April 1, 2025

Transforming a Lower-Level Kitchen: A Smart Residential Design Solution When a smart general contractor suggested the homeowner hire an interior designer for their lower-level kitchen remodel, the goal was clear: create a functional and independent living space for the homeowner’s sister, her husband, and their pet dog. The lower floor, located in a two-story residence with stunning views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens, was already equipped with a large yard and a swimming pool. However, the layout needed a significant redesign to better suit the needs of the new residents. Contractor Recommended Guest Room as Kitchen Location For one, anyone using the kitchen in the middle of the night would need to travel quite a distance to grab a snack. Furthermore, converting the bedroom into a kitchen would eliminate the guest room where grandchildren slept during visits, a space that was conveniently located next to a bathroom. This plan left little room for flexibility in the layout and failed to consider the convenience and accessibility that would best serve the needs of the residents. The Initial Plan: A Bedroom Conversion for a Functional Kitchen LayoutThe contractor’s initial suggestion was to convert an existing bedroom into a kitchen. The location, directly beneath the first-floor kitchen, seemed practical for construction, as it was close to existing plumbing. However, placing the kitchen in this far northeast corner of the lower level came with a series of challenges. Our Design Solution: A Central Kitchen After visiting the site and carefully considering the options, our team proposed a much more practical and accessible solution: relocating the kitchen to a more central position in the space. Upon inspecting the property, we discovered that the utility room, which shared a wall with a large storage room, had the potential to become the perfect location for the new kitchen. The shared wall contained ample plumbing for the “wet wall” in the kitchen, and by moving the laundry room into the storage area, we could share the plumbing wall between the new kitchen and laundry, drastically reducing plumbing costs. This new kitchen layout, designed in a galley style, allowed the kitchen to be centrally located within the space. It was now easily accessible from all areas of the home, including the Rec Room and swimming pool, making midnight snacks a breeze. Creating a Rustic Mountain Lodge Feel To further enhance the design and tie the space to its stunning natural surroundings, we decided to create a rustic mountain lodge aesthetic. We exposed the fir wood ceiling deck and floor joists, giving the space a warm and inviting atmosphere. This feature not only added visual interest but also helped bring the outdoors in, echoing the majestic views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens just beyond the windows.The natural wood tones beautifully complemented the modern kitchen layout, offering a perfect balance of rustic charm and functional design. Collaborating with the Plumber: Efficient Plumbing Design for Kitchen Remodel To ensure that our design worked seamlessly with the existing plumbing, we scheduled a walk-through with a plumber early in the process. This step was crucial in confirming that our proposed layout would connect to the existing sewer lines, minimizing the need for saw cutting, trenching, and other expensive construction processes. This attention to detail was key in keeping costs manageable while still delivering the quality of design that the client expected. Master Bath Remodel: Increased FunctionalityWhile the kitchen relocation was a major component of the redesign, the master bath also required significant updates. The homeowner had complained about the cramped shower and the inconvenient access to the bathroom, which required going through the rec room.To address these concerns, we proposed a complete overhaul of the master bath. We enlarged the shower, relocated the toilet to a more private area, and added a his-and-her sink. We also ensured direct access from the master bedroom, while retaining the second entrance for added convenience. By tapping into the shared plumbing wall, we were able to reduce the costs of tearing out existing structures, minimizing both the disruption and expense of the remodel. “Transforming Storage Into a Walk-In Closet for Master Bedroom Additionally, we transformed the existing storage area into a walk-in closet, accessible both from the master bath and the master bedroom. The Transformation of This Independent Living Space Creating a Rustic Mountain Lodge Kitchen Design To further enhance the design and tie the space to its stunning natural surroundings, we decided to create a rustic mountain lodge kitchen aesthetic. We exposed the fir wood ceiling deck and floor joists, giving the space a warm and inviting atmosphere. This feature not only added visual interest but also helped bring the outdoors in, echoing the majestic views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens just beyond the windows.The natural wood tones beautifully complemented the modern kitchen layout, offering a perfect balance of rustic charm and functional design, creating a seamless transition between modern kitchen design and rustic accents. Key Takeaways: Functional and accessible kitchen layout: Centralized kitchen design provides convenience for all areas of the home, including the Rec Room and swimming pool. Rustic mountain lodge aesthetic: Exposed fir wood ceiling and joists create a warm, inviting atmosphere that complements the property’s natural beauty. Cost-efficient design: Collaborating with plumbing experts ensured that our redesign minimized construction costs while maintaining a high level of quality. Master bath remodel: Improved accessibility, functionality, and comfort through thoughtful design choices such as enlarging the shower and relocating fixtures. The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Design TeamHad the homeowner not hired our experienced design team, there’s a high chance that the guest bedroom would have been converted into a kitchen, a decision that would have created major inconveniences for the family. By considering every detail, from layout and plumbing to accessibility, we were able to deliver a solution that met the client’s needs and exceeded their expectations.In the end, this project demonstrated how thoughtful design can transform a space into something truly functional and beautiful, while also avoiding

