I Can’t Believe This Sunny and Nostalgic Portland Apartment Was Once “Very Cold and White”

Being an artist and living in a creative city, Makenzie wanted to feel her artistry and individuality flourish in her home rather than looking like “the hundreds of others surrounding it.” Besides looking gorgeous, she wanted the place to feel like home for her rescue cat, Sirius. 

It didn’t take long for the apartment to feel like Makenzie and Sirius’. And the apartment is the perfect blend of both of them. She has a gorgeous and functional art studio in her bedroom, and photos and mementos from past travels (like her impressive collection of mugs), while Sirius has one of the most aesthetically pleasing scratchers from Furrytail that I’ve ever seen. 

Even though Makenzie is just renting the space, it feels “less like a cookie-cutter apartment and more like a home” because of her thoughtful inclusion of sentimental objects.

“My best advice for decorating a space is to collect pieces you love over the years. Your space will mean more to you, I promise,” Makenzie says. “Looking around my apartment, I see memories from places I have lived, adventures with friends, and items that bring me joy. The meaningful pieces are worth the wait!”

• Bed frame — Wayfair
• End bench — World Market
• Green accent pillow — Collab between the art collective Clumsy and the natural dye intimates brand Hara The Label
• Throw blanket — Overexposed, a small business out of Southern California
• Art above the bed — Ashlyn Penick (@ashgrace.art)
• Desk — Living Spaces
• Lamp — Canvas
• Chair — Wayfair

• Wooden shelves — Target
• Coffee stand — Wayfair
• Coffee maker — Nespresso
• Round dinning table and chairs — Target
• Placemats — Dusen Dusen

• Cat scratcher — Furry Tail
• TV holder — Target
• Rug — Wayfair

Thanks, Makenzie!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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