Clean lines, geometric repetition, open spaces and easy living — that’s what’s in store for the new buyer of this lovely 1951 time capsule home, currently for sale in Portland, Oregon. We found this house thanks to a tip from reader AlyStar. With permission to share the photos of this gorgeous home from realtor Eleonore Reiter and her photographer, Michelle from RealtyImaging.com — we can all tour this four-bedroom, three-bathroom 2,800 sq. ft. beauty. What a spacious and inviting mid century modern house!
The tour of this thoughtful home begins with the view from the street. You can see that the designer of this house has paid careful attention to detail — notice the windows appear in odd-numbered groups. Most anything grouped in “three” is so pleasing.
The attention to detail continues on the inside of the home. The living room is filled with geometric lines — the windows, the trim, the fireplace, the soffits — all of them work together to create design harmony through repetition. The soffits are a particularly nice mid century design element — often times soffits like these hide tracks for drapery or hidden lighting. The warm butterscotch leather sofas really want to make you hang around a while, don’t they?
If you look carefully in the upper left portion of the photo above, you can just make out some sort of geometric room divider with decorative glass panels — yet another thoughtful design element. The wall of windows and doors behind the chairs leads to a charming brick patio.
What I wouldn’t give to relax in this inviting space for an afternoon.
Back inside, the tour continues into the dining room — another inviting space. Continuing the geometric lines the trim has been painted black to outline the angles of the wall and carry the window trim throughout the room. If you look carefully you can catch another peek of the geometric room divider in the doorway towards the living room. Looks like there might also be a built-in brick planter on the right side of the doorway.
Note: We do wonder whether the tile flooring throughout the house is original — we’re guessing not. And, we would also guess that the paneling and brick also were originally unfinished. Even so, the painted walls look great, and the tiled floors are pretty timeless.
This really is a dining room with a view. Imagine enjoying a casual lunch here — soaking in the natural light from outside and watching the world go by. Another view that shouldn’t be missed is that beautiful danish credenza.
Vintage Poggenpohl kitchen cabinets — fabulous!
There’s still more geometric beauty waiting for us in the kitchen. The black trim continues — outlining the space — and complementing the black streamlined cabinets — which Eleonore tells me are are high end German Poggenpoll cabinets.
Even the ceiling continues the geometric design throughout the room. This kitchen is minimally designed with clean lines and a simple — very edited — color palette. The pop of red in the chair cushions adds interest and sophistication to the otherwise monochromatic kitchen.
Even the tile counter tops continue the geometric and clean design. More large windows blur the line between inside and outside — plus — who doesn’t want a huge group of windows over their kitchen sink?
A pass through from the kitchen, leads into this bright and cheery den. Natural light streams in and bounces off the gleaming hardwood floors. On the ceiling, decorative beams lend yet another repetition of the geometric, thoughtful design of this house. Is that grass cloth on the walls above the paneling wainscot?
Near the door to the back covered porch another streamlined soffit strategically hides the tops of the pinch pleat drapery.
Just when you thought you’d seen all the good stuff, prepare to be astounded again. The pink and black mid century bathroom is big on space and on style. At first glance, it difficult to get your bearings — the wall of mirrors over the sink reflect the other half of the room — creating the illusion of more space recessed behind the mirrors. It is just another thoughtful design element to repeat the room’s geometric patterns and create a sense of open space. There looks to be several concealed compartments built into the mirror that possibly hide toothbrushes and soap. The row of windows along the top of the room allow copious amounts of light to stream in — and since they are far above eye level — there is no need to cover them with light blocking drapery. The drop ceiling likely conceals another source of lighting and a fabulous built in with loads of space for towels and other necessities can be seen in the mirror’s reflection. Does my eye even spy a pink shower curtain rod? What a fabulous bathroom.
This bedroom — possibly the master — is spacious and luxurious. Soffits hide the built-in lighting — even wrapping around a cozy corner fireplace. The sliding glass doors provide another access point to the covered porch.
When you enter the back porch of this home, it is almost like entering a different era. The floor tile, arched openings, ironwork and stucco all suggest a more southwestern theme — one that introduces gentle curves into the mid century house’s geometric lines. Despite the design differences — this huge covered porch would be a favorite place to spend an evening relaxing. Is that a fireplace at the end of the space?
Even the back yard of this house is well kept, well edited and inviting — leaving no doubt in my mind that this mid century beauty would be a place where one could live with ease.
Mega thanks to Realtor Eleonore Reiter from Hasson Company Realtors – Northwest Portland for allowing us to share these photos of this fabulous house with you and to Michelle from RealtyImaging.com for taking such great photos.
Kelly M says
A Northwest mid mod would most certainly have had fir floors — the tile is completely out of character. And cold!
Robin, NV says
I was thinking the same thing about the tiles. In some ways, the house seems like it would be more at home in Florida than in the Pacific Northwest.
I totally dig the ceilings in the kitchen, how unusual and striking! The house is certainly high end mid mod.
RetroSandie says
Oh Oh Oh! This is simply pristine and gorgeous!!! Fanflippintastic!!!! Those pinks sinks-yum! Tie it up with a huge pink bow!!!!! 🙂
Annie B. says
Elegance in simplicity.
Jay says
WOW! I am always amazed at the size of these houses. Such detail with the finishes and materials. Pristine condition to boot. I have always thought entry halls to be classy no matter what the architectural style. You come in my front door and get dumped right into the living room. Thanks so much for sharing!
Janice says
Wow. That’s just about THE perfect house. The bathroom is absolutely stunning. I truly hope the new owners love the house as much as the current owners clearly did. What a time capsule jewel!
Gerry says
What a wonderful house! The kitchen ceilings are so cool. The house is so bright and cheerful. My folks lived in Vista Hills for 30 + years and it is a great neighborhood. I remember walking by this house. The area also has lots of traditional ranches built in the 1950’s.
Patty says
Vey nice. I’m curious about the kitchen and bathroom ceilings. Very attractive, I wonder what they are.
JKM says
Although I’m confused by the pendant light over the table and recessed can light above the sink, I’m wondering if the kitchen ceiling is (or was at one time) a luminous one like in the master bathroom. The kitchen in the 1964 home I grew up in had a ceiling comprised of backlit translucent white panels in an irregular framework of thin wooden strips – sort of a mondrian pattern without the color. When you flipped the switch the entire ceiling glowed, illuminating the whole room. This is a beautiful home and I’m loving the charcoal and pink master bath.
julia [lifeonchurchill] says
love the natural light in the dining room. and the kitchen. beautiful!
MikeD says
Wow….
I have like a lot of the houses you feature, but this one is just about perfect and almost exactly how I have pictured my dream home in my head.
I bow down to that bathroom