Kollective Design brings an artsy, elevated vision to a single dad’s Overlook home.
Designer: Anna-Jaël Hotzel of Kollective Design
Photography: Aubrey Janelle
Photo Styling: Sharlyn Anderson
Floral: Kaylee Young
When you think of Dad style, fashion-forward isn’t generally the first term that comes to mind. But it is for Nick Skourtes, who worked with Anna-Jaël Hotzel of Kollective Design on the home he shares with his 12-year-old daughter, Iliana.
“He’s a really cool dad,” says Hotzel, who first met her client when they were in their 20s and were upstairs-downstairs neighbors. “He has a sneaker collection that would put most fashionistas to shame.”
Skourtes first fell in love with this Overlook property’s big windows, captivating views of Portland and nearness to a rail line (his grandfather worked in the railyards after emigrating from Greece). Also, he knew it was enough of a blank slate that he could bring in his personal style to it while also creating a great place for #dadlife.
“I can be incredibly particular,” Skourtes says. “Working with someone who really got to know me really helped.”
The designer led Skourtes through an intuitive process where she got to know his affinity for color, shape and texture. Fuzzy? Yes. Shiny? No. From their collaboration, Hotzel created family spaces that reflect her client’s experimental approach to form and materials and his deep appreciation of one-of-a-kind pieces (see the Sam Klemick Bell chair that graces his living room). As for the color: Hotzel says the palette developed as Skourtes paid close attention to his aesthetic affinities for different styles, textures and objects.
“Things that don’t go together can really stand out,” Skourtes says. “The right colors can come together and create a certain symphony, but you really have to be patient.”
