Bend Home + Design - Spring 2024

AIRY LIGHT

BLENDING ART AND LIFESTYLE

plus: TECHNOLOGY FOR PEACE OF MIND

DESIGN/ BUILD REMODELING HOME IMPROVEMENT HANDYMAN SERVICES

BEND | EUGENE | PORTLAND | SEATTLE

We can build it.

We provide a hands-on and personalized approach to custom home building without sacrificing the core values of trust, relationship building and accountability. Over two hundred completed homes later, every west side neighborhood in Bend is home to the Leader Builders name.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec fringilla placerat nulla vitae lobortis. Sed fringilla tristique erat, maximus varius ex semper quis. Vestibulum purus quam, fermentum at sapien at, sodales hendrerit est. Nunc rutrum auctor ligula, at fringilla tortor finibus vel. In vestibulum egestas ligula, nec dignissim metus vulputate nec. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis If you can dream it,

Ready to start a new project?

For contemporary black window frames, clean lines, and expansive moving glass walls, turn to Building Solutions in Bend. We choose Milgard Windows and Doors for their quality and design in both new construction and replacement projects.

We love helping our customers highlight Central Oregon’s sweeping views, year-round natural light, and the indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Milgard’s AX550 moving glass wall systems are the latest—and largest—offering from Milgard, bringing maximum views with narrow frame profiles.

Call Building Solutions, we have the people, service and products to build your ideas into a home that’s stylish and functional.

62960 Boyd Acres Road | Bend, OR

541-388-9988 | buildingsolutionsbend.com

Designed by Tebbs Design Group

Photos by Blake Woolen

48

Protect

54

66

From flooring to furniture, the craftsmanship of Matthew Sellens defines functional artistry.

91

Community champion Trish Smith

connection through tried-andtrue recipes made in her family home.

Artist’s rendering of new dining experience, Lake House.

Artist’s rendering of new

core, Forest House.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Spring with Me

When I interviewed interior designer Anne Mastalir for a story in this issue about the Design Bar, she said something that stuck with me.

“We’re each born with a unique [set of] blueprints—which is our soul, basically, and life unveils what we were designed to do and be in life.” Fifty-years ago, as a recent college graduate, I never planned to be a writer, nor imagined ever being a magazine editor. It turns out, though, that life put me on precisely the right path toward following my passion.

In each issue, Bend Home + Design reveals the passions of architects who design people’s dream homes, building and construction trades who make structures with integrity and best practices, landscapers who use materials that honor and complement the Central Oregon high desert, and local chefs who inspire us with their gastronomic creations.

Take Trish Smith, for example. We all know the heart of any home is the kitchen; join this community champion as she brings out the soul of food to feed her family and friends. Here, she welcomes us into her kitchen, sharing favorite recipes. Matthew Sellens’ expertise as a master woodworker and designer is on display in the featured home’s fluted wood walls and his bespoke furniture pieces. Bend and surrounding areas abound with art for our walls, niches, backyards and our imaginations. Our dedication to fine art means upcoming exhibitions are in the center of the magazine, as a gift of color and inspiration for our readers.

If you, dear reader, know of someone who’s completed a remodel, DIY endeavor, landscape project or other home improvement, please let us know. Our goal is always to showcase the inspired spaces and people of Central Oregon.

Lee Lewis Husk, Editor

WE WANT TO FEATURE YOU!

We would love to include your home renovations, DIY projects or learn more about your personal style. Send us your project or story ideas for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue. Send your information to art@oregonmedia.com.

From Your Local Experts

ANNE MASTALIR & DESIGN BAR DESIGN SPOTLIGHT

Founder of a Bend boutique design studio, Anne Mastalir builds an aesthetic on features that inspire, motivate and calm her clients. Page 36

TYSON GILLARD MEET THE PRO

Big dreams, diverse experiences and craftsmanship merge in architect-builder Tyson Gillard’s company, Life Design Build. Page 42

MATTHEW SELLENS BUSINESS Q&A

Structural simplicity and artistry define the woodworking of Matthew Sellens and his Bend-based furniture company, SylvanRay. Page 66

TRISH SMITH CULINARY SPACE

Inspiring moments of connection, dedicated community advocate Trish Smith shares recipes from generations and across the globe. Page 91

CONTRIBUTORS

CHERYL MCINTOSH

An architectural photographer, Cheryl helps builders, engineers and architects differentiate themselves from the competition. With an entrepreneurial spirit, she founded Quanta Collectiv, helping people launch and grow businesses they’re passionate about. Find her artistry in the home feature, where she captures the elegant infusion of artwork and architecture in a home on Bend’s westside.

Page 28

AMY S. MORFAS

After many years in marketing and communications, Amy took a sabbatical, leading to 18 months of travel, starting a business and relocating her firm from Boulder to Bend. She helps nonprofits tell their stories, engages audiences and secures funding, while creating lifestyle and travel pieces for corporate entities and publications. Here, she celebrates the dynamic ability of tile to enhance a home’s aesthetic.

Page 85

GREGG MORRIS

After obtaining his degree from Michigan State University, Bend-based writer Gregg Morris packed up his Midwestern charm and headed west. Days find Gregg riding his bicycle, skiing the trails or getting lost in the woods with his wife and daughter. Evenings find him performing solo or alongside musicians more talented than himself. For this issue, Gregg celebrates the DIY build of a “shop” for storing all things Bend.

Page 72

TINA PAYMASTER

A restaurant, food, beverage and product photographer, Tina’s passion for photography has followed her through careers in food and art, including graphic design, health and nutrition coaching, and commercial photography. She loves creating imagery that evokes emotion, tells a story and leaves the observer hungry for more. Here, her images zoom in on the culinary delights of Trish Smith’s kitchen.

Page 91

ELY ROBERTS

Based in Bend, Ely creates images with a timeless feel. Inspired by where people come from, he prefers photographing people over landscapes. He is passionate about the art of photography and helping people feel comfortable in front of a camera. Other passions include family, travel, cooking, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing and riding motorcycles. Join Ely behind the lens in the workshop of master woodworker Matthew Sellens.

Page 66

PHOTOGRAPHER

WRITER

WRITER

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

EXPECT MORE FROM MALACE HOMES

Award-Winning Central Oregon home builder designing + building quality, luxurious homes for clients to enjoy for generations to come. We turn your home dreams into reality. Contact us today to learn about our distinctive home building process.

LOCAL PULSE

Construction is Underway AT OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY-CASCADES

Oregon State University-Cascades is continuing its 30-year project to

transform former pumice mines and a landfill into a 128-acre campus for 5,000 students. Recognized for its innovative design, the campus project prioritizes community, sustainability and interdisciplinary learning. Reclamation efforts at the site involve repurposing landfill soil to fill

the mines, thereby reducing external material transportation by an estimated 30,000 truckloads. Construction is also underway on a 17,500-squarefoot Student Success Center, set to open for the 2024-2025 school year. See osucascades.edu.

Brooks Resources

RECOGNIZED FOR 20 YEARS OF SUSTAINABILITY

Brooks Resources Corporation is honored with the Earth Advantage Hall of Fame Award, recognizing two decades of commitment to sustainable building in Central Oregon. Earth Advantage, a Portland nonprofit dedicated to

promoting climate-friendly housing solutions nationwide, lauded Brooks Resources for prioritizing healthier, environmentally-conscious homes. Established in 1969, Bend’s Brooks Resources Corporation leads sustainable development in the region with more than 1,500 Earth Advantage-certified homes, showcasing its enduring dedication to community and environmental stewardship. See brooksresources.com.

