Featured 2025 Street of Dreams Designers

As an experienced NW Natural Street of Dreams interior designer, what has been the most rewarding part of participating in the show? What do you enjoy most about sharing your design work with the public?

Including this year’s show, I will have been fortunate to have styled 20 homes. Seven of those, I was

the lead designer/stylist. I have won Best of Show 3 times now, which is pretty exciting. One of the most rewarding parts of participating is working so closely with the builders and all the trade contractors. You really have to work together to make these homes special, and we are all working against the clock to complete them. So many hands are involved in creating these beautiful homes.

What trends are you loving right now, and which ones are you ready to see go?

Trends that I am leaning into are warm minimalism. Simple, clean lines with soft, cozy elements like boucle, warm woods, and natural textures. Less stark, more inviting. Colorful kitchens are another design trend I am embracing on my current projects. Deep greens, navy,

and even muted terracottas are replacing sterile white kitchens. Colored cabinetry and mixed

metals are trending. Another trend that can elevate any space is textured walls. Limewash paint, plaster finishes, and textured wallpaper add depth and a handcrafted feel to spaces. A few trends I could see go are an all-white everything. It feels lacking in warmth and personality. An overuse of cool grays in walls, floors, and furniture is being swapped for warmer tones and more varied color palettes.

What’s the most common design mistake people make at home?

I very common mistake is prioritizing aesthetics over functionality. By choosing furniture that looks great but is uncomfortable, and ignoring how the space will be used. Poor lighting is another area that is a common design mistake. Hiring a designer to help with the functionality, layout, proper scale and proportion, and helping with lighting selections is money well spent.

What do you consider to be the most important thing when designing a space?

I think one of the most important things when designing a space is really understanding how the space is going to be used and making sure we are capturing those needs. If it’s going to be an entertaining space, we need to make sure we are utilizing performance fabrics and multi-functional pieces.

Is there a specific color, material, or texture you always find yourself coming back to? Why?

I love a neutral base for larger upholstery and then bringing in color with accents, paint, art, and accessories. Personally, I love greens and blues. Colors that bring the outdoors in. Especially living and designing in the PNW, these colors work nicely with all design styles.

If you could design a space anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

If I could design a space anywhere, it would be a boutique hotel in wine country. Somewhere in France or even our own backyard in Oregon!

Tell us about AP Home Design NW and your design style.

AP Home Design NW is about creating homes that feel intentional, relaxed, and connected to their surroundings. I believe every home has its own story, a certain vibe, and I love working closely with my clients to bring that to life in a way that feels natural and personal. My style leans elegant, modern, and timeless with a touch of mountain lodge influence. I am drawn to natural materials like wood, stone, and steel. These elements add texture, depth, and character while balancing beauty with everyday function. My goal is to design spaces that are functional and balanced, but also warm, welcoming, and easy to live in.

What are some of your favorite design trends right now?

I don’t really follow trends. I aim for timeless design that feels personal and lasting. That said, I love color-drenching. It allows a space to feel calm and continuous without visual breaks. I’m into fluted details, especially in stone, integrated sinks, and refined finishes that elevate a space without feeling flashy. I believe fireplaces deserve special attention. They anchor a space and set the tone, creating a true focal point that invites connection, not just a place to mount a TV. Overall, I’m drawn to quiet luxury, natural textures, and design that feels warm, livable, and lasting.

3. What is your dream project?

Designing a home in Sun Valley, Idaho, with a stunning mountain view. Big windows, natural materials, warm light, and that perfect balance between raw and sophisticated. I’d love to create a retreat that feels like an escape but still lived in. Comfortable, grounded, and connected to its surroundings. Another dream project would be a barn dominium. I love blending rustic charm with clean, modern design. Wide open spaces, high ceilings, steel, wood, and a layout that’s both relaxed and functional.

What is currently inspiring or influencing your work?

Mountain homes that blend into the landscape. I’m constantly drawn to texture, especially in natural elements like wood, stone, and metal. And honestly, my clients. Their ideas, lifestyle, and how they want to feel in their home inspire the best designs.

What are three words to describe your design style?

Timeless. Organic. Elevated.

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

Heated floors, impactful lighting fixtures, and thoughtful fireplace design. I also believe in investing in statement pieces, natural materials, and high-quality finishes. These are the elements that give a space soul and staying power.

What is your favorite room in a house?

The kitchen. It’s the center of everything. Family, food, conversation, catching up on life. It deserves to be both functional and beautiful. A space that brings everyone together.

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

Honestly, participating in the Street of Dreams has been a dream of mine. I don’t think I’ve missed a show since 2005. The collaboration is what I love most. I enjoy a good design challenge and working closely with builders, vendors, and clients to bring a shared vision to life. Watching it all come together is the best part of what I do, and being able to showcase some of my work is icing on the cake.

