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The new kitchen features a full-sized refrigerator behind the paneling, a multi-functional oven and induction cooktop, and a stainless-steel sink with integrated cutting boards. “The induction stove top was carefully chosen because it's a durable glass top and it's very efficient,” says Jones. “It's also spatially efficient because you can put a cutting board on top of it, or prepare food on top of it.”

The kitchen island looks to the dining area, the wet bar, and the living room.

The walnut-wrapped range hood and adjacent walnut shelving contrast with the lower white oak cabinetry, offering a mix of textures that lends interest. The backsplash and the counters are Calacatta Miraggio quartz.

The fire pit area displays a 48-inch concrete fire bowl, woven chairs, and upcycled tree stumps for kid-friendly-seating.

The designers recreated the carport as a dining area, arranging the space with a living wall, a painted brick wall, a tk ceiling with recessed lighting, a teak table and bench, and director chairs.

The wet bar features a backsplash covered with copper-colored glass tile. The lower cabinets are shou sugi ban–treated red oak, and the open shelves are made of white oak.

“We wanted to create a really cozy nook,” says Jones of the new bed area of the apartment. A mirror at the end of the bed visually expands the interior space.

The island helps to define and separate the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas.

An architect and construction engineer couple build a sustainable, 624-square-foot abode for $221,580 in their Southeast Portland backyard.

A creative couple combine their talents to give a camper a retro-inspired revamp.

Large windows, doors, and a skylight flood the guesthouse and studio with plenty of sunlight.

Cheng kept the dining room chandelier and the original fireplace, and gutted most everything else, careful to keep changes in the spirit of the home’s quiet character. "It's an unassuming structure with jaw-dropping, 180-degree views once you walk in the door," says the designer.

Cape Long lights by Cedar and Moss illuminate the kitchen, which features dark Dekton countertops and Thonet Bentwood counter stools.

Light wood floors, new drywall, and a fresh coat of white paint now gives the house a luminous quality. The front entry is to the right of the fireplace, and there are now better sight lines into the kitchen and dining area to the left.

The light-filled, corner wet bar complements the kitchen design with custom teak cabinets.

A bar completes the casual living space.

Hiring a general contractor (GC) may not be as exciting as picking an architect, but it’s definitely as important. After all, this is the person who will determine whether you’re sleeping in a beautiful new bedroom or a motel when your projected move-in date rolls around.

The floor tile is from Virginia Tile, while the wall tile is from Daltile.