After ownership of this historic Eugene restaurant changed hands, the new owners wanted an updated look and feel in keeping with the historic nature of the building. I oversaw the selection of the new carpeting, bar tops, paint, tile, curtains, artwork and the layout of furniture over the 6,000 square foot building. We respected the rich history of the 1914 building, preserving the artifacts they already had and adding to them with other vintage pieces. The overall ambience respects the industrial beginnings of the building as an actual train station, while bringing in warmth through wood, rich patterns and texture, and modernizing the space. Each room has a unique feel yet is tied to the overall whole theme.

Project scope: To transform a 2,600 square foot former yoga studio into a comfortable and welcoming academic tutoring center for young children, on a small budget.

Goals: The owners wanted the feel of a coffee shop for some areas and a classroom feel for other areas.

Opportunities and challenges: The space had plenty of natural lighting yet had an unusual layout. The space needed warmth and effective yet functional room separation. A rolling bookshelf provided moveable space separation and storage. A chalkboard provides a visual focal point at the entrance. Salvaged globes and painted scrap wood provided visual interest for little monetary investment. Budget-friendly artwork is used throughout the space, such as a periodic table shower curtain stretched on a frame. Some custom tables and bookshelves were commissioned to take advantage of the site-specific walls and seating areas.

Remodeling and decorating a 2,100 square foot 1920s farm house was challenging beyond the age of the structure. An addition in 1994 left the structure with an odd placement of doors and windows that didn't flow. Some of the rooms were large, but the house overall had little storage space.

Closets were added and the stairway was enclosed. Vaulted ceilings in the master bedroom and kitchen were a welcome addition that allows the house to feel larger than it is.

Creative touches took advantage of what was already present. The stairway handrail wrapped with rope and runners were added to the stairs.

The window in the living room was replaced along a different wall, to provide a view of the property's barn. Air circulators that are normally placed on a roof were turned into whimsical light fixtures.

In the kitchen, moving the location of the cooking range from the center island to a wall allowed for more space for small groups to sit together. 

No structural walls were removed or changed, but door and window placements were changed to allow the space to feel more unified. The original front door is now a side entrance. The doorway to the master bedroom was moved.

Custom cabinetry in the child's room allows for maximum use of space now and as the child grows.

One challenging aspect of the bedrooms was that a person had to walk through a bedroom to get to the bathroom. This bathroom was moved to the center of the two rooms with adjoining doorways added, so that the bathroom could be shared.

Family heirloom items such as the saddle and cowboy hats were given places of honor near the home's relocated entrance.

Project scope: To remodel and refine a homeowner's living space after the children had left the nest. The primary living areas in the home were uncluttered and rearranged for spaciousness. Furniture became more sophisticated and functional, yet still felt earthy and approachable.

Goals: The homeowner, an avid reader, wanted space for books and comfortable reading and seating areas. She also wanted to be able to entertain in the living and dining areas. The homeowner enjoys active outdoor activities such as white water rafting, and wanted the home to be comfortable, and inviting.

Opportunities and challenges: The homeowner chose the palette from a rug she owned and liked. The rug anchors the main seating area in the living room. Built-in shelving provides ample room for books and family photos. Small changes here made a big difference. Affordable chairs were selected to complement the custom table that seats eight comfortably. New blinds gave the windows and their view of the deck and the trees beyond a new look. A couch is roomy enough to lie down on, and a reading nook is a comfortable place to rest any time of day.

Labrador Construction crafted the fireplace surround. It was changed from painted brick to wood and stone, which warmed up the room and tied the color palette together. Labrador Construction also created the perfect warm and rustic coffee table.

Outside, the home had a small deck with a steep stairway. Work by Labrador Construction enlarged the deck and incorporated the style of the fencing with square mesh openings.