Last week, we offered a glimpse into Kirsten’s remarkable Portland residence, enough to pique your interest and hint at the treasures within. Now, prepare for the full “House Crashing” experience as we take a comprehensive tour of her and her husband Kyle’s truly inspiring home. From its captivating exterior to its thoughtfully designed interiors, every corner tells a story of creativity, personal style, and smart decorating. This isn’t just a house; it’s a testament to how thoughtful design, a touch of DIY, and a keen eye for unique finds can transform a living space into a warm, inviting, and incredibly stylish sanctuary.
Discovering Charm: A Full House Tour of Kirsten & Kyle’s Portland Home
The Inviting Exterior: A Warm Welcome in Gray
The first impression of Kirsten and Kyle’s home is one of understated elegance and classic charm. The exterior boasts a rich, deep gray color, providing a sophisticated backdrop that beautifully complements the natural surroundings of Portland. What truly sets the facade apart, however, are the magnificent, oversized white corbels flanking either side of the front door. These architectural details add a touch of grandeur and character, creating a welcoming and memorable entrance. While we’ve adjusted the house numbers for privacy, the inherent curb appeal remains undeniable. Imagine this home bathed in the vibrant hues of spring and summer, with lush greenery and blooming flowers further enhancing its picturesque quality. The careful selection of exterior paint, paired with such distinctive architectural elements, instantly signals a home filled with intentional design and a strong sense of style.
Stepping back, you get a broader view of the house, hinting at the spaciousness and well-maintained grounds that surround it. We can only imagine the true splendor of this scene when Portland’s renowned flora bursts into full bloom during the warmer months, painting the landscape with vibrant colors and adding another layer of natural beauty to this already charming abode. The thoughtful landscaping, even in its quieter state, speaks to a homeowner who values both aesthetics and a harmonious connection with nature, making the exterior an inviting preface to the interior marvels.
A Functional and Stylish Entryway: Setting the Tone Inside
Upon entering, guests are greeted by a charming and highly functional entryway, cleverly positioned directly across from the front door, nestled between the dining room and the living room. This isn’t merely a pass-through space; it’s a meticulously designed area that perfectly exemplifies Kirsten’s knack for maximizing every inch of her home. She ingeniously carved out this sweet and practical zone, demonstrating how even compact spaces can be transformed into incredibly useful and visually appealing features. The built-in shelving and storage, which appear custom-made, were indeed crafted by a talented local woodworker. Kirsten wisely chose this bespoke option, noting the significant cost savings compared to many ready-made systems she had explored. This decision not only supported local craftsmanship but also ensured a perfect fit and unique character. Dominating this space, and acting as a delightful focal point, is the awesome, oversized “N” – a chic acquisition from Anthropologie, adding a personal and stylish touch that immediately captivates the eye and sets the eclectic tone for the rest of the home’s interior design journey.
The Heart of the Home: A Living Room Designed for Comfort and Style
Moving further into the home, the living room immediately commands attention. It’s a space where comfort meets curated style, and every element feels intentionally placed. Our initial reaction was pure adoration, from the moment we noticed the exceptional paint colors to the ingenious use of space. The walls in this particular room are adorned with Benjamin Moore’s Copley Gray, a rich and inviting hue that creates a sense of warmth and sophistication without feeling overwhelming. This versatile color choice provides a fantastic backdrop for the diverse collection of furnishings and decor. The true showstopper, however, is that brilliant oversized map sourced from Schoolhouse Electric. It’s not just a piece of art; it’s a conversation starter, adding a sophisticated, worldly touch and an incredible sense of scale to the room. As we explored, we found ourselves oohing and aahing, snapping photos of every delightful detail, thoroughly captivated by Kirsten’s ability to blend different styles and eras seamlessly, creating a truly unique living experience.
