Anne Parker, a talented production designer and prop stylist, has resided in her one-bedroom apartment in Portland, Oregon, for a decade. After initially moving in with her partner, Anne chose to remain in this cherished space following their breakup. She has found solace in the environment she cultivated, which is filled with unique furnishings crafted alongside her father. Over the years, she has celebrated joyous holiday gatherings and welcomed a furry companion named Pepe. Today, she shares her artistic abode, showcasing a blend of personal touches and creative flair.
Kitchen: The heart of creativity
Anne’s kitchen exemplifies collaboration and creativity, thanks in part to her father’s background as a retired carpenter. Together, they have tackled various home improvement projects, including constructing a kitchen pantry and elegant shelves, as well as building a garden shed in the backyard. Anne treasures these moments spent learning from her father, who has always been a patient teacher.
Gathering with friends
For Anne, the kitchen serves as a gathering place where she loves to host friends and family. She has established a weekly dinner tradition with a neighbor and their three daughters, who have become her goddaughters. This experience has opened opportunities for culinary exploration as they experiment with new recipes and ingredients.
Growing fresh ingredients
Upon moving into her home, Anne prioritized creating a flourishing garden. She constructed raised beds in the backyard, focusing on planting vegetables and herbs ideal for fresh salads. Currently, her garden boasts a variety of greens such as mesclun, collards, kale, and chard, along with peppers, herbs, and cucumbers. Recently, she crafted a delightful gazpacho using ingredients harvested from her garden, showcasing her commitment to fresh, homegrown produce.
Living area: Finding companionship
Following the end of her relationship, Anne sought comfort in the presence of a pet. Frequent visits to the Humane Society led her to a charming dog named Pepe. The moment she saw him, she was smitten. Interestingly, the name Pepe had been a favorite of hers, stemming from discussions about potential names for future children. Serendipitously, she discovered that Pepe was indeed his name, affirming her sense that he was meant to be her companion.
Curating a cozy space
The living area reflects Anne’s artistic spirit, filled with a mix of furniture sourced from various places. Her coffee table from Wayfair complements a stylish rug from Boutique Rugs, while the bookshelves, built alongside her father, showcase a collection of her favorite reads. Each piece in this inviting space tells a story, contributing to the overall charm of her home.
Office nook: A hub of productivity
Anne’s office nook is a carefully curated workspace that combines functionality and aesthetics. A unique desk, assembled from a file cabinet, an Ikea desktop, and custom-made legs, stands proudly in the corner. A print hanging above it, sourced from a gift shop in Denmark, adds a touch of international flair to the space. Here, Anne diligently tracks the books she reads, assigning each a rating from one to five stars in her phone notes.
Community involvement
During the height of the Covid pandemic, Anne discovered the importance of community engagement. A friendship blossomed with a neighbor who was a political organizer, leading her to volunteer with Sister District, a grassroots organization aimed at supporting Democratic candidates in critical elections. Through her involvement, Anne learned the significance of personal interactions and the impact of direct outreach on voter turnout.
Bedroom: A sanctuary of reflection
In her bedroom, Anne has created a personal sanctuary that reflects her journey of self-discovery. She emphasizes the importance of solitude, stating that everyone should experience living alone at some point in their lives. It offers the unique opportunity to make decisions freely, from choosing what to eat to how to decorate one’s space. However, it also comes with challenges, such as the occasional misplacement of keys.
Embracing hope through action
Throughout her volunteering experiences, Anne has learned that taking action is a powerful antidote to feelings of despair. By engaging with her community and participating in meaningful initiatives, she has found a renewed sense of hope amidst uncertainty. Her reflections on the importance of connection and community engagement resonate deeply, highlighting the transformative power of personal involvement.
Anne’s kitchen exemplifies collaboration and creativity, thanks in part to her father’s background as a retired carpenter. Together, they have tackled various home improvement projects, including constructing a kitchen pantry and elegant shelves, as well as building a garden shed in the backyard. Anne treasures these moments spent learning from her father, who has always been a patient teacher.0
