Project Description

Cumberland & Vaughn

DESIGNER: Donna Dufresne Interior Design
PHOTOGRAPHY: Chris Dibble

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Portland interior design firm Donna Dufresne Interior Design knows a thing or two about renovating historic homes. From hundred-year-old fixer-uppers to 1970s remodels, the firm has brought more than a dozen homes back to life with refreshing colorways, contemporary layouts, and modern accommodations—all while celebrating the homes’ original beauty. For two historic kitchen remodels, Cumberland and Vaughn, Donna and her team turned to Chown to incorporate classic hardware and plumbing fixtures as a nod to the homes’ original character. Although the Cumberland and Vaughn have similar features—both are outfitted with green cabinetry and Classic Brass hardware—each has distinct inspiration points that pay homage to their historic origins. 

“We believe hardware is integral to achieving authenticity in a historic home remodel,” says Donna Dufresne’s team. “The perfect hardware elevates a space, while still staying true to the home’s inherent beauty.” 

Originally built in 1937 by Lawrence and Holford, Donna Dufresne’s Cumberland home needed a restoration after suffering some bad 1970s renovations. Among contemporary updates to the living room, stairwell, and bathrooms, Donna and her team relocated the basement staircase, creating a larger footprint in the kitchen. The team added a new kitchen island and painted the surrounding cabinets soft green—a subtle yet striking color that modernizes the space. To balance the contemporary cabinets, Donna and her team worked with Chown’s Portland Sales Representative, Mariah Ficker, to select Classic Brass knobs and pulls and a brass Waterworks R.W. Atlas kitchen faucet to bring hints of old-time luxury and draw a throughline in the space. 

The green cabinets add depth and comfort to the kitchen, which is only enhanced when paired with the brass hardware,” says the team.  

Donna Dufresne’s Vaughn kitchen remodellocated in a historic Portland home built in 1903was also in desperate need of a remodel. In order to pay tribute to the original design while making a dramatic statement, Donna used moody, forest-inspired wallpaper from Cole & Son to set the tone for the rest of the room. With the wallpaper at the cornerstone of their design, Donna and her team created a dark, elegant space, incorporating Classic Brass hardware as a touch of classic luxury. Paired with deep green cabinets, black honeycomb floor tiles, and the dramatic wallpaper that started it all, the Classic Brass fixtures bring brightness and timelessness to the sophisticated kitchen. 

“The Vaughn kitchen is dark and dramatic, while the Cumberland kitchen has a brighter and airier feel,” they say. “The brass hardware complements each environment perfectly, adding a classic feel. Hardware has that ability to elevate a space.”

As a Chown collaborator for many years, Donna Dufresne and her team have become part of Chown’s legacy. As she continues to incorporate us and our brands into her historic home designs—some projects nearly dating back to the origins of our business—we honor her trust to help bring historic Pacific Northwest homes back to life. 

“We come back to Chown year after year for their customer service,” says Donna’s team. “From the showroom to will call, everyone is amazingly helpful with whatever we need, and we think of Chown as part of our own team.” 

Call your local Chown showroom for more information about the products featured in this project.

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Gallery

Cumberland

Vaughn

 

Featured brands

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