This Coastal kitchen renovation was a detail-oriented renovation, as every small detail made up the greater difference between an outdated kitchen and a Coastal-inspired gathering place. Every detail was meticulously tailored to open up the space and harness the natural light, culminating in a sanctuary of timeless elegance. With the removal of overhead cabinets, dark appliances and a cluttered backsplash, the kitchen instantly opened up, creating an airy, light-filled atmosphere. From white walls to white countertops, predominantly white features were strategically chosen to reflect and amplify the abundant natural light streaming through the expansive windows, creating a luminous and inviting environment. The backsplash, positioned horizontally to visually widen the space, creates a visual sense of expansiveness. Silver appliances contribute to a cool tone which ultimately creates a calm feeling. The accentual wood elements bring warmth and charm, seamlessly blending with the Coastal theme while adding a cozy ambiance. From the removal of clutter to the strategic use of white hues and natural materials, small details contributed to the greater whole to create a serene haven for culinary creativity and cherished gatherings to come to this kitchen.

Introducing the inaugural HBA Home, a special showcase built by Mountainwood Homes with generous contributions from HBA members and a thoughtfully designed floor plan provided by Pacific Lifestyle Homes, on a lot developed by Icon Construction. More than a beautifully crafted residence, this home represents the strength of the building industry working together. Every contribution of time, talent, materials, and expertise helps support the Home Building Association of Greater Portland’s mission to advance housing and workforce development throughout the region. The HBA Home is Home #22 at Serres Farms in Oregon City, at the same development as this year’s featured site for the NW Natural Street of Dreams. This 2-story, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,542sq ft home includes many upgrades: - Walnut cabinetry, hardwood flooring, designer tile, and custom millwork. - KitchenAid appliances and a waterfall-edge island. - Enhanced bathrooms with tiled tub walls, a full-tile shower in the upper bathroom, tile flooring in the bathrooms and laundry room, and wall-mounted faucets at the primary bathroom vanity. - Pella windows, pre-stained Hardie panels, solid-wood soffits, and landscaping. - High-efficiency HVAC, ventilation, and energy verification. - Smart-home features, upgraded electrical with dimmers, and pre-wired for speakers and sound.

Bright and Inviting Bathroom Design: Classic Meets Contemporary This bathroom design showcases a stunning 60-inch white shaker vanity, exuding timeless elegance and functionality. The space is bright and inviting, enhanced by the use of subway tile that climbs the walls in crisp white, creating a clean and airy backdrop for vibrant accents. Key Features of This Bathroom Design: White Shaker Vanity: The centerpiece of the design, the spacious white shaker vanity, offers ample storage while maintaining a classic, refined look. Its clean lines and simple detailing enhance the overall brightness of the space. Subway Tile Walls: The white subway tile extends elegantly up the wall, providing a seamless and sophisticated backdrop that amplifies natural light and contributes to the bathroom’s airy feel. The glossy finish of the tiles reflects light, further enhancing the space. Black Mirrors: Stylish black framed mirrors above the vanity add a touch of modern elegance and contrast beautifully against the white cabinetry and tiles. Their sleek lines enhance the contemporary feel while adding depth and sophistication. Arm Lights: Adding chic arm lights in a matte black finish provide functional illumination and contribute to the bathroom's stylish vibe. The combination of light and dark elements creates a striking visual balance. Pops of Color: Vibrant accents are introduced through accessories such as colorful towels, decorative items, or plants that add personality and warmth to the space. Vibrant Color Rug: A bold, patterned rug brings a playful touch and softens the overall look, adding texture and comfort underfoot. The rug's vibrant hues tie together the color scheme, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. This bathroom design effortlessly blends classic elements with contemporary flair, featuring a white shaker vanity, striking black mirrors, and lively accents that come together to create a bright and welcoming space, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

The Wethersfield home is a “Contributing Structure” within one of Central Austin’s most historic neighborhoods. Thanks to the design vision and engineering of the Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture team, the fine execution and contributions of Tommy Hudson with Hudson Custom Builder, and the commitment of the Owner, the outcome is a very comfortable, healthy and nicely day lit, 1600 square foot home that is expected to have energy consumption bills 50% less than those before, despite being almost 190 square feet larger. A new kitchen was designed for better function and efficiencies. A screened-in porch makes for great outdoor living within a semi-private setting - and without the bugs! New interior fixtures, fittings and finishes were chosen to honor the home’s original 1930’s character while providing tasteful aesthetic upgrades. Photo: Oren Mitzner, AIA NCARB

