n the early 1990s, this property was nothing more than a small cabin on the banks of the Hood River. “Our clients enjoyed visiting with their children as a retreat from their busy lives and with the intention that one day they would move there full time,” says Meghan Lopez, owner of Interior Occupations. “Once their kids were grown up and off on their own, they decided to move to Hood River full time and build their forever home. The property is tucked away, nestled in nature and overlooking a beautiful river with views of Mt. Hood. The home is incredibly private and was designed to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings.”

Along with lead designer Madison Greenleaf, the Interior Occupations team set out to design the new residence as a place for the family to slow down and reconnect with what they value most. “Their top priority was to create a space that feels timeless, comfortable, and inviting, with a strong emphasis on celebrating the surrounding views,” Meghan shares. “Our scope included collaborating on the interior architectural design, including custom millwork, finishes, lighting, and hardware. We also sourced and procured the majority of the furnishings, rugs, and drapery throughout.”

The project unfolded in two phases. The apartment and garage took shape in 2022. “Here, we wanted to make the living space feel layered and interesting, but not overwhelming,” Meghan tells us. “We chose an earthy green cabinet color with simple flat-panel cabinetry and paired it with an organic marble pattern to elevate the space. The fireplace is an accent to the space with a textured terrazzo tile.” The living area also features a small, whimsical chandelier from Matter, adding a moment of quiet delight.

The curve of the shower wall is something the design team intentionally introduced to provide interest while keeping the materials fairly simple. “We wanted to accentuate this architectural detail while having the materials follow seamlessly,” she explains.

Once this phase was complete, work began on the main home—and art became a guiding force in the design. “Our clients have an incredible art collection that they have been collecting for the past 30 years, and the entry and hall serve as the perfect gallery wall,” Meghan notes. “From there, you enter the main living space, where expansive views open to the surrounding landscape. The architect worked closely with the clients to orient the home in the ideal position to maximize these views throughout the space.”

In the kitchen, the island is anchored by a leathered quartzite slab. “The soft transition from the countertop to the cabinet side allows the stone to be showcased from the top and both sides,” Meghan explains. “We worked closely with the clients on slab selection to achieve organic movement while maintaining a soft, quiet presence.”

This sense of restraint and longevity carries throughout the home, where most of the spaces feature finish accents that will patina over time, like metal, leather, wood, and stone. The dining nook was designed to accommodate both daily meals and larger-scale gatherings, framed by a wall of windows that draws the landscape inward.

The living area features a blue-green, curved-back Flexform sofa, custom Stahl and Band chairs upholstered in Larsen patterned fabric, a live-edge walnut coffee table from Tod Von Mertens, and a bronze light fixture wrapped in plum-colored suede—a subtle counterpoint to the surrounding natural palette.

Moving through the home, an intimate courtyard patio reveals itself as a space for gathering and pause. “This area is a center point to the home, visible from all public spaces on the first floor,” Meghan tells us. “Our furniture selections were sculptural, textural, and quiet in tone to ensure that they interact smoothly with the surrounding interior areas.”

Completed in 2025, the project unfolded with a sense of ease that mirrored its outcome. “Overall, we did not have many challenges. The client was decisive and engaged, and the contractor/architect was collaborative and helpful,” Meghan shares. “We were able to make selections with enough time before the build to have things run fairly smoothly. The clients were very happy with the final install and are thrilled with their forever home.”