Interior design advice

Hosting in Style: An Open-Concept Home with Bold Features

Hosting in Style: An Open-Concept Home with Bold Features

There’s something special about a home that feels effortless, where each space flows naturally into the next, creating an atmosphere that invites you to linger, gather, and relax. This project is all about that feeling. With an open-concept layout, thoughtful color moments, and bold, custom features, this home was designed to support both everyday living and effortless entertaining. I hope you enjoy looking through this project!


Portland Oregon based Interior Designer with large fireplace

The first big, bold design element we added to this home was the floor-to-ceiling tiled wall surrounding the electric fireplace. It instantly became a showstopping moment! The subtle texture of the tile brings so much character and dimension to the room, creating a warm focal point that grounds the entire space and elevates the open-concept layout.

Large dining table with custom upholstery chairs for hosting and relaxing

The dining room blends simplicity with a statement. The live-edge wood table brings an organic element to the otherwise modern surroundings, and the bench seating makes the space feel relaxed and family-friendly.

Custom tile that goes from floor to ceiling and surrounds electric fireplace

This tile has such a soft, gentle feel that instantly creates a thoughtful design moment. The warmth within the material feels both organic and slightly funky, bringing a playful edge without overwhelming the space. I love how it softens the entire room, adding texture, warmth, and personality all at once.

Colorful fireplace with interesting tile

This fireplace is one of those elements that draws you in the moment you step into the home. The scale of the tile paired with the wall of windows make it truly an astounding moment. It’s perfectly subtle yet unforgettable.

Black cabinetry for extra storage in large living room

This cabinetry was added to give the homeowners discreet, easy-access storage right off the kitchen and dining area. The rich black finish brings a striking depth to the space, while the mix of hardware adds a subtle, playful energy to an otherwise highly functional piece.

Modern kitchen design with unique mosaic tiles on backsplash

Visible from every angle, the kitchen ties the whole main level together. Marble mosaic tile, open shelving, and modern cabinetry strike a perfect balance between beauty and function. While we didn’t replace the cabinet fronts in this space, we refreshed the backsplash and countertops to give the room a completely updated feel. It’s a great example of how a few strategic changes can transform a kitchen without requiring a full renovation! We also added a pop of blue with new counter stools to connect with the rest of the home.

Marbled Mosaic tile in Modern kitchen

We added this beautiful marble backsplash to elevate the modern kitchen design. The unique variations and textures in each tile bring vibrant personality and distinctive character to the room. Modern kitchens can sometimes feel a bit cold or minimal, but this backsplash introduces the warmth and depth needed to balance the clean lines. It’s a simple addition that makes the entire space feel more inviting and alive.

Modern Kitchen design Oven range and waterfall island

This is a workspace designed for cooking, but also is the hub of the home. With this kitchen you’re never closed off from the rest of the home, even while prepping dinner! A sleek waterfall edge adds a wonderful design detail.

Bright blue bar in large living area with open concept look

The heart of the home is the expansive living area, anchored by a generous sectional that encourages family movie nights, casual hangouts, and everything in between. Layers of soft neutrals set the stage, while rich textures bring warmth and character. Large windows capped with custom window coverings flood the space with natural light!

Bright blue bar with integrated wine fridge

We added this custom bar as a thoughtful addition to the space, designed to enhance both functionality and flow. By placing it right in the heart of the living room, we created even more opportunities for hosting. The bar features a built-in wine fridge, beautiful backsplash tile, and full custom cabinetry topped with a sleek countertop. It’s the kind of upgrade that not only elevates how you can entertain, but also becomes a true design moment.

Living room couch, coffee table, and unique rug

We selected this rug to mirror the backsplash tile from the kitchen. The subtle pattern play between the two elements creates a visual connection that ties the spaces together. It’s one of those quiet design choices that make everything feel intentional and cohesive, helping the living and kitchen areas “talk” to each other while still maintaining their own personality.

Wood panneled entry way with unique wallpaper wrapping wall

The entryway sets the tone instantly with custom wood slat detailing that brings dimension and softness to the vertical wall. A patterned blue accent wall adds personality without overwhelming the space.

interior designer for kitchen and bath design portland oregon

This bathroom is another bold statement we added in this home. It is a perfect example of how pattern and color can transform a small space into something unforgettable. The blues mimic the colors in the custom bar in the living room, tying all the spaces together beautifully!

unique wallpaper design, colorful bathroom design

The leafy, tropical-inspired wallpaper brings in lively shades of green and blue, setting the tone for a vibrant and playful design. Paired with the textural, geometric wainscoting this is a show-stopper!

walk in shower interior design trends universal design

The small-scale blue floor tile runs uninterrupted into the shower, visually expanding the space while creating a sense of cohesion. A frameless glass door enhances the airy, open feel, allowing light to filter through and making the bathroom feel larger!

walk in shower, black matte hardware for shower. hand held wand.