THE SETUP The original L-shaped guest bathroom, primarily utilized by the client’s young nephews, presented several design challenges. The entry door’s placement at the top of the stairs created an awkward flow, while the lack of natural light and the sectioned-off toilet and shower area contributed to a cramped and dimly lit ambiance. Design Objectives: Reconfigure the floor plan to improve guest access and circulation Create a versatile space that accommodates both young guests and adult needs Introduce natural light to brighten the overall ambiance Incorporate a tub/shower combination suitable for children while meeting adult requirements Design Challenges: Relocating the entry door to a more functional position Finding an optimal layout to open up the entire bathroom as a unified space Maximizing natural light and creating a bright, inviting atmosphere Updating the tub/shower area with a refreshed look while ensuring child-friendly features THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Reconfigured floor plan with the entry door relocated to the main hallway for seamless guest access Removal of the dividing wall separating the toilet and tub/shower area, enabling an open, spacious layout Strategic placement of a window to flood the space with natural light. Also – careful selection of materials and finishes contributing to the bright and airy aesthetic Inclusion of a handheld showerhead serving as a lower shower option for young guests The new floor plan and the introduction of natural light have transformed this guest bathroom into a radiant, welcoming space. The dual vanity sinks and tall storage cabinet cater to versatile needs, while the terracotta floor tiles harmonize beautifully with the overall design, adding warmth and style. The decision to keep a shower curtain for the tub/shower combination enhances the open and airy feel. Thoughtful details, such as the gear-inspired faucet handles and complementary light fixtures above the mirrors, add a touch of edgy sophistication to this multifunctional guest retreat.

A spectacular shower replaced the original bathtub. The clear glass panel opens the space while allowing natural sun light to penetrate the room. Polished 36” porcelain tiles cover the entire plumbing wall from floor to ceiling contributing to the voluminous feeling of the room and helps reflect the natural light along the entire length of the space. Custom vanity furniture floats off the floor which also contributes to the open feeling. Storage space abounds within the vanity furniture and the custom mirrored wall cabinet. Please leave a comment for information on any items seen in our photographs.

This is a prime example of premium quality craftsmanship in the landscape design/build business. By redesigning the front entrance to create a porch/landing with an additional parking court, we significantly improved the appearance and value of the property in Rye, New York. The new driveway was constructed of a porous asphalt material which improved the stormwater management adjacent to the wetland. The landscape planting featured a variety of long blooming, native flowering perennials which attract beneficial insect species. This contributes to the successful management of the landscape with sustainable organics. The custom kinetic sculpture adds a nice finishing touch. Instead of a typical evergreen hedge, native clethra was planted on the property border to define the space while contributing fragrance, grace and pollinators to what easily could have been a less active, sterile space. Heavily planted ground cover natives such as ajuga, creeping jenny, Irish moss, sweet woodruff and geraniums made the need for weeding practically obsolete. The use of ground covers as mulch was most effective for resource management.

