We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
A self-proclaimed “color enthusiast” interior and textile designer Caitlin Wilson is known for her personality-filled work brimming with color and pattern. Her thoughtful designs show attention to detail and an eye for blending a bit of old and new, along with lots of custom features. So when it came time for her and her family to settle down in Portland, Oregon, the Wilsons opted for a new build and to have everything they wanted under one roof.
Previously, Wilson shared with us a bit of the process behind creating her dream home on a budget, but now, with the project complete, she takes us inside the fresh, serene, and sophisticated space she and her family called home.
While building your own home from the ground up isn’t for everyone, there are certainly perks to getting to execute a space exactly how you envisioned it. “As a designer, I wanted to do everything as creatively as possible,” Wilson told Domino. “And when it came to designing my own home, all the little details had meaning to me. It took a lot of heart.”
With three growing kids, Wilson carefully thought through the function and flow for her family, but says she wanted to give a “fresh twist” on the traditional. Plus, her home would act as both a sanctuary for her family and a kind of living showroom for her products, so envisioning a cohesive flow was important. A circular floor plan provides an open and connected feel that was perfect for the children and her workflow.
One must-have for the house? A big kitchen with enough room for the kids to roam around, bake, and enjoy family meals together. The bright white cabinets and light oak floors provide a neutral backdrop and make the space feel even larger, while navy and white bistro chairs take center stage. As just one of the pieces Wilson designed and sells herself, they ground the space in a sophisticated color scheme that still feels playful and attainable.
“Color is part of who am I and what my brand is,” says Wilson “I always start a collection with color, so I did the same with my home. Having the foundation of the white allowed me to have those certain pieces pop.”
Carrying a color story of soft blues and navy that flows throughout the home is floral wallpaper found in the laundry area and music room. The contrast of the darker navy elements in the music room is one that makes Wilson’s favorite area, while floods of natural light still give it the airy, SoCal feel that radiates throughout the rest of the house.
A formal living room doesn’t have to be serious, according to Wilson. Here, classic patterns in muted tones are mixed and matched to add personality to the room, without feeling overwhelming.
Original artwork was a major source of inspiration as well and adds character to the brand-new build.
Patterns are also pulled from the decorative porcelain on display throughout the home as seen in this peaceful living space.
More than just a traditional colonial, Wilson and her builders added little nooks and unique separate areas throughout the house to make it feel more personal and tailored to her family. In this kid-friendly spot that’s perfect for homework, a custom-designed wallpaper featuring cities Wilson and her husband have lived in line the walls adding a dose of personalized, custom style.
“Everything I create is usually something that has personal meaning,” Wilson tells Domino. “Or, if I am looking for something super unique that I cant find, I design it.”
Cowhide lies over a blue plaid rug in this more masculine room of the home that still ties in the blue hues seen throughout the space. Wilson likes this room for its particularly cozy feel, with its warmer tones and layered accents.
Even in the bedrooms, the flow continues thanks to more vivid white walls and bedding along with soft blues. The palette makes the entire home feel cohesive and thoughtful, with every detail living as a purposeful design choice.
After lots of planning, Wilson’s dream home is now complete. Her biggest takeaway? Every decision has been labor of love. “Even for a designer, the entire process is a labor of love,” she says. “It takes time and layers and strategic solutions, but it can be done—even if you’re on a budget.”
Go inside more stunning homes:
This Whitewashed Home Is the Epitome of California CasualHow to Mix Patterns the Modern Farmhouse Way Inside a Feminine New York Apartment, With an Edgy Twist
Learn to love your inbox again—sign up for Domino’s daily email.