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

Daylight Dreams

Unlocking the Untapped Potential

Nestled beside a tranquil private lake, a relic from the early ’80s stood—its potential untapped. A sprawling daylight rambler, it bore the quirks of its era: divided into two separate apartments, stained millwork, oak cabinetry, and fireplaces burdened with stone and brick. Its owners envisioned a personalized retreat, a contemporary haven for intimate gatherings.

Crafting a Vision: Contemporary Serenity

The blueprint of change was clear—transform this dated dwelling into a two-story contemporary escape. The westward glazing to the water beckoned a shift in orientation. A chef’s kitchen, an entertainer’s haven, and a luxurious master suite were at the heart of their vision. The goal: create a seamless blend of cozy comfort and modern style within the existing footprint.

Upstairs Oasis: Where Public Meets Chic

The upper floor emerged as the public space—a stage for social symphonies. No longer would the host be confined, cooking with his back turned. The kitchen, strategically designed for active entertaining, boasted expansive counters and dedicated storage. Accessibility was a priority, with the guest bath transformed into a wheelchair-friendly haven, featuring a barrier-free vanity and touch-free faucetry.

Downstairs Retreat: Mastering Serenity

The lower level assumed the role of a master suite—a sanctuary of tranquility. The master bath, designed to be open and airy, embraced radiant heat for year-round comfort. A compass rose adorned the troweled finish of newly poured concrete, leading to patio doors. Ceiling-mounted heating ducts were complemented by a gas fireplace, creating a haven for relaxation and entertainment.

Sustainable Transformation: A Community Effort

Challenges arose—significant site constraints, the logistics of material removal, and the influx of trade vehicles. The community became an integral part of the transformation. A strategic move involved offering materials to neighbors through a mailing to reduce debris hauling. Cabinets found a second life in the garage, and brick, stone, and carpet were reclaimed, forging a sustainable approach to renovation.

In the heart of these transformations lies a testament to the resilience of dated structures, a commitment to contemporary aesthetics, and a community embracing sustainability. The ’80s rambler, once defined by division and outdated aesthetics, now stands as a harmonious blend of comfort and style—a modern haven where memories are forged, and the spirit of transformation breathes new life.