Posts tagged ‘portland remodeling’

Aug 3

Designing an Adventure-Ready Home

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The weather is perfect for getting out of the house to explore the beauty of our fair state. Its also a great time to consider how your home can better support your family’s active and adventurous spirit.

Here are a few of our favorite active family design solutions:

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Designed by Arciform Senior Designer Kristyn Bester. Photo by Photo Art Portraits.

Biking may be a year-round sport in Portland, but with 8 months of rain it’s important to consider how to keep the bike dry and safe when you are not riding it. For this Portland client, we integrated bike storage into a basement mudroom to give the whole family a place to prep for the ride in comfort.

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Designed by Arciform Principal Designer Anne De Wolf. Photo by Photo Art Portraits.

The transition from home-time to adventure-time is more fun when everything you need is organized and ready to hand. A great mudroom keeps all of your outdoor gear right where you need it (and NOT on the kitchen table or in a pile in the corner of the basement).

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Designed by Arciform Principal Designer Anne De Wolf. Photo by Photo Art Portraits.

A bit of whimsy can make even the chore of loading out gear more of an adventure. This hidden door offers direct pass-through access to the mudroom for sports equipment, bikes, and other outdoor gear. It’s also spectacular for hide and seek with the new kids on the street.

MilliganUsher_1926_Basement_Entry_A_P_Pro (4) Designed by Arciform Senior Designer Kristyn Bester. Photo by Photo Art Portraits.

Another great option for stashing gear is to add lockers in your mudroom space. These were integrated into the space under the stairwell, making clever use of an otherwise wasted space in the home.

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Designed by Arciform Principal Designer Anne De Wolf. Photo by Photo Art Portraits.

Even in the glorious summer months, there will be rainy days that require at-home activity and adventure. Some activity-friendly finishes can turn your basement bonus room into a place for dancing, yoga, or even an indoor soccer arena. The wraparound metal trim in this basement family room allows the kids to roll back the rug and push back the furniture for a little rainy day footie match when needed.

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Designed by Arciform Principal Designer Anne De Wolf. Photo by Photo Art Portraits.

All that adventure can really work up a muddy mess of sweat, and you probably don’t want your master bath to bear the brunt of the clean up. For this we recommend a wet room in your basement or adjacent to your mudroom that minimizes the distance your family has to travel to wash up after a day’s hike in Forest Park.

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Designed by Arciform Senior Designer Kristyn Bester. Photo by Photo Art Portraits.

Wet rooms are designed with floor-to-ceiling water safe finishes that are designed for maximum mess with minimal clean up. This basement wet room (above and below) takes a narrow space and gives it style and practicality with floor-to-ceiling subway tile and polished concrete floors.

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Designed by Arciform Senior Designer Kristyn Bester. Photo by Photo Art Portraits.

Last but not least, a weekend full of adventure often leads to a week full of laundry. Taking the time to design a thoughtful and convenient laundry space in your basement, mudroom or even upstairs like this family (below) can make preparing for your next adventure more pleasant.

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Designed by Arciform Principal Designer Anne De Wolf. Photo by Photo Art Portraits.

And then, when all the tromping and stomping and climbing and rolling and cleaning is complete, isn’t it time for a nice, relaxing soak in your outdoor spa? This family (below) tucked an elegant spa area in a wooded corner of their yard, creating a peaceful post-adventure oasis in the heart of their home.

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Designed by Arciform Principal Designer Anne De Wolf. Photo by Photo Art Portraits.

How can we help you make your home more adventure-ready? Explore our design galleries and get inspired for your next project here.

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May 15

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Which Counter Top Material is Right for You?

A richly veined granite counter top adds great texture to this classic kitchen… but it requires a regular maintenance schedule to stay looking beautiful. Project designed by Kristyn Bester.

Are you easygoing but stylish? Glamorous but fussy? Rough and tumble and ready to rumble? Your family’s personality has a huge impact on which counter top material will be right for your kitchen.

This unusual Icestone counter has beautiful little flecks of pearlescent shell and glass embedded in it. Project designed by Anne De Wolf.

With so many choices out there it can be hard to pin down what’s right for you.

This soapstone counter will develop a beautiful natural patina but needs to be oiled routinely to keep it looking its best. Project designed by Anne De Wolf.

