LADD'S ADDITION PORTLAND, OREGON

A lot of homes built in the early 1900s in Portland have been remodeled beyond recognition. The trim has been painted, the floors replaced and the built-ins just didn't make it through years of wear and tear. That's not the case with this home in the Ladd's Addition neighborhood of Portland. Built in 1911, the dark trim remained unpainted, the fir floors still intact and the built-ins in the dining room were in almost perfect condition but the home was dark, empty and didn't function for the owners. Contrary to all my other thoughts in design to lighten a home, we embraced the dark. The trim and floors were sanded and refinished to their original state. In the entry, the walls were painted black. After multiple meetings and conversations with the client where nothing out there seemed quite right, I developed along with artist, Michael Paulus, a custom flower that fit the owner's personality and style down to the scale and exact color palette. This became the inspiration and guiding color scheme to create a glamorous but livable home that was neutral and rich in texture. Interior Design: Casework Photography: George Barberis General Contractor: Hammer & Hand Hand Painted Walls: Michael Paulus Custom Mantel and Bathroom Cabinet: Brian Pietrowski Press: Gray Magazine