We shared a glimpse of Kirsten’s beautiful house in last week’s Portland post to get you excited — now here’s the full House Crashing tour. The exterior of Kirsten and her husband Kyle’s home is a deep gray, and the porch is framed by oversized white corbels that make the entry feel special (house numbers have been changed to protect privacy).
Here’s the house from a bit farther away — I wish we’d seen it in full spring bloom, but even without the flowers the architecture reads beautifully.
Inside, a charming entry nook sits between the dining and living rooms. It’s a compact, highly functional space that Kirsten carved out. The built-ins were made by a local woodworker, which saved a lot compared to ready-made systems, and the oversized N on the shelf is from Anthropologie.
We loved everything in this room — the paint (Benjamin Moore Copley Gray), the oversized map from Schoolhouse Electric, and a handful of well-chosen accessories. We wandered around snapping photos and admiring the details.
The working wood-burning fireplace adds cozy warmth. The patterned rug from Crate & Barrel is a smart choice because it disguises the occasional soot or ash, and the mirror above the mantle was a craigslist find.
A repurposed wood chest used as a side table pairs perfectly with a colorful ikat chair from Urban Outfitters, creating a playful mix of vintage and modern.
The coffee table was a wedding gift from several relatives — a thoughtful piece from Crate & Barrel that anchors the seating area.
Directly across from the living room is the dining area, highlighted by a slightly arched doorway that gives the space character.
The dining room is centered by a bold light fixture from Ballard Designs and a reclaimed-wood table that carries special meaning — the wood came from a barn taken down in Kyle’s hometown of Sweet Home, Oregon. The paint here is Quill by Olympic, a warm neutral that complements the wood tones and black accents.
The thin black frames on the back wall contain thoughtfully chosen prints, many of which have interesting origins and were framed using garage-sale finds. A small console table behind the dining area is styled simply and effectively, showcasing Kirsten’s strong sense of decorating.
The kitchen is a standout. Where a wall once stood, the space was opened up to create a more functional layout. They had a local woodworker craft the countertop — an affordable custom piece that even included the cutout for the sunken cooktop.
Kirsten mentioned they repainted several times to land on the right hue; Benjamin Moore’s Rockport Gray (a putty tone) made the cabinets feel rich without darkening the space.
An eat-in nook on the other side of the kitchen is bright and welcoming. A bold yellow poster and a matching yellow peppermill add cheerful pops of color to the area.
A small staircase off the kitchen leads to an exterior door. To refresh the steps without spending much, Kirsten used Benjamin Moore porch and floor paint (White Dove and Van Cortland Blue) and a stencil to create a custom look.
The guest room features a charming metal bed and a striking old wood dresser that looks like a boutique find. In reality it was a free hand-me-down that Kirsten refinished — she stripped and sanded it to reveal a weathered, authentic finish. Drawer pulls are from Anthropologie and the wall color is Behr’s Pebble Stone.
The backyard felt lush and green thanks to Portland’s rain. A small deck off the kitchen provides an outdoor spot, and a fence and shrubs create a private, cozy yard.
Overall, this is a charming house, filled with thoughtful, budget-conscious choices and layered vintage finds. Thanks to Kirsten for letting us crash her home — every room shows real personality and a clear love of design.
What’s your favorite detail? I’m obsessed with the oversized map in the living room, the dining room chandelier, and the weathered wood trunk. John’s also smitten with the map and the kitchen’s yellow poster and wood counter. Share yours!