NW Home Designers

Dec 2014

This Redmond Home needed to not only be updated but also needed some additional space. By adding a family room they were able to swap spaces on the main floor to better fit their lifestyle. Their front room because a bedroom suite for their daughter, the kitchen moved to the other side of the house (where the old family room was) giving it more space to fit their family of 5 and the large addition gave them the room for their entire family to comfortably sit down and enjoy a movie. Upstairs the hall bathroom got a make over and the master suite lost a never used tub to allow for additional storage and more counterspace.

Redmond, WA

Nov 2013

The master bathroom once resided on the main floor until my clients decided they wanted more space and to capture more of their view of Lake Washington and Mount Rainer, hence a new second story addition. When I asked them what feeling they wanted their master bathroom to have, the first word was beachy. They travel a lot and wanted their own retreat steps away from their bedroom. We came up with a plan that gave them each their own vanity area, a large tub and a glass shower for two. Now, to find the materials that captured that beachy feeling of sand, water, and relaxation. We started with counters that have a translucent feeling of water, recycled glass in the color of Aqua Marine. The cut edges even look like waves of water! Soft curves along the counters mimic the curves of the tub and the sinks. This gave us the starting point on which to design the rest of the space. Using metallic glass tiles also captures the feeling of moving water and nicely compliments the aqua marine counter color. We even use a vertical detail of this tile in the shower like a small waterfall on the shower wall. The shower rests in the center of the bathroom and because of this it needed to be see-through to keep the airy light feeling of the space and not block the view of the lake. Now the glass enclosure surrounds the shower as it to defy gravity and the light colored tiled walls stay in the background. Using barn-style hardware for the shower door kept the area between the shower and the vanity free of a door swing. My client also wanted a tub that was big enough to engulf her in water while she peered out at Mount Rainer. When you find a tub that has sculptural aspects the last thing you want to do is hide it, which is why we wrapped the tub deck only along the back and kept the front exposed. This allowed us to show off its curves as it gives way to the glass tub deck and tile fascia. To finish off the desired beach retreat effect, tile that looks just like light weathered wood was used on the floor and continues up the tub fascia to meet the glass tub deck. It also gave us a nice color to pull from for the stain color of maple slab veneer cabinets which float just above the floor making the bathroom feel even more spacious. I was told this is their favorite room in the house, I believe we have accomplished our goal!

Seattle, WA

Nov 2013

What was once a part of a large master bathroom is now a powder room available to the main living area. The remodeled powder room was required to do one thing, be a show stopper! My clients are avid scuba divers and wanted their powder room to reflect that. How do you make a wall look like falling water without actually using water? You find a tile that reminds you of water and install it so that it looks like it is cascading down the wall, and that is just what we did. As a matter of fact, my clients loved it so much they decided NOT to put a mirror above the sink as that would cover the beauty of the tile. They would rather enjoy the overall look of the design than see a reflection of themselves in a mirror. However, if you did need to touch up your lipstick, there is a vanity mirror set off to the side for you. Now that we had this amazing tile I knew we had to have a similar idea for the countertop. I wanted something that was not too heavy visually and still had the idea of water. We found this great recycled glass countertop perfectly titled Ocean Blue that we could back light so that it would glow almost like a reflecting pool. In order to not over power the vanity, we decided to use a clear vessel bowl to allow the beauty of the countertop to shine through. To ensure guests knew it lit up we used a motion sensor for the switch. This way the counter lights up welcoming the guest with a soft blue glow. Now we needed to anchor all of this with a cabinet that was simple enough not to overpower the rest of the design in addition to hiding bathroom necessities. Using a dark stained cherry slab panel door cabinet did just this, and gave us an opportunity to use a panel to hide the plumbing. Because powder rooms can feel small we felt it wise to leave the area under the sink free of cabinets to allow the hardwood flooring continue in from the hallway. Now my scuba diving clients can retreat into their powder room if they ever need to feel surrounded by water. Mission accomplished!

Seattle, WA

Sep 2013

When designing a small space every inch and quarter of an inch counts! That is the case for this kitchen. The client knew what he wanted it to look like but how to fit all of his gadgets and needed cookware into this tight space was really the design conundrum. The look was to be sleek and sophisticated yet find itself somewhere between traditional and contemporary. Using design elements such as taken a traditional style penny tile in grayish white with a black and stainless steel focal band then use it as the backsplash/main wall covering takes that something from the past in a modern application. Contrasting with the sleekness of the dark stain and steel, we used a textured countertop that is nice to the touch and does not reflect the LED under cabinet lighting. The ebony stained shaker door cabinets keep the sleek look while adding the lit glass doors with splashes of red from the pottery add a bit of warmth. Hiding behind these ebony doors is what really makes this cook excited. The pull out organizer with a spice/oil rack on the other side makes food prep and cooking so much more convenient. Then what do you do with 9 inches of wall space, but turn it into another pull out spice rack. Turning to your right hiding in the corner is the recycle and trash center which is nicely situated between the matte charcoal undermount sink for easy composting and the prep counter which has needed hidden items behind the door of the appliance garage. Then once you have dinner prepared, time for either a glass of beer and an after dinner coffee which our cook is the connoisseur of both so we created a coffee/beer bar next to the refrigerator. Both machines are heavy and need loading along with cleaning, so easy access was a must. The solution was to create a counter that easily glides out toward you so that you are able to access the machines without pulling them across you counter. With so much in a kitchen where do you put the microwave? Our solution was to tuck it into the side of the pantry so that it is both out of the way but also easy to get to. Now it's time to sit down and enjoy your space at your raised eating bar that has enough support that if someone has too much wine and starts table dancing there will not be an issue. Cheers!