Beyond aesthetics, the living room is a testament to functional design. The wood-burning fireplace, a true luxury, provides an incredible sense of coziness, especially during Portland’s cooler months, making it the perfect spot for relaxation. Kirsten shared a practical tip about the patterned rug from Crate & Barrel: it’s been an outstanding choice because any small bits of soot or ash that might occasionally escape the fireplace blend right into its intricate design, maintaining the room’s pristine look with minimal effort. Above the mantel, a stunning mirror, a fantastic find from Craigslist, adds both light and depth to the space, proving that high style doesn’t always require a high price tag. These thoughtful details illustrate a homeowner who prioritizes both beauty and everyday liveability, crafting a space that is as practical as it is appealing.
One of the most charming pairings in the living room is a repurposed wood chest, discovered on Craigslist, which now functions as a unique side table. Its rustic appeal is perfectly complemented by the vibrant and colorful ikat chair from Urban Outfitters, creating an eclectic vignette that feels both curated and comfortable. This combination beautifully showcases Kirsten’s talent for blending vintage treasures with contemporary pieces, injecting personality and warmth into the room. It’s a bold yet harmonious mix that exemplifies her distinctive decorating style, offering inspiration for those seeking to combine different eras and textures in their own living spaces, truly making the room feel personal and lived-in.
Adding another layer of warmth and personal history to the living room is the coffee table, a beautiful and thoughtful wedding gift from several relatives, acquired from Crate & Barrel. This piece not only serves a practical purpose as a central gathering point but also holds immense sentimental value, grounding the modern aesthetic with a touch of cherished memory. Its presence ties the room together, reflecting the loving relationships that define Kirsten and Kyle’s life and adding another layer of depth to the home’s narrative. It’s a wonderful example of how gifts and personal connections can become integral parts of a home’s design story.
The Elegant Dining Room: Blending History with Modernity
Directly across from the living room, the dining area beckons with its own distinct charm. The transition is marked by a cool, slightly arched doorway, a subtle architectural detail that adds elegance and defines the space without completely closing it off. This thoughtful design choice creates an open yet intimate atmosphere, perfect for both casual meals and more formal gatherings. The dining room, like the rest of the home, is a masterclass in blending personal history with contemporary design, making it a truly inviting space that encourages lingering conversations and shared moments around a beautifully set table.
A true statement piece that immediately captures attention in the dining room is the awesome light fixture from Ballard Design. Its distinctive form and elegant presence serve as a focal point, illuminating the space beautifully while contributing significantly to the room’s refined aesthetic. This fixture, combined with the other carefully chosen elements, elevates the dining experience, making every meal feel special and adding a touch of sophisticated drama to the overhead space. It’s a perfect example of how strategic lighting can define and enhance an entire room’s character.
The dining room is replete with meaningful touches. The thin black frames adorning the back wall, displaying a curated collection of art, contribute to a sophisticated gallery feel. But the true centerpiece, both functionally and sentimentally, is the dining table itself. Crafted from reclaimed wood, this table holds special significance for Kirsten and Kyle: it originates from a barn that was deconstructed in Kyle’s hometown of Sweet Home, Oregon. This deep personal connection transforms the table from a mere piece of furniture into a cherished heirloom, embodying family history and local heritage. This unique story had us contemplating moving in on the spot! The paint color in this inspiring room is Quill by Olympic, a subtle yet impactful choice that creates a serene backdrop, allowing the natural textures and personal artifacts to truly shine. Kirsten’s ability to infuse such profound personal narratives into her decor is truly remarkable, making the dining room not just a place to eat, but a space to connect with stories and memories, making it a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience.
For those eager to delve deeper into the narrative behind the wall art and frames, Kirsten’s blog offers a fascinating look at their interesting origins and how the frames were cleverly sourced from garage sales. This commitment to budget-friendly finds and personal touches extends even to the small console table positioned behind the dining area, which is accessorized with such sweet and thoughtful details. Witnessing Kirsten’s innate talent for decorating, I vividly remember telling her that she possesses a serious knack for it – the kind that merits pursuing it full-time. Every item, every arrangement, reflects an intuitive understanding of aesthetics and a genuine passion for creating beautiful spaces. This dining room stands as a perfect example of her skill in weaving together personal history, smart sourcing, and effortless style into a cohesive and captivating design, truly inspiring for any home decorator.