One of the standout features in this bathroom is the curb-less walk-in shower. Designed with universal design principles in mind, the shower allows users to have zero barrier to entering, making it accessible for everyone! Finally, matte black fixtures round out the space, making it clean, bold, and unique.

geometric white tile large format tile in walk in shower

The unique geometric white tile is not only visually striking but also surprisingly functional. Because it comes in a large-format design, there are far fewer grout lines to disrupt the clean, seamless look of the walls. This makes it much easier to maintain, with less scrubbing and upkeep required over time.

black faucet design inspiration, unique touches to your bathroom

The black faucet complements the vanity cabinets, creating a cohesive and modern look. This rich, grounding black color is important in anchoring the space that is filled with so much personality!

rich and dark black and blue colors in bathroom interior design

The contrast between the black vanity and the blue wainscoting is fun, playful, and dynamic. Seeing the two side-by-side shows how much personality is truly in this space.

blue tile in bathroom design black cabinets

The petite blue hex tiles on the floor tie everything together, continuing the color story while grounding the room in a crisp, clean aesthetic. Creating a home with this much personality is no easy task, but every intentional design choice comes together beautifully to make a cohesive, bold home!

Walnut cabinetry in laundry room

We designed this laundry room to feel high in sophistication and full of timeless class. The dark wood cabinetry adds depth and richness, while the sleek black stacking washer and dryer tie the whole look together. The result is a laundry space that feels both functional and beautifully classic.

Steps to Creating the Perfect Work From Home Office Space

Creating the perfect home office space can be a challenge, especially if you have limited space or are working with a tight budget. But with a little creativity and some careful planning, you can create a functional and stylish home office that will inspire you to be productive and efficient.

First, consider the size and layout of your space. If you have a dedicated room for your home office, you may have more flexibility in terms of layout and design. But even if you only have a small corner of a room to work with, you can still create a functional and comfortable space.

Next, think about the tasks and activities you will be doing in your home office. Do you need a large desk for your computer and other office equipment, or will a smaller workspace be sufficient? Do you need storage for files and documents, or can you keep them digitally? Consider what you will need in your home office and plan accordingly.

Once you have a clear idea of the layout and functionality of your space, it's time to think about design. Choose a color scheme that is both calming and energizing, and incorporate colors and patterns that will inspire you and boost your mood. Add personal touches, such as family photos or artwork, to make your home office feel like your own.

When it comes to furniture, choose pieces that are both functional and stylish. A comfortable and supportive chair is essential, as you will be spending a lot of time sitting. A desk with plenty of workspace and storage is also important, as is lighting that is both functional and ambient.

Finally, consider incorporating plants and other natural elements into your home office design. Not only do plants add a touch of life and color to your space, but they can also improve air quality and reduce stress.

aqua and pink interior design accents

By following these simple tips, you can create the perfect home office space that is both functional and stylish. With a little effort, you can create a space that will inspire you to be productive and efficient, and that you will enjoy spending time in.

5 Easy DIY Projects to Deck out your Dwelling

We are all spending more time on…well..having more time on our hands. Meaning, this is the perfect opportunity for us all to tackle those easy DIY projects in our home. The greatest part about it all is it won’t cost you much money and will make a huge impact on your emotional well being. Check out my suggestions on what you can do to make the time go by a little faster while beautifying your surrounding.

1. Paint!

A can of paint costs next-to-nothing for the huge impact it will make. Not to mention, some of us have left over paint cans hanging around; so why not use them? Adding a pop of color to your front door showcases your personality and painting an accent wall in your home creates visual interest and depth.

Bold painted blue craftsman style front door in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

2. Tidy up and declutter!

While some of us have a junk drawer in our homes (most of us) and others may have a junk room, now is the time to clean out and organize. A cleaner space will help us be more productive, organized, and happier!

pantry-storage-solutions Portland, Oregon decoration

3. Deep Clean

You may be thinking, “Duh, Kevin, of course I should clean.” I am not talking about the every-day cleaning, i’m talking about that cleaning you do every now and then; grout in kitchens and bathroom, baseboards, windows, and furniture vacuuming (you read that right). Did you know that vacuuming your furniture will get all of the years of dust, skin cells, and dirt off of it? It instantly breathes new life into furnishings and will help extend the life. Don’t forget to unzip those cushions and vacuum inside the casings as well!

