This in-city waterfront home feels like a vacation home however this is a year-round primary residence. And happiness is a collection of shells from the beach just outside… Their back door opens to the sands of the Puget Sound in West Seattle which is a mere fifteen minute drive (yes, admittedly on a good traffic day) to the metropolis of the bustling fastest growing city in the US. Here is a family who has collected prize-worthy shells and composed them in various unique containers and has incorporated whimsical beach-y artifacts through out the home. And it feels like we are on holiday 24/7!
Renovation Goals
Recently the interior was in need of a refreshing update. An attraction to the linear style fireplace was intriguing and we moved forward to incorporate this feature.
Redesigning the fireplace was a perfect opportunity to update the entire wall. The original casework was built to accommodate a TV. Now that there is a dedicated media room as the preferred venue, we designed shelves to prominently display the shell collection.
Before and After Photo
Design Process
What a happy project to be working on! The carpenters were always whistling or singing along with the jovial homeowner who was jumping in to help as work progressed. Once the homeowners fell in love with a slab of Antartide quartzite for the hearth the rest of the materials were selected. The stacked stone for the wall complements the hearthstone beautifully. LED lights were incorporated to the display shelves and add drama to this now sophisticated focal wall. A new sectional creates a very comfortable conversational area. The sublime view of the Puget Sound and the Vashon Ferry makes the contractors’ work much more enjoyable!
Next the Kitchen
We had half a slab of Antartide left. The existing island in the kitchen was three awkward levels. We changed the layout to make a longer bar top for more comfortable seating and easier access for the chef. The remnant was perfect for the new bar top. The West wall of the kitchen prep area was cramped so we created more counter space. An under counter microwave drawer and a revised upper cabinet design allowed for a more spacious and functional work area. The sink and faucet were also replaced. A new color scheme and painting the cabinets brightened the space.
Next the Dysfunctional Desk
Enough said for many existing desk areas in today’s kitchens. Tearing it out and retrofitting the area with a wine cooler made perfect sense.
Whimsical Details
Integrating classic and natural materials such as linen, natural fir, and soapstone create textural interest achieving a relaxed and whimsical ambience. Capturing the spirit of the client, the sea shells are the heart of this home lending to its beach-y aesthetic. The abstract artwork lends a polished contemporary vibe. As the homeowner wrote to me: “All the shells were handpicked on the beach in front by my Mom. She washed each shell and carefully arranged them in glass vases. She did this over a period of 15+ years. We spent a huge amount of that time together on the beach. Thank you so much for suggesting I fill the shelves with them! Not only does it look fantastic but it warms my heart with memories of my Mom every time I look at them.”
One feels a sense of happiness and joy in this home. Last but not least Henry ties it all together!
