Designing a home in the Columbia River Gorge means keeping the view front and center. With its sweeping valleys, misty hillsides, and four-season beauty, the Gorge doesn’t just surround a home—it shapes it. At Neff Designs, we believe every detail should reflect and celebrate that connection to place.
This custom home in Hood River is a great example of how thoughtful design can strengthen the bond between interior living and the natural world. In the primary bathroom, a freestanding tub sits in front of a full-height window, turning a daily ritual into something more luxurious and grounding. You’re not just soaking in warm water—you’re soaking in golden hillsides, changing leaves, and mountain air.
In the kitchen, a sculptural faucet stands against wide glass panels that let in soft light and an ever-changing view of the valley below. We used warm walnut for the cabinetry and chose honed stone for the counters—natural, grounded materials that echo the landscape without overpowering it. Even the small design choices, like faucet finishes and hardware, were made with the view in mind.
Our approach to view-focused design starts early, with the home’s orientation. We work closely with clients in the planning stages to make sure the layout captures the best light and vistas. Then we layer in materials, textures, and colors that draw the eye outward and bring the outside in. Large windows, soft layers, and streamlined furnishings all help create that seamless connection.
As a fourth-generation local, I’ve spent my life watching the light move across these hills. My work is rooted in this region, not just the landscape, but the lifestyle that comes with it. Whether our clients are building a weekend retreat or a forever home, they’re usually looking for more than a house. They want a place that feels in sync with its surroundings.
At Neff Designs, we focus on creating modern mountain homes that feel grounded, intentional, and deeply connected to their site. Our design process seamlessly integrates architecture, interior detailing, and furnishings into a cohesive experience—one that honors what makes the Gorge so special.
Because in the end, designing for the view is about more than just big windows. It’s about responding to a place with care and creating a home that truly belongs. When everything clicks, the result feels both elevated and effortless. Contact us today.
Tips for Designing with a View
- Orient your floor plan toward key sightlines early in the design process.
- Use window framing to create “picture moments” that center the landscape.
- Keep interiors calm and neutral to avoid competing with the view.
- Choose natural materials that echo the palette outside.
- Let lighting and furniture placement enhance—not block—the outlook.
