Welcome back, friends! If you’ve been following us on Instagram, you already know we’ve been rolling out a 4-part series walkthrough of this dreamy project, diving into all the nitty-gritty design details. If you haven’t checked it out yet, no worries—we’ve got you. Click here for Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 (dropping tomorrow).
This custom home is tucked into the Highlands neighborhood of Bend, Oregon, and it’s everything. We’ve already given you the backstory over in Part 1 of the blog , so I won’t go into all that again. But today, we’re diving headfirst into the heart of the home: the kitchen and dining spaces. And, let’s be real—these are the spaces where so much of life happens, so getting them just right was a top priority.
The vibe for this project? Total Pacific Northwest Dream. Think earthy, grounded tones that nod to the surrounding landscape, but with high-end materials and furniture to keep it feeling modern and polished. I’m talking about that perfect balance of cozy and elevated, where it feels like you can kick off your shoes and pour a glass of wine, but also host an effortlessly chic dinner party. That’s the energy we were going for, and I think we got it ?
Let’s get into it, shall we?
Starting With the Dining Room
In this house, the dining area is part of an open-concept layout, and I knew we needed to make it feel like its own moment. You know, not just “a table in a big room.” The trick? Go big on scale. Dramatic furniture, oversized lighting—anything to give it that sense of purpose and coziness and define the space.
Starting with the beams …
Adding them was all about drawing the eye up and giving the space some architectural interest. Then came the lighting—these two incredible fixtures from Visual Comfort that not only make a statement, but were also totally necessary. One fixture just wouldn’t have done the space justice. I’ve used this fixture before, and I absolutely love it. It’s so open, it doesn’t obscure views in any part of the room but the scale of it is quite large, so it feels larger. There aren’t any direct windows nearby, so we needed light. But here’s the thing—I’m not about that overly bright, overhead-only lighting vibe. Don’t worry, I’ve got a solution for that (we’ll get to it in a sec).
Then, the dining table and chairs
They have been in the family for years, and when they mentioned wanting to incorporate it, I was so on board. This is the kind of design I love—bringing in pieces that mean something. It’s way more personal and gives the space so much character! This space is incredibly large, so we added two oversized wingback chairs in a beautiful charcoal stripe to add some drama. By incorporating these two new pieces to their dining room story, we created some interest that is elegant, yet comfortable.
And, let’s not forget the rug. We added this Fibreworks rug in a houndstooth pattern to ground the space and give it its own zone. Rugs in open-concept layouts are lifesavers—they create boundaries without actual walls. Plus, this one adds a subtle pattern that ties the room together. Oh, and my favorite little detail? The glass candlesticks from Borgo Rosati lining the table. They’re perfect for those evenings when you want to ditch the overhead lights and just go full-on candlelit mood.
Oh, the Kitchen
This space is expansive, and when you’re working with a room this big, the materials have to do a lot of the talking. But, here’s the thing—it also had to compliment the dining room without competing with it. It’s all about balance, right? We needed contrast, something that would let the eye move easily between the two spaces while still keeping them cohesive. By incorporating the color (Studio Green by Farrow & Ball) we were able to create some interest and subtle contrast.
One of the big decisions was designing cabinets that sit on the countertop on the fridge wall. I know, bold move. But hear me out—these cabinets with glass doors create a wall of interest, but they’re also practical. The client wanted a place to display her china (how sweet is that?), and the glass turned out to be the perfect solution. It’s functional, personal, and just so stunning.
The island was thought through down to every last detail: where would the prep sink be most functional, the drawer layout for maximum storage, counter stools seats covered in practical leather with bouclé backs for a luxe feel … the list goes on and on with each detail that goes into a highly personal and custom kitchen. This is where the kids will gather for breakfast, snacks, or those casual meals when nobody feels like setting the table.
But the real star? The hood and range. We wanted this wall to steal the show. The backsplash sets the scene perfectly, and the custom hood (crafted out of steel with brass accents and nailheads) feels intentional and one-of-a-kind. The range? A true stunner from Lacanche which we customized in Farrow & Ball’s “Studio Green” to match the cabinetry.
This kitchen is such a reflection of the family—thoughtful, functional, and full of personal touches. Every decision we made here had a purpose, and I think that’s what makes it so special. It’s not just a kitchen; it’s their kitchen. And honestly, those are the spaces I love designing the most.
Last but not least … let’s talk about the breakfast nook
Ah, the breakfast nook. I’ll admit, this might be one of my favorite spaces in the whole house. It’s got gorgeous metal-paned windows, and a door that lets the morning light pour in. Honestly, it’s the kind of light that just makes you want to sit there with a cup of coffee and let the day ease in. It’s a little pocket of peace in this home, and I was so excited to bring it to life!
We kept the vibe casual but intentional. An oversized, woven pendant from Palecek was the perfect choice to bring in texture without feeling heavy, and it adds an effortless charm to the space. The round dining table and chairs create a cozy little gathering spot—perfect for quick breakfasts or lingering over the weekend paper. It’s functional without feeling too formal, which is the perfect balance. This nook feels like the heart of the morning routine. It’s bright, cozy, and very personal to this family. It’s spaces like these that make a house feel like a home.
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Instagram gives you just a glimpse of the hundreds (yes, hundreds) of decisions that went into this project. Building a home from the ground up is no small feat—it can feel overwhelming, trust me, we get it. But, that’s exactly why we’re here. Our expertise is all about taking that stress off your shoulders and turning it into a process that’s not just manageable but actually exciting.
If you’re thinking about starting your own home build in 2025, now is the time to reach out. The earlier we are involved, the better. Starting from the ground up allows us to establish a clear vision for your needs, collaborate seamlessly with builders and contractors, and make informed decisions right from the start. It’s not just about choosing the right materials or finishes—it’s about making sure the entire process flows smoothly, from concept to installation.
So, if you’re ready to bring your dream home to life, let’s chat. We’d love to help you create a space that’s not only beautiful but perfectly tailored to how you live.
To help you recreate some of these looks, we’ve rounded up similar or exact items featured in these spaces. Whether it’s the textured area rug, the unique lighting fixtures, or the sleek cabinet hardware, we’ve curated a mood board to get you started.
The best part? You can take bits and pieces to make it your own, blending them into your personal style. Whether you’re ready to tackle a full home redesign or just want to add a touch of Highlands elegance, we’re here for you!
