Woodinville, WA

MBA REX Award Winner 2023

Designing the Perfect Side Yard Oasis with a Remodeler’s Touch

This homeowner’s desire for an outdoor living space on the side yard of their 1993 2-story home sparked the creative minds of our home remodeler team. Limited by size and distance to property lines, three concepts were considered.

Balancing Accessibility and Placement in the Side Yard

Woodinville, Wa

Chrysalis Award Winner 2023

Transforming an Impossible Kitchen into a Stunning Great Room

In the heart of a family home, a dark and cramped kitchen was desperately in need of a remodel. Enclosed by brick and with limited storage and flow, it was a chef’s nightmare. The homeowners sought a great room concept that would not only provide ample space for meal prep but also create a welcoming environment for family time. This is the story of their transformative journey and the challenges they overcame to make their dream kitchen a reality.

The Challenges

The first challenge was the unexpected interruption due to the pandemic, causing a delay of approximately two years. Additionally, the homeowners had a strong desire to incorporate the iconic Falu Red color from their Swedish heritage into the kitchen island. Obtaining the correct formula for this specialized hue was a task in itself. Other obstacles included engineering requirements for additional ceiling joists, the removal of unforeseen blown-in insulation, and budget limitations that prevented the transformation of the original brick fireplace into a pizza oven.

The Transformation

After overcoming these challenges, the kitchen underwent a stunning transformation. Natural light floods the space, thanks to three Velux skylights and strategically placed windows and French doors by Milgard. The centerpiece of the kitchen is the beautifully crafted “Falu Red” island, which harmonizes perfectly with the gas range knobs. Marset pendants from the ginger collection illuminate the island, adding a touch of elegance.

Functional and Enjoyable

The new kitchen embraces functionality and enjoyment for the entire family. A Simpson barn door now conceals coats, welcoming guests into a space filled with natural light. Previously confusing rooms now seamlessly merge into an open concept. Awkward corners have been transformed into a coffee bar, wine cooler, and pantry cabinet. The addition of in-wall hung cabinets with decorative glass doors and spacious countertops beautifully showcase new dishes. Caesarstone countertops offer ample meal prep space and serve as a designated homework area. Clever storage solutions like blind corner and spice rack pull-outs, plug strips for appliances, and a concealed drawer for the vacuum sealer make daily tasks a breeze.

The Final Touches

Every detail has been considered to create a kitchen that the family will cherish for a lifetime. An overhead commercial-style broiler adds an extra touch for the aspiring chef, while the layout ensures that every small appliance is within easy reach. With the arrival of delayed furniture, including bar stools, a couch, and a coffee table, the space will be perfect for both cooking and relaxation.

From an impossible kitchen to a stunning great room, the homeowners’ vision has been brought to life. The remodeling journey was filled with challenges, but the end result is a testament to their perseverance and the expertise of the remodeler. The once gloomy entry has been transformed into a bright and welcoming space, offering a seamless flow and an abundance of natural light. The family now has a kitchen that not only meets their functional needs but also provides a beautiful environment for making lasting memories.

Photography by Jackie Phairow Photography

MBA REX Award Winner 2023

Woodinville, WA

Designing for Aging in Place

After completing a primary suite addition, we began the next phase of this Woodinville remodel. This stage focused on creating living spaces that support aging in place. Therefore, we prioritized accessibility, comfort, and long-term usability.

At the same time, we integrated universal design principles throughout the kitchen and family room. Consequently, the home now supports daily routines without barriers or unnecessary obstacles.  Our goal was simple. We wanted to improve functionality while maintaining beauty and warmth.

Creating an Accessible Kitchen and Family Room

First, we reimagined the kitchen layout to improve movement and efficiency. Universal design requirements guided each decision. As a result, we relocated the island cooktop and removed a large brick oven wall.

This change immediately opened the room and improved circulation. Next, we installed wider passageways to support easy movement. Additionally, we introduced stained cherry cabinetry for both elegance and storage. Previously cluttered ceilings and countertops now feel organized and intentional. Instead, beautifully crafted cabinetry now defines the space.

