Design
What changes
add lasting value.
Design advisory before, during, and after purchase. We know what improvements compound over time — and what erases the specificity that made a home worth buying.
What We Bring
Pre-Purchase Lens
Before you make an offer, we look at a home through a design lens — what's original, what's been changed, what the space could become, and what it would cost to get there.
Material & Finish Guidance
We advise on materials, finishes, and fixtures that are period-appropriate, high-quality, and durable — and talk clients out of choices that look good in photos but age poorly in use.
Detail Restoration
Original tile, millwork, hardware, and flooring are irreplaceable assets. We help clients understand what can be restored versus what was already lost — and how to source appropriate replacements when needed.
Designer Introductions
We maintain relationships with designers who understand architectural homes. These aren't generic referrals — they're introductions to people who've proven they can execute at the standard these homes require.
Spatial Thinking
Not all design problems are about finishes. Layout, light, and proportion are the fundamentals — and the areas where small changes can have the largest impact on how a home lives.
Pre-Sale Preparation
For sellers, we advise on how to present a home authentically — what to stage, what to edit, and what to leave exactly as it is. Authentic presentation attracts buyers who are buying for the right reasons.
Design FAQ
It varies by stage. Pre-purchase, we're evaluating what a home could become — what renovations are feasible, what would add value, and what original details are worth preserving. During ownership, we advise on scope, material choices, and contractor selection. Post-renovation, we can help with final styling before sale or occupancy.
Yes. We work with a small group of Portland-based designers who understand architectural homes and don't default to generic finishes. We make introductions once we understand your project and aesthetic sensibility.
Kitchen and bath improvements that respect the original period of the home, thoughtful landscaping that improves street presence, and restoration of original details that have been covered or removed. The changes that destroy value are often the ones that feel 'modern' but erase the specificity that made the home worth buying.
We advise on editing and rearranging rather than bringing in rental furniture that misrepresents the home. The goal is to help the photography show the home as it actually lives — authentically — which is what attracts the right buyer.