Garden Home-Whiteford Green Kitchen Addition

The owners of this 1941 home in Portland’s Garden Home-Whiteford Neighborhood weren’t in love with their dark, narrow galley kitchen and dining area and decided it was time to remodel. When they came to Lamont Bros. to remodel their kitchen, they envisioned a bright, open cooking space that overlooked their backyard garden and towering trees. The challenge would be figuring out where to put it.

What Were the Goals of This Kitchen Remodel?

The existing kitchen felt tight and isolated, with minimal natural light and limited counter space. The galley layout didn’t offer enough room to move around while cooking. Furthermore, its separation from the rest of the living space made preparing meals a lonely chore.

The homeowners wanted a more spacious kitchen with room to maneuver and host gatherings. They also wanted to add large windows to bring in light and incorporate views of their picturesque backyard.

How Did We Solve These Issues in the New Design?

Our first step in addressing the needs of the homeowners was to figure out where the kitchen would go. Since the old galley layout was out of the question, the homeowners decided the best way to achieve their goal of an open, spacious kitchen was to expand their home’s square footage.

Using space previously taken up by a covered deck, we expanded the home by 400 square feet, using the existing roof and framing the space underneath it. Then, we got to work building a kitchen in the newly added space.

The new kitchen features a layout that prioritizes openness, light, a beautiful view of the home’s backyard. Centered around a 4’x6′ island with countertop seating, the kitchen comfortably accommodates up to nine people, making it a perfect gathering place. A window over the farmhouse sink provides a direct view of the backyard garden, allowing the homeowners to watch their children play while cooking.

A forest-inspired color palette governs the kitchens’ aesthetic, with deep green cabinetry and a custom tile backsplash adding texture and color.

Floating shelves take the place of upper cabinets on most walls, keeping the space open and drawing attention to the backyard views and full-wall tile backsplash. The layout is designed for ease of movement, with ample counter space and a balance of work areas and seating to support everyday cooking and hosting.

Specific Products and Features Used:

• Custom Cabinetry by Knight Cabinetry in “Juniper” Green: Deep green cabinets that establish the kitchen’s forest-inspired theme and offer the homeowners plenty of storage solutions.
• PentalQuartz Countertops: Durable light-colored quartz countertops with a soft, natural pattern. Quartz offers a great balance of aesthetics, durability, and minimal maintenance.
• Picket Tile Backsplash by Daltile in “Reef” – A vibrant, glossy green tile backsplash with a unique geometric shape that adds a striking feature point in the space.

How Has This Remodel Changed the Clients’ Lives?

The remodeled kitchen has dramatically improved the homeowners’ daily experience. With more space to cook and maneuver, meal preparation has become easier and more enjoyable.

The addition of the island and open layout allows more people to comfortably gather in the kitchen, fostering a greater sense of connection during family time or when hosting guests.

The large sink window provides a clear view of the backyard, letting the homeowners keep an eye on their children at play while enjoying the serene garden scenery. Overall, the new kitchen has become a functional, beautiful space that perfectly fits the family’s lifestyle.