PROBLEMS: The homeowners in NW Portland loved the neighborhood and the basic layout of their 1970s ranch home, but the original kitchen was small and limited their ability to entertain large groups. Everything about the kitchen screamed, “Remodel me!” They had room on the side of their home for a 12-foot addition, but that presented a major challenge if the existing roofline was extended. The existing home was dominated by the roof. The 8′ ceiling was a limiting factor because the new kitchen would be totally out of proportion, feeling like a cave.

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS: Adding a dormer over the kitchen and addition achieved three major benefits: 1. It provided space for a partially-raised ceiling to break up the original 8-foot ceiling; 2. It allowed installation of a rounded clerestory window to capture more daylight on the north; and 3. The new dormer effectively broke up the “all roof” look. The remodeled kitchen with custom cabinets and upscale appliances is now comfortable for major entertaining at any time of the year. Major bonus achieved was the private courtyard for inside-outside entertaining.

TESTIMONIAL: Diane Plesset was wonderful. She listened to our concerns, outlined what we needed, and the project went more smoothly than we ever imagined. She maintained a close relationship with us and our contractor throughout the project, and we felt like we were in great hands. Our project was large, including two additions, and complete remodel of the kitchen, family room, and our master suite. The project was completed on time and on budget, with only one change-order for a furnace that was due for replacement. She helped us to realize our dream of staying in our beautiful, contemporary, but too-small home in an idyllic neighborhood.

This kitchen addition and remodel won a national award and was featured in The Oregonian.

Other rooms included in this project:

Master Suite