Tweto Architecture
Full kitchen view with tall black-framed windows wrapping the corner, commercial range, walnut cabinets, and soapstone counters, Concordia Kitchen by Tweto Architecture, NE Portland

Concordia Kitchen

Kitchen Remodel · Northeast Portland

Tweto Architecture designed a comprehensive kitchen remodel to create an open, bright, and functional kitchen for the clients, both avid cooks.

The existing kitchen of this 1920s cottage had been remodeled several times over the years, leaving the space cramped and cluttered. Small windows and too much cabinetry limited flow and connections to the outdoors. The stair to the basement was dark and steep, with a landing that opens to their primary outdoor space.

Contractor: AKOS Construction
Photography: Cristin Norine Photography

Keeping within the existing kitchen footprint, the design expanded the connection to the dining room and opened up the kitchen as much as possible. Extra-tall aluminum-clad wood windows with thin wood frames were painted gloss black to remind them of the steel windows of their past Chicago home while keeping the new space energy efficient and comfortable. The scale and placement of the new windows bring in light while framing views of the Silver Maple in the backyard. An improved stairway to the basement connects the redone landing where a new, extra tall, glass door connects the kitchen to a back deck for outdoor dining and entertaining. A window above the door brings natural light into the kitchen and basement, and makes the basement stair inviting.

The new kitchen includes a large commercial style range, generous soapstone counter space, and efficient storage in flat panel walnut cabinetry. A dedicated coffee station keeps the remaining counters clear for prep and cooking. An open seating counter along the back of the kitchen looks into their backyard landscape and live-edge walnut floating shelves finish out the space and provide some open display areas. Industrial themed light fixtures, full height subway tile walls, and the black painted windows work together to add loft character to new space while still feeling complementary to the vaguely colonial revival cottage style home.

Sink counter with soapstone top and large black-framed window looking into the backyard, Concordia Kitchen by Tweto Architecture
Cooking side of the kitchen with commercial range, red metal bar stools at the soapstone seating counter, and black-framed windows overlooking the yard, Concordia Kitchen by Tweto Architecture
Seating counter with soapstone top and red bar stools beneath open walnut shelves and tall black-framed windows, Concordia Kitchen by Tweto Architecture

The kitchen area represents phase 1 of their project goals and was future-proofed to be compatible with a second-level dormer addition that was included in the design. The project included upgraded mechanical systems, plumbing and electric updates, and repair of the front porch.

Corner where two runs of tall black-framed windows meet above the soapstone counter, with range and industrial pendant lights beyond, Concordia Kitchen by Tweto Architecture
Three open walnut floating shelves loaded with cookbooks and plants against full-height white subway tile, with stand mixer on the soapstone counter below, Concordia Kitchen by Tweto Architecture
Close-up of soapstone counter corner showing veining and texture against white subway tile backsplash and walnut upper cabinet, Concordia Kitchen by Tweto Architecture Dedicated coffee station with espresso machine set into walnut cabinetry beside the stair opening, Concordia Kitchen by Tweto Architecture
Open walnut floating shelves beside the black-framed door to the back deck, with stand mixer on the counter below, Concordia Kitchen by Tweto Architecture Kitchen viewed from the back showing walnut cabinets, open shelving, and stainless refrigerator, Concordia Kitchen by Tweto Architecture
Walnut kitchen cabinets and stainless refrigerator with the open passage to the dining room visible beyond, Concordia Kitchen by Tweto Architecture
Coffee station and stainless refrigerator flanked by walnut cabinetry, with passage to dining room in the background, Concordia Kitchen by Tweto Architecture
Existing and new main floor plans side by side showing the reconfigured kitchen, new back deck, and opened connection to the dining room, Concordia Kitchen by Tweto Architecture
Original cramped kitchen with white painted cabinets and small window before the remodel, Concordia Kitchen Before
Remodeled kitchen with commercial range, walnut cabinets, and tall black-framed windows flooding the space with light, Concordia Kitchen by Tweto Architecture After
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