Interior Projects
Personalizing Your Home With Color

Portland Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling

This Alberta neighborhood kitchen and bathroom remodel preserves historic charm while improving lifestyle.

For Neil Kelly design consultant, Erika Altenhofen, great design means using creative solutions to make homes more beautiful, comfortable and practical. Erika had the opportunity to showcase her interior design expertise recently when homeowners of a 1924 home knew it was time to update the functionality of their kitchen and add a powder bath.

“They loved the character of their nearly 100 year old home, so it was important to honor and preserve the style and history, but at the same time personalize the space with their favorite bold colors,” shares Altenhofen. “The result is a curated blend of classic materials and patterns mixed with bold contemporary color.”

“It was important to honor and preserve the style and history, but at the same time personalize the space with their favorite bold colors.” – Erika Altenhofen

The Remodel Plan 

  • Update kitchen with modern fixtures and appliances.
  • Remove wall to enlarge kitchen space and improve disjointed layout.
  • Create more functional storage, including a charging station.
  • Maintain 1920s character of the house.
  • Blend classic materials with bright, personalized statements.

Design Challenges

The design team faced several challenges including:

  • The wall to be removed was load bearing.
  • The need to move the washer and dryer into an adjoining closet meant taking space from the already-tight kitchen.
  • Carving out a space to add a powder bath at the old washer and dryer location.
  • No eating space, besides a small dining room outside the kitchen.
  •  Insufficient outlets for a modern lifestyle.
  • The kitchen didn’t have a hood vent.

Design Solutions

  • New concealed beam in the ceiling and new footing in the basement.
  • Use of counter-depth refrigerator allowed for enough walkway, despite removing former refrigerator nook.
  • Carefully planned powder bath with wall-hung sink and pocket door.
  • Mobile countertop can be pushed against the wall to function as an extension of the workspace, or can be pulled from the wall and moved around for seating and serving.
  • Charging drawer with USB outlets.
  • Tall pantry cabinet to conceal the microwave.
  • Former sliding glass door was enlarged and converted to French doors, creating better connection with the backyard, where the clients love to spend time and entertain.
  • Reuse of existing bridge faucet as a nod to the history of the home.
  • Mirrored backsplash to create depth and the illusion of space.
  • Added hood vent for proper ventilation and air circulation.

Want to personalize your space with color? Get in touch with Neil Kelly today.