THE SETUP Sam’s client had lived in her downtown townhome home for less than a year when she decided to remodel the spacious second level. This open area consisted of three sections: a TV and fireplace zone, a sparsely furnished dining area, and a dominant central kitchen. The kitchen featured a long back wall with three segmented sections and a massive island housing the cooktop. She found the kitchen’s functionality lacking and its presence overwhelming – it dominated the entire floor, regardless of where you stood. Design objectives: - Reconfigure key kitchen elements (sink, cooktop, oven) while minimizing the kitchen’s visual impact - Optimize the kitchen’s back wall, eliminating existing dead space - Create a purposeful, well-defined dining area - Establish a distinct, comfortable living area - Reuse existing appliances and flooring - Maintain an overall modern design aesthetic THE REMODEL Design challenges to be solved: - Redesign the island to reduce its overwhelming presence - Create a comfortable, dedicated living room within the available space - Establish a distinct, inviting dining area within spatial constraints - Enhance kitchen functionality and style without dominating the entire floor THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: - Sam created raised end caps for the island. This separated the kitchen from adjacent living and dining areas while focusing the kitchen’s functionality. The new sink location offers ample workspace, allowing the cook to interact with guests seated at the island. The redesigned island also provides additional storage. - For the living area, Sam opted for a functional-yet-minimalist approach. Large-format tile creates a natural stone look for the fireplace and TV wall. The recessed TV and extended fireplace shelf maintain a sleek profile. - Artistic wallpaper adds depth and texture, while the intentional lack of extensive shelving keeps the space open and distinct. - Sam transformed the dining area’s blank wall into a feature, adding a unique dry bar with counter space, open shelves, cabinet storage and a beverage fridge. - - - Wallpaper behind and above the bar contributes to the area’s personality. A mirror adds depth while pendant lights add style and visual interest. Relocating the cooktop to the back wall facilitates hidden ventilation, reducing visual clutter. Sam balanced transitional and modern elements for a contemporary yet comfortable feel. The digital control panel on the convection cooktop maintains a sleek look, while the wall oven is now at an easy-to-use height. ----- Mirrored base cabinet fronts and a paneled fridge prevent cabinetry monotony. The redesign has delighted Sam’s client, achieving her main goal of creating a more inviting and visually appealing space. Each section now has its own visual personality and functionality while harmonizing within a monochromatic palette. The entire floor offers wow-factor pop upon first glance, with each area maintaining its distinct character while contributing to a cohesive, modern aesthetic.

THE SETUP Sam’s client had lived in her downtown townhome home for less than a year when she decided to remodel the spacious second level. This open area consisted of three sections: a TV and fireplace zone, a sparsely furnished dining area, and a dominant central kitchen. The kitchen featured a long back wall with three segmented sections and a massive island housing the cooktop. She found the kitchen’s functionality lacking and its presence overwhelming – it dominated the entire floor, regardless of where you stood. Design objectives: - Reconfigure key kitchen elements (sink, cooktop, oven) while minimizing the kitchen’s visual impact - Optimize the kitchen’s back wall, eliminating existing dead space - Create a purposeful, well-defined dining area - Establish a distinct, comfortable living area - Reuse existing appliances and flooring - Maintain an overall modern design aesthetic THE REMODEL Design challenges to be solved: - Redesign the island to reduce its overwhelming presence - Create a comfortable, dedicated living room within the available space - Establish a distinct, inviting dining area within spatial constraints - Enhance kitchen functionality and style without dominating the entire floor THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: - Sam created raised end caps for the island. This separated the kitchen from adjacent living and dining areas while focusing the kitchen’s functionality. The new sink location offers ample workspace, allowing the cook to interact with guests seated at the island. The redesigned island also provides additional storage. - For the living area, Sam opted for a functional-yet-minimalist approach. Large-format tile creates a natural stone look for the fireplace and TV wall. The recessed TV and extended fireplace shelf maintain a sleek profile. - Artistic wallpaper adds depth and texture, while the intentional lack of extensive shelving keeps the space open and distinct. - Sam transformed the dining area’s blank wall into a feature, adding a unique dry bar with counter space, open shelves, cabinet storage and a beverage fridge. - - - Wallpaper behind and above the bar contributes to the area’s personality. A mirror adds depth while pendant lights add style and visual interest. Relocating the cooktop to the back wall facilitates hidden ventilation, reducing visual clutter. Sam balanced transitional and modern elements for a contemporary yet comfortable feel. The digital control panel on the convection cooktop maintains a sleek look, while the wall oven is now at an easy-to-use height. ----- Mirrored base cabinet fronts and a paneled fridge prevent cabinetry monotony. The redesign has delighted Sam’s client, achieving her main goal of creating a more inviting and visually appealing space. Each section now has its own visual personality and functionality while harmonizing within a monochromatic palette. The entire floor offers wow-factor pop upon first glance, with each area maintaining its distinct character while contributing to a cohesive, modern aesthetic.

