Search results for "Overwhelms" in Home Design Ideas

Our client loved the use of bold color but didn’t want it to overwhelm the small spaces of their home. In keeping with a contemporary style to include an open floor plan kitchen and sitting room, the bold Italian sofa is refreshing and gives a neutral room the jolt it needs. The living room balances the black and white pattern in with cool beach glass toned feature wall.
A Palette of neutral gray and soft white continue upstairs into the bedrooms to create a relaxing contemporary feel throughout the home.

The Setup
This hall bath renovation was for empty nesters whose grandkids frequently visit, making it a priority to update the space for both adult guests and young children. Originally, the bathroom was outdated with a large sheet mirror, heavy oak cabinets, and hexagon tile flooring, giving it a dark, underwhelming look. The goal was to create a fresh, inviting environment that balances elegance with practical features for a multi-generational household.
Design objectives:
Modernize finishes and materials to update the aesthetic
Provide accessible, kid-friendly storage and shower options
Artful lighting and maintain a timeless, neutral palette
The Remodel
Design challenges to be solved:
No structural changes – must keep the tub and wall structure
Ensure flexibility with storage for both adult and children’s items
Retain functionality for easier bath time with young children
The Renewed Space
Design solutions:
Updated Storage – Replaced the dated medicine cabinet with a sleek, mirrored version on the wall, offering accessible storage without sacrificing the streamlined look. The vanity now includes additional storage for essential items, keeping surfaces clutter-free and organized.
Neutral Palette with Subtle Details – To give the bathroom a timeless look, we used a soft, monochromatic color scheme throughout. The shower tile, with a subtle sheen and texture, adds depth and interest without overwhelming the space. The floor tile’s pattern brings a sense of movement that’s refined yet durable for a high-traffic bathroom.
Flexible Shower Setup – Opted to keep the shower curtain instead of glass doors, allowing easier access for bathing young children. A spacious shower niche was installed to hold essentials, adding functionality for both the homeowner and the grandkids.
The result is a timeless hall bath with just the right blend of modern sophistication and family-friendly functionality. The subtle yet striking tile details and upgraded lighting bring elegance to the room, making it the perfect refresh for any guest and a versatile space for all ages.

