This Portland Home Is an Oasis for Solo Living
“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.)
Tags: house tours
Comments
83 commentsI’ve had this home tour as a tab on my browser since it came out several months ago. It’s incredibly cold right now still in Alaska, and I find myself so drawn to color and waiting for spring weather! Anne’s sweatshirt is giving me those colorful spring vibes–does anyone know where I could find that sweatshirt? I’ve been all over the secondhand sites searching!
Gorgeous, gorgeous home.
Beautiful beautiful home! Would love to know where the dining room table is from
Which artist made the abstract painting above the couch?
Hi AEP! The artist is John Vitale.
Dream home! Would love to know more about the curtain setup.
Perfect Saturday story to accompany a delish cup of coffee and a perfectly poached egg! Delightful lady with an eye for balance and beauty. xo I covet her teapot.
This was so nice to see! I have lived alone for only a year (I’m 43!) after a divorce and it’s the first time I have ever lived alone in my life. It has been a big adjustment but I am finding glimmers and learning to appreciate it- things like this help me remember that I am lucky, in some ways, to live alone! I do have my kids half the time, but the half where I’m alone feels so strange sometimes.
Um, she is living my dream in every way. Loved this.
feel like I’ve found a soulmate on the other side of the ocean. I’m also Ana, also a freelancer, and I also hosted a Christmas lunch for all the freelance copywriters, designers, and art directors in my hometown starting back in 2011. And I also had a place just like yours (just not as lovely or thoughtful or curated) from the age of 17 to 28. You know how in films you sometimes see someone living the version of life you didn’t realise you were longing for? That’s what your home tour feels like to me. Wishing you all the best, lovely Anne Parker. You’re creating something truly special.
I love your place. It’s gorgeous, and Pepe is adorable!
This is my dream home. I lived alone for many years in my 20s and early 30s and loved it. Having a partner with ADHD, a dog, and a toddler means that my home will never look like this but it’s so lovely and cozy to be a voyeur.
so lovely!
Oh the delicious rabbit hole I fell into with these two woman. All the way back to Leela Cyd’s work Food with Friends and the luscious photography for beloved magazine, Sweet Paul. To build with parent-fortunate inner strength builder in every direction. Life tools.
Love love LOVE this home. Saving as inspo. Also, this is so nit-picky. But I work full time at the Humane Society, have extensive background in animal welfare, and am constantly referred to as a volunteer. Maybe the people who helped Anne were in fact volunteers, but it’s likely anyone facilitating animal introductions is a trained employee :).
Loves reading about Anne and her beautiful Portland home. Also, the look on Pepe’s face. Total relaxed, bliss. He looks like a baby sleeping on his mama’s chest, so adorable
Blaming of the keys!! Hilarious!
Loved this one!
I also live alone and I found this post so comforting and inspiring. I had never expected to be living alone in my 40s, but after going through the grief of not having a family I am starting to realise what a fantastic position I am in – to have my own time, enjoy the children of friends and neighbours, to create a space and a community which resonates to my values, to have my own business. Thank you for sharing other single, fabulous women!
Thank you for including Anne’s important volunteer work. Growing up, both of my parents spent a lot of time volunteering in the evenings after work, and I thought it was just something everyone did (and my dad took a lot of civic pride in the fact that our Midwestern home state was one of the top states in the US for volunteering). Their work was quiet and consistent, and has inspired 28-year-old me to work volunteering into my own life in introvert-friendly ways. Volunteering is such an important aspect of society, now more than ever, and I am so glad to see it mentioned in a Cup of Jo house tour!
Where is that crisp blue and white bed spread from?!
also wondering! thank you in advance!!
Appreciating the hard work it would take to align the wooden spoons so meticulously. That photo is so satisfying! I can’t stop looking at the spoons – Wes Anderson-level attention to detail.
As a fellow pacific northwesterner, I’ve followed Anne’s Instagram (and lusted after her home and meals) for years. So great to see her on Cup of Jo!!
As a fellow Pacific Northwesterner, I’ve enjoyed following Anne on Instagram (and lusted after her home and meals) for years. So great to see her on Cup of Jo!!
Your home is so lovely, Anne! And I love seeing fellow Portlanders featured.
Such a beautiful thoughtful home! Is there a way to find out the brand/maker of the tea pot in the first picture?
Hi Cat! It’s this one from Amazon.
I love this home tour! And I love her advice about living alone, as someone who has never actually lived alone. I went from roommates to boyfriend to husband to family. Sometimes I daydream about living alone and the freedom that could bring.
Living in uncertain times? Ask a Japanese, Vietnamese, Afghani, Iraqi, Irani, Palestinian, Libyan, Yemeni, Venezuelan etc. person- immigrant or native- and they’ll tell you what uncertain times look like thanks to U.S’ systemic decimation and annihilation. Don’t ask the Israelis though since we’re making it certain- their protection, privilege, and perk with OUR tax $$$. Ever wonder why we’re so unhappy despite living in the top of the first world country? That’s why. What goes around comes around.
Agreed.
I LOVE this apartment. It is warm and cosy yet super stylish! The all-natural feeling it gives is appealing. Building furniture and getting second-hand pieces is the way to go.
I love this post — I’ve been admiring Anne’s home on Instagram for a while now. What a treat!
Would love to know more about that room upstairs. Is it a converted attic space? Is it a white wash or pickled. I like it! This was a super cozy read on a very cold day.
I was wondering that too.
Me too. How is it in the winter and summer as it doesn’t look insulated. Thanks!
oh lord! favorite space ever!
Anne, you seem like the most wonderful person! Your soul shines through in this interview & your home. I want to be your neighbor!!