Fortunately, we ran across this nifty quiz on Houzz that does a pretty great job of helping you identify the counter material that will be a perfect fit.

The thin, stainless steel counters on this breakfast nook are great for busy families: indestructible but still so stylish.

Take the quiz here and then let us know what your results were in the comments below!

This Caesarstone counter provides a crisp white counterpoint to the stylish black millwork on the windows.

For more design inspiration, feel free to join us at our Kitchens that Work Design Workshop on Wednesday, May 27th. Get the details and RSVP here.

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Jan 22

The Suite Life

You know how you feel when you snuggle into bed in a truly great hotel suite? One that has all those little conveniences and surprising luxuries that make you feel cocooned in a peaceful web of relaxation? Wouldn’t it be great to feel like that every time you retreat to your own master suite?

This month we are exploring design ideas to incorporate into a master suite renovation, and we thought we’d start by stealing some of our favorite hotel suite design elements.

Here’s what our designers would steal from their favorite hotels for your master suite:

Kristyn Bester

My fantasy is a built-in espresso machine in the bedroom. Very hotelesque.

In a London hotel we loved the button that you pushed for instant fogging of the shower glass panel….now you see me, now you don’t. I’m including a similar element in the master bath for one of our current clients.

I also like iPod/iPhone docks for easy music access in the bedroom/bathroom – it makes for a seamless transition between the two, which is nice if you are like me and listen to NPR while you get ready in multiple areas.

The Japanese have a much more civilized approach to the toilet. Add a bidet/washlet for a whole different experience.

Last but not least, consider a dedicated spot for your bathrobe… something that will make the robe a part of the decor.

Chelly Wentworth adds:

Towel warmers make your morning a pleasure.

A soaking tub should have a great view. Maybe not as great as this one below… but consider natural light, window location and a restful/lovely vista for the eye when planning a soaking tub.

A seating area with en suite fireplace is a great feature of hotel suites on the coast. Nothing is more cozy than a good book and a fireplace…

Anne De Wolf would steal:

Well insulated windows and walls to control sounds! A full night’s sleep is so important and a quiet space makes a huge difference.

Also a dressing area with nice chair/ottoman to sit on or toss things onto as you pass and a full height mirror to check every detail before you leave for the day.

And last but not least…

Room service – naturally!

What suite features would you steal from your favorite hotels for your own master suite renovation? Join us February 18th for a Master Suite Design Workshop to get inspired for your next project. Details and RSVP here.

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Nov 13

Your 6 Step Guide to a Warmer Winter

We’re about to have our first hard freeze of the year here in Oregon and that has many of us scrambling to “batten down the hatches” in our homes and gardens to ensure our loved ones will be warm for the winter. Whistling windows, sticking front doors and slippery front stoops all make for a less than cozy winter experience.

With that in mind we thought we’d offer a handy Step Guide to a Warmer Winter this year.

1. Warm up Your Windows.

The single pane traditional double hung windows in many of our older Portland homes provide very little insulation value. We like to say they have an R-factor of zero, which means the cold comes through those windows as easily as if it were an empty hole. No wonder you are shivering, right?

What can you do to address this? Here are 3 good options:

Restore & Weatherstrip your Existing Windows. Fix broken and rotten window parts, restore function to the ropes and pulleys and clean out the tracks so your windows operate smoothly with out sticking sections or gaps. Add weatherstripping to ensure your windows are wind and watertight.

Add Storm Windows. Did you know you can buy historically accurate wood storm windows with insulated glass that will vastly improve the insulation value of your current windows while still maintaining a classic look on the exterior of your home? Each storm gets custom fitted to your existing window openings and can be removed in the summer as needed.

Replace Your Existing Windows . Often, the most economical way to improve the insulation value of your windows is to replace your current windows with new wood or fiberglass “inserts” or “tilt-pacs.” These options allow you to install new product into the existing window frames, making them cheaper than a whole window replacement or restoration. Often you can match the existing look of your windows while improving operation and energy efficiency.

Which to choose? Ask the experts. Your Carpenter on Call Team member can help you identify whether restoration, storms or replacement windows are the best option for you.

