Portland Decorator

Tailored Luxury New Construction

Step into a world where vibrant hues collide with the timeless elegance of black and white. In this maximalist home design, every corner is a canvas of bold expressions and dynamic contrasts. Embracing the philosophy that more is more, this eclectic interior radiates energy and personality. A symphony of colors dances across the rooms, punctuating the space with lively accents that demand attention. Yet, amidst the vibrant chaos, the strategic infusion of black and white elements serves as a grounding force, adding sophistication and balance to the extravagant palette. Get ready to embark on a visual journey that defies minimalism and celebrates the beauty of excess in a home that's as daring and lively as its inhabitants. Welcome to maximalism – where every shade, pattern, and texture coalesce into a harmonious celebration of design abundance.

Modern wallpapered bedroom with a neutral color palette

As you enter the bedroom of this maximalist haven, you'll find a captivating fusion of black and white aesthetics, elegantly enhanced by opulent gold accents. The wall behind the bed is, dressed in a fantastic geometric wallpaper that serves as the perfect canvas for the room's design journey. It truly adds depth and a touch of mystique to the space.

Geometric black and white wallpaper in a bedroom

Moving to the furniture, sleek black pieces with clean lines and gold detailing bring a sense of sophistication to the room. A bedside table with a gilded front effortlessly elevate the space, adding a touch of glamour to the monochrome setting. The modern gold landscape art amplifying the room's sense of grandeur.

Kelly Wearstler inspired bedroom design with a lot of pattern

Against this dramatic backdrop, the bed takes center stage, adorned with plush bedding that exudes luxury and comfort. Oversized throw pillows in striking patterns introduce a burst of depth, ensuring the room remains true to its maximalist spirit. The marriage of bold patterns and subdued tones creates a harmonious balance, inviting you to sink into a realm where every design choice tells a story.

Custom bench at the foot of a king size bed

To complete the picture, artfully chosen accessories and decor elements add the finishing touches. Metallic sculptures contribute to the overall aesthetic, ensuring that every inch of the room is a visual feast. The result is a bedroom that seamlessly marries the drama of maximalism with the timeless allure of black and white, enriched by the regal touch of gold accents. It's a sanctuary where extravagance meets elegance, inviting you to indulge in the richness of design and revel in the beauty of contrasts.

Custom upholstery and pillow design in the Pacific Northwest

Lighting plays a pivotal role in this opulent bedroom, with black and gold sconces casting a warm and inviting glow. The play of light and shadow accentuates the textures and patterns, creating a dynamic atmosphere that evolves throughout the evening.

The design narrative seamlessly transitions, carrying the opulence of the bedroom into this intimate space. Here, the walls take center stage, adorned with luxurious gold wallpaper that exudes sophistication and elevates the entire atmosphere.

Small powder bath design with a bold gold wallpaper

Against this backdrop, the fixtures and features of the bathroom are carefully curated to complement the regal theme. Sleek black and white tiles, arranged in geometric patterns, add a contemporary touch to the flooring, creating a delightful contrast to the richness of the gold walls.

contemporary modern cubist art style with gold frame

Curated art finished the design of this bathroom. The bathroom is a sanctuary where every detail is a celebration of design, inviting you to immerse yourself in the allure of maximalist luxury.

Custom painted wood vent hood cover in a modern kitchen

The bold black and white hexagonal marble backsplash was the perfect way to add a graphic element in the room. The kitchen island, a multifunctional centerpiece, boasts a black base with a white marble top, providing additional workspace and a stylish gathering spot.

Toll Brother's kitchen designer Portland Oregon

We took this builder’s basic kitchen and completely elevated it by updating the lighting and switching out the backsplash to a fantastic black and white hexagon shaped marble stone.

Kelley Wearstler pendant light high end lighting

Pendant lights with gold accents hang above the island, casting a warm glow and adding a touch of glamour to the culinary hub.

luxury home appliance designers Portland Oregon

Appliances in stainless steel and gold seamlessly integrate into the design, offering a contemporary edge while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.

Open concept kitchen design Portland Oregon

The dining area, seamlessly integrated into the kitchen, features a chic wood and gold tulip table surrounded by black chairs with gold detailing. This creates a cohesive transition between the cooking and dining spaces, ensuring a unified design that speaks to the overall maximalist theme.

Custom black velvet dining chairs

To break the monochrome palette, vibrant and eclectic modern rug find their place in this dining room.

Alabaster stone luxury light fixture

Above the dining table, a show-stopping chandelier takes center stage. With its gold finish and intricate design, it not only provides ambient lighting but also serves as a dazzling piece of functional art.

modern embroidery drapery

The embroidered drapes, with intricate patterns and detailed stitching, hang gracefully, framing the windows in a tapestry of elegance.

black textured tile modern fireplace

Design doesn’t have to always be so serious! Having fun, playing with color, and making a bold statement will showcase your fantastic style and personality. From the black textured tile of this fireplace to the light pink stripes in the rug, every detail was thought of.

living room sectional furniture design

The design in this family room captures the client’s unique style and fun personality! We made sure to balance a maximalist style in a way that still feels light and breathable.

high and low nesting coffee table decor

The eclectic accessories within this home are curated with an artful eye, transforming it into a gallery of personality and vibrancy. Each carefully chosen accessory contributes to the tapestry of design, adding layers of visual interest and a touch of whimsy to the overall aesthetic.

tailor-made custom pillows Portland Oregon

Textiles play a crucial role in the eclectic accessory lineup. Plush, patterned throw pillows introduce an extra layer of comfort to seating areas, while simultaneously contributing to the eclectic visual feast.

modern gold bookcase design

This recliner (yes, I said recliner!) is the perfect example of mixing form and function. It’s also the perfect place to lean back and enjoy the warmth from the fireplace.

