Southwest Portland Kitchen Update

When the homeowners of this Southwest Portland residence had a significant amount of student loan debt forgiven, they suddenly found themselves with some extra money to spend. They decided it was the perfect time to upgrade their kitchen, aiming to make it more functional and customized to their personal cooking and entertaining needs.

During our first consultation, we learned that their current kitchen had several problems. The cabinet layout lacked adequate storage, which made organization a hassle. Since they loved cooking and  baking, they needed a kitchen that could keep up with their culinary activities. They also wanted a space that was better suited for hosting frequent dumpling parties.

We approached these specific goals by implementing a few key design features. The homeowners chose quartzite countertops for the heat resistance. The natural stone composition allows users to place hot pans directly on the surface without worrying about damaging it. 

We expanded the kitchen island, adding extra storage and creating more workspace. We also added a custom table designed to slide under the island countertop, offering flexible use of space.
Additionally, our team removed an old desk area that wasn’t being used effectively and replaced it with a full pantry, significantly boosting storage capacity.

This project did come with a handful of challenges. Initially, the homeowners planned to keep their original cabinets, but it turned out that refinishing them would have been just as expensive as replacing them. So, we decided to install all new cabinets, ensuring better product quality and longevity. 

During construction, we discovered a beam right where the hood vent was supposed to go. This unexpected find required last-minute structural changes. Ultimately, we brought on a structural engineer and had to pull extra permits to properly install the hood vent. Despite these hurdles, we managed to adjust the design without major delays.

The finished kitchen features several new fixtures and finishes. New cabinets from Mantra offer plenty of storage and an updated, contemporary look. Quartzite countertops by Cosentino add visual elegance and are highly durable. Updated lighting and a new tile backsplash bring a uniquely customized touch, and the Kohler under-mount sink is both functional and visually appealing.

The homeowners are thrilled with their remodeled kitchen. It now perfectly suits their cooking and entertaining needs. With more storage, increased countertop space, and high-quality finishes, the kitchen has been transformed into a functional and stylish area where they can cook, bake, and host gatherings with ease.