This Portland home is an oasis for solo living
This Portland home is an oasis for solo living
By jannelle sanchez | Published: 2025-12-02 20:50:00 | Source: Cup of Jo
“I originally moved here with my partner,” he says. Ann Parkera production designer and props designer who has been renting her one-bedroom in Portland, Oregon, for the past decade. “After we broke up, I stayed because I love this place. I’ve spent so much time building my life here; it feels like an extension of me.” Over the past 10 years, Anne has filled the house with furniture she and her father made, thrown epic holiday parties, and adopted a puppy named Baby. Today, she gives us a tour with photos Night sir…
kitchen
In family projects: My father is a retired carpenter, so I constantly ask him to help me with my home projects. Together we built the kitchen pantry and shelving, as well as an outdoor shed. He is a patient teacher, and I have learned a lot.
In the heart of the house: I like to be with people as much as possible. Once a week, I have dinner with a neighbor and their three young daughters. Over time, they became my goddaughter, and we are always trying to explore new foods.
In garden planting: When I moved in, I built raised beds in the backyard. My first priority is to grow things that make a good salad. I now have mesclun, kale, kale, chard, peppers, herbs, and cucumbers. I love making Mediterranean salads, and I just made gazpacho for dinner using tomatoes and basil.
Living area
On a four-legged roommate: After my relationship ended, I began visiting the Humane Society on a regular basis. One morning, I knew that I would meet my dog that day. When I got to the Humane Society, I saw a dog and thought, “Oh, this guy is really cute.”
Coffee table: Wayfair. Rug: Boutique carpets.
When choosing a dog’s name: Years ago, my friend and I were talking about potential baby names, and I said I loved the name Baby. After seeing this dog at the Humane Society for a while, I decided to check his name tag, so I could ask the volunteers if I could meet him. His name was Pepe. I went home with him that day.
sofa: One Kings Lane. Table lamp: Zara Home. Bookshelves: “My dad and I built them.”
At parties with ups and downs: I’ve been self-employed for the past 13 years, so I never attend work holiday parties. So, I came up with the idea of throwing an office-style holiday party, but for freelancers. Last December, we squeezed 57 people into renting my one-bedroom. A friend brought Chex Mix, and I made shrimp cocktail, fried eggs, cheese, crackers, potato chips with onions, popcorn, and crackers. Plus a big bowl of Amaro Lambrusco. We were packed in here like sardines, but it was a lot of fun.
Office corner
Print: Gift shop in Design Museum Denmark. Desk: “Put together from a filing cabinet, an IKEA desk top, and legs I made.” Rattan armchair and rug: Facebook Marketplace.
On favorite books: I recently enjoyed the novel Rachel’s incident. It’s a coming-of-age story about the romances and shenanigans of friends in their 20s in Ireland. I also love abundance Written by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, which shows how the Democratic Party can move forward in a hopeful way. I keep notes on my phone of all the books I’ve read, along with a one- to five-star rating.
Green chair: vintage. Sheep pad: CB2.
On dining rituals: One of my favorite meals is a rice bowl with cooked salmon, kimchi, avocado, pickled cucumber, and green onions. During dinner, I like to read the political newsletter What a day by The media is twistedso I can follow current events.
Dining area
To engage in volunteer work: In 2020, at the height of Covid, I became friends with a neighbor who was a political organizer. Just 100 days before the election, I asked him: If you were me, what would you do now? “Participate at the state legislative level to elect Democrats,” he said. Because, basically, Everything flows.
In the sister area: I have volunteered a lot with Sister areaa grassroots organization that brings together people in blue states to make calls and help elect Democrats in purple states. I’ve seen first-hand how talking face-to-face with people helps truly engage voters; In fact, phone banking is one of the most effective tools for ensuring voter turnout. It’s very well organized and actually a lot of fun. Sister District has everything figured out for you.
Bedroom
Cushion cover: Zara Home.
On finding balance: Growing up, I always saw business as a way to make a difference in the world. But I realized that I could make a difference through volunteer work, personal interactions, and the community I build. My job as a fashion designer gives me a lot of free time to be the change I want to see.
Sofa: Craigslist. Striped pillow: IKEA. Floor Cushion: Thrifty. Rug: Boutique carpets.
On staying positive during turbulent times: One thing I’ve learned through volunteering is that work is an antidote to despair. When you actually do something — like make phone calls and connect with people whose voice matters — you can’t help but feel hopeful. This is the one thing I experienced that helped me make sense of this scary time.
On living alone: I think everyone has to live alone at some point. There are moments when you can feel alone or afraid, but it’s rare to have the opportunity in your life when you can make every decision: when and what to eat, how to spend your time, how to decorate, what to go and where. On the other hand, when I lose my keys, I have no one to blame but myself!
Thank you very much, Anne! You can follow it On Instagramif you wish.
Home tours at PS More, including a family’s tiny dream home and a Connecticut home that defines comfort.
(Photos by Night sir For a cup of joe.)
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