Living room with cream sofa, two mustard armchairs, a white marble coffee table, wooden hutch, two windows, candles, and decorative items.

LADD’S ADDITION | PORTLAND, OR

SCOPE: Full Interior Renovation + Furniture

ARCHITECT + CONTRACTOR: Dave Rush Construction

PHOTOGRAPHER: George Barberis

Bright kitchen with gray cabinets, marble countertops, wooden flooring, and a large window showing autumn trees. Kitchen island with a vase of green foliage, oranges, and dishes. Shelves with decor and kitchenware, and modern light fixtures.
Modern kitchen with a green island, wooden stools, white marble backsplash, and large windows letting in natural light.
Built-in white shelving with decorative items such as vases, books, candles, a potted plant, and art pieces, located on a beige wall in a dining or living area.
Interior of a dining room with a wooden table, black chairs, a vase with pink flowers, candles, and large windows showing trees outside.
Interior view of a staircase with black wooden steps and black railing, next to a potted plant, small table, and shoes on the floor.
A cozy living room with two mustard yellow velvet armchairs facing each other, a round marble coffee table with decorative items, and built-in shelves with vases and sculptures, with patterned wallpaper and a doorway revealing a person in the distance.
A bright bathroom with a white bathtub, a wooden vanity with a white countertop, a round mirror, and a large window letting in natural light.
Modern bathroom with a wooden vanity, white countertop, potted plant, oval mirror, shower with glass door, and white tiled walls and floor.
Bright bathroom with a freestanding white tub, a tall potted plant, a wooden stool with a candle and soap, and large windows letting in natural light.
A wooden vanity table with a marble top, a three-paneled mirror, a vase with yellow flowers, and jewelry trays. A pair of glasses is on the right side of the marble surface. A framed picture hangs on the wall above the vanity, and a cream-colored ottoman is beneath it.
A cozy bedroom with floral wallpaper, a rattan headboard, a window seat with pillows, and a wooden dresser with decorative items on top.
A cozy window nook with a built-in bench featuring a floral patterned duvet, several white pillows, and a hanging mobile with gold disks, with a view of a green roof and fall trees outside the window.
Bathroom with a walk-in shower, a toilet, a vanity with a sink, a mirror, a potted plant, and decorative floor tiles.

Historic Craftsman Reimagined: A Modern Family Kitchen in Ladd’s Addition

In the heart of Ladd’s Addition, one of Portland’s most iconic historic districts, this 1912 Craftsman home underwent a transformative renovation that honors its legacy while embracing modern living. At the core of this reimagining was a bold decision: relocating the kitchen to the former living room. This strategic move not only enhanced the interior flow but also created a spacious, light-filled hub designed for gathering, cooking, and connection.

A Kitchen with Purpose and Presence

By thoughtfully reconfiguring the layout, we delivered the functionality and openness that today’s family lifestyle demands. The new kitchen features generous proportions, including a custom 55-inch range and a beautifully crafted island with full-family seating. These central elements offer both practicality and presence—anchoring the space with warmth, usability, and elegance.

Preserving History While Infusing Romance

Designing for a home of this era means striking a balance between preservation and innovation. The homeowners desired an interior that softened the Craftsman's inherently sturdy aesthetic with something more delicate and design-forward. To achieve this, we introduced a palette of soft hues, floral patterns, and graceful arches that gently contrast the home's robust detailing.

Highlights include:

  • Arched display niches in the kitchen showcasing treasured books, photos, and keepsakes

  • A marble-clad vanity in the Primary Bath evoking old-Hollywood romance while offering modern functionality

  • Preservation of original leaded glass windows and built-in cabinetry, maintaining the home's historic soul

Timeless Design with Everyday Comfort

Every detail of this remodel was carefully considered to create a home that feels cohesive, elevated, and timeless. The result is a space that feels both fresh and familiar-a seamless integration of contemporary design with early 20th-century character. It’s a home that not only reflects the lifestyle of a modern family but also pays homage to the craftsmanship and charm of its origins.