipes to get your holiday canning juices flowing.

Fieldwork Flowers

Who doesn’t love to be treated to a fresh bouquet of flowers? During these dark months of Winter a fresh arrangement can do wonders to brighten up a home. Fieldwork Flowers can help you put together a beautiful, locally grown bouquet.

Hand Eye Supply

For the creative on your list, a stop at Hand Eye Supply will surely provide an answer to your gift giving quandry. They have a great selection of work wear that will keep your loved one styling while they work.

The Art of Shaving

Celebrate the end of Movember with a gift certificate for a lux shave from The Art of Shaving. Maybe your honey needs to clean up for your new years kiss. This gift is a perfect way to make him feel pampered without knowing that you want that scratchy beard gone.

Muffin Head

Don’t forget your pooch and get him or her a warm coat from Muffin Head. Each garment is made here in the USA from recycled materials so you can feel good about keeping your furry friend warm.

Christmas Family Adoption Foundation

Let’s not forget that this is the season of giving. If you have someone on your list that has everything this is a great option to help some of those that don’t in their name. It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday fervor but if we stop to help those around us, we can enrich our own community. So consider adopting a whole family in need by donating to the Christmas Family Adoption Foundation.

Trisha’s Picks

Betsy and Iya

Betsy and Iya jewelery is handmade in Portland. I love everything they make. It’s different, funky and delicate.

Jadeite

Everything Jadeite! Plates, bowls, cups and so on. You can find some good antique pieces on Ebay and Etsy. Or buy new from Sur La Table.

Dansk

The Kobenstyle line of pots and pans from Dansk cookware is my all-time favorite. Originally designed by Jens Quistgaard in 1965, this line is now being reproduced by Dansk again. It is so classic and modern. You can find it in town at Schoolhouse Electric.

Food52

I love these gold rimmed plates available at Food52. Very organic and oh so lovely!

Rejuvenation

I have always wanted a pair of these chairs from Rejuvenation. And one day I will own them!

Design Within Reach

Who could resist the urge to buy the iconic lounge chair and ottoman designed by Charles and Ray Eames? This piece is definitely a splurge item but will stand the test of time and provide many years of comfortable sitting while looking exquisite.

Want More?

Check out the other parts of the series:

Part One: Anne De Wolf, Marty Hegg & Kat O’Neil’s Picks

Part Two: Kristyn Bester and Jeffrey Kelly’s Picks

Phew! This concludes our designer holiday gift guide. We’ve had a great time putting these lists together and hopefully you had a great time reading them. Now get out there and start crossing off the remaining people on your list. Let us know if any of these items make their way into your loved one’s hands.

Explore the Arciform Project Galleries | About Arciform | Schedule a Design Consultation

Nov 21

Designer Holiday Gift Guide (Part 2)

For part two of our designer holiday gift guide Senior Designer Kristyn Bester and Junior Designer Jeffrey Kelly share some of their favorite ideas for holiday gifts. Whether you’re shopping for an adventurer, foodie, or vintage enthusiast, we have something that will knock them off your list. Take a look and stay tuned for our third and final installment of our designer holiday gift guide.

Kristyn’s Picks

Cannery Pier Hotel

One of my most favorite places to stay. Astoria is a fun, sleepy town to wander around. If the weather turns bad, the hotel is an easy place to lock yourself away with a good book and cup of coffee and never leave. The view is incredible from every room and the spa is super relaxing, so don’t forget to book a massage!

Julie Nolan Jewelry

For a special and personalized gift, a brass constellation bracelet or necklace with your loved one’s star sign is a beautiful option. They are made by New York artist Julie Nolan and are available on her Etsy shop or in person here in Portland at Lizard Lounge. You can see the Sagittarius bracelet here.

Pacific Pie Company

I am obsessed with Pacific Pie Company, who I think makes the best savory pies in Portland. They offer Pie Making 101 to those who want to learn the art of pastry, crust, pies and more! You even go home with a fresh baked pie and extra pastry.

Antique Stores

I like to go antiquing for unusual and one of a kind gifts. I love Kenton Antiques in North Portland, Stars Antiques in Sellwood, Grand Marketplace on Grand Avenue in SE Portland, and the salvage section at Rejuvenation. Outside of Portland, my favorite is Vintage Hardware in Astoria. Some of my finds for gifts include vintage art and books, collections of ledgers for my accountant husband (I found one from someone living in Paris during WWII), mirrors, and small furniture pieces. You are certain to find the most unique gift!

