---
title: "Urban Elements PDX — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/urban-elements-pdx-pfvwus-pf~2114021412
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2114021412.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Urban Elements PDX"
category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/b4d3986e0cfe87e4_0485-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg
address: "3765 SW 94th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97225, United States"
latitude: 45.4985
longitude: -122.7787
phone: "(503) 799-7659"
website: https://urbanelementspdx.com/interior-design
rating: 4.9
review_count: 14
best_of_houzz_awards: 2
followers: 181
last_updated: 2026-09-27
---

# Urban Elements PDX

Original Houzz profile: [Urban Elements PDX](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/urban-elements-pdx-pfvwus-pf~2114021412)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators
- **Location:** Portland, OR
- **Serves:** Portland, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, Aloha, Lake Oswego, Bethany, Tualatin, West Linn, Sherwood, Cedar Mill, Rockcreek, Cedar Hills, West Haven-Sylvan, Garden Home-Whitford, West Slope, Raleigh Hills, West Haven, King City, Metzger, Durham, Stafford, Marylhurst
- **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (14 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2012–2015), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- 5 Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves

Inspired interiors for the Pacific Northwest, Michael Newsom with Urban Elements has a passion for creating stylish, organic and contemporary spaces that are truly stunning. We are a residential & commercial design studio, specializing in all aspects of interior design that reflects your personal tastes and lifestyle.

Michael Newsom, Principal / Designer specializes in providing clients with more than they thought they could afford with fast, simple, affordable design and space planning strategies. In 1992 Michael earned his degree from the Interior Design Institute in Newport Beach, California where he then relocated with his family to the Pacific Northwest. He quickly landed a job as an interior designer with Howard Hermanson Design who specialized in high end residential, and as a seasoned design veteran of the Portland community, he taught Michael the ropes.

Later, Michael moved into the commercial side of things working in the Planning Dept. at Intel Corporation for several years. While at Intel Michael was responsible for managing his facilities team at many of the different Intel campuses. This experience put Michael's interior design abilities in front of a multitude of clients with many different needs. While working to coordinate various trades from electricians, movers, and IT people to furniture and flooring folks, Michael successfully completed a wide range of projects on budget and on time. After that Michael went on to spend several years in the contract furnishings industry working with and completing successful projects for clients such as Willamette Industries, Lockheed Martin, Kaiser St. Vincent, US Postal Service, and multiple divisions of the State of Oregon.

Michael's strong passion for design has led him to his own successful design studio where he has partnered with a diverse group of clients, completing a multitude of commercial projects, and many private residences. Michael is a driven and dedicated designer that thinks out of the box, and his talent is showcased throughout every project.

### Services Provided

- Interior Design
- Kitchen Design
- Bathroom Design
- Living Room Design
- Color Consulting
- Space Planning
- Furniture Selection
- Dining Room Design
- Lighting Design
- Home Office Design & Construction
- Entry Design
- Project Management
- Laundry Room Design
- Mudroom Design
- Art Selection
- Downsizing
- Decluttering

### Areas Served

- Portland
- Hillsboro
- Beaverton
- Tigard
- Aloha
- Lake Oswego
- Bethany
- Tualatin
- West Linn
- Sherwood
- Cedar Mill
- Rockcreek
- Cedar Hills
- West Haven-Sylvan
- Garden Home-Whitford
- West Slope
- Raleigh Hills
- West Haven
- King City
- Metzger
- Durham
- Stafford
- Marylhurst

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Urban Elements PDX |
| Address | 3765 SW 94th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97225, United States |
| Phone | (503) 799-7659 |
| Website | https://urbanelementspdx.com/interior-design |
| Followers on Houzz | 181 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/urban-elements/119684731392193
- Blog — www.urbanelementsinteriorspace.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Urban Elements PDX](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/urban-elements-pdx-pfvwus-pf~2114021412)
- **Website:** https://urbanelementspdx.com/interior-design
- **Phone:** (503) 799-7659

## Credentials

- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2012–2015), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 14 reviews**

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — janicewilson1, Nov. 2014**

> We have worked with Michael Newsom of Urban Elements several times over the past five years.  The design process from concept to completion has been an incredible experience.  Michael's expertise in design and ability to listen and interpret client needs is unparalleled.  We were especially impressed with his creative energy, eye for color and style, and ability to make existing items work by repurposing when possible.  We appreciated his commitment to quality and passion for details no matter the size of the project or budget to work within.  I would highly recommend Michael and Urban Elements for any design project you are considering.