Improving Accessibility Throughout the Home

Next, we improved accessibility between rooms. We installed a three-foot-wide pocket door to expand hallway access. Previously, a narrow doorway and built-in desk restricted movement. Meanwhile, the sunken family room required significant changes. Drafts and uneven flooring created discomfort. Therefore, we leveled the floor to create a flush transition. We also replaced the old wood-burning fireplace with an efficient gas unit.
As a result, the room now feels warmer, safer, and more inviting. In addition, custom painted cabinetry provides purposeful storage for electronics and collectibles. Consequently, the space feels both functional and refined.

Thoughtful Kitchen Design for Daily Living

Next, we tailored the kitchen to the homeowner’s lifestyle. For example, we installed double ovens to support seasonal baking traditions. Meanwhile, a widened pocket door now connects the kitchen to the dining room. This improvement strengthens flow between gathering spaces. Consequently, the home now supports entertaining and daily living with ease. We also moved the primary sink away from the corner. As a result, natural light improved dramatically. Additionally, the new placement offers better views of the backyard.

Custom Storage That Simplifies Life

Storage played a critical role in the redesign. Therefore, we incorporated full-extension, soft-close doors and drawers throughout the kitchen. Each cabinet hides purposeful storage solutions. For example, one island drawer contains a built-in spice organizer. As a result, cooking essentials remain organized and accessible. Furthermore, the cabinetry keeps countertops clear and uncluttered. Consequently, the workspace feels calm and efficient.

Balancing Functionality and Style

The design emphasizes performance without sacrificing aesthetics. Instead of a traditional range, we installed a cooktop for future seated access. Later, flipper doors can conceal appliances when not in use. Meanwhile, a simple hood provides proper ventilation and lighting. Additionally, a remote switch improves ease of use. Undercabinet lighting softly illuminates the finished cabinet bottoms. Therefore, task lighting supports every culinary activity. To complete the design, we extended upper cabinet doors over the light valence. As a result, the cabinetry now appears seamless and polished.

A Barrier-Free Home for the Future

Ultimately, this remodel successfully supports aging in place. The barrier-free kitchen and family room now offer comfort, accessibility, and beauty. Thoughtful design decisions improved storage, movement, and daily functionality. At the same time, the homeowners gained a space that feels welcoming and refined. This project reflects the power of collaboration between skilled remodelers and thoughtful homeowners. Together, we created a home designed to serve them for years to come.

Photography by Jackie Phairow Photography

Woodinville, WA

BIAW Award Winner 2022 

Chrysalis Award Winner 2022

Remodeled Homes Tour Virtual 2022

3D Bonus Room Tour

3D Workout Room Tour

This stately home was built in the ‘Street Of Dreams’ era with emphasis on street presence.

In our attempt to improve the function, we also wanted to improve its form.  We  preserved the flow of upper roof forms within the lower walls. The dormer was scaled to maximize desirable north light and enhance the architectural appeal centered over the garage doors below.

Divided into two separate spaces, the original smaller-than-effective bonus room over the garage, was accessible from the top of the back stairwell.  Exercise equipment, entertainment closet, bean bag chair, and more crammed into this tiny, awkward space.

To meet the needs of this family of Seven, we added 3 times the square footage, but made the space feel 5 times bigger.

The challenge: due to structural engineering limitations, the ceiling could not be fully be vaulted.  Instead of exposed collar ties, the homeowner opted for improved energy efficiency including a mini-split system to condition the room separately. Leather wallpaper features the far wall and five zones of dimmable lighting keep the room flexible.

18” deeps floor trusses were engineered to span front to back of the entire garage.  This eliminated posts that otherwise would have been required.

Design | Build

During the design phase, the bonus room exercise equipment was originally planned to move into the garage.  However, after issuance of building permit, but before construction, the homeowner requested a change.  They wanted the originally-designed cantilevered balcony be expanded.  So a ground-level fitness room with the roof as an expanded roof top deck off the bonus room addition was added.

With access from the garage, the slab-on-grade exercise room features two folding door systems.  These were conditioned by a 2-zone mini-split system which was upgraded from the proposed single zone at the new bonus room.

