A Design Style Rooted in the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest has always danced to the beat of its own drum when it comes to design. Our lifestyle is deeply connected to the outdoors, woven between towering evergreens, misty mornings, and an endless cycle of rain.
Unlike much of the country, which is currently embracing warm neutrals—beige, creams, and earthy tones—we in the PNW find our grounding in a different palette. Here, warm grays and cool grays serve as our neutral foundation, creating a rich, layered environment that mirrors our landscape.
Having lived in Portland, OR, for over 20 years, I can confidently say that rain is our constant companion in every season. We don’t even own umbrellas here—just a good rain jacket and the knowledge that the drizzle is simply part of life.
And when the sun finally peeks out in spring, we all make the same tired but beloved joke: What’s this giant ball of fire in the sky?
Being in the tile and stone design industry for so many years, I’ve noticed that our design choices in the Pacific Northwest have always stood apart from the rest of the country. And yet, our aesthetic has quietly inspired people everywhere. While warm, earthy tones are trending nationwide, our love for deep greens, rich browns, and steadfast grays remains unwavering.
Gray, in all its nuances, is the backbone of NW Modern design. It anchors our natural color schemes, bridging the gap between lush forest greens, moody ocean blues, and earthy wood tones. It provides the perfect balance—warm enough to feel inviting, yet cool enough to reflect the misty, serene quality of our surroundings.
NW Modern isn’t just about color; it’s about texture and materiality as well. We embrace the raw beauty of wood, stone, and concrete, appreciating their imperfections and organic feel. Matte finishes, honed surfaces, and handcrafted details define our spaces, offering a quiet, understated elegance that feels authentic to our region.
There’s a reason why the Pacific Northwest has become an influential design hub. Our connection to nature shapes the way we build and decorate our spaces, creating environments that feel timeless, harmonious, and deeply personal. While trends may come and go, NW Modern remains a timeless reflection of our landscape, weather, and lifestyle.
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