A previous project for this 100-year-old house in Portland’s South Portland neighborhood added a new garage and front porch. When the owners later asked us to return for a more comprehensive renovation of their Craftsman home, the focus shifted to the interior. At the time, the house functioned as a duplex and the new work focused on restoring single-family living while reconnecting the house to the backyard.
Reorganizing the first floor
Over time, the duplex configuration left the first floor with awkward circulation, disconnected rooms, and little relationship to the backyard. One of the most surprising moves in the renovation was removing square footage. Two small bedrooms and a bathroom at the back of the house were removed to make way for a large covered porch. The change allowed the kitchen and dining room to open to light, views, and direct access to the yard. Sometimes making a house smaller can actually make it better—an idea we explored in another project where we reduced square footage to improve the overall design.
The renovation also reworked the first-floor plan to create clearer circulation through the house. A new central hall beside the stair organizes movement between rooms and connects every level from a single point. Instead of passing through a chain of spaces, the living room, dining room, kitchen, and porch now connect more intuitively. This change was an important part of the renovation of this Craftsman home and makes the first floor feel larger and easier to navigate.
A welcoming entry in this Craftsman home renovation
The entry sets the tone for the house with a full wall of built-in cabinetry that provides storage and display. Open shelves and drawers create a practical landing spot while keeping the space visually light. A framed opening leads toward the stair hall and offers a glimpse deeper into the house. It also reinforces the clearer circulation introduced during the renovation.
A restored living room
The living room centers on the original fireplace, which the renovation preserved but completely reworked. A new marble surround and hearth, and custom built-ins give the wall a quieter, more cohesive presence. Original windows remain in place, framed by restored Craftsman-style trim. The detailing reflects the careful approach taken throughout the renovation of this Craftsman home.
Opening the dining room to the backyard
The dining room sits between the living room and the new covered porch, continuing the line of cabinetry that begins beside the fireplace. A built-in counter provides storage, serving space, and even a concealed kegerator, supporting both everyday living and gathering with friends.
Large bi-fold doors at the back wall open the full nine-foot opening to the porch and backyard beyond. The change transforms what was once a closed interior space into one that flows easily between indoors and out as part of the renovation of this Craftsman home.
A kitchen designed for every day living
The kitchen continues the language established throughout the first floor, combining traditional detailing with a highly functional layout. A furniture-style island crafted from plain-sliced walnut anchors the kitchen, providing generous storage while keeping the space open and easy to move through.
Along the perimeter, flush inset cabinetry integrates the refrigerator and espresso station into a tall cabinet wall. The range wall features a custom built-in hood with a Calacatta marble backsplash. A large window above the sink looks out to the backyard, reinforcing the connection to the porch and garden.
Thinking about your own home?
Sometimes the best renovations come from looking at a house differently—removing what no longer works and strengthening the spaces that matter most. If you’re considering a renovation of your own, we’d be happy to talk. Contact us to start the conversation.