Sophisticated Home Bar and Wine Cellar

This project started with a clear goal in mind from an email I received, saying, “I want my game room bar to say I am a sleek, modern, sexy individual sipping on Lakoya cabernet or Blanton’s bourbon, listening to Fleetwood Mac, Eagles or maybe even The Cure on any given day. Someone who enjoys entertaining and appreciates finer modern-day amenities while also longing for a sense of nostalgia that connects them with their industrious roots.” With this vision, it was clear how important it was for the homeowners to have a dedicated high-style space to entertain while showing their relaxed way of life.

When thinking about a room in the house for sipping wine or bourbon while listening to rock-n-roll, an industrial wine bar with an underground speakeasy in need of a secret password came to mind. The client’s loved the vision.

To keep things organic yet dramatic, charcoal stacked stone was used as natural textured backdrop, layered next by ceiling mounted industrial pipes with reclaimed oak barrel shelving, all set off by modern grey wood cabinetry. Juxtaposition at it’s finest.

To add an air of playfulness to this adult-only hang out area, we commissioned a pop-art inspired Debby Harry to watch over the bar. We considered Stevie Nicks or Ann Wilson, but in the battle royale of amazing female music pioneers, Debby was victorious.

From this view you can get a true appreciation for the various lighting touches throughout. Ambient undercabinet lights create a beautiful evening mood while the to the dramatic sputnik-inspired chandelier over the seating area and sculptural pendants over the island make a wow-statement.

To take advantage of the views and natural light, we installed a pair of telescoping doors allowing for additional usable space both indoors and outdoors.

It’s important to create special moments throughout a design. We achieved this in the island with classically handsome black and white marble hexagon tile underneath and a sleek waterfall counter top edge. We were thrilled with the the perfect play of pattern.

Fun fact, this area of the home was originally slated to be a large home theatre accompanied by a large four-piece bathroom. Due to the fact that this was new construction, we were able to make the decisions from the ground up rather than having to change them after the fact. My proposal was to reclaim the space from this dark, outdated concept of a dedicated home theatre, into an after-dinner speakeasy lounge perfect for an affluent crowd to talk current events. We mae the right decision.

One important decision made during the construction process was to reallocate space from the four-piece bathroom on the other side of this room into a climatized walk-in wine closet. We all felt it was worth losing a shower for the added ambiance of a dedicated area was to show off the client’s love for wine.

In order to create creating rhythm and movement between the bar and climatized wine room, we used the same hexagon tile and cabinetry wood.

As with any home building journey, changes are made for style purposes as well as budgetary ones. For the wine cellar, we originally proposed a large marble slab for the wall. However, we ended up going with 12”x24” marble tile in order to save on cost. The end result did not compromise on the overall aesthetic of the space and we were able to grab a few more bottles of wine to start filling up the cellar.

Through a collaborative effort the homeowners and myself created a bar that reflected their personal sensibilities while encouraging them to step outside of their comfort zone to take chances on material and texture combinations.

This Brizo faucet features a beautiful two-tone blend of matte black and brushed gold. It’s warm and inviting with a connection to the industrial piping we used for the floating shelves.

Industrial piping and reclaimed oak from wine barrels were used to create this bar’s floating shelf feature. The warmth and character from the from the reclaimed wood blends beautifully with the everyday commercial feel of the piping. What is great about this is the piping can be found at nearly any hardware store and layers in a level of approachability to the project.

Strong use of lines, texture, and pattern are used throughout to guide the eye around the room.

Accent Walls: The Best Way to Add Depth to Your Design

Adding an accent wall can drastically elevate the design style in a space. Because it is just a single wall, it can be the easiest way to direct focus, create depth, and even take an "outside of the box" risk. Check out my favorite five accent wall ideas you can do!

1. Paint

This is by far the simplest and most cost effective. I am a huge fan of using highly saturated colors to create a statement when painting an accent wall. Challenge yourself to a bolder color and if you hate it, it's easy to change!

An accent wall doesn’t have to be those vertical spaces. Don’t forget about that fifth wall, the ceiling. By painting this kitchen’s ceiling, we were able to draw the eye all the way to the beautifully barrel vaulted feature.

I love how just the navy wall of this kid’s bedroom painted creates depth and allows lighter objects to pop.

2. Molding

Putting molding walls got a bad reputation when so many builders decided to put a single piece of molding around the room called a chair rail (literally one of my least favorite things). However, molding on a wall can look super sophisticated. From the traditional picture frame molding to the more contemporary box molding. 