At Green Curve Studio, we specialize in transforming complex spaces into functional, beautiful environments that meet our clients’ needs. Our Take Charge Design & Management program is designed to handle the challenges of tenant build-outs from start to finish—no matter the complications that arise along the way. One of our standout projects exemplifies this perfectly. In 2020, we were approached by a client who had purchased an old bank building for an orthodontic practice. The space was located in a high-end neighborhood, and our client envisioned creating a modern, club-like atmosphere for his practice. However, the building came with numerous challenges, and navigating them required every ounce of our expertise and creativity. THE BEAST/BEFORE Identifying the Challenges From the beginning, we saw that this project would be anything but ordinary. The building, which had been expanded over the years, had no readily available architectural plans. To make matters more complicated, parts of the space were on different levels, meaning we would need to incorporate ramps to meet ADA compliance. Additionally, there was a second-floor area that the client planned to lease to a pediatric dentist. However, our architect quickly pointed out that the building was not up to code for a second-floor permit. To address these issues, we hired a local architect to inspect the space and create As Built plans, giving us a clear understanding of the building’s structure. We learned that the stairway was right in the middle of our design space, and we had to incorporate fireproof pull-down doors for after-hours protection. Creative Orthodontic Office Design Solutions With these restrictions in mind, we worked closely with our client to develop several layouts for the main floor, which was 3,400 square feet. We ensured that the space would not only meet the orthodontic practice’s needs but also provide a high-end, modern feel that our client envisioned. The design featured angular, artful details, including white and grey marble, deep wood tones, and angular wood trellis elements to create a sense of sophistication. To balance these sharp angles, we added circular lighting fixtures for a soft contrast, creating a warm, welcoming environment for both staff and patients. Our team developed 3 layout options Cost Control and Protecting Your Budget in Orthodontic Office Construction Another key aspect of our Take Charge Design & Management program is our commitment to protecting our clients from unexpected costs. During this project, our client was quoted an astronomical $400 per square foot for construction—far above the agreed-upon $200 per square foot budget. We knew we had to act fast to ensure the project stayed on track. We went through the contractor’s bid line by line, uncovering numerous discrepancies and inflated costs. In some cases, the client was being charged ten times for a single item. Our team spent several days digging into the details and worked diligently to revise the bid, removing overcharges and ensuring that the final bid was aligned with our budget expectations. The end result? We brought the cost down to $225 per square foot, protecting the client’s investment and making the project financially viable. A Successful Outcome for the Orthodontic Practice Build-Out The final result was nothing short of remarkable. The space was designed to meet the unique needs of an orthodontic practice while offering a stylish, upscale ambiance. Our client was thrilled with the results, especially when the practice opened and exceeded patient sign-up projections—even during the COVID-19 lockdown. While many anticipated a slow start, the practice signed up 20 patients in its first month, far outpacing initial projections. Final Layout This project exemplifies how Green Curve Studio’s Take Charge Design & Management program goes above and beyond to ensure a successful outcome. By tackling the design and construction challenges head-on, protecting our client’s budget, and keeping the project on track, we created a space that not only met our client’s needs but exceeded his expectations. Client Testimonial: How Green Curve Studio Delivered a Seamless Orthodontic Office Design “I knew from the start that turning an old bank into a modern orthodontic practice was going to be a challenge, but Green Curve made it all come together seamlessly. The space had been added onto over the years, the building’s layout was a puzzle and parking was limited. The structure wasn’t up to code, and the permit issues were discouraging. Susanne and her team took the time to truly understand my vision, and despite the many challenges, they never wavered in their commitment to delivering a top-notch design. From the beginning, they listened to my vision and helped me navigate the complexities of an unusual space. They were able to create a beautiful, functional space that met ADA compliance and felt welcoming with angular, modern design elements. Due to time and permit constraints, we decided not to put the project out for competitive bid and instead selected a contractor we trusted. We clearly communicated our budget of $225 per square foot, but the contractor bypassed the design team and submitted a bid directly to me at $425 per square foot—well over the budget we had set.””When I told the contractor that my budget was fixed at $225 per square foot, he simply told me to get more money. I knew that wasn’t an option, so I forwarded the outrageous bid to Susanne and her team. They worked tirelessly, going line by line through the contractor’s bid and catching errors and over charges that would have cost me tens of thousands of dollars. The team’s attention to detail was exceptional, and in the end, the contractor realized we weren’t going to compromise on price. Thanks to Green Curve Studio’s expert negotiation, the final bid came down to our target price of $225 per square foot—saving me a significant amount.” My practice exceeded projections from day one—even with the pandemic restrictions. I can’t thank Green Curve Studio enough for their expertise and dedication to my project.” I’m beyond pleased with Green Curve Studio’s work and the incredible value they provided.” – Sam