Jennifer's Condo

Our condo is loft-style in that it's open concept with high ceilings and concrete floors, but not by any accounts large. With a modest 650 square feet of indoor living space, we had to evaluate every piece of furniture on how multi-functional it was, to fit both the space and our lifestyle.

The tiny postage-stamp-sized condo we rented before we bought this place required all “condo sized” furnishings -- a 'dinette' set that barely fit four, a sofa that barely fit two -- and we were sick of it. More than anything, a sofa is the heart of an open-concept condo, which is why when evaluating our space we decided we'd get the most sprawling sofa our floor plan could accommodate.

Remembering how the last sectional I purchased got lodged in the hallway of my previous condo (only to be un-wedged and sent to my sister's house to live out its days), and heeding a more recent incident with a good friend who sent away a dream floor model sofa she bought on clearance because it didn't fit in the elevator, we swore that any sofa to make our shortlist would have to be measured -- twice. JANE bi-sectional sofa: W103" x D73" x H30" Seat: H17"

In most cities where condos are prevalent, there are furniture shops that cater to small-space living. But, seeing as we chose to decorate around the sofa, we were free to peruse all our favorite décor shops, one of which is Gus Modern, in Toronto's Queen West neighbourhood. As we like to keep things conscious, Gus Modern is a Canadian company that uses FSC certified wood products and sustainable forest management.

And we found our dream sofa! We fell in love with the "Jane" bi-sectional from Gus Modern. Dreamy because the design is classic enough to grow with us; because it's large enough to fit all our nieces and nephews; and because the fabric is industrial, washable and durable enough to withstand the onslaught of said nieces and nephews.

Jennifer's condo floor plan

Since the "Jane" sofa was 10 inches longer than what we had decided would be the maximum length, and with the addition of a chaise, much deeper, we brought home the specs sheet and taped the sofa outline onto the floor. After living with the outline for two days and moving around it just fine, we decided to bite the tweed bullet and go for it. A bonus: it came in manageable-size boxes that we easily and eagerly maneuvered into our unit.

We could have kept the condo-sized furniture and had more free space, but in the end went for the coziness and comfort factor. We absolutely love the retreat feel it created in our new home.

We've picked up a few lessons from experience along the way, selling premium brands of furniture from companies like Natuzzi, Calligaris, Bo Concept, BDI and more. We just finished our spring sale, yes it did have an ending date, but this is one of the things we have learned. It's tough to get the message out in a cost effective way, so that we are able to maximize the savings we are able to offer, while letting as many customers as possible know what we are up to. We also realize that the building we call hip, in the big green box located on NW 25th Avenue is a very cost effective place to display and sell furniture from. So with all this great knowledge, we simply put two and two together and continue on with what works, saving you money, or as we call it, "increasing your value". During the month of APRIL, you can still save an additional 20% off any STYLEGARAGE tagged item. This is huge and we usually don't do it.

Below are new designs in the pipeline from Natuzzi. We know many need to actually see the furniture, but for the brave who know Natuzzi's great quality and comfort, this is a real chance to score the newest designs in seating and save big time. Call or come in for pricing, view new leathers or fabrics and take the design advantage plunge. For the not so bold, we have many great designs that you can take home now at 20% off hips lowest price. Looking for something else, perhaps dining?

Order any dining table from Calligaris, Camerich, or Nuevo in April and we'll give you 15% off.

If you haven't been in to hip lately, you owe yourself the treat. More new suppliers, more great designs. "There's no place like hip. We look forward to seeing you. Be sure to go to our EMAIL NEWSLETTER SIGN UP here on this page to the left top, and drop us your email address, we won't send a lot of meaningless email, only the good stuff.

We've found a supplier who thinks green, while at the same time thinks design, quality and function. We welcome Greenington. Their mission... provide their customers with only the finest in bamboo home furnishings. For those looking for to learn more about the virtues of sustainable materials, head right down to see the beginning of this great addition to hip. We're starting our collection at hip with "Hazel", a clean lined dining collection, the Olea dining chair and sideboard, with more to come very soon, fulfilling bedroom options, living room and storage. Come this weekend for special introductory pricing. Go to greenington

We're excited to receive our new samples of the Clubber, Spacer, Supremax Deluxe and Cubed to the floor. Innovations has opened their new west coast warehouse. What's this mean to you? Selection and quick availability.