A Night Out on the Town

I love to give and receive experiences as gifts, so I often look for upcoming events such as a Timbers game or a play at Portland Center Stage. I buy one ticket for the lucky recipient and one ticket for myself – then we are guaranteed a date together in the future!

Jeffrey’s picks

Olo Fragrance

Who doesn’t like to smell good? These hand made fragrances from Portland’s Heather Sielaff are a perfect gift for the guy or gal on your list that wants to smell nice but not overpowering. With offerings mixing scents like cardamom, Indonesian vetivert, tobacco, wood, lemon, and bergamot, these unique perfumes stand out in the crowd of typical fragrances. You can visit their newly opened shop Milk Milk Lemonade on SE Belmont to see their workshop and pick from their line of perfumes.

Hazel Cox Jewelry

I’ve known Hazel for many years and have always been in love with the things she designs. There is something about her aesthetic that is so beautiful to me and it fits perfectly here in Portland. You can buy directly form her or at stores like Yo Vintage! or Palace.

Beckel Canvas

Made right here in Portland, Beckel Canvas products are a perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast looking to get back to the roots of camping. They hand make their line of canvas bags, tents, and accessories in their Clinton St. storefont. I was recently on a rafting trip and one of my fellow companions was able to set up his Miner tent, pictured above, with two oars and some rocks before any of us even had our tent poles constructed. I was impressed to say the least.

Heath Ceramics

It’s hard not to fall in love with every piece of this iconic line of ceramics. From their fantastic tiles and house wares to their classic line of dinnerware, there is no denying that Heath Ceramics has earned it’s status as a coveted item for any home. Pick up a platter or bud vase for a loved one and you are sure to please.

Portland Meat Collective

If you have a foodie on your list then the butchery and cooking classes offered by Portland Meat Collective are a great way to give an interactive gift. Ranging from basic animal butchery to charcuterie to multi-day courses, there is bound to be a class that matches the level of your cook’s skill. I was lucky enough to have received this as a gift and will always remember the techniques I learned in class.

The Good Mod

This showroom, located directly off of Burnside, contains some truly drool-worthy pieces. Specializing in mid-century and industrial furniture, The Good Mod curates a jaw dropping selection of pieces you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else. If you want the real deal pick of furniture you’d expect to see in a magazine or history book, this is your place.

I hope you found some good ideas in part two of our gift guide. By this point your list should be dwindling but just in case it is still lengthy, we have one more installment to help you finish up your holiday shopping. In our next and final part of our gift guide senior designer Chelly Wentworth and junior designer Trisha Hopkins share their go to places for inspired presents.

Want more? Check out the other parts of this series:

Part 1: Anne De Wolf, Marty Hegg & Kat O’Neil’s Picks

Part 3: Chelly Wentworth and Trisha Hopkins’ Picks

Explore the Arciform Project Galleries | About Arciform | Schedule a Design Consultation

Nov 20

Designer Holiday Gift Guide (Part 1)

The holidays are upon us again and it’s time to start scratching our heads thinking of gifts for all the special people in our lives. If you are having a hard time getting your gift list going we have just thing to get you started. The Arciform Design Team has put together their personal lists of gifts they think will stun even the biggest Scrooges on your list.

For part one of our guide Senior Designer Anne De Wolf, Design Assistant Marty Hegg, and Junior Designer Kat O’Neill share some of their favorite places shop at and items to buy for the holiday season. Take a look and get inspired to brave the crowds to get the perfect gift for the loved ones on your list.

Anne’s Picks

Look Modern

It’s easy to miss this warehouse filled with mid-century gems located one block off Hawthorne and only being open one day a week doesn’t help. Those willing to schedule some time on a Saturday or Sunday will be rewarded with a beautiful selection of furniture, art, and home goods.

Old Portland Hardware

For those of you looking for salvaged architectural finds this is your stop. Bret and his team do an outstanding job of finding and keeping alive some of Portland’s architectural history. If you know someone looking for that special period piece to adorn their home, this is the place to start looking.

Alder & Company

Alder & Company is my favorite store for this sort of thing. I want everything in there. Right now on the top of my list is this striped throwbed in black and white or metallic.

