Emily + Franz's Home Remodel + Addition
Emily + Franz's Home Remodel + Addition
Whole Home Renovation in Portland, OR
Emily + Franz had owned their 1929 SE Portland home for many years before they were able to completely transform it. The 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom remodel captures panoramic views from a large deck. An office, dance studio, and space for music and crafting complete the program for this creative family.
Rather than move or start from scratch, the owners opted to radically gut their existing house, to preserve a special city view (in a neighborhood not known for views). The original house featured a 1-car garage that projected out toward the street past the current allowable building setback line. This provided for a much-loved deck. Because of this grandfathered condition, we were permitted to preserve this aspect if we opted for a remodel over a tear-down.
Michael Howells took our vague dream and built it into reality. Our remodel project is amazing. The floor plan includes a grand living space with a spectacular view, but Michael didn't let that view define success. The whole layout of the house feels extremely intentional. It's homey but spacious. There's room for everything we need to do. We can be close as a family but still find a quiet space when needed. Michael's commitment not only during design but throughout the entire build process was massive. We experience his exceptional attention to detail every day of our new lives here.
Before + after
Roll over the image to see the house before + after.
A rich palette
A black and white quartz countertop meets a copper sink. The owners love rich textures that evoke an old world Parisian feel.
Dark + light
Ample daylighting balances the black lacquer and walnut cabinetry.
Copper + walnut
A copper fireplace surround anchors the great room. The walnut frame ties in with the kitchen cabinetry.
Bistro and the bath
The main ensuite bath is flooded in "bistro-green" tile, inspired by Franz + Emily's love of bohemian 19th-century Paris. At the vanity, black lacquer cabinetry echoes the kitchen scheme. Brass finishes keep it sharp and traditional at the same time.
Brass + green
The ceramic tile in the main bathroom is by Ann Sacks.
Eye candy
The kids' bath is also unafraid of pattern and color.
Room for play
For this creative family, we made a dedicated performance and art space in the great room.
Preserving the view
The existing home had an exceptional view of downtown Portland, in a neighborhood not known for views. The view inspired an "upside down" living arrangement, with living/kitchen/dining and a new covered deck on the top level, and the master suite on the ground floor.