Experience the High Desert Garden Tour

FOCUS IN CROOK COUNTY

Presented by the OSU Extension Service and OSU Master Gardeners, the 29th Annual High Desert Garden Tour takes place July 20, this year focusing on Crook County. Attendees gain valuable insight on how to have a garden that thrives despite the region’s short growing season and arid conditions. This year, visit gardens in Powell Butte and Brasada Ranch. Explore six diverse home sites and learn expert tips for plant selection, water conservation and more. The self-guided tour includes detailed maps, driving directions and garden descriptions. Tickets are $15 per person, with free admission for kids under 18. See extension.oregonstate.edu.

Affordable Housing

WOODHAVEN ESTATES IN BEND

A new development in southeast Bend offers 19 townhome-style units for affordable homeownership. Under the management of Thistle & Nest, the development employs a land trust model, wherein Thistle & Nest retains ownership of the land while buyers acquire the house. This model aims to address Oregon’s affordable housing shortage, promote equity and stability for lowand moderate-income households and ensures long-term affordability. Additional homes will become available later this year. See thistleandnest.org.

PHOTO RIGHT RILEY VISUALS

Market TRENDS

Statistics represent combined closed transactions for residential homes in Bend, Redmond, Sisters and Sunriver for the 12-month period prior to publication.

$758,249 AVERAGE SALES PRICE

98%

2.6 AVERAGE

3,986

TOTAL SOLD LISTINGS PER MONTH

MONTHS OF INVENTORY

+50%

INCREASE OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 2023

65 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

SOLD LISTINGS

NEW LISTINGS

ACTIVE LISTINGS

“My husband and I have had a vision for our dream home for many years. We hired Arrowood Development to build our house and let’s just say that the entire process, start to finish, was nothing short of amazing.”

— Darcy D. —

Dream Builders

Every custom home starts with a dream. Entrust it to Arrowood Development, where there is no vision too big or detail too small. We deliver the exceptional craftsmanship, enduring quality, and elevated finishes you expect in a custom home. But we also add substance to shine with flexible collaboration, elevated project management, and an unwavering commitment to your vision.

Arrowood’s roots are in Central Oregon, where we create luxury communities that celebrate the best of Bend. We harness and focus that vast expertise to craft inspired individual custom homes with unexpected value. And, our deep network of trusted vendors means we source e ciently to deliver on time, which leads to

Home sweet home.

Modern elegance in a west Bend home

WRITTEN BY LEE LEWIS HUSK PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHERYL MCINTOSH

Aworld of surprises awaits visitors who cross the threshold of this west Bend residence. Its modern design finds harmony with fine art, architectural nuances and uncommon finishing details in metal, wood and plaster.

While living in the Bay Area, the homeowners, Janie and Steve (last names withheld at their request) looked for several years to find a lot in Bend and finally found it in 2020. While standing on the property, Janie said, “We’re going to do this,” intending to build their forever home there. They assembled a team of seasoned Bend professionals: Brandon Olin of Olin Architecture LLC, PJ Hurst of PJ

Hurst DESIGN LLC and Jeff Ferrell of Jeff Ferrell Construction LLC. “The architect and designer create a vision of what the homeowners want, and it’s my job to make that happen,” Ferrell said.

The owners and team members met for a year before breaking ground, often by Zoom, to develop architectural and interior design concepts. Hurst created construction documents for interior elements. “It was as if another architect was on board,” Olin said. “PJ’s drawings were thorough and brought a lot of ideas for design, materials and finishes. For example, in the living room, she designed the hearth, mantle and plaster finish around it.”

Carved into a rocky slope, the structure is split into two levels–a front-

door entry and garage off the street and the upper section with the main living quarters. “The constraints of the site presented a scheme of what the house wanted to do,” Olin said.

Unlike a foyer or expansive great room to guide guests into the home, visitors traverse a long hallway with an elegant mudroom tucked into one side for stashing shoes and coats. The other side sets a design tone with a wall of vertical “fluted” white oak that extends to the second story, a hall table, alabaster lights and concealed door to the garage. At the end of the corridor is a sculptural stairway that beckons people upward. At the top, a kaleidoscope of Cascade Mountain views, sleek surfaces, wood ceilings, big windows, glass doors and

“We took a sculptural approach to the house, bringing vintage pieces to modernity.”

original artwork spins around the great room. A multicolored, large-scale painting by German artist Jutta Haeckel hangs above the stairwell created by pushing paint from the back of a burlap canvas to the front for texture and visual effects. The art defies convention.

An open-air courtyard acts as an intriguing centerpiece for the home.

Olin said he had a rare opportunity to align an indoor-outdoor connection from front to back. With access on two sides of the courtyard, the homeowners can walk in a straight line from the back patio through the family room, courtyard, great room and out to the front patio.

The initial idea was to cover the courtyard with glass panels to keep water and snow out, but ultimately it was too expensive. Instead, beams cantilever over the middle, converging at the ridge. A significant overhang provides shade on hot summer days. The courtyard is “an interesting concept and really cool,” Ferrell said, adding that he’d never built one in the middle of a house before. In winter, heating elements beneath the courtyard melt snow to prevent any accumulation of water.

Many of the walls of the 3,500-square-foot dwelling are

painted white or neutral colors to allow the homeowners space for their art collection, while other rooms break into vibrant colors and textures without apology. A powder room is hand-plastered in a coral-hued suedelike texture by plaster artist Juanita Perdomo. A striking blue pendant from the Czech Republic hangs in the corner in contrast with the warm walls. “It’s like jewelry,” said homeowner Janie.

Toward the back is what Janie and Steve call “the blue room.” It features a largescale, metallic-paint, bee-motif painting by German artist Stefan Kürten, making a connection with the natural landscape outside the glass doors.

The couple oriented the primary bedroom toward the mountains, and adorned it with artwork, including an abstract by Central Oregon artist Kenneth Marunowski. Vibrant reds, oranges and pinks reminiscent of a high desert sunset dominate the room. Bed coverings and the back wall in a soft beige infuse warmth into the space with a gentle kiss.

A wall in the guest bedroom is painted half-way up in olive green that matched the bed linens. An abstract black and white painting with curvy shapes breaks up the vertical lines of the two-tone wall. In the great room, a red tapestry on the wall between the living room and bedrooms “adds warmth and texture,” Hurst said. “We took a sculptural approach to the house, bringing vintage pieces to modernity.”

They inverted conventional materials for floors and ceilings. The great room features a warm, reeded-wood ceiling crafted by wood artist Matthew Sellens, while the floor is made of huge, four-by-four-foot porcelain tile,

mimicking cement. The kitchen island is topped with black quartz, matching the black steel stove hood surround and cabinets by Doug Wagner of MODERNFAB. “His specialty is making a hard element feel warm and refined,” Olin said.

A painting of an English bulldog by German artist Cornelius Völker adorns the wall in the dining room, in honor of Janie and Steve’s pug Wally. A white pendant light hangs over the live-edge walnut table “like a cloud,” according to Hurst. “We had to be very careful that the light didn’t take away from the view [of the mountains out the front window].”

An unexpected surprise is an elevator virtually invisible at the center of the home–without any outward signs. Adjacent to the courtyard, the shaft has a door from the garage and an

exit on the hallway above. “Janie and Steve plan to live in the home for a long time, and they wanted it to be accessible,” Olin said. They use it to carry groceries and Wally upstairs from the garage.

