There is something especially rewarding about designing a home for people who already love where they live.
This Medina lakeside home had been part of its owners’ lives for more than 25 years. They weren’t looking for something new. They wanted their home to work better for the way they live today, while still feeling like the home they had always loved.
That became the guiding idea for the project.
Featured in the August 2026 issue of Portrait Magazine, this home is a wonderful example of what thoughtful design can accomplish. Rather than starting over, we looked closely at what was already there, what was working, what wasn’t, and how we could make the home feel more connected, comfortable, and personal.
Designing for the Next Chapter
The original Colonial home had beautiful bones, wonderful natural light, and an exceptional setting overlooking Lake Washington toward Seattle. After decades of family life, however, some of the spaces no longer suited the homeowners’ needs.
The goal was never to make the house look newly remodeled. We wanted the changes to feel natural, as though the home had simply evolved over time.
We began with three bathrooms. In the primary bathroom, a thoughtful reconfiguration actually reduced the footprint while making the room feel more spacious and functional. The new design created room for a larger closet and a generous double steam shower, turning the bathroom into a more relaxing and practical retreat.
It was a good reminder that more space isn’t always the answer. Sometimes, better planning is.
The Heart of the Home
The next phase focused on the kitchen and the spaces surrounding it.
The kitchen was enlarged and redesigned around the way the family actually uses it. Storage was improved, work areas became more efficient, and the island became the natural gathering point for the home.
The quartzite island is where people gather, conversations happen, and everyday life takes place. Even the family’s pizza nights were considered in the design, with a dedicated wall oven that makes those evenings a little easier.
The kitchen now connects naturally to the dining and family spaces, creating a much better flow throughout the main level. A new family room addition also takes advantage of the beautiful lake and Seattle views. The result feels open and connected without losing the character of the original home.
Warm Materials That Tie It All Together
Material selection was an important part of creating that sense of continuity.
Walnut became a recurring element throughout the home. We used it in cabinetry, ceilings, shelving, furnishings, and architectural details. Its warmth gives the interiors a comfortable quality and helps connect the individual rooms. Natural stone adds another layer of texture and permanence.
One of my favorite transformations was the existing brick fireplace. Rather than remove it, we gave it a new identity with Bianco Carrara marble and a graduated wood mantel. It feels completely at home in the finished space.
That approach was important throughout the project. We weren’t interested in replacing things simply because they were old. We wanted to understand what could be preserved, what could be improved, and where a new detail would make the biggest difference.
The Details Matter
Some of the most successful changes are the ones you don’t immediately notice. The entry was subtly reworked to bring in more natural light while maintaining the character of the original architecture. Floor-to-ceiling wainscoting, custom millwork, warm woods, natural stone, and carefully selected lighting create a consistent feeling throughout the home. These details may not be the first things you notice in a finished photograph, but they are what make a home feel considered.
For us, luxury is not simply about beautiful materials. It is about how a space functions and how it feels to live there. It is the cabinet that opens exactly where you need it. The lighting that makes a room feel right at the end of the day. The kitchen that works just as well for a Tuesday night dinner as it does for a house full of guests. Those are the details that make a difference over time.
A Collaborative Process
A project like this is always a team effort. We were fortunate to collaborate with architect Doug Obie and Stan and Justin Lawton of Lawton Builders. The project required a great deal of communication, craftsmanship, and problem solving, and having a team that cared about the details made all the difference.
Our clients were an important part of that process as well. They came to us with ideas, preferences, and a clear understanding of how they wanted to live. Our job was to listen, refine those ideas, and bring another layer of thought to the design. The best projects happen when everyone feels heard and everyone is invested in the result.
A Home That Feels Like Home
Perhaps the greatest compliment for this house is that it doesn’t feel like a remodel. It feels like it has always been this way.
The architecture still feels familiar. The materials feel appropriate to the home. The rooms are comfortable and welcoming. Most importantly, the house now works beautifully for the people who live there. That is what we hope to achieve with every project.
A home should reflect the people who live in it, not a particular moment in design. Trends come and go, but thoughtful planning, beautiful materials, good craftsmanship, and a home that functions well will always endure.
This project wasn’t about starting over. It was about taking a home that was already loved and thoughtfully creating what came next.
See the full article on Portrait Magazine.
Kindly,
Michelle
