Known for expert craftsmanship and full-service remodeling, Bend’s Surface Kitchen & Bath—a division of Nelson Tile & Stone—specializes in customized kitchen and bath spaces, and recently transformed a 1989 home in the Mountain High community. Company owners Chris and Jennifer Nelson purchased the home to showcase the many products that the company offers through its Surface Kitchen & Bath showroom. Thoughtful updates preserved the home’s original charm while enhancing flow and natural light by opening compartmentalized spaces. Durable materials such as quartz countertops and engineered hardwood add warmth and timeless appeal. The result is a modern yet character-rich home, reflecting the team’s dedication to elevated, functional design.

Q&A with Marketing Manager James Deitz of Surface Kitchen & Bath

How did you approach updating the home’s 1989 layout to enhance functionality while preserving its character?

The original layout of the Edelweiss home, named for its street location, reflects a classic late-1980s design: compartmentalized spaces, low soffits and a lack of natural flow. While the home had great bones, it felt dark and inefficient for modern living. We reimagined the space with an open design concept, removing multiple walls in the kitchen and living areas to create a seamless connection and maximize natural light to make the home feel larger. We also carved out a dedicated office space, addressing a need for a functional workspace. In the primary bath, we removed overhead partitions to highlight the soaring ceilings and skylight. We preserved vaulted ceilings and architectural lines while updating finishes with a neutral, timeless palette.

How is collaboration important to achieving the project’s goals?

We are especially proud of our team’s collaborative efforts. While it wasn’t a traditional client project, our staff took great pride in incorporating many of our own brands, resulting in a beautifully finished home. Chris and Jennifer Nelson were both born and raised in Bend and they knew this neighborhood since its inception in the 1980s. They saw it as a hidden gem with spacious common areas, a golf course lined with towering pines and homes with incredible bones. Updating an original home in Mountain High allowed them to be consistent with the character of the neighborhood while bringing it into the modern era.

What role does natural light and intentional lighting design play in modernizing and elevating the overall feel of a home?

Lighting played a major role in transforming the space. The home initially felt dark, so we prioritized natural and layered lighting to bring warmth and openness. We enhanced existing natural light by opening the floor plan, which allowed light to flow more freely, and emphasized the primary bath skylight to create a spa-like feel. Layered lighting, combined with recessed lighting, pendant fixtures and under-cabinet illumination, led to the perfect balance of ambiance and functionality. Strategic fixture placement ensured workspaces were well-lit, while softer accent lighting enhanced the inviting atmosphere. The result is a home that feels brighter, more expansive and visually striking, elevating the modern and luxurious feel.

How do you incorporate today’s materials while maintaining warmth in a home remodel?

We approached material selection with intentionality to balance contemporary style with comfort. Durable, marblelike quartz countertops provide elegance without the upkeep of real stone. The USA-made Calacatta Miraggio Cove quartz creates a seamless look that complements the home’s warm design. Engineered hardwood offers rich texture and durability, while clean-lined cabinets blend modern efficiency with classic craftsmanship. Neutral tones highlight the natural beauty of the materials for a timeless appeal. By integrating warm and cool elements, we achieved a sophisticated yet inviting aesthetic that enhances the home’s character.

Surface Kitchen & Bath
20794 NE High Desert Lane, Bend

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