While this project was a supply-only kitchen, our client in Fraserburgh had a clear vision for a modern, functional space with high-quality finishes. We supported them by providing a full 3D CAD design to help visualise the layout and materials and detailed plans for their joiner and on-site trades. We also played a key project management role in ensuring a smooth process throughout.
This kitchen features Nolte’s sleek Velutto range, ideal for a modern, understated aesthetic. The base units in a Lava finish add depth without overwhelming the space. These are paired with overhead units in Oak Graphite Silver, bringing warmth to the design.
For the worktops, we supplied Nolte’s 25mm Sand Lime Cream, offering a light, elegant surface that complements the deeper tones of the cabinetry.
The kitchen is fully equipped with NEFF appliances, including a single oven with a Slide & Hide® door, a combi microwave, an induction hob, and a sleek integrated extractor. These appliances were carefully selected to meet the client’s needs while keeping the look streamlined.
The finishing touches elevate both style and functionality in this kitchen. A Blanco Sona single bowl sink in Tartufo adds depth and character, while the Quooker Chrome Flex tap, complete with a pull-out hose, delivers instant boiling water and flexibility for everyday use.
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Returning home after more than a decade living and working in Taiwan, our client envisioned something entirely different from the French Colonial aesthetic of his early-1990s Beaverton home. Through a comprehensive design-build renovation, this Portland metro whole-house remodel transformed a conventional suburban residence into a richly layered retreat inspired by global travel, natural materials, and timeless craftsmanship. The result is a warm, sophisticated home designed to showcase treasured artifacts and collectibles gathered from years abroad while providing modern functionality for everyday living.
From the moment you enter, the home's new character unfolds through a carefully curated palette of wood, stone, and metal. Rich ebony-stained knotty alder millwork draws the eye through the entry, where a newly created mudroom replaces the former office space. Beyond a set of dramatic barn doors, a striking stone fireplace becomes the focal point of the living room, anchored by a reclaimed wood mantel and rustic ceiling beams that add warmth and architectural depth. Nearby, the sunroom was completely refreshed through thoughtful window modifications and custom trim detailing, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape.
The kitchen serves as the heart of the renovation, blending rustic elegance with refined craftsmanship. Custom alder cabinetry is paired with layered metal finishes, allowing subtle copper and bronze undertones to emerge from creamy quartz countertops. A textured slate backsplash echoes the flagstone-inspired flooring, while a newly created butler's pantry provides both beauty and functionality. Each material was selected to evoke the authenticity of old-world craftsmanship while supporting the practical needs of modern living.
One of the home's most dramatic architectural transformations is the custom floating staircase. Designed as both a sculptural centerpiece and a solution to circulation challenges, the staircase opens previously constricted pathways and enhances the home's flow. Hand-tooled hickory wraps each tread while weathered metal accents provide subtle industrial character. Upstairs, creative space planning allowed for the addition of a discreet laundry nook within an underutilized hallway area, improving convenience without sacrificing valuable living space.
The primary suite continues the home's story of understated luxury and global influence. Rustic ceiling beams mirror those seen throughout the main level, creating visual continuity and warmth. An antique carved door serves as a distinctive feature within the reconfigured closet layout, while the primary bathroom embraces a calming combination of stone, concrete, and matte black finishes. Large-format tile arranged in a custom Versailles-inspired pattern guides the eye through the spa-like retreat, where natural textures and abundant daylight create a serene atmosphere.
While the main and upper levels celebrate warmth and global influence, the basement renovation introduces an entirely different layer of the home's personality. To create the ultimate entertainment destination, the basement footprint was extended approximately seven feet beyond the original foundation, transforming previously underutilized space into a seamless indoor-outdoor gathering environment. Inspired by cultured industrial design, the newly expanded lower level was envisioned as a place where family and friends could relax, connect, and enjoy the home's resort-like backyard amenities.
At the heart of the basement renovation is a custom entertainment bar featuring reclaimed rustic cabinetry and chiseled-edge granite countertops that emphasize the natural character of the materials. Accordion-style serving windows create a direct connection between the interior bar and the outdoor living spaces, allowing drinks, food, and conversation to flow effortlessly between the entertainment room and the backyard pool, hot tub, and professionally landscaped grounds. The result is a true indoor-outdoor living experience designed for year-round enjoyment.
The expansive recreation area accommodates a variety of activities while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic. A shuffleboard table, billiards area, and casual bar dining space provide multiple destinations for gathering, all unified by a sophisticated palette of brick, concrete, wood, and metal. Slim-profile brick walls introduce texture and authenticity, while custom decorative painting techniques create the appearance of cast concrete accent walls, reinforcing the basement's refined industrial character without overwhelming the space.
Supporting spaces throughout the lower level were equally transformed. An outdated bathroom was fully renovated to reflect the home's dark and moody aesthetic, incorporating a curbless shower, rustic vanity, and layered finishes that balance comfort with style. Two underutilized bedrooms were thoughtfully reconfigured to better support the homeowner's lifestyle, with one becoming a dedicated home office and the other opening into a flexible music room designed for creativity and relaxation. Additional unfinished crawlspace and storage areas were reclaimed to create a private home gym, maximizing every square foot of the home's footprint.
The renovation extended beyond the interior walls of the home. A newly rebuilt two-story deck strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while providing multiple vantage points overlooking the backyard retreat. On the upper level, adjacent to the primary suite, a new enclosed sunroom addition creates a peaceful sanctuary elevated among the trees. Together, these exterior improvements complement the home's interior transformation, enhancing both livability and year-round enjoyment while creating a true extension of the living space outdoors.
Behind the finished spaces, this Beaverton full home remodel required significant structural and technical expertise. Replacing the original staircase involved extensive modifications to the upper-floor framing system, including the installation of concealed supports for the floating treads and the creation of a new landing structure. Throughout the home, natural materials presented unique installation challenges. The dimensional variation of the slate backsplash required each stone to be precisely shaped around electrical devices and surrounding elements, while reclaimed wood beams demanded extensive preparation before they could be securely installed. Careful coordination among multiple trades ensured every custom detail performed as beautifully as it appeared.
Because the homeowner remained in Taiwan for much of the renovation, collaboration relied on a highly organized design-build process and frequent communication across a fourteen-hour time difference. Detailed design presentations, material selections, and construction updates allowed key decisions to be made efficiently, even from across the globe. This partnership enabled the project team to successfully execute a highly customized vision despite logistical complexities and construction delays outside of the project's control.
Strategic planning also played a crucial role in maintaining the project budget. While the homeowner initially envisioned reclaimed wood flooring and natural flagstone throughout the home, carefully selected engineered hardwood and porcelain tile provided a similar aesthetic with improved performance and cost efficiency. Authenticity was preserved through the use of genuine stone at key focal points, including the fireplace surround and kitchen backsplash, as well as reclaimed wood incorporated into architectural beam details. Existing high-quality windows were retained and transformed through selective replacement, custom trim work, and thoughtful refinishing, delivering the desired look while avoiding unnecessary expense. Additional savings came from a creative exterior repair solution that replicated the home's original stucco detailing without requiring a complete façade replacement.
This luxury Beaverton whole-house renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design-build remodeling can completely reimagine an existing home. Through strategic space planning, custom craftsmanship, and budget-conscious decision making, a dated suburban residence was transformed into a distinctive rustic contemporary retreat that reflects its owner's global experiences, personal story, and vision for home.

