Featured 2024 Street of Dreams Designers

What excites you most about your projects this year?

I would say just the diversity of the projects I am currently working on. From small cottage cluster homes in Portland, a penthouse suite in the new Ritz Carlton downtown to a large family home in Happy Valley, and to finish it off with a new construction executive retreat in Sunriver. All are challenging me in a good way!

What trends do you feel are timeless and which ones are only here for a short while?

Timeless interior design trends are those that have stood the test of time, proving their appeal and functionality across different eras. Here are a few trends I feel are always going to be a part of any design project:

• Neutral Color Palettes: Neutral colors such as whites, beiges, grays, and soft earth tones provide a versatile and sophisticated backdrop that allows for flexibility with accessories and accents.
• Quality over Quantity: Investing in high-quality furniture and materials that last a long time is a hallmark of timeless design.
• Natural Materials: Materials like wood, stone, and metal are not only durable but also bring a sense of nature and warmth into a space.
• Subtle Elegance: Understated elegance that avoids excessive ornamentation can create a sophisticated look.
• Mixing Old and New: Combining antique or vintage pieces with modern ones can create a dynamic and enduring aesthetic.

A few areas of design that might be on the way out are open shelves in kitchens. Open shelving in kitchens has been a popular trend for its aesthetic appeal and the way it makes spaces look airy and open. However, it requires constant maintenance to keep items looking organized and clean. Another is the trend of fast furniture, driven by affordable and quickly assembled pieces from big-box stores, has gained momentum due to its convenience and low cost. However, these items are often made from lower-quality materials and can wear out quickly. Additionally, they tend to follow fleeting design trends, which can make your home look dated sooner than anticipated. Investing in durable, timeless pieces is generally a better long-term strategy.

Describe a project you’re most proud of.

I have many projects I am proud of, but I would say when I worked with the world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma and did the full interior design and furnishings for the Street of Dreams home in 2017. I had the pleasure of traveling to Japan to meet with Kengo Kuma and his team to explore the Japanese culture, tour his projects, and take that inspiration back home to create a Japanese contemporary home that won best in show that year. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me as a designer that I will cherish.

Where do you turn for inspiration?

I love to try inspiration from a wide array of sources. Travel is at the top of the list. Anytime I am on vacation, I am soaking in the local architecture and culture for inspiration. I love to attend Home Tours in other parts of the country. I also attend international furniture shows multiple times a year to get a good understanding of the upcoming color and furniture trends. But most importantly, understanding a client’s lifestyle, interests, and preferences can spark unique, tailored design solutions.

Tell us about your company in 1-2 sentences

Elizabeth Raftopoulos, founder of Taylorson Design LLC is a multi-faceted design veteran with over 25 years of experience in both fashion and interior design. Given the strong correlation between these two disciplines, her extensive fashion background as a creative director and label founder brings a unique perspective to her design projects.

What are some of your favorite design trends right now?

To be honest, trends don't make my decisions. I rarely pay attention to them. I much prefer design that has lasting value and resonance. A modern spin on classic design and developing a design narrative throughout a project is typically my focus.

What is your dream project?

A boutique hotel.

What is currently inspiring or influencing your work?

It's project-specific. I tend to look at the immediate locale and architecture that is relative to that particular project. I prefer interior design to have some correlation to the exterior. That factor will influence the design somewhat but not dictate it. I do prefer the completed project to look as if it came from one hand. Establishing a design narrative that pulls the entire project together into a cohesive whole is typically my intent. It could start with the simplest of design details that evolve into an interesting combination of textures and finishes that are complementary without being unimaginative and formulaic. That is probably the most enjoyable and creative aspect of design for me - finding that element and expounding on it throughout the project.

What are three words to describe you, your style, or how you approach a project?

Eclectic, contrasting, modern-classic - four words!

What are some design features or products that are worth investing in?

