Lindsey Runyon Design

Jan 2016

The owners of a penthouse in the same building needed an additional space for their office and a place to host guests. This studio unit 2 floors down from their residence was an excellent solution! The goal was to create the ultimate hotel suite with a quintessentially northwest hipster vibe. Seattle Focus:The look of the room was driven by Seattle and the northwest, with a particular focus on northwest music. Plaid draperies invoke the feeling of the early ‘90’s Seattle grunge scene, while providing privacy and light control. A Kurt Cobain photograph hangs on the wall to remind guests where they are, and lest they forget, the Space Needle is right outside the windows, seen front and center from the bed or sofa. Built-ins: We added a new wall, flanked with custom cabinetry, toward the side of the space. This feature created more privacy to the bathroom, added a ton of additional built-in storage, and added a large standing-height desk. Above the desk we hung 27 record album covers for a great backdrop and another musical detail. We also added new custom built-in bookshelves that match the existing kitchen cabinetry to smooth out some of the odd wall recesses in the raw industrial-looking space. This created a unified look and provided even more storage. Multi-Function Space: The sitting area sofa converts into a fold-down bed when guests arrive, and the round dining table is perfect for a meal as well as for hosting business meetings. The custom coffee table is topped with a live-edge slab of northwest fir, and has a cool geometric metal base, with casters for easy moving when the bed needs to fold down. As for color, emerald green plays a huge role in this Emerald City studio, along with navy blue and hints of gold. The combination of color and all the Seattle details create a perfect getaway for working or resting.

Seattle, WA

Jan 2016

For an LA couple’s 2nd residence, they decided to embrace urban living and purchase a 2-story penthouse in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. Modern vibes and rich textures were the name of the game, and enhanced the spirit of the industrial loft space. The husband and wife are huge music fans and photography fans, so the space is generously appointed with rare imagery of uber-famous musicians & bands such as Stevie Nicks, Kurt Cobain, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Marley. In the entry hall, we balanced the height with 5’ long chainmaille chandeliers for some edgy impact. New sconces, mirror, and live edge slab created a nice entry experience with a warm orange accent wall backdrop in the niche. A custom driftwood coat rack stands in the corner providing function and interest to the space. The tribal rug brings in some great color, and the Bob Marley photo set on the wall provides a hint of the art that will be featured throughout the home. The dining area was really fun to work on. The most dramatic feature is the stenciled wall treatment that wraps around toward the entry. We had a stencil custom-sized to be the right scale for this wall. It provides the perfect point of drama and interest for the space. The marble-topped dining table is a stunning feature, and the lambswool dining chairs really warm it up. The custom-made leather covered bar trunk from Jaipur, India sits underneath an iconic Led Zeppelin photograph. Set against the stenciled backdrop, it creates a beautiful feature space. Over the dining table, the beaded textile chandelier adds another natural element and anchors this zone within the great room. In the living area we kept the focus was on the beautiful view of Puget Sound. The color palate stayed chiefly in varying shades of neutrals and textures throughout a grouping that surrounds the fireplace. Classic mid-century furniture mixes in with unique modern pieces to create a luxe look. A new live-edge wood slab was brought in to add some warmth to the steel bench on the side of the fireplace. Instead of a coffee table, we used 4 small side tables for a more dynamic arrangement. One of the most fun pieces in the home is the wavy wood side table that sits next to the womb chair–such great impact from a small piece. In the kitchen, we replaced all the countertops, going with a unique granite for the island. The backsplash was a custom-blend glass tile in a chevron pattern that played off the colors in the island stone slab. In the master bedroom, we went bold and dramatic. The ceiling is treated with 3-dimensional paneling that brings in a geometric texture. The wall color is a bold, dark teal to establish an energetic, moody feel. Mid-century influences can be seen in the bed, lighting, nightstands, and wall sculptures. The collage wall in this room would make any gallery owner jealous: The wife’s internationally-recognized professional photography, capturing travels as well as photos with personal meaning to the couple, mixes with iconic, limited-production photos of famous musicians. The room is anchored by a moroccan rug, and the raw, industrial look of the concrete columns and exposed steel make this space the ultimate in rock and roll glam. For the master bathroom, we brought in some international travel, as well as some glamour. A chunky chandelier hangs over the bathtub; basic-builder mirrors were replaced with a more attractive scalloped-frame solution and new sconces were added. African woven baskets provide texture and interest on the walls and as storage throughout the space. Upstairs in the mezzanine loft, the wife’s office & creative space hosts an industrial storage cart, lucite-sided leather stools, an intense metal sideboard, and modern architectural-looking desk. It is an odd-shaped space, but we were able to work with it to make it both beautiful and functional for her. The chandelier hanging over the desk was originally hanging over the dining area but felt more appropriate to this smaller zone. The bulletin board was a whole project on its own: The stencil was custom-created based off a Pacific Northwest tribal pattern. The board & frame were designed in an L-shape to transform an awkward corner into a beautiful place to display notes and photos.