What started as a kitchen design naturally flowed into the sitting area, dining room, and foyer, creating a warm and welcoming home. With the lower cabinets warm wood tone and creamy white upper cabinets, this kitchen is light and open without being overwhelming. Instead, it feels organic and balanced. This design is inviting with layered spaces that feel elevated but still livable.

After living in this home for a decade, Crystal Lake residents Ken & Bonnie needed an update to their tired original kitchen to meet the needs of their busy family. Together with the expertise of designer Scott Christensen at Advance Design Studio they planned to completely reconfigure the entire space. They began by removing the restrictive peninsula and replaced it with a generous island designed to house an expansive farmhouse sink, convenient pull out trash receptacles, and a hidden dishwasher. Now there was ample room to add island seating to accommodate family gatherings, or for just “hanging out” with teenagers.
A dramatic new focal point was created with the design of an elegant range area featuring a beautiful custom wood mantle hood detailed with crushed glass handmade tile. Hidden storage houses every spice imaginable right at the cook’s fingertips. Double-stacked glass cabinetry emphasizes the impressive height of the room that was a wonderful architectural element that previously went unnoticed in the original kitchen.
The entire kitchen and breakfast nook was opened up to the 2 story family room by integrating enlarged arched openings. An outdated desk area was transformed into a beautiful breakfront bar with beverage refrigeration, glass display cabinets and plenty of new storage for entertainment pieces. An espresso nook was tucked neatly between tall cabinetry, and an old fashioned closet with shelves was converted into an efficient chef’s dream of organized custom pull out pantries.
“I am the leader of the Scott Christensen fan club,” says Bonnie. “With my busy family and a full time career, Scott made the process of designing this space so easy for me. He didn’t overwhelm me, but carefully determined what I liked and offered me two thoughtful solutions for just about everything - complete with his expert opinion that I really respected.”
Bright white Jay Rambo custom made maple cabinets are accented by Cambria quartz counter tops and simple subway tiles. Original hardwood floors were refinished and stained a darker shade, and stair risers and balusters were painted white to coordinate with the smart wainscot details throughout the first floor. The end effect is a cohesive first floor that flows together with grace and a level of elegance perfectly suitable for this stately Crystal Lake home.
Designer: Scott Christensen
Photographer: Joe Nowak

