Before the Finishes

Before you touch anything, do your research—attend homebuilding tours, quiz people in the industry, attend sessions at the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, and read books. “Portland Maps (portlandmaps.com) should be the first thing anybody checks.”

In order to maintain the historic essence of the home, sit in your house and absorb what you love about it and why you bought it in the first place. “Let the house design the space. Don’t let your neighbors design the space.”

Base your paint choices on what makes you happy, and favor warm shades over cool shades on the north side of the house, where they will gray out. “Go in your closet and choose your color palette from there. If the colors of your clothing make you happy, so will those colors when they surround you in your house.”

“Replacing cabinets with windows is the best way to give small kitchens a more open feel.” Consider putting a small pantry elsewhere for less-used kitchen items; then convert that cabinet space to windows.