The build-out took 20 months and was completed in June 2023–just in time for Janie and Steve to hold their wedding in the courtyard. “When we wake up and get our coffee, and look out and see this magnificent view, we pinch ourselves,” Janie said. “The house is perfect.”

Architecture: Brandon Olin, Olin

Architecture | Design: PJ Hurst, PJ Hurst DESIGN LLC | Construction: Jeff Ferrell, Jeff Ferrell Construction | Tile: Baptista | Cabinets: Finer Custom Cabinetry & MODERNFAB | Siding: Ellis Building Group

“When we wake up and get our coffee, and look out and see this magnificent view, we pinch ourselves.”

DESIGN SPOTLIGHT

Enhancing Interiors

Design Bar partners with homeowners to create beautiful spaces

WRITTEN BY LEE LEWIS HUSK

Capturing the soul of each project is Bend-based Design Bar’s ultimate goal, whether it’s new construction, a remodel or reviving a tired space. Founded by Anne Mastalir, Design Bar first tries to understand “at a deep level what inspires, motivates and calms our clients,” she said.

Located in NorthWest Crossing, Design Bar is a boutique interior design studio and furniture showroom. Mastalir calls it “a mini design center” that offers clients, the building trades and other designers a curated slate of products, from hardwood, carpets and tiles to soft goods, furniture, rugs, throw pillows and fabrics.

Kate Jones, one of Design Bar’s three designers, said, “Our goal is to dig deep by focusing on people’s stories–how they want to live, how they want to feel in a space and how design can enhance their lives at the deepest level.”

Before she discovered a passion for interior design, Mastalir worked in executive search and management consulting. She took a break to have kids and while staying home got into design as a hobby when she remodeled an English Tudor in Portland Heights. “I fell in love with the process,” she said. After moving to Bend in 2012, she and a partner built a home in Tetherow, and also bought, renovated and sold properties. “Of all the things I’ve done, house flipping is probably my favorite. You go into an old, decrepit, unloved place and imagine the possibilities, then completely transform and breathe new life into it.”

Having previously lived in larger design markets in Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco and New York, Mastalir saw an opportunity to bring something different to Central Oregon. In 2012, she wrote a business plan

Clockwise from top left:

Kate Jones, Sarah Douglass, Annie Koepke, Anne Mastalir and Stephanie Erickson.

“I believe that when two or three creative minds come together, there’s a tremendous synergy.”

for Design Bar that wouldn’t launch until 2019. She initially worried about opening during a pandemic, but it proved to be perfect timing for people stuck at home with plenty of time to consider home improvement projects. The business took off.

A couple years after opening Design Bar, she faced another challenge—the death of her father, which pushed her to contemplate the deeper meaning of life and individual purpose. “We’re each born with a unique [set of] blueprints–which is our soul, basically, and life unveils what we were designed to do and be in life,” she pondered. For her, Design Bar became a way to dig deep, inspire others and bring joy to herself, her children and those around her. She manifests some of that through a commitment to people who need help furnishing their homes. Design Bar donates a percentage of its profits to Furnish Hope, a local nonprofit that provides furniture and household essentials for families in Central Oregon. Another core value is the power of collaboration with other designers. “I believe that when two or three creative minds come together, there’s a tremendous synergy. Together we create a much more efficient and

successful end result,” Mastalir said. To that end, Design Bar has hosted events that have brought the design community together to hear industry speakers and hold brainstorming sessions. “There’s so much business in Central Oregon that we designers don’t have to compete with one another,” Mastalir said, citing the showroom as more than a display of products. It is a place to inspire community support and collaborative thinking.

FROM EVERYDAY NECESSITIES TO HIGH-END LUXURY

Design Bar’s clients range from mid- to high-end residential construction and remodeling to furniture projects. It is currently designing interiors for an 11,000-square-foot wine estate in Eastern Washington, and another local home with nearly 20,000-square-feet of interior space spread across three structures. It’s not just “people with beefy budgets,”

though, that Design Bar aims to serve, Mastalir said. “Everyone should have a well-designed space. We want to help as many people as possible.”

Whether crafting sumptuous interiors or helping clients seeking Design Bar’s expertise on an hourly basis, the studio eschews trends. “A modern home can sometimes feel stark and cold, but by layering textures and character and blending aesthetics, we can achieve something really beautiful,” she said, adding that Old-World elements that have life and soul can blend well with clean lines.

About half of Design Bar’s business is interior design, and the other half is helping people and the building trades select from a curated line of furniture and soft goods in its showroom, open by appointment. The focus there is on value, quality, aesthetics and natural materials, offered at different price points. “We’ve strategically partnered with vendors who source materials ethically and whose values align with ours,” Mastalir stated.

WHEN YOU WANT TO MAKE A STATEMENT

MEET THE PRO

Dreaming Big

From vision to completion with architect-builder Tyson Gillard

WRITTEN BY SHEILA G. MILLER

Tyson Gillard, head of the residential architecture firm and company Life Design Build, moved to Bend in 1989 at age 9, when the population was about 20,000 and the city’s first roundabout was still a decade from existence. But while he grew up in the small-town version of Bend, Gillard always dreamed big.

From an early age, Gillard knew he wanted to study architecture, so he set his sights on the University of Oregon’s five-year architecture degree. He was mentored at Universität Stuttgart in Germany by a professor from the global architectural powerhouse Foster + Partners, finished his degree in Portland at University of Oregon’s urban studies program and worked for big names such as ZGF Architecture and CH2MHill (now Jacobs Solutions). He kept going big, focusing on large-scale projects that increasingly involved tech spaces.

And then, in 2012, Gillard took a left turn. Compelled by his interest in the tech industry, digital media and web development, and coupled with his love of wilderness, he founded

Our large indoor slab yard and tile showroom features not only a collection of unique and exotic slabs but also the highest quality tile manufacturers from around the globe. Architects, builders, designers and homeowners are sure to find the perfect surface from 1000’s of natural stone and tile products.

Come in and shop our slab yard, consult with one of our expert team members and find the perfect products to complete the FORMATION of your dream.

Kirsti Wolfe, PrincipalDesigner

Angela Newell-Mozingo, LeadDesigner

Outdoor Project, a startup designed to help people find their next outdoor adventure. The startup raised $3 million in venture capital and at its peak, reached 20 million users a month. “It had huge reach and influence, it was exciting, but ultimately it was not a moneymaker,” he said.

Before selling Outdoor Project, Gillard learned the ins and outs of operating his own business–including management, sales and fundraising–while never forgetting his hometown roots. During college, Gillard had spent his summers learning the ropes from Norman Building & Design in Bend, framing and drafting and immersing himself in the construction trade.

His friend, Chase SparlingBeckley, had started a small firm called Saga Design + Build in Hood River where Gillard could use his business skills and get back to the design-and-build world, this time in residential build and remodeling. “Homes aren’t complicated when compared to a fabrication facility, data center, skyscraper or a bridge, but what’s interesting about them, what’s nuanced, are the clients,” Gillard said. Inspired by the relational aspect, Gillard immersed himself in the home design sector, opening and managing the Portland branch of Saga.

Then in 2021, he and his family moved back to Bend where he founded Life Design Build. The company focuses on custom singlefamily homes and has found a niche in remodels and additions. With modern and sustainable sensibilities, Gillard is open to all styles—he just wants a home to make sense.

“With custom residential, the home and the project should be a reflection of not me as the designer or us as the architects, but who the [clients/ homeowners] are, their environment and existing conditions,” Gillard said. “Every single project should be different. If multiple projects all look the same, you’re not doing the service, particularly if it’s custom. We’ll work with clients of any interest, budget or style, as long as it’s done well and done tastefully.”

