When our client downsized from a very large single family home to this penthouse in Portland’s artistic and walkable Pearl District, she was looking for a very modern space that would allow the spectacular city view, and her art collection, to be the standout focus of the open plan space. We selected low-slung, sleek European made pieces from B&B Italia, Minotti, and Roche Bobois then complemented those with original furniture pieces designed by Pangaea and made locally. The lush, silvery gray, hand-knotted, wool and silk rugs are also an original design by Pangaea. We added a raised bar to provide a little more visual separation between the kitchen and dining area. A patinated steel was used for the backsplash, bar front, and metal niches around the fireplace. Pangaea also worked with the client, Butters Gallery, and artist, Michael Kessler to commission the beautiful abstract art above the fireplace. Our client enjoys spending time perched in the wing-like “Glide” chairs watching the activity along the Willamette River. Even in a spacious penthouse, storage can be an issue. To provide extra seating when family visits, Pangaea designed an entryway bench made of three small upholstered ottomans fitted into an ash wood base. The ottomans are lightweight and have custom-made iron handles, so they can be taken out and used in the adjacent living room for extra seating. Two of the curvy, acrylic dining chairs are used elsewhere in the penthouse and are a breeze to move to the dining table when needed.
