--- title: "Diane Plesset, CMKBD, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S. — Kitchen & Bath Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/diane-plesset-cmkbd-ncidq-c-a-p-s-pfvwus-pf~1350656811 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1350656811.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Diane Plesset, CMKBD, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S." category: ["Kitchen & Bath Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/087355620ca49764_5949-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "P.O. Box 1132, Oregon City, Oregon 97045, United States" latitude: 45.3377 longitude: -122.57 phone: "(503) 632-8801" website: https://www.dp-design.com rating: 5 review_count: 26 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 185 last_updated: 2026-09-16 --- # Diane Plesset, CMKBD, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S. Original Houzz profile: [Diane Plesset, CMKBD, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/diane-plesset-cmkbd-ncidq-c-a-p-s-pfvwus-pf~1350656811) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Kitchen & Bath Designers - **Location:** Oregon City, OR - **Serves:** Portland, Gresham, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Tualatin, West Linn, Wilsonville, Happy Valley, Milwaukie, Canby, Oak Grove, Gladstone, Damascus, Garden Home-Whitford, Sunnyside, Clackamas, Raleigh Hills, Beaver Creek, Beavercreek, Durham, Boring, Stafford, Aurora, Fairview, Rivergrove, Johnson City, Dundee-Newberg, Forrest Grove, Marylhurst, Vancouver - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (26 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2013–2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Online consultation - 38 years in business My business and personal philosophy: Listen with my heart. Be compassionate, respectful, and understanding with everyone. Respect and admire uniqueness. Share the abundance. Help others. Architecture, art, and music are important in my life. Nature influences me every day. If you desire to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, want an addition to your home, or want to remodel other areas of your home, I will help you achieve your remodeling or building goals. Using state-of-the-art CAD, I will show you what your remodeled home looks like. I became a Frank Lloyd Wright fan at some point and it was his Gordon House that brought me back to Oregon from the Bay Area, and inspired me to design our award-winning home, “Evergreen“ in Oregon City.” I love music and played the piano since I was a kid. My husband and I met in SF while he was working at a high-end stereo store in the Financial District. We got married in 1979 and bought the store which led me going to design school. I love to write, especially if it helps others in any way. My first book, “THE Survival Guide: Home Remodeling“ won the Pinnacle Award for Best How-to Book the year it was published, and I’m in the process of revising and expanding it to include information about accessible design and sustainability. I’m also writing a book about the magical process of building our dream home. Art, crafts, sewing, gardening, reading, and entertaining are other hobbies that I love. Guess you can surmise that I love anything and everything that’s creative! After reading Simon Sinek’s book, “Start with Why,” I discovered the “why” that’s motivated and inspired me since childhood: “See the Possibilities. Create a Positive Difference.” ### Services Provided - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - 3D Rendering - Home Additions - Lighting Design - Laundry Room Design - Floor Plans - Home Extensions - Mudroom Design - Universal Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Basement Design - Drafting - Handicap-Accessible Design - Wine Cellar Design - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) - New Home Design ### Areas Served - Portland - Gresham - Hillsboro - Beaverton - Tigard - Lake Oswego - Oregon City - Tualatin - West Linn - Wilsonville - Happy Valley - Milwaukie - Canby - Oak Grove - Gladstone - Damascus - Garden Home-Whitford - Sunnyside - Clackamas - Raleigh Hills - Beaver Creek - Beavercreek - Durham - Boring - Stafford - Aurora - Fairview - Rivergrove - Johnson City - Dundee-Newberg - Forrest Grove - Marylhurst - Vancouver ### Typical Job Cost $35,000 - 800,000 Guest Bathrooms: $20,000 - $35,000 (full remodel to the studs, typical), up to $50,000 (luxury) Master Bathrooms: $50,000 - $150,000 (full remodel to the studs, typical) Kitchens: $45,000 - $250,000 (full remodel to the studs, typical) Additions to existing home: +$200,000 - $650,000 (many variables) New Homes: $450,000 - $1,250,000 (many variables involved in establishing the budget) ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Diane Plesset, CMKBD, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S. | | Address | P.O. Box 