2. Insulate your Attic.

Most of your home’s heat escapes through the attic. Adding insulation can have a huge impact on the warmth of your home (and your energy bill!) While you are at it, consider insulating your heating ducts to be sure more of the heat you are paying for winds up in the rooms rather than escaping through the walls.

3. Tune Up your Front Door.

Sticking or warping doors can leave gaps for wintry winds to whistle in. Give your front door a tune up to be sure the hinges are adjusted properly, the lockset works smoothly and any warping or sticking areas get repaired. Add weatherstripping and a door sweep to ensure a tight seal when the door is closed.

4. Fall Proof Your Front Stoop.

Wet weather, moldy leaves and chipping paint can leave your front steps slick, shabby and worse for wear. Add a fresh coat of paint to your entry area and consider adding non-slip paint or rubber treads to your stair steps to prevent visitors from slipping.

5. Cozy Up Your Color Scheme.

A fresh coat of paint may not literally make your rooms warmer, but it can definitely make them a more welcoming place do be during the long winter months. Choose the room you spend the most time in and choose a bold and welcoming hue- studies have shown that color of your walls can actually warm up your family’s mood.

6. Finish Your Basement.

Create a cozy escape from the winter gloom by turning your basement into a family fun space. This Arciform client transformed their basement into a dry, cozy and welcoming space by adding some insulation and painting the exposed ceiling and concrete floor to look more finished. A custom carriage door designed by Versatile Wood Products partitions off the unfinished laundry area while carefully placed artwork conceals a few necessary utility panels.

Ready to warm up your home for the winter? Our Carpenter on Call Team will be happy to help you identify which of these projects will make the biggest difference for your home.

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Nov 7

5 Ways to Warm Up Your Hearth for the Holidays

Now that Fall is fully upon us and the bitter winds of Winter are not far from sight, it’s time to start thinking about how we can keep cozy through the dark and cold months to come.

What better way to keep warm than to curl up next to a fire with loved ones? Nothing else quite compares to the sight, smell, and heat of a roaring fire beckoning you to enjoy these crisp Portland days. Luckily we have some inspiration for you to spruce up your mantel and get ready for the holiday season to come.

Contemporize the Function and Feel

The paneling surrounding the fireplace below made the space feel too dark and dated.

BEFORE

To bring this fireplace into the modern day, designer Anne De Wolf worked with the client to make the space lighter and better fit their needs.

AFTER

Design by Anne De Wolf

Open shelving displays colorful pottery and glass vases along with books to add interest to the surrounding area. The mirrors above the new mantel shelf help reflect the room’s ambient light and give the illusion of more open space.

The cabinet door to the right of the mirror conceals a TV that can pivot out on an arm when needed.

Make Use of the Surrounding Space

Many Portland homes have fireplaces that are flanked by unused space.

BEFORE

This provides a great opportunity for built-in cabinetry, storage, bench seats, and a host of other features.

AFTER

Design by Kristyn Bester

These built in bookshelves were designed to integrate with the existing features of this Arciform client’s living room. The new tile surround and hearth lighten up the room and work beautifully with their personal style.

Revamp your Mantel with Period Appropriate Details

Fireplaces are a great place to incorporate period appropriate details and millwork. If your mantel is a victim of a bad remodel, returning it to its original glory is a wonderful way to pay homage to the age of your home.

Versatile Wood Products is a great source for custom millwork to help you build the mantel your home deserves.

When Arciform converted this daylight basement into a guest suite, the main living area had a fireplace that felt dated and inconsistent with the clean and classic style of the rest of the space.

BEFORE

The addition of a more substantial mantel with traditional millwork profiles and marble surround brings this hearth into focus as the heart of the new suite.

AFTER

Design by Kristyn Bester

Make Use of your Decommissioned Fireplace

There are plenty of decommissioned fireplaces in older homes and to miss out on the opportunity to use them as a design feature would be a shame. They are a great place to store books or a collection of personal treasures gathered from travels around the world.

Add Color

Whether you are trying to draw attention to or away from the fireplace, a simple coat of paint can work wonders.

What does your hearth need to get it ready for the long winter nights ahead?

Whether you are adding a touch of color, restoring a classic mantel to its original glory or hoping to add storage space and integrated technology features, Arciform’s Design and Small Projects Teams can help you get your hearth ready for the holiday season.

