The renovation of this 3,500-square-foot home on Mercer Island honors the integrity of its mid-century modern architecture while creating spaces that reflect the client’s traditional preferences and their love of entertaining.
Functionality was at the top of the priority list for these homeowners, who host weekly musical jam sessions, and love to have group cooking gatherings. These favorite pastimes were at the core of creating the new open layout with beautiful, inviting and functional living-dining-kitchen spaces.
The base of the design is a neutral color scheme with a rich walnut floor that runs through the main living spaces, except for in the living/music room where a plush carpet adds softness to the acoustics and the mood.
The wood was continued in the dual-purpose bar/buffet counter as well as in the massive dining table. Floating shelves, lit from the inside, add drama and a raking light that emphasizes the structured tile of the backsplash, which is stretched all the way up to the vaulted ceiling.
Accent colors of burgundy, robin’s egg blue, gold and teal are added in the detailing of the elegant dining chairs and the cluster of colorful hand-blown pendants. The pendant lights create a focal point that can be seen from all around the main floor. A teal area rug ties the dining space together and adds a fresh, modern vibe to the space.
The design challenge in the kitchen was to create an open and functional space for the many dinner parties where all of the guests take part in the cooking process. The soft white of the kitchen cabinets against the walnut floor and black counter top create a contrast that is crisp without being cold.
The single six-foot sink with functional inserts from The Galley provides generous and flexible space for several persons doing prep work side by side. Bonus: while prepping or rinsing dishes, you’re have a stunning view of Mt. Rainier through the large picture window!
The living room is set up for music jam sessions with guitars hung on the wall and a grand piano taking center stage. A circular grouping of club chairs provides multiple musicians ample space to play their instruments.
