A Home in Tetherow’s Glen Neighborhood

The Bainbridge Court residence is a home that introduces contemporary design to a serene forest setting within Tetherow’s Glen neighborhood. Architect Brandon Olin of Olin Architecture balanced clean lines and bold black accents with wood and steel. Completed in 2021, the home was a collaboration with interior designers Monte and Cian Van Tassel, landscape architect Mike Szabo and Timberline Construction. Heightened bedrooms give a treehouse vibe for a closer connection to nature. A showcase garage below equips the home with a space for tinkering. The residence is a place for both family living and elevated entertaining. Brandon Olin, founder of Olin Architecture, spoke about designing a home in a forest setting, from material choices to site inspiration. Keep reading for our full interview with Brandon.

How did you approach the design of this home, both with the clients and the site itself?

I spend as much time as I can getting to know our clients and the ideas and goals they have for their home. Often, they’ve already thought about it quite a bit, and it is fun to meet them where they’re at and then look at what “ideas” the site may have. This is what makes every project unique—the merging of home and site. In this case, the homeowners had some unique requirements, including the need for a sizable showcase garage for storage and tinkering on a variety of vehicles, which we pushed below the house.

The home has such a strong connection to its forest setting. How did the site influence your design?

It is recessed into the trees of the Glen neighborhood of Tetherow. We oriented the great room and outdoor space of the home to face the back of the property, taking advantage of the forest’s privacy and the southern exposure. The bedroom wing was then pushed to the front of the home and given a raised position above the garage, offering expansive views to the north. The bedrooms are all elevated, and the home has a treehouse feel at each side.

With so many windows, how did you maintain privacy while still creating an open and airy space?

We oriented the great room windows to take advantage of the site’s privacy and used a tall, slatted screenwall to enclose the end of the back patio, which provides privacy for the adjacent neighbor. The home has a butterfly roof that creates opportunities for high windows at both the front and the back, with ample natural light throughout, while the elevated bedrooms allow for views.

What choices did you make to strengthen the indoor-outdoor living experience?

We extended the roof over the back patio to create a covered outdoor living area, located directly off the kitchen and dining area, so that the main living space seamlessly extends to the outdoors. This end of the home and patio are also sunken a bit into the grade, so the landscape feels like it surrounds and buffers the home. The patio firepit and outdoor screenwall echo the interior finishes, creating a consistent language between indoors and out.

The interiors feature striking black accents and steel details. What role did these materials play in shaping the home’s feel?

The wood-burning fireplace, surrounded by steel and shou sugi ban, is the focal point of the great room, positioned along the structural steel beams that extend from inside to out. Finishes were selected to feel both clean and tactile. Custom steel work by MODERNFAB throughout the home gives a refined ruggedness. The steel finishes and details carry through to the exterior, including the patio firepit and the outdoor screenwall. [Click to read our interview with MODERNFAB.]

Can you share more about the home’s scale and special features?

The home is about 3,400 square feet, featuring three bedrooms and three and a half baths. The two garages add another 2,000 square feet, with the emphasis on the showcase garage at the lower level, which also has a wine room and a workout area. A hot tub is concealed on a deck at the upper level adjacent to the primary bedroom. The home is the client’s primary residence. The home was designed for them to live comfortably while also being suitable for hosting their adult children and families. Indoor-outdoor living is prioritized, and the home’s location, tucked into the trees, offers great access to the amenities of Tetherow and the adjacent outdoor opportunities, making for the best of both worlds.

Olin Architecture | 920 NW Bond Street, Ste. 204B, Bend | olinarchitecture.com

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

Read more stories about the beautiful homes in our area and features on those who help create them.

For multiple generations, Johnson Brothers Appliances has been a favorite Bend company for home appliances, evolving with the times while staying true to its family roots. What began as a small business has grown into a locally trusted establishment offering services specific to each customer, with a thoughtful yet modern approach. Over the decades, the third-generation-owned company has expanded its showroom, upgraded technology and brought its warehouse on-site, intending to make the appliance-buying experience increasingly approachable. Whether helping customers find the perfect kitchen setup or exploring the latest innovations in home design, Johnson Brothers Appliances remains dedicated to quality, service and the relationships that have made it a lasting part of the Central Oregon community.

Q&A with Dave Johnson, General Manager of Johnson Brothers Appliances

Celebrating 75 years as a local family business is an impressive milestone. How has Johnson Brothers Appliances evolved over the decades while staying true to the values of your grandfather?

