Global Flavor to Get a Mediterranean-Style Home

Aug - 03
2019

Global Flavor to Get a Mediterranean-Style Home

Portland, Oregon, is known more for the midcentury ranch, Craftsman, Victorian and regional bungalow homes — which is the reason why interior designer Jessica Helgerson felt attracted to this particular job, a redesign of a Mediterranean house. “Though there are a few other Mediterranean homes in the area, the style is very uncommon for Portland,” she says. “The home has all of this character; it was enjoyable to work on and react to.”

at a Glance
Who lives here: A household of 4
Location: Portland, Oregon
Year constructed: 1920

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

Helgerson designed nearly all of the furniture in the home. The owners love having entertaining and parties, and advocated Helgerson to earn a sturdy coffee table which could withstand the daily wear and tear of life together with young ones — along with the occasional dance party. “They told me that nearly every gathering finishes with guests dance on the desk,” she says.

Beams add old-world style and interest into the ceiling and lead the eye to lush views beyond the steel-sash window.

Tufted chairs, coffee table: habit by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design; bench: vintage

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

The white brick outside, first to the home, emerges from the landscape. The brick and timber mix adds attention to the entry; inside, more archways indicate transition areas.

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

“The long and narrow living room was catchy to supply,” says Helgerson. She found a 12-foot-long bench and transformed it into a couch with the addition of cushioned springs, throw pillows and a chair upholstered with a vintage rug.

Tree artwork: custom layout by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design, constructed by Allen Kinast

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

A series of arches joins the rooms and direct the eye on the doors. “The windows are completely beautiful. The first builder seemingly diverted a few materials from several commercial endeavors to build this home,” says Helgerson.

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

Modern dining chairs swathed in Pollack felt showcase an intense variety of scarlet, magenta and fuchsia. Steel light fixtures include drama appropriate into the home’s architectural style.

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

Global artwork enriches the arches. “This family is so much fun, and they really love to travel,” Helgerson says. “They just got back from a visit to Morocco and France; I think their home reflects their wanderlust.”

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

Red Tolix stools, Ann Sacks flooring tiles and unadorned windows energize the kitchen. Helgerson and her staff opened the space by removing a wall which had divided the skillet from the main kitchen.

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

“Like many homes, it is where the family congregates. The kitchen is a dynamic place to be,” says Helgerson. A built-in bench and a set of stools let the whole family enjoy informal meals by the window.

Wall paint: Mascarpone, Benjamin Moore

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

The clients chose Oregon walnut for his or her kitchen countertops. Helgerson admits that the counters are a bit delicate, but she says that the clients treat the timber with utmost caution and wipe the good wood slabs using linseed oil once a week. “They were willing to sacrifice a bit more upkeep for the stunning warm look,” she says.

Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry surrounds the refrigerator, freeing up space above the sink and oven.

More on working with granite countertops

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

Helgerson transformed a back entry into this hardworking mudroom. The floors expand the stunning tilework in the kitchen; vintage light fixtures from France offer character — and much-needed light in the evenings.

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