Ink and Peat

Located on bustling Williams Ave., this one stop shop provides gifts ranging from house plants to jewelry to home goods. You’re guaranteed to check someone off your list if you make your way here.

Marty’s Picks

Spruce Apothecary

For me me me, a trip to this shop is on my list of to-do’s: Spruce Apothecary, at Union Way shopping corridor. This new-ish spot is owned by the same folks who own Canoe.

Lark Press

Lovely cards from lark press. There is nothing like opening that mailbox at the end of the day and finding a handwritten card from a friend. Why not send some of your own on pretty paper? Throw in a little surprise like a fun photobooth picture strip!

Poketo

This is my dream teapot. It has a great size and shape and is made in Japan, where they know their tea!

Futagami Brasswares

This crescent bottle opener, by Japanese brand Futagami, makes beer-drinking just a little bit beautiful, doesn’t it? Available at Woonwinkel and Beam & Anchor locally.

Olympic Provisions

Open this link if you’re a carnivore and you’re hungry. We’ve tried all of the salumis from the Spanish sampler, and can’t pick a favorite.

Pistils Nursery

I love Pistils, up on Mississippi, and they can make up a custom terrarium for you for a really great price. These are my newest love there: Marimo Moss Balls. They naturally occur in freshwater lakes in Iceland, Scotland, Japan and Estonia, and grow five millimeters a year. Marimo are said to live to be 100 years old.

Herman Miller

I’m a fan of Alexander Girard’s suns, but would love this wool/cotton blanket. Pendleton recreated his design, made for Braniff Airways back in the day. The only question now is which color?

Finex Cast Iron

I love to cook, and a cast iron skillet can be used on the stovetop, out camping, or in the oven. Look at this 8” octagonal skillet, made in Portland. Awesome gift!

Fetch Eyewear

Fetch eyewear for sunglasses or prescription, Amy Sacks (the daughter of tile maker Ann Sacks) created this great line of eyewear AND donates 100% of proceeds to The Pixie Project, a wonderful non-profit animal rescue and adoption center located here in Portland.

Kaufmann Mercantile

Oh, and a clear glass kettle, just like my dad has used since I can remember:

Adidas

And I heard about these customizable Adidas this morning! This might encourage me to do try running again?

Kat’s Picks

The Meadow

For my husband, who loves to cook, I’ll be getting a set of culinary salts from The Meadow (Sshh! Don’t tell!).

Cornell Farms

I love giving (and getting!) indoor potted plants from Cornell Farms, like rosemary in a pretty glazed terracotta pot for anyone who loves fresh herbs. They have great stuff all year round.

Wayfair

I’m about to hit the “add to cart” button on these pillows in Navy Blue. We’re jazzing up our family/media room because we’re playing host to a big group for Christmas. I love the hit of color these will add, the graphic punch, the playful not-too-serious tie-dye effect of the pattern. They’re down-filled, so they’ll be comfy – and because they’re not too expensive or precious, I won’t wince when someone inevitably spills on them.

Atiyeh Brothers

If you really want to splurge on a one-of-a-kind gift for someone, a vintage rug from Atiyeh Brothers would be a fantastic gift. They can last for generations, hide spills and pet hair really well, and bring an authenticity to a home that new rugs just don’t carry.

Powell’s Books

Gift certificate to Powells. There’s no better way to spend a rainy Winter day in Portland. Plus, they have a café where you can refuel with hot chocolate and a croissant from the Pearl bakery when you need a break.

That does it for part one of our designer holiday gift guide. I hope you found some inspiration from these suggestions. Stay tuned for part two and more ideas to knock that gift list down to size.

Want more? Check out the other parts of this series:

Part 2: Senior Designer Kristyn Bester and Junior Designer Jeffrey Kelly’s Picks

Part 3: Chelly Wentworth and Trisha Hopkins’ Picks

Explore the Arciform Project Galleries | About Arciform | Schedule a Design Consultation

Nov 19

2014 Handyman Gift Guide

Looking for gift ideas for the handyman or DIY-er in your life? Here are some ideas from Arciform’s carpentry team.

Stanley FatMax Tape Measure

A necessity for almost any job, 25’ or 30’ tape measures are great for those extra-long measurements.

Starting at $22.00

Channellock 426 6.5in. Straight Jaw Tongue and Groove Plier

High-carbon C1080 steel for superior performance on the job and the undercut tongue and groove design won’t slip. The right-angle, laser-heat treated teeth grip are better performing and last longer. A great tool for any job.

