With sweeping views of the Willamette river and Mt. Hood, this Atwater Place condo was designed with a balance of minimalism and livability in mind. A complete kitchen remodel brought a dark interior kitchen to the light and a full furnishings package welcomed Los Angeles transplants home to their new modern and bright residence. Our clients, a retired camera operator for both feature films and television and a producer/production manager on numerous television series including Weeds and The Middle, relocated from their traditionally-styled LA bungalow to Portland in the Summer of 2014. The couple sought a design departure from their long-term California residence and a fresh start for their new life in the South Waterfront. With only two pieces of sentimental furniture and a handful of artwork included in the plan, we set out to create a comfortable and clean-lined furnishings package complimenting the broad southeast views. Organically shaped upholstery pieces juxtaposed with angular steel and wood tables create a soft balance in the open floor plan. Several custom pieces, including a dining table designed by our studio and a custom hand-blown glass chandelier crafted by Scott Schiesel with Lightlite compliment timeless pieces from Knoll, Herman Miller, and B&B Italia. The kitchen is designed to reflect light and create brilliance in a space that is otherwise naturally dark. A material balance of stainless steel, back painted glass, quartz composite, lacquer, and mirror all play their part in creating a vibrant cooking environment. We collectively decided to forgo the traditional island pendant for a linear commercial fixture that provides tremendous light to the prep surface and creates an unexpected architectural element. The mirrored prep island creates the illusion of open space while concealing casework and wine storage on the working side of the kitchen. It is worth noting that this project was designed and installed almost entirely while our clients were still living in LA and wrapping up professional obligations and selling their home. This afforded us the tremendous opportunity to send our clients to showrooms not available in Portland to view key pieces before final specification. Textiles and finish samples were approved via mail and communication took place over e-mail, telephone, and an occasional office visit. This unique process lead to a successful result and a beautifully balanced living environment. Josh Partee Photography

Relationship: Client Project Date: March 2014 Project Price Range: more than $100,000 Having purchased our first house in Valley Glen, North Hollywood, we were aware it was in need of serious remodeling. A 1950s Ranch-style home, it came complete with peeling wallpaper, musty carpeting, and even some dilapidated walls. As first-time homeowners we were prepared to spend more money to improve it, but weary when we began meeting contractors. Buyer’s remorse already set in when we interviewed several contractors who were either aloof or unscrupulous. Then we were fortunate enough to find Mike Ross. He immediately allayed our stress with his professional and forthright demeanor and his integrity was as rock solid from the day we met him through the several months it took to complete our large renovation. While we had some specific things we wanted in our house, Mike and his team took our wish list and far exceeded our expectations to help truly realize the vision of our dream. Originally a three-bedroom, fourteen-hundred square foot home, our remodel brought an addition of a thousand square feet as well as an overhaul of the landscape; this prospect was particularly daunting for uninitiated owners such as us, but Mike’s consummate professionalism shone through and made the task exponentially less stressful for us. As well as a new 850 sf Master Bedroom, including a fireplace, and a steam unit in the bath, we added a cozy home theater room, laundry room, and the once forgotten backyard brought a new deck and patio with a trellis. Furthermore, because we went green and made it a smart home, we’re already more energy efficient. In several rooms, as well as the main hallway, for example, Mike installed solar tubes and the amount of natural light that bathes the house is amazing. Even my mom, when she came to visit, was always looking for a light-switch. As our contractor, Mike Ross took the reins to steer the project and keep it on course and he did so exceptionally. Mike and his team were as attentive to the quality of every nook and corner and he always sought our approval and happiness. Consistently communicative, he always kept us in the loop about progress and was always there to answer any questions and concerns. When an unforeseen contingency did arise, Mike assuaged our concerns by taking action ASAP to rectify the problem. Mike’s team, too, all take pleasure in their efforts. An eclectic group of skilled artisans and craftsmen, they are all polite, punctual, and proud of their work. Thank you, Mike Ross, for your outstanding leadership, your impeccable standards, and your commitment to our happiness. Dale & Helen Keis

From the initial consultation call & property-visit, this Rancho Penasquitos, San Diego whole-home remodel was a collaborative effort between LionCraft Construction & our clients. As a Design & Build firm, we were able to utilize our design expertise and 44+ years of construction experience to help our clients achieve the home of their dreams. Through initial communication about texture, materials and style preferences, we were able to locate specific products and services that resulted in a gorgeous farmhouse design job with a modern twist, taking advantage of the bones of the home and some creative solutions to the clients’ existing problems.