Specifications SPACER Specifications CUBED Specifications SUPREMAX DELUXE Specifications CLUBBER Please call

We have a great RVA floor display to be replaced next week. Save $801 on our 88 Sofa! Originally $2100, now $1299!

All of us at hip were sad to hear that Gwen would be moving to Idaho with her husband Chris who is taking a management position at Macy's. During Gwen's final days here we tried to ply Gwen with well deserved praise, pizza, Timbers soccer and general acts of kindness, hoping she would simply tell Chris she just couldn't go. Well that didn't work. She left today. We wish her well. We hear she could possibly be found driving the drink golf cart around Idaho's posh golf courses, riding her new bike, or just wondering what just happened. Here in Portland, we'll honor her temporary exodus by offering all our customers 10% off anything in the store and an extra 10% off if we have notes here from any previous visits with Gwen All you ned to do is mention this blog. Sorry Bo Concept not included. Sorry not valid on prior purchases.

Sure you can, everybody can right? But what about finishing up those furnishing and design ideas that have been bouncing around your head for the past year or two? Now that can be a problem. You know what you want, but don't know where to start. We may have just the ticket. Come meet Gwen and Kristen, our new design grads. They're here to help bring all your ideas to reality and just get it all figured out. Need some simple floor plans? 3d visuals? Maybe just a good listener who can help you decipher it all using their knowledge of what we have available at hip to help bring your vision home. Give us a call or come in. 503.225.5017

Come in and test drive the latest in bar stools. We have twenty of the best right here all in one spot. Most are available in 2-6 weeks. Swivels, hydraulics, acrylics, leather, chrome, satin steel, you name it. If it's not here, let us show you more options from Calligaris Italy and Nuevo.

A versatile component system, Sequel can be configured for any home or small office application. Features include a unique wire management system that keeps all wires out of sight yet within easy reach, and an innovative system drawer that combines a charging station for portable electronics, a keyboard tray and mouse pad. Sequel is thoughtfully engineered from the inside out. Finished with satin nickel-plated steel, fingerprint-resistant glass worksurfaces and the finest hardware, the Sequel Office collection looks as great as it functions. For more detailed information, hop over to BDI's website. See you soon. http://www.bdiusa.com/office/index.shtml

Oregonian ad Sunday September 13th.

This is absolutely the most comfortable, well made leather recliner we have seen in 14 years. Available in two sizes, this chair from IMG, swivels, rocks, reclines and has a hidden release for it's well padded pop up foot rest! 10 points in all areas as we see it. It's compact, yet surprisingly roomy. It has a well padded food rest insuring you won't find your feet asleep, even after a long relaxing movie or book. The only problem we could find was that the chair is so comfortable, we might not ever finish the book or the movie. Come check it out and get yours ordered for the coming fall season, we guarantee you will agree.

Hey, everyone else is having one, why not hip? OK we don't have appetizers, or half price drinks, but we do have some of the hottest bar stools around. What better way to have a happy hour than at your own home, with friends and family sitting comfortably on a hip new bar stool. From hydraulic adjustable seat heights to hot carbon orange seats or smooth simple leather all now at happy hour pricing. Buy one bar stool and get the second at half price, Whow! PS BYOB.

Portland is a great city, as those who live here can attest. One of the things that makes it great, is being able to shop locally and find some truly first class owner operators. I was reminded of this again this week when I met Brian Robins, the owner of Kush. At hip our furniture sure looks better with rugs throughout to tie together a room setting, but when it come to selling them, we simply choose to leave that to those who know the most. Kush is local and also green. We all know green needs to become more than a marketing idea and it's great to see Brian has chosen to do just that. So when you need experience, and also want to shop and support local, think Kush, 900 S.E Hawthorne. 503.231.0700

As a little extra bonus, we have added to this offer from Gus, making it something you shouldn't pass up, if you enjoy well made modern furniture. Be sure to call or see us so we can check availability for you. At these prices, things wont last long. Take the Rochelle sofa for example, regular price on this sofa with it's retro feel and solid wood details is $1895 STIMULUS pricing is just $999. Or how about the Addison with simple lines and great comfort regularly priced $2095 now $1199 (while supply lasts).

