Bitter Lake Nautical Kitchen, Dining, and Entry Remodel

Bitter Lake Nautical Kitchen, Dining, and Entry Remodel

For this remodel in Seattle’s Bitter Lake neighborhood, our client came to us with a clear vision: create a bright, cozy, and functional space that reflects her love of coastal design and complements the character of her 1940s home. The scope included a full remodel of the kitchen, dining, and entry. Through thoughtful updates, custom cabinetry, and a few bold design choices, like the whale wallpaper she had dreamed of using for years, we helped transform this house into a space that truly feels like home.

Entryway & Living Room

We removed a cramped coat closet in the entry it to open things up and better utilize the space. We replaced the closet with a built-in cabinet and bench, complete with coat hooks and open shoe storage. Below the client’s beloved whale wallpaper, we added wainscoting to ground the space and add architectural interest. A new navy front door, refinished wood floors, and custom cabinetry helped blend the practical needs of daily life with the client’s charming nautical aesthetic.

In the living room, we replaced the fireplace surround with playful fish scale tile, a subtle nod to the home’s nautical theme that ties in beautifully with the surrounding spaces.

Kitchen & Dining Room

The original kitchen layout didn’t reflect the client’s style or support her love of cooking. We reworked the floorplan to expand the opening between the kitchen and dining room, introducing a new archway that matches others in the home and reinforces its historic character. Every inch of the kitchen was carefully considered, from the cabinetry wrapping the refrigerator to the custom pull-outs around the range. A counter-depth pantry cabinet near the range offers the perfect landing zone for a microwave and mixer, helping keep the countertops clear. Warm wood cabinetry, brass hardware, blue backsplash tile, and herringbone patterned tile floors strike a balance between traditional, rustic, and coastal elements.

In the dining room, wall-to-wall lower cabinets provide additional storage and serve as a built-in buffet, perfect for entertaining. The cabinets are topped with the same quartz used in the kitchen, visually connecting the two spaces and giving the dining room a polished finish. Open wall space above was reserved for the client’s collection of vintage nautical oil paintings, making the most of the room’s natural light and creating a personal, gallery-like feel.

View other kitchen projects here.