We designed this newly constructed 14,300 sq ft beach house, including: comprehensive construction documents; interior details, drawings and specifications; custom power & lighting; client & builder communications. ||| Interior design by: Harry J Crouse Design Inc

From the initial consultation call & property-visit, this Rancho Penasquitos, San Diego whole-home remodel was a collaborative effort between LionCraft Construction & our clients. As a Design & Build firm, we were able to utilize our design expertise and 44+ years of construction experience to help our clients achieve the home of their dreams. Through initial communication about texture, materials and style preferences, we were able to locate specific products and services that resulted in a gorgeous farmhouse design job with a modern twist, taking advantage of the bones of the home and some creative solutions to the clients’ existing problems.

Guest Suite - Living Area ||| We were involved with most aspects of this newly constructed 2,700 sq ft penthouse guest suite, including: comprehensive construction documents; interior details, drawings and specifications; custom power & lighting; client & builder communications. ||| Penthouse and interior design by: Harry J Crouse Design Inc ||| Builder: Balfour Beatty

We designed this newly constructed 14,300 sq ft beach house, including: comprehensive construction documents; interior details, drawings and specifications; custom power & lighting; client & builder communications. ||| Interior design by: Harry J Crouse Design Inc

We designed this newly constructed 14,300 sq ft beach house, including: comprehensive construction documents; interior details, drawings and specifications; custom power & lighting; client & builder communications. ||| Interior design by: Harry J Crouse Design Inc

From the initial consultation call & property-visit, this Rancho Penasquitos, San Diego whole-home remodel was a collaborative effort between LionCraft Construction & our clients. As a Design & Build firm, we were able to utilize our design expertise and 44+ years of construction experience to help our clients achieve the home of their dreams. Through initial communication about texture, materials and style preferences, we were able to locate specific products and services that resulted in a gorgeous farmhouse design job with a modern twist, taking advantage of the bones of the home and some creative solutions to the clients’ existing problems.

We designed this newly constructed 14,300 sq ft beach house, including: comprehensive construction documents; interior details, drawings and specifications; custom power & lighting; client & builder communications. ||| Interior design by: Harry J Crouse Design Inc

We designed this newly constructed 14,300 sq ft beach house, including: comprehensive construction documents; interior details, drawings and specifications; custom power & lighting; client & builder communications. ||| Interior design by: Harry J Crouse Design Inc

From the initial consultation call & property-visit, this Rancho Penasquitos, San Diego whole-home remodel was a collaborative effort between LionCraft Construction & our clients. As a Design & Build firm, we were able to utilize our design expertise and 44+ years of construction experience to help our clients achieve the home of their dreams. Through initial communication about texture, materials and style preferences, we were able to locate specific products and services that resulted in a gorgeous farmhouse design job with a modern twist, taking advantage of the bones of the home and some creative solutions to the clients’ existing problems.

Porte Cochere, looking toward to the front yard ||| We were involved with many aspects of this newly constructed 8,400 sq ft (under roof) home including: comprehensive construction documents; interior details, drawings and specifications; custom power & lighting; schematic site planning; client & builder communications. ||| Home and interior design by: Harry J Crouse Design Inc ||| Photo by: Harry J Crouse Design Inc ||| Builder: Classic Homes by Sam Clark

From the initial consultation call & property-visit, this Rancho Penasquitos, San Diego whole-home remodel was a collaborative effort between LionCraft Construction & our clients. As a Design & Build firm, we were able to utilize our design expertise and 44+ years of construction experience to help our clients achieve the home of their dreams. Through initial communication about texture, materials and style preferences, we were able to locate specific products and services that resulted in a gorgeous farmhouse design job with a modern twist, taking advantage of the bones of the home and some creative solutions to the clients’ existing problems.

