A “Glam Scandi”-Style Portland Studio Has a Delightful DIY Divider
ABOUT THIS TOUR
HOME TYPE: Studio Apartment
LOCATION: Nob Hill, Portland, Oregon
STYLE: Bohemian, Glam, Scandinavian
BEDROOMS: 0
SQUARE FEET: 590
“Before I started renting this studio in summer ‘21, I had made two cross-country moves right before the pandemic,” begins Rachel Wathen. “This was the first space I could really design and make my own. I had very little furniture I loved that traveled across the country with me, a limited budget, and hadn’t figured out my own style, so there was a lot of DIY-ing, Facebook Marketplace sourcing, and Pinterest boards involved while furnishing the space.”
Rachel explains that she had to “be really intentional with the pieces I bought and find ways to section the space out into designated ‘rooms'” because her space is a studio apartment and didn’t come with any rooms. “Ultimately I tried to focus on finding things I loved and if I couldn’t afford those things, I tried to incorporate elements of those items into DIY projects or other decor pieces. The biggest challenge has been finding cute, functional ways to store out-of-season items, as I only have one closet.”
Rachel works as a researcher for a footwear company, and explains that “most of my life revolves around some type of physical activity. I am a longtime volleyball player, and have dabbled in other activities like running, triathlons, yoga, and hiking.” And only having one closet has been a challenge, particularly with all her athletic gear. “[S]o I was very intentional when picking out a dresser to hold clothes, fabric bins to throw cold-weather gear in, and an old-timey trunk to hold a bunch of volleyballs.”
But it wasn’t all function over form. “I love nature, learning about wildlife, and visiting our national parks, so it was important for me to incorporate elements of the natural world within my apartment,” Rachel explains. “Blues and greens are some of my favorite colors, which are all throughout the apartment. I am also an avid traveler, and I love my wooden map in my living room. For every place I go to, I can pin the state or country flag in its place.”
Resources
Entryway mirrors — DIY
Entryway wall shelves — Walmart
Entryway envelope coat hanger — Target
Entryway side table — Facebook Marketplace
Entryway art — Photos by me
Living room media console, bookshelf, coffee table — Facebook Marketplace
Living room pendant light — DIY
Living room map canvas and frame — Facebook Marketplace
Living room area rug — Wayfair
Living room small rug, light blue chair, ottoman, and ledge shelf — Amazon
Living room plants — Trader Joe’s
Living room pots — Michael’s, Goodwill, HomeGoods
Bedroom area sunburst mirrror — DIY
Bedroom area dresser hardware — Etsy
Bedroom area tree — Local plant shop in Portland
Bedroom area sheer curtains — JC Penney
Bed frame — OfferUp
Duvet cover — HomeGoods
Throw blanket — Target
Nightstand — Restore Habitat for Humanity
Bathroom shelves — Facebook Marketplace
Bathroom planters — Michael’s
Bathroom basket, rug, and shower curtain — Target
Bathroom various art pieces — Places I’ve traveled
Thanks, Rachel!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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Further Reading
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Ashley — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space
See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s Living Room
