Whether to undertake a whole-house remodel or a brand-new build is a big decision some of our clients face. There are pros and cons to both, and the right choice usually comes down to the volume and complexity of the structural changes and budget considerations. 

When we met with clients Michael and Nikki, they were ready for a change. They loved living in their established Portland neighborhood that’s within walking distance to their favorite restaurants, but they wanted to refresh and update their smaller 1,016 square foot home for themselves and their three children. 

It was around the time that Nikki began sketching out a remodeled floor plan that she came across a Renaissance home in progress in a nearby neighborhood. The floor plan was so similar to her sketches that she paid a visit to the job site. After that visit and a tour of our Street of Dreams Farm-to-Table home, they replaced their remodeling ideas with plans for a new Renaissance home on their property!

“We were so excited to find Renaissance and to know that they would be able to build us a house that fit into our neighborhood with the old Portland style houses,” said Nikki.

They selected the Beverly plan featuring three bedrooms, three full baths, a bonus room, and home office. At 2,325 square feet, the two-story floor plan more than doubled the family’s living space and provided ample opportunities for gathering and retreat. 

The home opens to a bright and inviting entryway and home office. Warm hickory plank flooring begins at the entry and extends throughout the first-floor living areas. A matching hickory stair rail visually connects the movement from the first to second floor.

In the kitchen, high contrast finishes in black and white are understated and chic. Black granite countertops mix with white quartz on the large center island. A built-in microwave in the center island keeps counters clear and clutter-free. Gold cabinet hardware offer a pop of luxe and shine against white and black shaker cabinets. The Cafe Smart Slide-In Range features customizable gold hardware to complements both the cabinet hardware and faucets. 

Architectural detailing in the great room fills it with character and a sense of arrival. A coffered boxed beam ceiling creates dimension, and the vintage-style fireplace was painted white with a black tile accent that’s reminiscent of historic Portland homes. A covered patio off the great room extends the family’s living space into the outdoors during the warmer months.

All bedrooms are upstairs, and the white, black, and gold palette continues throughout. “We specifically wanted white and black shaker cabinets, medium brown wood floors, soft neutral carpet in the bedrooms, and beautiful tile in the bathrooms,” said Nikki.

The clients added a balcony off the primary suite for a covered private outdoor living area. The soothing ensuite bath features grey-veined Carrera marble flooring with a matte black vanity and gold light fixtures. The spa-like mood continues with a tiled overhead shower and a large soaking tub with a view. 

Black-and-white floor tiles in fleur de lis and hexagonal patterns anchor the secondary upstairs bathrooms. White subway tiled showers and white vanities are sleek with black hardware and paired with warm bronze light fixtures. 

Nikki and Michael love to entertain and look forward to hosting gatherings as they settle into their new home with their three children. While building a new home during a pandemic comes with its own set of challenges, namely delayed permit approvals, the Renaissance Custom team worked diligently to make their experience stress-free and fun.

“Renaissance was AMAZING!” said Nikki. “Especially Lee, Parker, and Amanda! They went above and beyond in so many areas. Thank you so much to our now lifelong friends!”