When these homeowners purchased a 50-year-old custom home in Milwaukie, Oregon, they immediately saw the potential. The house had strong bones and character, but the layout didn’t quite fit how they wanted to live. As their first major remodel, and a home they planned to stay in long term, they wanted to make sure to get everything right.
Their goal was to create a warm, open, and highly functional living space that honored the unique character of the original home while improving flow, increasing natural light, and introducing thoughtful custom details throughout.
Opening Up the Main Living Spaces
One of the most transformative parts of the remodel was the removal of two major walls, opening the connection between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. The result is a home that feels brighter, more connected, and far better suited for gathering with family and friends.
The updated layout creates long sightlines throughout the main floor while still maintaining a sense of warmth and intimacy. Rich wood window frames, soft green tones, and natural white oak finishes help balance the openness of the space and reinforce the home’s original character.
A Kitchen Centered Around Warmth and Function
The kitchen was designed to feel timeless, welcoming, and highly functional for everyday living. Custom white oak cabinetry by M H Custom Cabinetry introduces warmth and texture throughout the space, while painted accents in Sherwin Williams Dried Thyme provide subtle contrast and depth.
A large island creates additional prep space, storage, and seating while helping anchor the open kitchen layout.
Key finishes include:
- Cabinetry by M H Custom Cabinetry
- Stratus Calacatta Solana countertops
- Bedrosians Celine Matte tile in Taupe at the sink wall
- Visual Comfort Dianna pendants above the island
- Sherwin Williams Alabaster walls
- Sherwin Williams Dried Thyme painted cabinetry accents
One of the standout features of the remodel is the custom built-in hutch wall, featuring glass-front cabinetry, warm wood detailing, and an arched focal niche that adds both storage and architectural character to the room.
Natural Light and Connection to the Outdoors
Large wood-framed windows flood the kitchen and dining spaces with natural light while strengthening the connection to the surrounding landscape. A custom built-in window bench creates a cozy gathering space while adding functional storage and seating.
Throughout the remodel, the homeowners leaned into a palette inspired by natural materials and calming tones. In the dining room, Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog adds depth and richness while complementing the warmth of the wood cabinetry and flooring. The Capital Lighting Weston chandelier provides a clean, understated focal point above the dining table.
A Collaborative Design-Build Process
Because this was the homeowners’ first major renovation, communication and trust were essential throughout the project. The Evergreen team guided the homeowners through each phase of design and construction, helping them navigate selections, scheduling, budgeting, and decision-making with confidence.
From design development through construction, the homeowners always knew:
- What phase of work was happening
- Which subcontractors would be onsite
- How the project was progressing overall
They also highlighted the professionalism, craftsmanship, and respect shown by every member of the construction team and trade partners throughout the renovation.
The Result
The finished remodel feels both elevated and deeply personal, a home designed not around trends, but around how the homeowners truly wanted to live. What was once a closed-off and dated layout is now a warm, open, and highly functional forever home filled with thoughtful details, natural materials, and inviting gathering spaces.
“We were well informed throughout the entire process and always knew what phase was happening and who to expect in our home. We can’t say enough about how grateful we are to Kayed and his crew for making our dream home come true.”