Riverview Mid-Century

Location
Vancouver, WA

Size
2,906 SF

Mid-Century Makeover for a Modern Outdoorsman
An Australian Shepherd dog shaking off after being washed in a custom built-in dog wash.

This 1950’s daylight ranch in Vancouver, WA was living in the past and needed a mid-century home remodel. It had wacky details inside and out and outdated finishes everywhere. Additionally, all of the nooks, crannies and peculiar spaces had become storage for this avid outdoorsman.

Vicinity plan and section with the remodeled home highlighted in red.
Bikes, skies and snow sleds fill a corner of the existing kitchen.
Climbing gear fills the existing primary suite's closet.

Bikes, hockey sticks, skis, and endless gear were creeping into every space—the clutter was overwhelming. The entry hall floor housed a full-sized kayak while the stair guardrail was a drying rack for towels and wetsuits.

It was time to turn this closet back into a home—a house perfectly suited for the modern outdoorsman.

A kayak lies on the floor of the existing entry hall.

Exterior and interior updates improved the look and feel of the home. From a welcoming entry to proper storage spaces, every aspect of the first level received a makeover. 

Exterior renovation work included an addition at the front door in order to make the interior space function better. It had the added benefit of making the entry more visible from the street. Additionally, the removal of the old carport and construction of a new garage created a secure space for all that gear!

After the mid-century home remodel, the laundry room has white cabinets and countertops with a gray slate floor.

Access from the new garage leads directly into a mudroom built to withstand everything this outdoorsman throws at it. It includes a utility sink for washing gear and a man’s best friend, as well as a washer and dryer and plenty of storage and counter space.

Finish selections, including natural slate tile, custom RTF cabinets and solid surface countertops, support the heavy use of the space while keeping the room light, bright and easy to clean.

What dog would say no to bath time now?


This utility sink makes life easier in so many ways. The elevated height means dog washing is not a back-breaking chore. Bath time essentials are right at hand, which minimizes any dog’s escape plan. And finally, it is the perfect place to rinse out all that gear, with a convenient hanging rod for those drip-dry items.

An Australian Shepherd dog sits in the custom built-in dog wash, waiting for his bath.
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Before
After
After the mid-century home remodel, the entry hall features floor to ceiling windows, gray slate flooring, and a Nelson Bench.

Thoughtful planning eliminated awkward spaces and improved the flow of the home during this mid-century home remodel. The reworked entry provides a welcoming sense of arrival and more space to safely maneuver around the staircase.

Before the mid-century home remodel, the existing entry hall was dark and cluttered with outdoor gear.

The new front door and window walls flood the area with light while the redesigned staircase makes a statement within the space. A new custom steel guardrail has a sculptural feel. The clean lines and white finish add to the modern appeal of the updated space, and the shimmer of the silver slate floor provides the perfect accent.

After the mid-century home remodel, the entry hall is bright and welcoming.
The stair guardrail is fabricated from steel.
The new white stair guardrail contrasts with the gray slate floor. An Australian Shepherd dog sits in the entry with his red ball.
The white stair guardrail, gray slate floor, and stained hardwood floors come together in the renovated entry hall.
The new steel guardrail features both a solid panel and vertical slats, giving it a variety of texture and scale.
After the mid-century home remodel, the kitchen features a large island with a kitchen sink and space for seating.

The renovated plan eliminates obtrusive angles in the kitchen. A floating island improves the workflow and makes the space more inviting. Further, an enlarged doorway opens the kitchen to the dining area.

Before the mid-century home remodel, the old kitchen had an awkward peninsula which created a dead end. Functionality and flow was difficult prior to renovations.

A dark stain applied to the original oak floors complements the rift white oak cabinets and ties the space into the rest of the first floor. The warm wood tones of the cabinets paired with white quartz counters creates a distinctly modern aesthetic.

After the mid-century home remodel, the kitchen features a built in refrigerator and dishwasher with custom panels that match the adjacent cabinetry.
The kitchen island is made of white quartz and features a waterfall edge.
After the mid-century home remodel, the primary bathroom features a walk-in shower, a double vanity, and a large mirror.

Prior to this mid-century home remodel, the primary suite was a space planning mess. Thoughtful reorganization turned it into a well-organized private oasis. It now includes areas for sleeping and bathing, ample storage, and even a quiet work nook. 

The sleek design of the bathroom features a walk-in shower with the signature silver slate tile. A large format ceramic tile wraps the space in an appealing geometric texture while rift white oak cabinetry and white quartz countertops complete the look.

The primary bathroom shower is tiled with a textured ceramic tile. A shampoo niche features across the back of the shower.

A skylight infuses the shower area with natural light.

The primary bathroom shower has a large skylight which floods the space with light, even on dark Pacific Northwest days.
After the mid-century home remodel, the primary bathroom vanity has two sinks, a white quartz countertop, and brushed nickel faucets.
Before the mid-century home remodel, the old guest bathroom was dark and out of date.

The remodel addressed every inch of the first level, including the guest bathroom. Another space infused with light and elevated with a clean, fresh palette.

After the mid-century home remodel, the guest bathroom features a double vanity with a white quartz countertop and large mirror.
The living room has a view of the river and Portland International Airport.

The living area takes advantage of dramatic window walls. A fresh coat of paint, updated lighting, and a new fireplace hearth transform the room—simple updates with a big impact.

The living room has a wood burning fireplace with a new gray limestone hearth.

One successful transformation

often leads people to want more.

Why stop on the first level?

Phase II has the team heading to the basement to update

two bedrooms and a bathroom and infuse some fun with a

game room that opens to the renovated backyard.

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Before
After