Schoolhouse Visits a Nature-Inspired Midcentury Oregon Home

For content creator Nicole Jaques, home has an extra-personal meaning: “It was originally built by my husband’s grandparents 50 years ago,” she says of the 4,000-sq-ft midcentury hideaway she shares with her husband and kids in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Eventually, her family sold it, but later, she and her family had the opportunity to purchase it again. “The sentimental value, stunning natural light from the skylights and wall-to-wall windows, and the chance to raise our children on family land made it an easy yes. It feels like coming full circle.” Turns out, you can go home again.

Describe your personal style, and how it’s reflected in your home.

My style is a blend of cozy minimalism and modern functionality. I love clean lines, thoughtful organization, and creating spaces that are both practical and inviting. My home reflects a balance of family life, low-tox living, and subtle touches of character that tell our story.

What inspired your home?

I’m inspired by the midcentury modern era for its emphasis on simplicity, nature, and light. Think Frank Lloyd Wright meets modern-day comfort. Music-wise, there’s always a nostalgic playlist with a hint of ’90s influence playing in the background.

What is your favorite detail of your home?

The large panels of windows and skylights that flood the space with natural light. No matter the season, the changing light makes the house feel alive and connected to the outdoors. Also, because I can’t pick just one: our tile! We chose tile colors inspired by the landscape in Oregon: sand dune hues for our beaches in the laundry room, grey for the winter sky in the kitchen, blue for waterfalls and lakes and rivers in the master bathroom, yellow for the sun in another bathroom, and orange in the powder room for fall. It’s a daily reminder of the place we love so much and call home.

Did you renovate?

Yes, we did—A full gut remodel with M.O.Daby Design. I learned that patience is everything, and details matter more than you think. Also, sometimes “good enough” is the way to keep your sanity!

Is there a change that you regret? And what change made you the happiest?

I regret not considering storage solutions more deeply in the early stages. And pocket doors are the worst. The happiest change is my primary bathroom, with its spa-like design—featuring a cement tub, sauna, dual-headed shower with skylights above, and blue Heath tile—is the perfect example of this balance. It’s my sanctuary.

What is your best memory of living in your home?

Watching our children grow up in the same space their grandfather did—especially celebrating holidays and family milestones together. There’s magic in that connection.

What Schoolhouse pieces feel the most at home in your space, and why?

Our Schoolhouse pendant lights and vintage-inspired fixtures bring warmth and timeless charm to the house. They feel like a perfect nod to the home’s history while aligning with our modern style.

What about Food52 pieces?

Our Dansk Købenstyle red pots sit proudly on the stove, perfectly tying in with the red Wolf stovetop knobs. They bring a vibrant color pop to the kitchen while being endlessly functional—we use them constantly, and they never disappoint. Their design blends timeless style with practicality, just like the rest of our home. In fall, my kitchen windows look out onto our 50-year-old Japanese maple that is vibrant red. It’s another testimony for our desire to bring the outdoors in.