To refresh the main living area of this 100-year-old house, I took cues from existing architectural details and from the views outside the windows. Retaining the original wood trim was a must for some family members, and enlivening the house with joyful color was desired by others. I decided to think of the wood trim and the greenery outside as the foundational colors around which to build. Since the wood is dark orange, bringing in complementary blues created contrast and energy. From there I layered in additional oranges of varying brightness, and pulled in yellows and greens to create an overall uplifting palette. The result is a home with original tudor charm combined with a light and lively contemporary vibe.
Interior Color Portfolio
Arden Road
photos by Heather V. Keeling
Slender House
photos by Heather V. Keeling
The Slender House is an award-winning structure by Waechter Architecture that Wendy Scott Design renovated and redecorated, and presented as one of six homes on the 2023 Portland Modern Home Tour. When Wendy started brainstorming with this client and it became clear that she was very much into color, she called me in for collaboration. We formulated a color palette for the house that was broad enough to create different moods, while also creating cohesion for this multi-story home. Additionally, the palette needed to come together in two commissioned murals by Racheal Jackson of Banyan Bridges. Two pieces of the color puzzle were in place: a beautiful olive sofa, and stunning tile for the kitchen by Pratt & Larson. These elements, in addition to two images of nature provided by the client, were the launching point for the palette. Both images had high contrasts of value and color, which we emulated by using deep, dramatic colors along with rich brights and a good dose of white and black. The result is a home full of personality with areas for cocooning and areas that are energizing.
Martha's Attic
A sweet attic space with two bedrooms needed a quick update before the arrival of guests. Knowing that the guest room was soon to become a nursery, the client wanted to keep the budget tight and the decor simple for that room. Our solution was to use bedding and cushions that could eventually be incorporated into the main bedroom as an additional layer of color.
Weekend on Water Ave
photos by Heather V. Keeling & Kristin Van Buskirk
The Central Eastside Design District's inaugural Weekend on Water event was created to showcase many of the design-centric businesses in the vibrant Portland neighborhood. I was called in to co-curate, along with Appetite Interiors, a 3000sf showroom featuring goods from the district. We used wall color from Miller Paint to anchor the spaces, and sourced furniture and accessories from over 20 shops in the district to create inspiring vignettes. The showroom was full of activity all weekend including Willamette Week's launch party for the third edition of their home magazine, Nester.
Clay Street
photos by Heather V. Keeling & Kristin Van Buskirk
This entryway of this quirky Victorian cottage needed a little more personality for its creative inhabitants. Taking cues from the exisiting cabinet, I created a palette of calming blues and greens to welcome people home after a hectic day. A touch of lilac on the door creates uplifting energy on the way out.
Small Spaces
Sometimes you only have to tackle one room, one corner, or one shelf to liven up your home.
Write to me at kristin@woonwinkelhome.com if you'd like to learn more.