2012: A SMEG Odyssey

SMEG Refrigerators inspire evolution of the kitchen.

While watching Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey it hit me: the iconic black monolith from the film bears striking similarities to the black Italian-made SMEG refrigerator sitting in front of my desk here at the Retail Studio. While by no means is the sleek, round and retro design of the FAB28 SMEG fridge as imposing as the foreboding black domino from the film, the similarities between the two transcend aesthetics.

SMEG, an Italian company that fabricates high end appliances by meshing together efficient performance and style, has earned global recognition for its FAB series of appliances, with its 1950's inspired retro design and unique palette of colors. It's in this unique marriage of design and color that inspiration for creative expression is born. It's the kind of inspiration that helps a homeowner's personality to shine through the design of their kitchen.

Maybe it's because the night is late, or because the popcorn is long gone, but the ability to inspire creative expression is what reminds me of the SMEG fridge when I see Kubrick's monolith. In the film, the monolith inspires the evolution of man just as the SMEG fridge inspires the evolution of a home's kitchen. Now if only Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathustra would play every time I opened the fridge…THAT would make for an epic midnight snack!

So perhaps seeing a SMEG fridge up close and personal (no movie reference intended!) will inspire some creative expression in you! We have floor models here at the Retail Studio so come by and check one out! There's nothing to worry about. That is, unless they change the series from FAB to HAL…

- Jeff

The Studio's Alive With The Sound of Music

Tivoli Audio Model One delivers surprising sound.

Ok, I'll be the first to admit, I'm a little bit of an audiophile. While a vacuum tube pre-amp for my turntable is still on the top of my wish list, I am always trying to find the best audio quality whenever I can. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into the Retail Studio on my first day to hear some of my favorite music bumping though my new workspace. To me, the only thing better than hearing my favorite music is hearing it with great audio.

Like many of the people dropping by at the Retail Studio, when I first heard the music playing I was certain that the studio was equipped with a sweet multi-speaker sound system, common to many retail areas. However, to my shock and awe, I discovered that the sound filling up the Retail Studio with the sweet, sweet sound of Modest Mouse was coming from a single Tivoli Audio Model One. This Tivoli Model One is no bigger than my clock radio at home, yet it delivered a sound that was both vibrant and colorful.

The simplicity of the design caught me off guard while I explored the audio capabilities of the Model One. Its clean wood finish is classic and stylish yet its retro design makes it stand apart from its bulky counterparts.

As I have learned with many aspects of art and with life, simplicity often yields the most surprising and effective results. In the case of the Tivoli Audio selection we carry at the Retail Studio, I think my preamplifier has been bumped from the top of my audio wish list.

- Jeff

I'm dreaming of a white kitchen...

Tired of your Pearl condo kitchen that looks like every other unit in the building? Have a Portland mid-century home that was remodeled without thought in the 80's? Bring your plans, your thoughts, your dreams for a new kitchen remodel in for discussion with builder/remodeler Daniel Thomas of Hammer & Hand and interior designer Leela Brightenburg of bright designlab in their collaborative Retail Studio in the Pearl.  Meet Portland local personalities Jasper, Jett, Pippi and Talia from Imbue custom Oregon made cabinet line in "person".

Salons are free, but space is limited!  Please email your reservation to hello@retailstudiopdx.com to secure your spot.

Future 2012 salon dates: 

All take place on Thursdays from 6-7p in the Retail Studio.

March 15th  FULL    .   April 26th    .    May 22nd   .   July 12th

Current obsession: Teal everything!

Huzzah!

We have two new rugs in the studio - the field poppies above from Amy Butler and a funkadelicious 70's supergraphic below - both big and bold + bright colors, an eye feast if you will. Complete with all of this Northwest winter sunshine (?!) it nearly feels like spring here at the Retail Studio! Wishful thinking?? Perhaps. Nevertheless these gorgeous rugs are but a small splash of the myriad of choices for modern rug warmth that we have for you at the Retail Studio 404 NW 10th #101 Portland, OR 97209.  You can always pick up a macaron to match from Nuvrei while you are at it.

~ Jenny and Alissa

Comfort Food

I had a dream.....about steaks, yep steaks, and all the delicious savory foods that accompany them. Discovering the joy of eating foods cooked with quality oil and vinegars and specialty salts has truly changed my simple palate. If you have not yet experienced Benessere and all the tangy sweet and velvety smooth flavors that live there, then an afternoon taste test is most definitely in order. So, gather your friends, open the wine and enjoy!

~Jenny

Asiago & White Truffle Mashed Potatoes

6 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled

1 stick butter

2 medium cloves garlic

1 cup half & half

1 tablespoon white truffle oil

1 cup grated Asiago cheese

Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Optional: Finely minced flat leaf parsley for garnish

Dice potatoes, making sure all are relatively the same size.  Place in a large saucepan, add the salt and cover with hot water.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce the heat to maintain a rolling boil.  Cook until potatoes are tender throughout when poked with a fork.  Heat the half and half, butter and garlic in a medium saucepan over medium heat until simmering.  Remove from heat and set aside.  Remove the potatoes from heat and drain the water.  Mash and add the garlic-cream-butter mixture, grated Asiago cheese and truffle oil.  Stir to combine.  Let stand for 5 minutes to allow the mixture to thicken, then serve.