Small Kitchens
BEFORE	AFTER
Westmoreland - Small Kitchen 2009 [2009 International Wellborn Design Contest Winner*] This growing young family needed much more function out of their little kitchen. There space was cramped and poorly laid out, making it hard for more than one person to be in the kitchen at one time. They wanted more storage, preferably a pantry, more countertop space and a more open feel. They also wanted to preserve the charm of their little tudor cottage. So we went to work. To fit everything in and get them more space we had to make some changes to the room. We knocked out an old chimney in the corner to open up the space. We took out the existing door and replaced it with a larger arched doorway that was moved slightly to give more room to that corner. Recessing a beam into the ceiling served two purposes – one, to bring the cabinets to the ceiling and get more storage, and two, to get rid of that visual divider and make the space feel larger. We utilized a coat closet on the opposite side of the wall and recessed a utility cabinet with pullouts in the space to give them the pantry {see it}they wanted. On the sink wall we decided to keep as much open as possible to visually give more depth to the space. We angled the cabinet to the left of the sink to open up the walkway as much as possible; it had been a pinch point in the kitchen before. On the opposite walls we moved the stove slightly to the left to give them some countertop space to the right, again angling that cabinet. A lazy susan gave that corner much needed accessible storage space. We installed tray dividers above their refrigerator to give them more storage in the cabinets down below. To better utilize their dining nook we built them a bench seat that wrapped around the corner. It gave them more floor space, more storage and fit perfectly with the style of their home.
BEFORE	AFTER
Laurelhurst - Small Kitchen 2009 [2009 International Wellborn Design Contest 2nd Place Winner] “I want a dishwasher and I want to be able to see my backyard!” she declared. This was a problem as this kitchen was so small there just was no place to add a dishwasher or move the refrigerator away from the window. The solution, a complete redesign with new Hanover Maple Glacier cabinets from Wellborn. We decided to bump out the wall 2 feet to make room for the reconfiguration of appliances and work surfaces. A new dishwasher would now fit next to the sink and careful planning went into the design to insure the dishwasher would open without hitting the refrigerator and the drawers would open without hitting the dishwasher handle. A lazy susan was added in the corner to maximize the storage in the kitchen lower cabinets. Solid Maple dovetail drawers on full extension cushion close guides allow for full depth access in all the drawer banks. Tray divider storage was added right of the range to neatly arrange her cookie sheets and baking trays. Uppers with all adjustable shelving allowed for any configuration of her plates and glasses which were a welcome change from the fixed shelving she had lived with for so long. A vertical pantry was added to store the can goods which used to take up precious storage in upper cabinets. Now that the refrigerator was moved to a new location, a baking center she had always dreamed of could be built. Using a combination of Wellborn's shaker style leg, shallow drawers and shelving material the baking center was created. A solid Maple butcher block top completed the work surface. Absolute black slab granite countertops were selected for the main kitchen counters which fit perfectly with this bungalow style home. Fescue wall color, bamboo flooring and vintage light fixtures complete the look she was after. The result, more counter space, a comfortable functional kitchen with the added benefit of a bake center where the nieces can help auntie make the cookies.
BEFORE	AFTER
University Park, North Portland - Small Kitchen 2009 This couple had designed and built their home 30 years ago and now wanted to open the space up a bit. Their kitchen, they explained, was very confined and didn’t let family and friends gather. Their kitchen was dark and didn’t have enough storage or countertop space. There was an underutilized nook in the area that just got in the way. They came to us for help! We decided to open up a wall to the adjacent dining room and expand the kitchen into the nook area. Now we had some room to play with. We removed the existing peninsula and added cabinetry to the wall where the nook was. We moved the refrigerator to that wall, built a pantry that housed their microwave and added a small wet bar complete with lighted glass doors next to their patio door for entertaining. Where we took out the wall we built out a peninsula with ample seating for entertaining. We installed a downdraft range in the peninsula to allow the cook to talk with guests as the food is being prepared. On the back of the island we installed a paneled wine refrigerator and wine cubbies to allow guests access with ease. To give them efficient storage we included pullout spice racks, full extension pullouts, a mixer pop up, and a superior blind corner pullout for easy access to everything they use most often. Above the refrigerator we installed tray dividers, and below both the main and prep sinks we installed pullout containers to eliminate clutter, one for garbage and one for recycling.