Starting at $11.99

5 in 1 Painter’s Tool

Planning on painting? This tool is great for scraping paint, spreading compound, removing putty, opening cracks and cleaning rollers.

Starting at $6.00

Klein Tools Dual Range Non-Contact Voltage Tester

Lets you detect standard voltage in cables, cords, circuit breakers, lighting fixtures, switches, outlets and wires. A must-have for any around the house electrical work.

Starting at $21.97

DeWalt 20V Lithium-Ion Cordless Circular Saw

No need to waste time finding a power source for this light weight saw! It is convenient for small tasks and has a long run-time.

Starting at $119.00

DeWalt DCK280C2 20V MAX Cordless Lithium-Ion 1/2 in. Compact Drill Driver and Impact Driver Combo Kit

A compact, easy to use option for a wide range of light to medium fastening applications. This combo kit includes two ergonomically designed drills, each with a good battery life.

Starting at $199.00

DeWalt DW2180 35-Piece Impact Ready Drill Bit Set

A great addition to the compact drill driver and impact driver combo kit, this 35-piece drill bit set will allow you to do almost any job. The bits drill clean, easily and fast, and their rugged design maintain sharpness.

Starting at $26.77

DeWalt Orbital Sander

Combined with a block sander and a generous supply of various grit papers, this is a great tool for refinishing jobs around the house.

Starting at $59.00

Bosch JS365 120V Top-Handle Jigsaw Kit

An easy to use, powerful jigsaw with a fast cutting speed. It has varied cutting capacities for wood, aluminum and steel.

Starts at $99.00

Porter Cable Pancake Compressor

Great for the DIY’er in your life. This light weight compressor is capable of powering a stapler or nail gun.

Starting at $99.00

First Aid Kit

Expert carpenter or DIY’er, this is an essential tool for every toolbox. These can be found in many retail stores and online.

Starting at $20.00

Don’t have a handyman in your life? Hire one of our talented Carpenter on Call Team members. Get started by emailing our Carpenter on Call Team here.

Explore the Arciform Project Galleries | About Arciform | Schedule a Design Consultation

Nov 13

Your 6 Step Guide to a Warmer Winter

We’re about to have our first hard freeze of the year here in Oregon and that has many of us scrambling to “batten down the hatches” in our homes and gardens to ensure our loved ones will be warm for the winter. Whistling windows, sticking front doors and slippery front stoops all make for a less than cozy winter experience.

With that in mind we thought we’d offer a handy Step Guide to a Warmer Winter this year.

1. Warm up Your Windows.

The single pane traditional double hung windows in many of our older Portland homes provide very little insulation value. We like to say they have an R-factor of zero, which means the cold comes through those windows as easily as if it were an empty hole. No wonder you are shivering, right?

What can you do to address this? Here are 3 good options:

Restore & Weatherstrip your Existing Windows. Fix broken and rotten window parts, restore function to the ropes and pulleys and clean out the tracks so your windows operate smoothly with out sticking sections or gaps. Add weatherstripping to ensure your windows are wind and watertight.

Add Storm Windows. Did you know you can buy historically accurate wood storm windows with insulated glass that will vastly improve the insulation value of your current windows while still maintaining a classic look on the exterior of your home? Each storm gets custom fitted to your existing window openings and can be removed in the summer as needed.

Replace Your Existing Windows . Often, the most economical way to improve the insulation value of your windows is to replace your current windows with new wood or fiberglass “inserts” or “tilt-pacs.” These options allow you to install new product into the existing window frames, making them cheaper than a whole window replacement or restoration. Often you can match the existing look of your windows while improving operation and energy efficiency.

Which to choose? Ask the experts. Your Carpenter on Call Team member can help you identify whether restoration, storms or replacement windows are the best option for you.

2. Insulate your Attic.

Most of your home’s heat escapes through the attic. Adding insulation can have a huge impact on the warmth of your home (and your energy bill!) While you are at it, consider insulating your heating ducts to be sure more of the heat you are paying for winds up in the rooms rather than escaping through the walls.

3. Tune Up your Front Door.

Sticking or warping doors can leave gaps for wintry winds to whistle in. Give your front door a tune up to be sure the hinges are adjusted properly, the lockset works smoothly and any warping or sticking areas get repaired. Add weatherstripping and a door sweep to ensure a tight seal when the door is closed.

