Houzz Tour: Global Flavor for a Mediterranean-Style Home
Scarlet swaths, travel-acquired art and custom furnishings bring a family home in Portland to life
Houzz
November 27, 2012
Portland, Oregon, is known more for its midcentury ranch, Craftsman, Victorian and regional bungalow homes — which is why interior designer Jessica Helgerson felt drawn to this particular project, a redesign of a Mediterranean house. "Although there are a few other Mediterranean houses in the neighborhood, the style is quite unusual for Portland," she says. "The house has all of this character; it was fun to work on and respond to."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of 4
Location: Portland, Oregon
Year built: 1920
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of 4
Location: Portland, Oregon
Year built: 1920
Helgerson designed nearly all the furniture in the house. The owners love having parties and entertaining, and urged Helgerson to make a sturdy coffee table that could withstand the daily wear and tear of life with young ones — and the occasional dance party. "They told me that nearly every gathering ends with guests dancing on the table," she says.
Beams add old-world style and interest to the ceiling and lead the eye to lush views beyond the steel-sash window.
Tufted chairs, coffee table: custom by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design; bench: vintage
Beams add old-world style and interest to the ceiling and lead the eye to lush views beyond the steel-sash window.
Tufted chairs, coffee table: custom by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design; bench: vintage
The white brick exterior, original to the house, emerges from the landscape. The brick and wood combination adds interest to the entry; inside, more archways signal transition areas.
"The long and narrow living room was tricky to furnish," says Helgerson. She found a 12-foot-long bench and converted it into a sofa with the addition of cushioned backs, throw pillows and a seat upholstered with a vintage rug.
Tree art: custom design by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design, built by Allen Kinast
Tree art: custom design by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design, built by Allen Kinast
A series of arches connects the rooms and leads the eye to the steel windows. "The windows are absolutely beautiful. The original builder apparently diverted a few materials from some commercial projects to build this house," says Helgerson.
Modern dining chairs swathed in Pollack felt showcase an intense array of scarlet, magenta and fuchsia. Steel light fixtures add drama appropriate to the home's architectural style.
Global art accentuates the arches. "This family is so much fun, and they really love to travel," Helgerson says. "They just got back from a trip to Morocco and France; I think their house reflects their wanderlust."
Red Tolix stools, Ann Sacks floor tiles and unadorned windows energize the kitchen. Helgerson and her team opened the space by removing a wall that had divided the breakfast nook from the main kitchen.
"Like most homes, it's where the family congregates. The kitchen is a dynamic place to be," says Helgerson. A built-in bench and a pair of stools let the entire family enjoy informal meals by the window.
Wall paint: Mascarpone, Benjamin Moore
Wall paint: Mascarpone, Benjamin Moore
The clients chose Oregon walnut for their kitchen countertops. Helgerson admits that the counters are a bit delicate, but she says that the clients treat the wood with utmost care and wipe the solid wood slabs with linseed oil once a week. "They were willing to sacrifice a bit more upkeep for the gorgeous warm look," she says.
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry surrounds the refrigerator, freeing up space above the sink and oven.
More on working with wood countertops
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry surrounds the refrigerator, freeing up space above the sink and oven.
More on working with wood countertops
Helgerson converted a back entry into this hardworking mudroom. The floors extend the gorgeous tilework from the kitchen; vintage light fixtures from France provide character — and much-needed light in the evenings.
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Love the wood frame and trimmed archways! And the wall painting in the LR is awesome! Modern Mediterranean definitely allows for the design and color of the flooring ... but one thing I missed, is a show of dark stained carved wood furniture or corbels. Like the simple redesign though!