Thinking About Renovating Your Portland Home? Read This First
Renovating a home — especially your first — can feel like a thrilling leap… or a giant money pit.
Whether you're updating a kitchen, reimagining a living room, or completely gutting a fixer-upper, the process is full of decisions. And if you're like most first-time homeowners I work with, you want to do it right — without blowing your budget or losing your mind.
So before you start swinging a hammer or calling contractors, here’s what you really need to know.
Understand the Home You Have Before Creating the One You Want
It’s tempting to start designing your dream space without fully understanding what’s already there — but that can lead to costly surprises mid-reno.
Start with these basics:
What’s structural vs. cosmetic?
What’s the age and style of the home?
Are there original details worth preserving?
For example: many Portland homes have solid wood floors hiding under carpet — or perfectly functional built-ins that just need a facelift.
Modern minimalism often shines brightest when you work with the architecture, not against it. I’m sure this goes without saying, but do NOT buy a craftsman, and then try to turn it midcentury. Or vise versa.
Budget for What You Can’t See
Even small renovations can uncover issues hiding behind walls — especially in older homes like those in Brooklyn or Sellwood.
Always set aside 10–20% of your renovation budget for the unexpected.
This can include:
Electrical or plumbing upgrades
Water damage
Structural fixes
A smart budget isn’t just about choosing the right tile — it’s about being ready for what’s underneath it.
Have a Clear, Cohesive Design Plan
Before you start demo or sourcing materials, map out your design vision in full. Otherwise, you risk winding up with a space that feels disjointed or trendy in all the wrong ways.
I recommend creating a digital mood board that includes:
Color palette
Flooring options
Fixture + hardware finishes
Inspiration images with similar scale/style
✨ “Cohesion is what makes minimalist design feel elevated, not empty.”
Choose Your DIY Projects Carefully
If you’re hands-on (or budget-conscious), it’s natural to want to DIY parts of your renovation. That’s great — but know your limits.
Safe, smart DIY options:
Painting walls or furniture
Installing simple shelving
Tiling a backsplash (with some practice)
Replacing cabinet hardware
Leave to the pros:
Electrical + plumbing
Structural work
Drywall (seriously — it’s harder than it looks)
Blending DIY with pro help can stretch your budget and ensure a beautiful, functional result.
Think Long-Term, Not Just Instagram-Worthy
Trends come and go — but your home should support how you live every day. Prioritize function over flash.
Ask yourself:
Will I still love this in 5 years?
Is it easy to clean and maintain?
Does it reflect my style, or what’s trending?
Modern, minimalist spaces are timeless when designed with intention and restraint. And if you need help honing in on your style, I got you!
Need Help with a Renovation You’ll Actually Love?
From small kitchen makeovers to full-home design plans, I help Portland homeowners create calm, intentional spaces that feel like a sanctuary — not just a before-and-after moment.
Whether you're planning it all yourself or hiring help, I can guide you with:
In-person or virtual design consultations
Finish + fixture selection
Layout planning and design boards
Project support from start to styled
👉 Book a consultation — we’ll talk about your space, goals, budget, and how to get it all moving.
📍 Serving Portland neighborhoods including Kenton, Beaverton, Milwaukie, Sellwood, Lake Oswego, and more.