Visit Carissa's website, APHomeDesignNW.com, to view all design details, paint colors, and products she used in her two Street of Dreams homes!

As an experienced NW Natural Street of Dreams interior designer, what has been the most rewarding part of participating in the show? What do you enjoy most about sharing your design work with the public?

Lynnette Sandgren: The long-standing tradition of the Street of Dreams Show generates a buzz that makes this event a pleasure to be involved with. I love hearing the genuine interest and appreciation of each home we have designed and built in this show. I also enjoy hearing from the other industry professionals and the public, as well as our own team and our trade partners, who work so hard to help create the perfect showpiece.

Having practiced design for over 30 years, I know the joy that comes from working with a homeowner and watching them experience a design come to fruition. Working on a Street of Dreams home creates a similar experience as you get to share a fully finished home with so many people. I enjoy the comments as someone discovers a unique feature or a space that they might wish to incorporate into their own home. It is also wonderful to work with the entire team of talented people at the Renaissance, which allows us to design, build, and present a home like this on such an amazing site.

What trends are you loving right now, and which ones are you ready to see go?

Pam Criswell: The open concept floor plan has been well embraced, but now we find the need for connection; our busy lives and schedules are calling for a sanctuary. So as a designer, working to unite common areas to include intimate spaces, such as tucking an unexpected daybed in an upstairs landing, or incorporating a banquette within a coffee bar. Both offer the perfect spot for quiet conversation, homework, or an evening cocktail, all without losing the open concept plan.

What’s the most common design mistake people make at home?

PC: Neglecting the overall influence that each decision, big or small, has on the impact of the home as a cohesive whole. Mastery is demonstrated in the details and considering natural movement patterns to the flow of furniture placement always needs to be considered in the design phase. The sight line from a perfectly placed window makes a difference; it’s the little things that separate the excellent from the average.

Who are your design idols or influences?

LS: One of my favorite designers is Mick DeGiulio. Mick is an innovative designer whose primary focus is on kitchens, where his work has truly elevated that space in terms of distinctive artistic and design. I have had the pleasure of spending time with him when we were both finalists in the Sub-Zero Wolf Global Kitchen Contest. Mick is an exceptional designer who has an eye for creating fresh designs with distinctive details that always inspire me.

What do you consider to be the most important thing when designing a space?

LS: I love a beautiful light-filled, or truly innovative space, but function is always the number one driver in my work. Flexibility is another important factor to me in designing homes. I always want to consider that our lives and needs continue to evolve, so I like to create spaces that can adapt with the user. I take pride in ensuring that any home I have worked in will hopefully be beautiful, but also bring a sense of ease to whoever occupies the space.

Is there a specific color, material, or texture you always find yourself coming back to? Why?

PC: Warm, saturated colors, muted neutrals, and organic textures are always favorite selections of mine. I feel they convey a relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic. I also recognize the value of uniting classic nostalgia with modern silhouettes; when this balance is achieved, there is a connection made from the found treasures to contemporary architecture. As I apply this principle as a designer, I see how it merges opposite concepts and creates a collected whole that feels unique and not manufactured.

Tell us about Earthchoice Construction and your general design style.

Earthchoice Construction is a full-service residential interior design and home staging firm, as well as renovating old Portland homes into functional & beautiful living spaces in today’s living. It all starts with architectural design and timeless style to achieve long-term trends that last for decades. Helping you select home finishes that will complement luxury organic style.

What are some of your favorite design trends right now?

One of the trends I’m loving right now is “quiet luxury,” where simplicity meets high-quality materials, like Taj Mahal quartzite, that offer both timeless beauty and long-term performance. This stunning natural stone brings warmth, elegance, and unmatched durability. I’m selecting interior designs and furniture staging that complement and complete the organic feel of the space.

What is your dream project?

Designing a Boutique Wellness Retreat in Nature

What is currently inspiring or influencing your work?

The nature, travel, fabrics, and furniture. It’s always a pleasure to work with people who are passionate about their homes and want to create a space that truly reflects their personalities. I see influence in new materials and textures.

What are three words to describe your design style?

Organic, Transitional, Luxurious

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

Natural stone material that makes a statement in your space, splurging on unique furniture design that brings character into the room. The final piece is selecting light fixtures; it is the jewelry of your home.

What is your favorite room in a house?

The kitchen is the heart of every home, is a space where you can showcase your personal style and design preferences. It is an opportunity to create a space that reflects your personality and enhances the overall aesthetics of your home. From choosing the right color scheme and materials to selecting stylish fixtures and accessories, you can transform your kitchen into a beautiful and functional space that you can be proud of.

