ppng interviews ewf modern’s renee russo
By on August 1st, 2008
Designer, style guru and owner of EWF Modern Renee Russo in her Portland showroom.
Okay so you know I’m big on sustainability and high design. And yes someday I’d like to furnish my entire home with EWF Modern products. In the meantime I wanted to get into the head of Renee Russo (owner and designer) and hear her thoughts on style, green design and maverick thinking. She graciously agreed to a sit down with me and answered all my questions. Here’s how it went…
CJ: You are probably the most savvy and decadent furniture store in Portland. Did you know that?
RR: For me, this store is just about bringing beautiful things together. So I choose products that are beautiful in my eyes in a way I feel that I could live with. I don’t compare myself to other people. I don’t even notice what they are doing.
CJ: In that way, would you consider yourself a maverick in design?
RR: Yes, because I’m not afraid of taking risks and bringing it to showcase in Portland. I have enough belief that if I like it someone else will like it. It’s all about confidence. The one thing that I am pleased with in opening the store is finding out how many people in Portland have been waiting for something new. So many people love and appreciate good design. People in Portland are warm, organic and liberal and with that comes an open-mindedness for design but it has to be warm.
CJ: What’s your personal style?
RR: I am eccentric, I’ll admit. However, I’m not really definable because I love beautiful objects and if it’s something in my home, it’s absolutely something I love first and them I will find a place for it. In my appreciation of furnishings, it first has to feel good. It has to have richness to it, good design and good construction. My design sense is about looking at uniqueness first, then quality. My goal is to expand the definition of MODERN to incorporate products utilizing contemporary theory and protecting resources of the future. Modern philosophy of design is therefore interpreted in my choices of furnishings for EWF Modern. The pieces are harmonious with our environment and offer a new interpretation of modern. Most furniture buyers consider modern to ONLY be glass, chrome and leather. We offer a different concept.
CJ: I’m curious about your house. Can you tell me a little about it?
RR: My house is always in a state of change. My house is my sanctuary and very paired down. It’s very special. From my two stores I have chosen my favorite things. I own the platform bed that I can walk on that’s downstairs (in the showroom) and dance around on. My accessories are the some of the most special things I’ve found in my travels. Calm and rich but intimate. I love how you expressed my store in the EWF Modern Video that you produced. Combined with the Bossa Nova music, you captured the essence of who you are, the product and the showroom.
CJ: What’s your husband like? (Renee lights up here after she hears this question)
RR: He’s my partner in everything. He always tells me that he feels it is “his job is to make me happy”. We have a loving relationship and have been married for 12 years. He’s a wonderful sounding board and very supportive.
CJ: Do you have dinner parties?
RR: Yes, we do. We have a very diverse group of friends, many who are in the field of design. That includes architects , designers, and many who are self-employed. All of our friends share our philosophy of sustainable living practices.
CJ: What do you see as the new green?
RR: I think people are asking more questions about where their products are coming from. As the general public becomes more eco-conscious they will demand that more manufacturers focus on eco-friendly production processes.
CJ: What do you say to women like you who are small business owners and want to make a difference in the world?
RR: Focus on one thing at a time…And if design is your intention, find that one product you can stand behind. Start with the small changes and always have a plan.
August 3rd, 2008 at 2:59 am
So this is what I am curious about. Italian furniture is, of course, divine. However, can it be considered green thinking to be shipping this stuff halfway across the globe? I am looking tonight for green sites to add to my blog and I keep coming across the same thing. wonderful products from far away. I know there are companies here that are creating fabulous design with eco values, but we as consumers respond to the phrase “european design” whether it be scandinavian ceramics, french linen, italian furniture, or london’s fashion scene. What is your opinion?
August 3rd, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Hi Andrea, Thanks for your comment. There are so many different definitions of ‘being green’ and yes I do take into consideration the shipping of eco-friendly products. For me, I look at each situation differently. That particular couch does come from Italy, from a family owned business that uses many natural materials in its manufacturing processes. They take care in other areas (as do many European manufacturers) to make sure that the quality is high. They are also not being mass produced. That to me makes up for the journey that it takes to come over. Sure, if I found the same product locally, I would purchase it closer to home. And usually that’s what happens in high design. The Europeans start something smart and then America eventually follows. I’m waiting and in the mean time, I do support the local economy by purchasing as many local products as possible. EWF Modern is local to me, takes into consideration the manufacturing processes and stands behind their products. That, to me, is very inspiring.
August 13th, 2008 at 8:01 am
I found your site on technorati and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you down the road!
August 24th, 2008 at 5:03 am
If we could all live by this quotation “That best portion of a good man’s life, — His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.” (William Wordsworth) each of us would be better off.