HAVEN - MIKE & NEGIN

A quick snapshot of
Michael Stevens & Negin Mani’s
modern minimalist fun house.

Trailblazing a story of their own - Mike and Negin’s haven resembles a pop culture gallery that pays homage to their spirited individualistic personalities that’s playful yet grounded. Their haven is about curating the perfect balance between the two.

While they didn’t picture themselves as Portland dwellers, Nike headquarters came knocking and they came with their lives packed in suitcases. You may not know it, but these two have been influential in the process of some amazing swoosh designs and experiences. Mike and Negin’s schedule is as hectic as you can imagine, working for one of the most prestigious companies in the world. On weekends they’re low key, spending time with close friends or keeping to themselves as they reset and recharge in the comfort of their home.

Furniture is not the main star in this feature, the art is, and a whole lot of it. Walking in for the first time, the scent of patchouli and black pepper made me feel like I just entered a spa - an oasis if you will. As I passed through the hallway, I was on sensory overload, in a good way. It’s as if I were a child again, visiting a candy store, completely in awe of my surroundings. I found myself gravitated towards something new with every inch of their home - until I looked up and was welcomed by the Portland skyline and it’s luscious greenery.

How would you describe the overall ambiance?

We wanted the space to be inviting, clean, minimalistic but with the right balance of color and fun infused in.

I feel that a haven should activate all five senses, how would you describe your home in terms of… sight, sound, scent, taste, and touch?

We would say our space has the element of an elevated showroom (something Mike would bring to life at work but in our own home, iykyk.) When you turn the corner at the end of our narrow long hallway, you would probably feel the sensation of goosebumps from taking in the views.

We typically have sounds of Sade or Frank Ocean playing in the background, or one of Mikey’s MM4M playlists that he updates regularly. We are also a Soulection household and always vibing to something R&B. Scent is important to us, so we usually have a candle burning - either our favorites, Rick Owens x Aesop collaboration candle or Anthropologie’s Volcano. Our home has pieces that spark nostalgia, like a bomb bowl of cereal of Cookie Crisp or Apple Jacks.

Overall, it feels like street and culture coming together, which is something you can’t easily find in Portland, but it’s alive in our home.

What are some of the influences you have incorporated into your home?

Kanye and Alexis’ LA crib in 2007. It was pop art heaven: simple and tasteful but youthful and vibrant through careful use of color. We have tried to keep that same vibe throughout our space with lots of dynamic art pieces that pull in fun energy into our home. Our collection includes artwork by KAWS, @4FOUR, Ali Six, Andy Blank Sean Brown, etc.

What is a favorite piece of artwork you acquired that has the most sentimental value?

(M) The piece of me in the hall before the bathroom. The Artist Courtney Collins hit me and asked if he could use one of my Instagram pictures for a painting. A year later I received that same painting in the mail, and it embodies everything I am and more. My fit is on point, I am always connected/on my phone, and my brain is always thinking/moving in different ways like a Rubik’s cube, but the halo is always protecting me. He snapped!

The significance of
Virgil Abloh x Ikea collab

(M) Being a Black man from Chicago, and witnessing Virgil’s journey from back in 2011 hosting & djing at parties, to starting RSVP, Pyrex Vision, then creating Off-White and earning his position as Art Director of Louis Vuitton was such an inspiration. To own a piece that Virgil did with one of the biggest home furniture companies in the world is even more special to showcase in my home. The “Receipt” rug reminds me everyday of his story and the legacy he left behind.

Your bedroom has distinct hues of blues, describe why you chose this specific color palette.

(N) Blue is the color of the sky and sea. It brings feelings of calmness and serenity.
We both really gravitate towards that color.
And if you know me then you know blue is and has always been my favorite color.

(N) I love all the art that Mike has brought into our home because he has great taste, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the one in our guest bathroom by a great friend of mine, Franziska Contreras.

I am always supporting my friends and their art, so when Franzie started her modern wall art business, Aestheticus Design, I knew I needed one of her first pieces in my own home.

My favorite part of your home is the bookshelf in the corner (you know I'm a sucker for a bookshelf) because it depicts you both as individuals and as partners. What is your favorite piece on that shelf, and is there a memory/story attached to it?

(N) I think my favorite part of the bookshelf is my diploma from my Master’s degree. At my last apartment I had the degree hidden, and Mike encouraged me to display it on this shelf because it’s something I should be proud of. Today, it’s displayed right behind my five year Nike crystal swoosh award - two achievements I am most proud of.

(M) If I am being honest, my favorite part of the shelf is our jar filled with gumballs. I definitely have a sweet tooth.

What aspect of your partner do you love the most now that you’ve spent time living together?

Mike: Our automatic synced system. We spend so much time together. She knows what the vibes are and so do I. Very natural and easy and to me that’s what makes everything worth it. It’s comfortable.

Negin: I do love and appreciate our synchronicity. Moving in together has been a smooth and easy transition. We love spending time together and we really do enjoy the same things which makes everything easy. Lastly, we work well as a team when it comes to the household chores/duties. I never have to ask Mike to do anything around the house because he is already on top of it, which I appreciate so much.

What energy do you hope your haven
always maintains?

Calmness and positivity. So much goes on daily, that we try to remain peaceful and optimistic no matter what is in front or ahead of us. We do our best to keep this energy throughout our home with healing crystals in different rooms. We also have a daily ritual of burning incense or smudging sage and palo santo to cleanse and recharge our space and energy.

Mike, you're known as Mickey Monday - and Mickey Mouse is evidently found in every corner of your home, what's the story behind it?

I go by Mickey Monday and my obsession with Mickey Mouse goes back deep into my childhood.
When you think of cartoons, you think of Mickey Mouse and the empire that Disney built.

Ever since I was a kid I looked at myself as Mickey - a legend of my own.

Negin, I love the art pieces you've collected are by your female creative friends -
can you explain why it's important to you to support female creators/artists?

I love collecting art by female creators/artists, especially art made by my female friends. Data and statistics today still show us that the art world is not one of gender parity and that female artists are still viewed as inferior to their male counterparts. It feels like we as women are always playing a game of catch up.

**I will always support any way I can because how women look at the world matters and to support them is to legitimize the female perspective.**

*What is your definition of a “**haven*”?

A haven is a place of safety. A shelter or home. A sanctuary. It’s comfort.
It’s our relationship and our home summed up in one word.