The new primary bathroom transforms a former shared space into a private retreat designed for longevity. A structured walnut vanity with slab fronts and oil-rubbed bronze hardware warms a high-contrast palette. Large-format Statuario marble wraps the shower, and a metallic black Ann Sacks tile feature wall capped with a marble pencil liner adds texture and contrast. The curbless shower includes dual brass rain heads, a hand shower, and a recessed niche, with blocking in place for future grab bars. Custom cabinetry and a washer/dryer hookup support aging in place and enable single-level living if needed. Layered lighting with recessed fixtures and Visual Comfort sconces shifts from bright to ambient, and a towel warmer adds daily comfort. Durable stone, timeless finishes, and discreet storage keep the room refined and easy to maintain.
Seattle Hawthorne Hills Dream Transformation Kitchen, Bathrooms & Whole-House Remodel
A few years ago, our clients purchased a 1940s home in their favorite neighborhood. With two young children, they knew it would need thoughtful updates, so they lived in it first to learn what truly mattered. Homes of that era were planned for different routines; the kitchen was tucked in a closed off back corner that fit only one person, which did not support how this family cooks, hosts, and moves through the day.
Nearly the entire main level was reworked to welcome more light and create easy connections, and although only about 700 square feet were added, strategic design unlocked significantly more livable space. Key walls came down to open sightlines between the entry, kitchen, and dining room, a modest bump improved circulation and furniture placement, new window placements and widened openings pull daylight deep into the core, and integrated storage at every transition keeps surfaces clear.
The result feels intuitive and expansive, with weeknight routines moving easily from cooking to homework to relaxing, and weekend gatherings flowing without pinch points. Through our design process the homeowners discovered their personal styles were farther apart than expected, with one leaning modern transitional with bold, darker tones and the other favoring coastal farmhouse warmth.
Lead interior designer Sara Bone created a unified scheme and completed full-service interior furnishings through The Furnishing Studio by IHR so every detail felt considered, from custom upholstery and rugs to artwork, lighting, and accessories.
The kitchen is a refined focal point that reads like custom furniture while performing at a high level. Shaker fronts mix with sleek slab panels; rift-cut white oak warms the island and hood wall, and soft green cabinetry recedes to let the stone and light lead.
A honed soapstone island with subtle pink veining anchors the room and invites gathering. Function is built in with pull-out pantries, dedicated dividers and organizers, hidden recycling and compost, and a discreet drop zone.
Paneled Sub-Zero columns, a Gaggenau induction cooktop and steam oven, and a Miele dishwasher keep the elevation quiet and the performance precise, with layered lighting that shifts from task to ambient.
Tucked just behind the main kitchen, the prep kitchen extends daily family life. Sea Pearl quartzite and deep green cabinetry give it character while staying in step with the home. Retractable doors hide the coffee station and small appliances to keep surfaces clear. Deep drawers place dishes and glassware at kid-friendly heights. A second sink, dishwasher, and waste center streamline cleanup for busy nights, slow weekend breakfasts, and bigger gatherings so the main kitchen stays open and welcoming. Two pocket doors, positioned to avoid congestion, let the room close when needed and keep circulation smooth when open.
Designed as a calm retreat, the primary suite shows how two styles meet. The bedroom leans soft and coastal with muted pink walls and a custom upholstered headboard, while the adjacent bath embraces a bold, darker palette. The door captures the contrast with pink to the bedroom and black to the bath, and shared fixtures and hardware keep the suite connected. Carefully sized windows and linen Roman shades balance light and privacy. Layered linen, wool, warm wood, and refined brass add depth and warmth. Integrated charging and wall-mounted lighting keep nightstands clear, and a thoughtful furniture plan preserves open walkways for instant calm.
The TV lounge creates a deliberate pause from the open main level, offering quiet focus and intimate gathering. Custom built-ins conceal the television behind wide retractable doors so the room shifts from movie night to a library-like retreat.
