“I originally moved here with my partner,” says Anne Parker, a production designer and prop stylist who has rented her one-bedroom in Portland, Oregon, for the past decade. “After we broke up, I stayed because I love this space. 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 home with furniture made by her and her dad, thrown epic holiday parties, and adopted a pup named Pepe. Today, she gives us a tour, with photos by Leela Cyd…
KITCHEN
On family projects: My dad is a retired carpenter, so I’m constantly asking him to help me with home projects. Together, we built the kitchen pantry and shelves, plus a shed outside. He’s a patient teacher, and I’ve learned a lot.
On the heart of the home: I like having people over as much as possible. Once a week, I have dinner with a neighbor and their three little girls. Over time they’ve become my goddaughters, and we always try to explore new foods.
On growing a garden: When I moved in, I built raised beds in the backyard. My #1 priority is to plant things that make a good salad. Right now I have mesclun, collards, kale, chard, peppers, herbs, and cucumbers. I love making Mediterranean salads, and I just made gazpacho for dinner using my tomatoes and basil.
LIVING AREA
On a four-legged roommate: After my relationship ended, I started visiting the Humane Society pretty regularly. One morning, I just knew that I was going to meet my dog that day. When I got to the Humane Society, I saw a dog and thought, ‘Oh, this guy’s really cute.’
Coffee table: Wayfair. Rug: Boutique Rugs.
On choosing the dog’s name: Years earlier, I’d had a conversation about potential children’s names, and I said that I loved the name Pepe. After watching 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.”
On parties with a twist: I’ve worked freelance for the past 13 years, so I never attended work holiday parties. So, I had the idea to throw an office-style holiday party, but for freelancers. Last December, we squeezed 57 people into my one-bedroom rental. A friend brought Chex Mix, and I made shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, cheese and crackers, potato chips with onion dip, popcorn, and cookies. Plus, a big bowl of Amaro Lambrusco punch. We were packed in here like sardines, but it was so much fun.
OFFICE NOOK
Print: Gift shop at the Design Museum Denmark. Desk: “Cobbled together from a file cabinet, a desktop from Ikea, and legs that I made.” Wicker armchair and rug: Facebook Marketplace.
On favorite books: I recently enjoyed the novel The Rachel Incident. It’s a coming-of-age story about the romances and shenanigans of twenty-something friends in Ireland. I also liked Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, which outlines how the Democratic party can move forward in a hopeful way. I keep notes in my phone of all the books I read, along with a rating of one to five stars.
Green chair: vintage. Sheep pillow: CB2.
On mealtime rituals: One of my go-to meals is a rice bowl with cooked salmon, kimchi, avocado, pickled cucumbers and scallions. During dinner, I like to read the political newsletter What A Day by Crooked Media, so I can stay up on current events.
DINING AREA
On getting into volunteering: In 2020, during the height of Covid, I became friends with a neighbor who was a political organizer. With only 100 more days until the election, I asked him, ‘If you were me, what would you be doing right now?’ And he said, ‘Get involved on the state legislative level to elect Democrats.’ Because, essentially, everything trickles up.
On Sister District: I’ve volunteered a lot with Sister District, a grassroots organization that pairs people in blue states to make calls and help elect Democrats in purple states. I saw firsthand how speaking one-on-one with people helps to really engage voters; in fact, phone banking is one of the most effective tools to ensure voter turnout. It’s super well organized and actually a lot of fun. Sister District has everything figured out for you.
BEDROOM
Pillow case: Zara Home.
On finding balance: Growing up, I always saw work as the way to effect change in the world. But I realized that I can make a difference through volunteering, personal interactions, and the community that I build. My job as a stylist affords me a lot of free time to be the change I want to see.
Sofa: Craigslist. Striped pillow: Ikea. Floor cushion: thrifted. Rug: Boutique Rugs.
On staying positive during uncertain times: One thing I learned through volunteering is that action is the antidote to despair. When you’re actually doing something — like making phone calls and connecting with people whose votes matter — you can’t help but feel hope. That’s the only thing that I have experienced that has helped me make sense of this scary time.
On living alone: I think everyone should live alone at some point. There are moments that can feel lonely or scary, but it’s rare to have the opportunity in your life when you can make every decision: when and what you eat, how you spend your time, how you decorate, what goes where. On the other hand, when I lose my keys, I have no one to blame but myself!
Thank you so much, Anne! You can follow her on Instagram, if you’d like.
P.S. More house tours, including a family’s downsized dream home and a Connecticut house that defines coziness.
(Photos by Leela Cyd for Cup of Jo.)