A major challenge of this Bloomfield Hills kitchen renovation was to rethink its spatial layout to create a more functional dining and entertaining area. The homeowners also wanted a warm, inviting space filled with natural light, unique design elements and a cohesive flow that honored the character of the home.
Adjusting the depth of the perimeter Inspira Cabinetry Concordia cabinets made room for a perfectly sized island that provides seating without overwhelming the space, notes the designer. Modifying walls and windows, including removing a small window by the buffet that allows the inclusion of statement cabinetry, lets more natural light flow into the space. Incorporating glass doors into the buffet gives it a China cabinet-inspired look.
Along the perimeter, a Blanco PRECIS low-divide Silgranit sink is paired with a Moen Align pull-down faucet below the sink, with Bosch dishwasher close at hand. A 36″ Dual-Fuel Professional Range from Monogram is topped with a custom range hood with Zephyr liner. Flash Series ceramic wall tile from Arizona Tile covers the walls, adding light and shine. A Monogram refrigerator and freezer, as well as Presrv refrigerator drawers from Zephyr and GE Profile microwave oven are also featured.
One standout feature of the previous kitchen was a brick wall with a fireplace, which the designer knew she wanted to keep. As a complement, existing ceiling beams were wrapped with natural wood, which adds warmth and continuity to the space. Playing with a mix of black, gold and creamy tones ensures a balance of bold accents and soft neutrals while replacing the original slate floor tiles with large wood planks offers a better connection to the kitchen’s new design vision.

Designing and building a new home can be very overwhelming but with the right contractor and sub-contractors the process can be very simple. These clients came into Ancient Elements Stoneworks with several ideas but knew they wanted a material that would create a dramatic feel. The clients ended up picking out a material that was in the process of being ship to Laramie. The minute they saw it in person they fell in love with it all over again. Please check out the images below to see how the process of designing, fabricating and completing this kitchen looked like.

Kitchen wallpaper installation – Tucson, AZ. Inspired by Asian prints, this Tucson kitchen project features botanical wallpaper in rich indigo with delicate silver leaf accents. Applied between dark cabinetry and light quartz countertops, the wallpaper adds elegance without overwhelming the space. Washable and heat-resistant, it performs well in cooking zones.

Designed by Mark Sleith of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Falls Church, VA in collaboration with Mike Parkinson, this eclectic style kitchen remodel features Green Forest Cabinetry in the Park Place door style in two finishes. The base cabinets all features the Norfolk Blue finish and the wall cabinet features a White finish. Kitchen countertops are engineered quartz by Q from MSI in the color Calacatta Trento. The tile backsplash behind the range features Artistic Tile with Blue Note Circles as well as a pot filler faucet.
Said the client, "We are obsessed with our uber-chic new kitchen! Mark was a consummate professional throughout the entire process. I described my ideal space, and he designed something even better that I could have imagined. Not only did he help me create a luxe look within the confines of my budget, he stuck with me throughout every step of the project. Mark went above and beyond to create a design that captured my vision."
Added Mark, "The client was amazing to work with, and had definite ideas of what she liked and did not like. She was open to suggestions, which led us to achieving her design goals. This created a great sense of accomplishment for me as I guided her through the overwhelming maze of remodeling. I am very pleased to have helped her take a not-so-great reason for a remodel and turn it around into an opportunity to create the kitchen she always wanted."
Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level.
Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout.
To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function.
Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking.
Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior.
The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel.
Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated.
The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

This bright and inviting breakfast nook is the perfect complement to the remodeled kitchen, creating a cozy yet sophisticated space for casual meals and morning gatherings. Large windows fill the nook with natural light, highlighting the soft, neutral color palette and carefully selected finishes that make the space feel open and airy.
Custom seating and a bespoke table provide a warm, functional gathering area, while subtle architectural details — including trim, built-in storage, and thoughtfully chosen lighting — add depth and elegance without overwhelming the space. The breakfast nook seamlessly connects to the kitchen, offering a practical layout for daily living while maintaining a stylish, comfortable atmosphere.
Whether it’s a quiet morning coffee or family brunch, this area demonstrates how luxury materials, natural light, and custom design can transform a simple dining spot into a standout feature of the home.