4. Fall Proof Your Front Stoop.

Wet weather, moldy leaves and chipping paint can leave your front steps slick, shabby and worse for wear. Add a fresh coat of paint to your entry area and consider adding non-slip paint or rubber treads to your stair steps to prevent visitors from slipping.

5. Cozy Up Your Color Scheme.

A fresh coat of paint may not literally make your rooms warmer, but it can definitely make them a more welcoming place do be during the long winter months. Choose the room you spend the most time in and choose a bold and welcoming hue- studies have shown that color of your walls can actually warm up your family’s mood.

6. Finish Your Basement.

Create a cozy escape from the winter gloom by turning your basement into a family fun space. This Arciform client transformed their basement into a dry, cozy and welcoming space by adding some insulation and painting the exposed ceiling and concrete floor to look more finished. A custom carriage door designed by Versatile Wood Products partitions off the unfinished laundry area while carefully placed artwork conceals a few necessary utility panels.

Ready to warm up your home for the winter? Our Carpenter on Call Team will be happy to help you identify which of these projects will make the biggest difference for your home.

Explore the Arciform Project Galleries | About Arciform | Schedule a Design Consultation

Nov 7

5 Ways to Warm Up Your Hearth for the Holidays

Now that Fall is fully upon us and the bitter winds of Winter are not far from sight, it’s time to start thinking about how we can keep cozy through the dark and cold months to come.

What better way to keep warm than to curl up next to a fire with loved ones? Nothing else quite compares to the sight, smell, and heat of a roaring fire beckoning you to enjoy these crisp Portland days. Luckily we have some inspiration for you to spruce up your mantel and get ready for the holiday season to come.

Contemporize the Function and Feel

The paneling surrounding the fireplace below made the space feel too dark and dated.

BEFORE

To bring this fireplace into the modern day, designer Anne De Wolf worked with the client to make the space lighter and better fit their needs.

AFTER

Design by Anne De Wolf

Open shelving displays colorful pottery and glass vases along with books to add interest to the surrounding area. The mirrors above the new mantel shelf help reflect the room’s ambient light and give the illusion of more open space.

The cabinet door to the right of the mirror conceals a TV that can pivot out on an arm when needed.

Make Use of the Surrounding Space

Many Portland homes have fireplaces that are flanked by unused space.

BEFORE

This provides a great opportunity for built-in cabinetry, storage, bench seats, and a host of other features.

AFTER

Design by Kristyn Bester

These built in bookshelves were designed to integrate with the existing features of this Arciform client’s living room. The new tile surround and hearth lighten up the room and work beautifully with their personal style.

Revamp your Mantel with Period Appropriate Details

Fireplaces are a great place to incorporate period appropriate details and millwork. If your mantel is a victim of a bad remodel, returning it to its original glory is a wonderful way to pay homage to the age of your home.

Versatile Wood Products is a great source for custom millwork to help you build the mantel your home deserves.

When Arciform converted this daylight basement into a guest suite, the main living area had a fireplace that felt dated and inconsistent with the clean and classic style of the rest of the space.

BEFORE

The addition of a more substantial mantel with traditional millwork profiles and marble surround brings this hearth into focus as the heart of the new suite.

AFTER

Design by Kristyn Bester

Make Use of your Decommissioned Fireplace

There are plenty of decommissioned fireplaces in older homes and to miss out on the opportunity to use them as a design feature would be a shame. They are a great place to store books or a collection of personal treasures gathered from travels around the world.

Add Color

Whether you are trying to draw attention to or away from the fireplace, a simple coat of paint can work wonders.

What does your hearth need to get it ready for the long winter nights ahead?

Whether you are adding a touch of color, restoring a classic mantel to its original glory or hoping to add storage space and integrated technology features, Arciform’s Design and Small Projects Teams can help you get your hearth ready for the holiday season.

Get started on your own project by emailing our team here.

Explore the Arciform Project Galleries | About Arciform | Schedule a Design Consultation

Archive for

Designer Holiday Gift Guide (Part 3)

Designer Holiday Gift Guide (Part 2)

Designer Holiday Gift Guide (Part 1)

2014 Handyman Gift Guide

Your 6 Step Guide to a Warmer Winter

5 Ways to Warm Up Your Hearth for the Holidays

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