Seattle, WA

Jan 2016

These photos represent a continuation of a project we started a few years ago. Initially, the clients hired us to complete the entry hall, back hall, living room, dining room, and master bedroom. This time around we finished out the condo by completing the guest bedroom, and upgrading the sun room to make it a more comfortable place to lounge and dine.

Seattle, WA

Jan 2015

This project was a modern townhome on Capitol Hill. The owners, chemistry professors at UW, had moved into the home several years prior, but hadn’t felt completely successful in their own interior design efforts. They lacked proper storage, were living with damaged furniture, and were ready to refresh the spaces. These clients were so easy to work with and trusted us throughout the process to bring some more sophistication & function to their already-awesome & groovy sense of style. LIVING ROOM – In the living room, we added a dramatic overhead pendant light, re-positioned one of their favorite art pieces, installed new window shades, and reconfigured the layout for a more open flow. For furniture, we were able to re-use the coffee table, and replace the rest of the furnishings with a fresh new look. KITCHEN – The main cabinets and layout of the kitchen was left untouched, but we added a unique glass tile backsplash, new cabinetry configuration in the peninsula, new overhead lighting, and new furniture. CUSTOM CABINETRY – One of the major features of the project was a new cabinetry unit spanning the stairway between the living room and kitchen. This full-height unit now houses their collections, hobbies, books, as well as essential everyday items. The mix of opened and closed storage provides a mix of function and aesthetics, keeping clutter out of sight, but breaking up what could have otherwise been an overpowering monolithic structure. GUEST ROOM – The guest room served as a part time teenager’s room, and also as a guest room for other visitors. We installed a photo collage on one wall, new textural window shades, and new furnishings all around. PERSONALIZED DETAILS – The fabric panel above the bed held special meaning for the owners. It was a piece of the same fabric that served as the aisle runner for the couple’s wedding. BETTER USE OF CLOSET – Since the closet wasn’t being used for much hanging storage anyway, we created a more functional solution for that area using more custom built-ins. Now they have a great place to store what they need to store, while still having a smaller hanging area on the left. The rich walnut colors in the room perfectly compliment the cool green accent wall and natural textures throughout.

Seattle, WA

Jan 2014

This 100-year-old craftsman home in Queen Anne was beautiful on its own. The homeowners, a young couple who had recently relocated from California were only the home’s 3rd owners and the house was in great shape. However, the previous residents had quite a different aesthetic from these stylish tech-industry entrepreneurs. Heavy reds, browns, and forest greens dominated the spaces. The couple wanted to bring the home into a more modern and youthful vibe that worked for their lifestyle. When they called us, they had already started purchasing furniture on their own but realized that they needed help coordinating everything. They wanted to bring in a professional to help finish the job. This project is a great example of how we can work with many existing elements of a space, but really create a vision for the rooms to tie it all together. We focused on new window treatments, key new furniture pieces, new wall colors, and great accessories to bring the vision to life. We addressed every aspect of each space that we worked on. Sometimes an existing piece moved to a different room, sometimes it stayed, or got re-arranged. We then filled in all the gaps with new items to make it feel like a completed home.

Seattle, WA

Sep 2013

Andy and Shawna Troutman were such great clients to work with. For this project, they wanted to address their living room and their entry hall. Their home, in Seattle's Phinney Ridge neighborhood was constructed in 2002 and was designed by an architect. The unique layout provided the owners large spaces with clean lines, atypical for homes in the area, which are mostly older craftsman style. Their more modern home meant that they had a lot of raw space to work with so it was just a matter of filling it beautifully with furniture, custom cabinetry, and lighting. Before coming to us, the Troutmans had been living with mostly hand me downs and finds found from online, or as they described it, New College Revivalist style, and were ready for their space to graduate to the next level. The couple loves to entertain, and they also love their cute Welsh terrier, Finrod. This new living room had to accommodate both. The seating area had to provide comfortable seating for up to 6 people, as well as a gas fireplace, and a TV console/entertainment area, and plenty of storage. Style wise the Troutmans liked a mix of mid century modern, and a hint of funky traditionalism. We decided on a palette of grays, white, and pops of Kelly green to keep it fun and interesting. The super slim gas fireplace keeps the space toasty in the wintertime, and the mix of classic and contemporary furniture pieces makes everyone feel at home even Finrod the dog.

Seattle, WA

Jan 2013

Kevin and Gretchen are a local couple who own a house in the islands and work in downtown Seattle. The long ferry commute was taking a toll and they decided to rent an apartment, a “crash pad,” downtown where they could stay a couple days a week. They moved in some extra furniture without much planning or consideration, since this apartment would be used so infrequently—or so they thought. Two days a week quickly turned into 5 days a week, and 10 years later, the crash pad had become a regular dwelling, but it still had the setup of a temporary abode. We were able to come in and turn the space into a comfortable retreat for them to live and call home. Because the couple had lived in the unit for so long, it was due for an upgrade on standard finishes from the building management. We worked with the pre-selected new materials when choosing furniture, accessories, and paint, resulting in a classic and restful color palette of blues, grays and golds. The color scheme combined seamlessly with a contemporary design aesthetic to create a very restful and inviting environment. With separate places to lounge, to eat, and to work, this apartment has everything city-dwellers could want.

