A Mid-Century & Japanese Modern Kitchen Design - In Bend, Oregon

Tucked into Discovery West, this home tells a story of balance. A balance between mid-century modern lines and Japanese-inspired warmth, between bold material choices and soft lived-in comfort. Over the course of a year, we worked closely with the homeowners, who flip homes and live in them during renovations, to transform this house into something personal, polished, and distinctly theirs.

A Kitchen That Anchors the Home

At the heart of the home is a thoughtfully layered kitchen. We blended dark walnut cabinetry with quartz marble countertops, then introduced a farmhouse sink and a contemporary faucet to keep the balance between classic and current. The kitchen island, along with the lower perimeter cabinets, were painted a calming slate blue – a color the clients gravitated toward early on, and one that paired beautifully with the warmth of the walnut and the subtle veining in the counters.

We opted for white and brass lighting, forgoing a traditional hood or downdraft to keep the lines clean and the space open. With no shortage of houseplants and a curated collection of mid-century furniture, the room feels lively yet grounded.

Curated Through Collaboration

The design process was highly collaborative, with the clients’ Pinterest boards acting as our jumping-off point. We spent the early phase pulling themes and color palettes from their boards, helping define their tastes and translate inspiration into tactile decisions. The result is a mix of painted and stained cabinetry, custom tile work, and intentional material pairings that feel both personal and cohesive.

The fireplace surround, a low-profile gas model, became a centerpiece. Clad in custom tile, it anchors the living area without overwhelming it, contributing to the calm, grounded tone of the home.

A Master Bath That Steals the Show

While the whole house has its moments, the master bath is where the design really sings. With dark cabinetry, Noir Laurent black porcelain tile, and white and gold accents, it achieves that rare balance between dramatic and serene. The floor tile, a black porcelain with white veining, feels luxe without being overdone. Brushed brass hardware was used throughout to add warmth and cohesion with the lighting and other fixtures in the home.

In contrast, the kids’ bath features a white herringbone subway tile – a touch of movement and playfulness – paired with continued brass accents for consistency across the home.

Materials, Timelines & Teamwork

Like many projects, this one came with its share of logistical puzzles. With clients balancing full schedules and daily life in the space, careful timeline coordination and installer experience were essential. Fortunately, we worked with Salvesen Homes, whose team brought patience and craftsmanship to every phase. From custom quartz templating to tile installation, the level of finish reflects the deep trust we place in our trades.

Despite the challenges, this project stands out for its clarity of vision and the strong sense of collaboration that carried it through. The clients came to us with ideas and energy; our job was to translate it all into a home that feels elevated, welcoming, and distinctly theirs.