This four-level staircase commands attention from the moment you enter. Serving as the architectural centerpiece of the home, its open design works in harmony with strategic window placement to allow natural light to cascade down through all four levels of living space.
The design makes bold use of contrast. The dark risers against light treads create visual drama, while wrought iron round balusters paired with painted wooden rails and newels ground the staircase in timeless elegance. The result is a semi-floating effect that feels both substantial and airy, anchoring the entrance without overwhelming it.
1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Returning home after more than a decade living and working in Taiwan, our client envisioned something entirely different from the French Colonial aesthetic of his early-1990s Beaverton home. Through a comprehensive design-build renovation, this Portland metro whole-house remodel transformed a conventional suburban residence into a richly layered retreat inspired by global travel, natural materials, and timeless craftsmanship. The result is a warm, sophisticated home designed to showcase treasured artifacts and collectibles gathered from years abroad while providing modern functionality for everyday living.
From the moment you enter, the home's new character unfolds through a carefully curated palette of wood, stone, and metal. Rich ebony-stained knotty alder millwork draws the eye through the entry, where a newly created mudroom replaces the former office space. Beyond a set of dramatic barn doors, a striking stone fireplace becomes the focal point of the living room, anchored by a reclaimed wood mantel and rustic ceiling beams that add warmth and architectural depth. Nearby, the sunroom was completely refreshed through thoughtful window modifications and custom trim detailing, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape.
The kitchen serves as the heart of the renovation, blending rustic elegance with refined craftsmanship. Custom alder cabinetry is paired with layered metal finishes, allowing subtle copper and bronze undertones to emerge from creamy quartz countertops. A textured slate backsplash echoes the flagstone-inspired flooring, while a newly created butler's pantry provides both beauty and functionality. Each material was selected to evoke the authenticity of old-world craftsmanship while supporting the practical needs of modern living.
One of the home's most dramatic architectural transformations is the custom floating staircase. Designed as both a sculptural centerpiece and a solution to circulation challenges, the staircase opens previously constricted pathways and enhances the home's flow. Hand-tooled hickory wraps each tread while weathered metal accents provide subtle industrial character. Upstairs, creative space planning allowed for the addition of a discreet laundry nook within an underutilized hallway area, improving convenience without sacrificing valuable living space.
The primary suite continues the home's story of understated luxury and global influence. Rustic ceiling beams mirror those seen throughout the main level, creating visual continuity and warmth. An antique carved door serves as a distinctive feature within the reconfigured closet layout, while the primary bathroom embraces a calming combination of stone, concrete, and matte black finishes. Large-format tile arranged in a custom Versailles-inspired pattern guides the eye through the spa-like retreat, where natural textures and abundant daylight create a serene atmosphere.
While the main and upper levels celebrate warmth and global influence, the basement renovation introduces an entirely different layer of the home's personality. To create the ultimate entertainment destination, the basement footprint was extended approximately seven feet beyond the original foundation, transforming previously underutilized space into a seamless indoor-outdoor gathering environment. Inspired by cultured industrial design, the newly expanded lower level was envisioned as a place where family and friends could relax, connect, and enjoy the home's resort-like backyard amenities.
At the heart of the basement renovation is a custom entertainment bar featuring reclaimed rustic cabinetry and chiseled-edge granite countertops that emphasize the natural character of the materials. Accordion-style serving windows create a direct connection between the interior bar and the outdoor living spaces, allowing drinks, food, and conversation to flow effortlessly between the entertainment room and the backyard pool, hot tub, and professionally landscaped grounds. The result is a true indoor-outdoor living experience designed for year-round enjoyment.
The expansive recreation area accommodates a variety of activities while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic. A shuffleboard table, billiards area, and casual bar dining space provide multiple destinations for gathering, all unified by a sophisticated palette of brick, concrete, wood, and metal. Slim-profile brick walls introduce texture and authenticity, while custom decorative painting techniques create the appearance of cast concrete accent walls, reinforcing the basement's refined industrial character without overwhelming the space.
Supporting spaces throughout the lower level were equally transformed. An outdated bathroom was fully renovated to reflect the home's dark and moody aesthetic, incorporating a curbless shower, rustic vanity, and layered finishes that balance comfort with style. Two underutilized bedrooms were thoughtfully reconfigured to better support the homeowner's lifestyle, with one becoming a dedicated home office and the other opening into a flexible music room designed for creativity and relaxation. Additional unfinished crawlspace and storage areas were reclaimed to create a private home gym, maximizing every square foot of the home's footprint.
The renovation extended beyond the interior walls of the home. A newly rebuilt two-story deck strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while providing multiple vantage points overlooking the backyard retreat. On the upper level, adjacent to the primary suite, a new enclosed sunroom addition creates a peaceful sanctuary elevated among the trees. Together, these exterior improvements complement the home's interior transformation, enhancing both livability and year-round enjoyment while creating a true extension of the living space outdoors.
Behind the finished spaces, this Beaverton full home remodel required significant structural and technical expertise. Replacing the original staircase involved extensive modifications to the upper-floor framing system, including the installation of concealed supports for the floating treads and the creation of a new landing structure. Throughout the home, natural materials presented unique installation challenges. The dimensional variation of the slate backsplash required each stone to be precisely shaped around electrical devices and surrounding elements, while reclaimed wood beams demanded extensive preparation before they could be securely installed. Careful coordination among multiple trades ensured every custom detail performed as beautifully as it appeared.
Because the homeowner remained in Taiwan for much of the renovation, collaboration relied on a highly organized design-build process and frequent communication across a fourteen-hour time difference. Detailed design presentations, material selections, and construction updates allowed key decisions to be made efficiently, even from across the globe. This partnership enabled the project team to successfully execute a highly customized vision despite logistical complexities and construction delays outside of the project's control.
Strategic planning also played a crucial role in maintaining the project budget. While the homeowner initially envisioned reclaimed wood flooring and natural flagstone throughout the home, carefully selected engineered hardwood and porcelain tile provided a similar aesthetic with improved performance and cost efficiency. Authenticity was preserved through the use of genuine stone at key focal points, including the fireplace surround and kitchen backsplash, as well as reclaimed wood incorporated into architectural beam details. Existing high-quality windows were retained and transformed through selective replacement, custom trim work, and thoughtful refinishing, delivering the desired look while avoiding unnecessary expense. Additional savings came from a creative exterior repair solution that replicated the home's original stucco detailing without requiring a complete façade replacement.
This luxury Beaverton whole-house renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design-build remodeling can completely reimagine an existing home. Through strategic space planning, custom craftsmanship, and budget-conscious decision making, a dated suburban residence was transformed into a distinctive rustic contemporary retreat that reflects its owner's global experiences, personal story, and vision for home.