A staircase can be a forgotten space which is why it is the perfect place to add molding to really punch up the design.

tall tufted headboard against a wood paneled accent wall

Taking a traditional molding and turning it into something special with this square geometric designed wall using molding.

3. Wallpaper

Yes, wallpaper is still in, in fact, it never left. I have used wallpaper in no less then 100% of my recent projects and with the endless possibilities of patterns and styles wallpaper can work for everyone. It really does make me overly excited. 

Sometimes just one wall is all you need for wallpaper. This creates the perfect layer for this grandmillennial office space.

The perfect teen girl’s wallpaper. It's bold and beautiful and it only needed on the feature wall.

4. Tile

I love a tile accent wall! I use them frequently in bathrooms, bars, and even in bedrooms and other spaces. There are some really amazing tiles that will wow you and create huge impacts in a home. 

blue floating bathroom vanity with under cabinet lighting

Having fun with a wall of accent tile in a bathroom can bring so much style to your home.

An accent wall tile doesn’t have to mean the entire wall. In this design, we decided to only do it in the nook behind the bar. It helps draw the eye in and layers in the sex appeal.

Using tile that starts in a shower and continues beyond the normal boundaries makes this small bathroom feel grand. Use this to trick your eye and make your tighter spaces truly expand.

5. Wood

I tend to lean more towards the modern use of wood as an accent wall, but for clients who love that "farmhouse" style, you can also use reclaimed wood. 

using wood modern slats as an accent wall

Wood used in a more contemporary fashion to define this TV wall. This decorative wall with evenly spaced wooden slats for a sleek and contemporary look.

For this covered outdoor design, we wanted to add texture with a shou sugi ban accent wall. Shou sugi ban is a traditional Japanese method of preserving and weatherproofing wood by charring it with fire. The charred surface is then brushed and oiled to create a durable and attractive finish.

6. Living Wall

Creating a living wall as an accent is a unique and beautiful way to bring nature into your home. The result is a stunning and sustainable accent wall that adds life and color to any space.

Color Crush: Shades of Pink

Color Crush: Shades of Pink

Pink is in the house! I haven't seen an interior color trend take over so quickly since shades of grey and I have to admit, I am on board! Shades of pink even made me Top 5 things I just can't get enough of for Spring. Here are some of my favorite examples of pink being used in todays interiors.

"Local" Artists on my Radar

“Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot see physically with his eyes....Abstract art enables the artist to perceive beyond the tangible, to extract the infinite out of the finite. It is the emancipation of the mind. It is an exploration into unknown areas.” ― Arshile Gorky

I have always had a love for abstract art. I feel like it can completely bring a design together by tearing down the normal expectations of what art should be. Sometimes it is a beautifully seamless canvas that ties in all of the colors from the designed surroundings and other times it is the contrast in the room. 

Since starting my design business and moving to an artsy city like Portland, Oregon, I have been keeping an eye out on local artists from around the country. I loving having a resource to go to in order to infuse some personal pieces into my client's homes which will afford their homes to have a more personal touch with a commissioned work of art. 

Here are some fantastic artists I have been following recently that are giving me so much life! I have even had the joy to work with a few of them and the ones I haven't, keep an eye out for me using in future projects.

Lana Nguyen

Originally from Kiev, Ukrane, she now travels around the United States drawing inspiration from her fascination with nature. Her current works us the medium of Alcohol ink on Yupo. The movement makes me want to get up and dance! She is currently in Phoenix, AZ and has had a studio in Austin, TX. [Get to know Lana more]

Lana working on a commissioned piece for a project

Lana working on a commissioned piece for a project

Paulette Insall

A southern gal living in Portland, Oregon, Paulette is a a contemporary abstract painter expressing her visual language through pure color and an expert eye. She creates one-of-a-kind original works and commissions.  [Get to know Paulette more]

Paulette Insall

Paulette Insall

Current original work of art "Joyous Beginnings"

Current original work of art "Joyous Beginnings"

Lisa Jensen

Lisa is a stay at home mom in Portland OR who found her voice in art. She is drawn to calming and relaxing landscapes and reimagines them in a modern way. There is a true freshness to her work and I am in love. Exciting news for Lisa is that she is going to be a new WEST ELM artist starting August 2018. [Get to know Lisa more]

Lisa Jensen

Lisa Jensen

Collection of works bu Lisa Jensen

Collection of works bu Lisa Jensen

Jose Trujillo

Jose is a self-taught artist originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, now living in Tucson, Arizona. Heavily influenced by impressionist artist. He blurs reality with saturated colors, movement, and uses his artists sight to take liberties on out view of the world around us. [Get to know Jose more]

Josa Trujillo

Josa Trujillo

Couple under and umbrella

Couple under and umbrella

Kyra Kendall

Base in Toronto, Kyra does all affordable original works of art and commissions. She has made a name for herself with her superb water color skills which trail outside of the lines in the most beautiful way. My cousin has one of her pieces and it it one of my favorite things. [Get to know Kyra more]

Kyra Kendall

Kyra Kendall

Rainbow of Lips

Rainbow of Lips

Original Portrait

Original Portrait