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4. Art projects!

Add a bit of you into your home with custom arts ant crafts! Some of us have transitioned from CEO to stay-at-home and are now having to juggle entertaining out little ones. A great project is allowing your family to create something special for the home. From rock painting to framing a painting you created, this will add that pop of personal!

Displaying homemade art projects in a downtown Portland, Oregon condo

5. Change out your light bulb

Lighting is so important. We have all been in that zoom meeting where someone has terrible lighting and they look like that are giving an anonymous witness testimony or live in a yellow covered world. Lighting has different warmths that give off a yellow, white, or blue tint. My recommendation is 3000 kelvin, perfect balance of warmth and white. Uniform light temperature through your home will create the perfect ambience for you to enjoy!

Portland, Oregon home decorator presenting proper lighting design.







Are Interior Designers too Quick to Jump on the E-Design Bandwagon?

Hey all you cool cats and— no that’s not how I want to start this post. Let’s try that again…

Hey y’all (that’s better), we are going into week four of sheltering in place due to the COVID-19 outbreak and I have had a little time to think about the latest trend with Interior Designers. E-Design services.

Portland Oregon interior e-design services

I love how the designers of the world are adapting during this time, however, do not rush to jump on the E-Design bandwagon because business is slow. By doing so, you can cheapen yourself as a designer if you do not properly prepare.

First, what is e-design? Well, when you boil it down to it’s simplest form, e-design is a way for consumers to work with an experienced designer at a fraction of the cost. Sounds too good to be true right? Well first let’s go over how it typically works.

  1. The Client is responsible for sending photos and measurements of the room you are wanting to update, along with inspiration photos of a style you really like.

  2. The designer then puts together a floor plan, mood board, selects furniture, picks paint colors, and anything else that curates a custom designed look for you.

  3. Upon approval of design, clients will get a shopping list, with all the URL links for you to make the purchases on their own.

Step by step process to how e-design services work in Portland, Oregon

The links that are sent from the designer are affiliate links, meaning if you use them and purchase the product, the designer gets a kick back from the website you are purchasing through. The client is not paying anymore than they normally would. This is great for designers who are looking for an extra revenue stream.

As designers, we need to be up-front with clients and set the proper expectations prior to any job starting. Here are some things to go over with your potential e-design clients.

  • Payment for e-design packages are paid in full up front.

  • E-Design does not generally provide clients with higher quality products. Rather, it is targeted to potential clients who want a magazine-ready designer look, but do not have the budget or designer for long lasting desire furniture. Which is totally okay as long as the client knows ahead of time what the durability and expected longevity of the product can be. Good design can come in all budget sizes.

  • E-Designing usually limits revisions to one revision: this is so designers can properly price Packages and still remain profitable with their time.

  • Once the links are sent, the project is complete. Anything additional is considered outside of the scope and a new agreement will need to be made.

  • Set the expectation with the client. If potential new client is wanting completely custom designs that are high end and super tailored to them, direct them towards a full-service working relationship.

Now, e-design is a relatively newer introduction to the world of interior design as a way for individuals new to the profession of design to start building a portfolio and client base. In recent weeks, seasoned designers have also begun to offer these services as a way to continue working as the world has seemingly screeched to halt. Know that a more seasoned designer will charge more for these packages. But as we all know, you do get what you pay for.

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If you are thinking of offering e-design as an added service for clients, here are some questions to think about when pricing your packages.

  1. How long does a typical room take me to properly put together for a client?

  2. How much money do I want to put into marketing my e-design service?

  3. Am I skilled as putting together a lower-budget design?

  4. Does offering an introductory package cheapen my brand?

  5. Is this a bandaid for what is going on in my business right now that I want to continue when we are allowed to start going back into client’s homes?

Y’all, e-design is here to stay, but it’s up to us as designers to choose if we want to offer this as a service or if we are fine with sticking to the services that fit our business model the best.

Portland Oregon top interior designer

Kevin Twitty
Principal Designer
Kevin Twitty Interiors
503-714-5197

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

I am known for my belief that every room needs three things; furniture to use, art for beauty, and a reflective surface for depth. For me, the go-to reflective surface of choice is a wall or floor mirror that adds something special to the design. A huge bonus for me is you can put a mirror almost anywhere and it be a success in the design. Don't believe me? Check these ways a mirror can be just the thing needed!