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

Connecting with people who truly love what they do. From all the hard-working trades making the build happen, to talented women in the industry working on the interior designs and furniture staging. Everyone has something special to show on the Street of Dreams. Look forward to every year.

When I first started in design, I had a vision of working with clients and finding a way to design for their personality and the way they live. That’s why I created Greylyn Wayne. I named the business after my three children - “Greylyn Wayne” is a combination of their middle names. In the 12 years since we started, the business has steadily grown, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with some terrific clients. It has been a lot of fun, and I feel truly blessed to be able to do something I enjoy.

What are some of your favorite design trends right now?

I really enjoy introducing fresh ideas, so I keep up with the trends by researching and going to industry events and markets. It seems here recently, the trends have been incorporating more vintage and retro styles, which I find very exciting. They are typically rich in detail and handcrafted quality. These styles bring back a lot of nostalgia and good memories. It’s exciting to be able to look from the past and contrast it with modern-day concepts.

Another inspiring trend now is the incorporation of color. Over the past few years, grays and neutral tones have been really popular. Now, there is a push toward vibrant, rich colors, which can help bring personality and warmth to a space.

As a matter of fact, my dream project is Alla Famiglia, the home featured in the 2025 NW Natural Street of Dreams. This project has allowed me to combine modern designs with vintage, European styles and create a multigenerational home. It has also allowed me to work with an awesome team of people who have been excited to take on the challenge.

Family is extremely important to me and always influences my work. A priority for me is to try and understand how my client intends to use their home and how they want to incorporate family. I try to focus on creating designs that are warm and welcoming. I work with my clients to create a home they will enjoy, one that can accommodate multiple generations and provide a place to gather with family and friends.

Recently, I’ve also focused on blending traditional, old-world techniques with modern design elements. For example, we’ve incorporated plaster finishes in the Alla Famiglia project, which adds interesting texture, while also integrating organic materials like stone and quartzite to create a balance of natural elegance and durability.

I believe the best way to describe my design style would be: personal, creative, and inviting.

I think it’s important to invest in an exceptional floor. My husband once told me it is the one product you will use every single day of your life. Flooring is something you see throughout the entire home. If done right, the flooring can stand the test of time and add so much character to the space. Lighting is another key element that can dramatically impact the feel of your home. Thoughtfully layered lighting can help create mood and ambiance. It can also introduce fun design concepts and focal points.

Of course, priorities will vary from client to client. The key is to invest in the areas that matter most to each individual, ensuring the home reflects their personal style and preference.

The kitchen! It’s called the heart of the home for a reason. When family and friends are over, it’s always the place where people gather. It’s a space for nourishment - where food is stored, meals are created, and memories are made. I think it’s important to design the kitchen in a way that is highly functional and flows with the rest of the home. In the Alla Famiglia, we have incorporated some beautiful appliances and a working pantry. We have also created a natural flow from the kitchen to living areas, like the great room and outdoor space, which allows for a cohesive and inviting environment.

Tell us about Interior Occupations and your general design style.

Interior Occupations was established in Oakland, CA, in 2011. I had a great run in the Bay Area and moved to Portland with my family in 2020. Once settled, Interior Occupations has grown to a small but mighty team of 4 talented women. Our primary focus is to create spaces that fit our clients' needs for their lifestyle while not compromising a strong design aesthetic. We want our spaces to be lived in comfortably while we strive for longevity and are dedicated to making smart design decisions that are made to last. Our design style leans contemporary with a focus on timelessness and comfort.

What are some of your favorite design trends right now?

Currently, I have a focus on details and what makes a space interesting, from the millwork to the tile installation. I try to stay away from trends and lean towards design that will age well.

What is your dream project?

My dream project involves wonderful clients who are as excited about their project as I am. I love working on homes nestled in nature. They provide a great backdrop for our work and provide inspiration for all aspects of a project.

What is currently inspiring or influencing your work?

We are working on several modern architectural projects and have been inspired by the raw natural beauty of our projects' surroundings, whether it is the waterfront in Lake Tahoe or deep in the trees of the Pacific Northwest.

What are three words to describe your design style?

Textural, clean, detailed.

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

I always encourage clients to select a natural stone in key locations. I think it brings such individuality to a space and creates depth that a man-made product cannot.

What is your favorite room in a house?

I love a great room. One of my favorite things is to understand how a family uses their space and tailor the architecture to fit their needs. For me, it is a puzzle to be solved, and I love knowing that my clients will be happy.

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

Working with new vendors and Monogram Homes is always a delight. Monogram’s projects run smoothly, and we are very collaborative. From a vendor side, being fairly new to the Portland area, I love meeting new vendors and creating a design collaborative where we can all learn from each other.