Perched on a scenic corner lot in West Seattle, this replacement home embraces sweeping Puget Sound views while enhancing functionality and flow. By shifting the entry to the long side of the house, we optimized the layout and created a more welcoming arrival. An L-shaped front garden and fenced rear yard provide inviting outdoor spaces, while the home’s existing two-car garage now supports a large solar array. Inside, a custom staircase connects three thoughtfully designed levels. The open-plan main floor centers around the view, with expansive sliding doors leading to a heated deck. Upstairs, the primary suite enjoys the best sightlines, while two additional bedrooms and a spacious laundry complete the level. A hybrid insulation system and all-electric Mitsubishi heat pump ensure year-round efficiency and comfort. The basement offers a generous family room, guest suite, office, and storage. This home balances sustainability, practicality, and stunning Pacific Northwest views.

 

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This stately Four Square home, set on a prominent corner lot in Capitol Hill, has been thoughtfully reimagined to enhance light, views, and indoor-outdoor connections. While the ground floor layout remained largely intact, the kitchen was completely transformed, and a new powder room was added. A redesigned staircase now flows seamlessly through all three levels. Upstairs, a new primary suite and two additional bathrooms modernize the second floor, while a reworked roofline on the third floor increases head height, making the space more functional with the addition of a small bath and laundry. Though the basement was previously remodeled, extensive structural updates were required to support the home’s improvements. Rich in detail, the interiors feature custom touches like a bespoke pantry armoire and salvaged pocket doors sourced from the East Coast, blending timeless character with thoughtful modern updates.

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When the owners of this early 1900’s craftsman style home asked for a space that was able to transform from a large open family room to a closed guest room and separate media room, we got really excited! They were open to mixing old and new, and we saw that an opportunity to explore some unusual design ideas.

As with many basement projects, before we began the design, we took care of some infrastructure issues. We installed a drainage system to ensure the basement stays dry (it does), relocated an electrical panel, and replaced an aging gas boiler in a new location (getting rid of a lot of unnecessary overhead pipes in the process). After our client was sure the basement would remain dry, we then worked together to design a series of sliding glass panels, which were custom made by a local metal fabricator. The panels can be locked in various positions to divide the space or fully enclose a guest room. For the flooring, we kept the original concrete slab floor, but stained it a rich color. The ceiling height was adequate, but not great, so we took advantage of the space between the joists for a large portion of the space by refinishing the existing fir joists and extending the drywall up to the subfloor above. This visually makes the room feel larger and helps to define the space.

 

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We’ve always believed that the funkiest homes are located in West Seattle, and this house was no exception. It is hard to imagine why a large ‘spa’ bathroom with a huge soaking tub, jetted shower, and sauna was needed next to the dining room and kitchen in this West Seattle home. Needless to say, the owner didn’t need a bathroom like this, in this location. Instead, they wanted a sitting room adjacent to the kitchen, a small powder room, a work space, and a combined pantry / laundry room.

While the project didn’t include much exterior work, we started by replacing a poorly constructed skylight with a new, custom built unit. We located the skylight above a new custom designed desk, that when open serves as a functional workspace, but when closed hides the clutter below, and allows the top to be used as a buffet. Flanking the office space is a small powder room and a pantry (also with a skylight). To save having to lug the laundry to the basement utility room, the owner requested we incorporate a stacking laundry machine in the pantry.

We paid special attention to choosing materials that better tied into the existing home. New steel beams match an existing steel staircase. We revised the fireplace surround, designing one side to respond to the adjacent living room, and then designing the opposite side using reclaimed wood with a fir ‘screen’.

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In Seattle, building on the waterfront is often a complicated process and this project was no exception. Before even putting pen to paper to start the design process, we went through a series of negotiations with the City to be able to construct a new home in the location of the old home that existed on the site. After getting the green light from the City, we began the design of this 8,000 SF residence. The main house is split into four levels: a daylight basement, main level, upper level and a loft. A detached garage also houses a guest suite above it.

Traditional design and materials define this home: wood siding and windows, natural stone fireplaces, tile, slabs of stone, and paving are used to give this home an elegant and timeless feel. But under this traditional detailing is high-tech wiring for data and communications, a fire sprinkler system, a backup generator and other technology to keep this house functioning long into this century.

 

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