My Top Places to Shop for Home Goods in Portland
The city of Portland is hot, hot, hot. It seems everybody and his or her mother are visiting, moving here, planning to move here or want to move here.
Most people flock to the city of Roses because of its ample outdoor activities, scenic beauty or bustling foodie scene. Less thought of is its killer design community. If you’re visiting Portland and interested in home décor, there are many great independent boutiques all of which are well worth a visit. These are my top ten:
1. Cargo
Cargo bill itself as “a journey of spirit, time, and place.” When you walk into their gigantic historic warehouse, you’ll see why. All corners of Cargo are filled with everything from Japanese tansus to Indian quilts to teapots and everything in between. If you leave this place empty-handed – or uninspired – there’s something wrong with you.
81 SE Yamhill St. Portland, OR, cargoinc.com
2. Hive
Hive’s motto is "Good design can and should be presented in an inspired, knowledgeable and friendly manner." Through the company’s website and in its northwest Portland store, Hive sells the iconic modern brands Alessi, B&B Italia, Herman Miller, Knoll, and Vitra in a museum like atmosphere.
820 NW Glisan Street, Portland, OR, hivemodern.com
3. Schoolhouse Electric
Schoolhouse Electric was founded by Brian Faherty in 2003 following his discovery of a long-lost collection of cast-iron glass shade molds in an abandoned warehouse and carefully restoring them back into production. Today, he’s now operating out of a gigantic facility in the industrial district selling all manner of furniture, lighting, bedding and hardware.
2181 NW Nicolai Street, Portland, OR, schoolhouse.com
4. City Home
Locally owned City Home has two showrooms that specialize in midcentury modern to reclaimed and steampunk. They also carry designer home decor and furniture lines, including Magnolia Home Furniture Collection, Joybird and Justina Blakeney Home.
Central Eastside Industrial
217 SE Taylor Street
Pearl District
825 NW Davis Street
cityhomepdx.com
5. Asia America
For fans of Asian goods, Asia America is worth a stop. They boast a nicely curated collection of art, antiques and furniture from over 40 years of travel to every corner of Asia. Asia America in SE Portland carries rustic furniture and antiques and has more than 5000 pieces to ogle.
Central Eastside Industrial 79 Southeast Taylor Street Suite 200
asiaamericafurniture.com
6. The Good Mod
This 20,000 square foot industrial loft is a midcentury modern design lover’s dream. They specialize in restoration and custom design and upholstery work. You can get a taste of the kinds of amazing pieces they bring in by visiting their website, but their store is not to be missed.
1313 Burnside St, 4th Fl., Portland, OR, thegoodmod.com
7. Solabee
This is exactly a home décor store, but Solabee is an oasis for plant and flower fiends. A women-owned full-service floral studio and plant shop provides fresh and unique botanical treasures. And their super knowledgeable staff at their conservatory-like shop will assist you in selecting the perfect plant for your space.
801 N. Killingsworth, Portland, OR, solabeeflowers.com/home
8. Legacy Modern
Legacy Modern is your one stop shop for mid-century modern, industrial, Americana and Mission Arts and Crafts home furnishings. Owner Mike Albino hails from a fourth generation of furniture traders. If he doesn’t carry it, he’ll find it for you. They also carry the works of many local artists and fabricators.
1530 SE 7th Ave, Portland, OR., legacymodern.com
9. Urbanite
This family owned “mall” is one of my absolutely favorite places to haunt on the weekends. A football fields worth new and antique furnishings, handmade items, plants and vintage clothing. Plan to spend a few hours here.
1005 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR. Urbanitepdx.com
10. Seams to Fit Home
Seams to Fit Home is an upscale consignment furniture designer showroom offering a modern mix of furnishings and home decor for urban living, located in Northwest Portland. This is the place to hit for beautiful, very lightly used custom pieces.
2237 NW Raleigh St., Portland, OR., seamstofithome.com
