Thinking about a kitchen addition for your Portland or Vancouver home? If your current kitchen feels cramped, outdated, or simply not functional for the way you live today, adding square footage can be one of the smartest and highest-ROI improvements you can make. Unlike a traditional kitchen remodel that works within your existing footprint, a kitchen addition expands your home’s usable space, creating room for a larger layout, better storage, improved flow, and modern features that older Northwest homes often lack.

The kitchen work triangle is a time-tested design principle that defines the most efficient relationship between the sink, stove, and refrigerator, the three most-used points in any kitchen, therefore creating a triangle in the kitchen.

For many homeowners in Portland and Vancouver, the kitchen isn’t just a place to cook; it’s where family life happens, where guests gather, and where design choices set the tone for the rest of the home. But not every kitchen is designed to keep up with today’s lifestyle. Older Craftsman homes often have narrow galley kitchens, while suburban ranches may feel closed off from the rest of the living space or dining area. 

Choosing the “best” kitchen sink isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. The right choice depends on your priorities, durability (wear and tear), maintenance needs, noise control, sink installation style, aesthetic appeal, counter space, and budget. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of different sink materials, styles, and gauges, plus share our local insights from the Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA areas.

Before beginning your kitchen remodel, it's crucial to clearly define your objectives. Are you aiming for a more modern custom kitchen design, looking to increase your home's resale value, or simply updating your kitchen cabinets? Clearly communicating your goals with your project manager ensures everyone involved understands your vision and can achieve the desired outcome.