This Guest House was designed as a quiet retreat at the edge of the woods - a place for aging parents to live close to family while still holding on to independence and the rhythms of their own life. Every gesture in the space reflects comfort, dignity, and connection to nature.

The heart of the Guest House is the bath, wrapped in deep green tile that mirrors the surrounding forest and creates a cocoon-like sense of calm. Brass fixtures, soft natural light, and subtle reflections add warmth and depth. A soaking tub sits beneath a window to the trees, surrounded by collected objects and living plants that make the room feel alive and deeply personal.

In the main living space, a compact kitchenette with handcrafted shelving becomes both functional and expressive - a place to display pottery, heirlooms, and pieces gathered over a lifetime. The palette of warm woods, soft plaster, and earthy textiles makes the small footprint feel generous and grounded. Large doors open directly to the forest floor, dissolving the boundary between indoors and out.

Designed as a home within a home, Forest Haven offers autonomy and closeness, privacy and belonging. It is a gentle, welcoming space shaped by family, landscape, and the simple luxury of living among the trees.

This whole-house renovation transformed a dated Sammamish residence into a serene, view-focused retreat for a young family. The original interior was completely gutted, allowing us to re-organize the plan, raise volumes, and create a visual rhythm that draws the eye outward toward the lake. Every room was redesigned to be quiet, cohesive, and deeply connected to light.

At the heart of the home, the living room centers on a custom hand-troweled plaster fireplace wall - warm, textured, and sculptural - balanced by pale oak flooring and built-ins that ground the space in natural simplicity. Large sliding doors and clerestory windows bring in daylight from multiple angles, giving the room an ease that shifts beautifully from morning to evening.

The kitchen was rebuilt around calm, contemporary oak cabinetry, with integrated beam wraps that highlight the vaulted ceiling. A generous island invites gathering, while soft white tile, brass accents, and sculptural pendants layer warmth without competing with the expansive view. Adjacent dining and breakfast nooks frame the lake and forest beyond, creating everyday spaces that feel restorative.

Bathrooms carry the same quiet sensibility; mosaic glass tile in the wet room, pale stone floors, a skylit shower, and soft brass fixtures that glow against neutral backdrops. Every detail emphasizes lightness and natural materiality.

Throughout the home, custom millwork, thoughtful storage, and refined textures create a cohesive backdrop for family life. From the bright entry with oak bench and shoe cubbies to the indoor–outdoor dining porch beneath oversized skylights, each space was shaped to feel grounded, open, and intentionally calm.

Set high above the water, with uninterrupted views across Lake Sammamish, this home now lives lightly—celebrating the landscape, supporting a young family, and offering a sense of peace the moment you step through the door.

A primary suite renovation within the existing envelope became an ode to memory and craft. Our clients, who had lived in Nepal, wanted the space to hold the serenity and intimacy they found there. Within the same footprint, we designed a bedroom, bath, and small workspace connected through light, texture, and quiet geometry.

The carved wooden screen was hand-designed and built as a threshold between rest and work - a delicate lattice filtering light and offering privacy for the compact desk area beyond. The vanity and cabinetry were crafted in the same spirit, echoing the rhythm of the screen’s pattern. Every detail - the soft blue pendant lights, motorized standing desk, and new skylights - was chosen to elevate daily rituals with a sense of calm precision.

Views now open toward the garden, drawing daylight deep into the suite. The result is a place that feels meditative and deeply personal: a modern sanctuary shaped by craft, memory, and the beauty of restraint.

Screen, desk, headboard and vanity by Jon Arruda.

Everything about the exterior of our Timeless Beauty project was meant to be inviting and comfortable, from the front porch to the trellis and rock wall. Our clients loved the idea of a stained glass glow at night, and the house has become a beacon for the neighborhood with it’s detailed façade.

What began as a small addition and renovation of this 1904 Dutch Colonial home became a whole house glow-up, with new guest suite for visitors and a much sought-after roof deck. Our clients now enjoy views of Portage Bay and Husky Stadium from their new terrace. Maintaining the elegant, older feel of the house, we designed stained glass windows, a front porch, and beautiful cherry trim and built-ins throughout. The house is located at the back of the site, and our clients will be able to enjoy their garden, roof deck, and expanded views for years to come.

