A Mid-Century Pied-Á-Terre in Portland, OR
Six blocks from , the graphic design collective he founded with business partner Mary Kysar, stands Topher Sinkinson’s Portland, OR condo. The space is a mid-century gem filled with throwback finds and situated within lush surroundings. On most days, Topher and his partner Jeremy, a carpenter, gaze out from their second-floor “treehouse” over the greenery below. Even better than these enviable views is the story behind how the place came to be. For Topher, it’s a tale about community, knowing his neighbors and truly feeling connected to where he lives.
In 2013, Topher started splitting his time between New Orleans and Portland. In an effort to keep costs down, he began looking for properties that wouldn’t require much work, had manageable green space and a smaller overall footprint. Luckily, just as this home hunt kicked off, a condo in one of Portland’s southeastern neighborhoods came on the market. Boasting updates like fresh countertops, a new skylight and a pristine balcony, the 1950s-era space happened to be the perfect fit. What ended up tipping the scales wasn’t furnishings or updates, however, but the people connected to the unit. One of Topher’s close friends happened to be the one who was looking to sell, and Topher’s best friend from college lived next door.
Convinced he’d never find a more perfect fit, Topher signed and swiftly moved in. Since doing so he’s further amplified the home’s connection to the community by turning it into a showcase of his and Jeremy’s work, as well as that of their friends and neighbors. The seller’s artwork hangs in the living room, bookshelves built by friends decorate the den, and wallpaper from Makelike graces the dining room. And that’s not all. Scroll down to check out even more personal touches. Enjoy! —
Photography by
Image above: Topher and Jeremy’s home sits on the second floor of their apartment complex and looks out over the tree canopy below. During certain times of year, the views make it feel more like a treehouse than a home.


This chair is truly sentimental to Topher. It came from the lobby of the building where Topher met his business partner Mary Kysar, whose home we featured earlier this year.














Porch
Plants – Portland Nursery, Xera Plants, Cistus Nursery
Living Room
Art –
Bathroom
Bathmat – Nate Berkus for Target
Den
Couch, books, tchotchkes – thrift store
Artist books & catalogs –
Art – Topher Sinkinson, Swallow Press and
Kitchen/Dining Room
Wallpaper –
Furniture, lighting, artwork – thrift store
Bedroom
Art – Alex Felton
Blanket –
Sentimental rocks – rivers, deserts, beaches of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California, and
Oh wow, this is so stunning! What an incredible, bight home that brightened my day as well :)
Lovely. Such a unique apartment with all that timber. I haven’t seen anything quite like it before. And beautifully fitted out.
I love this homes mid-century vibe, effortlessly cool – it comes across as natural and uncontrived.
Isnt it just gorgeous? What was your favourite? x
The energy around this humble abode exudes mindfulness and love. Totally made my day 💜
Absolutely love this! I need that wallpaper for an accent wall I am planning…
Couldnt agree more!!! x
Absolutely love the wood shower. Everything in the apartment is so perfectly simple, elegant with a natural vibe, but the shower is such a beauty. All the colours and textures come together so wonderfully, and it exudes a warm atmosphere. Thanks for sharing this lovely home!
Love this!
I want to be on the waiting list for the next available unit. (Not kidding.) Where do I sign???
I’ll second that!!!! x
How gorgeous and simple. Magnifico! x
I love the bathroom skylight! I do wonder about mildew, though, on the wood in the shower. Is it specially treated?
Love the fairy lights… so magical x
thank you for sharing your sweet home. i especially admire the thoughtful sensibility about displaying personal items that are meaningful – not just about “stuff” for the sake of decoration. well done.
Magical! I wish we could have seen a shot of the deck off of the bedroom/den area.
I live in this area and was so happy when these units were fixed up years ago and turned from shabby apartments to cared-for condos. It’s fun to see the inside of one of the units – thanks for sharing!
We just bought a house off Sandy across-ish from Ed’s House of Gems. It is a ‘traditional minimal’ tudor/cottage shaped house from just after WWII and we love it for the timeless vibe. Alas, we miss our 1920’s bungalow because there were a lot more nooks and cranies to shove our sentimental rocks. I love your home for about 1000 reasons, but am particularly inspired by your use of sentimental rocks. Thanks for sharing. :)
Ahh…so serene! I miss the skylights, beautiful wood accents, and playful mid century aestheitc of the northwest.
Absolutely screaming over the shower here, too. Any recommendations on what kind of sealant, etc is needed to ensure it holds up in the long run?
Would love to read more about the wood shower. I’ve never seen that before. How is it treated, what wood was used? It is absolutely gorgeous, as is the rest of the home! Love the blanket collection too! Very inspiring.
I also remember when they fixed these up! Such a lovely space.
Such an awesome apartment. I love all the plants and the colors- it’s similar to what my partner and I are aiming for. Super inspiring, thanks for sharing!
This is beautiful and I keep coming back to this post! Any idea where the vanity is from? Or is it custom? Love it!
What is the paint color in the den? I love it!