Architecture studio AAmp, led by Anne-Marie Armstrong and Andrew Ashey, has designed the renovation of a 3540-square-foot mid-century residence nestled in the trees outside of Seattle.
The homeowners are a young family, including David Kaplan, a co-founder of acclaimed cocktail bar Death & Co., and his wife, Jenna, a PR executive, and their four-year-old daughter. AAmp worked closely with David and Jenna on their previous home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and on designing several of the client’s businesses.
The clients, who Armstrong and Ashey first met ten years ago when they all lived in LA, recently moved from Jackson Hole to the Seattle region to be closer to family and to experience city life while still immersed in nature – a highlight of the Bellevue area. Because they travel frequently, being located close to Seattle-Tacoma international airport was also a plus.
The existing home appealed to the clients for its classic mid-century charm, featuring expansive windows that seamlessly connect the interior to its natural surroundings. While renovations in the 1980s and 1990s unfortunately removed much of the original millwork in places like the kitchen and baths, the bones of the house remained in very good condition.
The home is in a moderately dense neighborhood, but due to its thoughtful siting amongst the hillside and surrounding trees, the heavily glazed envelope is able to frame views of nature into the home without compromising privacy.
AAmp’s primary focus was a general upgrade and refresh with modifications to the layout, as well as interior design. The home’s prior renovations had left the floor plan confined in places, blocking natural light from the center of the house. Circulation was redundant and in some places awkward, for example, having to circulate through a bathroom to get from the office to the kitchen.
Architect reconfigured the spatial layout to improve circulation, increase usable space and allow for more natural light to shine deeper into the home. New furnishings, finishes, fixtures and appliances were then provided throughout all three levels.
The walls of the kitchen and adjacent hallway were removed to make way for a larger, more open kitchen. Once closed off, it is now fully open to the lounge and living room with a large island at its core. The full bathroom between the kitchen and home office was reduced to a powder room to enhance circulation. Now a part of the kitchen, the space once utilized by the old shower was converted into a pantry.
Previously, there was no ‘landing space’ or closet at the entry; moderate reconfiguration of adjacent office walls and modest millwork with coat and shoe storage – along with a bench – were placed near the entry.
Says Armstrong of the interior design, “The clients fell in love with the home for its mid-century charm, but didn’t want to lean on that too heavily. Being from the hospitality/cocktail world, they tend to prefer darker colors and moody spaces, but also wanted to introduce some more playful elements through color and pattern, without losing or competing with the mid-century envelope. As such, the ‘cozy’ spots of the home – such as the living room and primary bedroom suite – were treated with darker colors and soft textures, like limewash walls and plush curtains. In the more functional/communal spaces, such the entry and kitchen, lighter tones, brighter colors and patterns were applied. In all locations the lush backdrop of the trees was a complementing factor.”
In the living room, where lush greenery envelops the space, the charcoal limewash walls and a dark stone fireplace are accented by earthy furnishings such as a burnt orange sofa and warm gray patterned rug. Opposite the entry sits a plush indigo built-in banquette, turquoise chairs, and a mauve wall, leading the way into the light and airy kitchen and breakfast nook, featuring light gray stone counters and backsplash, oak veneer cabinetry, and white and tan Cle tile floors. The adjacent breakfast nook features a custom rich blue banquette, classic mid-century style tulip table and wire chairs, backed by a vibrant gallery wall and view to the outdoors through the adjacent floor-to-ceiling glass.
The clients have a young daughter and a large extended family who visit, so accommodating both was an important programmatic aspect. For their daughter, whimsical millwork, including a custom half-moon bookshelf, paint and wallpaper helped define a small bedroom, while the adjacent guest room and ensuite bathroom for family was treated in hospitality-inspired soft blush hues and plush textures.
The second level – which now exclusively houses the primary suite – was fully reconfigured. A small adjacent room to the primary bedroom was co-opted as a second closet for Jenna, and the bathroom was reconfigured for better visual and programmatic circulation to accommodate double sinks and a steam shower. Says Ashey, “The clients often joke the best decision they made in the renovation was to have their own closets – particularly around their individual practices of packing/unpacking amongst their frequent travel.” The primary suite reflects the owners’ proclivity towards darker, moodier tones, featuring black-stained millwork and wall panels, and charcoal paint on walls and beams. Pendant lights hang accent either side of the bed.
The lower level, which sits below the living and dining rooms, was opened up to improve circulation to the floor above. This level houses the den/playroom, gym, home bar, and laundry. The heavily glazed space opens up directly to the exterior patio with a large door for an indoor-outdoor connection. A fireplace is coated an inky black tone, and furniture selections include mid-century-inspired pieces juxtaposed with a contemporary sofa and pouf.
Says Ashey: “While the original structure presented a wonderful backdrop for the clients’ love of warm and luxurious hospitality spaces, we aimed to enhance that in our choice of rich fabrics, colors, furniture and accessories throughout the residence. We designed the home to be a true retreat for them, a place to commune, rest and enjoy nature.”
See more images in the gallery below
Architect: AAmp
Photographer: Eirik Johnson
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