Casey Keasler values experiential learning. The founder of interior design firm Casework recently completed a nearly five-year renovation of her 1966 Portland, Oregon, home, which she affectionately calls the “Ranchalow” thanks to its ranch-meets-bungalow vibe. “I used the house as a bit of a testing ground,” the designer says. “Doing a lot of the work myself gave me a better understanding of the details and process, which strengthened the design as well as my relationships with vendors and tradespeople.”
In conceiving a design scheme for the 1,250-square-foot mid-century home that would suit her needs and reflect her personal style, Casey followed the same process as she does for all her clients. “We are very calculated as we develop the palette and vision, and always set three key phrases,” she explains. For her own home they are: “golden hour”—the warmth and glow of that really beautiful September sunshine; “easy like Sunday morning”—home as a usable, comfortable, laid-back respect; and “ranchalow”—a color and materials palette that harkens to midcentury ranch homes and 1920s Craftsman bungalows.
Upon entering the living space in the center of the one-story home, huge windows flood the front area with light, while the main seating area is tucked cozily within three walls—a perfect setup for a sectional and television plus shelving. “I have friends over a lot to hang out, play cards and board games, and watch movies,” the designer says.
