Mikola and Randall’s Modern and Airy Small Space

Name: Mikola Accuardi, photographer and blogger at Portland Supply Co., Randall Garcia, designer at Wieden + Kennedy, and baby Valentino
Location: Southeast Clinton; Portland, Oregon
Size: 900 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year, 5 months ; Rented

Mikola and Randall’s apartment is one of those spaces I swooned over, but never actually get to visit, until today. The apartment itself features jaw-dropping, immense steel windows, doors that look like giant walls, and sleek baby-proof cabinetry — which was what sealed the deal for Mikola and Randall. The earthy textiles, comfy sofa and use of wood through out the interior gives warmth to the modern architecture. You wouldn’t believe me even if I told you — it’s only 900 sq ft!

It’s no surprise that two creatives like Randall, a designer at Weiden + Kennedy and Mikola, a photographer and blogger for Portland Supply Co., would have such a luminous and stunning home.

Mikola was so kind to have me over today, which also happens to be Valentino’s first birthday! She’s one of those people you instantly want to learn more about. She’s a mom who’s constantly on the go — coffee in one hand, baby in the other, and camera around her neck. When she’s not photographing inspirational people and interiors, she and friend Jacquellyn Caballero spend most of their time here, in her spacious and serene home, working on their recently launched blog, Portland Supply Co.

PS Co. is an amazing project that serves as a platform to connect creatives and reveal the studios, closets, and homes of Portland-based artists, designers, and makers. For those who plan to visit or live in Portland, I strongly recommend you check out their blog and explore their well-curated guide to Portland’s culture, must-visit shops and recognizable talents.

You can say that less is more in this sensibility, but sentiment is not lacking —there are quirky messages and DIY gems hidden throughout the space. It strikes the perfect balance between old and new, and is filled with handmade objects created by friends and by the couple themselves. Stories unfold, only when I ask, and it seems like every object has its place. Randall’s self-made wood blocks sit above their shelves, while his prints of the same wood blocks hang over an antique work bench. I’m a little more than mildly obsessed with Mikola’s self-made macrame and coiled-rope plant hangers, and must have one of my own. The terrariums are all made by her mother, who’s a talented florist and so much more (Martie’s place has also been featured on Apartment Therapy, but an update is due to come).

Did I mention Mikola and Randall live above one of the best bakeries in town? It looks like I’m going to visit more often just to enjoy some pastries and hang out in Mikola and Randall’s beautiful home.

My Style: Baby proofed modern and mid century-ish.

Inspiration: My mom! She is a stylist/interior designer/florist and she has amazing taste. It was great growing up with a creative mom, I learned so much from her. She’s also super supportive and encouraging of me being an artist, she’s the best! I also love reading blogs, and find lots of inspiration on the internet.

Favorite Element: I love the big windows. I’m a photographer and so is my partner Randall Garcia, so naturally we love light, and it’s wonderful to have interesting shadows and light throughout the day to photograph!

Biggest Challenge: Baby proofing. Having a one year old in any space is challenging, and we live in a giant square, so we’re constantly adapting and reorganizing so he won’t get into things he shouldn’t get into. Everything has slowly worked its way up high and out of his reach, and all of his things are in baskets and shelves on the floor. I also really want some big house plants but my son, Valentino, loves to play with dirt and pick leaves, so I have to wait until he’s a little bit older!

What Friends Say: “This space is so open!”

Biggest Embarrassment: IKEA shelves. But you gotta do what you gotta do.

Proudest DIY: My friend Emily Katz teaches macrame workshops, and after I took one I fell in love with macrame. I haven’t been able to stop! I just started selling them at Backtalk, Alder and Co. and on Portland Supply Co.

Biggest Indulgence: I just got an espresso machine for the kitchen, and it’s my favorite! It keeps me from taking multiple trips every day to the amazing bakery I live above, Little T Baker.

Best Advice: Mix old and new, get rid of things on a regular basis, paint everything white, and always have fresh flowers.

Dream Sources: I’m constantly finding new, amazing things while photographing makers, creatives and stores on my blog Portland Supply Co. Some favorites are: Table of Contents, Beam and Anchor, Lowell, Canoe, Alder and Co., and Woonwinkel. Also I wish I could just live in Design Within Reach. And I wish everything in my house was Hay. And I wish I had chairs by Etrine.

• Antique work bench – Bernadette Breu
• Sofa – vintage
• Macrame – handmade (available at Portland Supply Co.)
• Wood Block Prints – made by by Boyfriend Randall Garcia
• Himmeli ornament – made by Wendy Given

• Table – Ikea
• Bench – Ikea
• High chair – Ikea
• Mug – Mazama

WORKSPACE

• Coiled Rope Airplant holders – handmade
• Terrariums – Space Design by Martie Accuardi
• Diamond watercolor art – made by my friend Emily Martin
• Hex bracelets – from the Museum of Contemporary Craft

Thanks, Mikola!

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