To Gillard, designing true custom homes doesn’t mean letting someone pick from a handful of floor plans; it’s a multi-stage design process that starts with a detailed questionnaire and includes construction cost estimating during design. “We do a thorough, thought-out design. If you don’t finish the design during the

design phase, you’re going to pay for it in construction,” he said, pointing to the design-build model moving projects forward efficiently. “When we’re designing, we know how much things cost, so we can shape the design toward people’s budgets. In construction, we can be really fleet of foot with design changes.”

During the past two-and-a-half years, Life Design Build has become successful enough for Gillard to focus solely on the Central Oregon market. Though he’s back in a small town, Gillard still dreams big. He hopes to soon expand into affordable housing and multi-use projects—he recently developed a co-working space in downtown Bend called The Green House. Gillard’s future goals include joining the city’s planning commission and helping Bend move

intentionally toward a well-planned, sustainable future.

“There’s a huge opportunity for thoughtful development that’s priced right and priced competitively,” he said. “You may not get the same square footage, but you can do a lot with less square footage when it’s efficiently laid out. I’m really excited about the development realm, to be able to own the full process, to develop, design and build the whole project.”

Peace of Mind HOME TECHNOLOGY

Protect your home, simplify your life

WRITTEN BY SUZANNE BELL

It’s oh-dark-thirty, and you’re frantically checking flight status while second-guessing the Uber driver’s “safe speed.” Halfway to the airport, it dawns on you: Did I close the garage door? Did I lock the back door? Peace of mind is taken for granted until uncertainty flips it on its head.

Homeowners typically say safety is why they invest in home security and smart home technology, such as cameras, door sensors and wireless alarm systems.

“I travel for work. I have heard of friends who had homes broken into, and I always wanted a sense of security,” said Andrew Migas, an account executive for a data management and protection firm. Migas hired Innovate, Security for Life in Bend, to install a security system in his home, including video cameras, and glass and door sensors.

Just as smart phones have become vital extensions of our daily lives, smart home systems have become essential technologies for owners who now can’t imagine life without them.

Convenience, not safety, has emerged as the unsung hero.

“There’s a real peace of mind when I can log into a system and see my house. Is it raining? Is it snowing? It’s everyday stuff,” said Coe Bockmier, an Enterprise Rent-A-Car executive who lives in Washington, D.C., and owns a second home in Bend. Being able to monitor his home from afar has been invaluable. It’s the everyday stuff that homeowners seek. Not the whimsical, futuristic innovations dreamed up on shows such as The Jetsons. There’s no Rosey the robotic maid–only her rudimentary predecessor, the robot vacuum. There’s no gourmet roast created from a fantastical food-o-matic (though an Instant Pot is a close second). The surprisingly mundane tasks that can now be automated or captured on camera are what are valued. Knowing if Fido is on his bed, instead of the new, white couch. Knowing the Amazon package just arrived. And, yes, knowing whether the garage door is closed. “It’s amazing how the mind works. The knowing is big,” said Migas.

Consider some of the unexpected benefits now indispensable to homeowners:

THE ANXIETY FIXER

Door sensors meant to warn of break-ins assure distracted, busy people they have closed the garage door–and the back door, too.

THE AUTOMATED DOORMAN

How many times have you had to wait for the cable guy? “If I’m going to be late, I can disable the alarm from afar. I can let contractors or family in, then secure when they leave,” said Bockmier.

AN EXTRA PAIR OF EYES

One homeowner described having a parent with dementia. Inside and outside door sensors help him monitor her movement, ensuring she’s safely where she needs to be.

A WATER LIFELINE

Water sensors notify when there’s water in the house. It’s handy for catching potential problems before they become disasters, such as a leaky toilet or dishwasher. “If we have a storm, I can look and make sure my sump pump is working and water isn’t in my crawl space,” said Migas.

THE TURNDOWN SERVICE

Timed lighting designed to trick robbers into thinking you’re home disguises as a royal service. Imagine evening lights dimming for you at 10 p.m., or the blinds opening, the heat warming up the bedroom and your favorite song quietly waking you at 7 a.m. “It’ll program all that,” said Bockmier.

THE CREATURE FEATURE

Security cameras meant to spot package snatchers or trespassers have the added bonus of exposing the wilder side of Central Oregon. Bockmier described

getting footage of a fox, deer and an incredible snapshot of an owl flying just 15 feet from the camera. “It was huge!” he exclaimed.

Unlike a typical security system, a smart home system combines door sensors, cameras and motion detectors with household devices, including thermostats, fire alarms, CO2 detectors, sound systems and more.

“What’s cool is you can control it all on your phone,” said Migas.

Networking it all together can be a daunting task for the average person. A word of advice: Look for a smart home

professional locally who can install a modular system, one customized for your needs and provides local monitoring. Flexibility is vital because every home is different–so is the assurance that all devices work together. “If something stops working, because it can, having a local expert nearby is invaluable,” said Migas.

If safety is a priority, and modern luxury appealing, maybe consider an installation. Then you can stop worrying about that window you might have left open and the raccoons that may or may not be stealing Fido’s food in your garage.

mission to combine ultimate comfort with stylish designs. That’s why we handcraft each piece using only the best materials and meticulous attention to detail. With furniture and decor for every room in the house, La-Z-Boy can create a seamlessly beautiful home.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT

Form and Function

The light and bright remodel of a NorthWest Crossing kitchen

WRITTEN BY CHLOE GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENN MONTOYA

Nichole Fish, the founding designer at Fishhouse Design Studio, holds practicality in equal esteem with aesthetics—especially in the kitchen. “We understand that a beautiful space is only truly successful if it also functions well for the individuals living in it,” Fish said. Take, for instance, her transformation of a craftsman-style bungalow kitchen in NorthWest Crossing—a project that showcases Fishhouse Design’s ability to balance form with function. The result is a space that is beautiful and works well for its inhabitants, Katie and Clay Zug.

In 2020, after years of thriving in the bustling tech scene of San Francisco, the Zugs yearned for a slower pace of

life—one where they could lay down roots for themselves and their family. With its natural surroundings and family in the area, Bend came out on top as the ideal destination for them to realize this dream. They initially settled into a NorthWest Crossing townhome before realizing that as their family grew (they recently welcomed a baby boy in December), they needed more space.

Luckily, they didn't have to go far when they purchased another home in NWX. Initially constructed in 2004, the new abode had a bungalow exterior and craftsman-inspired interior. The living room's arched doorways, reminiscent of the architectural styles they liked in San Francisco, immediately

caught the couple’s attention. “We knew we wanted to keep those arches after remodeling,” Katie shared, "and also honor them in our design choices throughout the rest of the home to achieve our version of California casual in the mountains.”

Despite the home’s solid foundation, the original kitchen left much to be desired, lacking cohesion and failing to complement the Zugs’ overall vision for the look and feel they wanted.

