A dilapidated home in Portland, Oregon was transformed into a charming and inviting space, thanks to a full renovation focused on opening up and modernizing the kitchen. We explore the details of this renovation project and how the updated kitchen became the new heart of the home.
Introduction
When homeowner Jane Doe purchased her 1920s Portland bungalow, it was in rough shape. The previous owners had not updated the home in decades, and it showed. The kitchen in particular was dark, closed off, and cramped. Jane saw potential though, and set out to renovate the space into her dream kitchen.
After months of planning and work, the remodel was complete, and the results were stunning. The outdated galley kitchen had been opened up and outfitted with new custom cabinetry, high-end stainless steel appliances, and gorgeous finishes. Natural light now flooded the space thanks to new windows and skylights. Jane had succeeded in her vision of creating a bright, modern, and spacious kitchen that felt like the centerpiece of the home.
Below we take a closer look at the renovation process and the choices Jane made to transform this once dilapidated kitchen into a functional and beautiful space she could enjoy for years to come. The thoughtful design decisions and careful attention to detail made this kitchen remodel a success.
Pre-Renovation: A Dark, Enclosed Kitchen
Prior to the remodel, the kitchen in Jane’s 1920s Portland bungalow was highly outdated and dysfunctional. The layout was inefficient, with barely enough room for one person to maneuver.counters and cabinets were falling apart. The space felt dark and enclosed, with very little natural light coming in.
Built-in cabinetry lined the walls, making the small space feel even more cramped and closed off. The cabinets were likely original to the home and in very worn condition. The limited countertop space was cluttered and insufficient for cooking meals. Outdated and inefficient appliances added another challenge, making the kitchen feel more like a relic of the past than a functional modern space.
With its poor lighting, inefficient layout, and crumbling cabinets and counters, this kitchen badly needed a full renovation in order to create a more open, livable space for Jane and her family. The remodel aimed to take this dilapidated, cramped kitchen and transform it into a light-filled, functional area they could enjoy.
Design Planning: Opening Up the Space
Knowing the outdated kitchen needed a full overhaul, Jane began envisioning her dream kitchen. She wanted to open up the space as much as possible and make it feel bright and airy. More storage space, updated fixtures and finishes, and high-end stainless steel appliances were top priorities as well.
Jane worked with a designer to come up with a new layout that would maximize the small square footage. They decided to fully remove a wall separating the kitchen and dining room to promote an open, seamless flow between the spaces. This allowed for a more expansive, modern feel.
Custom cabinetry with clever storage solutions would provide ample room to organize cooking supplies and small appliances. Jane opted for a mix of cabinet styles, including glass-front upper cabinets to prevent a closed-in look. Oversized drawers replaced some lower cabinets, offering accessible storage for pots, pans and serving ware.
A large island would provide additional prep space and casual dining seating. New wide-plank flooring would warm up the space, while subway tile backsplashes and quartz countertops introduced sleek, contemporary elements. Energy efficient lighting and new windows boosted natural light.
Careful planning and decision making ensured the new kitchen would suit Jane’s preferences while also maximizing the functionality of the modest square footage.
Demolition: Strip It to the Studs
With the design plan complete, it was time to gut the space and start from scratch. The old kitchen was taken back to the studs, removing all of the crumbling drywall, worn cabinets, and outdated fixtures.
Only the essential framework and plumbing lines remained, providing a blank slate for the new kitchen. Taking the space down to the bones allowed for a full transformation unencumbered by the inefficient existing layout and deteriorating materials.
Demolishing the wall between the kitchen and adjacent dining room truly opened up the floor plan. The remodel could now take full advantage of the expanded square footage. Opening up the sight lines created a feeling of space and light even before the new finishes were installed.
This invasive demolition work was messy and disruptive, but essential for removing the dilapidated existing kitchen and clearing the way for a fresh, modern space. Jane could now move forward with building out her kitchen dreams in the blank canvas of a room.
Structural Improvements: Sound Framework
With the kitchen gutted back to the studs, important structural improvements could be made to ensure the new space would be strong, stable and square.
The flooring subfloor was inspected and replaced where needed. New 2×4 stud walls were erected to enclose the space and allow for proper installation of the new electrical, plumbing, cabinetry, and finishes.
Extra care was taken to ensure the framing and installation would support the weight of upper cabinets, tile backsplashes, and other structural elements. A platform was built to accommodate the refrigerator housing and boost it to counter height.
Upgraded electrical wiring and plumbing lines were run through the new framing. Inadequate ventilation was addressed by the installation of a new exhaust fan and ductwork. These improvements modernized functionality and performance behind the walls.
A lot of work went into elements that would never be visible, but were crucial for creating a sound underlying structure. The new framework ensured structural integrity and supported the functional new kitchen that would be built within.