Now through March 15th, purchase any complete dining set and we'll cut you 20% off your purchase. A great way to invest in the place where you live. What's a set you might ask? Any table special order from Calligaris Italy or Bo Concept + 4 or more dining chairs. Great designs solid construction, happy diners. That's hip.

Choose from any of three great cabinets our friends at Gus Modern. Place your order today and save 20% before we receive them into our showroom. You choose.

$1695 daily PRE-Arrival SALE $1349 Bathurst Credenza:, Four storage unit with adjustable shelves, finished in walnut with stainless legs.
Dimensions: L72" x D18:" x H24"

Bathurst Media Stand: An elegant design for the media room. The sliding door can be moved to reveal or hide your components. Self closing drawers and adjustable drawers.
Dimensions: L60" x D18" x H24"

Bathurst cabinet: A versitile and well designed storage unite with adjustable shelves and sliding doors. Dimensions: L60" x D18" x 30

For those of you who may not have known it, the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams store on West Burnside has been owned and operated by hip. Well, it's been 5 years already. I can't believe it! On March 5th we will turn over the keys to Mitchell and Bob and they will begin an extensive remodel of the MGBW Burnside Portland Store. In the interim, all customer orders will be received into our warehouse as usual. Mitchell and Bob have big plans for the space & we're excited to see the improvements. Get 20% off special orders while we are in transition. We don't have all the details yet, but as we find out, we'll be updating this post. On March 6th we will have cleared some space to make room for all the remaining MGBW inventory to be brought into STYLEGARGE, our space dedicated to offering great deals on current furniture designs. There will be some spectacular pricing, so don't miss out!

Deanna just keeps pumping out the work. Can you say prolific? Her works are always a real surprise when they show up at hip. We have no trouble finding spaces within hip to coordinate with her pieces. We currently have a mixed collection from Deanna, larger acrylics plus some smaller pastels. We describe her art as accessible, fun, and with a bent toward an urban feel. We love that fact that Deanna loves her work, we do too! At hip we only present the work of artists we feel fits well within our mission: "Provide great designs at affordable prices". Ms. Lautenbach fits the bill Poppies 28x36" shown $350. Check her out here

HIP FURNITURE GIVES ADDED SUPPORT TO THE GUS* MODERN FOOD DRIVE

During this very special event, Hip Furniture will be matching Gus Modern’s offer with an additional 15% off special orders during this event. As an added bonus, a broad selection of other in-stock and special order offers will be in effect, making this the best event ever at hip to kick off 2009.

Gus* Design Group Inc. (http://www.gusmodern.com), a seven year old Toronto-based home furnishings manufacturer, today announced the launch of its “Keep On Giving!” promotion, which will offer North American consumers a discount on modern furniture when they donate to local food banks.

From January 15 to February 15, consumers that bring 3 non-perishable food items into a participating Gus* retailer will receive 15% off the regular price on Gus* Modern Essentials upholstery, dining, storage, lighting, and accessories. Collected food will be distributed by the participating retailers to local food banks in their respective communities.

The Gus* Modern furniture collection is characterized by clean-lined upholstery and functional dining, lighting, and accent pieces, all inspired by mid-century classics. The promotion will apply to all pieces in the Essentials line, including the new Jane Bi-Sectional and the faux-bois Timber Table.

Gus Modern will air this Saturday in Divine Design. Featured in this episode: A Total Main Floor Makeover ~ “Candice thanks her design supervisor by giving him a total main floor makeover in his home.” Carter Sofa - in Urban Tweed- Banff Carter Chair - in Urban Tweed- Banff Return Bench - in Macassa http://www.hgtv.com/divine-design/show/index.html

I can't say enough about this company. They are young happy and full of great design. Gus uses simple fabrics on strong forms that all come together to create a look that will be hard to beat. I feel fortunate to be a partner with Gus, able to present their designs just as you would expect. Their keen urban design sense fits right in here at hip.