Get started on your own project by emailing our team here.

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Oct 21

Making it Personal: 8 Ways to Add Personal Style Your Kitchen

At Arciform, we believe in designing kitchens that will fit the era and style of your home. But we also feel that your kitchen should really feel like YOU. How can you add special personal touches to your kitchen design that reflect your family’s unique style?

Here are 8 ways to add a pop of personality to your kitchen:

1. Colorful cabinets: Whatever style of cabinets you choose, painting them a vivid color can be a great way to make your kitchen uniquely yours. Here are some great examples of Arciform clients who used color to express themselves in their kitchen:

Vivid blue lower cabinets add personality to this Laurelhurst kitchen while Carrara marble counters and subway tile backsplash keep the overall vibe clean and classic. Design by Kristyn Bester.

This client was in love with their vintage tile counters, mesh door inserts and arched valance of their original 1940s kitchen. We exactly replicated those historic elements and then painted the cabinets apple green to honor her love of bold color. Design by Kristyn Bester.

2. Cabinet Door Inserts. Your recessed door panels do not have to be wood. Adding a perforated metal or glass insert to some doors adds a subtle but very special custom element.

For this kitchen design by Anne De Wolf, we inserted white perforated metal panels into this clients upper cabinet doors to create a cool texture. The simple color palette keeps the design from feeling busy or cluttered.

This client fell in love with a heavy gage mesh that was incorporated into her custom upper doors and her lower drawers. The lower drawers are used to store dog food and pet items, making the mesh a beautiful and practical way to allow airflow around these items. Design by Anne De Wolf.

3. Open shelving. One of the simplest ways to showcase your family’s obsessions is to incorporate open shelving into your kitchen plan.

This allows you to show off your favorite collections and change things up with the seasons. Your selection of shelving material and bracket style can add a decorative touch while still maintaining a neutral backdrop for your favorite things.

This Arciform client incorporated open shelving as a way to frame their fridge and display their favorite dishes. Behind these shelves, a custom divided lite window screens additional open pantry storage that tucks the useful but less pretty items in easy reach but just out of sight. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Simple narrow shelves with cool shelf brackets create a space to show off favorite ingredients and much used items. They also help to solve a tricky storage challenge in this long and narrow kitchen. Design by Anne De Wolf.

The shelves in this project were made of salvaged tropical hardwood that was used as spacer to transport pipes across oceans.The custom metal brackets are suspended from the ceiling and show off the client’s eclectic taste. Design by Anne De Wolf.

If your kitchen has the height for it, you can also create plate rail display space above the cabinets.

This Arciform project in a National Monument home integrated plate rails and display space around the entire perimeter of the room to help the client showcase their treasured Turkish pottery collection. Design by Anne De Wolf.

4. Lighting. Decorative lighting fixtures are a great way to showcase your distinct style. And since they are relatively easy and inexpensive to replace, you can update them over the years when you are ready for a fresh look.

This client supplements her decorative pendant lights with under cabinet lighting and a few discreet can lights so that she can enjoy the best of both worlds: beautiful fixtures and practical task lighting that puts light just where its needed. Design by Anne De Wolf.

This elegant fixture over the sink adds a ton of personality to a small kitchenette in this client’s daylight basement guest suite. Design by Kristyn Bester.

5. Hardware. Knobs, pulls and hinges are often called the “jewelry” of your design. Vintage knobs or custom pieces can be sourced to fit your exact taste. Keep in mind that your knobs and pulls don’t have to all match – you can mix it up to add interest to the space and if you find yourself wanting an update later, it is inexpensive and fun to change out your knobs for a fresh look.

You can also showcase your style in other kinds of hardware… from bottle openers to towel hooks.

Maybe a whimsical bottle opener is just the right touch. Or use a whole wall to showcase a collection!

6. Tile niches. With thousands of varieties, colors and patterns of tile out there, your back splash or stove niche can be a great place to add a personal touch to your kitchen design.

This Arciform client chose a subtle blue grey tile for their stove niche. The unusual curved medallion shape contrasts nicely with the clean and classic subway tile of the backsplash. Design by Chelly Wentworth.

This client incorporated some very cool painted tiles that were salvaged from the original kitchen into their new stove niche. Design by Anne De Wolf.

