Nine. That’s the number of different colors on display in the Portland house of Puji Sherer, President and “Chief Color Nerd” at Colorhouse Paint, an eco-conscious, low-odor paint company. But don’t think you’re in for a dizzying blend of too-bright hues in this tour. Colorhouse is known for great paint ingredients, but also for hand-crafted color collections and a curated palette of earthy, rich colors. That’s not to say there aren’t any bold colors in the their deck, but even the brightest shades still seem to soothe.

As President of Colorhouse, Puji uses her background in color theory to predict the next trends in color. She also helps design palettes for lifestyle partners like Crate & Barrel and Aphrochic. And her creativity doesn’t stop at work; at home she plays around with color when repurposing thrift store treasures. She’s also working on converting her garage into a ceramic studio.

Not surprisingly, Puji used many shades of color in her home, but it’s how she used it that is unexpected. Not only did she choose an array of different surfaces to add color to (kitchen cabinets, headboards, furniture and more), she chose tried and true neutrals for this space. These gentle hues create a backdrop for an eclectic mix of new furnishings, repurposed furniture, and lots of texture in textiles and rugs.

My Style: Rustic Modern mixed with Reclaimed Chic

Inspiration: European flats, New York lofts, and Midwestern cottages

Favorite Element: Open floor plan, south-facing windows, original hardwoods — I can’t choose just one!

Biggest Challenge: Making heavy trim work and wainscoting added in the ’80s to a ’50s style ranch look like it is supposed to be there.

What Friends Say: Your house is so artsy and cozy! Can I move in?

Biggest Embarrassment: It was the faux slate vinyl kitchen floor — until we covered it up with black and white tile! Still vinyl — but much better!

Proudest DIY: Removing the heinous pink marble that used to surround the fireplace.

Biggest Indulgence: The gas fireplace. When I first moved in, there was a ventless gas fireplace in the living room. I used it twice, got a splitting headache both times, and then decided it had to go! Upgrading to a vented fireplace wasn’t cheap, but it was SO worth it.

Best Advice: Paint! Everything! With Colorhouse! 😉

Dream Sources: Anthropologie Home, Terrain, Domino, Pinterest,

PAINT & COLORS
Colorhouse Paint
Living Room — NOURISH .03
Dining Room — BISQUE .02
Master Bedroom — WATER .02
Guest Bedroom — GLASS .04
Main Bath — METAL .05
Kitchen Walls — BISQUE .02
Kitchen Cabinet Upper — WATER .06 Lower — METAL .05
Half Bath —WATER .06

ENTRY
Mirror- World Market
Bench- Handmade with wood from Salvage Works and Pipe from Ace Hardware
Runner- Target

LIVING ROOM
Couch- Schleifer Furniture- a part of Portland history!
Hutch- Salvage Works
Antique Rocker- Community Warehouse
Chair/Ottoman- Craigslist and reupholstered by Acanthus
Fireplace Rug- West Elm
Main rug- World Market
Fireplace Tile- Clayhaus Ceramics
Painting- Marty Schnapf
Lamp- IKEA

DINING ROOM

Table – Thrift store find and repainted in Colorhouse METAL .05 plus clearcoat Chairs- Thrift store finds in Portland OR and Port Townsend, WA
Shelves- Salvage Works
Light- Rejuvenation
Drapes- World Market

KITCHEN
Black & White Carrara Marble vinyl tile- Home Depot
Antique Butcher Block- Craigslist
Wallpaper- custom from Spoonflower
Paintings- Marty Schnapf

BEDROOM
Headboard- reclaimed and painted with Colorhouse Bisque .02
Floating shelves- Salvage Works
Lamps- family heirloom
Bedspread- Pendleton

BATHROOM
Shower Curtain- West Elm

GUEST BEDROOM
Bedspread – Urban Outfitters
Bedframe- Craigslist and painted in Colorhouse WATER .01 with clearcoat
Dresser- reclaimed and painted in Colorhouse Petal .03 with clearcoat
Rug- IKEA

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