“Recognizing this,” Fish noted, “the redesign aimed to reimagine the space, unlocking its potential and infusing it with a sense of unity and purpose.” Functionality drove the remodel, working to optimize flow and ease in the space. The initial layout, with separate kitchen, dining and office areas, lacked flow and didn’t utilize the available space. Fish addressed this with strategic reconfiguration, eliminating the office

“The redesign aimed to reimagine the space, unlocking its potential and infusing it with a sense of unity and purpose.”

and expanding the kitchen, as well as adding multifunctional elements, such as a pantry with pocket doors. Now, the kitchen serves as the central hub of the home, offering a versatile space for both everyday use and special occasions. Whether it’s for casual dinners around the kitchen island or at dinner parties, the expanded space, which now includes a bar, easily adapts. Fish also added thoughtful storage and ergonomic features to maximize space and workflow efficiency. Personal touches, such as the instant hot water faucet which Fish recommended after noting Clay’s habitual tea ritual, enhanced the space’s function and made it feel more tailor-made to the couple's lifestyle. The cohesive and intentional design ensures that every corner of the kitchen is efficient and creates a welcoming and easy-tomove-through environment for the Zugs to enjoy.

where you want to be: Home.

With the foundation laid for improved functionality, attention turned to enhancing the kitchen's aesthetics. All design choices were driven by the goal of achieving a relaxed coastal look, characterized by a clean, warm and simplistic appeal, while blending with Bend's inviting charm. Drawing inspiration from the greenery of Oregon’s forests and the rugged beauty of California's coastline, a cohesive and calming color scheme emerged, featuring creamy whites, neutral beiges and light browns with accents of muted sage green scattered throughout.

Materials were chosen for their durability and multifunctional capabilities. Handmade Moroccaninfluenced zellige tile, terracotta, custom-stained wood and woven details were chosen to add warmth and texture to the space. Natural elements contrast with the brass accents of the light fixtures and design pieces, giving the space an air of sophistication. Refinished hardwood floors did some heavy lifting in achieving a clean, bright look.

The Zugs’ newly transformed kitchen not only fulfills the couple’s aesthetic

desires but also supports their daily rhythms. Every element works to create an individualized space for the Zugs as their family grows. “We were aiming for a simple yet cozy environment, and I think we achieved just that,” said Katie.

Designer: Fishhouse Design Studio |

General contractor: K2 Design Remodel

| Countertops: Imagine Stoneworks |

Cabinetry: North Cabinet Company |

Appliances: Johnson Brothers

ARTS + EXHIBITS

WRITTEN BY CHLOE GREEN

NEW ON THE SCENE IN SISTERS

Sisters welcomes two new art galleries that enrich an already burgeoning cultural scene. Space In Common, founded by lifelong artist Amelia Morton, offers a blend of original art, handmade goods and home decor. With a focus on community engagement, the gallery hosts workshops and events that foster creative exploration. Meanwhile, Toriizaka Art, spearheaded by Karen Thomas, brings a taste of Japanese and Vietnamese contemporary art to Central Oregon. With a salonstyle setting, the gallery aims to provide a tranquil space for art appreciation.

Lim Khim Katy “Quotes of Life”

Toriizaka Art

LIM

KHIM KATY

From humble beginnings in Vietnam to international acclaim, Lim Khim Katy’s work reflects a profound empathy for the human experience. Evoking warmth and tranquility, her paintings transport viewers to idyllic landscapes and intimate family scenes. With each brushstroke, Katy infuses her work with a palpable sense of emotion, sharing her profound connection to art and life.

LIEU NGUYEN HUONG DUONG

Immersed in a world of vibrant dreams, Lieu Nguyen Huong Duong translates his surreal visions onto canvas with mesmerizing precision. Employing a technique reminiscent of the great Max Ernst and Jackson Pollock, Duong’s pointillist landscapes pulsate with life, bringing viewers into his kaleidoscopic realm. Through meticulous droplets of paint, he captures the essence of his innermost imaginings, bridging the gap between reality and ethereal. His artistry is a testament to the power of the creative spirit.

Space in Common

AMELIA MORTON

Amelia Morton explores familial connection and creative legacy in her poignant collection “Motherline,” where she pays homage to her grandmothers. Through line drawings and watercolor paintings, she weaves together a tapestry of memories and emotions. Raised in Oregon, Morton imbues her work with a deep reverence for nature and the artistic process. Through her gallery, Space In Common, she creates a welcoming space for art lovers to engage with her evocative creations and celebrate the beauty of shared creative experiences.

 Amelia Morton, left: “Finding a Way” right: “Following the Thread”

Lieu Nguyen Huong Duong “Autumn Pond”

Rimrock Gallery

TYLER SAUNDERS

Tyler Saunders channels his lifelong passion for wildlife into meticulously crafted paintings, inspired by the photos he takes of animals in their habitats. Rooted in his Oregon heritage and recognized for his technical prowess, he continues to garner accolades and acclaim, earning prestigious awards and memberships in esteemed artistic societies. Through his art, Saunders perpetuates a legacy of reverence for the beauty and splendor of the animal kingdom.

J.M. BRODRICK

J.M. Brodrick’s artistry seamlessly merges realism with abstract expressionism, evoking a sense of serene beauty and introspection. Guided by a familial legacy of artistic excellence, Brodrick’s work reflects the rugged landscapes and vibrant spirit of the Pacific Northwest. With a diverse array of memberships and representation across the country, she stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation in the contemporary art world. Through her paintings, Brodrick takes viewers on a journey of selfdiscovery and contemplation.

ROBERT MOORE

Robert Moore’s canvases burst forth with the vivid hues and dynamic energy of the American landscape. Rooted in his Idaho upbringing, Moore’s impressionist style captures the fleeting moments of nature. As both an artist and educator, he shares his passion for painting with students across the country, influencing the next generation of artists. With a humble demeanor and boundless creativity, Moore continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

Tyler Saunders “Horse with No Name”

Robert Moore “Benson Pond”

J.M. Broderick “Afterglow”

Scalehouse Gallery

NAN CURTIS

Nan Curtis asks viewers to consider the emotional landscape of family dynamics through her monumental exhibition, “Mt Pile.” Blending humor and poignancy, Curtis explores the dual nature of familial connections as both burdensome and aspirational. Her interdisciplinary practice breathes life into everyday narratives, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary. With a prestigious Bonnie Bronson Fellowship and a rich exhibition history, Curtis continues to challenge perceptions and provoke introspection. Beyond her artistic pursuits, she embraces life’s transitions as a death doula, embodying compassion in every facet of her being.

Peterson

Contemporary Art

ANTON PAVLENKO

Ukrainian-born Anton Pavlenko’s artistic process is a testament to the transformative power of experience and observation. Whether immersed in the outdoors or nestled in his studio, Pavlenko seeks to transcend mere visual representation, delving deeper into the essence of his subjects. By engaging all his senses, he forges a profound connection to the world around him, channeling this visceral experience into his medium. Through moments of introspection and silent communion with his surroundings, Pavlenko breathes vibrancy and life into every scene he paints.

Nan Curtis “Family Tree Piles”

Anton Pavlenko “First Snow”

Q&A

BUSINESS Q&A

Innovative Woodworks

An interview with woodsmith and designer Matthew Sellens

INTERVIEW BY SHEILA G. MILLER

Technically, Perpetua Wood is a flooring company. But Matthew Sellens’ work defies definition, as illustrated by the built-ins and custom wood-based features and architectural details he creates. Sellens, for example, is currently crafting 9-foot tall doors for CS Construction, as well as 14-inch wide Oregon white oak flooring for a remodel in Vandevert Ranch. “It’s all wood,” Sellens said, “and it often complements whatever else is going into the space.”

Then there’s the furniture, which the New Zealander has developed with his partner and creative director Gloria Bremer, and her son Xander Bremer Skieller, under the company SylvanRay. Simple, sculptural and surprisingly comfortable, it’s the furniture that captures Sellens’ craft and creativity. Bend Home + Design caught up with Sellens and Bremer at their home and workshop in Bend, where they showed off Sellens’ bespoke wood pieces, including a distinctive line of furniture.

