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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 7, 2007)
ah northwest Dancer Synergizes Open Space If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, then an empty house for sale may require a creative eye to fashion the void and show poten tial homeowners that this envi ronment is livable. Nik Murrow, 40, owner of Synergy Staging, uses his expe rience in dance and costume design to establish a sense of definition to rooms that would otherwise display a cold, un inhabited area. Raised in New Hampshire, he was trained in the styles of tap dance, hip-hop, ball room and contemporary dance for Princess Cruise Line. He moved to Los Angeles in 2002 and became a project coordinator for Silvia Costumes. “Defining space is important,” said Murrow. “Staging can highlight certain features of a room while minimizing its weaknesses. Drawing atten tion to a beautiful fireplace while placing a rug over tacky tiles can do a lot for an open house.” Operating out of his home in Oregon City, Murrow is an accredited staging professional and a member of the Inter national Association of Home Staging Professionals. Working mostly with Realtors, Murrow offers consultations for occupied homes and bid proposals for vacant homes. Although the prices vary for proposals according to size, Murrow says staging is an invest ment, not an expense. “Staged homes are proven to sell faster and often for more money. Some homes I’ve staged have sold the first dayjhey were put on the market by showing buyers the potential of living in a beautiful space.” With an inventory of furniture, art, rugs, electronics and accessories, Murrow charges a labor fee for loading and unloading as well as a monthly rental fee. He uses his talents with spatial awareness, traffic flow and visu al impacts to temporarily add a sense of purpose to sterile rooms. Several houses and condominiums in Portland were staged by Synergy Staging. “Variety is the spice of my life,” said Murrow, “and I want a range of loca tions within the Portland area. 1 like meeting different people and having them allow me to add beauty to their finesse. lives for that short amount of time.” business watch Nik Morrow turns dull into décor with a dancer's H ollywood A ntiques PORTLAND'S PREMIER ANTIQUE MALL EST. 1982 FUNKY & FABULOUS! SEE OUR EXPANDED MID-CENTURY SECTION 1969 NE 42nd Ave. For more information call 503-557-2244 or vis it www.synergystaging.com. New Java Joint Opens “Eat, drink and be merry,” owner Justine Hollinger replied when asked about a mission state ment for Trippin’ Billie’s Coffee, Portland’s newest lesbian-owned cafe. Opened Aug. 17, Trippin’ Billie’s has the potential to grow into a crowded hot spot in North Portland. Hollinger and her partner took time and con verted what used to be a Mexican restaurant at 3226 N. Lombard St. into Trippin’ Billie’s using friends as support and inspiration. “[The art) is done by a friend of mine; he’s a metal sculptor. He did the lights, too,” said Hollinger. She hopes to showcase local artists and musicians in a large room adjacent to the main sitting area, which is also Justine Hollinger owes the inspiration for her new designated as a space for groups to hold meetings. cafe to her friends and a Dave Matthews lyric. The shop sports much more than just coffee and espresso drinks, including teas, soups, sandwiches euphoric. The more you grow {as a corporation], the and an array of vegan pastries. A license was more you lose. That’s why I left corporate coffee." obtained to serve beer and wine for events such as The cafe has eco-friendly features such as artist premiere nights. Trippin’ Billie’s also offers discounts for bringing one’s own cup, plastic cup free Wi-Fi for tech-savvy customers and discounts recycling, composting biodegradable waste, takeout will soon be available for seniors and students. containers made from recycled paper prcxiucts and As a former Starbucks employee, Hollinger produce from local vendors and farmer's markets. It hopes to focus on developing interactive relation also offers certified organic coffee beans from Cafe ships with customers. “I think many chains have Vida, a roaster based out of Seattle. become so large as corporations that the coffee is The shop is “a way to bring people together and mass-produced. All of the quality is gone, and create a community," Hollinger said. “The name is although you can get the same thing anywhere and lyrics from a Dave Matthews song. In the urban the service is quick, you don’t leave with anything dictionary, it means ‘to seize the day.’ ” For more information call 503-283-0205. © personal. When I walk into a place and get a good cup of coffee and interact with someone on a con versational basis, I leave with a feeling that’s almost By M elanie A ltaras and J ulius C alasicas I’m straight... I I when it comes to real estate Straight ... as in Straight shooter Straight forward Straight to the point Deborah Hetron CRB, (¡RI Princi|>al Hrokcr 1 block north of Sandy • 2 blocks from Max Phone: 503-288-1051 E-mail: hollywoodantique@comcast.net www.hollywood-antiques.com When only the best win do in diamonds, rabies, sapphires, etc ■■■■KiBL0W OUT 0lO GOLD CHAINS! Only $18 per gram Retail price *32 per gram Jewelry by I 50 5.287.9370 x!04 del’>or;di@bridgetou nrealty.com JVW/Relocation experience that won't make you cry. A Portland-based company for your moves across the nation and around the world. 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