Kitchen Expansion and Remodel
in Beaverton, Oregon
When Three Rooms Become One, Everything Changes
A Home Finally Worth Gathering In
Mike and Claire had outgrown their fragmented floor plan long before they called us. Their goal was simple but meaningful: open things up, let the light in, and create a kitchen that could keep up with their family.
Location
Beaverton, Oregon
Timeline
Unknown
Complexity
Complex
Finish Quality
Elevated
An Award-Winning Transformation
This project was recognized by Oregon Home Magazine’s 2020 Structure + Style Awards as the winner in the Major Home Remodel: Under $250,000 category. The judges described it as “a dynamic new central living space created within this early-1960s ranch, up to date in form and function, honoring the essence of mid-century modern.”
The Floor Plan That Was Fighting Them
- Segmented, Hard-to-Navigate Rooms: The living room, kitchen, dining area, family room, laundry, and office were all separated by pocket doors and thresholds, making the home feel like a series of disconnected compartments rather than a place to breathe and gather.
- A Cramped, Undersized Kitchen: The kitchen was hemmed in on all sides, leaving little room to cook, let alone entertain, and was completely cut off from the rest of the living space.
- Minimal Natural Light: With limited window access and no real visual connection to the outdoors, the main living areas felt closed off and dim throughout the day.
- A Garage Conversion That Didn't Quite Work: The family room, laundry, and office occupied a previous garage conversion that was out of step with the rest of the home, with a floor system that needed to be brought up to code, and mechanicals occupying valuable space.
A Thoughtful Design That Made It All Flow
Weeks of close collaboration helped Mike, Claire, and our team land on a design that honored their budget, their lifestyle, and the bones of their early-1960s ranch. We removed a load-bearing wall, redistributed structural loads through a ceiling beam and a post hidden within the door and window framing, and carefully constructed a new floor system to meet seamlessly where the crawl space met the slab on grade.
The result is a wide-open central space that finally connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas, with two sliding doors drawing the backyard right into the heart of the home.
The Details That Make It Feel Like Home
A Kitchen Built for Real Life
A large center island, tall pantry, and a thoughtful mix of open and closed shelving transformed what was once a cramped corner into a mid-century modern kitchen that handles everything from school mornings to dinner parties with ease.
Floor to Ceiling Walnut Cabinetry
Grain-matched walnut panels run in long, flowing verticals from floor to ceiling, giving the kitchen a warmth and craftsmanship that feels elevated without feeling untouchable, and the same walnut carries into the dining nook as built-in bench seating.
A Waterfall Island That Anchors the Room
White countertops with an elevated waterfall bar at the island create a clean, striking centerpiece, bringing sophistication to an everyday surface while quietly unifying the kitchen's finishes and fixtures.
A New Bathroom Where the Office Used to Be
The former office space was reimagined as a brand-new bathroom, with vibrant coral pink and deep forest green tile, a glass shower enclosure that recedes into the background, and a continuous ledge that stretches from inside the shower to a decorative accent along the full wall.
More Project Features
Relocated Laundry
Laundry facilities are now tucked behind flipper doors in a purpose-built closet, keeping the space tidy and traffic-friendly without sacrificing easy access.
On-Demand Water Heater
The traditional water heater was replaced with a tankless unit, freeing up floor space and giving the design more flexibility without adding cost.
Concrete-Look LVT Flooring
Rather than extending hardwoods over the slab-on-grade, a distinctive luxury vinyl tile was chosen, setting off the cabinetry beautifully while being a smart, cost-conscious choice.
Horizontal Stack Wall Tile
A simple horizontal stack pattern on the kitchen wall draws out the tile's subtle color and texture, while dark grout ties together the cabinetry, countertops, black plumbing fixtures, and stainless steel appliances into one cohesive look.
Glass Panels with Sliding Door
A second sliding door was added at a 90-degree angle to the existing one in the dining room, creating the feel of a seamless indoor-outdoor connection at a fraction of the cost of a fully engineered moveable glass wall.
Dining Nook Built-In Seating
The dining nook features built-in walnut bench seating with horizontal grain, a quiet contrast to the vertical cabinetry that adds character and a sense of intentional design.
Project Delivered On Budget
Thorough pre-construction investigation eliminated surprises, and strategic prioritization with the clients kept the project on budget from start to finish.
Light, Flow, and Room to Breathe
What began as a maze of pocket doors and undersized spaces is now the warm, light-filled center of Mike and Claire's home. The kitchen, dining, and living areas flow into each other naturally, the backyard feels like part of the room, and every finish reflects the care that went into every decision.
Ready to Open Up Your Home?
What would your home feel like if every room finally worked together? We can help you figure that out.