A Perfect Blend

The owners of this 1950s mid-century home sought a transformation that would create spaciousness for their own enjoyment, as well as for the friends and family they love to entertain.

They plan to enjoy their home for many years to come, and had aging-in-place in mind which will likely involve operating from a wheelchair. This influenced many of their design decisions. For the interior, this included creating an accessible, zero threshold bathroom, prioritizing wide spaces that are easy to maneuver and designing some wheelchair-height countertops in the kitchen remodel. To enhance the indoor-outdoor connection, the design incorporated ramps to enter the house and a west-facing backyard with a view of the Puget Sound.

After being greeted by Luci, the sweetest doodle in Seattle, this generous, hospitable couple make visitors welcome on the covered, all-weather back patio where they enjoy sunsets, grilled meals and games on the outdoor television. Outdoor comfort was fostered by the addition of ceiling fans in the summer and heating lamps in the winter. Equally inviting is the open kitchen with an island large enough to seat many, plenty of usable counter space, and well-researched and chosen appliances. (The freezer had to be big enough to house a cookie sheet!)

A new connective space between the house and garage floods the interior of the home with natural light from multiple skylights and transom windows. The connection helps keep them out of the weather and also accommodates a generous front entry, a large laundry room, a butlers pantry and a new powder room. All things that were lacking in the original layout of the home.

It was important to marry the elements of the original house to the aesthetic of the new modern connective space. This was achieved by raising the low, oppressive ceiling in the living room, giving it a light and airy feel and creating a whimsical connection between the study and the primary bedroom via a secret bookcase door. Finishes are mostly classic with pops of playfulness throughout the home and the lighting is all intended to add joy.

Their carpenter-son did most of the construction himself, which was an amazing feat and beautifully done. The sweat equity really adds to their story.

Contractor  CS Construction, All Aces Construction  |  Structural Engineer  B2 Engineers  |  Photographer  Julie Mannell

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