7. Custom windows. If your kitchen has one main window, consider making it a focal point with a custom shape or salvage stained glass element.

This Arciform client added a custom gothic arched casement window to her kitchen addition, creating an unusual and striking centerpiece to the kitchen design. A salvage stain glass accessory window adds color and vintage flair. Design by Anne De Wolf.

8. Flooring design. Another place you can have a bit of design fun is in the selection of your flooring pattern. From chevron patterns to inset tile elements and stain options there are a variety of ways to add subtle personal details to your kitchen floor.

The flooring in this kitchen features decorative inset wood pegs in a contrasting color that give the floor a “buttoned” look. Design by Chelly Wentworth.

Hex floor tile offers a wealth opportunities to incorporate a custom tile pattern. You can even have your family’s name or the year of the house inset into the tile pattern if you like. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Even simple marmoleum floors can add a bold graphic element, like the contrasting band of color used in this Arciform project. The design element also acts as an aging in place feature by making the transition between floor and cabinets easy to distinguish. Design by Chelly Wentworth.

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Oct 10

Period Kitchens: The ’50s and ’60s

The ’50s and 60’s kitchen was all about “modern conveniences” and new manufactured finishes that made the latest looks more affordable for a growing post-war family. The look was sleek, with minimal ornamentation and increasing use of wood veneers, laminates and manufactured finishes.

Full Overlay Cabinets. Cabinets doors completely concealed the face frame behind it.

This 1962 whole house remodel features a Mid-Century Modern inspired kitchen with full overlay doors and drawers, simple hardware and strong, simple shapes. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Slab Doors. Simple, flush un-ornamented doors were popular, creating clean lines and simple shapes.

This Saul Zaik home features full overlay slab doors in the kitchen with wood edged laminate counter tops. Lines were kept simple to keep the focus on the dramatic ceiling lines and large windows of this classic Mid-Century Modern home. Design by Brian Carleton, built by Arciform.

Wood Veneers. Manufactured finishes like wood veneers and laminates became very popular during this era, along with counter tops that sometimes came with contrasting or matching wood, metal or laminate edging.

This restored kitchen in the Alameda neigborhood integrated new cabinets alongside the existing cabinets. Exact replicas of the brass hardware were custom made for the kitchen and a new fridge was tucked behind panels that were designed to blend with the rest of the kitchen. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Would you like to refresh your kitchen’s sleek Mod style? Our designers can help you integrate modern conveniences while including style elements that fit the era of your home. Schedule a design consultation to begin planning your own perfect kitchen here.

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Oct 8

Period Perfect Kitchen: 1920-1930

If your home was built between 1920 and 1930, the original kitchen may have had some of the features below.

Mix of full inset and half-overlay door and drawer styles. While still simple, the addition of half-overlay doors and drawer styles added character.

This 1929 kitchen has the original tile counters and a mix of full inset and half-overlay doors and drawers. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Tile counters. Tile countertops were affordable, durable and could add style to the kitchen.

This 1931 kitchen has tile counters that replicate the hexaganal design typical of the period. Design by Kristyn Bester.

Deco details. Fitting with the glamour of the era, there were often deco details found in the kitchen.

Deco details in a 1929 kitchen. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Freestanding appliances. There was typically an oven, sink and if you were lucky enough, a stand alone fridge.

Freestanding fridge and range in this 1931 kitchen. Design by Kristyn Bester.

Would you like to revitalize your kitchen’s original deco details? Our designers can help you integrate modern conveniences while including style elements that fit the era of your home. Schedule a design consultation to begin planning your own perfect kitchen here.

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Sep 16

Design Secrets: Which Kitchen Sink is Right for You?

A vintage farmhouse sink is a very cool way to add personality to your kitchen- but is it right for the style of your home and your family’s lifestyle? We interviewed Arciform Senior Designer Chelly Wentworth for some pro tips to help you choose the sink that’s right for you.

What are the most common styles of kitchen sinks that your clients request for their projects? What are the pros and cons for these common styles?

Undermount single bowl is the most common style requested by my clients.

This undermount single bowl sink avoids the lip of a top mount sink,
making the counters easier to keep clean.

It’s better for soaking larger pans and cookie sheets and has a cleaner installation.

