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The kitchen acts as the family hub, its multicolored surfaces anchored by a black tile backsplash, sprinkled with dots of uncolored, earth-toned tile.

In Portland, Oregon, a culinary couple called on architect Michael Howells to raise the roof, revamp the floor plan, and spice up the kitchen.

A harmonious material palette is offset by playful peekaboo windows on the north-facing wall that frame the natural surroundings rather than the neighbors' windows.

Built-in shelving under the stairs to the mezzanine level provides the resident with extra storage.

The cabin and studio each have one bathroom and one bedroom, and the entirety of the property has geothermal heat and super insulation. The custom-made stairs in the cabin are by Westside Metal Fabricators in Mount Vernon, Washington.

Stair

Dried flowers in colorful pots adorn the shelves.

The home's oak parquet flooring strikes contrast with traditional Sicilian patterned tiles.

Clever cubby storage is incorporated into the base of the interior stairs, while the extra-deep stair treads provide flexible "stadium-style" seating for the kids.

Rather than rip out the staircase, they applied a soft and earthy paint palette that syncs with the tones in the existing floors and helps everything to blend.

The staircase handrail was custom designed by Unicus Developments specifically for this renovation. It’s constructed from a combination of iron and unlacquered brass. The craftsman applied a step notch—a linear cutout—to each stair tread.

In addition to a media room, the home also has a spacious office with separate entrance.

The studio is a miniature living suite that flexes with use, whether the owners are entertaining or hosting guests and family. It has a full bathroom and kitchenette, the latter with white oak cabinetry and terrazzo counters, and a dining area with an EMEA bistro table and two About a Chair armchairs from Hay.

Blaine Architects capped the front addition to this Eichler home with a shed roof that mimics the slope of traditional Eichlers, but slants in the opposite direction to make it distinct. The wood screen is made from Accoya.

A new bird's nest office in the loft atop the reoriented stair creates opportunities for views of the golf course in the distance. The desk and bench are custom built-ins, and the chair is from Blu Dot.