Large Kitchens
BEFORE	AFTER
Milwaukie - Large Kitchen 2009 [2009 International Wellborn Design Contest Winner] These clients came to us wanting a complete change. They had lived in their 1970’s split level home for 20 years and it no longer reflected their fashion or their lifestyle. Their children had grown, and their family as well. So when everyone came over for dinner or a party it was difficult for them to all be in the same place and talk to one another. They wanted an open space throughout their kitchen, living and dining rooms so everyone could be together at one time. To achieve their goals, we had to knock down a load bearing wall. A new beam in the attic would be required so a support post would need to be integrated into the cabinetry design. With their new open floor plan, they also wanted a clean contemporary feel for their kitchen. We decided on the Milan door style to help achieve this look, utilizing a contrasting long multipurpose island to keep appliances hidden. We also wanted to achieve a long horizontal presence in the kitchen, so we kept as many doors horizontal as possible. The grain of the wood was also largely horizontal, which helped achieve the horizontal lines as well. And because there are not a lot of cabinets in their kitchen we made the ones they did have very functional. Included features are a peg dish organizer in a large drawer, a tall pullout pantry with tray dividers above, and a waste basket pullout, among other things. The dishwasher and warming drawer disappear into the cabinetry using Wellborn’s custom panel program. A TV area was incorporated for easy viewing in the newly opened space. The look was finished off with clean soapstone and marble tops, with stainless steel tile backsplash. We created a wonderful, contemporary space in their family home where they can all be together comfortably.
BEFORE	AFTER
West Portland Park - Large Kitchen 2009 [2009 International Wellborn Design Contest Winner] After living with this outdated non functioning kitchen for 20 years, it was finally her turn to get the kitchen remodeled! The peninsula closed off the area, it was difficult for two people to work and she had no idea what was in the back of the shelves in her pantry closet. They love to entertain but there was no room for guests to be in the kitchen. Let’s get started. We selected Hanover Cherry cabinetry to fit in with the craftsman style home of her neighborhood. The pantry closet and soffits were removed to make room for floor to ceiling cabinetry. The new pantry featured solid Maple dovetail pullout shelves on full extension cushion close guides for easy access. The peninsula was removed and a large built in refrigerator was added in its place. The dishwasher received a custom matching panel from Wellborn to seamlessly blend in with the cabinetry around it. Pullout recycling containers and tip out trays at the sink were added for everyday convenience. Pullout wicker baskets were installed to hold the potatoes and doors with a wire copper mesh were added shortly after to keep the dog from eating the potatoes. Deep drawers below the cook top hold the pots and pans. Under cabinet task lighting and new can lights were installed to lighten and brighten the space. Slab granite countertops with a combination of tumbled marble and glass tiles complete the work surface and full height splash. A wine refrigerator and glass display area with matching Cherry paneling and crown molding were added to complete the built in look they were after. New Oak floors and stainless appliances were added to bring the kitchen into the modern era. The result was great flow in the kitchen with plenty of room for the new appliances and for multiple people to be in the kitchen at one time.
BEFORE	AFTER
Milwaukie - Large Kitchen 2009 We were flattered to be chosen to do several projects for this couple. They came to us looking for a kitchen, laundry and living room remodel. Their kitchen was the most important for them. They wanted to create a space that flowed seamlessly from their kitchen into their living room. They didn’t want a traditional separation between rooms. But they did love a traditional style of décor. So we approached this with a blend of traditional style in a contemporary space. We focused on problem areas in their kitchen: Storage was a chief concern in their old layout, so we’ve built them a large pantry with individual pullouts as well as a tall pantry pullout which they loved! And we were able to solve their “blind corner issues” with Wellborn’s superior blind pullout. They also felt their layout was inefficient and not conducive to interacting. We decided to convert the peninsula to an island, which quickly became the most unique feature of the kitchen. It is a multipurpose island with different elevations. It serves as the cooking and prep area, wine bottle storage, and a lower elevation for baking and a dinner table. This allows for everyone to be centrally located, whether they are cooking, drinking, baking or eating. The legs of the table presented a bit of a stumbling block, as the elevation for the table was not standard. Our creative installers seamlessly modified them to fit. The final effect was just what they were after, a functional social space made just for them.
