New Year, New Look!
Refresh your home in 2024!
It’s a new year and an excellent time to spruce up your home or office with new furniture—out with the old, in with the new!
There’s something cathartic about doing an annual refresh; whether it’s the entire house, a new couch, or a deep clean and declutter, the act of doing so provides a sense of renewal that is fairly addictive.
If a refresh sounds like a plan, it can be as easy as strolling down the historic NW 13th Avenue, beginning on NW Davis and heading north to Blu Dot, then wandering down the iconic street lined with restaurants and retail to Design Within Reach on the corner of NW Lovejoy. NW 13th Avenue is ground zero to several great furniture stores and design studios.
A Historic Destination
NW 13th Avenue is not only known as a destination location for restaurants, art, and shopping but also has a truly “Portland” backstory made up of early industry and an assortment of artist influences, designating the area not only as a historic area but as Portland’s original creative district. In the 1800s, many of the same warehouses seen today lined the streets to support the railroads. When the railroads faded into the past in the ’70s and '80s, artists in search of creative space, discovered that these light-filled, gritty, open spaces made for the perfect studio. Next came the galleries and restaurants, followed by the public. Over time, with far-sighted vision by the developers and the city, the Pearl District became the award-winning community we see today.
Portland’s Original Creative District
The Pearl District has become a beacon for creativity in a variety of forms, from the world-famous independent bookseller Powell’s Books to restaurants, breweries, parks, and galleries. Northwest 13th Avenue exemplifies the intersection of history and the creative spirit in Portland: with iconic businesses like the world-renowned Wieden and Kennedy agency and events such as the popular First Thursday Street Gallery, where local artists line the avenue every first Thursday of the month from April through October, attracting thousands of visitors.
Ready for inspiration? Let’s begin with Blu Dot
Blu Dot
Blu Dot is located in the historic 13th Street Lofts building. Circa 1917, the building was the home of the Wadhams & Kerr wholesale grocery business and then the Kerr glass jar manufacturing company.
Blu Dot has beautiful furniture and offers exceptional design services, where their team of specialists will, without additional cost, work with you to create a mood board for your home redesign that fits your aesthetic and budget. To quote their website, “Design needs to consider how each of us lives and work, finding creative ways to make both easier and more delightful.”
1308 NW Everett Street, Portland, Oregon 97209
Image: Blu Dot
Joybird
Newly opened in the Pearl District, kitty-corner from Blu Dot, is the bricks-and-mortar showroom of Joybird, the formally online-only retailer. Stop by the showroom to see their custom made and curated furniture designed to last a lifetime. They’ve also partnered with One Tree Planted, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reforestation. Consult their free design services and stop by!
300 NW 13th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
Image: Joybird
Hyphn
Stepping away from the home for a moment, we added Hyphn Design Studio to our list on the creative corridor of 13th Avenue. The studio is a recent addition to the Pearl District, focused on creating high-quality office spaces by handling interior design work, including the installation of new walls and furniture. The folks at Hyphn have offered their space for local events to support our neighborhood—a welcome addition!
390 NW 13th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
Image: Hyphn
Room & Board
Room & Board has been committed to sustainable furniture since 1980. Beautiful home furnishings inside and out (amazing display of deck furniture in the summer on the dock lining 13th Avenue). Plus, they offer free design services. Whether it's bedroom, bathroom, dining room, or outdoor furniture, the R&B Pearl District store has what you’re looking for. There’s no better way to start the new year than with a commitment to sustainable shopping!
380 Northwest 13th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
Image: Room & Board
Design Within Reach
The Design Within Reach location harkens back to the Pearl’s industrial history: it’s located in another historic building, formerly one of the Pearl District’s oldest warehouses; the space alone is worth a visit! But when in search of furniture and design, Design Within Reach is a fabulous resource. DSW creates and sources pieces with longevity in mind. With design specialists on call virtually and in-store, there’s always an expert on hand to match you with the best product for your needs. Everything from a home office to outdoor furniture is at your fingertips at Design Within Reach.
Design Within Reach Portland Showroom
825 NW 13th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
Image: Design Within Reach
We also want to shout out our home remodel/refresh tenants just a block or two off NW 13th Avenue.
Bedmart
Family-owned and locally operated since 1992, Bedmart has been the Pacific Northwest’s source of beds and mattresses for 30 years. Their services don’t just stop at the bedroom; stock up your dining room and living room as well. Stop by the 1039 Building for the perfect mattress and fantastic furniture!
1039 NW Glisan Street, Portland, OR 97209
Image: Bedmart
Kohler Signature Store
At 150 years old, Kohler is a veteran in the home refresh department. Their signature store in the Pearl is also there if you’re looking to upgrade and beautify your space. The offerings range from top-notch products like fixtures, tubs, and sinks to lighting, tile, cabinets, and more. The showroom offers experiential shopping, smart home products, and design and installation services. Even the most competent DIYer sometimes doesn’t have the time to install that new sink or tile. Want inspiration for a refresh, do-over, or future plan for your dream kitchen or bath? Visit the Kohler Signature Store and prepare to be amazed!
Kohler Signature Store Website
1100 NW Glisan Street, Portland, OR 97209
Image: Kohler
Not Ready to Let Go?
A refresh is in the works, but are you still getting emotional about giving away your favorite auntie's flowered sofa? How about self-storage as an option as you refresh your home? Downtown Self Storage is the solution, with two locations on 13th Avenue. Locally owned and giving to the community for over 30 years!
Extra bonus! Downtown Self Storage locations are both in historic buildings on NW 13th Avenue. Website: www.downtownselfstorage.com
The Pearl District Portfolio takes pride in our tenants and community!
We are committed to ensuring this mixed-use district continues to function as a vibrant center of art and culture, urban housing, and creativity. Through the adaptive reuse of our eight distinct buildings, we continue to honor the Pearl District's history while providing a range of spaces unique and unequaled in Portland.
Explore Pearl District Portfolio’s website and blog for more information on the building, the history of the Pearl District, the community, and events. Sign up for the newsletter and follow us on social media @pearldistrictportfolio to stay in touch with local events and activities!
Looking for Creative Office or Retail Space
The Pearl District Portfolio offers modern and beautiful spaces combined with vintage architecture across the neighborhood.
Visit pearldistrictportfolio.com for information on leasing.
