I’ve been meaning to share this for a while, and now it’s time.
As many of you know, my husband and I recently moved into our first home. We have been working on this project since 2013, and it took five years to go from concept to finished house. When we started, we assumed it might take about a year. Clearly, we were optimistic.
The process taught us a lot and delivered more than a few surprises, but despite the hiccups we couldn’t be happier with the result. Living here feels like a dream.
We have many people to thank.
- My parents. Their help has been endless. If you catch me for a beer sometime I’ll tell you all the ways they made this house possible.
- Andrew Feldon, the architect who designed our home. He was patient, thoughtful, and attentive through every stage. He even spent hours helping me figure out where to place a kitchen trash can. He was an incredible partner from start to finish.
- My friend Marisa, an interior architect, who shared endless advice, sketches, and showroom hours, and who visited the construction site with me countless times.
- Jeff, my dad’s close friend who is like an uncle to us, gifted us our fireplace—a very meaningful housewarming present.
- And many others who listened to us talk about this house for years and offered help along the way.
I’m not sharing photos of the exterior. Some people have recognized our home in past posts and that’s lovely, but I’d rather keep that private. If we know each other in real life, I’d be happy to invite you over.
That said, I’m excited to share the interior photos and details.
I’m not posting the first floor just yet since it’s not fully finished. The first floor contains the entryway, laundry, a full bath, and a bonus room used for homebrewing and as a gym.
So let’s move on to the second floor.
The second floor is an open space that includes the living room and kitchen. After living in a dark, 500-square-foot apartment, having this bright, open area has been life changing. The natural light is incredible.
Couch: Jonathan Louis, purchased from City Home.
Rug: Home Goods
Coffee table: West Elm
Ottoman: thrift find, courtesy of my mother
End tables: Home Goods
Lamp: Target
Baskets: Home Goods
Pillows: Gray and white ones came with the couch; the copper-and-white pillows are from Home Goods; a leather pillow was made by my talented mother.
My friend Marisa suggested the shelves framing the TV, and I’m so glad she did—those shelves make the space feel finished.
Painting: Home Goods
Most planters in the photos are from Home Goods.
Tall basket: Home Goods
Glass ball: Home Goods
Concrete planter: Portland Flower Market
Figurines: bought on a beach in Cape Town
Succulent planter: Portland Flower Market
Barstools: Wayfair
Our stove is a Blomberg. After research and talking to friends and family, we chose a gas cooktop with an electric oven—gas ovens can be temperamental and we preferred the reliability of electric. So far, the range has been excellent.
I have mixed feelings about microwaves. We eat a lot of leftovers and need one, but I didn’t want it visible. Andrew designed a discreet spot for the microwave in the lower cabinets so it’s effectively hidden, and we hardly notice it.
I prioritized deep drawers over upper cabinets and I’m so glad I did. Squatting and digging to the back of a cabinet is the worst, so pull-outs and deep drawers make life easier. I do wish I had extended some of the pull-outs higher in the pantry, but overall they’ve been a big win.
Additional second-floor features:
- We chose engineered bamboo flooring for the second and third floors; the first floor is exposed concrete. I was picky about flooring until I found this bamboo—stylish, durable, and more affordable than many engineered hardwoods.
- All walls on this floor are white. They require a bit more upkeep but the brightness is worth it. Warm accents prevent the space from feeling sterile.
- Ten-foot ceilings make the rooms feel expansive and allow for large windows, which is important since we can only place windows on the front and back of the house.
- Yes—I really like plants.
On to the third floor: we have two bedrooms (one currently serves as my office) and a full bathroom.
Our bedroom still feels a bit sparse, but it’s coming together—I need better pillows.
Bed: West Elm (sustainably sourced)
Nightstands: IKEA (actually dressers)
Lamps: IKEA
Painting: Home Goods
Yellow blanket: Target
Blue rug: IKEA
Desk: IKEA
Rug: IKEA
Desk chair: IKEA
Bookshelves: IKEA
Cork/white board: Amazon
Storage boxes (yellow/pink/white/gray): IKEA
Bright pink storage boxes: Target (were clearance items)
Banana plant: World Market
Pink/white/black planter: Portland Flower Market
There are many small details not captured in photos: a unique stairwell window that spans two floors, a hatch leading to the flat roof, and other custom touches that make this house feel perfect for us. We’re very happy with how it all came together.
To close, a huge thank-you to my mom for multiple shopping trips, giving us generous housewarming gifts, and spending hours helping me decorate. Much of what you see here is thanks to her.