1132, Oregon City, Oregon 97045, United States | | Phone | (503) 632-8801 | | Website | https://www.dp-design.com | | Followers on Houzz | 185 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/dplesset - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/designprodiane - LinkedIn — https://plus.google.com/+Dp-design/posts - Blog — http://dp-design.com/blog/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Diane Plesset, CMKBD, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/diane-plesset-cmkbd-ncidq-c-a-p-s-pfvwus-pf~1350656811) - **Website:** https://www.dp-design.com - **Phone:** (503) 632-8801 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - CMKBD, C.A.P.S., Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), NCIDQAWARDS: Building Excellence, Remodeling Excellence, Master Design, Best of the Best, Chrysalis (2), Outstanding Remodeling, CoTY (4), PINNACLE AWARD, HBA Portland: Best Home in Catetgory - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2013–2022), for Service. **Affiliations** - [National Kitchen & Bath Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-kitchen-and-bath-association-pfvwus-pf~1351084655) - [NCIDQ Examination](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncidq-examination-pfvwus-pf~882083937) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 26 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — HU-419274144, May 2021** > A few years earlier when researching kitchen remodeling ideas I came across Diane's site and was so impressed with her "before" and "after" pictures that I bookmarked her on my computer. To be honest, I thought we couldn't afford designer services and bookmarked her site for her pictures of things that were done for ideas. It wasn't until much later that I realized that she was in Oregon too! OMG! She lives close to our part of Oregon! So I thought I could at least ask how much her fees were and get a ballpark figure. I was ready to accept the fact that we couldn't afford her services, but felt that I'd at least be somewhat satisfied that I asked. But believe it or not, we ended up saving more money hiring her than if we hadn't. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but it's true. I've kept track and records of my remodeling costs to prove it! > Diane is really good about listening to what you want and trying to incorporate it into her kitchen design. For me personally, it was worth it having a pop up mixer because I use my kitchen aid mixer a lot and it's heavy to get out and move . More so as I get older and personally I don't want a bunch of appliances on my counter top all the time in my small kitchen. I now have enough spice drawers so I can see things at a glance and not have to go digging in the cupboard trying to get at things buried in the back. I have lots more counter space and cabinets now, that I actually like cooking and baking more than before. (Which was sporadic to begin with, even when my kids still lived at home. I usually cooked, but we probably ate out more or had take out food way more than when I was growing up). > One day Diane and I went to choose the specific counter top slabs for my kitchen. While waiting for help, I wandered around and came across this slab that instantly appealed to me like no other. (In previous trips we had gone to many places to look at all the different countertop materials, natural and man made & etc.,.). I didn't even know what material this slab was but got excited when I figured out it was quartzite which is the material I finally had previously decided upon for my counter top after much time, research and indecisiveness. > Bummer! There's no more of the very new & unusual slabs in Oregon or Washington that is available. You might be able to special order more from Brazil, have it pass customs in Seattle and receive it in a month. Maybe. Here I was, there to pick the specific slabs to be fabricated on an already scheduled date, along with the installation and everything else on the scheduled timeline. (If I was Diane, I would of at the very least, rolled my eyes at myself! Instead she was quite enthusiastic about my choice and tickled that I was actually excited about something. I am by nature not every excitable). So Diane worked things out with my contractor, fabricators, installers and etc..,.so things went really smoothly even though I delayed the schedule by a month. **Comment from Diane Plesset, CMKBD, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S.:** > It was a joy when you got excited about black stainless appliances, FSC Lyptus cabinets, and especially the gorgeous quartzite countertops and splash behind your hood. I was happy to create space for all your spices, baking dishes, utensils, and cookware, including the large stand mixer that you use often. Wishing you years of enjoyment and happy get-togethers in your new kitchen! **★★★★★ — Bruce McDowell, April 2021** > Diane is