Project Deep Dive
Butte & Bronze Project
Inside a few game-changing decisions in our latest project in Black Butte Ranch.
Our clients approached us to refresh their 1970s home in Black Butte Ranch. Like many homes in this resort community, it featured extensive wood paneling and distinctive architectural elements such as vaulted ceilings, varied window sizes, and plenty of woodsy character. A few key changes (ok, a full remodel WITH a few key changes) made a tremendous impact on this space.
Island Focal Point
One of the primary design challenges was a modest kitchen island positioned nearly six feet from the surrounding cabinetry. While the openness had its charm (spontaneous dance party anyone?) it ultimately left the space feeling disjointed and underutilized, lacking a clear visual or functional anchor.
The clients were keen to retain the island’s lower eating surface, so we used that as a starting point to rethink the whole thing at a larger scale. By extending the island’s footprint and drawing it closer to the perimeter cabinetry, we established a more intentional layout that fosters connection, flow, and usability.
The size of the new island created such a standout piece, we elaborated on that by using a beautiful live-edge walnut slab. This sculptural element anchors the kitchen with warmth and presence, elevating the island from a functional feature to a defining centerpiece.
Improved Flow
The corner window configuration offered lovely forest views, but the original layout placed the sink, range, and refrigerator along a single wall, compressing the workflow and missing an opportunity to engage with the surrounding landscape. As a result, the sink faced a neighboring home rather than the wooded golf course just beyond the adjacent window.
We re-oriented the layout by relocating the sink to capture the more compelling view (all about trying to find ways to elevate the everyday experience!) From there, we optimized the surrounding cabinetry to support a more fluid, intuitive rhythm.
The result is a kitchen that not only functions efficiently, but feels more connected to its setting.
Painted Cabinets
With wood surfaces enveloping nearly every room—including a living space clad floor to ceiling, we saw an opportunity to introduce contrast through painted cabinetry. The goal was to balance the home’s warmth while adding visual depth and restraint.
We selected Sherwin-Williams’ Urbane Bronze, a nuanced, chameleon-like hue that shifts with the light, reading as soft gray, muted green, or warm brown over the course of the day. This subtle variation brings a sense of movement and sophistication to the space.
The result is a grounded, moody palette that offsets the abundance of wood, creating a layered, collected interior with a refined sense of depth.
Considering a renovation of your own? Let’s connect! Book a complimentary discovery call with Elise to get started.