Building a base for a file cabinet is great!
Thank you for featuring a single women and her story. As a recently single woman, reading such stories gives me hope and comfort. A beautiful home filled with such a cozy and welcoming vibe. Thank you for sharing!
jadore
Love that you feature homes of real people that are beautiful but full of soul and not just Pinterest worthy. ❤️
What a beautiful home and article! Thank you :)
I would love to move right into this beautiful home!
Love this article, home, Anne! I just sent it to my daughter for inspo!
This is a beautiful home!
What a gorgeous home – and garden! Immaculate vibes!
Such a beautiful home ! Wish I could hire her to style mine !!! And an inspiration to do more handmade – whatever it may be. Always more charming.
Also, the top photo is truly beautiful! And there is a 60s vibe maybe? Goodwork Lyla! Love from Paris
Love the quote that everyone else loves! It must be our word for moving into the new year. Thank you for this beautiful home tour :)
This is the perfect home.
i’d love to see more details of the furniture you built with your dad! and the raised gardens! and learn more about what goes into styling and styling as a career!
That’s a hugeeee one bedroom! Is it two stories? It’s lovely, so well styled but lived in. Can I ask who the artist is for the abstract painting over the couch? I love it!
Hi Anne! I will double check with her, but I believe it’s by the artist John Vitale.
This is one of my favorite home decor interviews from Cup of Jo! Not only is Anne’s space beautiful, I loved how her answers were based on volunteering and activism. Thank you for your work, Anne!
I loved that as well – the mindset that a job can affect change in the world, but so can everyday human interactions and how you choose to volunteer your time and energy!!
I love all the home tours (seriously, one of my favorite post types!), but this is the first one where I thought, “I could live there. Happy sigh.” Such a lovely place. Thank you for sharing it with us!
This is so delightful, and 100% agree that action is the antidote to despair! But also…. tell us about amaro lambrusco punch?? Sounds like a dream
SAME. i need that punch immediately.
And just like that I NEED an orange rug. and a yellow rug. I am kind of glad you don’t have more rooms in your house . Gorgeous home. Pepe is adorbs!
Pepe! I love a good serendipitous moment like that.
Anne – What a well-loved home. The energy does send a vibe that you’ve made every decision yourself. Also, you should try the goodreads app! It’s the best to track what you like and discover books from other people. Enjoy!
The upside of a note on your phone is that it’s not feeding Amazon’s algorithm or leading to more data surveillance, since Goodreads is owned by Amazon now!
Storygraph is a non-Amazon alternative for anyone looking for a book recommendations app. Personally I like Anne’s approach of keeping my own notes/sharing recs with friends.
I’m using Fable and I highly recommend it!
Wow – what a beautiful and peaceful home, so thoughtfully crafted. I especially loved the kitchen and bedroom. Anne is an inspiration on so many levels, and this really felt like a love letter to living alone and living well. Also ‘The Rachel Incident’ was so funny!
“Action is the antidote to dispair,” might be my new motto. What a simple yet incredible truth. Thank you for sharing your home and your heart!
Such a beautiful home! There are so many interesting touches in here, and it seems like it would be such a welcoming place to live. Thanks for sharing!
“Action is the antidote to despair.” Amen! Also, all that wood is glorious.
I’m so curious about this Amaro Lambrusco punch! Would you share more about it?
What a beautiful, well curated and lived in home Anne! I love all the warm coloured wood throughout and the pops of colour and art. I love when a home looks truly lived in and not stuffy.
“Action is the antidote of despair,” amen, amen! Want it on a bumper sticker asap! As a former PDX resident, thanks for this warm hug!
Wow- I started following Anne (pronounced Annie! I still remember that!) at the same time as I discovered Cup of Jo, at a terrible office job when I was around 25. I recall reading Anne’s 30th birthday post (an age that terrified me at the time!) and her intentionality, commitment to community, and love of creating intimate beautiful spaces was totally evident then (as Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bookends” played in the background of her birthday…such a splendidly old soul). Now, she must be in her forties, and she looks and decorates exactly the same–such a testament to a genuine spirit and strong sense of self.
I’ve never commented on a home tour before, but I love this home and Anne seems like such a cool person! I lived alone in a one bedroom for 13 years, from my early 20s to my mid 30s, and I agree that it’s a wonderful experience everyone should have. And I also hosted an annual Hanukkah party for ten of those years, with everyone crammed in just as Anne describes. I agree with another commenter that the home seems to have the perfect amount of “stuff” and color, and I love all the cozy wood furniture. Also, go Dems! You are cool.
Without a doubt, this is my favorite Cup of Jo home tour. It’s warm and cozy but also colorful and it flows so well.
Same!! They’re usually nice in theory (stunning but not practical or not too my taste but more loved in) but this one is the perfect blend of gorgeous, practical, aspirational, intentional, interesting but not cluttered. It just flows, perfect way of putting it.
Man, I feel kid of silly by how moved I am by the beauty of this home. So many good spots to get cozy and appreciate what you’ve got. Love every nook and cranny- and her personal energy is just the cherry on top.
What a beautiful and purposeful home!
Anne – your home is cal and vibrant at the same time. So much interesting textiles, art, and placement of the everyday stuff. I’m curious about your One Kings Lane sofa. We need a sleeper sofa and I’m looking for something comfortable and long lasting. Any info you can share is much appreciated. Thanks for sharing your home with us.
Sooo beautiful, and I LOVE the idea of throwing a work Christmas party for freelancers! What a fun idea!
What a lovely home!
An inspiration for us single women everywhere. I love the creativity and intentionality with which she’s built her space and her life. Thank you for sharing with us, Anne!
Pepe! What a lovely space.