Mysest56 
August 25, 2019
In the front this house in Portland, Oregon, might not look that different from its neighbors. But a quick jaunt beyond the neon address numbers, into the hallway of mirrors, beyond the pig on the restroom door and out the contemporary back addition might provide you a different impression.
Homeowner Daniel Thomas, co-owner of all Hammer & Hand, had a vision for this particular home in the get-go. His group together with bright designlab designed a whimsical house that reflects Thomas’ artistic character. “We certainly like lively stuff,” says Alissa Pulcrano, a designer at bright designlab. “Everything is designed to make you believe.”
at a Glance
Who lives here: Daniel Thomas
Location: Southeast Portland, Oregon
Size: 2,300 square feet, such as a small basement apartment
Budget: At least $250 per square foot (estimate)
bright designlab
bright designlab
The contemporary inclusion sits at the back of the home; the bold contrast between new and old is invisible from the road. Reclaimed wood, salvaged from an old barn in Southern Oregon, brightens up the glowing white Hardie board and ties in with the lush Portland picture. Rows of horizontal windows attract the eye to the peak of the addition. The exact top opening is a railing for a small roof deck, a tribute to the original home’s widow’s walk.
The front of the home remains in accordance with its original shingled style. But Thomas gave it a contemporary twist with his own door framework design and custom neon doorway numbers from bright designlab.
bright designlab
bright designlab
The 100-square-foot addition expands Thomas’ indoor-outdoor amusement area and brings more visual and light distance to the house. “That is a supercommon request these days — enlarging living area to outdoors instead of purchasing a bigger home,” says Pulcrano.
Hammer & Hand custom built and constructed the inclusion’s sliding back door, which opens into the concrete-paver patio. White pedestals from Pedrali twice as lighting and seating.
Exterior sconces: Prisma Architectural Lighting; Condominiums: Wow, Pedrali
bright designlab
A custom made ladder provides access the roof deck. A huge loft space to the left of the ladder now functions as storage. The loft opens out over the kitchen and shares the kitchen and dining room space’s outside view.
Chandelier: Taraxacum 88 by Achille Castiglioni
bright designlab
Removing portions of the ceiling opened up the once-cramped kitchen. The kitchen and dining room also has clear access to the outdoors through the inclusion’s folding doors. The distance was created so the table can be pushed directly out for al fresco dining.
Thomas designed the dining room table and benches, made from reclaimed wood.
bright designlab
bright designlab
Imbue, a cooperation between glowing designlab and Hammer & Hand, custom designed the cabinetry for the kitchen with steel, Apple-Ply and contrasting red Abet Laminati laminate. Mockett hardware emphasizes the industrial advantage.
Carrara marble counters extend up on the backsplash.
bright designlab
Twelve-foot lengths of reclaimed wood flooring draw the eye in the end of the dining area to the inclusion’s folding doors. On the left wall of the dining room, vintage steel lab cabinets hold glasses and dishes.
“I think all and all, what we love is surprise, artwork and juxtaposition of stuff, and the homeowner gave us carte blanche to perform — he joined in on the fun,” says Pulcrano.
Fireplace: custom, Pratt & Larson
bright designlab
A hall of mirrors greets visitors within front doorway — the result of trivial with 500 thrifted mirrors (not all of which were utilized) for more than fourteen days.
Mirror wall: Daniel Thomas and Ariel Arrow of Duchess Clothier; pendant: Artemide Castore, small; cabinet: homeowner’s
bright designlab
Some of the house’s original beams stay exposed overhead, together with their original knob and tube electrical fixtures.
Pendant: Artemide Castore, large
bright designlab
bright designlab
Thomas left the beams over the restroom as well. A glass ceiling allows for extra light and also a glimpse at the beams.
A glowing yellow staircase behind the mirrored hallway leads up to a small attic area.
bright designlab
The angled roofline creates this space feel cozy, even with minimal furniture. Softline cushions can be utilized as tables to play games on or taken apart for seating.
bright designlab
The two bedrooms on the main floor nevertheless have the house’s unique hardwood floors. Classic bed frames powder coated in a crazy turquoise tie in with the house’s whimsical undertones.
Ceiling light: Artemide Edge; nightstand: vintage locker baskets; task lamps: Artemide Tolomeo; background: Timorous Beasties
bright designlab
This nook was once a portion of an extra-long cupboard that just wasn’t crucial. The group cut the cupboard down in size and used the excess room with a window to make this cozy reading area.
Light: Artemide
bright designlab
A reclaimed doorway leads to the house’s main bathroom. Thomas painted the pig freehand — its own attention is a peephole.
bright designlab
“We laughed, since the towel stands seem like meathooks and the tile like steel, so it’s a bit like going into a butcher shop,” says Pulcrano.
This bath just includes a sink and sink — there is another bathroom and sink across the hall.
Shower tile: Pental Cor-ten; dressing table: habit, bright designlab; sconces: Artemide
bright designlab
The once-dilapidated basement has been remodeled into an incredible area, with a spa, sauna and small apartment which Thomas occasionally rents out.
Flooring: Pental Parc, Ash Gray; vinyl partitions: Pental Absolute Lotion, matte
bright designlab
Cedar wall paneling complements the Finlandia sauna inside. Hammer & Hand made this large Japanese ofuro bath out of Port Orford cedar. The incredibly fragrant wood often fills the whole house with its different perfume.
bright designlab
A bright blue bath downstairs can be accessed in the spa. Pulcrano randomly found the pink skull drawer pulls online. “A small punk rock never hurt anyone,” she says.
Wall paint Palm Coast Teal, Benjamin Moore; cabinetry habit; flooring: polished present concrete.