The Transformed Kitchen: A Blend of Custom Craftsmanship and Savvy Design
Prepare to be amazed by their incredible kitchen, a space that has undergone a remarkable transformation from its original layout. What once was a narrow galley kitchen, constrained by walls, is now an expansive, open, and highly functional area. The strategic removal of a wall, now marked by the elegant hanging pendants, dramatically opened up the space, making it feel bright and inviting, perfect for modern living and entertaining. One of the most impressive aspects of this kitchen renovation is the stunning wood countertop. Kirsten and Kyle demonstrated incredible resourcefulness by having it handcrafted by a local woodworker, securing it for an absolute steal – a truly serious steal, costing only a few hundred dollars for the entire expanse, including the expertly cut hole for the sunken cooktop. This decision not only resulted in a custom, high-quality finish but also represented significant savings compared to off-the-shelf options, highlighting the value of supporting local artisans and thinking creatively about home improvements. It’s a brilliant example of achieving luxurious results on a practical budget, making high-end custom features accessible.
Achieving the perfect ambiance for their kitchen involved a dedicated effort in selecting the ideal wall color. Kirsten mentioned that they repainted the walls quite a few times, meticulously testing various shades until they landed on the absolute winner: a sophisticated putty color, Benjamin Moore’s Rockport Gray. This hue, she enthusiastically declared, was “the bee’s knees,” and it’s easy to see why. I personally adored how this rich, warm gray instantly elevated the appearance of their cabinets, making them look incredibly luxurious and custom, yet without ever making the space feel dark or heavy. Instead, it creates a wonderfully balanced and inviting atmosphere, proving that the right shade of paint can dramatically enhance a room’s character and perceived value, turning an ordinary kitchen into an extraordinary one.
On the opposite side of the kitchen, a sweet eat-in area offers a perfect spot for casual meals and morning coffee. This charming nook is anchored by a vibrant yellow poster that is, without a doubt, “the bomb.com!” Its bold color and playful design inject a fantastic dose of personality and cheer into the space, instantly brightening the room. You can find this eye-catching piece here. Complementing this pop of color is an amazing yellow peppermill from Anthropologie, adding another layer of bright, curated style and a functional yet decorative touch. This delightful corner perfectly encapsulates Kirsten’s ability to infuse joy and unique character into every part of her home, making it both functional and incredibly aesthetically pleasing, and a true source of kitchen decor inspiration.
A Touch of Whimsy: The Stenciled Staircase
Just off the kitchen, a small staircase leads to an exterior door, and Kirsten saw this often-overlooked utility space as an opportunity for creative expression. Eager to dress up the stairs without committing to a hefty budget, she embarked on a brilliant DIY project. She used Benjamin Moore’s durable porch and floor paint in two classic shades – White Dove and Van Cortland Blue – and, with the help of a stencil, gave them a complete pick-me-up. The result is a charming, custom-look staircase that adds a unique touch of whimsy and pattern to an otherwise utilitarian area. This project perfectly illustrates how a little paint and a lot of ingenuity can transform even the most mundane parts of a home into a delightful design feature, proving that personalized style doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s a true testament to her creative vision and practical approach to home decor, offering a fantastic DIY staircase idea for others.
The Serene Guest Room: Vintage Finds with a Modern Twist
The guest room offers a serene and inviting retreat, characterized by a charming metal bed that evokes a sense of timeless elegance. Its classic design provides a comfortable and welcoming anchor for the space. However, the true showstopper in this space is undoubtedly the coolest old wood dresser we’ve encountered in a long while. Its unique character and rustic appeal immediately catch the eye, promising a story of its past and adding significant personality to the room. This room is a perfect example of how Kirsten blends comfortable, classic elements with striking, one-of-a-kind pieces to create a truly memorable experience for her guests, making them feel right at home with a touch of curated charm.
