Behind the Scenes: Ann Sacks Factory Tour
Recently, Michael, Valerie and I went on a design industry tour of the Ann Sacks tile factory. It's amazing to think that this well known high-end tile manufacturer is in Portland. Oh Portland, you are filled with surprises! The tour was really great and super educational! Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos in the factory, but we could in the showroom! We enjoyed a sneak peek of the new tiles. Gorgeous!

To the right is Cecilia Don, Ann Sack's Portland Showroom Manager, Valerie, and me. Cecilia was very gracious and we learned so much from her! Thank you!

SRM Wins Designer's Choice Award
As we mentioned in our last Details, SRM had the privilege to participate on one of six interior design teams competing at the first-ever Serving Up Style design showcase. The fantasy dining room design event benefited Molly's Fund Fighting Lupus, attracted 5,000 visitors, and brought our team the event's top prize - the Designer's Choice Award!

The Designer's Choice award was the only juried prize at the show chosen by members of Portland's design community, including Randy Gragg, editor of Portland Spaces and Portland Monthly, Bridget Otto of the Oregonian, and Katie McNelis, General Manager of Portland's Crate and Barrel store. Along with our partners from Maison Inc., we caught the judges' eye with our theme "Moor, Please..." a fantasy dining room steeped in the aesthetics of the spice trading routes of the Near East and southern Mediterranean.

If you missed the show, you can still see highlights on Flickr!

Superstar Vendor: Kush Hand-knotted Carpets

Ahhh, Kush...we love Kush! This winsome rug shop is owned by two of our favorite rugmongers, Brian and Rebecca. Not only do we love them and their rugs, we love the service they provide for us and our clients!

Kush brings in rugs from all over the world representing all sorts of styles from modern to tribal to Tibetan to custom. To the right is a gorgeous rug called Hetch by Tamarian. We love how the golden silk creates a warm depth calling attention to the dining room!

Not only does Kush have rugs, they have many gorgeous textiles from all over the world. Check out these patchwork tapestries! They are from Rajastan-- the Northwestern part of India. Each piece is unique and hand-made from colorful sequined and embroidered remnants of saris and ceremonial garments-- the ultimate expression of recycling as art. Kush donates 50% of every sale of South Asian Patchwork Textiles to Progressive Women's Association in Pakistan. The PWA provides shelter, medical care, legal assistance and counseling to women victims of abuse in the region.

Stupid Paint Color Name of the Week

Hot & Local: Vitrelux Glassworks

Displayed in our dining room at Serving Up Style (see "SRM wins Designer's Choice Award" below) was a centerpiece made of hand blown glass by Vitrelux Glassworks. This local company makes beautiful glass vases of all shapes and sizes in wonderful eye popping colors.

To the left is Lynn, the uber cool owner / designer / glassblower. That glass looks hot!

Because we love his glass so much, you can see his work in almost every residential interior we do! This is a living room recently enhanced by his beautiful work.

You can purchase his glass art through Caplan Art Designs: http://www.caplanartdesigns.com/