Seattle, WA

Jun 2011

When Erin and Eric Smith moved into their home, the kitchen definitely needed remodeling. The space lacked functional storage, and the existing pinkish-colored cabinets were literally disintegrating inside. Even though the house was set-up for a downdraft range, the installed range was standard, leaving the Smiths with no cooktop venting whatsoever. The couple had always considered this house more of a "starter house"; knowing that they would probably move on in a few years. Therefore, they wanted to remodel on a tight budget, keeping resale value in mind. In terms of style, the kitchen had to be neutral enough to attract a broad audience but still appeal to the owners' contemporary tastes. Erin and Eric are tall, 5'10" and 6'3" respectively, so the upper cabinets between the kitchen and dining room presented a problem. The Smiths would constantly have to duck to see across to the other side of the room. We took out those cabinets, which allowed the room to feel so much bigger and more open. We made up for the lost storage by capturing the space beneath the unused eating bar. We meticulously planned the rest of the Ikea cabinets to maximize storage and functionality. With their old kitchen, the Smiths struggled to find space for all the items they needed. Not anymore! Erin told me that once they completely unpacked into the new kitchen, she actually had one cupboard that remained empty. Good design allows people to live better lives and can make cooking fun. Since the installation of their new kitchen, the couple has been experimenting with many new and healthy recipes. I think I should invite myself over for dinner.

Seattle, WA

May 2011

David and Danielle Hulton are a young, tech savvy Seattle couple living in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. David is the director of security applications at Pico Computing, and Danielle is the owner of Ada's Technical Books, a shop nearby selling technical geeky books. The existing bathroom in their condo was original to the building. It had been badly damaged by a water leak inside the walls and mold was growing. They needed a complete gut, so cabinets, materials, fixtures, and even large portions of the walls were removed. The one thing the Hultons wanted to keep was a family heirloom, an antique Japanese vase. They wanted to incorporate the vase into the design of the bathroom somehow. They not only wanted a place for it, but they also wanted the vase's colors to work with the colors in the bathroom's materials. So essentially, we designed the bathroom around the vase. When planning the new space the priorities were adding storage, making the space feel larger, and making it eco friendly. STORAGE Because it was in a one bedroom, one bathroom condo, we needed to be very strategic about storage. At less than 53 square feet, the bathroom required us to be creative and plan out every detail. We recessed the upper mirrored medicine cabinets into the wall as much as possible. So while the cabinets protrude from the wall by only 6 inches, their total inside depth is somewhere around 12 inches, adding capacity without encroaching over the vanity too much. Down below, we added toe kick drawers in the base cabinet in order to maximize every single inch of space to the floor. A small garbage can will fit inside the low drawer next to the toilet. In the shower, there is a recessed niche for storing toiletries. Outside the shower, we stacked towel bars 2 high for more hanging space. The cabinet above the toilet performs a variety of functions. Its open shelf is sized to perfectly display the vase. The open cubbies are excellent for rolled towels. And the enclosed, mirrored section conceals the extra toilet paper. PERCEPTION OF LARGER SPACE A tall, menacing cabinet to the left of the sink was removed to create more of a sense of openness, and the new upper medicine cabinets were faced with mirrors wherever possible to further give the illusion of depth. The glass shower door also makes the bathroom feel larger. The countertop continues over the back of the toilet to create a long horizontal line. ECO FRIENDLY Being eco friendly was also very important on this project. The countertop slab is a product called Trinity. The material is local to the Northwest and made of recycled glass and low-carbon cement. The mosaic backsplash and accent tile by Oceanside, and is also made from recycled glass. We customized the blend of colors and textures to achieve the right look. The couple re-used their low-flow toilet. The cabinets were custom-made locally. Here are some additional design solutions implemented in the Hulton bathroom. EASY TO CLEAN, The wall mounted faucet and under mounted sink makes the countertop super easy to clean. LIGHTING, There was already a soffit in the ceiling, but that soffit was extended across the bathroom. The extended soffit not only gives the space a more streamlined look, but it now houses mini recessed lighting above the vanity. In addition, the under cabinet lighting provides a soft glow for late night trips to the loo. SHOWER CONTROLS, The shower controls are on the opposite side of the tub from the shower head, so that the residents can reach in to turn on the water while standing outside the tub. This way they can make sure it is the right temperature before getting in. MOISTURE CONTROL, With mold, mildew, and water damage being such a problem in the original bathroom, we didn't take any chances this time. We installed tile all the way up to the ceiling in the shower so that water couldn't splash the walls. The contractor also installed an extremely quiet exhaust fan that automatically turns on when it senses any moisture in the air. Overall, the clean lines and modern fixtures give this bathroom a sophistication and elegance.

Seattle, WA