To that end, the space features IKEA SEKTION cabinetry framework and light gray custom fronts from Semihandmade along the perimeter base and upper cabinetry. This provides ample storage options and also complements the Carrara marble countertops.
“I had a custom piece of glass put on top of the marble, because I knew our boys would be using the table to draw and I thought it would get trashed!” she adds. This look is enhanced even more by engineered wood flooring as well as a custom vent hood that features subway tile to give the impression of brick.
And, she adds, this was all accomplished for a budget around $10,000.
However, the project wasn’t without its design challenges; namely, designing around the unique footprint of the space and storage concerns as the family keeps kosher.
“We were confined to the amount of square footage, so the layout had to remain long and narrow. We couldn’t make the space any wider, for instance. But we were able to fit everything that we wanted,” she says. In fact, they also added a custom pantry pullout from Rev-A-Shelf.
“I really wanted this kitchen to be beautiful because it was the center of our home. It’s on the main floor when you walk in, right between the family room and the dining room. I can imagine lots of family gatherings,” she concludes.
Although Elisia researched examples of kitchen designs on HOUZZ and Pinterest she was also a first-time remodeler and — admittedly — a bit overwhelmed by IKEA’s Home Planner.
She explains: “We had never done this before but I had read lots of blogs and seen some amazing kitchens that looked custom using IKEA. But I also found the IKEA software a bit daunting. I wanted help to make it easier and to make sure I got it right in terms of measurements and what we needed.”
Enter IKD’s design team, which guided her through the design process and product selection, and also honored that the family keeps kosher.
“Storage was a big concern. We keep kosher so we have two sets of dishes – for milk and meat – and we wanted to make sure we had lots of storage. Previously we had been living in small NYC apartments and storage was limited,” she notes.
She adds: “I actually had a custom cabinet maker come see our raw space and told him what I wanted to do and the quote he gave me was 10 times more than I ended up paying with IKEA — so it was a no-brainer.”
Specifically, the kitchen features a variety of high-end appliances, including a built-in Sub-Zero refrigerator; a Bertazzoni six-burner range with an oven and griddle; a KitchenAid panel-ready dishwasher, and a Sharp microwave drawer.
“We chose custom Semihandmade doors because it was a panel-ready fridge and it turned out really beautifully. The Sharp microwave drawer is hidden in the island because I wanted to preserve the traditional Brownstone feel.The microwave is hidden in the drawer to the right of the sink and we had pull-out trash bins to the right of the sink as well. We also incorporated a custom table at the end of the island, which was basically a marble slab that could seat up to five people,” she explains.Adding to the look are Thomas O’Brien Hicks Bronze pendant lights with antique brass as well as IKEA’s cabinet lighting system — and plenty of natural lighting too.

