Holiday Home Tour: Amanda Jane Franz
Living a full life is about taking as much pleasure in simple moments as you do in big accomplishments. Amanda Franz, a Portland-based blogger and the founder of handcrafted stationery company Wide Eyes Paper Co., embodies this ethos in seemingly everything she does. Amanda documents her life in her charming 1930s cottage along with her impossibly cute pup Milo on her Instagram account and her blog. We caught up with her to chat about her quaint home, her ideal day in Portland, and her favorite holiday traditions.
You have such a beautiful home! How long have you lived there and why did you pick it in the beginning?
"Thank you! I bought my house eight months ago and was immediately smitten by the natural character and charm of the 1930s cottage. Right when I walked into to the home, I had a feeling it was special with its beautiful, natural bright light, shiplap walls, and original windows. The brightness captured my heart immediately—especially for a gal who is from sunny southern, California."
What room or area do you like spending time in the most?
"This is a tough one, but I would have to say my kitchen. It is on the smaller side, but it has so much quirk and charm. I love the open shelving filled with my favorite plants, cook books, coffee mugs, and local pottery. My vintage black Smeg fridge also adds a bit of old-school vibes that I adore. However, my favorite part of the kitchen is the eclectic rounded nook. I alternate my favorite art pieces on the hall and it’s just a really cozy place hang out. It is the perfect area to read, write, and of course, eat and entertain. I had a good friend that loves to do custom upholstery create some really special warm gray cushions for the bench area. This was the icing on the cake!"
How would you describe your decorating style?
"My style is eclectic but minimal. As a visual artist, I like the design challenge of mixing new and old to create a feeling of nostalgia. I love color and pattern but choose to utilize those design elements subtly through throws, pillows, rugs, and wallpaper. I design from my heart space and value function just as much as aesthetics. I love to entertain and host so having spaces where my friends and family can comfortably hang out and enjoy are really important to me when thinking about the use of each space."
It looks like you’ve really embraced holiday decorations this year. What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?
"I love designing my house for the different seasons and holiday! It is a great excuse to switch things up. One of my favorite traditions is crafting a holiday eggnog cocktail, turning on Christmas music and decorating the tree. Also, since moving to Portland four years ago, I’ve embraced the spirit of Christmas in a new way by chopping down my own tree out in the forest which was quite the experience and oh so Portland."
Photography by Dawn Photo