Dan + Jenni's Home Remodel + Addition
Dan + Jenni's Home Remodel + Addition
Whole House Renovation in Portland, OR
Dan + Jenni’s cozy 1,000 square foot home served them well as a couple, but after their second child was born and Dan began to work fulltime from home, they felt cramped. With Portland real estate in short supply—and a desire to stay in their school neighborhood—they decided on radical renovation: stitching a second floor to their existing house and creating a new, high-performing modern home out of the old.
The second story adds a master suite, 2 kids' bedrooms + a bathroom. Design challenges involved working closely with the existing 1949 house and building on both a tight budget and a tight urban lot. The original house remains intact right down to the windows, tucked inside the new form and wrapped in new siding.
A kitchen renovation came several years after the first phase.
We really enjoyed working with Michael on our remodel. He’s professional, creative and detail-oriented. We can’t thank him enough for all the times he came by our house while it was under construction, to check on how things were going. Throughout the entire process, Michael took care of the small details, and kept the final design in mind at the same time. We would recommend him to anyone who wants to build a house from the ground up or remodel their existing space.
Before
The original bungalow remains intact, right down to the windows, but nested within the new form.
Perfect fit
Dan + Jenni had already made significant improvements to their one-story home. We worked carefully around these improvements, preserving the first floor in its entirety. In addition to new bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs, the second-story addition frees up the first floor, accommodating an office for Dan (a work-from-home graphic designer) while Jenni's mom provides care for their small children.
Touch of luxury
Pragmatics drove materials choices. But we managed a few luxurious touches, such as pure wool carpeting in all of the bedrooms and a master suite balcony, with beautiful views to the West Hills.
Budget baths
Ikea cabinetry, Daltile, and marmoleum floors kept bathroom costs down.
Stairwell gallery
The new space is multi-purpose. The stairwell connecting the first and second floor also serves as a gallery for Dan's art collection. A small home office for Jenni, a teacher, is tucked beneath the staircase.
Second phase
Several years after the upstairs addition, the kitchen took its turn. Patterned tile floods the walls. Ample open shelving keeps it light and bright.
Photographer: Anna M Campbell