Pantry Project Turns Into Full-Scale Remodel |
Standing at the glass-topped island in the newly renovated home, Larry Persinger points toward the back wall of the kitchen. "This whole crazy remodel revolved around this pantry," he deadpans. And before he draws a breath to further explain, Lynn Persinger jumps in: "But the pantry is way cool ."And she's right. The large walk-in pantry is hidden behind what looks to be cabinets clad in Brazilian cherry. With a slight push, the cabinet fronts pivot open to reveal the storage gem.  Marv Bondarowicz / The Oregonian Lynn Persinger wanted her home to have a more open floor plan and to open up to the outdoors as well. She had seen the NanaWall (stacked open at right) in Hawaii and knew the system would do the trick. "This" is the fully remodeled kitchen, living, dining and family rooms, improved access to the outdoors, a new bathroom and an entirely new feel to the home the Persingers bought when they moved from Bellevue, Wash., 10 years ago. The home's original floor plan played off the narrow lot, giving it what Larry described as "a bit of a bowling-alley thing going on." Lynn wanted to open up the space, which was divided into distinct rooms that spilled off a long entry hall. She'd also seen a NanaWall -- exterior glass doors that accordion open and push out of the way -- in Hawaii and wanted to do something like that to improve the home's limited access to its backyard overlooking a canal off Oswego Lake.  Marv Bondarowicz / The Oregonian Clad in Brazilian cherry, the door to the spacious storage pantry blends in with the other kitchen cabinetry. They removed the interior load-bearing wall that ran the length of the house and gave it that bowling-alley feel. That move, which required jacking up the house and adding pilings, essentially erased the floor plan's boxy design. With the space open, DiGregorio suggested flipping the way the space was used. Lynn wasn't so sure about creating a dining room around the fireplace that anchored the former living room, but she liked the idea of placing the living room nearer the improved outdoor deck. The flip also put the dining room closer to the kitchen, which made a lot of sense to the entertaining Persingers. The couple's art collection was another factor deserving of attention. "The violin is from Murano, Italy," Larry says, pointing to a spectacular glass sculpture that appears to almost float in the family room. "We've had it for 12 years, and it was just in a corner or a closet. Never had the place for it."  Marv Bondarowicz / The Oregonian When the long interior wall came down, the house was no longer split into left and right sides. The expansive use of Brazilian cherry for the flooring and cabinetry create a quiet monochromatic backdrop for the Persingers' colorful furnishings and artwork to pop. Visual artist Walter Gordinier collaborated with DiGregorio on the project's design and lighting, and Larry credits him with coming up with the concept for displaying the violin. Gordinier also added some of his own glass creations, including the glass-topped island. "This has been a huge improvement," Lynn says, looking at the glass bowls, paintings and sculptures that now sparkle in her redesigned home. "I think we captured what we wanted. It is up to date, but warm. We have the pantry and art displayed."  Marv Bondarowicz / The Oregonian Visual artist Walter Gordinier created the island countertop. And every morning, Lynn says, they take their coffee out on the deck that is now covered and heated. They both say the improved indoor/outdoor connection is their favorite change. But Larry's quick to amend his thought: "The look of the room," he says. "It's stunning. ... We love it." |
