Designer Spotlight: Andy Barlow
Our Designer Spotlight series is back, and this month we’re bringing you Andy Barlow - a Portland-based interior designer who fully embraces the “mix beats the match” mentality. As Head of Interior Design at THESIS Studio, Andy brings vintage and mid-century inspiration together with new touches from his favorite local shops to create personal and character-filled homes. Filled with cheerful pops of color and thoughtfully placed plants, his spaces are always joyful and full of charm. Below Andy shares his design inspirations, Schoolhouse favorites and tips for making a meaningful home.
What you do: Head of Interiors
Where: THESIS Studio in Portland, OR
Design aesthetic in five words: Timeless, fun, textural, vintage, modern
Inspiration sources: Schoolhouse of course! I also find inspiration in nature, Japanese and Scandinavian design, midcentury design, music, books, and all the other designers I stalk on Instagram.
Photos by Eduardo Acorda
Favorite projects: Our Sellwood Bungalow project has definitely been one of my favorites. Our clients wanted something fresh, clean, and modern, yet wanted to keep (and bring back) some of the integrity and historic elements from their nearly 100-year-old bungalow. The result was both timeless and new, colorful but subdued, and full of locally made pieces.
Photos by Christopher Dibble
Best design trick: Have an awkward space? Fill it with a plant!
Home advice: Go with your gut, and don’t be afraid to mix styles. Select pieces that have a story and/or mean something to you. The stronger connection you have to an item, the longer you will want to keep it on display (creating less waste from constantly changing styles). Follow that saying, “want better, not more!” and SHOP LOCAL AND SMALL!
Top Schoolhouse products: Sidnie Lamp, Knurled Pulls, Flip Clock, and the tweed Jack Chair that I dream about owning one day myself.
Photos by Andy Barlow
See more at: thesisstudio.com, @pizza_affairs, @thesisstudiopdx
