AT HOME with vincent james
Portland, OR
SHORT BIO MAYBE?
“Well gosh, I was born last century. And at some point afterwards, I became a book designer and art director. Originally I’m from central California, but I needed rain and seasons, so here I am in Portland. I dabble in the arts including knitting, cookery, baking, guitar, and writing. I would prefer if everyone started speaking to me in French and Spanish only so I can go ahead become fluent already.”
WHAT MAKES A HOUSE FEEL LIKE A HOME TO YOU?
“I love when home feels like it’s welcoming you. Everywhere you sit there is something beautiful to look at, a book to read, an orange to peel, a place to rest your drink. Everything pulls me in, deeper into my body and comfort inside it. Home feels like a talisman to me when it’s ready for my arrival like that.”
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN HOUSE HUNTING?
“Light and more light, natural materials, good balance of soft and structural features. I’m a sucker for a lil vintage tile. It’s usually an immediate feeling of home for me.”
SHARE ABOUT A COUPLE FAVORITE OBJECTS?
“Books and art are the main treasures in my home. Most of the art on my wall has been made by a friend or someone I know and admire. It makes me feel like I’m coming home to community. One of my treasured books is the 50 year anniversary edition of the hobbit (one of 5 copies I’ve collected of the hobbit including one in Spanish). I get a bit obsessed with vintage covers.”
WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT RIGHT NOW?
“My boyfriend just moved in and I’m excited to see how our homes combine and how we grow together.”
HOW DOES THIS SPACE MAKE YOU FEEL?
“Leaving it is hard. And I like that. It’s both stimulating to look at and relaxing to be in.”
SOMETHING YOU’RE PROUD OF?
“Creating a space people feel welcome and at home in. My only goal when I first moved here was to one day be surrounded by my friends in it, and that’s come true many times since.”
VINCENT’S INSTAGRAM @THEEVINCENTJAMES