Category: Posts
Today we are going to talk about a real gem in the Sellwood area of Portland. Oaks Park! This is a family favorite and has been in Portland since 1905!
This is from their website, “Located in Portland’s historic Sellwood neighborhood, Oaks Park has been “where the fun never ends” since 1905! Oaks Amusement Park is the last of the historic “trolley parks” still in operation in the northwest and among the oldest continually operating amusement parks in America. “The Oaks” first opened its gates to eager visitors on May 30th, 1905, as a way of boosting ridership on the area’s emerging interurban transportation system. Arriving via streetcar, visitors to the park were thrilled by exotic animals, nightly fireworks, a bathhouse, death-defying amusement rides, and that latest of inventions – electric lights! “The Oaks” is proud to have offered safe, wholesome, family fun to our neighbors for over a century. Today when visitors walk through our gates they are delighted by a uniquely Portland blend of modern thrills and turn-of-the-century charm on a midway that houses everything from the vintage roller skating rink at one end to the state-of-the-art Adrenaline Peak Roller Coaster at the other. The goal of “The Oaks” remains the same as it began a century ago, to give our neighbors a thrilling and affordable day of fun right in their own backyard.”
Oaks Park is just 10 minutes from downtown Portland and parking is always free! We highly recommend it!
https://www.oakspark.com/
Welcome to the latest installment of our Portland Interior Designers segment, which profiles talented interior designers working in Portland, Oregon. Today, we profile Hanna Elizabeth Jones, Designer and Owner of SenojDESIGN.
Originally from the Gulf Coast, Hanna moved to Portland in 1994, where she established her career in Interior Design. From full-room design, down to the details of custom pillows, Hanna believes that design should be “fun, innovative, curious, classic and always comfortable”.
How did your interest in design develop?
I have always been inspired by color, scale and solving puzzles….hence design being the perfect fit!  There is a beautiful balance between finding solutions and expressing creativity though color, textures and pattern, it is the best of both worlds — math/science and art!.”
What has been your key to success?
Creativity, flexibility and listening. Â You have to have all 3 create success in the design world I truly believe.”
What is the highest compliment you’ve been paid for your work?
Being invited back into the spaces that I create on a social level. Â I have wonderful relationships with my clients and we become a team working together to achieve the goal of a space perfectly suited to the individual’s taste, needs, and wish list. Creating these lasting relationships really is a fantastic compliment.”
How would you describe your design style?
Traditional with a splash of eclectic.”
Do you have any rules? If so, do you ever break them?
No rules. Â Except maybe don’t settle for your second favorite. Â Surround yourself with items and materials you love.”
What is your idea of what a beautiful home should feel like?
A beautiful home is not necessarily one that has a specific aesthetic but rather one that honestly reflects the person or people that live there. If you don’t like wearing dresses and you force yourself into one you won’t be comfortable and those around you can sense that. But when you are comfortable with what you’re in, it shows. This creates a beautiful home — having it reflect you.
A great wool rug, linen drapes and grasscloth walls with a splash of a Greek key somewhere doesn’t hurt though!”
How would you describe your own home’s interiors?
Timeless. Â I keep the large items classic and clean. Â Found and collected objects add the touch of antiquity and pops of fun are found in my pillows and art. Â I like to change items out when my mood dictates it as well as the seasons, keeping the “pop” items small and less expensive allows me to have a new feel when ever I want.”
What inspires your creativity?
Lots! Â Movies, magazines, books, travel, food, art, you name it and I can find some inspiration!”
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
Having clients truly love where they live. Â Not just like, or enjoy but LOVE. Â It is so important.”
What is your favorite room to design, and in which style?
I love living rooms. Creating the floor plan of how we use, traverse and enjoy our spaces is really one big jigsaw puzzle with many solutions!
I also really enjoy small spaces where you can add lots of panache — powder rooms, foyers, even hallways. You can be bold and fun in these spaces…it’s not like you live your whole day in them so you rarely get tired of the punch!”
What are some of your favorite finishing touches when designing a room?
Details such as tapes on drapes and ottomans, unexpected textures (I cannot get enough hide and mohair!), a splash of acrylic somewhere and a stack of great books goes a long way.”
What are your favorite ways to add color and texture to a space?
I love walls for both color and texture — specifically grasscloth and great wallpapers.  I love to mix up my textures and most are with natural materials such as linen, wool, leather and metals. It is all about the balance of timeless meets modern, cold meets warm, bright meets subdued.  Pillows, throws and a great accent chair are fantastic ways to bring texture in without overdoing it.”
What’s your approach to interacting with clients?
Ask then listen. Â You may have what you think is the best idea ever for a space, but if the client is not going to be comfortable with it and truly love it, it will show and your design will lack the cohesion that makes a space really shine.”
How involved in the day-to-day details of a project do you like a client to be?
That is entirely up to them. The process is a lot of fun but some people would rather not be involved with every little decision and others love the process. Â Each client and space is unique and I allow the client to decide their level of involvement.”
What are the most common decorating mistakes made by homeowners?
Settling. Not surrounding yourself with items you love. They don’t have to match in style but when you adore all the items you live with, it shows.
