Karen + Jim's Kitchen + Bath Remodel

A modern ADU in Portland, Oregon by architect Michael Howells

Two-tone cabinets and open shelving in kitchen remodel.

This is a modern blue remodel in Portland, Oregon, by architect Michael Howells.

This is a red and gray kitchen remodel in Portland, Oregon, by architect Michael Howells.

This is a modern light blue and dark blue remodel in Portland, Oregon, by architect Michael Howells.

Karen + Jim's Kitchen + Bath Remodel

Kitchen + Bath Renovation in Portland, OR

Karen + Jim relocated to Portland from the midwest, to be near their children and grandchild. They found a solid 1920s house up the street from their family, and focused their attention on the kitchen + bathroom. No strangers to renovating homes, they handled demo, wiring, and interior painting themselves, reducing costs and putting their own stamp on their new home.

Big moves in the kitchen included removing an enclosed stair to the basement, which blocked access to the back porch and yard. We introduced a partial-height wall to sponsor the stair and added an array of new windows. In this new arrangement, one can look over the stair to the yard—a handy sightline for keeping an eye on grandkids playing outside. A neatly tucked custom café table at the stairwell makes it easy to enjoy a coffee at the same time.

Michael provided an innovative and sensitive design for the kitchen, bath and laundry room of our 1920’s era house. He worked with the contractors to ensure that everything was professionally done and true to his vision for our space. Everything stayed on schedule and within the budget in spite of the pandemic.

Before + after

Roll over the image to see the kitchen before + after.

Rich red

Unafraid of color, Jim + Karen fell for this Campari-red tile from Heath Ceramics, and built the kitchen palette around it.

Blue + brown

Two blues meet an earthy brown at the bathroom, for an inviting, unusual color combination.

New + old

We designed new glass upper cabinets for Jim + Karen's heirloom china and glassware.

This is a custom vintage-style kitchen table by Bars And Booths.

Kitchen café

A custom-sized table from retro-style Bars And Booths tucks into the wall of the new stair, offering an eat-in spot without impeding flow.