When you’re talking about forever, you don’t want to settle. Ever since our client was a young girl, she dreamed about living in Ashdown Woods, one of West Linn’s most desirable neighborhoods. After years of house shopping, the couple jumped at the opportunity to purchase an untouched, 1979 Northwest Contemporary. They fell in love with the neighborhood’s private, picturesque setting and were eager to transform the space into their forever home.
The site was ideal, but the house needed an upgrade. Although there were minimal changes to the home’s existing footprint, no space was left untouched. The homeowners brought a clear list of goals to the table. They asked for better function for the long haul; an inviting kitchen; more spacious master bathroom; refreshed staircase; And a polished aesthetic throughout the home.
The sunken living room was raised to eliminate any steps, and stained hardwoods were carried throughout the main level to visually connect the spaces. The half-wall along the stairs was replaced with wrought iron balusters to create a contemporary look.
The kitchen was reconfigured, and the cooktop was relocated to establish the hood as the focal point on the back wall. Mixing painted white perimeter cabinets with dark gray, stained Alder on the island and oven wall adds warmth and brightness to the room. The built-in, hidden pantry door makes the space feel balanced and adds a fun surprise.
To create a larger master bathroom, we stole space from the master bedroom. The shift allowed for the master closet to be accessible from the bathroom. The oversized, built-in, jetted tub was removed, and now a sculptural, freestanding tub is situated to take in the courtyard views. The expanded tile shower and patterned, heated, floor tile brings a touch of glamour.
The beauty of moving into a new-to-you home is that you can add your own story to the home.