amazing. She has the gift, the eye, to turn a dump (like mine) into a palace. See ‘remodeled home for a single man’ on her site. > Highly recommended, Bruce McDowell **Comment from Diane Plesset, CMKBD, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S.:** > Bruce, thank you! It's been absolutely marvelous, and a lot of fun, working with you to transform your home! I can't wait to see (and photograph) our latest project, your wood stove alcove. Surely, it's going to be another one-of-a-kind area of your living room. **★★★★★ — Alison Hilber and Pamela Potter, July 2020** > Diane is professional, knowledgeable, and experienced. She helped us with all levels of our remodel, from blueprints to resources to vendors, including floors and complete bathroom reconstruction. She worked well with our contractor, while always assuring us that control of the project was in our hands, and was always available when we had questions. Even when her job was complete, she continued to be available for questions we had during the remaining construction. We will be calling her again for our next remodel project, and we highly recommend her to anyone who has a remodel, big or small. **Comment from Diane Plesset, CMKBD, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S.:** > Thank you, Alison and Pamela! It was a joy working with you and your contractor! Wishing you many years of good health, happiness, and abundance in your new home! **★★★★★ — Dan and Lynn Dickinson, Jan. 2020** > We chose our designer Diane Plesset (DP Design) because of her positive reviews. The kitchen remodeling sections of her book The Survival Guide: Home Remodeling was very helpful to me in understanding the scope of the project, timelines and all the decisions that needed to be made. Diane is a very positive and upbeat person. There are always compromises in a remodel, but there are many solutions as well. She helped us find good solutions. She gave us a great detailed design for the kitchen. The CAD pictures were so helpful because mentally visualizing doesn’t work too well for me. She worked really hard to give us the kitchen features we wanted. She located beautiful pendant lights for our island. She also connected us with great people to do the work. The contractor Chris Loar of AAI and the cabinet maker Peter Rintoul are excellent craftsmen. The result was a beautiful and functional kitchen. We are delighted with the process and our new kitchen. **Comment from Diane Plesset, CMKBD, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S.:** > Thank you, Dan and Lynne! We accomplished a lot in a short time, and I appreciate all the thought you gave to every decision, and giving honest feedback when an idea didn't feel comfortable. We had great communication, and I loved working with you to achieve the best results that will give you joy for years! You are very special, and I'm very grateful! **★★★★★ — Advanced Alterations & Installation, Jan. 2020** > I highly recommend this designer. Every project I have partnered with Diane to work on has been a pleasure. Diane really listens to her clients wants and needs, takes this input and combines it with the space to really bring a design to life. Diane pays attention to detail and thinks through every aspect of the job, combine this with her prompt and thorough communication makes her a clients dream! **★★★★★ — Bob Anderson, May 2019** > Diane, you're the best! As a cabinet shop owner I have worked with Diane on many projects over the years. When it came to my personal home remodel, there was never a doubt in my mind that I would partner with Diane. She goes above and beyond professional standards and applies the perfect combination of form-and-function while maintaining architectural consistency, all wrapped up in a positive and creative experience that instills confidence in a well thought out plan. Diane is an exceptional listener and works hard to implement her customers vision. When something doesn't make sense, she gives a detailed explanation why, and offer up creative alternatives. Professional, hard working, reasonable, intuitive, creative and fun! Thanks again Diane, after the completion of the main house remodel, I look forward to working with you on the guest house. As always, it's been a pleasure. **★★★★★ — Julia SHAW, Dec. 2018** > Diane is a true professional and I learn something new from her every time I talk with her. I love her book and have recommended her to my friends who are planning a remodel. **Comment from Diane Plesset, CMKBD, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S.:** > Thank you, Julia! I love what you do to help me promote D. P. Design on social media! You are fantastic, and I'm so grateful for all your talents! **★★★★★ — Deborah Maria, Dec. 2018** > Diane listened well and provided creative suggestions, solutions, and alternatives during the time we worked on the design to remodel a powder room