• Good flooring makes such a lovely difference and doesn't have to break the bank. There are gorgeous engineered products in a range of prices that contribute to the value of a home.
• Central air with separate zones - especially in the bedrooms.
• I appreciate stone in the kitchen and bathroom. Even with the eventual nicks and scratches they still wear well and add such beauty to the home.
• Solid wood doors - NOT hollow-core! Again, there are a variety of options at all price points and they add a heft and weight to the act of opening a door. They makes a discernible difference.

What is your favorite room in a house?

Hmmm - maybe the kitchen, or living room. Love them all....

What has been your favorite part about participating in the NW Natural Street of Dreams?

Working with the HBA team - they're lovely and so supportive! We're looking forward to this wonderful opportunity to showcase our work!

Tell us about Renaissance Homes and your design style on the team.

As the Director of Design at Renaissance Homes I have the opportunity to guide and influence aspects of both our Renaissance Spec Homes and the Custom homes we are currently designing and building on our customers’ home sites. It is rewarding to work with our home design team to develop plans and then to see them come to life through our unique Design Studio selection process.

What are some of your favorite design trends right now?

I always come back to livability and timeless style in all aspects of home design. I love homes that integrate the interior with the exterior while incorporating light and maximizing volume.

A beautiful and functional kitchen design always speaks to my heart. Before taking this position with Renaissance I spent a good portion of my design career specializing in high-end kitchen design and enjoy the planning and details involved in that aspect of Design.

What is your dream project?

My dream project is exactly what attendees of this year’s Street of Dreams show will see when visiting our Sunningdale Home. It is exciting to be able to design and present what I believe is the best possible home to complement this unique site in this special neighborhood.

From walking the site, to the home design, to working with our construction teams to build and fully finish it with art and accessories is a Designer’s Dream.

This home is a result of our entire team’s collaborative efforts. As a designer to have the opportunity to be fully involved in every step of the project and to present this home makes me proud of everyone at Renaissance and all of our trade partners who make a project like this possible.

What is currently inspiring or influencing your work?

I love to travel and always gain inspiration from seeing how other cultures place important significance on unique traditions or ways of life. I find both beauty and inspiration from that uniqueness.

We live in a world where all treads and design ideas are now a constant stream of images in your hand. As designers I think it is important to incorporate new ideas and create designs that are both beautiful but also cohesive and relevant while maintaining their value over time.

What are three words to describe you, your style, or how you approach a project?

Classic, Functional, Creative. I love to design unique features and beautiful homes but “ease of function” is at the heart of all of my work. I love gorgeous spaces but am I truly delighted when I can imagine something I know will bring solutions and enhance the “livability” of a home.

What are some design features or products that are worth investing in?

I value high-end appliances and oversized outdoor living spaces that incorporate multiple uses.

I also love to create unique spaces that are adaptable and hardworking. Our 2019 Street of Dreams Juice Bar was inspired from a trip to a notable Hollywood designer’s home. I was delighted in the unexpected beauty and function of his bar and adapted that inspiration into a space that could serve multiple purposes and conjoin several key areas of the home. We enjoyed the public reaction to this space, won national awards, and now are designing variations of this unique room in many of our custom homes.

What is your favorite room in this Street of Dreams house?

Our 360 Degree Lounge! This area builds on the popularity of the Juice Bar but is combined with a cozy banquette that I know will become the heart of this home.

What has been your favorite part about participating in the NW Natural Street of Dreams?

The NW Natural Street of Dreams show is an amazing long-standing tradition in our community. Growing up in Portland, and before even choosing to study Interior Design over 30 years ago, we have all been talking about the “The Street of Dreams”. It has been an honor to now have participated in a few shows and working with all of the amazing people at the HBA who make this show happen. There is an energy and enthusiasm around this event that makes it truly special and I am happy to see that the HBA has worked magic this year to create a unique show that will continue this important tradition.

Q&A with Melissa Cruz, Director of Interior Architectural Projects at Prometheus + Jodie Trombly, SERA Architects

Tell us about the Freewell and what influenced your design choices.

