“Mid-Century Zen” Style in North Portland

Name: Kristen Siefkin and Ken “Zig” Naffziger, and their two Havanese, Zane and Ollie
Location: Arbor Lodge Neighborhood, North Portland, Oregon
Size: 2,800 square feet
Years lived in: 2+ years, owned

After years in a successful PR career, Kristen decided it was time to follow her dream of becoming an interior stylist. She founded Ideaspark Interiors, and has flexed her creative muscles on a variety of residential and commercial projects, including the restaurants that she and her husband Zig own together.

One of Kristen’s favorite pastimes is scouring Portland’s vintage shops, both for her clients’ homes and for her own. Kristen often swaps out a side table, accessory or a piece of art, so her space is constantly evolving, and serves as a venue for her to try ideas. When Kristen and Zig aren’t busy with interiors and restaurants, they love to travel and hang out with their “boys,” Zane and Ollie.

Our Style: I like to say that my style is “MCM Zen” – I am a huge fan of the mid-century and Asian –particularly Japanese – aesthetic. Fortunately for me, they complement each other really well.

Inspiration: There’s a local designer named Jessica Helgerson whose work makes me crazy (in a good way). She manages to design spaces that are at once clean and interesting; that’s not always an easy combination. My fellow designers at Urban ID, with whom I share an office, also inspire me. Everyone’s point of view is completely different and it’s fun to see how each designer approaches a project.

Favorite Element: I have two pieces of art that are my favorites and make me happy every time I see them. The first is an abstract painting from Lane Van Doren, an artist living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. My husband and I met he and his wife Linda when we were on vacation there some years back. They invited us over for dinner one evening and during a tour of his studio, we saw this painting that I just knew I had to own. It’s the focal point of our living room and I love it today as much as I did the moment I first saw it.

The second piece is a black and white abstract by French engraver, painter, and textile artist Paule Marrot. It is a print of one of her textiles and is floated on muslin canvas and framed in an acrylic box. I saw it at Jonathan Adler and couldn’t get it out of my mind. It took me about a year to pull the trigger, but I am so glad I did.

Biggest Challenge: Our former home was really special, architecturally speaking. This house is basically a large box with no remarkable details so the onus is on us to create interest where possible.

What Friends Say: My friends say that my choices in home decor echo those of my attire. I love clean lines and neutrals with pops of color. My art is like my jewelry.

Biggest Embarrassment: I have THE hardest time decorating my own home. I have no issue marching in to a client’s house, seeing what needs to happen and making those recommendations confidently. When it comes to my own place, however, I am utterly stymied. I do have a few designers I hire periodically to help me when I am stuck.

Proudest DIY: I don’t have a DIY bone in my body, but I do pride myself on my consignment, estate sale and secondhand shopping prowess.

Biggest Indulgence: Our custom-made sofa from local design studio Mad Furniture. It was the first time we’ve had something made specifically for our space and our “sit” preferences. What a difference!

Best Advice: Rent art! I am a true Pisces and committing to art pieces can sometimes be challenging. The Portland Art Museum has a rental gallery that allows you to lease local art in three-month increments. It’s a great way to try things on for size. If you really love it, you can buy it.

Dream Sources: Chairish, DWR, Homestead Seattle, and Seams to Fit Home

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