Aging in Place Remodel - Portland, Oregon

After 30 years in her treasured 1920s bungalow, Irene craved a change. First and foremost, she wanted to age in place in her cherished home with plenty of room for her grown children and grandchildren to visit. A remodel designed for aging in place was the answer. She wanted a design that addressed every space, detail and system to give her peace of mind for the future. Furthermore, she wanted to prepare the house to stay in the family for years to come.

Neighborhood vicinity map showing the project site highlighted in red within an established residential area near a natural drainage corridor.

Exterior view of an aging in place remodel with Craftsman-inspired detailing, covered front porch, wide entry steps, and blue-gray siding with white trim.

Before photo of an older Craftsman-style house with a covered front porch, narrow entry steps, and dated exterior finishes prior to renovation.

In this case, the remodel involved removing the roof and gutting the structure down to a few first-floor walls. A home with two full stories plus a basement took its place.

The exterior design features a full front porch, tongue and groove soffits as well as barge board brackets, and lap siding. These details reintroduce the bungalow to the urban neighborhood with a distinct street presence.

Other notable exterior design elements include divided-light windows with the same pattern as the original house. Additionally, custom rafter tails created in honor of her beloved complete the design.

Upper front gable with Craftsman-inspired brackets, horizontal lap siding, and divided-light windows beneath a steep roofline.

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Before elevation drawing of a small Craftsman-style house with a shallow front porch, dormers, and simple horizontal siding. — Before

After elevation drawing showing an expanded Craftsman-style house with enlarged upper floor, deep roof overhangs, decorative brackets, and a covered front porch. — After

The interior highlights include a fully reworked first floor plan as well as an addition at the rear of the home for a new primary suite. Designed to accommodate aging in place, the remodel offers ample space and a more accessible layout. Asa result, Irene now lives her daily life on the home’s main level.

Equally important, finishing touches maintain the Craftsman charm while supporting modern living. For example, the living room features a gas fireplace with an Encore Ceramics tiled surround and classic painted built-ins.

Fireplace with built-in glass-front cabinetry in an aging in place remodel featuring Craftsman trim details, warm wood flooring, and a tiled hearth surround.

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Before first floor plan showing the original layout with separate dining, breakfast, kitchen, living, den, and bedroom spaces on the main floor. — Before

After first floor plan showing a reorganized main level with an open kitchen and dining area, expanded primary suite, covered outdoor living space, and improved circulation between rooms. — After

By gutting the home and raising the roof, the existing attic space became a livable second floor. It accommodates three bedrooms and a full bathroom—the perfect place for visiting family. Additionally, a code-compliant stair replaced the existing steep (dangerous!) staircase. Decorative iron balusters with a white oak handrail round out the look. The open design maintains a desirable connection between floors.

Craftsman detailing and character feature throughout the home.

Interior staircase with wood treads, painted trim, and decorative dark metal balusters in a Craftsman-inspired home renovation.

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Before second floor plan showing two small bedrooms connected by a central stair hall and limited upper-level living space. — Before

After second floor plan showing three bedrooms, expanded closets, a shared bathroom, and improved circulation around the central stair. — After

Kitchen cabinetry and cooking area in an aging in place remodel featuring white shaker cabinets, black countertops, subway tile backsplash, and integrated storage drawers.

The new kitchen focuses on clean lines and simple details. White-painted, flush inset cabinetry contrasts with black quartz countertops. In addition, the crisp white subway tile backsplash highlights Irene’s trivet treasures, a collection from her many travels.

Natural light floods the kitchen via windows that provide views to the backyard.

Bright kitchen workspace in an aging in place remodel with white shaker cabinetry, black countertops, subway tile backsplash, and large windows above the sink.

The primary suite remodel includes a fully accessible bathroom to truly address aging in place. Well-appointed and packed with function, the space includes a walk-in steam shower with a bench seat and grab bars. Finally, the tile details and polished nickel finishes elevate the aesthetic of the accessible features.

Walk-in shower in an aging in place remodel with white subway tile walls, built-in bench seating, grab bar, and linear floor drain.

Red front entry door with divided-light windows, painted trim, and horizontal lap siding on a Craftsman-style home exterior.

While designed to support Irene’s daily living, the future functionality of the home remained top of mind. Her son Josh, who will inherit the home someday, supported every step of the process.

“The Christie’s have the skill to understand a client’s desires and make them a reality. My remodel accommodates aging in place perfectly.”

Irene B.

Homeowner