Before & After: An 80s Kitchen Gets a Modern Scandinavian Facelift

We imagine that few people would find themselves being precious about original details when it comes to a mid-80s kitchen design, as the time period is often considered one of the less enduring styles. But when Suraya and Jason Barbee moved into their 1986 home, they chose not to immediately renovate their kitchen. They lived in their house for three years before taking on the task of remodeling the kitchen and dining area, ensuring they would know exactly how they wanted to best use the spaces. “Scandinavian, modern, simple” were the three words that inspired Suraya when she began dreaming up what their kitchen could become.

Suraya grew up in Portland, OR and she and Jason were high school sweethearts. They now have two sons, ages four and six, and a rescue dog named Reagan. Suraya works at her alma mater as a non-practicing attorney in Law Alumni Relations, and Jason owns a local brewery — Level Beer. With a background in law, it wasn’t immediately obvious that interior design and photography would be some of Suraya’s interests, but through this process she’s discovered both passion and talent. When it came to designing the kitchen and dining room remodel, Suraya was mindful that these spaces would be heavily frequented by their kids and pup and made sure to select materials that would stand up to constant use. The family hired contractors Owen and Leon of His Builders to help execute their vision and needs and also create a floor plan that made more sense. Suraya initially joked that having a 1986 house meant that it had no interesting history, but we love how that’s already starting to change with the memories and thoughtful details this family has added to the kitchen and dining room of the home. —Rebekah

Photography by Suraya Barbee

Image above: “We loved and lived in our house for over three years before we renovated, but I always saw a problem with how the house was set up. The dining area was absurdly large and the kitchen was small. Though the original floor plan was fairly open, I always found myself squeezing through people in the kitchen especially when we had guests,” Suraya shares. 

from Design*Sponge http://www.designsponge.com/2018/03/before-after-an-80s-kitchen-gets-a-modern-scandinavian-facelift-in-portland.html

from Home Improvment http://notelocreesnitu.tumblr.com/post/172343477929