Designed as a warm yet modern new construction home, this Seattle Windermere residence takes advantage of its generous proportions, high ceilings, and architectural opportunities to create spaces that feel sophisticated, comfortable, and full of personality. In the living room, the soaring ceiling height creates a natural focal point for a dramatic blackened steel-paneled fireplace, grounded by a substantial concrete hearth. Concrete is carried into the entry and mudroom, adding a durable, tactile material that contrasts with the warmth of the surrounding wood tones. Throughout the home, architectural details are used to make the most of vertical space while maintaining an open, airy feeling. At the stair, a wood-slat wall draws the eye upward while allowing light and sightlines to pass through, creating visual interest without closing off the space. The bar similarly takes advantage of the ceiling height with an arched backdrop that gives the compact space a greater sense of scale while providing a home for floating shelves.

The design balances these architectural moments with playful and unexpected details throughout the home. The space beneath the stairs is transformed into temperature-regulated wine storage, turning an otherwise overlooked area into a functional feature. Dark, dramatic walls and playful sconce lighting bring personality to the stair backdrop, while colorful bathroom tile adds moments of contrast and character. Even the laundry room—often an overlooked utility space—gets its own dose of fun through a bold patterned tile installation. In the bedrooms, drama continues with a feature wall and hospitality-inspired recessed, adjustable reading lights positioned on either side of the bed. The primary bathroom takes a spa-like, hospitality-inspired approach, pairing a floating vanity with wall-mounted faucets, a soaking tub, and a custom patterned tile “area rug” that visually anchors the space. Across the home, a layered lighting approach combines architectural, decorative, task, and accent lighting to create warmth, highlight key design elements, and allow each space to shift comfortably from bright and functional to intimate and inviting.