Also one of my biggest pet-peeves: buying sets of furniture. Mix it up, it will look more edited and curated than buying the chair that goes with the sofa or the whole master suite having the exact same look.”
How can a homeowner discover their signature style?
Look through magazines and tear out the pages.  Then hand them to someone that doesn’t have an attachment to them and see if they can pick out trends (like a designer!).  Do all of them have tufted upholstery?  Do they all have natural elements?  Are the colors cool/warm/neutral? Clean lines? Rustic wood?  Big art?  Adding a few trends together is what a signature style is all about.”
What advice do you have for homeowners reading this interview who are looking to remodel their home?
Compile your wish list of aesthetics and function. Images (Pinterest, magazine pages, saved photos, Houzz, dog-eared book pages) will eliminate communication breakdown between you and the designer and/or contractor. Also, things that you do not like are just as important as ones that you do! When starting a project, it is a process of elimination — eliminating styles, color, textures and materials until we are left with the winning selections!
Also, realistically think about your budget. This is a big one and can keep the process from being exasperating and frustrating. Having a well thought out budget allows the designer to save you time by looking at the appropriate vendors, materials and selections.”
What improvements can a person make to their home without spending a lot of money? You pick the room?
Clear clutter, create interest in a handful of items — whether that is paring the room down or amping it up, use your current furniture and re-arrange it throughout the house for a quick change up (yes, the pair of x- benches can be the coffee table or the accent chair in the living room as the entry chair, also swapping rugs around makes a huge difference).
Other big improvements for cheap: touch up your trim with fresh paint, wash your windows and screens, flowers, flowers, flowers, use a magic-eraser (what did we do before these!?) on your cabinets and get some new pillows. Bam — new place!”
When you are not designing, what are you doing?
Playing! Â Playing in my world consists of: cooking, wine tasting, entertaining, paddle-boarding, cycling, being with my animals, being outside, trying to be close to water, looking for an adventure, traveling and spending time with my amazing partner, friends and family.”
Share something you would like the world to know about you or your ideas.
I am half Icelandic, born and raised on the Gulf Coast and always wear gold jewelry. I am 1 of 5 kids and have a weak spot for lamb and cheese. My nickname is Livet. Â I grew up riding dressage and stadium jumping and can sail a boat. Billy Joel is my favorite artist and I am terrified of snakes. Â I have traveled all over but the Cayman’s and Slovenia have been some of my favorites.”
We invite you to browse some of Hanna’s work below, and to consider Keith Green Construction for your Portland roofing and construction needs.
This month, we launch a brand new segment on keithgreenconstruction.com. We’ll be profiling local, talented interior designers, working in Portland, Oregon.
When we came across the work of Patti Marvitz and her interior design company, Walls too Windows, we knew we wanted to showcase it. Fortunately, Patti was happy to answer a few of our questions.
Do you have any rules? If so, do you ever break them?
Rule # one. You are not paying me to tell you what you want to hear. Rule #2. You live here, it is my job to give you want you want to the best of my ability.”
What is your idea of what a beautiful home should feel like?
Beauty is defined by the eye of the beholder and everyone’s vision is a bit different. Â If it is providing you harmony and balance, then it is beautiful.”
What excites you about design these days?
Everything excites me about good design. Â I am passionate about what I do.”
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
I have the best job in the world. Â I meet so many wonderful people that invite me in to their most personal spaces.”
What was one of your favorite projects to date, and what made it so special?
Two come to mind. Â One was a show home, done in a high end Western Theme. Â That was sooo much fun. Â The second was an Asian influenced design that took top awards (well actually both designs did). That client was amazing and fun to work with.”
What’s your approach to interacting with clients?
I really really try to listen to what vision they have and then make that become reality.”
How involved in the day-to-day details of a project do you like a client to be?
That varies with each client. Â Some are excellent at visualizing and are a great asset. Others second guess themselves at every turn.”
What are the most common decorating mistakes made by homeowners?
Scale is a big one. Â Furniture/accessories/art too big or too small.”
How can a homeowner discover their signature style?
In my experience, most homes are eclectic and provide a combination of styles. Â If done right, this can be very rewarding and interesting.”
What advice do you have for homeowners reading this interview who are looking to remodel their home?
PLAN. PLAN. PLAN.”
What improvements can a person make to their home without spending a lot of money? You pick the room.
Clean up any clutter, purge unnecessary stuff and paint.”
When you are not designing, what are you doing?
Biking, hiking, lifting weights.”
Share something you would like the world to know about you or your ideas.
I love good wine and good friends.”
We invite you to browse some of Patti’s work below, and to consider Keith Green Construction for your Portland roofing and construction needs.
For most of of us, our roof is a symbol of security. While a roof over our heads is a pretty basic need, that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful.
Here are nine famous examples of spectacular roofs from around the world, which show that roofs can provide much more than function and security.
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Is your own roof due for an upgrade? Contact us to find out about our Portland roofing solutions.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
If you are like most people, your home is one of your biggest assets. Maintaining and renovating your home makes living in it a pleasure. And if you play your cards right, your home improvements will also be reflected in the value of your home when it is time to sell. The challenge is to know where to spend your dollars.
