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Nina’s Styled Studio

Leela Cyd
Leela Cyd
As a photographer, Leela is looking for the in-between moments, the details and the emotion of places, people or things. She spent over a decade as a stylist so her work is carefully constructed, layered with personality, but always has a feeling of freedom and joy. Growing up around a table of creatives — her father a photographer, mother a writer — Leela is a synthesis of her family. Her abilities are broad — from interiors/architecture, to product, food and lifestyle. When she’s not making pictures or in the studio she’s playing with her two young children dreaming up their next adventure. Leela has also authored and photographed 4 of her own books, "Food with Friends," "Tasting Hygge," "Cooking Up Trouble," and "Styling for Instagram."
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updated Dec 19, 2019
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Name: Nina Bakos
Location: South East — Portland, Oregon
Size: Approximately 500 square feet
Years lived in: 2 — rented

Nina’s job is to make objects fit into a space just right as a product merchandiser for Nike, so it’s no surprise her studio is arranged with love, care and impeccable taste. Her biggest design inspiration? The aesthetic of her Finnish mother and Slovac father. Great style runs in the family.

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Nina has lived in the Portland, Oregon area most of her life, with stints abroad in Spain and a handful of other countries. Her home design is informed by her international jaunts and European parents as well as the natural woods that envelop so much of the Pacific Northwest. Her most treasured objects are either handmade by friends or family: the strange inside-out-bears hiding in the closet made by sister Andi, the “yes” poster from a recent wedding, Mom’s gold purse dangling off the blue bike or picked up in Finland or while traveling, like the lovely terrarium planter in the kitchen. The mix of eclectic items makes Nina’s apartment distinctly hers – giving you a window into her interests, plans, past and passions.

Nina’s space also has great, open air flow from the studio’s windows and the cross breeze coming from the original 1930s style kitchen. Light streams in, filtered through rustling tree leaves and her mounted Valenti Luce Pistillo lamp bounces light back in the most magnetic way. The cast shadows on the slate grey walls are dramatic and interesting. The lamp shadows combined with the patterned rug and plain white bedding showcase a range of textures, colors and mood — the effect is really lovely, especially with the tulip stool as bed side table and vintage purse hanging just so. With impeccable style and spot–on taste, Nina’s home is unique, beautiful and comfortable to while away an afternoon drinking cocktails and listening to music.

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Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: Modern

Inspiration: I’m addicted to traveling and am always inspired by the places I go and the new things I see. Also growing up in a Slovak and Finnish family was extremely inspiring. Love Scandinavian design!

Favorite Element: My windows — there is always a ton of light in my place. I also love how tiny my studio is because it makes it super cozy during the long rainy winters.

Biggest Embarrassment: My closets. They are stuffed to the brim!

Biggest Indulgence: I’m addicted to succulents and small plants to decorate the apartment. They add such a nice touch to a space.

Best Advice: Keep it minimal, less is more.

Dream Sources: So many places Europe, my parents house where I grew up and the following online resources: Scandinavian Retreat, The Selby, Marimekko, Inform Interiors, Moooi, The Brick House, Muji, Ace Hotel, BP Interiors, Canoe, Velocity Art and Design

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Resources of Note:

KITCHEN

    • kitchen chairs: Craigslist
    • table: Ikea
    • Glasses and bowl: Litala
    • Print: <a href="http://www.compoundgallery.com></a>%20Compound%20Gallery</a></ul><p><br></p><p><strong><small>BEDROOM</small></strong><br/></p><ul>%E2%80%A2%20Tom%20Vac%20Chair:%20<a%20href=" http:="" www.velocityartanddesign.com>Velocity Art and Design
    • desk: West Elm
    • print above desk: Invite for my sisters wedding, designed by Para
    • photo: by me, from when I lived in Barcelona
    • notepad: Canoe
    • antlers: Erich Ginder
    • locker: Ikea
    • green vintage phone: my sister bought it in a flea market in Amsterdam
    • Edie Sedgwick photo by Andy Warhol: gift from my friend
    • sheepskin rug: Ikea

OTHER

    • print on wall: Claudia at Pattern People
    • striped rug: Ikea
    • skull print: Mike Perry
    • Valenti Luce Pistillo lamp: Velocity Art and Design
    • bookshelf: West Elm
    • vintage trunks: antique store in Portland
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Thanks, Nina!

Images: Leela Cyd Ross

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