The Design District

Posted By Rachel DeSchepper on 03/06/2008

I want to start a new recurring feature on The Design District to show off great window displays around Portland. I love window shopping, and I tend to get some great decorating inspiration purely from clever window designs.

The first one I want to show off is Olio United at 1028 SE Water Avenue. I love this shop, and I’m excited that they’re going to start carrying more home accessories. (Check out our March issue of Spaces to see some beautiful product from the shop; on newsstands March 14.) To create their spring window display, Olio employee Katie Kulper came up with the idea to string up traditional paper airplanes in the window. The meticulous design required Katie (and a few helpers) to fold more than 1,000 of the oragami-esque airplanes; then she hole-punched them and strung them up to the ceiling with white thread. The whole project (folding, punching, sewing, hanging, and adjusting) took Katie about 40 hours to complete.

I’d say it was worth it. The effect is striking and sure to catch the eyes of passersby.

Seen some great window design around Portland? Let me know: designdistrict AT portlandspaces DOT net