Featured Customer: Amy Sedgwick

Amy's Item: Mongolian Buffet

Why this is cool: Many customers use this type of mid-sized cabinet or buffet as an entertainment center. Not many actually put the television and assorted peripherals INSIDE the cabinet. Amy, a Seattle area realtor, didn't want her window obstructed by a TV set, and searched our showroom until she found a cabinet that fit the space she had, would hold her TV, and as a bonus, she really, really liked. Hiding electronic equipment like Amy did with this buffet is considered good feng shui, by helping to reduce the distraction of the TV when it is not in use.

Something extra: After helping Amy carry the buffet up the steep stairs in her front yard, we feel ready to conquer Mt. McKinley.

Or at least Queen Anne.

Featured Customer: Jeff and Nancy Zigulis

Jeff's and Nancy's Item: Stone Warrior

Why this is cool: Because it is simple. Jeff and Nancy make a cool statement at the entrance to their property by adding one item which fits in to the pre-existing terrain. Chinese tradition holds that a well-constructed garden area must begin with stone. We agree, and like how well this stone warrior fits into the terrain. One could almost imagine an sculptor taking one of those big boulders and carving it right there to create this watchman.

Something extra: For a stone warrior in a well-constructed garden, a scarf for the cold winter days on Camano Island is a must.

Featured Customer: Elaine and Mike Ferguson

Elaine's and Mike's Item: Iron Statue of Guan Gong

Why this is cool: Guan Gong is revered in Chinese history for his sense of honor and loyalty. When given an opportunity to save his own life by surrendering to the Wu army shortly after the collapse of the Han dynasty, Guan Gong refused to betray his leader, who he considered a brother. This refusal eventually lead to his execution, and subsequent deification.

Mike and Elaine built a special little nook in the wall of their hallway which turned into the ideal vantage point for Guan Gong.

Something extra: Let's face it: who wouldn't want a 3rd century Chinese general-turned-deity guarding their home?

Featured Customer: Evan Ferwerda

Evan's Item: Stone Planter

Why this is cool: Evan, a local designer, was looking for something a little different to use as a coffee table in his living room. With the help of a tabletop glass specialist, those fine folks at the Monkey, and a little heavy lifting, Evan converted this stone planter into a coffee table that, guaranteed, won't get those annoying rings when you set a cup on it. Not that you'd want to...the table is too fun to look at, to do anything to disturb the view.

Something extra: The lamp Evan has in the background is made by a Beijing lampmaker who specializes in converting statuary, pottery, and nearly anything else he can find into beautiful lamps. Year of the Monkey proudly carries this lampmaker's creations in our SoDo showroom.