Suitable for a future portable hot tub, the new roof deck with lighted composite railing system provides a prime retreat space.

The expanded bonus room was completed in time for the family to set it up with designated areas for card play, lounging, gaming and watching movies during Covid.  A barn door helps to quiet the activity to the rest of the house.

During construction, we discovered that there was a water supply and drain lines available.  As a result, a sink was tapped into the existing plumbing system, allowing for an optimized under lit kitchenette with beverage cooler and microwave.

BIAW Award Winner 2022

MBA REX Award Winner 2022

Chrysalis Award Winner 2022

Remodeled Homes Tour 2021
Virtual Tour in 3D:
(before) | (framing) | (after)

This kitchen remodel project began with the demolition of a previously designed space. Our team had to identify the existing plumbing, ductwork, and walls in order to plan for design goals. Unravelling these details enabled our crew to work onsite during the pandemic.

The original kitchen was used as an accessory living area, requiring hot plates instead of traditional appliances. After this discovery, a new layout was devised: a full-size refrigerator, undercounter oven and microwave for light meal preparation, and glass door corner cabinet showcasing specialty liquor bottles.

Glass subway tile backsplash at the sink and refrigerator complement the stunning full-height glass and metal mosaic tile behind the floating shelves with recessed lighting perfectly suited for stemware and wine display. On the other side is a deep undermount sink with pull-down sprayer faucet and full-size dishwasher – creating an ideal place to entertain family and friends while on vacation.

The 12×12 terra cotta floor tile was chiseled off the concrete slab during construction and replaced by beautiful bleached barn wood look porcelain tile throughout the entire area. Finally, a custom designed table was created with mitered edges featuring a granite slab top from remnant pieces of countertops – bringing cohesion to this spectacularly transformed kitchen remodel!

BIAW Award Winner 2022

Remodeled Homes Tour 2022:  RHT Tour 2022

Matterport spaces in 3D:  3D Tour

The initial challenge with this project was how to add a guest suite to complement the upscale home.  This complicated house was on a complicated site with a complicated roof. Lot coverage and height restrictions precluded from going up or out in the preferred area of the house, closer to the other bedrooms.  The second challenge was where the cats could be relocated for allergic guests.

A 2^nd story addition off the living area of the home was the best option, though it proved difficult to fit within setbacks while maintaining architectural consistency.  In order to support the new structure, steel columns and new bearing points in the perimeter foundation were engineered below a series of I-joists hung between glulam beams for maximum ceiling height.  The resulting structure provides the requested interior space while echoing the exterior finishes and minimizing impact to the structure or its property.

Design began with the only option being over the single bay garage that had been previously converted to a guest room with ¾ bath and ejector pump to the existing septic system.  An exercise room now exists in the new lower room, where cold floor tiles were replaced with warm LVP and both floors are conditioned by a 2-zoned mini split.

Space borrowed from the adjacent garage closet and under the new stairway is now a haven for the prized family cats. The previously designated cat room is now made available as a bedroom for the growing family.  Access to the exercise room and 2^nd floor addition was granted by modifying the fireplace wall in the upper floor living room.  Skylights were installed to provide natural light where the original upper windows were removed to accommodate the new roof structure.

A flush landing now welcomes the guest suite where there once was roof. The new stairwell to the existing lower floor is separated by a custom iron railing and 3/8” glass wall.  The new guest room includes strategically placed windows relevant to the existing house and optimize lighting.  Scissor trusses over the vaulted area turn to stick framed over the bathroom and stairwell.

Nestled under the new roof structure, a light & bright curb-less shower is surrounded by insulated sound-proofing walls. This ¾ bath is adorned with free-standing vanity and finish materials consistent with homeowner requests and overall budget constraints.

Woodinville, WA

Remodeled Homes Tour 2021 Matterport spaces in 3D: (framing) | (after)

This primary bathroom was Street of Dreams quality in the late ‘80’s, but was showing it’s age with self-rimming sinks on polished tile counters and painted oak cabinetry. Despite vaulted ceilings and a large window over the Jacuzzi tub, the layout made for a dark shower and hallway of closets. For long-term livability, the best solution was to reconfigure interior walls and redesign the entire space to better reflect current lifestyles as well as aesthetics.

