This Portland Craftsman Is All About Playful Details
After working abroad in Asia, a couple with two young children was ready to create a home base back in the States — specifically in Portland, Oregon. And what could be more quintessentially Portland than a Craftsman house? Their home in the Irvington area was full of character but needed some restoring and updating. Local design firm Bright Designlab was tasked with making it feel playful yet elevated. Working with Green Gables Design and Restoration on the gut renovation, the firm modernized the kitchens and baths, while reviving existing architectural details.
The Craftsman architecture guided the design, but the team added some unexpected elements to break with tradition. The dining room's patterned wallpaper adds drama to the space, while saturated paint colors in the guest bath and living area bring contrast to the otherwise bright and airy interiors. The kitchen mixes past and present styles with Craftsman-inspired cabinetry and open shelving. The thoughtful renovation brought out the home's history and infused it with personality — a perfect mix of then and now.
1. Living Room
A coat of black paint and tile by Ann Sacks help make the fireplace and built-in cabinetry the focal point of the living room. The Stickbulb light fixture provides a modern contrast to the architectural details.
2. Dining Room
Bright Designlab
Bright Designlab drew attention to the coffered ceiling by painting the interior sections with Benjamin Moore's Witching Hour. The upper portion of the walls was covered in wallpaper from Makelike, which gives a nod to classic Arts and Crafts patterns.
3. Kitchen
Bright Designlab
The kitchen was completely remodeled with new walnut cabinets and shelves. The Rejuvenation light fixture and Schoolhouse sconces add an industrial vibe to the space.
4. Breakfast Area
Bright Designlab
The firm transformed a corner near the kitchen into a dining nook by installing a custom bench topped with a mix of patterned pillows to accompany the client's table and chairs. An Allied Maker pendant light illuminates the space.
5. Hallway
Bright Designlab
A colorful rug livens up the hallway to the kitchen. Benjamin Moore's Frostine was used throughout the home.
6. Guest Bath
Bright Designlab
The guest bath got a bold new look with floor tile from Cement Tile Shop and walls painted in Benjamin Moore's Galápagos Turquoise. The original sink was updated with new brass fixtures to match the Allied Maker sconce.
7. Bathroom
Bright Designlab
The master bath feels like an airy retreat thanks to the Victoria + Albert soaking tub and glass shower. Bright Designlab created the custom walnut vanity with handmade brass pulls, which are complemented by the Michael Anastassiades pendant beside the tub and the Lambert et Fils fixture above the mirror.
8. Bathroom
Bright Designlab
A custom teal vanity and Ladies & Gentlemen Studio pendant light bring personality to an otherwise black-and-white guest bath.
9. Kid's Room
Bright Designlab
In a kid's room, a lofted bed leaves plenty of space to play and store toys and books below. The brass light fixture and animal rug fit with the rest of the home but still feel fun and whimsical.