**Comment from Urban Elements PDX:**

> It has been a pleasure working with you and Steve on your beautiful home! I am looking forward to your next project.

**★★★★★ — peronna, Aug. 2014**

> I have worked with Michael on numerous jobs. He constantly amazes me with his creativity, style and follow-through. Michael is always available when I call him for consultations and advice. I would recommend him with five stars!

**★★★★★ — patrick95, Aug. 2014**

> We have never hired a designer before but heard about Michael from a friend and really liked the photos of his work on his website.  We had multiple design issues to address upon purchasing a "1957 charmer," and Michael came to our rescue.  He visited our old house to view our existing furniture and favorite decorative items.  Then he came to the "new" house and recommended a color palate which we used to paint every wall in the house.  Michael helped us choose a few new living room items, and then repurposed our existing furniture and décor, arranged everything, and gave our living, dining and kitchen a definite "wow" factor.  Now when I walk in the front door I say to myself, "what a beautiful home!" (as do our guests). We are grateful for his services and recommend others take the worry out of design choices by investing in his services.

**★★★★★ — loreenbrown, May 2014**

> I hired Michael for my bathroom remodel. It turned out gorgeous and he had a lot of ideas I used that I wouldn't have ever considered. I wish I would have hired him sooner! We are talking about my kitchen next year!

**★★★★★ — Denise Kozlowski, March 2014**

> We hired Michael Newsom to help us with the layout and decor for our master bath renovation.  He did a great job in finding the right colors, products and designs to fit both our budget and our individual taste.  He made himself available to meet with us at home, as well as at some of the vendors, and was quick to respond to any questions we had.  We would definitely use Michael's services again for our next project.

**★★★★★ — yoliyo, Jan. 2014**

> I had Mike, Urban Elements, assist me with the design and finishes on my recently remodelled view home in Washington.  I found him to be the consummate professional with a knack of quickly evaluating, through discussions, what you hope to accomplish with your project.  His vast knowledge on design, material/finishes and latest trends were incredibly helpful in guiding me to my final decisions, of which I have been greatly pleased with.
>
> I whole-heartedly recommend him and Urban Elements and will use their valuable services on future projects in both a commercial and residential capacity.
>
> Build on!

**★★★★★ — weeratunga, Jan. 2014**

> We have consulted Mr . Newsom  of urban Elements, for interior and exterior paint /theme selection  since year 2004 for two of our business premises and our residence,  and he has always done a great job that we get compliments from our clients very often. We are very pleased with his professionalism and great talent .
>
> We have also consulted him  to finish an addition project at our residence, where he selected the tiles, furniture , bathroom accessories  working closely with the general contractor. The results were awesome.

**★★★★★ — chryslebs, Jan. 2014**

> Urban Elements has to be the most innovative and creative design firm I have ever worked with. Mr. Newsom (Mike) has an incredible depth of knowledge, vision and experience. He can assess your unique situation, understand your likes and dislikes and will proceed to create a "one of a kind" result for the project you have presented to Urban Elements.
> My experience with Urban Elements was when I was moving back from living overseas. My home had been rented for five years. Needless to say when Mike saw the place he didn't have great news for me as I was still overseas. He worked with me on-line and via telephone to discuss ideas and what was needed to get the house back to a "home." So from "not seeing" the finished product before I came back - i can say I definitely came back to a "home." Urban Elements stayed within my budget and offered up much needed help with colors from paint to carpet. Thank you Urban Elements.

**★★★★★ — finksta, Jan. 2014**

> I have known Michael professionally for over a decade now and he has provided extensive services to my company from innovative design work, to space planning to reconfiguring complete office space.  His eye for detail is impeccable and his ability to listen to your ideas. then implement and bring them to life is a true art form.  He has been incredible to work with.

