Good design looks effortless. It rarely is. Ask anyone who has tried to create a cool mid-century look only to end up with a hot mess of mishmash. Getting the right color, texture, lighting and proportions within four walls is a balancing act.
The Hotel Modera lobby in downtown Portland strikes that balance with a look that is pulled together without being too matchy-matchy.
“It’s a comfortable modernism,” says James Staicoff, “not too strict or cold.”
The Staicoff Design Company (formerly Corso Staicoff) deconstructed design elements and provided tips for getting the look. We sourced similar styles for the budget conscious. Read on for our choices.
Splurge: The hotel’s curved-arm Smock chair by Morroso makes a dramatic statement; $4,096, Hive Modern. |
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Splurge: Phoenix sofa from Morroso keeps a low profile, a post-modern signature. Sold in modules. Two-seat with chaise, about $12,250 at Hive Modern. |
Splurge: Maharan fabric pillows were custom-made in
Oregon by Nikki Desrosiers ([email protected]).
Skimp: Mix of solid and print pillows, $30 each, Crate & Barrel.
Tip: “That deliberate contradiction between modernist black-and-white and traditional botanical print produces energy and creates a sense of whimsy in the space.”
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Splurge: Asymmetric shape lends ’50s glam to Phoenix table Morroso; $2,930, Hive Modern. |
Splurge: Encaustic portrait by Tyler Marchus, $5,000. Janelle Fendall Baglien of Studio Art Direct curated the art for the hotel. |
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