“I originally moved here with my partner,” he says. Ann Parkera production designer and props stylist, has been renting a one-bedroom in Portland, Oregon, for the past 10 years. “Even after we broke up, I stayed here because I love this space. I’ve spent a lot of time building my life here, and this feels like an extension of me.” For the past 10 years, Anne has filled the house with furniture she made with her father, thrown epic holiday parties, and adopted a puppy named Pepe. Today she guided us around with photos. leela sid…
kitchen
About the family project: My dad is a retired carpenter, so he always asks me to help him with projects around the house. Together we built a kitchen pantry and shelving, as well as an outdoor shed. He is a patient teacher and I learned a lot.
Heart of the house: I like having people come to my house as much as possible. Once a week, I have dinner with my neighbors and their three little girls. Over time, they have become my goddaughters and we are always trying to explore new foods.
About growing a garden: When we moved in, we built a raised bed in our backyard. My first priority is to plant things that make delicious salads. Right now I have mesclun, collards, kale, chard, peppers, herbs, and cucumbers. I love making Mediterranean salads and used tomatoes and basil to make gazpacho for dinner.
living area
About your four-legged roommate: After the relationship ended, I started visiting the Humane Society fairly regularly. One morning I knew I would be able to meet my dog that day. When I got to the Humane Society, I saw the dog and thought, “Wow, this guy is really cute.”
coffee table: wayfair. Lug: boutique rug.
When choosing a name for your dog: Years ago, we were discussing possible names for our child and I said I loved the name Pepe. After observing the dog for a while at the Humane Society, I decided to check the name tag to ask if I could meet the volunteers. His name was Pepe. I went home with him that day.
sofa: One Kings Lane. Table lamp: Zara Home. Bookshelf: “My father and I made this.”
For parties with a twist: I’ve been working as a freelancer for 13 years, so I’ve never been to a working holiday party. So we came up with the idea of hosting an office-style holiday party for freelancers. Last December, 57 people crammed into my one-bedroom rental. My friend brought Chex Mix and I made shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, cheese and crackers, potato chips with onion dip, popcorn, and cookies. Plus a big bowl of Amaro Lambrusco punch. We were packed like sardines here, but we had a lot of fun.
office corner
Print: Gift Shop danish design museum. Desk: “Cobblestone combination with filing cabinet, IKEA desktop, and legs I made.” Wicker armchair and rug: Facebook Marketplace.
About my favorite books: I found the novel interesting recently. Rachel incident. This is a coming-of-age story about romance and shenanigans between friends in their 20s in Ireland. I also liked it abundance Co-authored by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, it outlines a hopeful way for Democrats to move forward. I keep a note on my phone of every book I read along with a 1-5 star rating.
Green chair: vintage. Sheep pillow: CB2.
Regarding mealtime rituals: One of my favorite meals is a rice bowl with salmon, kimchi, avocado, pickled cucumber, and green onions. During dinner, I like to read political newsletters What a day by distorted mediaSo you can know the latest happenings.
dining area
Before starting volunteer activities: In 2020, in the midst of COVID-19, I became friends with a neighbor who was a political organizer. With 100 days until the election, I asked him, “What would you be doing now?” “Get involved at the state legislative level to elect Democrats.” Because, essentially, everything drips down.
About sister districts: I have done a lot of volunteer work. sister districta grassroots organization that pairs people in blue states to make phone calls to help elect Democrats in purple states. I’ve seen firsthand how talking to people one-on-one can really help you engage voters. In fact, telephone banking is one of the most effective tools for ensuring voter turnout. Very well organized and really fun. Sister District will solve everything for you.
bedroom
Pillowcase: Zara Home.
On finding balance: Growing up, I always saw work as a way to make a difference in the world. But I realized that I could make a difference through volunteer work, personal interactions, and the community I built. My job as a stylist gives me a lot of free time to achieve the changes I want to see.
Sofa: Craigslist. Striped pillow: IKEA. Floor cushion: Recycled. Lug: boutique rug.
On staying positive during uncertain times: One thing I have learned through volunteering is that action is the antidote to despair. When you’re actually doing something, like making a phone call or connecting with people whose votes matter, you can’t help but feel hopeful. That is the only experience that helped me make sense of this terrible time.
About living alone: I think everyone should live alone at least once. Although there are moments when we feel lonely and afraid, there are very few times in our lives when we have the freedom to make all our own decisions: when and what we eat, how we spend our time, how we decorate, what we put where. On the other hand, if you lose your keys, there is no one to blame but yourself.
Thank you so much, Anne! you can follow her on instagramIf you don’t mind.
PS Other home tours, including a family’s downsized dream home and a Connecticut home that defines coziness.
(Photo provided by: leela sid (for joe cup)
Source: Cup of Jo – cupofjo.com