This Coastal kitchen renovation was a detail-oriented renovation, as every small detail made up the greater difference between an outdated kitchen and a Coastal-inspired gathering place. Every detail was meticulously tailored to open up the space and harness the natural light, culminating in a sanctuary of timeless elegance. With the removal of overhead cabinets, dark appliances and a cluttered backsplash, the kitchen instantly opened up, creating an airy, light-filled atmosphere. From white walls to white countertops, predominantly white features were strategically chosen to reflect and amplify the abundant natural light streaming through the expansive windows, creating a luminous and inviting environment. The backsplash, positioned horizontally to visually widen the space, creates a visual sense of expansiveness. Silver appliances contribute to a cool tone which ultimately creates a calm feeling. The accentual wood elements bring warmth and charm, seamlessly blending with the Coastal theme while adding a cozy ambiance. From the removal of clutter to the strategic use of white hues and natural materials, small details contributed to the greater whole to create a serene haven for culinary creativity and cherished gatherings to come to this kitchen.

This project involved the removal of an aging wood shower enclosure and surrounding fencing, which had begun to deteriorate and contribute to poor drainage conditions. The existing area retained moisture, creating a muddy, unstable surface that impacted both usability and long-term durability. The redesigned space introduces a fully upgraded outdoor shower system positioned discreetly behind a new white privacy enclosure. The structure was selected for its clean architectural lines, low-maintenance material, and ability to brighten and modernize the space while maintaining privacy. A primary focus of the project was drainage correction. The ground plane was regraded and rebuilt using a permeable system consisting of oversized stone slabs set within polished black river rock. This layout allows water to move efficiently through the surface while maintaining a stable, clean, and visually refined finish. The contrast between the large-format slabs and the dark stone creates a structured, intentional foundation that elevates the overall design. Planting was incorporated with both aesthetic and functional intent. Lavender was installed and trained along the enclosure to soften the structure and introduce seasonal fragrance. In addition to its visual contribution, it serves as a natural pest deterrent, helping to reduce mosquito activity and improve comfort within the space. Supporting plant material was kept minimal and scaled appropriately to maintain a clean, uncluttered environment. The result is a fully integrated outdoor feature that transforms a previously underperforming area into a functional, durable, and visually cohesive extension of the home. The space now supports consistent use while delivering a refined, spa-like experience aligned with the surrounding landscape.

Introducing the inaugural HBA Home, a special showcase built by Mountainwood Homes with generous contributions from HBA members and a thoughtfully designed floor plan provided by Pacific Lifestyle Homes, on a lot developed by Icon Construction. More than a beautifully crafted residence, this home represents the strength of the building industry working together. Every contribution of time, talent, materials, and expertise helps support the Home Building Association of Greater Portland’s mission to advance housing and workforce development throughout the region. The HBA Home is Home #22 at Serres Farms in Oregon City, at the same development as this year’s featured site for the NW Natural Street of Dreams. This 2-story, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,542sq ft home includes many upgrades: - Walnut cabinetry, hardwood flooring, designer tile, and custom millwork. - KitchenAid appliances and a waterfall-edge island. - Enhanced bathrooms with tiled tub walls, a full-tile shower in the upper bathroom, tile flooring in the bathrooms and laundry room, and wall-mounted faucets at the primary bathroom vanity. - Pella windows, pre-stained Hardie panels, solid-wood soffits, and landscaping. - High-efficiency HVAC, ventilation, and energy verification. - Smart-home features, upgraded electrical with dimmers, and pre-wired for speakers and sound.