There are several types of remodeling projects that will give you more bang for your buck. Not only will you love the results for yourself, you’ll also recover much of your investment at resale time. According to Henley Wood’s 2014 Costs vs. Value survey data for people living in Portland, Oregon, you should consider the following home improvements to maximize your return on investment and increase the value of your home.
Curb Appeal
A good first impression can definitely boost the value of your home. For instance, according to the survey’s Portland, Oregon data, when you sell your home you can expect to recover:
- More than 90% of the cost of replacing either your entry door or your garage door.
- More than 81% of the cost of replacing your windows.
Also consider re-paving your walkway or driveway for an immediate lift, as well as some low-cost cosmetic landscaping.
Basement renovation
How much use are you making of your basement? Invest in remodeling your basement, and you can recover 86% of the costs at resale. Consider proper insulation, drywall and a coat of paint to brighten up the space.
Then, why not transform your basement into a media room, or even a man cave? Remember that adding a bathroom to the basement can significantly boost the value of your basement remodel. This is especially true if you have a separate entry point to your basement, which presents rental income possibilities for future buyers.
Upgrade Kitchens
Our kitchens are the heart of our homes, and where we tend to spend most of our family time. A beautiful upgrade to you kitchen will enhance all of those treasured family moments. The great news is that a kitchen remodel is also likely to significantly boost the value of your home.
According to the survey, if you live in Portland, Oregon, you are likely to recover 78%-82% of your mid-range kitchen remodeling investment at re-sale.
Upgrade Bathrooms
How many of us have inherited dated bathrooms with cheap or even chipped bathroom fixtures? According to the survey, if you remodel your bathroom, you can recoup more than 75% of your investment at sale time.
Consider better lighting, replacing your fixtures, and introducing his and her sinks. Cramped for space? Try adding storage space with a recessed vanity. You may also want to consider some extra perks like a whirlpool tub, steam shower, or heated floors.
Build a Deck or Patio
Building a new deck or patio is a great way to take advantage of those wonderful, summer days. It’s also a great way to increase the value of your home. According to the survey, if you live in Portland, Oregon and build a deck or patio, you can expect to recover 68% to 79% of your investment at sale time.
Keeping Your Home in Top Shape
One of the best ways to reduce the value of your home is not to properly maintain it, so that it deteriorates over time. A leaky roof, for example, can cause extensive damage to the inside of your home. Replacing your roof is a great way to preserve the value of your home and you can expect to recover more than 72% of your investment at sale time.
Low-Cost Improvements
Low-cost improvements such as new rugs and a great paint job can go a long way toward improving the appearance of your home. Just be aware that the unusual paint color you love might be a turn off for future buyers, so consider staying away from bold colors.
Now that you have all the facts, why not set up a renovation plan and budget? You can beautify your living space, while you protect your investment. Just be sure to select a reputable contractor you can trust.
Source: Henley Wood’s 2014 Costs vs. Value survey data for people living in Portland, Oregon
There are at least two compelling reasons to invest in renovating your home. Firstly, a beautifully maintained home is a pleasure to live in. And secondly, proper maintenance and strategic upgrades can boost the value of one of your biggest assets, and put more money in your pocket when it is time to sell.
Renovating your home to suit your own tastes is easy. But if you renovate your home with only your own tastes and priorities in mind, you won’t necessarily make your house more appealing to potential buyers in the future.
Here, for example, are some renovation projects that will generally not improve the value of your home:
Installing a Pool
Pools are fun in the summertime, but many prospective home buyers will see a pool as dangerous, a maintenance hassle, and even a potential liability.
Overextending Beyond Your Neighborhood
Sunrooms are beautiful and extension projects are exciting. If your focus is increasing the value of your home for new buyers, however, be aware that making your house the biggest on the block may not be a good idea. Certainly, you are unlikely to recover your investment at sale time. You are more likely to seem overpriced for your neighborhood.
Overdoing it on Landscaping
Upgrading your garden is an excellent way to improve your curb appeal. Be wary, though, of spending exorbitant amounts on elaborate landscaping modifications that might not be as appealing to someone else, and which may require extensive maintenance.
Elaborate Lighting
Good use of light and space makes a huge difference to the look of your home. Still, installing ornate lighting – such as expensive chandeliers – may not be a worthwhile investment. What is beautiful to you may not appeal to a future buyer. Rather, keep things clean and simple with track lighting or spotlights that cast a warm glow on your home.
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Wall-to-wall carpeting has fallen largely out of favor. People tend to prefer hardwood floors, and associate wall-to-wall carpets with germs, dust, and allergies. For this reason, the installation of wall-to-wall carpeting is unlikely to provide a strong return on your investment.
Now, perhaps you plan on living many long years in your home, and increasing the value of your house is of secondary importance to you. Maybe you are craving a pool, or another one of the renovation projects listed above, and you just know that it will bring you countless of hours of joy, and build precious memories. If that’s the case, then go for it! Happy family memories are priceless.