Vanillawood opens studio in Pearl

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on: 2010-07-15T00:00:00

James and Kricken Yaker are expanding their design, build and interiors firm to include retail. Vanillawood will have a new work studio, showroom and store in Portland’s Pearl District. Located at 1238 NW Glisan, the 900-square-foot studio houses husband and wife design team James and Kricken Yaker’s full-service design/build and interiors business expanded to include retail.

The Yakers have been designing and remodeling in Portland since 2006. Their design, build, live philosophy was developed after years spent living in New York, Los Angeles and Italy, blending open-plan urban living with functional comfort and luxury. They strive to combine detailed organic and green building materials with contemporary finishes to create spaces that are perfect for entertaining and lounging together with family. The Yaker’s own growing family includes three young sons. Liam and Riley are students at Portland Jewish Academy entering second grade and kindergarten in the fall. Beckett is a newborn.

Vanillawood’s design-friendly inventory includes fabrics, wallpaper, lighting, mirrors, rugs, tabletop and gift items plus custom upholstery, furniture and built-in cabinetry. All items reflect the design, build, live philosophy that guides the Vanillawood aesthetic.

“As a design/build firm we’re big believers in the collaborative process,” explains Vanillawood designer and owner Kricken Yaker. “We work directly with our clients to understand how they want to use and live in their homes, then create beautifully designed, livable spaces that work for every member of the family. By adding a showroom and retail component to our business, customers can experience the Vanillawood point of view first hand. We want people to feel at home in this space–to ask questions, get inspired, touch and feel the products and yes, hopefully shop too.”

Green building practices are an important component of Vanillawood’s design, build, live philosophy and were utilized throughout the Pearl District studio build-out. Desks and a model kitchen alcove with custom built-ins are constructed from reclaimed wood and feature recycled content countertops. The hardwood floors were stained with all natural stains and no VOC paints were used.

“By integrating the work, showroom and retail spaces clients can experience our design approach to both home and commercial environments,” explains Vanillawood designer and owner James Yaker. “As builders and designers we strive to incorporate a clean-lined, organic contemporary feel to our work, creating inviting spaces that make you feel good when you enter the room. We don’t create untouchable museums. We create warm and relaxing spaces that bring people together.”

Other notable details include model bath and living areas and a signature alder tree installation in the windows. A Vanillawood designed custom live edge walnut slab dining table serves as conference table with easy access to sample fabrics (Kelly Wearstler, David Hicks, Galbriath and Paul, Studio Bon and Allegra Hicks) and wallpapers (Cole and Sons, Tres Tintas, Madison and Grow and Ferm Living).

Vanillawood is also the exclusive Northwest dealer for Los Angeles artist Krislyn Komarov whose original botanical pieces—along with contemporary artwork from a rotating selection of local and national artists—are integrated throughout the space.

Vanillawood is open to the public, clients and design trade Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or call 503-327-8065 to schedule an appointment.