Text by Hannah Nance
Built in the early 1990s, this Oregon home had never been updated and was in need of a face-lift. The homeowner wanted to bring fresh new style to usher in a new stage of her life: empty nester. Easy to live in and maintain was the name of the game when it came to this remodel, so the homeowner enlisted the help of Molly Kidd, principal designer and co-owner of Light and Dwell, a design firm whose portfolio is filled with light, bright interiors; soft linens; clean, contemporary lines; and relaxed vibes—exactly what the homeowner was looking for.
With numerous necessary updates on their to-do list, they decided to start with a clean slate, nearly gutting the home’s entire first floor. All that remained were the hardwood floors, but those were refinished. A key to Molly’s laid-back design was incorporating architectural details to give the space a lived-in feel with plenty of charm. In the living room, the team constructed a wall of built-in shelving that is backed with wood planking and includes a spot for the television.
“At first, the homeowner was nervous about adding [the shelves], but, now complete, she’s so happy we did,” Molly says. “They really make that space.” Styling on the shelving is simple, with textures mingling to add depth to the all-white space. Echoing the lines of the built-in unit, Molly selected two linen swivel chairs in a lined print as well as a neutral pinstripe rug for cozy texture. Hints of black in the way of leather stools, an end table, and the coffee table bring a contemporary edge to the earthiness of the room.
The living room leads directly into the kitchen, a spot that truly exudes easy, simple living. The space is anchored by a large square island that offers bar seating with four stools. Overhead, black iron lanterns continue the clean lines of the living room, visible from the pass-through. With white walls and a planked white ceiling mixed with wood floors and a paneled island, the kitchen’s design is simple but sophisticated, offering a subtle welcome to friends and family. “Our client is a very laid-back, easygoing person. She wanted her kitchen to reflect that,” Molly says. “Lots of time is spent around the kitchen!”
One space that takes a slight change of style is the pistachio-hued laundry room. “Our client is big on color, and we wanted to create a space that was bright and fresh,” Molly explains. “The laundry room was just that—a place where we could get away with everything being green.” Beaded board walls, cabinets, and all the trim work were painted in the same color, and white countertops and a large utility sink were installed. A few vintage details give the space extra character, like the unique schoolhouse-style light fixture and analog clock beside the door. “It’s definitely a happy room now,” Molly says.
The dining room is perhaps the most laid-back room of all, with the design centered completely around the gorgeous walls of windows that let sunlight in throughout the day. The room’s design needed to work around the view, so Molly used a low-profile chandelier and an unobtrusive dining room table. Black wood chairs bring a contemporary touch and gleam as the sunlight flows throughout the room.
Most often, you’ll find the homeowner in the coziest spot in the house—the living room—curled next to a fire with a good book in hand. The space fits her lifestyle perfectly.
