After years of moving between rentals in Portland, they were ready for something more lasting. “We’ve learned how to create a home in many different spaces throughout the years and it was our time to feel settled and put our mark on something,” Amanda shares.
At first glance, the house did not stand out. It was, in their words, “very ordinary.” But what others may have overlooked, they saw as opportunity. “The potential was the blank canvas,” Amanda says. “We saw the potential of great light coming through the big windows and knew we could liven up the space with more color, plants and natural materials.”
With a modest budget and a thoughtful approach, they began transforming the home slowly and intentionally. Amanda’s instinct for sourcing secondhand pieces, shaped by years of garage sales with her family, paired naturally with Colin’s long-term mindset. “Patience was key in this process,” she explains. “Items were carefully picked through our nine years in this house.”
Rather than rushing to finish, they embraced what Amanda describes as a “slow decorate.” Each piece was collected over time, creating a home that feels layered, personal, and grounded in natural materials like wool, linen, and wood. “I let the pieces find me and tell the story I wanted to convey,” she says.
As their lives evolved, so did the home. One of the most notable shifts came during Covid, when the office took on an entirely new role. “The office took on a different life post covid,” Amanda shares. “Once we put more seating and rearranged the desk and record player it brought new energy and became our hangout for morning coffee, afternoon reading, and listening to music.”
Community also played an important role in shaping the space. Many projects were completed with the help of family, neighbors, and local craftsmen, including J&J Precision Maintenance, who built their fence. “We are lucky we didn’t have to look far for people who were willing to help and work within our budget.”
Over time, the home became a true reflection of how they wanted to live. “Nothing is precious, instead it can tell a story,” Amanda says. That mindset allowed them to create a space that feels both intentional and effortlessly lived in.
Looking back, the experience reinforced a simple philosophy. Take your time, do things right, and invest where it matters. As they prepare to pass the home on, their hope is just as thoughtful as their process.
“I hope they appreciate the vision but only expand on what’s here,” Amanda says. “Our motto is leave it better than you found it and I think we’ve accomplished that.”
And in every sense, they have.
