We shared a small glimpse of Kirsten’s beautiful Portland home in last week’s Portland post, but here’s the full House Crashing feature. The exterior of Kirsten and her husband Kyle’s house is painted a rich gray, and the porch is detailed with oversized white corbels flanking the door (note: house numbers have been changed to protect privacy).
From farther back, the house presents a compact, welcoming profile—one you can imagine looking even more lush in spring or summer when gardens are in full bloom.
Inside, a charming entryway sits directly across from the front door, between the dining room and living room. Kirsten carved out a sweet, functional nook in that space with built-ins made by a local woodworker, which saved money compared to off-the-shelf systems. The large “N” on the shelf is a standout decorative piece.
The living room immediately delights with thoughtful paint choices and curated accessories. The walls are Benjamin Moore’s Copley Gray, and a large vintage-style map (sourced from Schoolhouse Electric) serves as a focal point above the mantel. The working wood-burning fireplace adds cozy ambience; the patterned rug from Crate & Barrel is a practical pick because soot or ash blends into the pattern, making it a great low-maintenance choice. A mirror above the fireplace was discovered on Craigslist, adding charm and character.
A repurposed wood chest serves as a side table and pairs beautifully with a colorful ikat chair from Urban Outfitters. The coffee table was a thoughtful wedding gift from relatives, and its presence ties the seating area together, giving the living room a lived-in, curated feel.
The dining area sits directly across from the living room and is accessed through a slightly arched doorway that adds architectural interest. A striking light fixture from Ballard Designs hangs over the reclaimed-wood dining table, which holds sentimental value: the wood was reclaimed from a barn in Kyle’s hometown of Sweet Home, Oregon. The thin black frames on the back wall display a collection of prints with an intriguing origin story, and the paint color here is Quill by Olympic. Kirsten’s knack for styling the console table and arranging small details throughout the room speaks to a strong sense of interior design.
The kitchen is a standout in this Portland home tour. What was once a narrow galley was opened up—what used to be a wall now houses pendant lighting and a more spacious layout. The wood countertop was handcrafted locally at an exceptionally reasonable price, including a built-out cut for a sunken cooktop. The wall color, Benjamin Moore’s Rockport Gray, was chosen after several paint trials; its putty tone enriches the cabinetry without making the space feel dark.
On the opposite side of the kitchen is a cozy eat-in area. A bold yellow poster provides a pop of color and personality, complemented by a cheerful yellow peppermill. Small details like these infuse the kitchen with warmth and character.
Off the kitchen a small staircase leads to an exterior door. To spruce up the stairs affordably, Kirsten used Benjamin Moore porch and floor paints in White Dove and Van Cortland Blue and applied a stencil for a fresh, custom look—an easy and budget-friendly update.
The guest bedroom feels comfortable and well curated, anchored by a metal bed and an exceptional old wood dresser. That dresser, which looks like a vintage Anthropologie find, was actually a free hand-me-down that Kirsten renovated by stripping and sanding away a layer of paint to reveal a beautifully weathered finish. The drawer pulls are from Anthropologie and the wall color is Behr’s Pebble Stone, creating a soothing, layered palette.
The backyard is lush and green—thanks to Portland’s generous rain—with a small deck off the kitchen and a fenced area screened by shrubs. It’s an intimate outdoor space that complements the home’s cozy interior.
Overall, Kirsten and Kyle’s house is a charming example of thoughtful, personalized interior design. From reclaimed materials and handmade pieces to clever paint choices and budget-friendly DIY details, the home balances style and practicality. Thanks to Kirsten for welcoming us in for this House Crashing tour.
For more on Kirsten’s paint colors and the backstory of many of these elements, check the original posts on her blog for full details on the finishes and the neighborhood. Now for the fun part: what stands out most to you? The oversized map in the living room, the dining-room chandelier, the wood trunk, the reclaimed-wood dining table, or the sunny spot in the kitchen?
Psst—Check out over thirty more House Crashing features in the House Crashing series.