9 Things Your Designer will Consider that You’ll Never See

If you are planning a kitchen remodel, your dreams are probably focused on ideas about counter top material, tile selections and new appliance choices. Here are a few of the less visible things our designers will think about for you to make your both kitchen beautiful and functional.

1. Work Triangles

This refers to the cooking area, sink and refrigerator. The concept behind the work triangle is that when the three elements are in close proximity to each other, the kitchen will run efficiently.

2. Work Zones

Think about the areas where you prep, cook and clean. Is the waste container near the prep zone? Is there counter space near the stove?

3. Ergonomics

Think about the height of your counters and whether there will be two or four people in your kitchen. Is there enough space to move without constantly bumping into each other? Cabinet height, drawers instead of doors and pullout trays can all play a role in an ergonomically correct kitchen.

4. Aging in Place

If this is your forever home, will you be able to reach into your cabinets easily? Is there enough light to see as your eyesight changes over time?

5. Hood Venting

This kitchen project designed by Chelly Wentworth required the removal of an existing chimney and the re-routing of the stove exhaust through a new hood and into the soffit above the penninsula.

Depending on the location of the hood and the direction of ceiling joists, venting the hood can be challenging. There are also minimum clearances required for venting that is located next to operable windows.

6. Outlet Placement

Are there enough outlets and are they logically placed? Code requires that you have outlets placed every five feet plus some.

7. Range Hood Placement and Size

This kitchen renovation in a Portland National Monument building included a custom range hood designed for the project. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Hoods should be placed a certain distance from the cooking appliance for optimum ventilation as well as at a distance that works with the user’s height.

8. Appliance Placement

This is an important thing to take into consideration for creating a work triangle and work zones that correspond to how the user will use the space. We will also consider how appliance door swings and clearances will affect adjacent cavinets and other obstacles.

9. Material Durability/Maintenance Needs and Concerns

This kitchen designed by Anne De Wolf features soapstone counters.

While it may cost more initially, selecting durable materials will pay off in the long run. The soapstone counters pictured above require additional maintenance (they should be oiled regularly), but patina beautifully over time. If you prefer a more pristine look, your designer may recommend a counter top material that is less porous.

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8 Steps to a Stunning Attic Remodel: A Portland Homeowner's Guide

By Anne De Wolf • July 15, 2026

For many Portland homeowners, the attic is full of potential. It might become a primary suite, a quiet home office, a guest retreat, a playroom, or simply the extra space your family has been wishing for. Whatever you envision, transforming an unfinished attic into comfortable living space takes thoughtful planning, creative problem-solving, and a clear understanding of how older homes are built. At Arciform, an attic remodel often starts before we even step through the front door. As we approach your home, we're already noticing details that help us understand what's possible. We look at the roofline, the pitch of the roof, the condition of the structure, and whether the property sits within a historic district. These clues help us anticipate opportunities and challenges before we ever climb the attic stairs. Once we're inside, the real exploration begins. Every attic is different. Some offer generous headroom and straightforward access. Others require creative solutions to unlock their potential. The process always starts with understanding the existing structure, identifying constraints, and finding opportunities to create a space that feels both comfortable and connected to the rest of the home. When we evaluate an attic for conversion, we move through a series of steps that help us understand what's possible. Here's a look at the process we follow when planning an attic remodel in one of Portland's vintage homes.