to create a full bathroom in my home. She left no detail untouched. Such thoroughness and professional know-how are an asset one does not find every day. I would gladly call Diane again for design services. She is very pleasant to work with -- prompt, responsive, well informed. **Comment from Diane Plesset, CMKBD, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S.:** > Thank you, Deborah! It was wonderful to work with you! Wishing you the best health and success in the future! **★★★★★ — Shelly Walker, Dec. 2018** > Diane was a wonderful collaborator! I felt like she really listened to our desires, but also led us into new ideas that improved our plans. We intend to hire her again for our next project. **Comment from Diane Plesset, CMKBD, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S.:** > Thank you, Shelly! I was happy to help you make important decisions, to introduce you to options that improved the quality of your family's lifestyle! Look forward to working with you again in the future! **★★★★★ — Janice Denney, Dec. 2018** > We purchased an apartment that was being built and Diane met with us to determine our needs and preferences and then guided us in making decisions about flooring, cabinetry and placement of electrical outlets. She was easy to talk to, responded quickly to our questions and provided us with a furniture arrangement plan. **Comment from Diane Plesset, CMKBD, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S.:** > Thank you, Janice. So glad I could help you make informed decisions to make your move easier! Wishing you both the Best of Health, an Abundance of Happiness, and Everlasting Love. **★★★★★ — Cascade Custom Remodel & Construction, LLC, Dec. 2018** > I have know and worked with Diane since 2006. We have worked together on several projects over the years. She has consistently provided detailed accurate plans for clients with whom we work. Her designs are both functional and well conceived from a design point of view. She truly has her client's best interests in mind when she designs. If you want a great design that is functional and timeless, talk with Diane. **Comment from Diane Plesset, CMKBD, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S.:** > It's a pleasure to work with you and your crew, Larry! Everyone is an expert in their field, and you are a great leader! **★★★★★ — P Larson, Dec. 2017** > We recently completed a kitchen remodel and interior update to our 1992 home. A key part of the project was selecting a professional designer. We found Diane by researching on Houzz. > At our 1st site meeting we knew Diane was the person who would help us make our dream come true. She listened to us and in a short time produced a plan that made it easy to visualize the end result. Her professional and detailed plans were key to making sure our entire project team knew what to do. > Diane's knowledge of home building techniques and materials is extensive. She provided support during product selection and was invaluable during problem solving discussions with our Contractor. Diane was a true partner in our project and helped make sure we achieved our "dream come true". We could not be happier with the finished project and would highly recommend Diane to anyone planning a remodel project. **Comment from Diane Plesset, CMKBD, NCIDQ, C.A.P.S.:** > Thank you so much! It was absolutely wonderful to work with you, achieving one of the best team efforts I've experienced in my career! From our first meeting to the completion of your project was only five months! This has got to be a record for such a large project! You made hundreds of informed decisions quickly, and communicated clearly with everyone throughout the design and construction process, which kept the "wheels of progress" moving ahead smoothly. It's easy to admire (and love) your positive attitude about life. Wishing you good health, happiness, and infinite enjoyment of your "new" home! ## Selected projects - [Featured Articles](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/featured-articles-pj-vj~6994966) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Oregon City Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oregon-city-kitchen-pj-vj~6214394) - Location: Oregon City, OR - Photos: 3 - [Craftsman-style Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-style-kitchen-pj-vj~5912) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 3 - Description: Remodeled 1990s "spec" home now has architectural integrity with the contemporary "Craftsman" style. - [French Chateau Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/french-chateau-retreat-pj-vj~6968) - Location: Tualatin, OR - Photos: 4 - Description: Homeowners requested a master bathroom that reminded them of the French chateau they remember so fondly. The result is a romantic traditional retreat with custom furniture-like walnut cabinets, and warm colors. - [Large great room addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/large-great-room-addition-pj-vj~2596938) - Location: Sweet Home, OR - Photos: 9 - Description: The large great room addition was over 1300 square feet, and the wife was confused about what to do with the space. She especially needed help with placing all the kitchen appliances, three sinks, and custom storage for the area. Entertaining and cooking demonstrations were her two main priorities. The new kitchen, which is over 450 square feet, is divided into work spaces: Baking preparation Cooking preparation Two cleanup areas A juice bar Two countertop seating areas. A custom soffit was desi… - [1970s Ranch House Family Entertaining Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1970s-ranch-house-family-entertaining-kitchen-pj-vj~5911) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 5 - Description: The original 1970s ranch house was dominated by the roof, and the kitchen ceiling was only 8' high. The homeowners wanted a major addition to the side, to enlarge the kitchen and eating area. Something had to change, to improve the exterior appearance and modify the room's proportions. The solution: a dormer over the addition. - [Wine Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wine-room-pj-vj~2547570) - Location: West Linn, OR - Photos: 3 - Description: Wasted space called "phone room" became a custom wine room for the homeowners, adjacent to the entry hall and kitchen. A small corner of the wife's home office was used to create the space. - ["Evergreen" -- FLW Inspired Home wins HBA Best of the Best Award](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/evergreen-flw-inspired-home-wins-hba-best-of-the-best-award-pj-vj~6969) - Location: Oregon City, OR - Photos: 12 - Description: This new home was designed to be energy-efficient, using sustainable products. It complies with Universal Design guidelines for lifetime livability. The design was inspired by many of Frank Lloyd Wright's "Usonian" homes; it also has a distinctive Art Deco style, inside and out. - [Multi-Cook Entertaining Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/multi-cook-entertaining-kitchen-pj-vj~80719) - Location: West Linn, OR - Photos: 10 - Description: The kitchen remodel included the family room, butler's pantry, and creating a new wine room. Homeowners wanted three ovens, a built-in refrigerator, built-in freezer, under-cabinet wine chiller, built-in ice maker, three sinks, two dishwashers, a large professional cooktop and hood. A 3' x 3' addition to one corner of the eating nook now provides a glorious view of Mt. Hood. - [Butler's Pantry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/butler-s-pantry-pj-vj~2547612) - Location: West Linn, OR - Photos: 2 - Description: The existing butler's pantry was updated to include an icemaker and a built-in espresso machine. All cabinets are custom cherry with raised-panel doors and drawers. The wall cabinets include glass doors and shelves for glassware, and there's an open cabinet for liquor. The room and display cabinets feature dimmable LED lighting. - [Craftsman Home with New Mezzanine-Den and Living Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-home-with-new-mezzanine-den-and-living-room-pj-vj~6970) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 2 - Description: Lowering the living room ceiling also provided a large mezzanine-den for the homeowners. The part of the large project also included a new fireplace, surrounded by custom bookshelves, new light fixtures, and new stairway balusters that have architectural integrity with the home's "Craftsman" style. - [1970s JAPANESE STYLE BATHROOM](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1970s-japanese-style-bathroom-pj-vj~2547622) - Location: West Linn, OR - Photos: 5 - [Kitchen With Interesting Details](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-with-interesting-details-pj-vj~2547532) - Location: Vancouver, WA - Photos: 7 - Description: The boring 1980s kitchen with all-white painted cabinets was updated by moving the range to where the former sink had been. A sweeping elliptical peninsula created space for the main sink and a large prep sink, with the dishwasher located conveniently between the sinks. There's more countertop space adjacent to all appliances, for food preparation, and cleanup. The back of the island has a seating area for guests, and there's a built-in table for family and friends. Custom alder cabinets were us… - [Japanese-style Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/japanese-style-kitchen-pj-vj~995236) - Location: Oregon City, OR - Photos: 5 - Description: The original kitchen had many problems that the homeowners wanted to solve when they remodeled. They wanted a Japanese-style kitchen with a new ribbon gas fireplace. - [Scandinavian Contemporary Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/scandinavian-contemporary-kitchen-pj-vj~5915) - Location: San Carlos, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: 1970s "lodge" home was updated with a new kitchen. The first priority was to remove a wall that separated the kitchen from the adjacent eating area, then include custom design features that solved unique problems. - [Craftsman-style Master Suite](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-style-master-suite-pj-vj~6964) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 7 - Description: The remodeled master suite included adding a new walk-in closet in the attic over the family room, and converting the existing closet into a hallway, so the husband and wife could access a private den-retreat that was added over the living room to make it feel more cozy. Another part of the same project involved borrowing an unused corner of the master bedroom, and using the original toilet-shower room, to create a functional laundry room upstairs. - ["Two of Everything" Master Suite](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/two-of-everything-master-suite-pj-vj~6967) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 5 - Description: An addition to the 1970s ranch house created the space for a larger master bathroom, more space in the bedroom, and room for TWO walk-in closets. - [Bathroom with Sculpture and STORAGE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathroom-with-sculpture-and-storage-pj-vj~6965) - Location: Tigard, OR - Photos: 3 - Description: Remodeled 1970s master bathroom with LOTS of storage, and unique, custom features. - [Guest Bathroom before/after](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/guest-bathroom-before-after-pj-vj~2547630) - Location: West Linn, OR - Photos: 2 - [The Best Way to Start and End Any Day](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-best-way-to-start-and-end-any-day-pj-vj~997609) - Location: Tigard, OR - Photos: 8 - Description: The original master bathroom featured flowery wallcovering. It lacked attention to details and had limited storage. The remodeled bathroom has more and better storage in the custom white cabinets, improved lighting, and finishing details that make the homeowners feel special. The bathroom was included with the "Kitchen With a Garden View". [See all 32 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/diane-plesset-cmkbd-ncidq-c-a-p-s-pfvwus-pf~1350656811) ## Ideabooks - [Fitzgerald Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/166017498/list/fitzgerald-kitchen) — 5 ideas - [Cohen Kitchen Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165815664/list/cohen-kitchen-ideas) — 13 ideas - [Kitchen Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165815539/list/kitchen-ideas) — 5 ideas - [AEM Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/150836794/list/aem-kitchen) — 1 idea - [Solheim Bathroom Ideas sent by Jeff](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/147751906/list/solheim-bathroom-ideas-sent-by-jeff) — 1 idea - [Inspired Ideas by Diane Plesset](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/138046/list/inspired-ideas-by-diane-plesset) — 13 ideas - [Pocket Doors - Glass - Telescoping](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53405456/list/pocket-doors-glass-telescoping) — 11 ideas [See all 7 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/dplesset) ## Community Q&A **Q: Uneven Ceilings Hide with Faux Beams?** *(in Remodeling)* Hello everyone! We are doing a home remodel and we are opening up our space to an open concept. We discovered today that the rafter sizes in 3 sections of the house that will now be once big section are different sizes, leading to what could potentially be (if we did nothing), 3 ceiling heights. Note that this is a vaulted ceiling across the entire space. The contractor recommends we demo the existing ceilings, extend the rafters, and re-insulate to bring them to the same height. However this might be cost prohibitive. Saw some ideas online about hiding this defect using exposed decorative faux beams on the seams to hide the flaw. What are people's take? Has anyone done this? Is this a dumb idea? What questions should we be asking? A: It's not a dumb idea, but I suggest that you think about your goals. Do you want a quick and inexpensive fix? Do you want something that's going to pass the time test, i.e., more than five years? Faux beams could solve your problem, but they could also call attention to the problem if they look "faux," i.e., don't fit with your home's architecture or structural layout. You may need to consult with a professional designer for input, to help you make informed decisions about what to do. Good luck! **Q: Pros and cons of Oceana glass bathroom and kitchen sinks.