Winner of a REX Award for Excellence in Remodeling 2023 from the Master Builder’s Association

Winner of an Excellence in Remodeling Award for Historic Renovation/Restoration 2023 from the Building Industry Association of Washington

Our clients realized that if they added a roof deck on the third floor of their home, they could capture territorial views, including mountains, water and city. How could they resist? We designed an internal stair that leads up to the deck, which is used on balmy summer evenings for cocktails and sunsets. On crisp winter nights, the stars seem close enough to touch. A roof deck is a luxury item, but if well designed, can greatly increase the value of a home.

Our Kirkland clients had a tight budget, and couldn’t decide whether to renovate their existing space, or add on to the house. We helped them realize their dreams of having a separate Primary Suite, complete with vaulted ceilings, a hidden zen garden, and a wet room containing a freestanding bath and shower. This compact design also showcases some unique materials - concrete tile floors, Yakisugi siding, and unusual glass tiles. What a place to retreat from the world.

Despite enjoying their beautiful Kirkland neighborhood and lush landscaping, our clients were desperately in need of an update for their cramped and outdated ranch house. Working with a very tight budget, we focused on vaulting the ceilings, and balancing sky-lit space with rich materials and efficient use of square footage. We combined a previously cramped galley kitchen with an unused dining room and small living space to create a great room, perfect for family meals and homework. We added an entry “drop zone” for the busy family to transition from public life to private life, and added volumes in the high space for greenery. As with many of our projects, the completed design transformed the way this family uses and enjoys their home.

Winner of an Award for Best Before and After from the National Kitchen and Bath Association 2022

Our clients had a dishwasher disaster in their 1950's galley kitchen last year. The insurance company was only willing to pay about half the cost to rebuild. The clients also didn't like the dark, tight kitchen, and wanted to come up up with a way to open it up to the main room of their home. We took out the wall between kitchen and living room, while keeping the flow of the kitchen and saving money on pre-fab cabinets. We also put a large island at the end of the space, with open shelving above to display beloved travel artifacts. One secret - the stair down to the lower floor goes right beneath the island, leaving just enough space for some toy storage shelves on either side. We used hand-crafted Zellige tile for the backsplash, to echo the crafted quality of some of the décor. Not every client has an endless budget, so we work with families to get the most from their resources. In this case, the clients also feel that the space has "California Coastal" glow, even in the Pacific Northwest.

Our Kirkland clients came to us with a request to design a budget-conscious addition and kitchen renovation for their family home in Finn Hill. We used their ideas for color, light, and a place to gather as a template for the hearth and heart of their home. Serving as chef’s kitchen, entertaining area, and homework hub, the long walnut island and navy lower cabinets add whimsy and functionality.

These lovely clients in North Seattle are accustomed to the warm and vibrant colors of their native country. They asked Story to design an addition and whole-house renovation that would be in keeping with the needs of their busy family. We opened up the home on the first floor, giving a loft feel. Black windows and white, high-ceilinged spaces set the tone for splashes of color throughout. Warm wood borders mosaic cement tile, and a large pantry has sliding barn doors that also hide an entrance to the family room. Upstairs, we redesigned the Owner’s Suite bathroom to include a high window for light, and a floating vanity with bold tile accents. These clients also asked us to add a guest suite on the first floor for visiting relatives - something that’s becoming quite common in renovations.

Having purchased this elegant Magnolia home several years ago, our clients spent several years renovating the kitchen and exterior spaces. Between their beautifully landscaped front walk and lovely kitchen was a cramped entry hall and outdated family room. They hired Story to completely redesign the entry way and built-ins in the family room, with an eye to a material palette that would complement work that had already been done. We used walnut, marble, wood planks, and beautifully constructed cabinets and shelving to transform their entry and family room areas. In the entry, a hidden panel leads to a play cubby for children, while a generous bench allows for the family and visitors to sit down, remove shoes, and transition from outside to in. In the family room, new built-ins allow for an elegant display of objects collected during travel, including a Nepalese prayer wheel in its own custom alcove. Together, these spaces create a seamless blending ofoutside and in, and prepare visitors for a warm and welcoming experience.

