Often, we feature homes that have gone through a major renovation and are nearly unrecognizable from their original form. However, that’s not always needed. Why completely reimagine when you can revitalize? That was the approach that architect Alix Day and interior designer Tammara Stroud took in this 1946 Seattle home.
Nestled among the trees and foliage of the Hawthorne Hills neighborhood, the house had a vintage quality that all parties wanted to preserve. The clients, empty nesters, connected with Day first to get a plan in place. “The existing kitchen was dark, cramped, with very little daylight and hadn’t been remodeled since 1964. Convincing the couple to add a 14SF bump out and opening the kitchen to the dining room created an openness and wonderful space to gather with friends and family,” the architect explains. “We also added a bank of windows to the kitchen and dining room to bring in more natural light, capture the views of the beautiful garden and large maple tree. The intent was to bring some of the organic elements from outside, inside by using a brick backsplash in the kitchen that mimics the roman brick on the exterior of the home.”
As the remodel came together, Day suggested they bring in a talented designer to ensure the home had a fluid flow and the design elements all worked together and referred them to Tammara Stroud Interior Design. “Our design focus is to bring joy and authentic living to our client’s home,” Stroud says. “We work closely with them to understand how spaces are used, traffic patterns, functional needs are met and develop a color palette that will delight them. Our clients are a family of talented artisans, it was a pleasure to work with their art collection as design inspiration.”
Throughout the project, finding a balance was key. “The design elements selected are classic, while current they are not trendy. Alix selected finishes such as marble and alabaster, shaker cabinets and we chose beautiful light fixtures all contribute to the vintage charm while affording an updated, current look,” Stroud shares. Day adds, “The home is a myriad of various eras from previous remodels. Collaborating with Tammara, she brought in various styles of furniture and organic textures into the spaces that play beautifully with the outside and inside, creating a storied palette throughout the home.”
Unfortunately, the project did experience a few hiccups. “The biggest challenge was working during Covid,” Stroud shares. “The home was under construction during the onset of the pandemic. With Washington state mandates in March, the project was completely shut down for several weeks. Product deliveries were delayed. The pandemic has given great meaning to patience is a virtue.” However, the completion made it a wonderful respite from the chaos of the world. “I love the flow and the palette,” Stroud concludes. “Everything feels right and works with the structure. It is a cozy home with private spaces and open ones too. And who wouldn’t want to spend time in this kitchen?”
