Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Cozy, Modern Family Home in Oregon
Warm custom-made pieces and children's artwork keep starkness in check in a family's modern home
Emily and Steven Miller moved into their home in Portland's West Hills neighborhood in 2002. They bought the house in part because of all the natural light throughout the home. With the help of interior designer Gilyn McKelligon, the Millers used clean lines and a warm color palette to turn their home into a comfortable, modern retreat.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Emily and Steven Miller and their 2 daughters
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 2,200 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
That's interesting: The family members' names are stamped into the legs of the dining room table
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Emily and Steven Miller and their 2 daughters
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 2,200 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
That's interesting: The family members' names are stamped into the legs of the dining room table
"I like things that are clean but not stark. I wanted a warm but clean feeling," says Emily. The sofa, chairs and ottomans in the living room were custom made by Trios Upholstery. The large ottoman opens for additional storage.
The dining room table and chandelier were custom made by Gearhart Ironwerks. The woven chairs are from Donghia. Emily's parents lived in Japan for many years in the 1960s, and they bought several pieces of art, which have since been passed on to Emily and have inspired her own art purchases. The painting that hangs in the dining room was bought by Emily from a Japanese artist living in California.
Steven wanted to use iron for the dining room table legs to keep with the sleek, modern theme. It was his idea to stamp the four legs with each family member's name. Daughter Alexandra "always has to sit in the chair by 'her' table leg," says Emily, laughing.
In keeping with the clean lines and uncluttered look of the home, this multipurpose bench is both resting place and storage bin.
The Millers found a picture of a den that they liked and shared it with McKelligon, who then had Michael A. Smith Co. Fine Cabinetry custom build the desk, cabinets and shelves. The desk chairs are by Design Within Reach. "It's always helpful if a client finds pictures of things they like. You may like things that are modern or more traditional," says McKelligon. "But if you put pieces together that you love, it always goes together."
Alexandra's kindergarten class created this colorful painting. "The art was sold at our school auction. We really liked it and thought it fit the space," says Emily.
Local artist Jennifer Mercedes worked with the couple's daughter Anna and her first-grade class to create this word-inspired piece of art that hangs in the living room.
The Millers added cabinets in the family room, custom made by Hayes Cabinets. "I love the natural light, clean lines, open space and warm tones," Emily says. "As a family, this is where we spend our time together, where our memories are created."
The bedrooms are a little girl's dream. A punch of color in each room adds character. The bedside lamps were done by Naomi's Lamps. McKelligon used Raoul Textile fabrics for the exquisite blinds.
The pillows in the bedrooms were also done by Raoul Textile, adding a pop of color with fun patterns to personalize each girl's bedroom. The tables in the girls' rooms are by Bungalow 5.
More My Houzz:
Ranch Home in the Northwest Suburbs
Northwest Home with a Mountain View
Whimsical Chateau in the Pacific Northwest
More My Houzz:
Ranch Home in the Northwest Suburbs
Northwest Home with a Mountain View
Whimsical Chateau in the Pacific Northwest