about us

biography

Denise's career started as an artist, teacher and then 1972 operator of her first company, A Gift Place and Battle Ground Florist and opened her second company Main Street Florist and Uptown Art Gallery in 1976 operating the stores concurrently. She became known as a leader in three important areas: strong creative design, presentations of notable show house benefits and award winning designs for the Portland Grand Floral Parade, one of two such nationally televised events.

Denise eventually sold her business interests and became affiliated with Paul Schatz Furniture as creative director for the Drexel Heritage multifaceted galleries. She presented design seminars, workshops and earned another reputation in the high-end accessory market as a buyer.

Accredited as an Allied member with the American Society of Interior Designers, (A.S.I.D.). Denise invested her expertise as an adjunct interior design college professor and she enjoyed significant success as a senior level Street of Dreams project designer with the Portland Home Builder Association in project after project year after year.

Later, Denise worked in high fashion in partnership with Ralph Lauren, as a regional specialist. This endeavor allowed her the opportunity to relocate to her community of choice, the celebrated Oregon coast.

In 2006 Denise founded Fairweather House and Garden. With the formation of this company Denise acquired earth-friendly, high quality accessories, extraordinary lighting and fashionable home furnishings lines.

Today this multi-dimensional company selects exclusive home decor and offers entirely original interior design.

Although Denise could rest on her laurels she continues to push the boundaries of style, refining, reinventing and making it ever new. She possesses the curiosity, sensitivity, discipline and vision to show emerging design in a discerning shopping environment with great interest, intrigue and passion.

Beautiful things emphasizing tranquility, and timelessness, this is Fairweather.

~ accomplishments ~

Altamont Street of Dreams, Portland Home Builder Association

Forest Heights Street of Dreams, Portland Home Builder Association

Marylhurst Street of Dreams, Portland Home Builder Association

American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.),Allied Member

A.S.I.D./ Oregon Symphony Show House at Quail Husrt

A.S.I.D./ Oregon Symphony Show House at Dunthorpe

Eastmoreland-Dunthorpe Holiday Tour of Homes

Barclay-Barrington Tour of Elegance at West Linn

Clark County Parade of Homes

Oregon Master Gardener

Clark County Retail Association President

Chamber of Commerce President

Citizen of the Year

Washington State Club Woman of the Year

Outstanding Young Women in America

praise

Dear Denise:
Tami and Andy Toth are so lovely. Did you know that when they left the May Art Walk appearance at Fairweather's they were heading to pick up two new 4 week old foster kittens? Those will be in addition to FIG (little black kitten found-in-garbage at the dump...hence F-I-G) and a little 10 or 11 year old peke mix. They amaze me with the largeness of their hearts.

I hope they do well in your shop. Andy is a master tile setter, as well, in addition to branching out into his true love...Wilson River Pottery:o) Huge hugs and thank you so much for the opportunity to participate. The flowers are gorgeous....the roses just opening now!! hugs,
Sharon Krask, chef

Denise:
I wanted to say thank you for the opportunity to speak to the Chamber folks this morning. I always like “preaching” (especially to the non-saved).
I did have a question on the plant you graciously gave me – I know you told me what it was, and that it should be watered once a week. I remembered the watering part, but…blanked on the name of the plant Very sorry, but could you tell me again what it is?
Again, thanks.
Mike Exinger, Green Business Czar
Zinger's Homemade Ice Cream
Seaside, Oregon

Hi Denise,
We are grateful to you and Stephanie and Sue Raymond (the owner of the Bay Avenue Gallery in Ocean Park) for all you are doing to promote Carol. We are prepared to be available as needed and to provide you with anything you need.
Thanks again,
Ed (and Carol)Thompson

Hello Denise,
I wanted to extend my thanks to you for the classy and fun "Business After Hours" event. I loved the way you celebrated each year of business with a special raffle and a creative introduction to each gift being offered. I was the lucky one to win the "Planet Earth" and the "National Parks" hardcover books. I treasure them.
Thank you again.
L. Garland, Inn at Seaside

Dear Denise,
Thank you for the lovely holiday gift and yummy goodies. You are such an inspiration on how we should live our lives! A generous donation has been made in your name that will be used to provide school clothing to the Assistance League for a child in need in Clatsop County.
All the best,
C. Folk

Denise:
Thank you so much for sending the necklace that I ordered by phone after returning home and wishing to have it for a party. In addition, today I just received the special order earrings that were commissioned as a match for the necklace and they are fabulous!!!! You’re the best. Happy Holidays and all the best thoughts for the New Year. N. Rander

Comment posted recently from a gallery visitor:
"This is an incredible store in a thriving business district!"
Mayor Rob Eaton City of Leavenworth, Washington

From the Office of the Mayor ~ City of Seaside, Oregon
Don Larson, Mayor
"Denise,  Great article in The Daily Astorian I appreciate you in Seaside."

Letter from: Everett A. Eaton, Mayor
I have known Denise for years in her capacity as a business owner in our city and in a wide array of community service functions. She is active in the Chamber of Commerce. A leader in the General Federated Women's Club (GFWC), her contributions to the good of our City have been recognized both locally and statewide.

Notwithstanding these activities, the most remarkable efforts on behalf of the community are Denise's coordination of the Battle Ground float entry for the Portland Rose Festival Parade.

Dense has worked on this project for the past fifteen years, serving as Chairman for many years. It is easy to understand why she was chosen as our 1983 First Citizen for Battle Ground.
Everett A. Eaton Mayor