Sage, pistachio, and burgundy shape the palette of this Seattle home—but the reasoning goes much deeper than color theory. “The wife’s father once owned a pistachio farm in Iran,” says Michael David Lee of Notherworld Projects. At their first meeting, the clients—she is of Iranian heritage, while he has roots in the Philippines—set out pistachios and dates, as both of their families had always done for guests. “That detail, along with the burgundy and sage of pistachio seeds and the warm neutrals of the shells, became the chromatic foundation of the kitchen remodel.”
Before the renovation, the kitchen was divided by archways and complicated by an obsolete fireplace stack. “It was choppy and dark, with cabinets that wouldn’t stay closed and drawers stuck shut,” Michael recalls. “Big entertainers and cooks, the couple’s top request was to open up the spaces to facilitate better entertainment with family and friends. They asked for strategic storage and display opportunities, since the home is relatively compact, but didn’t want it to feel overwhelmingly cabinet filled.”
With those priorities in mind, Notherworld Projects created a kitchen that feels open and expressive without sacrificing function. The updated space features custom walnut cabinetry with beveled door details and curved storage at the beverage station. The countertops are crafted from rare Breccia Capraia marble, with purple veining that complements the checkerboard-inspired aubergine and pink tiled floor. Above the range, a soft green backsplash echoes the pistachio-inspired palette and brings the color story full circle. Between the kitchen and living room, open shelving maintains a sense of visual connection while creating a practical place to pass dishes or display cherished objects.
“Our favorite details are the ones that reveal the level of care and craftsmanship behind the project,” Michael notes. “We worked with an incredibly talented woodworker who understood our vision and took great care in considering how each material met the next. The transitions, between wood, stone, tile, and cabinetry, were thoughtfully resolved to create a sense of harmony throughout the space.”
The remodel took approximately six months, transforming a once-disjointed kitchen into a space that feels deeply connected to both the house and the people who live there. “The client said the space turned out exactly as they imagined throughout the design process, and that they appreciated the thoughtfulness that went into every decision, big and small,” the designer reflects. “They said that before the renovation, there was no harmony in the kitchen, but now it’s integrated. Everything has its place, but in harmony with the rest of the house.”