The result was an updated primary suite highlighting soft gray tones with purple emphasis everywhere, (cabinets, tiles, paint), a successful challenge transformed into oasis of color!

A Reflective vertical surfaces visually expanded usable area, as well as providing dual usage of linen closet space. Dual vanities occupy the space that was once hanging closets, and custom cabinetry provides ample storage as well as creating a grounding contrast to the large glass shower and window on the opposite wall.   A glass panel visually separates the two vanities, and the large mirrors topping the custom tile backsplash allow views of the extensive tile details in the shower, as well as highlighting the mercury glass pendant lighting.  The oversized shower is luxurious with two recessed niches, a 4’ x 5’ tile accent, and a full width natural stone topped bench.  Adding to the spa like feel are a ceiling mounted rain shower, a handheld shower, and a wall mounted shower head.  The existing west-facing window provides abundant natural light, and 4 separate lighting zones, all accentuated with dimmers, allow for a variety of lighting options throughout the space.

The original powder room separating the primary suite from the home office was deemed unnecessary as a more accessible powder room existed in the common area of the main floor.  The window was maintained in the new design by flanking it with two glass front towers sitting atop a dressing table cabinet that is highlighted by a hinge top, lighted make up mirror.  A set of double doors open to the original office previously adorned in honey oak wainscot and a paneled fireplace wall. Existing windows were treated with light-obscuring film and the entire space was re-purposed to a lofty and light walk-in closet, complete with long-hanging perimeter storage, drawers and custom shoe shelving at the south-facing windows.

Woodinville, WA

Remodeled Homes Tour 2021 Matterport spaces in 3D:    (before) | (framing) | (after)

This project began as a kitchen remodel.  As the plan evolved, the heart of the home ultimately encompassed the panty, butler’s pantry, nook, living room and mud room.  The original kitchen was not functional for the lifestyle of the new homeowners.  One of the challenges were replacing and leveling the wavy, moist floor.

All within eye shot- butler’s pantry, mud room, family room and nook, all connecting and symmetrical with elegance and additional storage throughout.  The peninsula was removed and replaced with an island for  better circulation.  Custom cabinets were fitted in place before being filled, sanded and painted with a conversion varnish.

During the design process a sculpture was made of the pendant lights to demonstrate size and best locations for new glass illumination above the island.  Lighting positions were adjusted to accommodate the cabinetry and task areas.  The kitchen nook that had previously featured a dining table under chandelier was re-designed to be a conversational lounging area.

Overbearing with oak, the butler’s pantry now a team member,  saturated with color, light and accents to complement the kitchen.  The home’s only laundry facility seemed like an architect’s afterthought. Realizing there was not a good location to wash 3 beautiful dogs, a mud room renovation was realized.

By expanding 5 feet into the garage, the space seemingly doubled, allowing for improved storage and functionality, including a dog washing station lined with subway tile and a custom sized shower door.  Elegant pebble shower floor with easy to reach, adjustable hand-held shower head for versatility of use and ease of dog washing.  Hooks allow for leashes, collars and towels at arms length.

The previous owners had replaced carpet with mismatched flooring beneath a dominating, brick fireplace.  Covering the brick with a natural ledgestone, changing the wainscot, painting existing cabinets and recessing a TV into the back of the chimney allowed this room to be lighter and more inviting. New charcoal gray tile was installed throughout the space.

Remodeled Homes Tour 2020 video overview (Youtube Link)

This complete kitchen makeover features oil rubbed bronze fixtures accent granite with double ogee edge detail.

Cherry espresso island takes the center stage with pendant illumination.

Undermount stainless prep and main kitchen sink join the perimeter cream cabinets with espresso inlay. Cabinetry is brought into modern times with a variety of pullouts and accent millwork.

The kitchen now a masterpiece complementing a home in it’s fourth sequel.