Matthews Beach Whole Home Remodel

Matthews Beach Whole Home Remodel

This full-scale renovation transformed a 1670 sq ft home in Seattle’s Matthews Beach neighborhood into a light-filled, highly functional retreat, designed with comfort, style, and long-term livability in mind. Nearly every surface was touched, from the new siding and metal roof to the reimagined kitchen, bathrooms, and media room. With a focus on thoughtful storage, custom cabinetry, and modern updates throughout, the home is now better suited to the lifestyle of its book-loving, movie-watching, cat-caring homeowners.

Exterior and Entry

The exterior received a significant refresh, beginning with new siding, a metal roof, and fresh paint. At the front entry, a new wood door, complete with sidelights, transom window, and Scottsdale Cactus III glass, offers a warm welcome. The front door’s handcrafted wood detailing hints at the thoughtful custom touches found throughout the rest of the home, and updated lighting enhanced both function and curb appeal.

Kitchen and Living Room

The heart of the home was completely reimagined. By removing a dividing wall, the previously segmented layout gave way to an open-concept kitchen, living, and dining area. The kitchen layout was adjusted for better flow, swapping the fridge and range while keeping plumbing in place. A peninsula, finished with paneling for a furniture-like look, offers a gathering space and improves function.

Custom cabinetry includes an angled pantry designed to fit against an angled hallway wall. Green tile adds color and personality, while a soapstone-look leathered countertop provides a matte texture and subtle veining that both client and designer loved. Soffits were added to visually anchor the upper cabinets, and a mix of knobs and edge pulls modernize the space.

In the living room, a built-in bench beneath the bay window provides hidden storage and a sunny perch for the clients’ cats. A new gas insert, green-toned tile surround, and custom bookcase make the fireplace a cozy focal point. The new flooring was picture-framed around the hearth in a detail that subtly elevates the room.

Main Floor Bathrooms and Bedroom

The powder bath was transformed with tree-patterned wallpaper that reflects the wooded surroundings of the property. A bold green vanity and brass fixtures with black accents give the space personality without overwhelming it.

A complete reconfiguration of the primary bath allowed for a larger walk-in shower, a double vanity with personalized storage (including a hamper pull-out), and a built-in linen cabinet. The design swapped the tub and underused shower stall for more efficient and attractive features, including green vertical stacked tile, heated floors, and a skylight that brings natural light into the shower. A pony wall niche and bench add comfort and utility. Brass and chrome fixtures offer a modern, mixed-metal moment, while the warm vanity finish softens the space.

By converting one of the original two closets into a deeper walk-in, the bedroom gained valuable storage and a more functional shape. A new ceiling light and clearer wall geometry help regulate the space, making furniture placement easier.

Laundry and Office

In the basement, a standard closet that once exposed the water heater and venting was converted into a smart, efficient laundry space. A stacking washer and dryer freed up space for navy cabinetry, full-height storage, and a new closet that neatly conceals the water heater. A concrete-look countertop, stainless hanging rod, and oil-rubbed bronze hardware echo finishes used elsewhere in the home, tying the spaces together.

Just across the hall, a former guest room-turned-office now serves as a personalized work-from-home hub. The closet was removed to make space for a custom built-in desk with drawers, a roll-out printer cabinet, and a wood desktop with matching open shelving above. This setup blends closed and open storage, creating a beautiful yet practical space for writing, crafting, and everyday work.

Media Room

A favorite space for these clients—both editors and avid readers—the media room was transformed into a cozy, multifunctional lounge for books, movies, and games. Almost fully color-drenched in navy, the room now includes two custom and coordinating built-ins: a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf and entertainment wall with closed cabinetry below and a wood-topped media stand, as well as a built-in bar for entertaining.

The closet housing the sump pump was insulated and refitted with a weather-stripped exterior door, significantly reducing the noise that once bothered the homeowners. The second closet was opened up to install a dry bar featuring matching navy cabinetry, a beverage fridge, and the same concrete-look countertop used in the laundry. With layered lighting and thoughtful storage, the room is now a perfect spot to relax solo or entertain friends.

Check out a similar whole home remodel project here,  watch a video of before and after photos taken from the same angles, and swipe through this evolution of the powder bath.