THE SETUP The original L-shaped guest bathroom, primarily utilized by the client’s young nephews, presented several design challenges. The entry door’s placement at the top of the stairs created an awkward flow, while the lack of natural light and the sectioned-off toilet and shower area contributed to a cramped and dimly lit ambiance. Design Objectives: Reconfigure the floor plan to improve guest access and circulation Create a versatile space that accommodates both young guests and adult needs Introduce natural light to brighten the overall ambiance Incorporate a tub/shower combination suitable for children while meeting adult requirements Design Challenges: Relocating the entry door to a more functional position Finding an optimal layout to open up the entire bathroom as a unified space Maximizing natural light and creating a bright, inviting atmosphere Updating the tub/shower area with a refreshed look while ensuring child-friendly features THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Reconfigured floor plan with the entry door relocated to the main hallway for seamless guest access Removal of the dividing wall separating the toilet and tub/shower area, enabling an open, spacious layout Strategic placement of a window to flood the space with natural light. Also – careful selection of materials and finishes contributing to the bright and airy aesthetic Inclusion of a handheld showerhead serving as a lower shower option for young guests The new floor plan and the introduction of natural light have transformed this guest bathroom into a radiant, welcoming space. The dual vanity sinks and tall storage cabinet cater to versatile needs, while the terracotta floor tiles harmonize beautifully with the overall design, adding warmth and style. The decision to keep a shower curtain for the tub/shower combination enhances the open and airy feel. Thoughtful details, such as the gear-inspired faucet handles and complementary light fixtures above the mirrors, add a touch of edgy sophistication to this multifunctional guest retreat.

In our luxurious master bedrooms, you will find exquisite tray ceilings adorned with meticulous craftsman trim-work, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. The elegant hardwood flooring adds a touch of sophistication, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. To ensure comfort, ceiling fans are strategically placed, providing both functionality and style. The attention to detail is further showcased in select tray ceilings, where a wood inlay finish adds a distinct and rich texture, elevating the room’s visual charm. This thoughtful design element contributes to the overall opulence and uniqueness of our master bedrooms. Moreover, we take pride in offering innovative features such as barn door style openings leading to the master bath. These stylish entrances not only contribute to the modern and chic design of the space but also emphasize the seamless integration of contemporary elements within the classic aesthetics of our master bedrooms. It’s a testament to our commitment to providing a harmonious blend of timeless elegance and contemporary comfort in every aspect of our living spaces.

THE SETUP The original L-shaped guest bathroom, primarily utilized by the client’s young nephews, presented several design challenges. The entry door’s placement at the top of the stairs created an awkward flow, while the lack of natural light and the sectioned-off toilet and shower area contributed to a cramped and dimly lit ambiance. Design Objectives: Reconfigure the floor plan to improve guest access and circulation Create a versatile space that accommodates both young guests and adult needs Introduce natural light to brighten the overall ambiance Incorporate a tub/shower combination suitable for children while meeting adult requirements Design Challenges: Relocating the entry door to a more functional position Finding an optimal layout to open up the entire bathroom as a unified space Maximizing natural light and creating a bright, inviting atmosphere Updating the tub/shower area with a refreshed look while ensuring child-friendly features THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Reconfigured floor plan with the entry door relocated to the main hallway for seamless guest access Removal of the dividing wall separating the toilet and tub/shower area, enabling an open, spacious layout Strategic placement of a window to flood the space with natural light. Also – careful selection of materials and finishes contributing to the bright and airy aesthetic Inclusion of a handheld showerhead serving as a lower shower option for young guests The new floor plan and the introduction of natural light have transformed this guest bathroom into a radiant, welcoming space. The dual vanity sinks and tall storage cabinet cater to versatile needs, while the terracotta floor tiles harmonize beautifully with the overall design, adding warmth and style. The decision to keep a shower curtain for the tub/shower combination enhances the open and airy feel. Thoughtful details, such as the gear-inspired faucet handles and complementary light fixtures above the mirrors, add a touch of edgy sophistication to this multifunctional guest retreat.

This Coastal kitchen renovation was a detail-oriented renovation, as every small detail made up the greater difference between an outdated kitchen and a Coastal-inspired gathering place. Every detail was meticulously tailored to open up the space and harness the natural light, culminating in a sanctuary of timeless elegance. With the removal of overhead cabinets, dark appliances and a cluttered backsplash, the kitchen instantly opened up, creating an airy, light-filled atmosphere. From white walls to white countertops, predominantly white features were strategically chosen to reflect and amplify the abundant natural light streaming through the expansive windows, creating a luminous and inviting environment. The backsplash, positioned horizontally to visually widen the space, creates a visual sense of expansiveness. Silver appliances contribute to a cool tone which ultimately creates a calm feeling. The accentual wood elements bring warmth and charm, seamlessly blending with the Coastal theme while adding a cozy ambiance. From the removal of clutter to the strategic use of white hues and natural materials, small details contributed to the greater whole to create a serene haven for culinary creativity and cherished gatherings to come to this kitchen.

