My Houzz: Colorful Portland Bungalow

A bold color palette, vintage finds and artwork inspire two first-time homeowners

Suzanne Fortescue
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It was love at first sight for first-time homeowners Tracey Henkels and Bernadette Estrada. They were sold on the great architectural details and strong bones of this 1920s bungalow in the up-and-coming Clinton neighborhood in Southeast Portland, 10 minutes from downtown. A large backyard for gardening and pets also provided the sanctuary they were after.

Transplants from Seattle and Los Angeles, Henkels and Estrada moved to Portland for its big-city, small-town feel. They were drawn to Portland's great neighborhoods and the walking accessibility to restaurants, affordable theater and the quality of life it would provide for their family. They purchased the two-story detached house from the original owners, and began a 10-year process of remodeling their home.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Tracey Henkels, Bernadette Estrada, cats Franklin and Kiko and dog Tucker.
Location: Portland, Ore.
Size: 2,280 square feet. The two-story detached house has 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.
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eclectic kitchen by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
A wall was knocked down during the kitchen remodel to create a more open and airy space. The lighting in the house is mostly Scandinavian design. The kitchen layout and materials were designed by Henkels.

The orange Kyoto marmoleum, light blue tiles, stainless steel features and pops of color balance out the dark brown cabinetry.

Cabinetry: Ikea
Lighting: George Nelson, from Lux Lighting
Private Comment
eclectic by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
Henkels and Estrada combined modern, clean-lined upholstery with vintage finds like the coffee table, lamp and Scandinavian woven accent chair in their living room.

Henkels, an architect and real estate agent, and Estrada, a professional cook and artist, are creative and have been able to hone their bold and refreshing design approach into a cohesive, well-balanced vision. For furnishings, they share a love of juxtaposing old and new and have utilized recycled vintage and mostly modern Scandinavian design. Estrada favors sleek, modern lines. Henkels enjoys the use of texture including patterned wallpaper, varied accessories and brocade curtains. The use of a focal point in each room — whether it is the bathroom tile, hand-stamped wallpaper, or the Rococo gold mirror over the mantel — draws your eye into the space.

Paint: Spice by Simply Devine Paints
Private Comment
eclectic by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
Angela Adams' "Manfred" retro-looking ceramic tiles are available through Ann Sacks. One of the homeowners' splurges was for these tiles for the kitchen backsplash, and they have no regrets.

Tiles: Angela Adams - Manfred, Ann Sacks
Tray: Ikea
Private Comment
eclectic kitchen by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
The kitchen island opens to a dining area and doubles as a bar for drinks and appetizers when entertaining. The bar is made from reclaimed wood from a bowling alley.

Lighting: Lamps Plus
Private Comment
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
This vintage Scandinavian table was found at a Seattle flea market. They refinished it along with the dining chairs, which they found at a rummage sale.
Private Comment
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
A metal shelf full of canning jars filled with beans, grains and other dry goods makes for a rich display against the colorful, hand-blocked wallpaper from England.
Private Comment
eclectic by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
Henkels created this bodice sculpture out of purple heartwood, inspired by Pandora's Box, an artifact from Greek mythology.
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eclectic by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
Estrada painted the abstract "Firefly" painting hanging below the mirrored shelving and found objects.
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eclectic bedroom by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
The master bedroom has been painted a cool apple green, which contrasts nicely with the dark wood furniture. Both paintings are by Estrada.

Bedding: Ikea
Private Comment
eclectic bathroom by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
Henkels served as the general contractor for the bathroom and kitchen remodel. The bathroom tiles and color palette were selected with inspiration from the original mosaic floor tiles. The bathroom was given a modern look by adding a new toilet, sink and bathtub.
Private Comment
eclectic exterior by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
Last summer, they painted their white house orange. This new color has radically altered the mood and appeal of their home. A few months later, Pantone named Tangerine Tango, a deep, rich orange color, the 2012 Color of the Year. Bold use of color has been a key element in their design all along, with a warm custom interior palette from Simply Devine Paints.

The front yard has been landscaped over the years with a retaining wall made from indigenous Blue Lake basalt, a stone path and native and drought tolerant plants on the upper terrace. The homeowners love architectural plants, in particular dramatic and oversized ones, and dark purple and black colored plants.

Exterior: Caramel Latte by Benjamin Moore
Trim: Custom color
Foundation: Wenge by Benjamin Moore
Chimney: Tea by Benjamin Moore
Private Comment
eclectic exterior by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
Private Comment
eclectic exterior by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
Even when the Northwest landscape is dreary in winter, the house has a very attractive curbside appeal.

The bold paint colors enhance the architectural details of the house. Unique elements like this archway and gate are further enhanced by the contrasting trim colors in cream and citron green.
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eclectic by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
Photo of homeowners Tracey Henkels and Bernadette Estrada taken on their wedding day.

Their next project is the backyard. The goal: Create an oasis complete with soaking tub and outdoor fireplace.
Private Comment
eclectic exterior by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
Potted plants and the citron painted trim on the ironwork radiate a rich, warm color.
Private Comment
eclectic exterior by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
by Suzanne Fortescue
Since Henkels and Estrada painted their house bright orange, neighbors were inspired to repaint their homes, like this one across the street.

More:
Houzz Tour: Fuss-Free Venice Beach Bungalow
Houzz Tour: Warm and Inviting Bungalow in Portland
Houzz Tour: Kerrie Kelly's California Style
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Comments

Super cute couple with a super cute house. I especially love those Angela Adams tiles and the exterior. It's so much fun when a whole neighborhood/town goes for unexpected paint colors.
5 months ago ·
Love it!
5 months ago ·
Loved every little thing - including the beautiful wedding picture! They have great taste.
5 months ago ·
Karen says:
Beautiful and whimsical design. Love it!
4 months ago ·
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