The lovely PCH series Canopy Bed is featured in the famous honeymoon scene from Twilight - Breaking Dawn. Casasugar shows the canopy bed as Bella and Edwards romantic honeymoon bed. The canopy bed retails for $4400 and is made of solid teak with a natural oil finish. We have the bed proudly displayed in our front window, stop on in and check it out for yourself!

I thought it was time to give a quick review of hip's plans for Natuzzi leather and upholstery for 2011/12. To fully appreciate our direction, I should mention we are still holding true on to our long term values here at hip and sticking to our plan to only sell Natuzzi upholstery that is actually made in Italy. This has really proved to be the right choice for us. We're now in our 16th year selling Natuzzi. hip started by offering Natuzzi in just 7-10 unique frame styles in over 200 covers. This grew to 30 + frames in nearly 300 choices of leather and fabric (lesson 1, too many). We started hip by importing containers directly from Natuzzi, which arrived regularly into hip's warehouse, our floor displays were used to show the breadth of the Natuzzi brand and a large portion of our business was derived from special orders. We have learned through this process of trial and error what it takes to successfully sell modern Italian design in Portland. Although we thought that we would certainly have the perfect combinations available for our customers, we found out otherwise (lesson 2). When purchasing a major piece of furniture, we found that our customers often wanted to ultimately choose the exact configuration and the exact material, regardless of the time needed to special order a piece of furniture from Italy (approximately 4-6 months) rather than "making do" with what we had available for immediate gratification (the second part of lesson 2).
We invite you to come into hip so we can personally explain the Natuzzi Italian difference, and also show you some models that are available quickly.

The Natuzzi brand is sold throughout the US as Natuzzi Editions, Ital Sofa and Natuzzi Italy. At hip we only display the Natuzzi Italy brand, the only Natuzzi brand product made in Italy. Come visit us and we believe it will quickly become apparent, the differences in design details, stitching, material choices and overall modern esthetic provided via the Natuzzi italian Brand.

I hope you'll pardon this over use of the brand references and the differences, but I feel it's important. By this summer, hip will have grown to display the largest collection of "Italian" Natuzzi leather and upholstery in the city, adding to the fact that "there really is no place like hip". Stay tuned for further updates coming on our new Natuzzi showroom additions and a great remodel coming this summer and thanks again for checking out hip. Dave Haleston.

Order by noon on Thursday and save $400 on a set of 4 Gus modern Thompson chairs in black or white with wenge legs as shown, Regularly $1000/set ($250 ea. now just $150. Sold in sets only. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Judging by the popularity of Gus Modern at hip, there sure seems to be an abundance of home designs in Portland that fit the mid century design style of our favorite supplier Gus Modern. Coming soon, we anxious to see the new LOFT series from Gus. This new group is scaled and designed for city living. The new Blake Bi-Sectional will surely be a hit. This condo sized sectional can be set of in a room as either left or right facing. Featuring french seems and a solid wood base, this model is is looking very Portland.

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.

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.