New Custom Cabinetry: Storage and Style
Installing top quality custom cabinets transformed the aesthetic of Jane’s formerly dilapidated kitchen. The new shaker-style maple cabinets featured a classic look with clean lines that complemented both the home’s character and the contemporary new kitchen.
Upper and lower cabinets provided abundant storage space. Deep drawers replaced lower cabinets in some spots, offering accessible homes for pots, pans and cooking utensils. Glass-front upper cabinets prevented a closed-in look and showcased dishware.
Custom touches like pull out shelves and interior organizers optimized the storage capabilities. Soft-closing hardware ensured smooth, quiet access. Careful planning and quality craftsmanship resulted in cabinetry that was as functional as it was beautiful.
Durable cabinet boxes kept contents secure while quality doors, hardware and finishes elevated the aesthetic. For Jane, investing in timeless, well-made cabinets was a worthwhile splurge for her dream kitchen remodel. The style and increased storage capacity brought a renewed sense of life and function to the formerly outdated space.
Islands and Peninsulas: Smart Additions
Jane’s new open concept kitchen floor plan allowed space for the addition of a large kitchen island. This island provided extra prep space and casual dining seating while also defining the kitchen zone.
Built from cabinet boxes to match the perimeter cabinetry, the substantial 7-foot island was topped with beautiful quartz for an upscale look. An overhang allowed seating space on one side. Deep drawers and an open shelf offered handy access to kitchen tools.
On the perimeter of the kitchen, a short peninsula extended the countertop working space. This slim peninsula helped delineate the kitchen and dining zones while providing a space for bar seating that connected the two areas.
The island and peninsula made smart use of the available floor space. By extending surfaces into the room, they increased functionality without crowding the area. These well-designed additions made a big impact in Jane’s kitchen renovation.
Natural Light Sources: Windows and Skylights
Lack of natural light was one of the major issues with Jane’s old, dilapidated kitchen. The renovation took advantage of several tactics to flood the new space with sunshine.
Large windows flanking the sink not only provided beautiful views of the backyard, but also let in plentiful sunlight. A rectangular skylight installed in the ceiling enhanced the open, airy feeling while pulling in additional daylight.
Glass-front upper cabinets kept the space looking open while reflecting and amplifying the natural light. Lighter wall colors also helped brightness bounce throughout the kitchen.
By taking advantage of these simple strategies, the once dim, closed-off kitchen was transformed into a bright, welcoming space filled with natural illumination. The natural light elevates the ambiance and makes the kitchen feel more cheerful and inviting.
Features and Finishes: Beauty in the Details
While cabinetry, windows and fixtures formed the bones of Jane’s kitchen remodel, careful attention to the details added further function and beauty. The selections of finishes, hardware, and accessories completed the transformation from dilapidated to darling.
Quartz countertops in a clean white added durability and timeless style. Neutral subway tile backsplashes complemented the classic look. Understated oil-rubbed bronze hardware and fixture finishes lined up with the home’s traditional character.
Inside the drawers and cabinets, Jane added functional elements like cutlery organizers, spice racks, towel bars, and pull-out waste bins. LED under-cabinet lighting illuminated task areas.
By putting thought into these details, Jane brought together a cohesive, considered look. The installed features and finishes work together to create a kitchen that matches her style preferences while also boosting livability through smart additions.
High-End Appliances: Cooking Performance
No kitchen remodel is complete without upgrading the appliances. Jane selected top-of-the-line stainless steel models that merged sleek contemporary style with robust cooking performance.
A powerful gas range with a grill and griddle option allows Jane to cook meals with restaurant quality. The spacious fridge and freezer ensure ample room for grocery storage. A built-in microwave and convection oven blend into the surrounding cabinetry while offering multifunctional baking and reheating abilities.
The efficient dishwasher with a third rack keeps dishes sparkling clean, while the undermount sink includes clever accessories for optimized food prep tasks. Jane also had instant hot water installed for convenience.
Though the appliances commanded a significant chunk of Jane’s renovation budget, she considered them a worthwhile investment. The high-end suite elevated both the look and the functionality of her new modern kitchen.
Lighting: Ambiance and Illumination
Proper lighting played a key role in making Jane’s formerly dim kitchen feel bright and airy. Layers of light combined form and function for the ideal ambiance.
Pendant lights hanging above the kitchen island offer both task lighting and distinctive style. Recessed can lights in the ceiling provide ambient illumination, with some fixtures angled to spotlight the workspace. Under-cabinet LED lighting illuminates the countertops and backsplashes with a subtle glow.
Light fixtures were chosen in complementary finishes that align with Jane’s interior design preferences. Dimmers allow her to control the brightness as needed. The lighting design truly lifts the entire energy of the formerly gloomy, dilapidated space.
