Jeanne Feldkamp's Six-Year Journey to Crafting Her Dream Home
Nestled in the heart of Portland’s walkable, bike-friendly northeast neighborhood, the home of interior designer Jeanne Feldkamp and her husband Dan Diephouse is the epitome of intention and artistry. A labour of love over six years, the house reflects not only their shared life and design philosophy but also their deep connection to the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty.
Designed by Waechter Architecture, the house effortlessly merges modernist clarity with the raw beauty of brutalist materials, capturing the essence of the region’s ever-changing light. It’s a space rooted in authenticity, where every element, from its warm colour palette to tactile surfaces, invites connection with both the environment and the people within it.
Feldkamp, the founder of Heirloom Modern and co-founder of Corollary Wines, spent countless hours observing the shifting light of the trees before selecting a rich, grounding material palette. “I gravitate toward warm, assertive, textural shades,” she says.
The choice of materials - from concrete and walnut to Brazilian Mirage quartzite - celebrates imperfection, embracing the beauty of age and use. Feldkamp’s past as a fashion designer also leaves its mark, with custom textiles, handmade rugs, and even a Japanese farmhouse aesthetic subtly woven throughout the design.
The home isn’t just a visual masterpiece; it’s a reflection of the couple's lifestyle, designed with both function and comfort in mind. As longtime lovers of gathering friends and family around the dinner table, the home includes ample space for entertaining. A 12-seat dining table, large kitchen, and cozy lounge areas were top priorities for the couple, along with dedicated spaces for Dan’s music and Jeanne’s work in fashion design.
Throughout the house, every detail was considered with the utmost care - whether it was designing for privacy with motorised shades or incorporating artistic touches, like a 1980s Italian marquetry chest that inspired the guest bedroom’s colour palette, which mirrored the tones of Feldkamp's childhood bedroom.
The design also reflects the couple’s commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship, with woodworkers, metalworkers, and furniture makers lending their expertise.
The home’s fluid integration with the surrounding landscape - its all-glass walls and seamless indoor-outdoor flow - encourages constant interaction with the garden and the changing light, creating a haven for both quiet reflection and lively gatherings.
Ultimately, this home isn’t just a design triumph - it’s a testament to the commitment and love the couple shares for one another, their surroundings, and the art of living beautifully.
Credits
Photographer: Pablo Enriquez, Instagram: @pablo.enriquez
Interior design: Heirloom Modern, founded by Jeanne Feldkamp, Instagram: @heirloommodern
Architecture: Waechter Architecture, Instagram: @waechter_architecture
Landscape design: Lilyvilla Gardens
Lighting design: Biella Lighting, Instagram: @biella_lighting