One item I love, the "Delano" chair, it's a really great and affordable steel and leather chair that can set a room re-do off in a multitude of directions.

While at the furniture market in 2007, Gus just sort of appeared to us in space on the 5th floor of the Design Center. It's great when that happens. I thought, I wonder who was in this space before. Who cares? Look at this line. This is where we often encounter the best of new modern designers and their furniture and what a find it turned out to be. Add a great Canadian demeanor, and enthusiasm and "click" add one more great company to hip. I'm very selective, when it comes to adding a supplier to our mix. Although our showroom is plenty big, I believe in giving a proper amount of space to tell the story. In this case, Gus has a great story to tell.

This lamp below gives a good idea, of where the heads at Gus reside. Take an element in it's most basic form and keep it simple. Just the bulb, but a very cool bulb however.

This table, with it's transparency and etched wood grain really makes me smile. Do you think it needs watering? Probably just my favorite beverage at the side of my "Delano" chair will suffice.

We had an interview with the designers at Gus today. Since what we come from this creative company is always inspiring and never too much, I wanted to dig a little deeper and find out what's really going on there. I also found out they are a little shy and preferred to be anonymous, so feel free to read what they had to say.

How much time passes between a design concept and the decision to roll out a new item?

Gus: It really varies from one product to the next. Some concepts get worked and reworked for several years before resulting in a finished product, while other designs come together very quickly. Very quickly still typically means 6-12 months from concept to finished product.

hip: Do you get some resistance to new ideas at Gusthere?

Gus: We always start off with an open mind to new design ideas. Every good design usually involves a healthy debate at some point in the process. That’s a good thing.

hip: Who and or poses the most challenges to creating a new product?

hip: Are you the only person responsible to come up with designs?

Gus: Most of our concepts originate from the design team, but ideas come from other departments at Gus* as well. We always start the process by asking ourselves what furniture we’d like to see in our own homes.

hip: How do you determine the final price, or do you work backwards from what you believe the item might sell for at retail?

Gus: We?ll have a price in mind for a certain product category, and that price informs the design process to some extent. It?s helpful to have a final price in mind because it gives us some parameters to work within.

hip: I know Gus is about form and simplicity. Are there other factors involved when deciding what to create for the market? Materials is another important factor ? fabrics, surfaces, and finishes. A simple form finished in a beautiful material is what makes a product truly modern. We definitely try to listen to our customers and our retailers to see what kind of products they?d like to see.

hip: What was your biggest design success?

Gus: The Delano Chair was the product that was embraced by architects and designers and really got us noticed in the beginning.

hip: Was the success measured monitarily or by some other means?

Gus: That success was measured by accolades from the modern design community.

hip: Do you have samples shipped to your offices and or warehouse for review, or do you go directly to the factory?

Gus: We have samples coming and going all the time, but we spend as much time as possible on the factory floor, working on ways to improve existing products and developing new ones. The factory is where a lot of the inspiration for new designs comes from. You see a certain process or material and realize that it could be applied in a different context to create something new.

We have voted this chair "Best new design from Italy.". Our favorite chair company, Calligaris has once again surprised us with this extremely comfortable light weight beauty. Available in orange, pink, green (shown) and white. These chairs combine well with the Planet table shown. Area chairs $162 now $129 during our winter sale. Planet table $1042 now $829.

The Matteo bar stool from Nuevo. We rate this one BEST style points, comfort, quality of construction and last but certainly not least, it has a hydraulic adjustment, easily converting the stool from counter height to bar height, while also providing light entertainment during the cocktail hour. $345, now $275 during our winter sale.

New from Calligaris, the "Horizon" sideboard shown in the background, measures 83" x 23" x 29" and is topped with a milk white glass top slightly set down below the surrounding edges, allowing an easy hand pull on the door or top drawer. The "Horrizon" sideboard is priced at $2733, but during our winter sale, you can order one for $2100. The "Modern" table shown in the foreground really shows off the grain of the walnut and is a perfect complement to the "Horizon" sideboard, usually it sells for $1725. Order during our winter sale at $1380 and the beauty of this table becomes an obviously great investment that will last years.