Deep royal blue walls wrap the space while cognac leather, linen-blend upholstery, and subtle metallic accents balance richness with softness. Lighting is layered at a lower scale for conversation, reading, or late-night films. Seating proportions invite lingering comfort without crowding circulation. Magnetic touch doors let the lounge close completely to preserve calm while the rest of the home is active, keeping this refined, cozy room connected to the home’s overall rhythm.
Compact but refined, the powder bathroom layers texture and soft shine. Midnight-blue Graham & Brown wallpaper with a copper branch motif glimmers in low light, grounded by matte navy shiplap. A wall-hung sink and toilet keep the room airy and maximize floor space. A round leather-strap mirror and warm brass fixtures echo the wallpaper’s metallic notes and cast a flattering glow, creating a polished, welcoming finish.
Downstairs, the kids’ bathroom is built for durability today and adaptability tomorrow, balancing function and a timeless look. Large-format Ann Sacks porcelain floor tile simplifies upkeep, and a Daltile shower floor adds traction for safety. Dual-tone Bedrosians wall tile in soft blue and gray introduces playful color that still reads refined as the space matures. The vanity includes extra-wide drawers and tall cabinets for towels and supplies, keeping clutter out of sight. Wipeable finishes and right-sized hardware support small hands now and independence later, while swappable accessories add personality as the boys grow.
We designed two bedrooms for growing boys that stay simple, sturdy, and easy to use. The rooms sit across the hall and mirror each other, with the same layout and built-ins for fairness now, and flexibility as the boys grow. A custom deep blue closet corrals clothes and gear with adjustable shelves, wide drawers, and double hanging rods at kid height. Neutral walls and linen Roman shades keep the rooms bright, while layered blues tie them to the rest of the home. The layout leaves open floor space for play today and adapts easily as needs change.
The family room is the home’s everyday hub, comfortable and built to adapt. By keeping the bedrooms elsewhere modest in scale, this shared space expands to accommodate gathering, play, and relaxation. Built-ins neatly store games and media, and a beverage fridge plus a popcorn machine make movie night feel like an event.
A large modular sectional seats up to eight, creating a welcoming setting for hangouts. A soft blue-gray palette suits the lower-light location, and layered lighting, from ceiling fixtures to task lamps, supports reading, play, and evening downtime. Casual yet considered, the family room stays functional and flexible for every season of family life.
Calm and efficient, the laundry room blends durable finishes with smart storage. Side-by-side Miele machines sit beneath the honed soapstone counter for easy folding, and a deep utility sink handles hand-wash and cleanup. Light gray shaker cabinets with brass hardware keep supplies out of sight, while a pull-out drying rack and slide-out hamper simplify daily loads. Handcrafted wall tile in soft white with brick-red stripes adds warmth and pattern, and a simple sconce provides soft, even light.
Downstairs by the boys’ rooms, the mudroom is built to catch the daily rush with calm. Benches with deep drawers and upper cabinets line both sides, and a full-height coat cabinet hides bulky gear. With a new exterior door added that leads directly into the mudroom, backpacks, shoes, and jackets get put away downstairs so the upstairs entry stays clear.
Warm-toned honed pebble mosaic flooring feels timeless and disguises wear from rain, sand, and school days. Hooks and labeled bins make it easy for kids to help. Durable finishes and a simple, well-planned layout keep clutter contained so the main living areas stay welcoming.
Outside, the upgrades match the interior’s performance and presence. High-efficiency Aluprof windows pull in more daylight, and a standing seam metal roof with half-round gutters boosts durability and creates a crisp profile. Mixed siding, combining shiplap nickel gap with board-and-batten, adds scale and texture.
At the back, a 14-foot pocket door opens fully to an IPE deck and a low-maintenance turf lawn. At the front, a Marvin aluminum-clad entry door with a glass preview window and a Martin Pinnacle metal garage door complete the composition. The result is a fresh, modern street presence that is ready for the Pacific Northwest.
This Hawthorne Hills home now works as well as it looks: circulation is easy, daylight reaches the core, and thoughtful storage keeps surfaces clear. Two unique design styles live together comfortably without compromise, creating a home that feel personal and cohesive. Durable, low-maintenance materials, efficient windows, and future-ready details such as a curbless shower and main-level laundry planning set the house up for years to come.
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