Another common request is the farmhouse sink. It’s technically most appropriate for older home styles but people love them!

This apron front farmhouse sink adds to the classic feel of this kitchen in a 1909 home.

They are charming and recall a bygone era.

One advantage of the farmhouse sink is that sink cabinets can take a beating and farmhouse sinks provide protection. They are generally deep which makes them great for washing and filling taller pots. The roomy interiors help when cookie sheets and pans need soaking.

Do you have a favorite farmhouse sink?

When a project calls for a sleeker look I like stainless steel farmhouse sinks.

There are a variety of sink materials (stainless steel, porcelain, etc)- what are some pros and cons of these different materials?

Stainless Steel

Easy to clean, sleek style, variety of shapes, goes well with stainless steel appliances

This stainless steel sink includes a continuous steel counter and backsplash,
making it a very practical choice for this busy family.

Be aware that not all stainless steel sinks are created equal.

The sink needs to be a high grade of steel (18/10 or better) and be insulated for sound.

Also, keep in mind that stainless steel scratches easily and can dent.

This under-mount stainless steel sink was used for a contemporary Pearl District loft kitchen.

Cast Iron

This is a great traditional choice that includes a life time warranty by some manufacturers.

This basement guest suite uses am IronTones cast iron topmount sink from Kohler.

Cast iron sinks with enamel or porcelain coatings are available in many colors but a limited number of shapes.

Be aware that the coatings can chip and get stained but can usually be cleaned.

This very cool farmhouse pedestal leg sink features porcelain finish over cast iron with built in drainboards. It is from Strom Plumbing and its called Clarion.

Fireclay

This is a durable and non-porous material, making it resistant to stains and able to withstand high heat.

This historic property incorporated a fireclay apron front sink from Kohler to fit with the turn of the century style of the home.

Available in a wide range of colors and styles, fireclay can mimic a traditional cast iron look with added durability.

Just keep in mind that they can be uneven and water can pool in them because of their uneven surfaces.

Composites

Made from a mixture of granite stone dust and acrylic resins, composites come in dark colors that can help them blend in with darker counter materials.

This Silgranit under-mount sink is a grey granite composite material.
It was installed into our Portland Monthly Kitchen Makeover kitchen.

Harsh chemicals and high heat can damage some composite sinks, so be sure to select a sink that’s designed for high heat resistance.

You could also choose to have a sink carved out of a whole block of soapstone or other stone material, or to have one manufactured out of slabs of stone for a natural look.

This soapstone sink was assembled from stone slabs for a textured, very distinctive look.

You will have the same maintenance concerns with these materials in your sink as you would in your counter tops- granite can be porous and show stains, while soapstone looks best when oiled as part of a regular maintenance routine.

Is there a style of sink or sink material you tend to steer people away from? If so, why?

If they can’t live with scratches, I’ll steer them away from stainless steel.

If they are installing a dishwasher, I will often advise that a double bowl or asymmetrical sink is not necessary.

This double bowl asymmetrical stainless steel sink works well for an empty-nest couple who do not typically have a full load of dishes to do at one time. But a larger family (or a couple who loves to cook large pots of pasta) may prefer a deeper single bowl sink.

Do you have favorite or “go to” sink that you have used on multiple projects? What do you like about it?

Here are a few of my favorites:

Rohl Shaws Original for FarmHouse

Its ‘the original’ and I love the little logo

Kohler Cast Iron

I like these for undermount sinks.

Blanco Silgranit

Finally, for fireclay undermount sinks I like

Allia

What advice do you have for homeowners about selecting a sink style that will be right for their family’s needs?

I always ask homeowners to consider the following questions when deciding on a sink:

What style of sink would have been common during the era your home was built?
What style of sink are you most used to?
Who will be using the sink?
Do you do a lot of hand washing or do you primarily use the dishwasher?
What’s your cooking style? If you cook a lot of pasta you may need a deeper sink. Asian foods cooked with a hot wok may lead you towards a heat resistant material while a preference for lots of sauces might suggest a sink that is stain and acid resistant.
What’s your budget?

Sinks can range widely in price based on style and material. Your designer can help steer you towards choices that fit both your style and your budget.

Want to explore more ideas for designing your dream kitchen?

