Roses, Unicycles, and Community: A Portland Tradition in Bloom
Every June, Portland comes alive with petals, pageantry, and pride. The Portland Rose Festival—a beloved tradition since 1907—celebrates not just the city’s nickname, the "City of Roses," but the heart of the community that’s grown alongside it.
The main Grand Floral Parade is world-renowned, but for many of us locals, it’s the Junior Rose Parade that holds a special place in our hearts. I still remember the thrill of riding through the streets of Northeast Portland with my elementary school’s unicycle club, grinning from ear to ear as we wobbled our way past cheering neighbors and waving families. There’s something about the joy of that parade that sticks with you—it’s not about perfection, it’s about showing up, supporting one another, and celebrating the creativity and spirit of Portland’s youth.
The Junior Parade, first held in 1936, is the oldest and largest children’s parade in the country. It’s a testament to how deeply Portland invests in its young people—and in traditions that bring us together.
This season also reminds me of the beauty and symbolism of Portland’s International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park, a space blooming with over 10,000 roses from around the world. Originally established during WWI to preserve European hybrid roses, today it’s a fragrant, free, and peaceful place to walk, reflect, and admire the variety and vibrancy of what can grow when nurtured with care.
From marching bands to bike brigades, clowns to court princesses, the Rose Festival and its many events are reminders that community is built through participation, pride, and joy—and sometimes, a good wobble on a unicycle.
This year, whether you’re watching the floats or just stopping to smell the roses, I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on what makes Portland home: the people, the stories, and the traditions we pass along.
If you are looking for your next home in the Portland area, let’s connect. I would love to hear what kind of community you are looking to be a part of.
Rachel Jarvis
503-998-6406
Designing Your Personal Sanctuary: How Your Home Reflects You
When we think about design inspiration, it’s easy (and fun) to focus on trends or Instagram-perfect spaces. But what if the best inspiration is already within us? Our homes are an extension of who we are—filled with memories, stories, and pieces that reflect our lives.
For me, curating my home has been a deeply personal process. It’s an evolving collection of items that tell stories and capture moments. There’s the rug that brings me back to our family home on Knaus Rd in Lake Oswego—a nostalgic reminder every time I step on it. The art on my walls—many pieces from my talented mom—fills the space with warmth and creativity. My brother’s gift of elephants, brought back from his travels, adds to a collection rich in stories, my dad’s Grateful Dead posters and records add a musical flair. Together, these family connections make my home uniquely mine, surrounding me with purposeful memories.
But it’s not just about family. My home is also filled with pieces from friends and travels—each item a small snapshot of a time or place. Every print, sculpture, or little memento holds a story, whether it’s a gift from a friend or something I picked up while exploring the world.
Curating a home takes time and intention. While my personal style leans toward maximalism, I’ve come to appreciate the simplicity of clean, minimalist design. When creating the vibe of my current space, I found inspiration in a book called Surf Shack. It encouraged me to embrace a beachy, relaxed aesthetic that blends functionality with beauty.
Incorporating 2025 Design Trends
Adding fresh design elements can breathe new life into your home. For 2025, several standout colors have been highlighted by design experts:
Cherry Red: A bold, timeless shade that can add energy to any room.
Satin Warm Caramel: A cozy, earthy tone perfect for creating warmth.
Mocha Mousse: A rich, warming brown with sophistication.
Cinnamon Slate: A heathered plum with velvety brown undertones.
Quietude: A soft sage green with a hint of blue—calm and serene.
Rumors: A ruby red shade offering comforting warmth.
Encore 8002: A deep blue evoking peace and tranquility.
Violet: A whimsical, transformative purple.
Mapped Blue: A medium-tone blue with soft yellow undertones.
Incorporating these colors doesn’t require a complete overhaul. For example, adding Cherry Red accents with throw pillows or Quietude as a wall color can instantly transform a room. I recently added a Cherry Red Grateful Dead print to a previously blank wall, and it brought a vibrancy I didn’t realize I was missing!
My Favorite Pieces
In my current space, some of my favorite design elements include:
A Grateful Dead art print that brings life and personality to my walls.
A round table from West Elm paired with timeless white chairs for a clean, modern feel.
A white rocking chair from Ballard Consignment that’s both breezy and irresistibly comfortable.
A leather couch from Dania, which adds warmth, luxury, and a cozy spot for relaxation.
These elements work together to create a space where I not only feel at home but also love hosting others. There’s nothing more rewarding than inviting people into a space that feels authentically you.
How Do You Design Your Space?
How do you approach designing your sanctuary? Do you pull inspiration from family connections, meaningful experiences, or favorite places? Is your style bold and eclectic, or do you prefer clean and simple lines? There’s no right or wrong answer—just what feels like you.
Whether you’re drawn to maximalism, minimalism, or somewhere in between, the key is to let your personality shine through every piece. Find inspiration in your past, in books, and in the people and places that mean the most to you.
Ready to Find a Home That Tells Your Story?
Your home is more than just a place—it’s a reflection of who you are and the life you want to create. Whether you’re looking for a space to design from scratch, a cozy spot filled with character, or the perfect blank canvas to tell your story, I’m here to help.
Let’s find a home that truly feels like you. Reach out today, and let’s start building the next chapter of your real estate journey together. As a licensed agent I am here to help.