Jodie Tombly + Melissa Cruz: Freewell is meant to inspire and celebrate creativity, bringing out the artist that lives within us all.

The main building, where neighbors live, has a quieter design style, leaving room for thoughtful reflection, while the Pavilion is more energetic and active. Classic architectural forms are mixed with modern materials, respecting history while celebrating modern design.

What are some of your favorite design trends right now?

Melissa Cruz: Monochromatic Design to me encourages creativity. It provides a blank canvas that can adapt to varying design styles. There is something so elevated and fun about layering a single hue within a space where you can play with varying shades and tints, patterns, texture and lighting to add interest and depth to the space.

Jodie Trombly: The projects we design typically take 4 or more years from design to completion, so we try to think about what trends will last vs what may come and go within a few years. For example, I love the simplicity and functionality of the Japandi design trend right now. Combining natural materials, clean lines, and comfort is a trend that should stand the test of time.

What is your dream project?

MC: I would love to do a project in another country. I think that would be a huge learning experience for me. It also would be a dream to work for a client that is open to ideas, someone who is not afraid to take risks and trusts my judgement 100%.

JT: My young daughter has ambitions to buy and live in a European castle! My response to her is to dream big, and that when she buys it I want to help with the remodel… with a gracious living area for myself of course.

What is currently inspiring or influencing your work?

MC: One thing I have fully embraced is the cultural shift to conscious design. There is a myriad of different categories that fall under this but one that truly speaks to me is Biophilic design. Bringing the outside in to enhance our connectivity with the natural environment has huge benefits that affect our longevity. On a smaller scale, it contributes to improved overall well-being, and on a broader scale, it directly impacts the environment. I think that’s pretty important.

JT: I’m always inspired by the history of a place, and how stories can be told through design.

What are three words to describe you, your style, or how you approach a project?

MC: Refined, Graceful, Timeless.

I’ve always been drawn to quiet luxury. It has been the basis for all my designs – subtle background, giving more emphasis on classic investment pieces and building around it by layering with unique art and accessories that highlight the story. My home, for instance, is like a collection of my favorite pieces from different times which truly makes the design more personal, it adds character to the space and it shows my authentic self.

JT: Simple, storied, elegant.

What are some design features or products that are worth investing in?

MC: I think sustainable design is more of a philosophy rather than an aesthetic. Anything we do that impacts environmental preservation and well-being is something that is worth investing in. Being intentional in choosing responsibly sourced products, using thoughtful methods and systems are all important factors in creating an environmentally friendly and sustainable design that has a long-term impact. This is nothing new, we have been doing this for a long time and I see it continuing to grow more in popularity in the years to come.

JT: I think any product or feature that has a story or meaning to you is worth investing in. Surrounding yourself with objects that have memories or experiences attached to them is a lovely way to invest in your home.

What is your favorite room in a house?

MC: It’s a cliché but the Kitchen is truly the heart of my home. It wasn’t always this way. I’ve always thought of it as a utilitarian space that should be hidden and tucked away to screen clutter. That changed when we remodeled and made the kitchen more integrated and designed to be a fluid living space. The open layout seamlessly connects with the dining and living areas that makes it a perfect space for casual entertaining. During gatherings with family and friends, the kitchen is the central hub where most guests congregate but more importantly, this is where my family spend meaningful time together to talk about what’s going with our lives while preparing and having meals together.

JT: My sister has a summer cottage with a screened in porch that I adore. When I visit, we spend much of our time together in this room. It’s especially fun watching a thunderstorm roll in from the protection of the porch. I’d love to see more of these in Portland.

What are you looking forward to in this year’s show as a first-time designer showcased in the NW Natural Street of Dreams?

MC: I’m extremely grateful that our project is showcased in NW Natural Street of Dreams. I’m looking forward to showing Freewell to design professionals and industry partners and share the story behind the Freewell brand.

JT: I am thrilled that Freewell will be showcased at the NW Natural Street of Dreams this year. The energy created when design enthusiasts come together to share ideas is always inspiring to me.