Portland Metropolitan residents can now sign up for the eye network from hip. A limited quantity of eye network cards will become available for registration and distribution beginning mid October 2008. Portland Metro area customers sign up now. The Eye Network card not a credit card. The Eye Network is simply our way of rewarding you, your friends and your family for helping spread the word about hip and our Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams store.

The upcoming launch of the “eye network” and the eye card, have been designed to leverage who you know and what we have to offer. It has the power to put very cool modern and contemporary furniture into the place where you live at greatly reduced price. You are the one who gives the card; you are the one who introduces the eye network of hip and Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams to your like-minded, furniture-loving friends. You tell friends and relatives with whom you share your passion for well made fabulously designed furniture and they tell friends and they tell friends. It doesn't just stop there either. In the end, many of your original network will also have an opportunity to join in as new cards become available. You will have created a small personal network from one to twenty individuals (your original 10 plus up to an additional 10 coming from their friends who choose to join, all empowered with 10 eye network cards, specially linked to their very own personal eye network account. Due to the nature of the eye network design, connected members is limited. Our goal is to maintain the highest level of service to our customers, while we extend this great offer. You will be notified by email, if your request falls near or at the end of this first enrollment period.

Share the love. Sign up and get your cards as soon as they become available. Give your cards! You’ll look good when those in your network receive a 15% discount on their next furniture purchase (or two) and as a bonus you will receive a credit your account equal to 5% of all qualifying purchases made by those in your eye network (details will be provided within your membership package). Each time someone in your eye network purchases and uses their card (on up to two separate purchasing visits), you’ll receive an email updating you with the status of your account. Your network account will be visible online, where you’ll see the value in your sharing the furniture love at hip or our Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams store.

Get your place looking great. Let your account grow, or come to hip or Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams whenever your urge to splurge on furniture strikes. You’ll be able to use your credits just like cash.

We’re near to completing this truly great way for more people to come to know hip and Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. We believe there “really is no place like hip” and with the added collection of furniture from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, we’re sure you’ll want to register today and become part of the new eye network furniture group from hip. Your enthusiasm will help to open more eyes to great furniture from hip & Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Just as it was 12 years ago in 1996 when hip started, our growth came from treating you right, by offering great quality, and staying focused on great designs. Now we’re even more driven to find new ways to continue our growth, while giving the savings directly to you, your friends, and your families.

That’s how we roll at hip.

Trouble finding eye network sign up? Additional questions? How and when to enroll? Just send us an email mention the eye card network in the subject line, and we’ll get you a reply right away.

The eye card network is currently limited to Portland metropolitan residents only, during our initial start up.

Hip was selected to participate in the 2008 Street of Dreams. You can see our furniture throughout the "Pure Innova" house. This amazing home came together just 24 hours before opening day. Hip’s delivery crew was there and navigated through the main entry portal and down the main entry stairs all 18 of them where they completed the furniture installation both on the main floor and the lower level and two outside decks. Please feel free to us with any questions you may have related to the furniture we provided to the 2008 Street of Dreams.

"When it is all about price, without giving up design"

We have introduced a new concept in half of our NW Portland showroom, and it's called StyleGarage.

Purchase manufacturer overstocks, inventory reductions, display merchandise & new product tests at StyleGarage prior to general sale. Even greater savings beyond our already great values!

StyleGarage items are tagged with the special StyleGarage price tag. Prices are discounted from 10-50%. Due to the very low pricing, we are not able to place on hold any StyleGarage item. All sales are final. Gratification is immediate, when you take it with you today, or ask for Hip’s home delivery.

Many StyleGarage items are the most current available. Additional product or changes in fabric or finish may also be available as well. Special orders as usual may be placed through your hip sales associate of course pricing would be at Hip’s everyday low pricing.

StyleGarage items are in limited quantity and are sold as is. Most items are in perfect condition, with new additions added weekly. We have taken time and care in noting any slight flaws or minor damages prior to determining the final price of StyleGarage items, however we suggest you also take time to look over your item of interest prior to purchase.