interior design, heritage, office renovation, workspace, exposed brick, black, chandelier

interior design, heritage, office renovation, exposed brick, ceiling, black, chandelier, wallpaper

 

You guys probably know by now how passionate I am about good commercial design, or lack there of, specifically workplace interiors. I know, I know, this is not the sexiest genre in the world of interiors, and it continues to be an area in which I see a shortage of projects that rev up my design-engine. Naturally, nothing makes me more excited than receiving submissions about beautiful and inspiring creative office spaces. Except for maybe chocolate, and beautiful shoes… Particularly when they accompany said submissions as shameless attempts at bribery. Kidding! But not really.

Anyway!

I am super excited to share with you this luxurious private office designed by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design (JHID), with Emily Knudsen Leland as lead designer and project manager in charge. Located in an 1870s historic gothic revival building in downtown Portland, this dark, rich, luscious and moody interior is an absolute fest for my design eagle-eye.

 

interior design, heritage, office renovation, glass walls, wallpaper, black

interior design, heritage, gothic, office, timber, wall panelling, vintage, exposed brick

interior design, heritage, office renovation, chandelier, timber wall panelling, black

 

In response to client’s brief that asked for a “feeling of separation” in the open office, JHID collaborated with Portland artist Andy Paiko who made a stunning glass sculpture that divides the space in an elegant and playful way, while maintaining a sense of openness. This feel is further reinforced by clear glass cubes which fulfil the requirement for two private offices – they align with the existing lift core, without compromising transparency and access to natural light.

The wall of tall, gothic-inspired joinery was designed to separate the main office from the lounge, while offering ample storage space. The lounge itself features a decorative walnut back and pale gold cotton velvet upholstery. Heaven.

 

interior design, heritage, gothic, office renovation, ceiling, timber wall panelling, banquette

interior design, timber, gothic, wall panelling, wallpaper, banquette, ceiling,

interior design, office renovation, black, joinery, kitchen, exposed brick, vintage, chandelier

 


“Our clients hadn’t quite moved in when we photographed the space, so we had fun staging it with old telephones and typewriters, creating a glamorous, dark, moody office where it’s ok to read novels and drink whisky at work…”


interior design, styling, art direction, exposed brick, black desk, vintage, props

 

All that’s really left to say is – wow. I am completely in love with every single bit of this space, down to all the minuscule details. Such a clever, conceptual, beautifully executed, styled and photographed interior. Major Extreme Love alert!

 

styling, art direction, black door, brass, gold

interior design, office refurbishment, corridor, entry, stairwell, black ceiling, mirror wall, brass, chandelier, pattern, tiles


[All photos courtesy of Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. Photography by Lincoln Barbour.]



About The Author

Founder & Editor

With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

8 Responses

  1. Contour Interiors

    Fantastic use of traditional elements. Little details like the door handles and shag rug help create the amazing hybrid gothic/modern look. Particularly love the whiskey sitting by the typewriter..

    Reply

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