Jessalynn Forde's Minimalist, Modern Home

Jessalynn Forde’s Portland, OR, home is calm, clean and oh-so cozy. It’s minimal and modern—the perfect combination—and it’s total goals for everyone who strives to live a clutter-free and minimalist lifestyle. One look inside Jess’s home, we’re pretty sure you’ll want to know the secret to a home this clean and beautiful, so scroll on for more pretty pictures and loads of inspiration.

Tell us a bit about yourself!

Hey, hi, howdy and hello! I’m Jess. I was born and raised in Austin, TX—land of breakfast tacos, live music and Topo Chico, where rosé season is year-long and the sun is usually shining. I went to school for Fashion Merchandising at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco where my love of design in all areas grew. After returning to Austin for a few years, I decided to venture from home. I now reside in Portland, OR, with my little Frenchie, Yogi and work as the store manager for HAY, the Denmark-based design company’s first U.S. store.

How would you describe your home’s style?

My home’s style is similar to my own—minimal and modern, with an element of surprise.

What were some of your go-to décor resources?

In terms of décor inspiration, I spend a fair amount of time on Sight Unseen as well as Instagram. It’s always fun to see the newest innovations in design as well as other people’s personal style and how they interpret current interior trends. For filling my space, my go-to stores are: HAY, Parachute Home, IKEA, and the rest is a mix of online/local shopping, Craigslist finds and gifts from my former French lover. Always on a budget, I try and ensure that my larger investment pieces are quality and designed to stand the test of time. That being said, high-low is the way to go in creating an accessible and well-styled space.

What’s your favorite room in your home? Why?

It’s honestly a toss-up between my living room and my “bedroom.” Since I live in a studio, I really strived to make it all feel like one cohesive space. Well-designed and minimal, but still have a welcoming and fun vibe.

If you could change one thing about your home, what would it be?

I’m renting right now so I don’t have too much say on the finishes, but, if I had to pick one thing, I would opt for lighter wood floors.

What elements in your home promote creativity?

The artwork for sure! Most of the art in my space are pieces I’ve collected from my friends along the years. In addition to that, I would say the neutral palette also helps with providing visual space to allow for creativity.

Your home is so bright and airy! Did you always love a more minimalist style?

Though my style has evolved through the years, I’ve always leaned more toward a minimalistic approach. What that has looked like has definitely changed. Where before it was more in a decorating sense, now it’s become a lifestyle. Now that I’ve been through a few moves, I find myself needing/wanting less stuff. Clutter, to me, seems to weigh down a space and make it less inviting. I want my place to be one where you can relax and unwind.

How can others get started on leading a more minimalist approach to home design and décor?

The same way I view working out, I view my home. It’s a lifestyle change, not a diet or quick fix. Take it one step at a time, removing the things you don’t need or use on a regular basis. Once you remove all the unnecessary items that were weighing the space down, you begin to see where you can add in those items that are simple and functional.

What elements of your home are you most proud of?

I’m a sucker for nostalgia. I collect little matchbooks from my favorite bars and restaurants that I visit with friends and family. Not only are they handy—I have a lot of candles—they’re a nice way to shine light on the memory. I also just recently made my first “adult” art purchase. The two larger abstract pieces from my friend, Maja Dlugolecki. I love everything she does but when I saw these two, I was immediately drawn to them and couldn’t get them out of my mind.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

It was actually a quote I read from artist, Amber Ibarreche, I found on Instagram: “Put yourself first, don’t save the best for last.” I think with everything going on in our lives, we always need to remember that self-care is not selfish, and if we’re not taken care of, we can’t help others to our fullest potential.

What’s your morning routine like?

Rise n’ grind! I’m usually up between 5:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. to put in work at the gym. It’s so invigorating knowing you accomplished something for yourself before starting your day. I grab a snack, walk my dog, then hop in the shower. I have a pretty simple skincare/makeup routine. It’s a quick face wash, rose spritz and application of Herbivore’s glow duo, Prism and Emerald. *GAME CHANGERS* In the cold months, I also use an organic salve on my face and anywhere else that needs some extra moisture. After that, a little beauty balm, Lip2Cheek from RMS, mascara and I’m done. I try to use mostly natural beauty products on the daily. Keepin’ things so fresh and so green, green! Add in a little protein-packed breakfast and coffee, and I’m on my way!

What are some of your must-have daily items?

Water, kombucha and coffee—my holy trinity of hydration! Lauren’s All-Purpose Salve, Glossier’s Balm Dotcom in mint and a fun pair of earrings. My current favs are my asymmetrical pearl dangles from Minoux.