QHow did you get into woodworking?

AMS: I first lived in Bend in the late ‘80s through the ‘90s, [but] then moved back to Portland and started the wood flooring business, so that’s when I began woodworking. I really cut my teeth on old homes in Portland–and it always came with, ‘Can you fix the door?’ ‘Can you build the staircase?’ ‘Can you do the trim?’ There was always stuff to do. It was never just flooring. When Gloria and I got together, I was always sketching, and one day she said, ‘Why don’t you just build that?’ It happened to be a chair.

GB: We needed a table. He made a table, and I looked at that table and it wasn’t like God’s gift to table design, but there was something about it. I thought, he could build furniture. After a few tables, he made his very first stool.

MS: When I was racing bicycles in Portland, one of the people I was racing cyclocross with asked me to build a table and a bench, and then commissioned stools.

These chairs look like they’re carved from a single piece of wood, but you say they’re actually created using a CNC [computerguided manufacturing machine] and 3D mesh model?

MS: Gloria’s son was an artist in residence at Autodesk in San Francisco, and as I was developing my style, he was looking for a project. I would design and build something, scan it, then email the scan. He was able to take the scan and make a 3D mesh model of it, then feed it into the CNC and make parts. There are a couple of those stools on permanent display at Autodesk as an example of what can be done with their artist-in-residence program. The part of the project that really excited everybody was how the artist creates a hand-shaped object and then interfaces that with technology. It was really important that you didn’t take it and then use the computer to smooth out all the things that you can with a computer. You’re relying on the hand of the creator. And then that led to the idea of manufacturing.

GB: He had a single objective after doing the stool–the idea that seating can be fun. He came up with the objective to build a chair with a single spine and the least number of parts.

MS: I hadn’t made a chair before so there was a lot to figure out. When you can do anything, when there’s no design brief and you can create anything, the challenge is then to let the concept evolve and sort of get out of the way. Shapes want to resolve themselves as cleanly as possible.

And the Miranda line of furniture was born. Are people surprised by how sturdy it is?

MS: Even with furniture, I’m always thinking about how little material I can get away with using.

GB: We’ve even had people ask, ‘Can I sit on this?’

MS: The stool was designed as a test to see how far you could cantilever a surface and still create a really comfortable seating experience. It’s not only about seating, but how it feels when you put your hands on it. Does it have an organic flow to it? That was the other part of the process, to make it so it’s a tactile experience and visually pleasing. How do you create confidence by being as fine as you can with the materials while displaying their beauty as well?

PHOTO LEFT JEFF AMRAM

“It’s like my hands, eyes, and tools take over and tell me everything I need to know.”

Tell us about your design process?

MS: After refining a sketch, I start carving the design in softer woods like yellow cedar and basswood, either at quarter-scale or full-size. It’s funny, once the sculpting process begins, I don’t look back at my sketches. It’s like my hands, eyes and tools take over and tell me everything I need to know. A prototype may go through a Frankenstein-like stage with temporary parts and bits of sculpting clay. These can look quite comical at times. The prototyping process can take months and months.

Sellens continues to work wood into its most beautiful form with Perpetua Wood, installing floors, doors and other creations. Through SylvanRay, Sellens and his family are taking on commissions, developing the furniture line and seeking a plan to manufacture the unique pieces. As long as there’s wood, Sellens will continue to uncover its beauty.

A View with a Shop

Skill and vision culminate in a DIY outbuilding

WRITTEN BY GREGG MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA JACOBS

Central Oregonians count many reasons to construct an outbuilding on their property. Some seek an office or a shop for work, while others simply need more room to store family items. But for Dave and Lee Husk, the 1,554-square foot, detached garage on their fouracre Bachelor View Road property is merely an extension of their lifestyle.

Though Dave retired as director of development from Les Schwab Tire Centers more than a decade ago, he still manages several commercial properties in the Northwest. With the Husks’ three children grown and living on their own and a home large enough to accommodate guests, the garage was earmarked for tools, toys and everything else that couldn’t fit in their house.

Though built without heat or a bathroom, the square footage—plus two 10-foot garage doors and two normal sized “man doors”—allows for plenty of room for both a workshop and wilderness basecamp. The light-colored walls, high ceilings and windows on two sides of the building give the space an

“I like how the shop complements the house through its design.”

open feel. Rakes, shovels and tools that line the walls show Dave still does most of the work on his properties, while the kayaks, bikes and fishing gear highlight the Husks’ love for the outdoors. In the early 1970s, Dave had just graduated from the University of Oregon and started his teaching career, when he decided to spend his summer days off fixing up rentals in Eugene. Self-taught but with a strong interest, he tackled most of the projects, including the electric, plumbing and finish work. This developed skill-set inspired him to leave the teaching profession to work in commercial real estate, then on to Portland to project manage new development for Fred Meyer and finally to Bend in 2000.

Relocating to Bend in 2000, the Husks immediately bought their current land, though they didn’t really have a plan for it. In fact, it would be another 15 years until they built their modern-style house, complete with clean lines and artfully designed living spaces. As their hired contractors worked on the house, Dave found himself there everyday helping with decision making. Unable to sit idly by, he completed the utilities layout, laid the water pipe and did the low voltage wiring. But, it would be another five years before he would get around to building the shop.

Dave explained how the first step in the DIY design process was to site the outbuilding on the property. The couple took care in choosing a spot

that was pleasing to the neighborhood, didn’t block their mountain views and was set amongst a strand of ponderosa pines. Dave asked a former colleague to help with the engineering and made sure to mimic the shed roof, paint colors and window trim of the main house.

“I like how the shop complements the house through its design,” he said. “There were a lot of locations we could have put it, but this worked out perfectly.”

With a spring of 2022 completion date, the garage took approximately a year to build. Using his construction background, Dave cleared the site by removing a dozen trees and stumps, dug a trench to bring electric lines 60 yards from the house and put in the water pipes and hose bibs. He installed the windows and siding, painted and set the rebar for the concrete. Lastly, he erected a rock-filled, cage-like Gabion wall along the back of the garage to partially hide his tractor and trailer.

To complete the project, Husk hired an excavator to grade and compact the site, a concrete company to pour the floors and footings and a framer. In addition, local professionals were contracted to install the metal roof, gutters, drywall and doors.

Husk is happy with how the project turned out and has virtually no regrets. He uses the space daily for work or play, and even manages to temporarily store some building materials for their son.

As a project manager, Husk has plenty of building advice for those looking to add an outbuilding to their property. Perhaps the most important suggestions center around the thought process and not the work itself.

“Before you get started, closely analyze your site for accessibility, storage and use,” advised Husk. “And, mind the budget!”

Engineering: LB Engineering Inc. | Excavation: York Bros. Excavation | Concrete: Steve Weeks Concrete | Roofing: AM-1 Roofing, Inc.

Faucets are central to a kitchen’s style and functionality; embrace the elegance of the 2024 color palette.

PHOTOGRAPHY ALYSON BROWN

PERRIN AND ROWE

Armstrong pull-down kitchen faucet with metal lever handle, satin English gold finish. U.4544HT-SEG-2

BRIZO ROOK

Classic Craftsman-style pull-down prep faucet, “brilliance” luxe steel finish. 63974LF-SL

NEWPORT BRASS

Heaney pull-down faucet. Split finish in flat black & antique copper. 3190-5113/56X08A

BRIZO TULHAM

Pull-down, Art Deco faucet. Matte black, “brilliance” black onyx finish. 63058LF-BLBNX

RIOBEL

Trattoria pull-down faucet with c-spout, stainless steel finish.

