“I love that this home feels like ‘livable luxury’ for this family of four,” says Seattle designer Jessica Nelson. The project was a full gut remodel for the young family—Emily and Jason and their two sons, Warner and Will. “They came to us requesting a warm, welcoming space that felt like an elevated English cottage for them and their two boys,” she continues.
To bring their dream home to life, the existing structure required a complete reworking. “They wanted to expand the kitchen space, make it more family-friendly, and update everything finish-wise,” she explains. “We also worked with Board & Vellum, an architectural firm here in Seattle, to do a two-story dormer entryway.”
Across all levels of the home, the layout was thoughtfully reimagined to optimize views of Lake Washington and Husky Stadium while creating a more intuitive flow. “Upstairs, the primary bedroom and bathroom were completely flipped, and the kitchen was also moved from where the butler’s pantry is now located, so we could expand the space,” the designer explains.
The entryway immediately establishes the home’s elevated English cottage aesthetic, featuring classic wainscoting and a built-in bench styled with a bolster pillow. Painted in Smoked Trout by Farrow & Ball, the space is accented with sconces from Boxwood Mercantile, creating a warm and welcoming first impression.
The living room is light and airy, designed with entertaining in mind. “The rich moss velvet sofas (from Maiden Home) anchor the space, and the custom mantel is the perfect focal point for the room,” Jessica explains. A chandelier from Visual Comfort completes the room, adding an elegant finishing touch.
In the dining area, Jessica envisioned a fully immersive color experience, enveloping the room from top to bottom in a warm pink hue, Smoked Trout by Farrow & Ball. “We love how the furniture also echoes this,” she says. “We also added swinging French doors into the butler’s pantry for convenient hosting.” The pantry serves as the true workhorse of the home. “We have a second dishwasher, large fridge and freezer and appliance cabinetry in here,” she says. “We love the timeless marble floors and white oak custom cabinetry.”
The kitchen was relocated to take advantage of the home’s most striking views, framed by a picture window above the sink. “We were able to expand the kitchen space greatly,” Jessica recalls. French doors now open to the deck, and a cozy breakfast nook provides a comfortable space for everyday meals. Fixtures from Newport Brass, hardware from Rejuvenation, and a chandelier from Olampia bring warmth and refinement to the room.
Each bedroom and bathroom throughout the home has its own distinct design identity. The powder room is dark and moody, featuring sconces from Hudson Valley Lighting, wallpaper by Schumacher, and plumbing fixtures from Waterworks. The kids’ bath strikes a balance between playful and timeless, with checkerboard flooring from clé, pendants from Etsy, and fixtures from Newport Brass. The vanity is painted Card Room Green by Farrow & Ball.
In the primary bathroom, the clients wanted a serene, spa-like retreat defined by calming colors and layered textures. “I love how the bath adds so much character with the little casement window and cafe curtains,” the designer shares. “We also love the wainscoting throughout the room for an elevated hotel feel.”
The result is a thoughtfully tailored home that feels both refined and relaxed—a space designed to grow with the family while remaining timeless in its charm.