**★★★★★ — jmacaroni, Jan. 2014**

> After interviewing several design firms we hired Michael from Urban Elements.  He was prompt  and very knowledgable on color schemes, and  furniture placement . He really listened to what  I was  trying to achieve  and  worked within my budget.  Michael asked if he could pull items from other ares of my house.  What he created  in my home with a few new pieces  and what we already had was truly amazing .  I would have never thought it could look so beautiful.  Thank you  Michael  for  your vision and  staying under budget.
>
> Sincerely,
> Greg & Judi McElroy

**★★★★★ — User, Jan. 2014**

> I've known and worked with Michael Newsom for over 17 years in the commercial furniture industry. His experience and design skills in both commercial and residential design makes him one of the best designers I know.
>
> Let’s face it, a lot of residential designers out there are not really designers. It takes more than just knowing which pillows go with a sofa, especially when you're dealing with some of the more complicated aspects of commercial or residential design and includes education, experience, knowledge of construction, paying attention to details, problem solving and listening skills and of course, an innate sense of good design. Michael has all of these. And, he's the most creative designer I know. I am in awe of some of the things he comes up with. It's just natural for him and he never fails to have his projects be successful because of his amazing talent.
>
> I'd give him six stars if I could!
>
> Lorie Taylor
> Corner Office Design, Inc.

**★★★★★ — slsharp, Jan. 2014**

> I have known Michael Newsom  from Urban Elements for 15 years. My husband and I have consulted  and worked with  Michael on many of our home remodeling endeavors/projects.  For us, he is the only one to work with, because of his  talent, knowledge, expertise and ability to personalize to the customers taste, budget and personality. Projects he has assisted/worked with us on are, living room, family room, bathroom/laudry room and kitchen.  Not only would we work with again we highly recommend him.

## Selected projects

- [Lake Vancouver Bachelor Pad](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-vancouver-bachelor-pad-pj-vj~656726)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 44
  - Description: This project started from the ground up with a 1960’s teardown. The clients were well traveled and looking for an open, and eclectic European flair while taking advantage of their spectacular view. It was a WOW factor!
- [Rustic Revival Goes Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-revival-goes-modern-pj-vj~644454)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 24
  - Description: As the saying goes “It all started with the kitchen”. This fun loving family was looking to update their bungalow style home and take it to a new level of transitional design, while mixing styles and colors for a no holds bar outcome!
- [Mid-Century Family Room with Sass](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-family-room-with-sass-pj-vj~527307)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
- [Guest Room Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/guest-room-makeover-pj-vj~770697)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Lake Oswego Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-oswego-master-bath-pj-vj~369534)
  - Location: Lake Oswego, OR
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: A busy family with kids off to college, these parents were ready for a tranquil retreat . . .
- [Charbonneau Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/charbonneau-kitchen-pj-vj~436478)
  - Location: Wilsonville, OR
  - Photos: 18
  - Description: Room with a view! A kitchen transformed and ready for entertaining was just the ticket for these empty nesters!
- [Indoor spa, bathroom & workout room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/indoor-spa-bathroom-and-workout-room-pj-vj~7530)
  - Location: Aloha, OR
  - Photos: 16
- [Redesign in West Hills](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/redesign-in-west-hills-pj-vj~48615)
  - Location: Portland, OR
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: Great space, a great redesign with a few new designer touches, and a little paint - voila!
- [Laundry Room Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/laundry-room-makeover-pj-vj~527255)
  - Location: Portland, OR
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: Bold and dramatic, it's clear to see why this facelift has inspired over 800 idea books for users on Houzz.com!
- [1960's Charmer](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1960-s-charmer-pj-vj~9431)
  - Location: Portland, OR
  - Photos: 19
- [Cooper Mountain outdoor fireplace & patio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cooper-mountain-outdoor-fireplace-and-patio-pj-vj~527215)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 14
- [West Hills with a View!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-hills-with-a-view-pj-vj~527449)
  - Location: Portland, OR
  - Photos: 23
  - Description: Partnering with another designer, made for an incredible collaboration resulting in the perfect bachelor pad . . .
- [Mid-Century Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-makeover-pj-vj~527549)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Hearth & Home. A fireplace update and redesign made this mid-century light and bright!
- [Decorating for a White Party in the Yard . . .](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/decorating-for-a-white-party-in-the-yard-pj-vj~526174)
  - Location: Portland, OR
  - Photos: 22
  - Description: Creating the perfect space outdoors sets the mood and invites the guest to escape to the place you've created. Urban Element's conceptual design for this outdoor space received rave reviews focusing on an all white theme in the garden that began at sunset going into the night with romantic glowing lanterns.
- [Retro Remodeled Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/retro-remodeled-master-bath-pj-vj~7529)
  - Location: Portland, OR
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: Keeping the Retro - A masterful en suite for a mid-century modern . . .
- [Simi Valley Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/simi-valley-ranch-pj-vj~19512)
  - Location: Simi Valley, CA
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: A short plane ride - and a big redesign all in a weekend!
- [Parade of Homes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/parade-of-homes-pj-vj~7531)
  - Location: Washougal, WA
  - Photos: 40
  - Description: Parade of Homes "The Northwesterner" A minimalistic Asian inspired gem in the hills of Camas, Washington. Gorgeous finished project receiving many accolades, including honor of being first property sold during show.
- [Working with existing tile](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/working-with-existing-tile-pj-vj~527281)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Redesign in Private Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/redesign-in-private-residence-pj-vj~48618)
  - Location: Portland, OR
  - Photos: 3
- [Raleigh Hills Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/raleigh-hills-home-pj-vj~48612)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6

