The objective for this 9,000-square-foot residence was a complete overhaul. It had outdated faux-European finishes and felt like a stereotypical McMansion, a stark contrast to the clean and contemporary look the homeowners desired. They brought on Maison Inc., a Portland-based design firm led by Joelle C. Nesen, who collaborated closely with senior designer Emma Davis. Architectural design was spearheaded by Stephen Elliott of Green Gables. The result is a warm, inviting Pacific Northwest retreat that seamlessly blends modern sensibilities with regional charm. The team at Maison Inc. shares how the transformation came to life.

First, tell us about this home. What do you love most about the area?  
This home is located in the hilly, rural part of Lake Oswego. We love this area because the properties are more expansive, and there is an incredible view back towards Portland. You can see all the way up the Willamette River on a clear day to the Fremont Bridge. That combination of a dramatic natural landscape with views of Portland’s striking urban landmarks created an incredible backdrop. We treated the window views as art as much as the pieces we selected for the home.

What can you tell us about your clients?
The homeowners are a combined family, a bit like a super fun Brady Bunch, with kids from two previous marriages. The clients wanted two things from one house: A full-family retreat where everyone could gather as well as separate wings for parents vs. kids. But, by far the most important element of this remodel was incorporating a secret bar.  

How long did the renovation take?
This project took a year, with a lot of pushing from everyone involved.  The project was challenging for the building team as the old McMansion revealed its secrets, most of which were unpleasant.  The clients were sort of gob smacked with the awfulness of the original home; it was comically terrible. During the design process, they were engaged and had faith, but I don’t think until the finished product or close it, they really grasped how far we had come. They were blown away.

Were there any big challenges in the process?
Our client was insistent that the bar was truly secret, and that required a lot of site meetings and technical drawings between Maison, the builder, and the finish carpenters.  It was all hands-on deck to make this happen.

Take a virtual tour in the slideshow.