Milwaukie Kitchen Blends Style and Family Function

Milwaukie, Oregon, a suburb just outside Portland, offers a slower pace of life without sacrificing easy access to the city. For one young family, the wooded setting of their 1940s home was a major draw. Candice Cervantes of El Studio Design notes, “Nestled in a forest, this 1940s home in particular truly feels like its own little pocket of heaven.”

Renovating the Kitchen Space

The family hired El Studio Design to renovate their kitchen, focusing on improving both form and function. Candice Cervantes explains, “With two young children, their first priority was opening up the space and bringing in more natural light, making it easier to cook, gather, and keep an eye on the kids.”

Durability was also a key consideration, as every selection needed to withstand the demands of everyday family life. Before the renovation, the kitchen felt outdated, with orange-toned wood cabinetry, black granite countertops, and low ceilings that made the space feel dark and closed in.

The team took the space down to the studs, aiming to strengthen the connection to the outdoors while creating a more uplifting and functional space. A wall separating the kitchen and dining area from the living room was removed, allowing natural light to flow throughout the newly open floor plan.

Creamy, custom cabinetry enhances the sense of airiness, while rich wood tones on the island and furnishings anchor the palette. An oversized island provides a natural gathering place, with push-latch cabinets concealed behind the bar stools offering discreet storage for lesser-used small appliances.

Wide-plank European oak flooring runs throughout the space, creating a warm, cohesive foundation. A generously sized pantry replaced the existing built-in desk, providing storage that better suits the family’s needs.

Natural materials were central to the aesthetic, but practicality mattered just as much. Candice Cervantes selected honed quartz for the countertops, capturing a similar softness to natural stone without the maintenance concerns. Handmade Zellige tile from Zia Tile adds another layer of texture and subtle imperfection.

Unlacquered brass hardware from Rejuvenation will develop a natural patina over time, adding to the kitchen’s warm, lived-in look. The lighting plan was carefully considered, layering task and ambient sources throughout the room to create a balanced atmosphere.

The Huey sconces flanking the hood are a rich burgundy, offering a pop of color and touch of surprise in an otherwise neutral space. By spring 2026, the family was settling into a kitchen that feels entirely different from the one they started with.

The finished space proves that family-friendly design doesn’t have to sacrifice character for practicality. As Candice Cervantes notes, the goal was to create a bright and airy kitchen and dining space that would create a warm, timeless backdrop for family life, making their lifestyle more enjoyable.

Balancing Style and Functionality

In similar renovation projects, the challenge often lies in balancing style and functionality. However, this kitchen remodel demonstrates how a thoughtful approach to design can result in a space that is both beautiful and practical. The use of natural materials, clever storage solutions, and a well-planned lighting scheme all contribute to a space that is perfect for a young family.

The family can now enjoy a kitchen that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and durable. The oversized island and generously sized pantry provide ample space for food preparation and storage, while the honed quartz countertops and wide-plank European oak flooring add a touch of sophistication to the space.

They can now cook and gather in a space that meets their needs. The kitchen is a place where they can spend time together.

The result is a kitchen that is both beautiful and functional. It has a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a young family.

The family’s new kitchen is a significant improvement over the old one. It is brighter, more airy, and more functional.

Enjoying the New Kitchen

They are enjoying their new kitchen. It is a space where they can cook, gather, and spend time together.

The renovation process began in the winter of 2025, with Candice Cervantes and her team working closely with the family to bring their vision to life. The attention to detail and commitment to using high-quality materials have resulted in a kitchen that will stand the test of time, providing a beautiful and functional space for the family to enjoy for years to come. The addition of a charming white oak Dutch door has also helped to blur the line between indoors and out, bringing in fresh air and creating a seamless transition between the kitchen and the surrounding woods.