Betsy and Will live at the end of a quiet street in Portland’s St. John’s neighborhood. From the outside, their 1965 home looks modest and unassuming, but step inside, and you will find an interior that is modern, open and welcoming. The couple themselves exude these same qualities, and have layered their home with travel-inspired textiles, bold black and whites, natural elements, vintage treasures, and artisan-made objects, many of which they carry in their shop, betsy & iya.

Will and Betsy, who run their company together, recently completed a major renovation on their home. When they purchased the house in 2014, it was in pretty rough shape (like “someone put their cigarettes out on the kitchen floor for years-type-of-bad,” says Betsy). Ultimately, they were able to move walls, completely reconfigure the floor plan, and open up the dark and cramped space. By losing a bedroom, they created an airy floor plan that, along with their styling, feels part urban loft and part cozy abode. There are still two bedrooms contained within the 900 square feet of the main floor, one of which will soon be set up as a nursery for their first child, due in January. Later, they will tackle the second stage of the remodel, an overhaul of the basement, which currently serves as a rarely used TV room.

Our Style: Unexpected, mid-century modern, minimal, traditional (but more in an ethnic sense of the word — bohemian, I guess) and contrasting elements, with touches of rustic and pop vintage, all made complete with a familial coziness and warmth. Ha! Basically, if we see something we love, we figure out how to incorporate it into our style.

Inspiration: Very inspired by other cultures, particularly Latin and South American culture — we are drawn to their in-the-moment vibrancy of life. Also Scandinavia.

Favorite Element: Our custom-made wall hanging and fireplace AND kitchen. Shoot!…we’re only supposed to pick one!??

Biggest Challenge: Building the patios in our backyard and completing the backyard project (which is still not done!!). I think the patios took us at least two months longer than we thought they would!

What Friends Say: (This is what one of our closest friends said when she first saw the major remodeled bits…she cracks me up!): Shut. UP. What? What is this!! When can I move in?

Biggest Embarrassment: The bathroom. And having many incomplete
projects…but we’ll get there!!

Proudest DIY: Kitchen back splash.

Biggest Indulgence: Induction stove and outdoor sauna — both of which have changed our lives.

Best Advice: Don’t give up! When we first bought our house, it was a complete disaster — like, someone put their cigarettes out on the old kitchen floor for years type of bad. I think Will was always able to envision where we could be in a few years; it took me just a little longer to come around. Our list was HUGE and I wanted it all to be fixed right away! But we learned quickly that we can only take it one step at a time. We focused on the bigger challenges first: weaving in old wood with new for fresh new hardwood floors, open concept, and a completely remodeled kitchen. The rest will come in time. I’ve learned to live with the parts that really bothered me in the beginning. Now, I’m just happy to have a home that I truly love.

Dream Sources: cletile.com, joinerynyc.com, schoolhouseelectric.com, houzz.com, pinterest.com

We wanted to also give a shout out to the designers who we worked with for the remodel. They have been the most awesome folks to work with and helped make us a home we really love: Matt and Angela from m.o.daby design.

PAINT & COLORS
Miller Paint — Straight White (most walls)
Miller Paint – Just About White (fireplace)
Miller Paint – Heirloom (accent walls)

LIVING ROOM
Wall Hanging –made by Trilby Nelson, available betsy & iya
Custom sofa — What’s New? Furniture
Black Lounge Chair — The Good Mod
Kilim Pillow— betsy & iya
Accent Pillows — Monticello Antique Marketplace
xbase pouf – CB2
Deca Vessel – Caravan Pacific
Candle – betsy & iya
Teak coffee and side tables – The Good Mod
Torpedo Task Floor Lamp – Restoration Hardware
Vintage wood base – Vintage Pink paired with a lamp shade from – Target
Leaning mirror – Hovet Mirror – IKEA
Rug – search for “Rug Tom” on Portland’s craigslist (he’s always updating his inventory and has great prices)
Vintage orange armchair – Monticello

DINING ROOM
Astro Dome Black Pendant Light – Globe Lighting
Origin Stool, Chairs– Crate & Barrel
Wishbone Brackets – Anthropologie
Lewis Dolin Bars – Hardware Hut
Table Made by a friend
Chairs- Crate & Barrel
Table runner – handwoven from Cusco, Peru

KITCHEN
Luminesce quartz countertop – Daltile
Retro 2″x2″ Hex Porcelain Mosaic Tile – Wayfair
Edison Vintage Pendant Lights – OHR Lighting
Prism Pendant Light – West Elm
HAMMARP Countertop, oak – IKEA
Small ceramic jars w/wood lids – Neutral Canisters – CB2

BEDROOM
Rug – IKEA
Only Good Thoughts Can Stay print – Tender Loving Empire
Bed – made by our very talented friend, Brian Pietrowski
Large pink basket – available at betsy & iya
Cabin Wool Blanket – Faribault Woolen Mills
Pillows- handmade by a vendor at Monticello Antique Marketplace

BATHROOM
Shower curtain- CB2

OUTDOOR Patio furniture Portside Dining Table – West Elm,
Woven chairs- West Elm
Round Market Umbrella in Natural- Pottery Barn Sauna – the life changing Barrel Sauna – Almost Heaven (and they are not kidding with that name!!) Chiminea – Little Baja

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