The Magnolia House, a Mid-Century Classic

About the Space

STORY: In our latest search for a project house, we stumbled upon a dusty mid-century gem in Seattle's most beautiful neighborhood. It had all original 1949 finishes, including an all pink bathroom and AstroTurf staircase. Our vision was to create a house that felt like showpiece, curated over time. We added art deco details that could have been part of its early history, mid-century lighting that might have been added in its energetic mid-life, and grand traditional trim that the house and its inhabitants may have matured into as they grew confident and well established. An eclectic space that has been collected over time is a harder thing to create than a strictly period space, and that is the challenge that we have conquered with this house. The result feels like the old money of Upper East Side New York mixed with the fun energy of a vintage mid-mod family home. AMENITIES: There is a generous amount of street parking and a public parking lot about a block away. Entry into either level is made easy via large sliding glass doors. The common spaces were designed with entertaining in mind. They are spacious and open to each other with modestly sized furniture allowing for unencumbered circulation. The kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances and a 12 foot island allowing for abundant prep or layout space. The three bathrooms (including a large master suite) and dedicated laundry room could easily be used for staging and/or makeup. Large windows on the main and lower floor allow for bright natural light all day long. The color pallet is thoughtful but neutral allowing for flexibility. The look and feel are versatile, with slightly different accessories this house easily transitions to whatever style you have in mind. The backyard and sunken front patio are well kept with clean modern furnishings. They can flex to be used for staging, entertaining, or a setting for a stylish outdoor shoot. Just down the traffic free street you will find coffee, food, a hardware store, a grocery, and a couple of neighborhood bars all with plenty of parking. Uber and Lift also operate in the neighborhood, and the airport is just 30 minutes away. LOCATION: The Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle feels like a well-kept secret. It is only a few miles from downtown but functions like a geographically protected island, set apart from the grittiness of the city. Historic homes, wide streets, clean sidewalks, and a village filled with locals all look back across the Puget Sound at the sunrise over the city skyline. Familiar faces emerge each morning to walk kids to school, chat with the barista, hang flower baskets down main street, and stop into the hardware store. If a life resembling a Rockwell painting still exists in 2022, it is found in Magnolia.