Mar 5, 2015

Room of the Week: Vida Design


Category: Lobby/Commercial
Design: Vida Design  
Location: Portland

Goal: Hired by Capstone Partners to decorate the interiors of the new Burnside 26 apartments, Portland’s Vida Design aimed to create an inviting entry lobby that would reflect—and attract—the broad age range of the eastside demographic. It’s the first thing guests and residents see when they enter the building, so designer Rachel Sowieja and her team designed the space to be more than just a seating area, but a gathering place where locals can work on their computers, read a paper, or get to know their neighbors.

Inspiration: “We took the neighborhood culture into account,” says Sowieja of the gentrifying and diverse Burnside. “Vida headquarters is located only a few miles from the property, so we were able to obtain a keen understanding of the community and overall aesthetics. Much of our inspiration came from two popular TV shows, Mad Men and Portlandia, so the interiors are a mix of midcentury modern and Portland rustic charm.”

Breakdown: The Vida team drew in midcentury-inspired furniture including colorful chairs and a gray sofa from Joybird. The fireplace has a concrete hearth; surrounding walls are clad in Accoya wood, adding texture and blending with the neutral palette. The central table was designed by Vida and locally made by Sublime Design. The rug, an unexpected bohemian detail made from patched-together antique Turkish rugs, was ordered through Etsy and came directly from Istanbul, Turkey. Michi Design, of Bend, Oregon, crafted the drum light overhead.

Get the Look: “Make the fireplace the focal point and instead of hanging artwork above it, flank vibrant and bold abstract pieces on either side,” advises Sowieja. “Mix midcentury elements with older, antique pieces—such as the antique rug—and newer, more modern items. Make sure you incorporate a few items in a similar aesthetic. The commonality of the midcentury sofa and goldenrod chairs help pull this look together, creating a cohesive yet eclectic look.”


Image Courtesy of Shelsi Lindquist Photography.

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