Flooring: Warmth Underfoot
Jane desired wood-look flooring through the kitchen, dining and living spaces to promote an open, seamless feel. After exploring many options, she selected wide-plank luxury vinyl planks for their durability, affordability and authentic visual.
The textured, variegated planks lend a reclaimed wood aesthetic that feels both rustic and modern. The muted brownish-gray tone complements the bright, fresh interior palette. Since the planks are waterproof and scratch resistant, Jane doesn’t need to worry about moisture or heavy use damaging them.
Underfoot, the floors feel warmer and softer than tile or stone. This adds welcoming comfort while also muting sounds like appliance hums or footsteps. Jane is thrilled with how the wood-look flooring helped cozy up her kitchen while still being family-friendly.
Accessories: Finishing Touches
Pretty and functional accessories helped Jane put the final stamps on her transformed kitchen design. Carefully selected decorative and useful elements make the space feel curated, personalized and inviting.
Vintage-inspired accents like farmhouse-style drawer pulls and ceramic canisters reflect Jane’spreferences while adding handcrafted flair. Plush towels layered on open shelving introduce welcoming texture. Fresh flowers and plants bring life to the space.
Kitchen tools like utensil crocks, cookbook stands and magnetized knife strips add functionality. A framed chalkboard provides an outlet for creativity and meal planning. Jane can switch out her decor seasonally or when she feels like a refresh.
Each personal touch builds on the others to make this kitchen feel like a warm, nourishing, uniquely Jane space. The accessories reflect who she is while enhancing the utility of the room.
Renovation Results: From Dilapidated to Dream Kitchen
The renovation of Jane’s dated, dilapidated kitchen was a resounding success. The thoughtful design plan was executed through quality construction and materials, resulting in a breathtaking transformation.
Gone is the cramped galley kitchen lacking storage and light. In its place, a stunning open concept kitchen housing an efficient workspace with abundant custom cabinetry. By opening sight lines and incorporating glass elements, the new kitchen feels airy and filled with natural illumination.
High-end finishes like quartz counters and designer backsplashes complement the traditional vintage details of the home. New top-of-the-line stainless appliances enhance functionality. Beautiful yet durable wood-look flooring adds warmth underfoot.
Throughout the process, Jane made discerning choices guided by creating a kitchen that would not just meet her needs, but surpass expectations. Once a relic of the past, her kitchen is now a welcoming respite for gathering, cooking, and everyday life. Though the renovation required an intensive investment of time, effort and resources, the dream kitchen outcome made every ounce of hard work worthwhile.
This Portland kitchen remodel can serve as inspiration to homeowners looking to transform cramped, outdated spaces into functional showpieces. With strategic demolition, thoughtful layout, quality materials and custom details, even the most dilapidated kitchen can be adapted into a personalized, welcoming hub of the home. Jane’s formerly relic kitchen blossomed into a charming, modern dream through her vision and thoughtful choices.
FAQs About Updating a Dilapidated Kitchen
How much does a major kitchen remodel cost?
The average major kitchen remodel costs $35,000-75,000 depending on factors like location, size, materials and appliances. Higher end custom renovations can surpass $100k.
What are the first steps in a kitchen remodel?
- Set your budget
- Research design ideas and create a wishlist
- Interview contractors and get quotes
- Finalize your layout and material selections
- Permitting
- Demolition of old kitchen
Should I DIY my kitchen remodel?
On a limited budget, DIYing part of the kitchen remodel can save money. But for major structural changes, complex construction, or if your time is limited, consider hiring a general contractor to manage the project.
How do I choose new kitchen cabinets?
Consider your budget, design style, organizational needs, and how cabinets can maximize your space. Visit showrooms to view cabinet options in person before ordering.
Should I remodel my kitchen before selling my house?
Remodeling the kitchen before selling can allow you to recoup costs through a higher sale price. But minor updates may be sufficient if the kitchen is already in decent shape.
What increases a kitchen’s functionality?
- Sufficient counter space
- Ample storage with drawers/pull-outs
- Task lighting
- Logical workflow between sink, fridge, stove
- Easy to clean surfaces
- Quality appliances
Conclusion
Jane’s Portland bungalow kitchen remodel demonstrates how a dated, cramped kitchen can be utterly transformed through strategic demolition, improved layout, and high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The dilapidated eyesore evolved into a welcoming heart of the home.
This extensive renovation required a significant investment of time, money and effort. But Jane deemed the finished dream kitchen well worth it, gaining a beautiful and highly functional space that suits her needs and design preferences. Her careful planning and decision making ensured a cohesive, personalized result.
For homeowners considering their own kitchen remodels, Jane’s project can provide inspiration and guidance. With vision and commitment to the details, even the most dilapidated space can become a charming, inviting kitchen that enhances daily life. The difference is truly transformative.
