Lark House in Seattle Receives Makeover, Balancing Blending Mid-Century Charm With Modernity

A small cottage-style gable roof house sits upon a small cliff in West Seattle. It was originally designed by a famous architect named Al Bumgardner in 1958; now, it has experienced an outstanding transformation. Transformed by SHED Architecture & Design, the house now beautifully merges its mid-century origin with the contemporary style and presents the residents with breathtaking views of Vashon Island, the Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound.

Balancing Heritage and Modernity

Whenever the challenge of transforming a property of architectural interest arises, the care required to balance preserving its original intent and satisfying the preferences of the people living there is always paramount. Individually, SHED Architecture & Design architects paid special attention to diversity across the design, allowing for adequate spacing of pleasure gardens while functioning as a modern residence.

We catered to every aspect of the design and detailed the different parts of the renovation to ensure that the new and old would blend seamlessly. It was uncovered that openness and functionality had been the guiding principles of the interior area change, so the north was not obstructed, the sunshine flocked the home, and a part of the landscape was captured with a view beyond the house, which matched the intention of the original design.

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Redefining Spaces with Purpose

Critical areas of the residence underwent strategic reconfiguration to optimize functionality and flow. The entrance was revitalized with bespoke casework and an elegantly wallpapered powder room, setting the tone for the contemporary aesthetic that permeates the home. In the kitchen, walls were removed to enhance connectivity with the outdoors, while custom cabinetry and thoughtful woodwork paid homage to the home's mid-century origins.

Elevating Comfort and Privacy

Once overly open, the primary bedroom was transformed into a tranquil retreat through thoughtful reconfiguration and careful attention to detail. The ensuite bathroom received a refresh, featuring custom casework and striking black-and-white tile designs. Strategic lighting and spatial planning prioritized privacy and comfort.

Personal Touches and Bold Expressions

During this renovation, the changing decor included eye-catching and fun tile/floor/wallpaper designs, which added in-depth personality and lifestyle painting to the home. Thoughtfully chosen décor and artworks derived from the owners' previous lives abroad contribute to the liveliness of the space, making a vivid collage of their personal history and design expertise.

From its clapped-out history to its advanced future, Lark House has become a living symbol of both. By incorporating contemporary design elements into the existing mid-century architectural style, SHED Architecture & Design has created a residence that is timeless and respects its roots while accommodating its inhabitants' modern lifestyles.

The metamorphosis of the Lark House goes beyond just a renovation but presents a visual treat of historic architecture and captures my tales. Employing a thoughtful design resolution and strong respect for old School is when SHED Architecture & Design has made the icon mid-century to turn on again, therefore it keeps fascinating and inspiring the generations over generations.

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