The Slender House

A home unafraid to explore color and contrast.

The Slender House, like its owner, loves vibrant color and contrast. Nestled in the charming Mississippi neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, the dark wood exterior and mural on a neighboring building hint at what’s inside. “Slender House” stems from the nature of the narrow slot this home rests on; it maximizes the space with a main building and annex loft/garage separated by a lovely “middle” patio for lounging in Portland’s sunshine, whenever it sneaks out of the clouds. We brought in color expert Kristin Van Buskirk of local home & gift shop Woonwinkel to consult on a color palette that elevates the original home’s sophistication and architecture.

When we first arrived at the Slender House, the mural to our left suggested the owner didn’t mind being near color, especially when it contrasted darker shades and textures like the exterior of the home. This entrance got the ball rolling for interior inspiration.

Upon entering the home, guests are greeted with a bold wall color in Miller Paint’s “Lagoon Lullaby” (R078). The owner offered an inspiration image of a forest scene featuring deep/dark contrast with sunlight peeking through the trees. The green velvet couch was original, so the design of the space was built around the couch and the owner’s love of nature. This cozy media space incorporates the dark and light of the forest with graphic contrast in accents. The black and white custom art piece on the wall behind the couch provides a lighter non-linear moment that balances the room.

Furthering the contrast, the colorful couch pillows by Alex Proba (German designer based in Portland) pull from the overall color palette of the home with the dominant couch and wall colors whilst introducing brighter pops. Those pops are hints of what’s to come in decor and murals throughout the rest of the home. To break up the color pallete and dense texture of the Proba pilows, the neutral lighter pillows provide a pause of linen.

Enough about pillows, what about the other decor? The vase on the coffee table is a moment of dark meets sheer, tieing in the black in the cushions and the wall art. The flowers inside the vase are by Studio Roof and are made from recycled cardboard and vegetable inks. These eternal flowers are joyful, iconic, and cat safe, per the owner’s furry friends. The plant in the corner brings in that authentic touch of nature through its creative shapes which are echoed in the pillows and flowers.

Every corner needs a pop! This otherwise darker living room corner is brightened by the funky pattern of the chair’s upholstery. We reupholstered this vintage chair with a vibrant pattern that touches on the orange in the throw pillows and the wall murals whilst bringing in a new fabric texture. On top of the side table, more eternal flowers add another bright accent.

Just beyond the living room is the kitchen, where the color continues! One can’t help but be in awe of the gorgeous artisan Pratt + Larson tile. This tile brightens the space and adds plenty of texture and color palette references. It was one of the first major decisions for the home and influenced the color palette immensely. The bar to the right of the tile continues the theme of color and contrast with Miller Paint’s “Raven Grass” (R072). We sought to break up the linear lines of the shelves/tile with our shelf styling. The plant (top shelf to the left of the sink) in a funky pot drapes down, crossing the linear shelf lines and draws the eye down to other objects on the shelf.

The plant (top right) is housed by the stacking planter by Areaware, which has a linear stacking quality that echoes the pleats of the tile but turns it around in a horizontal way that complements the tile. The (bottom right) basket also exhibits linear and woven shapes that echo the pleats, while creating contrast to the sharp geometry of the tile. You can’t really tell from afar, but the dishes have a a drip in the glaze that adds a great juxtaposition to the tile. The painting (top shelf) is an original piece by the homeowner.

The second plant (bottom left) rests in a 3D printed pot made out of plant based resin from Canadian brand Conifer. The pot maintains the clean, modern look with its micro pleats that play off the tile but is plant-practical. Funky shapes are no rarity in this home; the cutting board by Areaware contrasts the tile and complements the similarly curvy shapes in the orange print next to it and in the living room cushions.

Still feel like you’re wanting for color? Then, head up the stairs to the second floor, this little trek will take you to the first mural by artist Banyan Bridges. The color palette is in full force here. Contrast in colors and hues paired with curving shapes and lines make this otherwise regular stairway an experience. We expect a bottle neck for visitors of the 2023 Portland Modern Home Tour who need to take a moment at this mural.

In the hallway of the second floor we paired this hand painted ceramics vase by local designer, The Granite with a small mounted mirror. It’s a little pop of color that doesn’t scream at you but ties in the house. The mirror reflects the nearby mural and accents walls, providing depth in an otherwise white wall.

Past the cute wall mirror is the guest bathroom. The entire room (ceiling included) is painted in Miller Paint’s “Kind Kiss” (R122). The wall color, between a purple and a pink, is a very muted, livable and comforting color. We flooded the whole bathroom in it to wrap the homeowner, or guest, in a cocoon of comfort. Basic color theory suggests green as a complement to pink. It felt natural to bring it in through plants and in the bath mat. The wall planters supply energy, giving the eye a place to focus without being so big that they take away from the serenity.

Stairwell #2 Accent Wall

Heading up the stairs to the primary bedroom, you are greeted by a bold accent wall in Miller Paint’s “Fresh Water” (R076). This soon to be finished wall will host a gallery arrangement of curated pieces from local shops and original art by the homeowner in custom frames by Beard’s Framing.

Up the stairs, past the accent gallery wall and you are on the primary bedroom floor. The primary bathroom features another fabulous custom mural by Banyan Bridges. This mural pulls from the color palette, showcasing the colors in bolder, denser hues. The shapes emulate nature with their leafy structures. The mosaic stool is a crafted touch that contrasts the white walls and floor of this bathroom. The towel rack adds a dark contrast to the white and the colors while also continuing the nature theme with its tree-like form.

The primary bedroom is the perfect spot to rest and unwind. The rust colored bedding plays off the warmth of the wall color and contrasts with the rich blue velvet of the bedframe (original). We lightened the bed with a blush linen quilt and texture in the pillows. The center accent pillow is a reversible, hand woven piece by Indian artisans.

The Slender House features several art pieces by the homeowner. In the primary bedroom, is framed shibori fabric from a trip the owner took to Japan.

The mounted sconces allow for more interest on the wall and space to curate on the bedside tables. The white planter is a handmade ceramic piece by Andrew Molleur and creates a modern brightness. The carafe, by American maker Yield Design Co, brings a rich amber tone that plays off the rust bedding. The wall is painted in Miller Paint’s “Chickpea Please” (R128), a warm nutty color with complexity that elevates beyond a tan or beige. You can’t experience this color properly in photographs or swatches. Its snuggle-factor is incredible in real life.

After wandering this home and taking in all of its nature-inspired design, step out to the patio for some funky decor and greenery. We toured local nursery Pomarius with the owner to find sturdy plants for this space. The espalier pear tree (back wall) has gorgeous architecture that contrasts so beautifully with the dark wall. Along the walls of this home are planter boxes with native mahonia aquifolium, or better known as Oregon grape. To combat the issue of delivery personnel and strangers walking down the side of this home, we had custom planters made with wheels on the bottom. These mobile planters protect privacy whilst allowing for passage through the alleys. The monster planter was found locally by the homeowner. The outdoor decorative pillows are a colorfully textured accent, carrying in the orange from the interiors to the outdoors.

The Slender House features collaborative color, custom art, depth of texture, and plenty of character. Still to come is custom built in shelving in the main home and the annex and paint and window drapes in the office (not yet pictured). Stay tuned and thanks for coming along!