Seattle, WA

Feb 2013

Old homes often equal small divided up spaces which is why this home was in need of a remodel. The master suite area was divided up into a small bathroom, an room with several small closets and created an area of un-used floor space. Removing walls and opening up the space gave way to a gracious bathroom area, dressing area and created an open but unified master suite space. The bathroom area now has two separate "floating" vanities, a water closet and large shower for two. We used clean lines with crisp colors but wanted a dramatic feel in the shower which is where we decided to install an Onyx panel that has been back lit creating an amazing focal point in this contemporary space. The smooth curves of the faucets and pendant lights soften the contemporary angles and mimic the wavy lines in the onyx panel. The homeowners now have a contemporary sanctuary they can enjoy!

Seattle, WA

Jan 2011

A quiet retreat for her and being able to watch sports or listen to the radio (via his smart phone) for him was the direction for this couples master bathroom. To achieve the quiet retreat soft neutral materials were selected which contrast with the espresso stained cabinets giving it the look and feel of a contemporary spa. She also wanted to have floating cabinets but did not want to deal with those pesky dust bunnies that hide in the corners. The solution to this was to make the cabinets appear to be floating by raising the toe kick and recessing it back far enough to trick the eye but keep those corners well within cleaning reach. Another request of hers was to be able to hide her hair dryer but keep it ready for use which was achieved by putting an electrical outlet on the wall behind the first drawer so that she can leave her dryer plugged in and hidden ready for use. His only request was to have a TV and sound system that could all be controlled by either his phone or tablet. Installing a TV along the side wall of his vanity that has an arm so that it could be flush against the wall was installed as was a sound system all controlled by the touch of a finger. Now can you take a shower that is situated to look over the tub and through the window so that you can enjoy the view while listening to your favorite songs. Or, you can take a bath which is nestled in the corner of the bathroom to take advantage of the view of the Puget Sound. This clean and contemporary bathroom has everything the clients wanted down to the heated floors and glass tile accents. A retreat they are happy to enter and enjoy.

Seattle, WA

This West Seattle family of 3 in addition to their Bernese Mountain dog Jack needed a kitchen that had something for everyone. This multi-tasking kitchen allows the cook their own space with counterspace either side of the professional gas cook top, turn to the right for a pull out knife drawer and to the left a 3 drawer cabinet that houses all of their necessary saute pans and pots. When they area baking they wanted nice storage for their cooking sheets which sits about the oven and built in microwave. The prep cook has use of the island with prep sink and wine refrigerator to keep the guests sitting at their raised granite eating counter happy while engaging in conversation with those working in the open kitchen. The prep cook and guests can also easily get to the 24? wide refrigerator or 24? wide freezer without interrupting the cooking process. When it is time for clean up the deep single bowl sink, dishwasher and pull out recycle/trash bin makes it an easy process. Even the dog has his spot for his food/water in an open floor area at the base of the family?s task area which holds keys, notebooks, needed grocery lists in addition to a chalk board on the side allowing for quick notes and displaying their son?s colorful art. For those who enjoy coffee, we created an area for all of their coffee needs which is also flanked by two 24" deep pantries with easy access pull out shelves storing all of the food and snacks. This contemporary kitchen sways to the warm side of colors with its Espresso stained cherry cabinets, glass backsplash in soft earth tones, creamy quartz counters, hardwood Sucupira flooring and a granite counter pulling all of these elements into an angular accent.

Seattle, WA

This area was made up of several space spaces that were just begging for a large open kitchen with an archway to the dining room. By removing walls and opening up doorways we were able to accomplish this. Being a traditional Tudor home the kitchen needed to have the same design aspects. Using white painted shaker door cabinets along with the honed cararra marble countertops with beveled ceramic subway tile backsplash with a pop of color for the walls keeps the space light and airy but still keeps the traditional feel. The range hood happens to be a focus in the space and a typical stainless hood would not due! Instead a custom white painted hood boasting moldings that matches trim throughout the home was used instead. The two tiered island hides the professional range from the dining room and gives the guests a place to sit and chat with the cook. All homeowners desire to keep remodels in keeping with era of their home but once in a white a modern element needs to sneak it such as a traditional apron front sink with a modern twist of having a matte black finish making it easy to keep clean. Now the homeowners can entertain with ease and the kitchen feels right at home in its classic traditional Tudor style space.

Seattle, WA

This contemporary kitchen balances the lightness of white countertops with the dark chocolate stained rift oak cabinets and a granite slab island that pulls it all together. The clients' wanted a working kitchen that allows a cook and separate prep cook to work together without interference while keeping the clean lines of the entire space. Upon a closer look it has hidden gems enhancing its efficiency and functionality. The glass tile backsplash not only adds a touch of luster but it easy to clean. Just across the range top is a six inch deep cabinet within reach containing all the necessary spices and oils. Hidden right next to the pantry is a cork board and ironing board making this space both beautiful and multifunctional. The island is a divider to the main living space, a place to store cookbooks and wine bottles, and also provides enough space for guests and a prep area. The bar area boasts a second sink, chilled wine refrigerator and a built in coffee machine so that anyone can obtain their favorite beverage without interfering with the rest of the space. With all of this in view from the main living area it was important that it still maintains the feel of a living space and not just a kitchen. Incorporating cabinets that show the collection of colorful dishes behind reeded glass along with a display shelf above the sink not only prove to be useful but draws the eye to the beauty of the space. This kitchen that is both functional with every square inch and maintains the clients? desires for honest clean lines creates stunning first impression while also creating an inviting environment.

Bellevue, WA