[See all 23 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/urban-elements-pdx-pfvwus-pf~2114021412)

## Ideabooks

- [Laundry Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63684423/list/laundry-room) — 2 ideas
- [fireplace ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32262541/list/fireplace-ideas) — 1 idea
- [Bedrooms I like](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32262466/list/bedrooms-i-like) — 11 ideas
- [empty nesters](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50429253/list/empty-nesters) — 6 ideas
- [Patio Client](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2377081/list/patio-client) — 9 ideas
- [Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24558343/list/master-bath) — 4 ideas
- [Barnard Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23391319/list/barnard-kitchen) — 16 ideas
- [Peter's Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5075697/list/peter-s-kitchen) — 11 ideas
- [Penoyer](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4525052/list/penoyer) — 13 ideas
- [Weeratunga](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3900801/list/weeratunga) — 7 ideas
- [K's Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2375560/list/k-s-bathroom) — 15 ideas
- [Sandmire](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/360092/list/sandmire) — 22 ideas
- [Whalen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/362416/list/whalen) — 5 ideas
- [urbanelements's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/158012/list/urbanelements-s-ideas) — 10 ideas
- [Hekker Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/344843/list/hekker-residence) — 19 ideas

[See all 15 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/urbanelements)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Where is the tissue paper/magazine holder purchased?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Hi There, So Sorry I responded to your question from the app on my phone but it appears it didn't go through. The magazine/tp holder was original to the house. When we renovated the bathroom we sent it out to have it rechromed and it turned out just like new! It is truly a quirky midcentury design.

**Q: Need help with guest bath** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Walls have dark green wallpaper, there is no window in there. I want to remove wallpaper and paint neutral so that I'm not restricted to a certain color. Any suggestions?

A: Well, I am glad you have decided to make a change and brighten things up! You will feel so much better once its done and thankfully paint is not that expensive.

**Q: Need help on dining chairs** *(in Design Dilemma)*

I'm getting this amazing mid-century dining table for my mid-century rancher but there aren't any chairs that go with it. I already have some turquoise slope counter stools nearby. So I was thinking about some clear ghost chairs. What do you think? here's the table...

A: Your table is awesome and the chair possibilities are endless I was thinking the same as jacksplash on the chairs they would look perfect!

**Q: House style help!** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Can anyone tell me what style of house this is? I'm planning on doing some updates and want to keep the original feel. 

Thanks!
Treana

A: Looks like a midcentury diamond in the rough! Not sure if you could afford a glass garage door but it sure would look great!

**Q: Long Hall: Wall Decor** *(in Design Dilemma)*

There's a long hall in the apartment. All the previous repaire stuff seems to have worn me out. No idea how to decor the walls&make the space look alive.

A: The paper looks beautiful. How about adding some simple votives along the ledge and perhaps a collage of different shaped mirrors to the wall.

**Q: Small Space** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Keep neutral colored walls for small spaces. Small spaces pose many challenges, but you don’t have to sacrifice color for comfort. A monochromatic color scheme can open up a room, but if you’re looking to use more color, choose contrasting colors on an accent wall.Going bold in a small space can create depth and actually create the illusion of a greater square footage.

A: There are so many folks that are completely unaware of this information thanks for sharing!

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-27.*