Tour a 1,400-Square-Foot Portland Bungalow With Cali-Scandinavian Vibes

Parents often wish for more room for their family. Not Nicole Wear and Calle Holmgren. “We wanted to simplify life, instead of getting overtaken by chores and maintenance — more lawn to mow, more house to clean,” Nicole says. Three years ago, they traded in their 2,500-square-foot new build for a smaller 1923 Craftsman bungalow. Although they adored the intact original details, the neglected interior begged for modern touches. Nicole is from California and Calle is from Sweden, and they married their cultures to create a light, bright Cali–Scandi look. Last July, Baby Mio joined siblings Jade and Isla. Nobody misses that extra 1,100 feet. “The rainy weather means we’re often gathered around our fireplace, chatting, reading or playing board games,” Nicole says. “For us, downsizing freed up family time.”

Calle and Nicole, and from left, Isla, 7; Jade, 9; and Mio, 6 months.

To keep things interesting but not busy (key in a smaller house), Nicole combined pieces with funky wood bases — a West Elm sofa and coffee table and Salvation Army chairs that she had reupholstered. They’re grounded by a punchy rug from Shkoon Shop. The couple regularly changes up the art on the mantel. “It’s unexpected to have bold pieces in an older home, and it adds life,” Nicole says. Dala painted horses, a traditional Swedish craft, sit on the coffee table.

The dining room may be made for meals, but it’s also a prime play space. The storage units along the wall are filled with toys, and Jade and Isla build fairy houses and magical cities here. “We didn’t want them playing in their rooms behind closed doors — this creates coziness,” Nicole says.