Join us October 8th for our Kitchen Confidential workshop for an evening of inspiration and insider tricks that will help you make your kitchen a pleasure to live and work in.

Get the details and RSVP here.

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Aug 15

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Kitchen Confidential: 5 Hidden Conveniences for Your Kitchen

(Small appliances tucked elegantly out of sight? Yes, please!)

Sometimes, the thing you love most about your kitchen is completely invisible to the casual guest in your home. These little conveniences can help make your kitchen a pleasure to live and work in.

Here are 5 Hidden Conveniences to Consider for Your Kitchen Project

1. Build In Space for Breakfast… and Business.

(This kitchen and its cleverly convenient nook was designed by Arciform owner and Senior Designer Anne De Wolf.)

This small pantry area reclaimed space off of our client’s kitchen, adding storage and allowing the main kitchen to feel more open. Once the built in cabinets were added, however, the remaining footprint was small and the client still needed space for a work desk and a breakfast area.

The solution: A laptop desk that cleverly slides out from the work station (above left) and a breakfast bar that drops down to tuck out of the walkway when not in use (below).

2. Electrify Your Island.

(This kitchen renovation was for the historic Barnes Mansion, which is featured as the “Haunted Mansion” in Beverly Cleary’s Ramona Quimby books. The kitchen was designed by Arciform owner and senior designer Anne De Wolf.)

This client’s Historic Register home needed a kitchen island that would fit the elegant and timeless aesthetic of the rest of the space. She also needed to be able to plug her mixer and other small appliances in without dragging a cord across the large kitchen.

The solution: A custom built island with turned legs that creates a furniture-like look AND cleverly hides the cords for the electric outlet inside a hollow leg.

3. Tuck Trays (and Technology) into Your Toe Kicks.

(These custom cabinets were designed by Arciform Senior Designer Chelly Wentworth and are being built by our sister company Versatile Wood Products for use on a kitchen project being completed this summer.)

Make every inch of your custom kitchen work a bit harder by installing drawers into your toe kicks. This recessed portion of the cabinet by the floor is often wasted space, but a shallow drawer tucked into your toe kick is a great place to store cookie sheets and platters (or even the good silverware.)

Or take it a step further (if you’ll forgive the pun) and invest in one of these very cool Scalimera toe kick step stools that automatically pop out and unfold themselves when you kick them. You can check out a video of these nifty little numbers in action here.

(We’ll be installing one of these into the toe kick of another Historic Register home designed by Ellis Lawrence that is currently undergoing a kitchen renovation designed by Arciform Senior Designer Kristyn Bester.)

4. Slip Spices into a Secret Cabinet.

(Arciform Senior Designer Chelly Wentworth helped our Kitchen Makeover winners transform their kitchen from dingy and difficult to uncluttered and utterly charming.)

The biggest design challenge faced in the design for our Portland Monthly Kitchen Makeover winner was how to tuck in storage wherever we could into a kitchen with a very small footprint and very limited cabinet space. The lower cabinets were in great shape and had orignial 1930s era mesh inset cabinet doors with charming vintage hardware. How could we help this couple keep the charming elements of their current kitchen and add easy access to their spices and cooking oils without cluttering up their extremely limited counter space?

The solution: Carve out pockets of space to the left and right of their range for cookie sheet storage and a pull out spice rack that tucks back behind a narrow door when not in use. Salvage butterfly hinges were found to match the charming details on the rest of the cabinets to make the secret spice drawer feel like it was always there.

Or tuck your spices into a neatly organized drawer with a spice rack insert:

5. Hide the Pantry in Plain Sight.

(This kitchen renovation is part of a whole house remodel designed by Arciform owner and Senior Designer Anne De Wolf.)

This kitchen renovation in a Sellwood Victorian was designed to be a simple space that opened directly onto the family’s main living space. The main kitchen footprint would be small, efficient and open, with no upper cabinets to store typical serving items and pantry essentials. How would this busy family of four fit their day to day groceries into the space?

The solution: A bit of unused space adjacent to the downstairs powder room was converted into a pantry. Dishes and attractive serving items are displayed on open shelving and backed by custom built divided lite windows that create an old fashioned small town grocery store feeling. Day to day pantry items are stored on shelving tucked into the nook behind the windows, making them easy to access but largely invisible to casual users of the space.

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