See the latest design trends, tour remodeled Portland area homes this weekend

Dreamy magazine spreads of stylish homes can’t deliver the same experience as actually walking through a space that represents the latest design trends in livable layouts, with resilient products and tasteful décor.

The 2022 Tour of Remodeled Homes on Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22, let’s you take your time wandering through five upgraded private homes throughout the greater Portland area and ask local remodeling contractors about updating a kitchen, reworking a bathroom or adding a room.

The tour, produced by the Home Builders Association of Metro Portland and its Professional Remodelers Organization, returns to an in-person event after virtual events in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

Tour goers ($30, remodeltourportland.com/p/tickets) can hear about energy efficient upgrades, scratch- and water-resistant flooring like luxury vinyl planks, and composite siding and newer paint products that last longer.

Visit RemodelTourPortland.com for more information and to purchase tickets (use the code TOUR2022 at checkout to save $10; there is a $2.50 service fee).

Here are highlights of each of the five renovated dwellings on the 2022 Tour of Remodeled Homes:

Sophisticated townhome: A brownstone-style townhome in Northwest Portland’s Alphabet District now has an open staircase and upgraded entry, living room, kitchen and three bathrooms. The work was done by C&K Custom Remodeling, a Portland-based design-build company.

White and cream cabinetry will always be in style, say experts, but dramatic colors are also showing up in kitchens, from sky blue and red geranium to stone gray and black.

This remodeled kitchen has painted black and white cabinets, white quartz counters, and floating shelves against black ceramic tiles that are stacked rather than staggered. Existing black appliances were replaced with stainless-steel ones.

A modern linear fireplace and large TV screen are part of an added space to entertain guests while in the kitchen, says Lloyd Martindale of C&K Custom Remodeling.

The primary en-suite bathroom has a brass-and-black color scheme, custom plumbing fixtures, designer light fixtures, faux encaustic tiles and a barrier-free shower with a hidden drain.

Other fresh elements are slip-resistant terra-cotta floor tiles and a wallpaper mural as well as a custom window partition. French doors separating the dining room and kitchen were refinished.

Multi-generational home: John May of Creekstone Design + Remodel in Tigard completed a whole house remodel that includes a basement converted into an in-law apartment for this multi-generational family.

The interior of the once dark and dated house now has spaces that are more open — a wall was removed dividing the dining and kitchen — as well as glass barn doors and barn-wood floors that replaced old laminate ones.

A modern fireplace was installed in the expanded kitchen, which has an island with geometric accent tiles on its most visible side. Appliances are charcoal colored and there’s a custom magnet chalkboard on the pantry cabinets.

The new in-law apartment has a door to the outside. Inside is a kitchenette, fireplace, laundry area, large closets, bedroom and a bathroom with heated floors.

Pet-friendly spaces: A contemporary renovation by Creekstone Design + Remodel made rooms more functional and open. Handsome new floors and other durable finishes can hold up to activities by the family’s teenagers and big dogs.

A black-and-white ceiling mural in the kitchen reflects the new color palette, with white wall cabinets contrasted against the island’s black cabinets.

The parent suite has a spa-like bathroom with a zen soaking tub, custom cabinets and rock tile floors, while the kids’ bathroom has been dressed up with new tile and shiplap.

Aging-in-place features: Keith Knowles of EverLife Home in Beaverton completed a whole house remodel for three generations to live comfortably among its casual, cabin-chic style.

The trend to mix wood can be see here with hickory flooring, white oak counters, and faux beams made of fir and larch under a vaulted, tongue-and-groove ceiling. Reclaimed wood was used as a backsplash.

An efficient office has room for working and studying, and built-in storage.

Private living quarters with a lounging area and kitchenette for the grandparents was created by reconfiguring a large bedroom. The new space has a stairlift, accessible bathroom and other aging-in-place features.

Scandinavian aesthetic: A renovation by Brian Schmidt Builder of Lake Oswego created a modern Scandinavian look while opening the floor plan of a previously remodeled midcentury house, making rooms easier for living and entertaining.

A wall separating the dining and living rooms was removed, and hardwood flooring continues into the kitchen where there was once dated vinyl. A Monocoat floor finish allows for longterm durability and repair flexibility, says Brian Schmidt.

Existing kitchen pantries and a laundry closet were replaced by a wall of Italian laminate cabinetry. A mirror wall is behind a large bar cabinet with floating shelves.

The peninsula and freestanding island have quartz counters for food preparation as well as eat-in bars for dining or doing homework.

— Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

[email protected] | @janeteastman

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