Designwire Daily: from the editors of Interior Design magazine

Portland’s Vanillawood Opens One-Stop Design Studio

by Nicholas Tamarin | Thursday, August 5, 2010 | 3 Comments

With Portland’s food scene booming, delicious-sounding design firm Vanillawood is looking to redirect some of that attention to the Rose City’s retail pleasures with the opening of their new work studio, showroom, and store.

Located in Portland’s Pearl District, the 900-square-foot studio previously housed Vanillawood husband-and-wife design duo James and Kricken Yaker’s full-service design-build and interiors business. It has now been expanded to include a design-friendly inventory of fabrics, wallpaper, lighting, mirrors, rugs, and objects for sale. While there, visitors can also check out their custom upholstery, furniture, and built-in cabinetry offerings in which the couple specializes.

“As a design/build firm we’re big believers in the collaborative process,” says Kricken Yaker. “By adding a showroom and retail component to our business, customers can experience the Vanillawood point of view first hand.”

That point of view manifests itself in the new space through the eco-conscious elements Vanillawood works with, including reclaimed wood for desks and a model kitchen alcove that also boasts recycled content countertops. It’s hardwood floors were stained with all natural stains and no-VOC paints were used.

“By integrating the work, showroom and retail spaces clients can experience our design approach to both home and commercial environments,” offers James Yaker. “We don’t create untouchable museums. We create warm and relaxing spaces that bring people together.”

Kricken Yaker adds, “We want people to feel at home in this space—to ask questions, get inspired, touch and feel the products and yes, hopefully shop too!”

Images courtesy of Vanillawood.