** *(in Design Dilemma)* Ready to make decisions for new home build and thinking Oceana for a secondary sink in kitchen island and 2 sinks in master bath. Has anyone had experience with these sinks? A: Beautiful sink, but not appropriate for a kitchen. I agree with chiflipper that glass sinks and lavatories are drop-dead gorgeous when backlit. I've used step lights turned upside-down to achieve the lighting (like the powder room below). For a kitchen prep sink, you can choose stainless, quartz, or any other material. If it is truly a prep sink, it should have a drain large enough for a disposal. You can use a countertop-mounted air switch for the disposal. Good luck with your project! **Q: Flooring** *(in Photo Questions)* what type and brand of flooring did you use? A: The floors in this kitchen are natural travertine. This particular one was a soft yellow, but there are many other colors of travertine. Before selecting any flooring, it's wise to read about it first, to see if it's right for your home, your lifestyle, and your budget. Fortunately, there are many types of flooring that can give you the look of this, without the expense, and the required maintenance. This is what the homeowners wanted. It is gorgeous! Hope this answers your question! Please let me know if you have other questions! **Q: How big are the tiles on the backsplash?** *(in Photo Questions)* Where did you purchase the tiles and are the smaller accent tiles from the same supplier? thank you A: The tiles are silver slate, readily available at many tile showrooms, maybe "big box" stores. The inserts were cut to a custom size by the countertop fabricator from the same material as the countertop, because there weren't granite tiles available. Many stone showrooms also have coordinating tile. I suggest selecting a stone countertop that you love, then finding a coordinating tile. Unfortunately, engineered stone doesn't have coordinating tiles, so the countertop fabricator would have to cut tiles from 2cm or 3cm material, which will project out further from the face of the backsplash than the field tile (unless you pay extra to have the tile setter "back butter" all of the field tile -- expensive!). Here's a bathroom picture where I was able to find a coordinating stone tile to match the slabs -- "Verde Laponia" quartzite. A 3/4" "sizzle strip of green was placed around each inserted tile. Hope my answer helps you. Good luck! **Q: Multi-Generational Living Arrangements?** *(in Design Dilemma)* For those of you who live or have lived with multiple generations (such as living with both your parents or in-laws, as well as your children and/or grandchildren), did you have an in-law suite or accessory dwelling unit? If so, what do you consider the benefits or drawbacks of that arrangement? Share your experience! A: I've been working with sisters who wanted to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for their parents on one of the sister's property in Dundee, Oregon. The father has been living with Parkinson's Disease for years. His wife can no longer take care of him by herself in their San Diego-area home. Dundee was in the initial stages of developing codes for Accessory Dwelling Units, which meant that I was in a good position to positively influence the Planning Commission and the City Council to increase the maximum size of ADUs from 800 to 900 square feet so my clients' parents could have a fully-accessible home with a large kitchen and eating area, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. ADUs are normally separate from the main house, but because one of the daughters and her husband will be caretarkers -- especially in an emergency -- it was important to create access between the two homes without being exposed to the elements. The Building Department has allowed us to create an open breezeway between the homes with a continuous floor height that will allow the father to visit his family in the main house, using a wheelchair. As an aging-in-place specialist, it has been an honor to represent my clients and their parents, and everyone in the City of Dundee who will build accessible Accessory Dwelling Units for family members in the future. Construction will begin soon. We're all excited about being the first ADU in the City of Dundee, providing a safe, functional, and joy-filled living environment for the parents. Above is a Virtual-Reality perspective of the existing home with the ADU on the rear right-hand side. Below are (1) a Virtual-Reality perspectives of the accessible master bathroom with a large curbless shower, (2) a Virtual-Reality perspective of the living room, entry, kitchen, and eating area. **Q: Who is the manufacturer of this sink?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: American Standard "Ravenna." It's available with a shroud or a pedestal base, only in white. Here's a link: https://www.americanstandard-us.com/bathroom/bathroom-sinks/ravenna-wall-mount-sink-17209https://www.americanstandard-us.com/bathroom/bathroom-sinks/ravenna-wall-mount-sink-17209 --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-16.*