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 Layout
The 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.

Creating a Rustic Mountain Lodge Kitchen Design

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 Functionality
While 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 Team
Had 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 costly errors in the process.

“Working with Green Curve Studio was an absolute pleasure, they exceeded our expectations from start to finish. Their ability to understand our vision for creating a functional, independent living space was outstanding. The kitchen remodel was a game-changer. The rustic mountain lodge kitchen design with exposed wood is exactly what we wanted. It perfectly complements the stunning view.

“We couldn’t be happier with the end result of our master bath remodel. The redesign created more space and improved accessibility, which was exactly what we needed. They transformed an underutilized storage room into a beautiful walk-in closet, Everything flows perfectly, and we are so grateful for their thoughtful approach to design!

“Working with Green Curve Studio was an absolute pleasure. From the initial consultation to the final touches, Susanne and her team made sure every detail was perfect.
– Timmy & Molly, Homeowners