Schoolhouse Electric- Portland Showroom (Go ahead, fall in love)

So here we go. One day in the not too distant past, I came up with the idea to create a Video Blog series called, “Pink n Green”, Exploring Eco-Chic in Portland and Beyond.” Stay tuned. The series will start to be posted shortly right here on this page.

The idea behind the Vlog is to share my design inspiration and let you in on Portland’s fabulous and local eco-chic products, stores, artists and more. So no, Portland is not just about solar, radiant heating and energy efficient homes and buildings. It goes beyond that and gets cuter by the minute.

In the past six months I have found a growing trend in Green Design which encompasses beauty in products like couches, lighting, furniture, paints and accessories while being sustainable. This concept has been feeding my ever growing passion in the world of design and now I get to support my favorite products, people, clients, city and contribute to global healing. How cool is that?

My first show was filmed on August 22nd with Schoolhouse Electric. Here’s a snapshot of what went on:

Schoolhouse Electric: So many choices!

It was a sunny day on August 22nd when I made my way over to the Schoolhouse Electric Showroom in my favorite city on the planet, Portland, Oregon to film the first episode for my Vlog series, “PinknGreen”. My good friend and wonderfully talented videographer and photographer Michael Sulis, who graciously volunteered for this first shoot met me outside. Thank-you Michael!

I walked into the showroom to meet my hostess and General Manager, Michelle Stein and I immediately fell in love. Yes, with her graciousness but also with the new products that I was seeing for the first time that day. The thing that impressed me the most—these guys love what they do and they are a totally eco-conscious company. They manufacture locally and on the West Coast. Nope, nothing from China or Asia here. They have an in-house factory which is gorgeous and within walking distant of their showroom. Most companies don’t care about the aesthetics of their factories. These guys do. They love their employees as much or more than their customers and that feeling is very obvious.

In the video blog, you see first hand, behind the scenes in the factory as we get a guided tour. Each stage of the production process is so consciously thought out, I was totally blown away. It’s a throw back to times past when hard work generated beautiful product and pride in workmanship.

Their design inspiration comes from early 1900’s to mid-century classic lighting which (in my work) I have used in many different styles of homes.

That day totally inspired me. Schoolhouse Electric lighting has been featured in many of the top design magazines. They offer mail order service but only have two stores in Portland and New York. They are totally eco-chic, down to earth friendly and very Portland—-sustainable, innovative and creative. For more about their story or to order lighting click here. Stay tuned here for the first episode of my Vlog!