Sometimes, a new kitchen and bathroom is all that’s needed to make a house feel completely transformed. However, not all houses fit into that category. Sometimes, a house has to be completely gutted and rebuilt to achieve the desired result.

Situated in a beautiful beach front location, this home was the perfect example of the need to upgrade everything from top to bottom.

Our task was to re-imagine and re-create the house to be the owners’ dream retreat.

We began with a complete assessment of the structure then looked at the possibilities and options room-by-room. We created a plan to accommodate what was an extensive wish list. Our plan included major demo and re-framing as well as additions to the existing footprint.

The result is a modernized, transformed home that complements the stunning ocean views in a  Shore Pine setting.

Our Design Plan

Our objective was a cohesive design that creates an emotional connection between the house and the natural setting. Every detail is intentionally subtle so that one feels the power of the whole. The design and decor do not compete with nature for attention; their relationship creates a harmonious indoor/outdoor experience.

Nestled among the shore pines, beach grass, and dunes, the exterior repeats nature’s colors and simplicity. All exterior lighting, windows, and doors are in an earth-bronze color palette. The linear pattern of Eastern White Cedar shakes and the natural stone entry provides an intriguing clue to what’s to come.

The linear lines are repeated on the interior with a diversity of patterns and colors. Upon entry one immediately sees horizontal paneling and iron stair railings. The theme continues with floating shelves, flooring, cabinetry, and tile. A common-thread design concept in a tri-color palette of natural tans, sky blues and ocean teals creates a contextual interior landscape.

On a deeper emotional level, the integrity of the newly reinforced structure provides comforting shelter against nature’s often-powerful aggression.

This Entire House Remodel fulfilled its mission so well that it won the 2019 REGIONAL AWARD from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Contractor of the Year.

Exterior Specs

All materials were specified with the oceanfront location in mind. Exterior siding was pre-treated and installed with all stainless-steel fasteners.

The owners requested the Cape Cod shingle look, so we ordered Eastern White Cedar from Quebec, pre-treated with a bleaching stain to accelerate the aging process and produce a more consistent gray color.

The old Cedar shake roof was replaced with high-wind rated composition. New windows throughout were also rated for coastal conditions and installed with top-of-the-line flashing systems. All the internal hardware for the windows is stainless steel.

The Challenges of Coastal Remodeling

To complicate the process, we were framing in the depths of winter which presented all kinds of safety and logistical problems—who knew it could hail for two weeks straight on the Oregon coast? Our creative solution was to work like crazy whenever the weather abated a bit. Put it this way, we saw a lot of late evening sunsets over the ocean.

Using a crane to set the steel portal framing in a high wind region presented its own set of logistical challenges. Again, we worked with safety in mind and an eye on the weather channel.

Kitchen

Everything in the bright and airy kitchen has a subtle relationship to the setting. The pendants have ship’s rope, glass-ball glass in pendants, and an earth-bronze design.  Narrow vertical windows framed in the full height field tile giving the walls clean, uninterrupted feel. Expansive quartz countertops in the kitchen and bar areas provide plenty of work space for multiple cooks in the kitchen. The island counter has a 2” reveal and contrasting earth-bronze color to set it apart.

The floating shelves are custom crafted from locally sourced Oregon White Oak.

Beverage Bar and Gathering Space

The vacated kitchen area was re-purposed as an informal dining and beverage bar and the open space is defined by a color-coordinated area rug.

Open shelving with full height tile backsplash enhances the sense of light and openness. It literally invites guests to help themselves and enjoy the space.

The Floor Plan

The home is now open, airy, and provides multiple activity areas including kitchen, two dining tables, living room, library, game room, family room, loft, and wet bars. The areas are separate and yet maintain friendly and convivial contact.

The two downstairs bedrooms, including the Master bedroom and guest room enjoy expansive ocean views.

The two upstairs bedrooms share the third bathroom and are perfect guest quarters on the same level as the family room, game table, and bar. This configuration provides two complete and separate living areas, when that arrangement is desired.

The New Library

The existing covered deck was unusable. It was positioned in such a way that it formed a wind tunnel and no one could stand being out there. We captured the open space to create a new library with see-through fireplace. It has honed black granite and locally sourced Broad Leaf Maple surround. The coordinated furnishings include an abstract random-pattern area rug that reflects the ocean colors. A wood art piece repeats the pattern and relates to the natural wooded  setting.

Loft and Wet Bar

We framed in low wall openings and replaced existing Cedar paneling with light and bright drywall, added new windows, recessed lighting, and a new wet bar with beverage refrigerator. This area adjoins the family/game room. The homeowners are delighted with this perfect retreat where they can unwind and embrace the spellbinding rhythm of the surf, sun, wind, and rain.

The Master Bedroom

We reconfigured the existing space, added an exterior door leading to the deck, installed new windows, and new heated tile floors. The color palette repeats the natural seaside theme throughout the home.

Master Bath

From the wall of undulating tile to the pebble shower floor to the honed stone countertops–all colors and details intentionally reflect and pay homage to the natural seaside setting. To accommodate current and future accessibility needs, this shower is low-threshold for safety and convenience. The free-standing soaking tub has a modest lip for easy access. Multiple layers of lighting make the area bright and easy to navigate. Underfloor heating warms the floor tile, reducing the need for trip-hazard throw rugs.

Guest Bedroom

This soothing guest bedroom repeats the flooring, color palette, and natural theme of the home.

Guest Bathroom

This downstairs guest bathroom repeats the  colors of the home’s wooded setting. The undulating, seafoam-color tiles on the shower wall reflect nature’s colors. The shower floor continues the theme with variations on sea blue and earth tones.

Upstairs Bedroom #3

The original bedroom was rarely used because it was so dark and uninviting. The only way to open it up to the beautiful ocean view was to tear off the roof and completely reframe the walls and roof. When completed, the new wall and roof framing gave this bedroom plenty of light, greater headroom, and a beautiful ocean view.

Do you have a house that needs attention throughout? Our architect, Interior Designers, and craftsmen have the experience and skill to transform every house into the perfect home. The first step is easy! Simply call 503-363-1343 or visit our Contact Us page to schedule your free in-home consultation. We look forward to hearing what you have in mind and learning how we can help you!

Photographs by David Papazian Photography.