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By candace kramer, March 11, 2011 5:45 pm

Happy Friday! Hope your week has gone well.

So, after my last post, I was eager to find a beautiful home that used reclaimed materials in the building process. This one caught my eye….

Would you believe that this gorgeous residence used an old barn frame for the main living quarters!? Yup…an old barn in the area was going to be torn down, so the genius team over at Alex Scott Porter Design saved it and put it to good use in this home!

I love how the old and the new come together to create an interior with such unique character, rich in texture and contrast.

Who says an old barn can’t do new tricks? This home truly illustrates the exciting possibilities of forward thinking, eco-conscious design!

Have a great weekend!

Images via Alex Scott Porter Design

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By candace kramer, March 8, 2011 10:56 pm

Hello friends! Hope your week is going well.

So, last month, I had the privilege of viewing a very relevant and thought provoking film titled, “The Greenest Building“, produced by Wagging Tale Productions and directed by architect/film maker, Jane Turville. I viewed the documentary at the beautiful Gerding Theater within the historic Portland Armory building. Synopsis…

“The Greenest Building” aims to incite change in the way Americans see their own geographic communities. With a focus on the partnership between the built environment and the natural environment, the film promotes a better understanding of the symbiotic relationship between reuse of buildings and the conservation of natural systems that sustain life.

Here is a little peek from You Tube to check out…

This is the first of the clips from the film…here are the second and third.

It is no longer playing at the Gerding, but fear not, OPB will air it in April. Click here for dates.

I was really impressed with the sustainable projects that were featured! They even highlighted Oregon city (Jane’s home town) and it’s historic downtown district. I was also completely enchanted with the incredible work of Amy Harrington McAuley of Oculus Fine Carpentry. She lovingly restores historic windows and wow, she does some beautiful work!

The mantra Reduce, Reuse, Recycle needs to applied to all our building and construction projects, not just our curbside waste.

Set your DVR’s and don’t miss this compelling film!

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By candace kramer, February 25, 2011 9:43 pm

After my last post where the Feng Shui cube was featured, you could say that boxes have been on my mind. In fact, I found another fabulous article in the New York Times with these teeny tiny micro homes created by Derek Diedricksen. How cool are these? Talk about designing in a box!

Using salvaged materials these shelters are constructed for around $200.00. This one is called the Gypsy Junker. Take a look inside at the bunk bed and heater that runs on vegetable oil, of course!

Here is Diedricksen, cozy in his model, aptly named, “The Boxy Lady”. Here’s the interior shot…

Images via New York Times

For more pics and the full article go here. Want more info? He has a You Tube segment here and interviews Jay Shafer of Tumbleweed Homes here.

For the past three days, I’ve been pretty much existing in a box (a conference room) from 8 am to 7 pm!  But it’s all good because I’ve been learning about Ninja Selling.

No, not that kind of Ninja…lol.

Ninja Selling (named after the creator whose nickname is Ninja) is taught by Larry Kendall and it is a fantastic Selling program to bring  out the best in you, so you can pass on the very highest level of service to your clients. He also teaches how to maintain your active lifestyle while still being a dedicated and successful realtor! Many of you know, that I juggle tennis, skiing, biking, remodeling and real estate, so this program was perfect for me!  It has been a fascinating course and I highly recommend it!

Last year, was one of my best in Real Estate at Windermere – thanks to all my downsizing clients who were ready for a new lifestyle but I want to continue to sharpen my skills and knowledge so I can best assist the next wave of “Downsizers”.

So let me know if you have any of your own downsizing dilemmas, concerns or ideas. I’m here to assist you with all aspects of the transition!

Have a fantastic weekend!

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By candace kramer, February 1, 2011 10:54 am

Last Friday night, we got the privilege of seeing the band, Ghost of the Saber Tooth Tiger at The Woods. The Woods is a fantastic, eclectic venue that is a funeral home turned concert hall, bar and lounge, nestled in the historic neighborhood of Sellwood! They even do bingo/bourbon nights! As unique as Portland itself, this new spot is one of P-town’s best kept secrets! You must go check it out.

See a video tour of the venue here:

As for the band, they were fantastic. Sean Lennon and his beautiful girlfriend, Charlotte Kemp Muhl are the lead singers.

Image via here

A captivating duo, Sean’s voice is wonderfully familiar and Charlotte’s whispery soft tones blend perfectly. Their music is comprised of a lyrical blend of different influences….well, I could try to explain but why don’t you just listen for yourself…the talented couple appeared on the Conan show Thursday night…

The opening act was done by the lovely and local, Laura Gibson. Listen to some of her music here.

Overall, it was a wonderful night! I love seeing live musicians at fabulous venues like the Woods and you gotta love it when old and rather depressing buildings (funeral homes) can be transformed and filled with light, energy and music!

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By candace kramer, December 15, 2010 7:23 pm

You know I love the coast! It’s the place I go to recharge and regroup in the quiet and peace of my beach cottage.

When I discovered this tiny, garden home on the Oregon coast, designed by architect, Obie Bowman, I knew I had to share it with you.

This little gem of a home measured 325 sq. ft., is completely off the grid and built using recycled and reclaimed materials – gotta love that! With many environmental systems in place, this small residence is low maintenance and superbly green.

Let’s go on a tour shall we?Isn’t it lovely?

Right now, it serves its owner as a guest house and writing studio – I think I could definitely pen a couple of worthy books sitting in this light filled home on the ocean!

For more gorgeous architectural designs check out Obie’s website!