Bathrooms are meant to be a space to relax and unwind. This bathroom remodel has all the right things just for that. The essencia free standing tub is perfect to wind down in. Textured wood cabinets for the vanity and towel closet create just enough contrast to not overwhelm. The double under-mount sink has enough counter space for all your needs. In the shower there is a shower bench and niche as well as multiple jets and a handheld shower head. Calacatta Oro black and white marble tile spread through out the shower and into the rest of the bathroom floor.

With overwhelming support by the community who dug deep and donated, the 2017 Central Valley St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway successfully raised $961,100 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital! Since 2007, De Young Properties has been a major donor and builder of 11 St. Jude Dream Homes, helping to raise $10,671,445 to help the kids of St. Jude fight cancer and other life-threatening childhood diseases. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which works around the clock to develop cures to save the lives of boys and girls, including children in the San Joaquin Valley.

For this small space we wanted to use a tile that felt a little retro while still being timeless. We landed on this denim 4x4 mosaic from Ann Sacks that adds the right amount of color while not being overwhelming. A single panel of glass was added to avoid crowding the small footprint of the space, and we did an integrated french drain to create a seamless look. The showerhead is adjustable so that guests can create a customized experience.

Rising through the heart of the main foyer, this curved staircase is striking. Dark-stained oak treads with square noses create a substantial foundation, anchored by bold, black-painted square newels. A modern metal balustrade completes the design, adding sleek contemporary edge to the elegant curve. The freestanding nature of stair allows the staircase to command attention without overwhelming the interiors. The result is a staircase that balances presence and refinement.
1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Rising through the heart of the main foyer, this curved staircase is striking. Dark-stained oak treads with square noses create a substantial foundation, anchored by bold, black-painted square newels. A modern metal balustrade completes the design, adding sleek contemporary edge to the elegant curve. The freestanding nature of stair allows the staircase to command attention without overwhelming the interiors. The result is a staircase that balances presence and refinement.
1976-2026 © Century Stair Company
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