Explore A Transitional, Light-Filled Seattle-Area Residence

The Seattle area has long drawn dreamers, entrepreneurs and adventurers. The appeal of King County, a place surrounded by snow-capped mountains and deep green forests, is eternal. But life is different here, and having a guide to Pacific Northwest living is invaluable. That is the role architect Amanda Cavassa and designer Andy Beers assumed when creating a Hunts Point home for a family relocating from Southern California.

The new residence, located on the shore of the Lake Washington-surrounded peninsula, was always meant to be contemporary. Yet many of the owner-supplied inspiration images skewed transitional. The design team delivered with a house built by general contractor Steve Bender whose spirit is classic (gables, multipaned windows, distinct rooms) but with tightly edited detailing that’s crisp and clean (minimal molding, shadow box mantels, a muted color palette).

Accustomed to the sun-soaked California lifestyle, the family requested a dwelling full of light. “They asked for a bright house that is serene, spacious and contemporary,” Cavassa says. “The thing you discover during your first winter here is that it’s grayer and cooler than you expect. We designed the home with expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows so that it always feels illuminated.” And, although the owners questioned the need for it at first, the architect championed radiant heating, providing a warm, tactile luxury during the rainy months.

With amplifying light as a central concern, the homeowners understandably considered a white palette initially. Beers steered them in a slightly different direction. “In the Pacific Northwest, I am cautious about all-white environments. They tend to feel flat and gray because of the quality of our light,” he notes. “To avoid this, we came up with what I call a ‘no-color color palette.’ ” In practice, that means neutral walls with subtle brown and gray undertones; textiles with muted pink, lilac, plum and persimmon hues; warm woods; floor coverings with soft mocha shades; and the occasional black note for a grounding element. Together, they create an environment that is full bodied and quietly (but confidently) sophisticated. Even when filtered through clouds, natural light gives the rooms a soft glow.

Aesthetically, the dwelling is somewhat of a hybrid, blending the family’s past and present. “They hoped to bring something of Southern California to the Pacific Northwest, but they also desired that the place reflect their new hometown,” Beers says. “They wanted some glam features while still feeling casual.” Elements like gleaming mixed metals, characterful light fixtures and furniture with bold silhouettes make statements, while soft wood tones and matte surfaces evoke comfort and a laidback nature.

It’s a character expressed both in places for public gathering and private relaxation. “We have many spots for the family to come together, such as the kitchen island, the breakfast nook, the beautiful dining room and the living space off the kitchen,” Cavassa notes. Meanwhile, in the primary bedroom, a pair of plush, mohair-upholstered armchairs beside the fireplace offer the ideal parental retreat.

Together, the elements create a new dwelling that Beers describes as “layered and inviting.” Adds Cavassa, “There is a lightness here, a feeling of spaciousness. Thanks to the windows, you feel and see the weather, providing a welcome connection to the outdoors.” Though moving to a new state comes with challenges, this tailored residence is designed to smooth the transition. As Beers says, “This home is a wonderful place for a fresh start.”