TTRD101SS

BRIZO JASON WU

Square spout pull-down kitchen faucet. Matte white finish. 63065LF-MWLHP

MOEN ALIGN

Single handle, pulldown faucet. Brushed gold finish. 7565BG

Critter Control

Managing Pepé Le Pew, Woody Woodpecker and Bend’s other bitty beasts

WRITTEN BY SUZANNE BELL

If you’ve caught a whiff of a skunk nearby or heard raccoons–those cute, masked bandits–ravaging your recycle bin, you know exactly what it’s like to live with wild critters.

In Bend, encountering wildlife is as frequent as a family of deer in a traffic circle or an osprey diving for tasty trout near the Bend Whitewater Park. But when wild things become a nuisance, it can jade even the most ardent animal lover.

For many, the first inclination is to attempt to trap and remove an animal, with a notion to exterminate when frustrations rise. “If you relocate or exterminate, you’re just opening resources to another animal,” said Jake Sandler, wildlife services coordinator at Think Wild. It’s better to find a workable solution for humans and animals.

Think Wild is a local nonprofit that runs a wildlife hospital and rehabilitation center and offers services to help manage animal conflicts in Central Oregon. Last year, it responded to more than 2,500 calls–many for problematic ruffians, such as bats, woodpeckers, raccoons, squirrels, skunks, snakes and other wildlife intruding in gardens, homes, garages, crawl spaces and more.

“We expect it to get busier than ever this spring,” Sandler said. With the warmer weather and Bend’s population at an all-time high, the chances skyrocket for skunks to find their way under decks, rock chucks to dig holes in lawns and bats to hide in rafters.

Dawn Creach, a five-year resident in Bend, had a wild flicker regularly scoping out her home. A woodpecker species, flickers are particularly pesky locally, drilling into wood to excavate a nest or attract a mate. They can cause severe damage to buildings, digging holes that rodents, bats or other creatures then inhabit. Creach reached out to Think Wild who came to the site and placed a nesting box at an ideal height, angle and location to naturally attract the birds. Within a week, the beautiful red-bearded bird had moved in with its mate. “Now I’m obsessed with my flickers. And I’m really glad they’re not drilling into my house,” said Creach, who videotapes the birds.

Exploring humane ways to live with or deter animals can save time and money in the long run. It can also lead to special wildlife encounters. Before cursing that raccoon rifling through last night’s pad Thai or chasing down that deer munching on your petunias, use these practical tips to prevent conflicts and better deal with all the furry, four-legged and feathered friends who call Bend home, too.

THEN TRY THESE SOLUTIONS

Once you know the root cause, take responsible measures to deter animals or learn to cohabitate with them.

1. Clean up and maintain. Put away food and water sources and properly seal off small openings and decks. Close flicker openings where bats can hide before summer; bats are protected during the summer months and can’t legally be disturbed.

2. Provide alternatives. Make natural shelters available to deflect critters from seeking refuge outside your home. Nesting boxes placed in your yard will keep troublesome flickers, jays and bats at bay.

3. Deter yardlife. Install motion detection lights, lean on aromatic warfare and use sprinklers strategically. For instance, skunks despise strong odors—how ironic. Ammonia-soaked tennis balls tossed under a deck or in large rock openings prevent a skunk condo in your yard. Judicious sprinkler timing can chase off snacking deer or nighttime marauders.

FIRST, PLAY DETECTIVE

First identify what attracts them. Fallen fruit from trees, pet food or livestock feed not properly contained create a free smorgasbord for wildlife. A water feature becomes a veritable backyard spring for skunks, birds and snakes. Yes, s-s-snakes. If you think you’re protected by a fenced yard, not necessarily. Most animals can climb, dig or jump around property fences. Consider the terrain on your property, too. All of these critters are trying to carve out their niche for food and shelter. Skunks and rock chucks love rocky piles such as lava rock or landscape accents. Bats stay near water and often occupy small openings that flickers hammer out. Snakes like sandy soil and crave warmth, slithering underground into protected areas. Sandler said Think Wild volunteers once found more than a dozen snakes–four different species–coiled up in a crawl space in Redmond.

4. Let nature help. Birds of prey, such as kestrels or owls, can be excellent for controlling small vermin, while woodpeckers and bats cut down bug and mosquito populations. Set up perches and nesting boxes on your property to encourage helpful dwellers.

The more humans can be, well, humane, the better life can be with our wild friends. And it’s okay if you’re not sure how to begin. Think Wild experts make house calls.

FINE FINISHES

Beyond the Backsplash

Use tile to elevate any room in your home

WRITTEN BY AMY S. MORFAS

Tile can create an impactful and versatile statement in home design. With an endless array of options, any look—from bold to classic—can be achieved with an artful arrangement of tile. Its popularity endures as new elements are combining into traditional designs, offering options through custom creations.

Color, texture, patterns, size and placement are the key elements to consider when incorporating tile into a space. Whether opting for a bold or subtle look, there’s a tile for every style.

The enduring popularity of tile is due to its essential components:

Durability: Tile is a long-lasting option for flooring, walls and other surfaces. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, moisture and daily wear and tear, providing homeowners with peace of mind, knowing their investment will last

Maintenance: Tile is relatively easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping or wiping down to keep it looking fresh and new.

Tile mimics natural materials as a dramatic statement for a fireplace surround.

Versatility: Tile comes in a variety of colors, patterns, shapes and sizes, offering design possibilities for any budget.

Enhancing home value: Home buyers view tile as an investment. Classic styles have remained popular with homeowners in Central Oregon. Marble tile goes back centuries and was found in the baths of the ancient city of Pompeii. Today, it is a contemporary choice, as well as the venerable subway tile. “But even classics evolve,” said Jennifer Nelson, a principal designer at Nelson Tile and Stone in Bend. “There will always be demand for subway tile, but we’re seeing movement, undulation and texture incorporated into subway tiles now. Also, a matte finish is growing in popularity.”

What else is in vogue now? Well, that depends on where a person lives. According to Nelson, “While we see some broader trends embraced locally, the majority of clients in Bend and the surrounding area want to incorporate a natural

look in their home.” With so many new residents moving to Bend from big cities, this isn’t a surprise. Why copy an urban, minimalist look when a person seeks to embrace the beautiful natural surroundings?

Tammy Hoxie, a designer at Baptista Tile & Stone Gallery, is seeing clients use warmer tones in their designs as styles shift away from the dominant white and gray kitchen and bath colors of the past decade. “We’re seeing more color incorporated into tile schemes now—blues, greens and warmer ivory, golds and tans to complement wood cabinets,” Hoxie said.

Aside from potential budget constraints, the major advantage of using tile over other building materials lies in its limitless design possibilities. Geometric patterns, as well as Moroccaninfluenced and vertically placed tiles, are increasingly featured in today’s homes. Hoxie noted, “Vertical placement or horizontal stacking create a modern craftsman style that is popular now.”

“Risk equals reward for those who are willing to make bold choices.”

In recent years, tile has been employed to create a focal point in the home, especially in custom homes. Gone are the days when a fireplace was the only place to find a tile surround. It’s more common now to see tile incorporated from floor to ceiling for a dramatic statement. Feature walls can be created in just about any design, from a tree with stunning leaves to a water feature cutting through a mountain scene. In Bend, homeowners are drawn to bringing the outside in, celebrating and reflecting the area’s natural beauty.

