This single-family residence remodel in Wilsonville, OR, was a collaboration between Wise Design and Sasquatch Architecture. The owner sought to transform what was once an old cabin into a modern home by removing knotty pine trim and updating key spaces like the kitchen, living room, and entry. With a focus on creating a more open and cohesive layout, the design centered around vaulting the kitchen ceiling and introducing a striking new fireplace to serve as a focal point between the two spaces.

To bring this vision to life, the kitchen was completely reworked with a mix of new and modified cabinetry. The original knotty pine cabinets, while well-crafted, felt dated. The updated design combined rift-sawn white oak and painted cabinets, with the existing lower cabinetry modified to accommodate soft-close drawers and refinished to match the new casework.

Structural changes were key to opening up the space. The kitchen ceiling framing was removed and replaced with a vaulted ceiling supported by a new beam. The wood stove and chimney were eliminated, widening the connection between the kitchen and living room. A larger kitchen window was installed to enhance natural light. Knotty pine paneling was replaced with smooth-finished sheetrock, allowing light to reflect off the newly painted walls rather than being absorbed by the darker wood, making the entire home feel brighter and more expansive. The existing carpet in the living areas was swapped for oak flooring and steps. Additional updates included new passage doors, painted wood casings, and baseboards, as well as fresh paint throughout all construction areas. The entryway was redefined with a recessed alcove featuring a built-in bench and coat rack, along with new flooring, steps, and railing.

Beyond the physical updates, the design also achieved a more visually calming interior. Removing the dark knotty pine details allowed natural light to reflect off the newly painted walls, making the space feel brighter and more open. The simplified interior design creates a cleaner backdrop, drawing attention to the beautiful forested setting outside the windows and strengthening the home’s connection to its surroundings.