Portland Design Build Remodeling Blog

What could be more satisfying to a builder and a homeowner than removing layers of the ’70s and ’80s—including orange shag carpet on the stairs—to reveal a home’s original character, and then expanding and modernizing the home?That’s what COOPER Design Builders did with our recent whole-home remodel and master suite addition on this 1952 Cape Cod in the Uplands neighborhood of Lake Oswego, Oregon.

We started with a tight three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom house and modernized all three levels, transforming it into a beautiful family home with four bedrooms, an office, three and a half baths, a gourmet kitchen, and a multi-room basement flex space. Take a look inside.

Entering the foyer, you immediately notice the stunning gourmet kitchen, which boasts an island over 10 feet long—one of the largest we’ve ever designed. The island features seating for up to five people, to let the kids or visitors share in the conversation and cooking.

We increased the square footage of the kitchen by 50 percent by bumping out the front exterior by 12 feet and removing the wall between the dining room and the kitchen. The kitchen features an abundance of storage, with floor-to-ceiling cabinets, not to mention acres of counter space. Also, don’t miss the pot filler over the six-burner gas range, the extra dishwasher, the prep sink, and the 14-bottle wine refrigerator.

Upstairs, we expanded the attic space over the garage, transforming it into a spacious master suite with a bathroom featuring a spa shower, double-sink vanity, and separate water closet. Additionally, we added a full bathroom over the kitchen bump-out.

Throughout the home, every room was brightened with new recessed lighting, new wood windows, and vintage-inspired fixtures. White-painted trim and a neutral color palette increased the feeling of light throughout the home, as did the new red-oak floors, finished with a natural stain.

Remodeling a Portland home with a tired or muddled design? Drawn to certain looks but not sure what they’re called? Here’s a brief tour of 11 basic interior design themes to consider when planning your Portland remodel.

Though Portland, Oregon, has gained a national reputation as a trendy, if quirky, place to live, and the home prices in some areas are climbing fast, you still can find neighborhoods with affordable houses that are worth remodeling. Buying a home with “good bones” in an established neighborhood with the intent to remodel or add on can be a financially wise thing to do. Some people like new-construction developments, as they are a clean slate, but the prices can be steep. It’s still possible to buy an older bungalow or Midcentury Modern ranch, do an extensive remodel, and still come out ahead on the cost.

If you’re planning a major remodel of your Portland, Oregon, home, you might have the distinct luxury of deciding where your laundry room should go. Not surprisingly, there are plenty of opinions on the matter, and the best answer for you depends on your lifestyle.

When thinking about the floor plan for the remodel of your Portland, Oregon, home, you should take into account a number of important factors, from your lifestyle to your budget. Here are eight factors to consider to help you evaluate your remodeling floor plan.