Midcentury Home for a Modern Family
A sensitive renovation blends midcentury character with modern comfort, light, and flow.
Built in 1949 and designed by Ralf Decker, this 4277-sq.-ft. Pacific Northwest home had good bones and distinct original features. A significant renovation aimed to make it comfortable for contemporary family life while preserving its character. The project maintained and highlighted several of the home’s defining elements, such as its deep eaves, vaulted ceilings, built-ins, and lighting valences.
The existing curved walls, a noteworthy feature of the original design, were kept and mirrored in new construction. The home’s extensive glazing, offering views of Mt. Rainier, was retained and extended. The midcentury mantel and fireplace hearth also remain, letting their original finishes shine.
Changes to the floor plan opened up connections between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. Other modifications, such as the addition of bifold doors, were designed to improve the connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. A welcoming courtyard is defined by the main house and the garage, enhancing the sense of connection across the site.
The renovation moved the primary suite to the lower level, where it overlooks a private sunken garden. The project also brought sustainability upgrades—added insulation, efficient heat pumps, and high-efficiency windows—while preserving the home’s original design.
| Architect: Stefan Hampden,CAST Architecture | Location: Seattle, WA…………………………………………. |
| Builder: Dave Boone | Photos: Andrew Giammarco ……………………… |
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