Grandpa set the precedent for friendly, personalized service, and each generation has honored that legacy while embracing forward-thinking business practices. We maintain delivery, logistics and service departments to ensure customer needs are met from start to finish. Being local allows us to respond quickly with creative solutions to challenges. Grandpa’s innovative spirit endures, and our employees—many who have been with us for decades—are our greatest asset. We invest in regular factory training to keep them updated on the latest technology, and they take pride in providing friendly and knowledgeable service to our customers. 

Tell us how moving to your current location has enhanced the overall customer experience.

Purchasing the Azure Drive building allowed us to enlarge the showroom and bring the warehouse on-site, improving efficiency. We’ve expanded product lines, offering everything from budget-friendly options to luxury appliances. Our showroom creates an intuitive shopping experience where customers can see three- and four-piece kitchen packages displayed together, along with a large selection of top-brand appliances. Technology upgrades, including digital price tags and new computer and phone systems, streamline the process from selection to delivery.

What are the biggest trends in home appliances today compared to past decades?

Today’s appliances are more energy-efficient, quieter and offer greater convenience. Many cooking appliances have pre-programmed settings and can connect to apps, reducing guesswork in meal prep. Features such as steam cooking, air frying and induction cooktops are increasingly popular. Laundry machines are more effective, using less water and electricity, with some that remove pet hair or even combine washer and dryer functions. Smart appliances in every category allow homeowners to check contents, preheat the oven or start appliances remotely. There are new product categories we didn’t have years ago: Built-in coffee makers are a fun luxury and alfresco kitchens have allowed people to enjoy their outdoor spaces while entertaining more efficiently.

How do you help customers balance aesthetics and performance when choosing appliances?

Shopping at a local family business with decades of experience is beneficial. We ask the right questions to understand each customer’s needs and help them find the balance between style and performance within their budget. Some want a seamless, built-in look while others want a statement range or custom vent hood as the kitchen’s focal point. We guide customers toward choices that enhance their space and simplify daily life—whether that’s a quiet dishwasher, a refrigerator with better storage and temperature control or a cooking setup that truly suits their lifestyle.

As a third-generation family business, what do the next 75 years look like for Johnson Brothers?

Manufacturers continue to innovate and improve their products, and it keeps things on our side of the business exciting. Currently, there is a pretty fast turnover in the showroom as new appliances arrive and customers request new product categories. On the business level, we never want to grow stale, so we continue to stay open to better technologies and practices, both in customer service and employee training. The future looks bright, and we are excited to be able to provide friendly service to our community for many years to come.

Johnson Brothers Appliances
571 NE Azure Drive, Bend
jbbend.com

Despite its name, California Closets extends its reach far beyond California, and offers services that go beyond basic closet solutions. The franchise has served Oregon and Southwest Washington since 1984 and Bend since 1990. Strong demand led to the opening of a showroom in 2016. Design consultations, manufacturing, installation and warranty services are handled in-house by local employees.

Executive Sales and Design Consultants Charity Riley and Amy Bodi emphasize the company’s focus on whole-home storage, excluding kitchens. “We create custom storage for offices, garages, mudrooms, laundries and unique spaces such as under stairs, wine bars and dry bars,” Bodi said. “We’re a hybrid between furniture and cabinet companies.” The company offers a range of cabinet materials, including woodgrain, solid finishes, high-gloss, matte and decorative elements such as metals, leather composites and glass. Custom-made in Tualatin, the furniture comes with an extensive selection of hardware and lighting, ensuring every job is built-to-order for a truly custom design.

California Closets uses top-quality functional hardware, concealed, soft-close drawer glides and door hinges, details that clients may not see, but can always feel.

Q&A with Amy Bodi and Charity Riley, Executive Sales and Design Consultants

What steps should I expect when starting a project with California Closets?

The first step is a complimentary consultation with a designer. Clients are invited to visit the showroom and bring photos, rough measurements and sources of inspiration while exploring various wall systems and materials on display. For local clients, visiting the home job site can be more effective, allowing us to gather information about their priorities, preferences and needs directly. Depending on the complexity of the space, we may set up our laptops on-site to create a design using a CAD program to generate a 3D rendering. This allows for real-time collaboration on revisions, with the quote adjusting as we make changes. Alternatively, we may use the initial consultation to collect information, design off-site and email a set of preliminary designs.

What can clients expect after the design and budget phase is complete?

We book the installation. Because nothing is prefabricated, installations are scheduled four to eight weeks in advance, depending on the size and complexity of the project. The delay gives homeowners time to prepare the space, such as tearing out existing storage systems, patching and painting walls, checking that outlets and electrical components are in the proper place and even installing flooring.