Hoxie is also seeing clients opt for tile at both ends of the size spectrum. In showers, larger tiles are having their day, serving not only as a design element, but also for simplified maintenance with reduced grout lines.

While it’s still in the early stages locally, some designers are using tile to create dark, moody rooms for their clients. Black and burgundy tile creates a sophisticated, romantic environment. A small powder room, for example, can be transformed with dark tile. A moody style might not be for everyone, but Nelson said, “risk equals reward for those who are willing to make bold choices.”

TOP KAYLA MCKENZIE BOTTOM TILECLUB.COM

Where you see a wall , we see an empty canvas.

CULINARY SPACE

Recipe for Community

Welcome to the kitchen of Bend's Trish Smith

WRITTEN BY MAISIE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY TINA PAYMASTER

In the bustling kitchen of Trish Smith, a gastronomic journey spanning continents, cultures and kitchens unfolds. Her debut cookbook, Feeding My Friends: Your Guide to Easy and Elegant Ways to Treat Your Family and Friends, is an intimate glimpse into a world where food is the ultimate connector.

Raised in the Yakima Valley among farmers and foodies, Smith was introduced to impossibly fresh food and culinary improvisation by her mother and grandmother. "Those early memories of food and family laid the groundwork for this book," she mused. Studying abroad in Florence, Italy, broadened her culinary horizons, immersing her in a culture where food was a bridge for connection and celebration. Smith's path was also profoundly influenced by Julia Child, who transformed cooking from a mundane chore into a joyous adventure.

Since making Bend their home in 1970, Trish Smith and her late-husband, Bill, were central to the community's growth and transformation. Their collaborative efforts turned a sleepy mill town into a vibrant destination. Smith's dedication to civic initiatives, her passion for teaching and her legendary dinner parties significantly shaped Bend's culinary culture.

A LOVE LETTER TO FOOD, FAMILY AND FRIENDSHIP

As much a personal memoir as it is a cookbook, Feeding My Friends charts the journey of the community's transformation, intertwining Smith's own adventures with those of the

people and places she's encountered along the way. A feast of stories traverses Bend's gastronomic landscape, highlighting iconic landmarks such as the Pine Tavern and emphasizing the significant influence of Central Oregon Community College’s Culinary Institute on the local food scene.

Feeding My Friends presents a curated collection of more than 200 beloved recipes, each reverse-engineered from memory and meticulously adapted for the home chef. Smith's culinary philosophy is a lively dance of creativity, tradition and inevitable kitchen chaos. It invites readers into a world where every meal becomes an opportunity to share a piece of their journey with others.

FROM FIRST SIPS TO LAST CRUMBS

Smith's recipes extend across the culinary day, from dawn's first light to the night's last bite. The winding journey through meals and flavors is punctuated by family favorites, such as the Lamborghini lamb patties, inspired by a sun-drenched patio in Northern California, and the irresistible Lemon Pudding Cake, a dessert so delightful it won the heart of Gordy, the family's discerning dog.

Feeding My Friends celebrates the tactile, often chaotic joy of cooking. Smith elevates the cookbook beyond simple sustenance, peppering the pages with lagniappes—charming tidbits that merge insight with levity, highlighted by revelations such as GRITS, used as an acronym for “Girls Raised in the South.”

“Those early memories of food and family laid the groundwork for this book.”

She encourages even the most hesitant cooks to dive in to recipes with the reassurance that culinary excellence isn't about perfection. Instead, it's a joyful journey into the heart of community and connection. Find your copy at Kara's Kitchenware and the Ticket Mill in the Old Mill District.

ZESTY & SPICED

PORCHETTA

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ pounds pork loin

4 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped

2 heads of garlic, halved crosswise

1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh rosemary, plus 4 sprigs

1 tablespoon fennel seeds

1 teaspoon fennel pollen (optional)

Red pepper flakes to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 lemon, zested

Kosher salt to taste

Black pepper, coarsely ground to taste

4 slices bacon

INSTRUCTIONS

Toss the chopped garlic, rosemary, fennel seeds, fennel pollen, red pepper flakes and lemon zest together in a bowl and stir to combine with one tablespoon olive oil, plus kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Rub seasonings over the pork loin and let marinate in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Heat oven to 425 degrees. While the oven warms, scatter the rosemary sprigs in a large baking dish. Wrap the bacon around the tenderloin, tucking the ends underneath so they stay put, and place the tenderloin on top. Nestle the garlic halves around the meat, and drizzle everything with the remaining olive oil.

Roast meat for about 40 to 45 minutes until it reaches a 145 degree internal temperature. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

FRESH & FRUITY

BEET, ORANGE AND GOAT CHEESE SALAD

INGREDIENTS

3-4 beets, red, golden or striped

2 navel oranges

2 Cara Cara oranges

(for its red-colored flesh)

3-4 ounces high-quality goat cheese

Fresh baby arugula

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

1 tablespoon Champagne vinegar

1-2 tablespoons local honey

1 tablespoon shallot, finely diced

¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard

Kosher salt to taste

Black pepper, coarsely ground to taste

Lemon juice or vinegar to prepare beets

INSTRUCTIONS

Trim beets and boil in a large pot of water with two tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice for about 45 minutes to an hour until knife-tender. Drain into a colander, running cold water over them to cool. Once cooled, cut the top and bottoms off. The skin should slide off easily under running water. Dice beets by slicing them horizontally into ½ inch slices, then cutting in opposite directions to form cubes. Set aside. Slice off both ends of the oranges. Use a sharp knife to remove the skin and white pith, moving from top to bottom and working your way around the orange. Either section the oranges or slice them into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

For the dressing, combine olive oil, orange juice, Champagne vinegar, honey, shallot and mustard, and whisk to emulsify. Assemble the salad in rows, lengthwise, starting with the orangecolored beets, then red beets, goat cheese, arugula, navel oranges and Cara Cara oranges. Lightly salt and pepper the entire salad. Drizzle dressing over the top of each row. Serve cold. (NOTE: This versatile salad can be made with other ingredients tailored to a diner's preferences and/or allergies. Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds are an optional topping.)

SALTED CARAMEL & APPLE TARTE TATIN

INGREDIENTS

1 Pillsbury pie crust, thawed

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

¾ cup sugar

6-7 crisp red apples (such as Gala or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored and quartered

1-2 teaspoons large-grain sea salt

1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water for an egg wash

For serving: French vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out pie crust on a board dusted with flour until crust is thin. In a 10-inch nonstick, oven-proof frying pan, melt the butter. Add the sugar and stir to combine, about two minutes until it’s just starting to brown and is a bit lumpy. Arrange apple quarters—round sides down—at the bottom of the pan until they fit snugly in a single layer. Generously sprinkle with large-grain sea salt. Reduce heat and cook until the caramel is brown but not burned. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for another five minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Raise oven temperature to 450 degrees.

Carefully fit pie crust over the cooked apples, using fingers or a small knife to tuck the excess pastry inside the rim of the pan. Make the egg wash by briskly stirring in one tablespoon of cold water until combined. Using a pastry brush, gently paint the crust without leaving puddles on top. Bake until crisp and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Carefully remove from the oven. Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the tarte. Place a 12-inch serving platter upside down over the pan. Wearing oven mitts, quickly invert the pan and platter together. Be careful of the hot pan and juices. Lift off the pan and voila! Cut tarte tatin into wedges and serve with ice cream.

“I see magic in the quiet light of dusk.”

-JOHN SEXTON

Contractor: Timberline Construction Design

Team: Eric Meglasson & Peter Jahnke

PHOTO KALYA MCKENZIE