This modern bathroom is a true oasis of style and functionality. The design reflects a contemporary aesthetic with clean lines, sleek surfaces, and a harmonious color scheme. One of the bathroom's finishing features: Brushed Chrome air vent covers by kul grilles, which add a touch of elegance and refinement to the space. The bathroom exudes a sense of serenity and luxury, creating a spa-like atmosphere. The combination of neutral tones and textures contributes to a calming ambiance. The walls are adorned with large mirrors. The Brushed Chrome air vent covers, prominently displayed in the entryway, become an finishing feature in the space. Their metallic appearance brings a contemporary and upscale touch to the bathroom. The brushed finish adds a subtle texture that complements other fixtures and fittings, contributing to the cohesive design of the room. These vent covers not only serve a functional purpose by allowing proper airflow but also act as stylish accents that enhance the overall aesthetic. The bathroom layout is thoughtfully designed to maximize both functionality and comfort. The fixtures, such as the sleek freestanding bathtub and the modern vanity, are strategically placed to optimize space utilization and create a sense of balance. The use of high-quality materials, like marble countertops and polished chrome faucets, further adds to the luxurious feel of the room. Ample natural light floods the bathroom through large windows, emphasizing the clean and airy atmosphere. The lighting design is also well-considered, with a combination of recessed lights and contemporary fixtures that provide both ambient and task lighting. This modern bathroom exemplifies contemporary design principles with its clean lines, luxurious finishes, and attention to detail. The Brushed Chrome air vent covers by kul grilles add a touch of sophistication, while the overall layout and ambiance create a serene and inviting retreat within the home.

The "Corner Villa" design principles are meticulously crafted to create communal spaces for celebrations and gatherings while catering to the owner's need for private sanctuaries and privacy. One unique feature of the villa is the courtyard at the back of the building, separated from the main facade and parking area. This placement ensures that the courtyard and private areas of the villa remain secluded and at the center of the structure. In addition, the desire for a peaceful space away from the main reception and party hall led to more secluded private spaces and bedrooms on a single floor. These spaces are connected by a deep balcony, allowing for different activities to take place simultaneously, making the villa more energy-efficient during periods of lower occupancy and contributing to reduced energy consumption. The villa's shape features broken lines and geometric lozenges that create corners. This design not only allows for expansive balconies but also provides captivating views. The broken lines also serve the purpose of shading areas that receive intense sunlight, ensuring thermal comfort. Addressing the client's crucial need for a serene and tranquil space detached from the main reception and party hall led to the creation of more secluded private spaces and bedrooms on a single floor due to building restrictions. A deep balcony was introduced as a connecting point between these spaces. This arrangement enables various activities, such as parties and relaxation, to occur simultaneously, contributing to energy-efficient practices during periods of lower occupancy, thus aiding in reduced energy consumption.

The image captures the open-flow floorplan of the living room and kitchen, showcasing a functional and inviting space designed for gathering and socializing. The seamless integration of the two areas creates a sense of openness and connectivity, allowing for easy movement and interaction between the two spaces. Within this modern interior, kul grilles air vent covers are seamlessly incorporated, enhancing the overall aesthetic and contributing to a unified look. These vent covers, with their sleek and understated design, effortlessly blend into the surrounding decor, maintaining a cohesive and harmonious appearance. The focal point of the living room is the magnificent fireplace, which commands attention with its stylish and contemporary design. The fireplace serves as a centerpiece, radiating both warmth and visual appeal, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere within the space. Its sleek lines and modern aesthetic perfectly complement the overall design of the living room and kitchen area. Additionally, a five-light pendant adds a touch of elegance and illumination to the living room. Hanging from the ceiling, this pendant light fixture not only provides ample lighting but also adds a decorative element, further enhancing the ambiance of the room. The image showcases a well-designed living room with an open-flow floorplan. The inclusion of kul grilles air vent covers seamlessly integrates these functional elements into the modern interior, while the magnificent fireplace and the five-light pendant contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal. This space is both practical and visually captivating, offering a welcoming environment for gatherings and everyday activities. Photographer: Ozimek Photography