What storage solutions are locals asking for?

With Central Oregon’s thriving tourism and remote workforce, home office solutions and wall (or Murphy) beds are in high demand. People don’t want to sacrifice an entire room for a guest who stays just a night or two. In smaller homes, wall beds maximize space. Converting a bedroom or integrating an office into an existing area is a practical solution. Another area often needing attention is the garage, which is not just for cars here in Bend, but often storage for bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, ski gear and outdoor toys common in this area. We also love the challenge of finding solutions for small spaces, which are the most impactful for owners.

What are the significant misimpressions that clients come with?

The biggest one is that we’re too expensive. We are very much in alignment with our competitors. We offer clients our showroom, experienced designers, control of their budget, real-time 3D images and local installers. If anything needs attention or adjustment, we send our installers to fix warranty issues.

Another misimpression is that California Closets only does large jobs or spaces. In fact, the smaller and “weirder” the space, the more impactful it is when designed with intention. Anyone can make a large, rectangular space useful, but our products and services are optimized when we have to think outside the box.

California Closets – Bend
937 NW Newport Ave. #210, Bend
californiaclosets.com

Nestled in the bluffs at the Old Mill District is The Eight by Arrowood Development. This collection of eight distinctive townhomes invites clients to live in a design-forward home that celebrates Bend’s future as well as its heritage.

Set near the Deschutes River and the urban energy of Bend’s “second downtown,” The Eight at the Old Mill is a model for contemporary living and an innovative way of designing for urban density, connection and client lifestyle. A quiet U-shaped street creates a micro-community for owners that is both welcoming and energizing. With four 2024 Central Oregon Builder Association Tour of Home awards, including ones for Best of Show, Architecture, Design Feature and Interior Finish, The Eight delivers customizable urban spaces created to adapt to each client’s desires and lifestyle.

Q&A with Femke van Velzen

How do projects such as The Eight fill a need to both fit into an environment and also stand out?

We appreciate that the Old Mill District has done such a good job of preserving its vision for this area of Bend. Our goal as developers is to fill a place within that vision while upholding its high standards, which benefits the greater community as well as end users.

Through the site design and the creation of The Eight, we are providing a luxury townhome product that fits the environment and offers clients a unique, elevated living experience. What makes this neighborhood even more special is its overnight rental zoning. Whether clients choose to rent the entire space or just the first-floor lockout ADU, it’s a very attractive investment opportunity in one of Bend’s most sought-after markets.

How did you use elevated design to set The Eight apart?

We like the challenge that pushes the boundaries of how to use materials in exciting ways, but keeps it accessible for people with different tastes and styles. The color palettes in The Eight layer neutrals and textures with a mix of hard and soft materials that create an ideal backdrop for a wide range of furnishing styles. Taupe, warm white and beige tones are combined with “colors of the moment” that deliver an imaginative, memorable visual impact.

We are mindful that, first and foremost, these are spaces where people will live. Our goal is to offer a mix of materials that is really user-friendly and easy to maintain, while creating visual landing spots that evoke an emotion when you step inside.

Tell us more about visual landing spots.

Good design should offer opportunities that spark a conversation. The Eight delivers those moments with features such as handmade Brazilian light fixtures in the main spaces as well as bursts of color and texture delivered through paint and wallpaper. We reimagined how to utilize glass panes, leveraging frosted glass to obscure laundry areas, provide privacy in exterior spaces and skirt interior staircases. We also viewed the exterior as an extension of each home’s floorplan and created four decks that offer year-round covered dining and a place to enjoy the Old Mill’s vibrant environment.

How do site design and selection of materials create a custom space within the environment?

The building envelope offered plenty of space to create eight townhomes laid out in a way that creates its own welcoming destination neighborhood with a distinct look and feel. That atmosphere is supported with ample landscaping for privacy and beauty along with natural stone, wood and iron elements that recall this area’s important place in Bend’s history.

The Eight is intentionally close to the Old Mill District, but residents can choose what they want to let in, mentally. We embraced this mindset by designing indoor-outdoor spaces to maximize their views and experiences. Incorporating multiple decks offers space to relax with the sounds of a concert right outside your door, while large-format windows let in abundant natural light and provide beautiful views indoors as well. Inside and out, our goal was to create a special place that embraces urban living, celebrates the stunning natural surroundings and answers our clients’ desire to realize the ultimate carefree lifestyle.

Arrowood Development
250 NW Franklin Ave. #403, Bend
arrowooddev.com