Asian Interior Makeover

In 2005 I was asked by Candis and Ted to help them as they moved to Seattle. They were retiring here after a life spent on the east coast and Asia. They needed a makeover of a 1950's Northwest classic house to make space for their new life here, plus two large and diverse collections.

They lived for 11 years in Asia. Together they created a marvelous Asian art collection, spanning statues, prints, and fabrics among other items. Additionally, Ted's love of airplanes has led to a collection of 5000 volumes on aviation history plus memorabilia that includes parts of classic planes.

The remodel included all main level living spaces, plus the entire basement. The owners made an emphasis on sustainable materials throughout. They also wanted to allow restoration to original condition in the future by preserving discarded fixtures and using removable new finishes. Here is a list of some of the challenges and solutions created by a team of Guild members.

• Challenge:
• Display Asian art treasures.
• Solution:
• Custom display shelf made from reclaimed wood from urban salvaged Madrona trees and created sloping soffit along cathedral ceiling above to house some accent downlights.

• Challenge:
• Dark wood cathedral ceiling produced a dark environment.
• Solution:
• Created open soffit at peak of ceiling with continuous lighting.

• Challenge:
• Outdated narrow brick wall with fireplace - owner wanted a lighter colored and more monolithic surface.
• Solution:
• Covered brick with Clayote, a natural earthen clay material available in a variety of colors. Can be removed in the future to restore original conditions.

• Challenge:
• Locate 5000 volume library, with memorabilia, in daylight basement.
• Solution:
• Created library in basement bedroom, installing linoleum in floor and UV light reducing shades, which blocked out the harsh UV rays while preserving the Puget Sound views. Small adjoining office updated with cork flooring and UV shades.

• Challenge:
• Existing color palette would not work with client's taste or furnishings.
• Solution:
• New color palette throughout. Red accent walls incorporated at each end of the living room and dining room to tie the 2 spaces together and anchor each end. Low VOC interior paints made by a local manufacturer were used throughout.

• Challenge:
• Clients existing furniture needed to fit in their new home.
• Solution:
• Furniture layout provided.

• Challenge:
• Utilize on site rainfall for gardening.
• Solution:
• Install a 1000 gallon cistern at the mid-slope of the property to allow for gravity feed of water during dry summer periods.

• Challenge:
• Replace failing deck.
• Solution:
• Replaced old deck with wood fiber-plastic composite decking New deck has "rain escape" to create at dry area below; stainless steel stanchions with ¼" stainless steel wire rope railing; removable bamboo posts to support a removable sun shade.

• Challenge:
• Minor upgrades.
• Solutions:
• Replaced failed basement windows with new insulated ones. Moved the furnace for future expansion of one the basement rooms into former utility room space.