We designed this newly constructed 14,300 sq ft beach house, including: comprehensive construction documents; interior details, drawings and specifications; custom power & lighting; client & builder communications. ||| Interior design by: Harry J Crouse Design Inc

Kathy Moore from Reico Kitchen & Bath in King of Prussia, PA, worked with Belfry Construction to design a transitional kitchen featuring Merillat Autograph cabinets. The perimeter cabinets are in the Bayard door style with a Warm White finish, while the island has an Evergreen finish, paired with Q4076 Verde Peake countertops. The remodel also includes Daltile 3x12 Aloe Rectangle and 1x6 Drift Straight Joint backsplash tiles, along with Frigidaire appliances. The client said, “We love the extra counter space, storage, and modern look. Kathy was key to the project’s success because she considered every detail in the design. Her top suggestion was the utensil storage cabinet. Our favorite feature is the drawer microwave, which makes the area more user-friendly. We also moved the basement door to the dining room to add a corner cabinet and create a larger work area.” Kathy shared, “The kitchen needed more storage and better functionality. The biggest challenge was designing within the existing space since it was original and the clients had specific tastes. Moving the door allowed for more cabinets. I enjoyed working with the clients to pick all the options. The communication was excellent — they were excited, and we worked well as a team.” Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Southern Pines, NC, collaborated with Tod Reid to design a transitional-style kitchen featuring Merillat Autograph and Masterpiece cabinetry. The perimeter cabinets are Merillat Autograph in the Bayard door style in Warm White, while the island features Masterpiece cabinetry in the Bolton door style in Rainfall. The kitchen also includes MSI Q Calacatta Laza countertops, 8x8 Angela Harris Florista Leave backsplash tile from Tile Inc. and KitchenAid range with downdraft, dishwasher and refrigerator. The client shared, “My experience with Reico was very pleasant from the start. Nancy was proficient and knowledgeable. Her timeline went as planned, and she presented several design options while adjusting to my preferences. Her attention to detail paid off—she found the perfect backsplash to complement my kitchen and home. Nancy also communicated well with my contractor. He appreciated the organized binder she prepared, which clearly laid out all the plans and specifications. The project went smoothly, and now I have a more efficient kitchen that has become the focal point of my home. I’m confident we’ll enjoy it for years to come.” Nancy explained, “The homeowners were ready for a change. We kept the same layout but updated the cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. We also installed large 12x24 floor tile. Because the home has an open floor plan, we needed the kitchen to blend with the rest of the space. The Warm White perimeter cabinets keep things bright, while the Rainfall island adds a pop of color. The backsplash tile, which reflects the homeowner’s love of plants, is visible from the front door and is my favorite part of the design.” Photos courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Southern Pines, NC, collaborated with Tod Reid to design a transitional-style kitchen featuring Merillat Autograph and Masterpiece cabinetry. The perimeter cabinets are Merillat Autograph in the Bayard door style in Warm White, while the island features Masterpiece cabinetry in the Bolton door style in Rainfall. The kitchen also includes MSI Q Calacatta Laza countertops, 8x8 Angela Harris Florista Leave backsplash tile from Tile Inc. and KitchenAid range with downdraft, dishwasher and refrigerator. The client shared, “My experience with Reico was very pleasant from the start. Nancy was proficient and knowledgeable. Her timeline went as planned, and she presented several design options while adjusting to my preferences. Her attention to detail paid off—she found the perfect backsplash to complement my kitchen and home. Nancy also communicated well with my contractor. He appreciated the organized binder she prepared, which clearly laid out all the plans and specifications. The project went smoothly, and now I have a more efficient kitchen that has become the focal point of my home. I’m confident we’ll enjoy it for years to come.” Nancy explained, “The homeowners were ready for a change. We kept the same layout but updated the cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. We also installed large 12x24 floor tile. Because the home has an open floor plan, we needed the kitchen to blend with the rest of the space. The Warm White perimeter cabinets keep things bright, while the Rainfall island adds a pop of color. The backsplash tile, which reflects the homeowner’s love of plants, is visible from the front door and is my favorite part of the design.” Photos courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

This is sample of an ancient technique called tromp l'oeil (which means to fool the eye) painted in the studio for a client presentation. Sample-making is a very important step in the process of communicating to the client specific ideas about design, "feel", and color.