why does this modern 70's renovation work so well?
- Taylor Apolonio
- Jan 10, 2025
- 3 min read
extra points for it being on a river island near portland, oregon
Jessica Helgerson Interior Design & Taylor Smith Sustainable Construction
Recently, I stumbled upon a remodel near Portland, Oregon that absolutely captivated me. The space caught my eye on Pinterest, and before I knew it, I was going full on investigator mode. Instead of just pinning it and moving on, I thought, why not share why I think this space works so well? Let’s put this interior design degree to work!
Before we get into the details, I want to mention that this post is on the heels of last weeks YouTube video, where I talk through the design in even more depth. If you want to see all of the spaces or just love seeing design in action, make sure to check it out!
Jessica Helgerson Interior Design & Taylor Smith Sustainable Construction
breaking down the design
What initially drew me to this remodel was its balance of nostalgia and modernity (and the colors, duh). The designers managed to preserve the charm of the 70s while introducing updates that make the space feel fresh and functional for modern times. Here are some key elements that make this remodel a standout:
Original Character: The remodel doesn’t shy away from its roots. From wood paneling to retro tile patterns, the designers leaned into the 70s origin rather than masking it. For example, the living room features stunning wood-paneled walls that immediately transport you back in time, but the large windows, wood ceiling, and furniture selection hits all the desires for a contemporary home.
Color Palette: The warm, earthy tones are straight out of the 70s, but they’ve been reimagined in a way that is new and exciting. The palette includes various shades of rusty terracotta, teal blue, and a mustard yellow, which are layered through textiles, flooring, and even the fireplace. This dimension adds so much depth to the design, creating a cohesive and welcoming atmosphere.
Functional Spaces: The remodel doesn’t just look good; it’s livable. For example, the kitchen maintains its retro charm with a bold backsplash, but the layout has been modernized for better workflow. I especially love the open storage solution that’s integrated into the island (and an interesting alternative to wall shelves)!
why this works
What I love about this project is how intentional every choice feels. It’s not about copying a decade’s style for nostalgia’s sake; it’s about honoring the past while making it relevant. It’s the kind of design that tells a story—a mix of “I’ve been here forever” and “I’m ready for what’s next.” Each space feels like it belongs, yet it’s ready to adapt to modern living.
The living room, for instance, is a perfect example of this balance. The fireplace remains a focal point, but the surrounding furniture—including a low-slung sectional and minimalist coffee table—keeps the space grounded in the present.
Similarly, the bathrooms are another standout. The use of vintage-inspired tile patterns combined with sleek, updated fixtures creates a perfect blend of old and new. And swoon with me over this stain glass door! These spaces demonstrate how small details, like hardware and finishes, can tie together an entire design theme.
Jessica Helgerson Interior Design & Taylor Smith Sustainable Construction
let’s keep the conversation going
If you’re as obsessed with this remodel as I am, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What do you think of this mix of old and new? Are there elements you’d incorporate into your own space? Drop a comment below and let’s chat.
And don’t forget, you can watch my full breakdown of this remodel on my YouTube channel. I go into even more detail about why this space works and what we can learn from it. Click here to watch the video now!
Do you like this kind of post? Maybe this series will become a regular feature. Check out the folks who worked on this project below. Until next time!
Jessica Helgerson Interior design
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