Design that grounds, elevates, and reflects who you are

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Our Story

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Design With Refinement started with one simple belief: your home should support you, not stress you out.

Growing up in a commune in Washington State with no electricity, no running water, nine of us making everything last shaped the way I think about design. Nothing wasted. Everything chosen with purpose. Spaces that are built to live in, not just look at.

That philosophy shows up in every project today - in the American-made furniture I source, the estate sale finds I track down on Saturday mornings, the local Portland makers I commission for pieces that exist nowhere else. Sustainability isn't something I added to my practice. It's always been the foundation of it.

As a designer, problem-solver, and calm guide in the chaos, I help clients create spaces that are not only beautiful but beautifully livable. Whether you're relocating, refreshing a family home, or just tired of feeling off in your space - I bring a curated eye, a clear process, and a sourcing philosophy built on more than what's available online.

And you're never navigating it alone. Behind the scenes, I work with a trusted team of designers, drafters, and tradespeople so every decision is guided and every detail handled with care from start to finish.

Our Approach

Every space we design is grounded in these values:

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  • We help you move from inspiration overload to a clear, actionable plan. Every decision has a purpose, and we guide you through it with confidence and ease.

  • A beautiful home starts with how it works. Layouts, furnishings, and finishes are chosen to support the way you actually live day to day.

  • No two projects—or people—are the same. Your home should tell your story, not ours. We take the time to understand your lifestyle, values, and aesthetic to make every detail feel like you.

  • Design should never feel out of reach. We meet clients where they are, tailoring each plan to fit their style, needs, and budget.

  • Sustainability isn't a trend at Design With Refinement - it's built into every sourcing decision, from estate sale finds to American-made furniture to work by local Portland makers.

Designed for People LIke You

You don’t have to be a design expert—you just have to know you want something better.

At Design With Refinement, we partner with people and small businesses who value comfort, clarity, and connection in the spaces they use every day. You’re not looking for a showpiece—you’re looking for spaces that make life (and work) feel easier, calmer, and more beautiful.

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We love working with:

  • Busy professionals who want a calm, functional home that supports focus, relaxation, and balance after long days.

  • Empty nesters ready to reinvest in the home they’ve loved for years—refreshing their space to reflect this new season of life.

  • DIY-savvy homeowners who have plenty of inspiration but want a cohesive, professional plan to pull it all together.

  • Families in transition—upsizing, downsizing, or reimagining how their home supports their lifestyle.

  • Small business owners and community spaces looking to elevate the experience of their clients and team through thoughtful, welcoming design.

If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.


We design for real life—where beauty meets function, and every choice feels intentional.

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Meet the Founder

Hi, I'm Refinement — yes, it's my real name — and I founded Design With Refinement because I believe your home should be as intentional as the life you're living in it.

My background in project management means I bring calm structure to the creative process. My upbringing on a commune in Washington State — nine of us, six brothers, no electricity, no running water — means I've never approached sourcing, materials, or design without thinking about what lasts.

Outside of design, I'm active with the Interior Design Society's Portland chapter and an active member of the Multnomah Athletic Club. I served on the Pacific Northwest Leadership Council for Children's Cancer Association (JoyRx) including the new design of the Caring Cabin meditation pavilion on the Oregon Coast. I've had the honor of serving as Chair of the Ambassador Board for CASA for Children, and I lead my youngest daughter's Girl Scouts troop.

When I'm not designing, you'll find me at an estate sale, scanning national auctions for one-of-a-kind pieces, or on a hike with my puppy and youngest daughter.

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