Sauvie Island River House
The robust, character-filled bones of this original 1970s Sauvie Island home guided a thoughtful renovation and restoration by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design.
While some might have torn down the ageing home and started anew, the designer instead chose to celebrate its existing character, layering warm, cosy materials, textured fabrics and mid-century furnishings throughout. The resulting cottage aesthetic owes much of its charm to the extensive use of timber – namely, Oregon white oak flooring and Douglas fir wall and ceiling linings – complemented by artisan light fixtures and retro-style tiling.
The setting was one Helgerson knew well, being a resident of this Oregon island herself. Situated along the Columbia River, the island is a patchwork of agriculture and nature reserve – a verdant, coveted location for young families like those who call Sauvie Island River House home. An initial step was to overhaul the floor plan, improving the flow between spaces and framing better sightlines to the river. Jessica Helgerson Interior Design then introduced a palette of earthy tones and rich blues and greens that tie into the hero of the interiors: the ground-level floor tiles. Paired with William Morris wallpapers and salvaged Heather Levine ceramic light fixtures, the home radiates cosiness and eclecticism.
Upstairs, the living room is wrapped in timber, with a custom window frame that echoes the home’s roofline. Sofas were chosen for form, colour and comfort, upholstered in deep blue and chequered fabrics that reference the tiled floor below. This same pattern reappears in the breakfast nook off the country-style kitchen, complete with a custom-tiled island. At the heart of these spaces sits an emerald green, two-way fireplace, lending a sense of luxury.
Mid-century side tables, cabinetry and buffets feature throughout the home, including the bedrooms and bathrooms. The dining room is an elegant example, with its Reed LaPlant Studio dining table paired with custom upholstered chairs by The Good Mod. In the children’s bedrooms, built-in shelving and desks are complemented by yellow and green accent walls punctuated with colourful artworks. The parents’ suite echoes this attention to detail, with textured grass cloth wall coverings, mustard-coloured bedding and the same river-blue tone woven through rugs and throws.
Rather than being an afterthought, the landing has been designed as a tranquil spot to enjoy the home’s most sweeping views, furnished with a set of blue Fred Rigby Studio chairs. Every space feels well considered – a renovation that breathes new life into a modern classic.
Interior design by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. Build by TaylorSmith Sustainable Construction. Artwork supplied by Russo Lee Gallery and Elizabeth Leach Gallery.
