Kitchen Remodel

This project presented its self in the form of a water leak. My very first clients in Portland called me up one stormy Sunday afternoon with distressing news. The 108 year- old lath and plaster ceiling in their kitchen was soaking up water from the 108 year-old tub drain one floor above. This house is quite special. After 4 different owners, none of the extensive stain-grade old growth Doug Fir wood trim has been painted over. All original and untouched. It is like a living museum to craftsmanship, care and detail.




The damage was clear, there were no other options. The ceiling would have to come down. A mysterious-looking lead ball "P" trap was the culprit. After more than a century of trouble-free work, it had finally decided to give up the ghost. This lead trap was something new to me and I deferred my plumbing know how to a true expert in Tom Allender.




With the ceiling exposed, we discussed the many options to improve on the lighting situation (one low voltage light converted from when it was originally a gas light gave the only source of illumination in the room). One idea and upgrade led to another and after over 20 years of living with the constraints of a house this old, the owners finally decided to make some enhancements. We called in Scott Schlepp of Scotco Electric. He is a very reliable and capable electrician who is very good about doing the right thing in retro-fitting wiring in an old house. Scott will always go the extra mile for the job to ensure you are happy and your new electrical setup will be reliable and safe.




New and improved lighting with a mixture of can lights, pendants and spot lights make the work area much improved. A convection oven enables the baking expert of the house to really excel at her hobby. A lovely granite counter top replaces an antique table that served as the previous work platform. A small, hand-hammered copper vegetable sink complements the upgrade to a very functional and elegant peninsula.





Like many old homes built around the turn of the century, the rooms are compartmentalized and cordoned off. There are really two kitchens, one with the cabinets and sink and the other with the fridge, stove and pantry. There are 4 doors going in and out of this room, so passage, flow and spacing was a constant consideration.




The period look and precision of the peninsula could not have been achieved without the help of the cabinet maker Fred Dieter. He was able to copy the old Doug Fir panel doors and Vertical Grain Fir face frames--complete with aged brass hardware. The result is a stunning continuation of a classic old cabinet growing out of the beautiful old Fir wainscoting. Mr. Dieter possesses a keen eye for detail and offered several suggestions that enhanced the look and feel we were trying to achieve. Fred also took an antique oak door panel the owners proudly displayed on a wall and built a free-standing cabinet that now houses the microwave. He restored the antique panel and integrated it seamlessly into the new cabinet, making sure to copy the arch and angles of the adjacent Oak hutch. No detail was spared from his creative and capable hands.




We also decided to install a vent to help the lovely old stove top channel the odors, heat and grease that are inevitable with even the healthiest of cooking. Again, after over 20 years of having no vent to push the air outside, the owners adapted and overcame the drawbacks. This project finally empowered them to feel like they deserve the upgrades. The owners settled on a very low-profile model that offers plenty of ventilation and additional light. Coincidentally, this model boasts a handy remote control that mounts magnetically to any surface and blends right in with the existing refrigerator.