topic Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE in Home

COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

Oznell — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 02:16:04 GMT

Just discovered this design blog called "Cote de Texas" and she has some really nice houses in there. This one is a large, but unpretentious house in a wonderful neighborhood of Seattle-- it overlooks Lake Washington. The house was built in 1922, and the architectural details, esp. in the library, reflect the high craftsmanship of the period. The owner loves old paintings, so the blogger, Joni Webb, calls this "the portrait house". The designer, interestingly, went with what she describes as a minimal and primitive aesthetic-- but she mixes that with things like floral Belgian linen upholstery, and other surprising elements.

I really like this almost bare front hall. Look how it leads into a cozy library.

By contrast, the living room is light and a little more formal, but still with charming old touches, like a Gustavian clock and the homey white ironstone the owners collect:

I find the simplicity of this quite ravishing-- the tulips, the ironstone, the table, and have a weakness for old, speckled mirrors-- the more distressed, the better!

Another surprising, rustic touch is the pedigreed dark wicker chairs pulled informally around that fabulous limed dining table:

Here's the other end of the spacious master bedroom:

More beautiful vintage dark wicker, and that killer view of Lake Washington from the terrace:

I expect this house wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea-- it's not "farmhouse chic" or anything. Even I don't love every aspect of it. But I adore the quiet, tranquil air, from another era, the use of superb, austere Americana-- the lanterns, wooden bowls, tole, portraits and pristine white ironstone. For me, it spells comfort and freshness.

ETA-- Oh, I meant to put in this detail from the library. That fireplace! What a beautiful old marble surround it has. This would be such a cozy spot, in front of the roaring fire on a cool, gray Seattle day...

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

phoenixbrd — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 01:27:31 GMT

I love the simplicity, well chosen elements, and the amazing library. The kitchen sorely needs an upgrade to keep up. Love the backyard view of the water. When considering a potential home, I find myself valuing the nature and landscaping surrounding the house just at important at the interior.

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

RoughDraft — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 01:22:41 GMT

The (back) framing of the staircase is fascinating. I've never seen one built like that.

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

Katcat1 — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 01:24:30 GMT

I am moving in! This was tastefully decorated. Not too much and the use of white sofa/chairs in the paneled room made it come to life. I like everything about this home.

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

blackhole99 — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 01:33:15 GMT

Oh, what a great house, I love everything about it. Wish I could afford something like that, maybe in my next life.

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

ScenicMaine — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 01:54:00 GMT

I like some sections of the home. The front lawn is nice.

I do like the minimal style of the front hall as well. Also, the antique table with the ironstone & beautiful tulips .. & of course, the speckled mirror.

The kitchen is pretty common, not too different from some design shows.

Not much of a fan, as this isn't my style.

The terrace is the best part, but I'd rather a bright color table setting such as aqua, white, yellow, etc. You can find some beautiful sets with these either "all" colors or with these as "accent" colors. Some may be on the pricey side but some antique furnishings aren'y cheap either. I just think with not much brightness in the home, the outdoor setting would look beautiful with brighter colors.

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

jannabelle1 — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 02:05:18 GMT

This is a beautiful home with pieces that are important and meaninful to the owners. I'd expect to see this home on the East coast! Thanks for posting.

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

Foxxee — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 02:20:07 GMT

Love the house. Don't like white slipcovers, the blue rug, the rattan chairs and table, the bed, no cabinets above the counters, bare hardwood floors, and console table.

I think the livingroom is too bare and not cozy.

I'd take everything out and start over.

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

Oznell — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 02:27:28 GMT

You make a good point, @Foxxee, in that, if someone didn't like the particular decor in this house, they would still be able to get great results (in their own particular vision) because the architectural "bones" of the house are so good.

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

spiderw — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 03:19:17 GMT

I have mixed feelings about the furniture and decor. I find the rooms spacious which I love but not warm for the most part, at least not for me. However, I would enjoy the challenge of furnishing the house in my taste and putting some color throughout. Of course the view is spectacular!

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

CAMOGIRL — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 03:20:46 GMT

Nice.

Sometimes simple says it all.

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

DREAMON — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 03:43:49 GMT

I really like just about all of this beautiful home. It looks like it would be in Connecticut to me.

The only thing I really don't like is the landscaping in the front of the house. The front needs something else....a walkway or maybe a porch.

It looks unfinished to me.

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

danusz — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 03:52:08 GMT

I live in a suburb of Seattle Washington don't get me wrong the house is beautiful but I wouldn't call it a spare home. You would have to pay upwards of $2 million for this home in our craxy real estate market

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

Foolywooly11 — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 04:48:53 GMT

It's a beautiful home. I lived in a house in NY that was also built in 1922, in the late 80's. Seeing these photos sent me down memory lane. Thanks for sharing!

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

Oznell — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 11:29:13 GMT

I hear you about the inflated real estate values, @danusz! Agreed. I meant "spare" more in the sense of the way the house was decorated, not in the value of that very substantial property. Some designers would have taken their cues from the distinctive architecture and gone in a more elaborate and layered decor, but this one elected to keep things simple, with primitive antiques and portraits, almost rustic accessories, and most importantly, not too many of them.

@DREAMON, you have a good eye! The site mentioned that the "new landscaping" for the house would be going in as soon as spring arrived there...

I just love houses and architecture from that era too, @Foolywooly11-- you get that craftsmanship that is rarely replicated these days.

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

wilma — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 15:11:34 GMT

I like most of this house. I dislike the front yard landscaping, or lack thereof. I dislike the open shelves for dishes in the kitchen. Beautiful staircase & back yard view!

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

stevieb — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 17:06:37 GMT

@Oznell Lovely house, some lovely elements and very pleasing rooms.

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

Spurt — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 19:25:43 GMT

What a beautiful home!!!!

The only I'd change is the white slipcovers.....

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

Foolywooly11 — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 20:05:54 GMT

So true, @Oznell . Not only the craftsmanship, but things that would never be built in a modern home. The home I lived in had a "telephone" room!

Re: COMFORTABLE BUT SPARE FAMILY HOME IN SEATTLE

faeriemoon — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 11:54:38 GMT

It's a great house, but I would redecorate.