Alameda Update

Location
Portland, OR

Size
708 SF

Everyone always ends up in the kitchen
At the Alameda Modern, the focal point of the kitchen is a long wall with custom cabinetry, warm yellow tile, and a stainless steel range and hood.

Creating an open kitchen and dining area continues to be a priority renovation project—a space that suits modern family life and entertaining with ease. This kitchen-dining overhaul amps up functionality while adding the perfect contemporary touches to this 1940’s home.

The kitchen is open to the dining room at the renovated Alameda Modern.

In the existing plan, a wall with an opening resembling a drive-thru window separated the kitchen from the dining room. Further, a door or window on every wall created an unworkable layout. The client wanted a kitchen renovation that would not only create an open plan, but also improve functionality.

At the Alameda Modern, the existing kitchen was cramped and separated from the dining room. The existing kitchen had doors and windows on every wall, which made the space almost non-functional.
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Before
After

By removing the dining room wall and adjacent storage, the reworked plan accommodates the coveted island configuration. The island acts as a natural buffer between the working and eating areas of the kitchen. The kitchen is no longer a thoroughfare, but an efficient, function-packed space.

The new design also closed up a view-less window on the side wall of the house. This created more wall space for cabinetry and countertops.

Aligned pointed arch openings improve the spatial flow and visual connections from space to space. They also give a thoughtful nod to the historic details of the home.

At the Alameda Modern, the traditional details of the home were preserved and repeated throughout the renovation. These include the arches between the rooms and the circular window next to the front door.
Inside one of the tall cabinets there is custom wine and barware storage at the Alameda Modern.
The original windows at the Alameda Modern were painted black to provide contrast with the surrounding white trim.

The full height cabinetry spans both the kitchen and dining walls, tying the spaces together. Built-in wine storage at the dining room provides added functionality while an adjacent niche creates space for serving drinks.

Hexagon accent tile, from Clayhaus Tile, in an eye-catching citrine, energizes the space—a refreshing finishing touch for this kitchen renovation.

Quartz countertops and rift white oak cabinets add to the light and bright appeal of the open space. The waterfall edge island and simple polished chrome hardware maintain the clean lines of the modern design.

Ample storage, space-saving details and a well-planned workflow maximize efficiency. This kitchen renovation proves that you can knock down walls and improve functionality all at the same time.

At the Alameda Modern, the renovated kitchen features an island that acts as a buffer between the prep and dining areas. The island houses a niche for a microwave.
The archways between rooms are feature an unique pointed shape at the Alameda Modern.

“A gut kitchen renovation is a huge undertaking, and Lisa was there for us every step of the way. Her clear design vision, commitment to quality and advocacy for us with our contractor got us a result we couldn’t be happier about!”

Sarah Z.

Homeowner

A niche in the cabinetry features a tiled backsplash and offers a place to display an orchid plant at the Alameda Update.