Media TV / Built-ins
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Milwaukie - Built-In TV Surround 2009 This couple’s mantle could almost be said to be integrated into the kitchen – which is exactly the effect they were hoping to achieve. Their remodel was focused on creating a warm inviting space to entertain family and friends. They remodeled their kitchen and family room at the same time, and they wanted the two rooms to feel almost seamless. That being the case, we designed the two rooms simultaneously so they would complement one another and each would be an extension of the other. We used the Rose Hall door style for the built ins to coordinate with the Madison doors in the kitchen. We framed the fireplace out into the room, so that the cabinetry on either side would be built in. Cabinets below each bookcase would house their electronics, which were all controlled with an infrared remote so they would work even with the wood doors closed. This kept everything looking clean and uncluttered. We put glass doors and puck lights in the cabinets above the bookcases to act as a beautiful display area. The mantle was built to match as well, and built using NFPA codes for minimum clearances. The granite surround for the fireplace is a stunning Blue Pearl and is meant to coordinate with both rooms,but not match the kitchen’s granite. Despite wanting the rooms to flow seamlessly they didn’t want all the styles and colors to be the same. Each area stands alone as a beautiful piece but together they work to unite both spaces. The end result is an inviting, open space for everyone to gather.
BEFORE	AFTER
SE Portland - Built-In TV Surround 2009 [2009 International Wellborn Design Contest 3rd Place Winner] These clients came to us with a vision in mind. They imagined grand cabinetry that would unite their new fireplace, flat screen television, all of their family games, DVD’s, electric components, and they wanted it all hidden away. In addition, they wanted an open, airy, furniture feel for it all. We couldn’t wait to get started! To get a classic furniture look we selected the Madison door style in a dark Cherry, it is traditional and versatile. They wanted a grand feel for their space, so we decided on floor to ceiling cabinetry. This allowed for a greater amount of cabinet storage space for their components and games. We decided on pantry wall cabinets for the bases for a taller look to the base and extra storage, including a couple of pullout shelves for easier access to games. We also decided on pullout columns on either side of the fireplace to house video games and DVDs. We worked together with the home owner to frame a wall in between the fireplace and the cabinet so that the heat would not damage any of their disks. We used the NFPA codes for minimum for combustible trim and mantles clearances to design the columns and mantle ensuring the client’s safety. To hide the television we found a perfect solution with the entertainment cabinet with pocket doors. They loved that idea! And to give their wall a more open feel we decided on open glass shelves with interior lighting for display. This entertainment wall provides our clients with the furniture look they wanted and the function and storage they needed. Now, they can relax and enjoy.
Home Office
BEFORE	AFTER
Stafford, Home Office 2009 [2009 International Wellborn Design Contest Grand Prize Winner] Our client came to us asking for a solution for her disorganized office. She wanted a functional office space that would house her numerous client files, reference books, and hide her office supplies and electronics. It was also very important to her that her new office coordinate with the rest of her beautiful country home. We looked at the furniture, finishes and fabrics in the rest of her home and came up with a look that would compliment the décor in the rest of the home. For the design of the cabinetry, we went through several revisions. Our client wanted first and foremost to organize her client’s files which were currently “sorted” in stacks under her table. She then wanted ample space for her and her husband’s reference books so that they didn’t have to pick and choose which were out at all times. She also requested that she have a small portion of Solid surface material to work on, but that the majority of the countertop be wood, so that it would maintain a furniture look. And just when we thought we had it, she presented a unique design request/challenge: A place to store her husband’s blank canvases so they would be hidden, but easily accessible. After some brainstorming we determined that a blind corner cabinet would be a perfect place to do just that! The lighting in the room was poor so we designed the cabinetry to be held down from the ceiling which provided a perfect spot for indirect lighting controlled by a dimmer. The project came together beautifully and together we created just the function she was looking for and a beautiful, custom look, that was organized and coordinated seamlessly with the rest of her home. Visit our gallery to see more photos of our work. Also, read testimonials from our Portland area clients. *Wellborn International Design Contest: In 2009, over 700 Wellborn Dealerships world-wide were invited to submit designs of kitchens, baths, and other Rooms to compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards by category, as well as honorable mention for each category. Additionally, one project would be selected as a Grand Prize Winner. Crystal, our lead designer, received multiple awards, including the Grand Prize Winner in 2009 for her stunning innovations.