This remarkable dresser has a fascinating history that perfectly embodies Kirsten’s talent for transforming overlooked items into design masterpieces. While it possesses the kind of vintage charm you might expect to see in a high-end boutique like Anthropologie, commanding a hefty price, its true story is far more humble and inspiring. It was originally a free hand-me-down that Kirsten inherited. In an initial attempt to refresh it, she painted it, only to find she disliked the result. Rather than giving up, she embarked on the painstaking process of stripping and sanding it back down. The outcome of this “accidental” artistic journey is truly amazing: a beautifully weathered and cool effect that exudes authentic character and depth. This perfectly imperfect finish feels effortlessly chic and tells a story of perseverance and creative vision. The final touches include stylish drawer pulls, also from Anthropologie, which complement its unique aesthetic, and the calming wall color, Behr’s Pebble Stone, creating a tranquil backdrop for this truly special piece. It’s a powerful lesson in seeing potential and embracing the beauty of imperfection through dedicated DIY effort, offering valuable insights for vintage furniture restoration.
The Lush Backyard Oasis: Portland’s Green Embrace
Stepping outside, the backyard reveals a verdant oasis, a testament to Portland’s abundant rainfall and Kirsten’s knack for creating inviting outdoor spaces. The entire area is wonderfully lush and green, offering a refreshing retreat from urban life, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment. Immediately off the kitchen, a charming small deck provides a perfect spot for al fresco dining or enjoying a quiet morning coffee amidst nature. Beyond the deck, a well-maintained fence ensures privacy, while a selection of pretty bushes and mature plantings create a natural boundary and add to the garden’s tranquil atmosphere. Even from our vantage point, the sense of peace and natural beauty was palpable, highlighting the importance of blending indoor comfort with outdoor serenity. It’s an ideal setting for relaxation, entertaining, and simply enjoying the beauty that Portland’s climate and Kirsten’s design acumen collectively offer in this delightful outdoor living space.
A Home Full of Inspiration and Heart
In every respect, Kirsten and Kyle’s home is a triumph of design, demonstrating that true style comes from a blend of personal passion, clever sourcing, and a willingness to embrace creative challenges. Each room, from the striking entryway to the serene guest retreat, offers a unique narrative and countless inspiring ideas for anyone looking to infuse their own space with character and warmth. This house isn’t just charming; it’s a vibrant reflection of its owners’ personality and their dedication to crafting a truly unique and inviting environment. It’s a powerful reminder that a home can be both beautiful and deeply personal, achieving an eclectic elegance through smart choices and a genuine love for design. The harmonious blend of DIY projects, local craftsmanship, and carefully chosen pieces creates a home that feels both sophisticated and incredibly comfortable, truly a dream space in Portland.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to Kirsten for graciously inviting us to crash her house and share her incredible design journey. It was an absolute pleasure to tour her space and draw inspiration from her ingenious decorating solutions and thoughtful touches. This home stands as a shining example of how personal history, budget-savvy finds, and a keen eye for detail can create a truly remarkable living environment. We hope you’ve been as inspired as we were by this exceptional Portland home tour!
Dive Deeper into Kirsten’s World: Resources and Your Favorites
For those eager to replicate some of Kirsten’s stunning aesthetics or simply learn more about her design philosophy, we’ve compiled some essential links. Discover all the specific paint colors used throughout her home by clicking here. To explore more about her beautiful house and its vibrant Portland neighborhood, you can click here. And for a broader dose of her amazing design insights and ongoing projects, we highly recommend checking out her awesome blog in general, accessible here. Her blog is a treasure trove of inspiration, DIY tips, and a deeper look into her creative process, making it a must-visit for any home decor enthusiast.
Now, it’s your turn to join the fun! Let’s play the “what’s-your-favorite-part” game. For me, I am completely obsessed with the giant world map in the living room – its scale and subject matter are just captivating and instantly draw the eye. The dining room chandelier also holds a special place, adding such a touch of elegance and sophistication, and the rustic wood trunk in the living room perfectly grounds the space with its unique character and history. Of course, my colleague John wants to claim the map for himself and also has a deep admiration for the cheerful yellow sign in the kitchen, along with the beautifully handcrafted wood counter, highlighting its incredible value and craftsmanship. What truly caught your eye? Share your top picks and tell us what inspired you most from Kirsten and Kyle’s captivating Portland home tour in the comments below!
Psst- Don’t stop the inspiration here! Check out over thirty more amazing House Crashing features, filled with diverse styles and brilliant decorating ideas, right here. Happy decorating and happy home touring!