Structural Engineer - Swenson Say Faget

Cabinets - Major/Minor Built

Our busy Queen Anne clients had a beautiful house on a hillside, but they needed better utilization of their front yard, and a space to park. Working with the City of Seattle and SDOT, we designed a series of terraces and steps that allow for an entertainment level, a parking level, concrete planters, and even hidden motorcycle storage. Steep slopes can be challenging to work with, but in this case, we used every bit of space to create a lovely processional entry to the site.

This ground-up home was designed for a developer, whose clients wanted to capture the views from their West Seattle site. The steep slope proved difficult for design and permitting, but we were up for the task. We worked with Civil and Structural engineers to propose a design that would would delicately perch cliff-side. The four floors encompass a gym, Primary and Guest Suites, generous living space and kitchen, a wine cellar, and beautiful rooftop terrace with views of the Sound. Stay tuned for more photos!

Our New Zealand clients had special requirements for their second home - integrate it with nature, bring the outdoors in, capture the sweeping vistas, and make a place for the large wood-burning stove that’s a prerequisite in many of the local homes. We designed the house to back up against a hillside, with sod and earth from the hill wrapping over part of the living space and creating a green roof. A green wall in the bedroom, indoor-outdoor bathroom, and large glass accordion doors allow for fresh air and views year round.

(Under construction - Images are renderings of designed space.)

Our clients in Bellevue came to us with an idea for an Owner’s Suite addition. One requirement - that the views of their beautiful site be maintained while also blocking the intrusion of a new “McMansion” next door. We came up with the idea of a flagstone porch between the addition and the unsightly neighbor, and created an Ipe screen for privacy. The combination of this screen and climbing vines allows for a beautiful, quiet place to sit and look toward the gardens in the back. In the bathroom, a wet room makes efficient use of space and contains a freestanding tub, as well as a generous shower. This addition gently adds to the house, and lends visual interest from the bedroom and garden sides.

(Under construction - Images are renderings of designed space.)

We were approached by brave clients in Kenmore who homeschool their three small children. They wanted to convert their kitchen and living space into a place that worked for cooking, eating, schooling, and entertaining. They also needed to expand into their front yard and transition from an outdoor entry, with porch and steps, to an indoor entry with storage. We created a warm and functional entry hall, allowing for backpack and shoe cubbies alongside a comfortable bench. In the homeschool/dining area, built-in seating and school supply storage can easily be converted to a more conventional dining space. An open shelf for greenery allows light and air to move between the new components of the addition.

(Images are renderings of designed space.)

Our Bellevue clients had been living in their mid-century modern rambler for over 20 years without truly exploring the possibilities of the space. Upon surveying the shag carpets, dividing walls, and low popcorn ceilings, we knew we could bring the old beauty back to life. We vaulted the ceilings, opened up the rooms, and brought in a combination of warm wood and white cabinets, along with exposed beams, to allow the architecture to realize its full potential. A new rough wood mantle and tile fireplace surround bring the living room and renovated kitchen together.

(Under construction - Images are renderings of designed space.)

This project was designed for sweet clients who were in the process of trading homes with aging parents. The enviable location in Medina made a renovation appealing, but the growing family needed updates at a reasonable cost. We vaulted the ceilings on the main floor, and renovated the galley kitchen, opening it to the living space and adding cobalt tile accents. Exposed beams and skylights give the great room an airy feel. Extensive renovations to the bedrooms and bathrooms have brought everything up to date, allowing our client can now live in her childhood home without sacrificing style or comfort.

(Under construction - Images are renderings of designed space.)

Our client had recently purchased a condo with a lovely view in Capitol Hill. However, the kitchen was tiny and needed a major upgrade. We approached this project as though it were a compact galley on a boat. All design choices were made using rich materials, warmth, and low-profile hardware to fit as much functionality as possible into the small space. We used concrete countertops to anchor the aesthetic, and a stainless steel backsplash reflects light and movement as our clients entertains his many guests.

Best of the Best Design Award, Professional Remodeler Magazine, 2006

This neighborhood restaurant and gathering place was designed in collaboration with Cary Westerbeck Architects. The clients wanted a warm and welcoming dining experience for local patrons. We combined a café and more formal dining room and bar with unique lighting, wood slat dividers, and budget-friendly built-in booths. The design is a perfect backdrop to the delicious food, and this neighborhood hub draws diners from all over the Seattle area.