Bainbridge New Construction | Seattle Interior Design Photography

Capturing the essence of a custom-designed home on Bainbridge Island is an interior photographer's dream. When the design brilliance of Noble Interiors meets the staging finesse of McKith Interiors, we get this — a stunning and unique space that feels anything but builder-grade. As a photographer, stepping into such a thoughtfully designed space means there are few tough angles, and my job is just to compose beautiful images based on light and texture. McKith Interiors reached out to photograph this home in an editorial style. It’s hitting the MLS but real estate photos often display a home in a really specific way, and they wanted their work to be shown in a more lifestyle, natural style. This is my specialty, and I love it when I can show a space in detail with artful compositions. I get even more excited when my clients get excited about this process!

One of the most captivating aspects of photographing this home is the seamless dance between the hard finishes and thoughtful staging. Noble Interiors' design ethos, often rooted in embracing natural elements, ensures that the spaces work with natural light in a tonal quality. This not only highlights the architectural details but also creates an inviting feeling that translates through photographs. At that point McKith Interiors caught the baton and paired the space with artfully crafted furnishings and decor that highlighted the natural beauty of the home, keeping in mind its peaceful PNW setting.

The best part about when the design and furnishings are a perfect match? Editorial-worthy photographs that effortlessly blend the warmth of natural light with the sophistication of a well-staged interior. Each image not only showcases the beauty of the space but also evokes a sense of lifestyle and aspiration. From the soft glow of afternoon light filtering through the windows into the cozy great room to the dramatic interplay of the office through the striking arched glass doors, every moment captured reflects this excellent mashup of light and design.

It was so much fun to photograph this project! Haley McKinley, the owner of McKith Interiors, shadowed me on this shoot holding the “client iPad” where you can see images as I’m taking them. It’s the best way to go about a shoot like this where details really matter and small adjustments to composition make a big difference. With her brilliant eye, we were able to rotate things just a bit or nudge a chair this way or that to create visually balanced editorial images that feel different from traditional real estate photos.

Interior Design: Noble Interiors

Staging: McKith Interiors

Redmond Remodel | Seattle, Orange County, Chicago Interior Photographer

This remodel by Susan Adams was a pleasure to photograph! Susan infused this design with hospitality-inspired details (including a Four Seasons bed!) for the homeowners who travel frequently. Designed to be a Seattle landing spot, this home renovation was complete with luxury details that make everyday living feel like a vacation. The soaking tub in the master bathroom was so dreamy!

I’ve been traveling more and more for shoots, and some of my favorite places to travel (other than my home base of Seattle) are Orange County, Los Angeles, Northern California, Chicago and Atlanta. Traveling for photography projects is so fun for me, and always leads to inspiration and different design aesthetics. There is SO much talent in the interior design industry. Creating lasting partnerships with my photography clients gives me such joy and I love to see how their personal style carries into each project.

Laguna Beach House | Orange County Interior + Hospitality Photographer

Nestled in the scenic landscape of Orange County, Laguna Beach House offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This boutique hotel combines coastal charm with modern comfort, providing guests with a serene haven just steps away from the Pacific Ocean.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the laid-back vibe of Laguna Beach. The hotel's design features clean lines, natural materials, an excellent vintage collection in the lobby (complete with a signature scent!) and pops of coastal colors, creating a space that is both inviting and stylish. Surfer-chic is the overall vibe with kilim rugs, a rack of surfboards, and a shelf of kooky knick-knacks that will charm you.

Laguna Beach House has an old school motel vibe in an updated and fresh sense. Each room has a small shoppable area as well as snacks for purchase. The pool is a very welcome retreat if you wish for a quieter and less windy experience than the beach, which is just a block away.

What truly sets Laguna Beach House apart is its warm and attentive service. The staff is dedicated to making each guest's stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, offering personalized recommendations and assistance whenever needed. Whether you're looking for dining suggestions, planning a day of activities, or simply need extra towels for the beach, the team at Laguna Beach House is always on hand to help.

Laguna Beach House is ideally located for exploring all that Orange County has to offer. Just steps away from the beach, guests can spend their days soaking up the sun, swimming in the ocean, or exploring the nearby shops and galleries. The hotel also provides easy access to popular attractions such as Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, and the stunning natural beauty of Crystal Cove State Park. With on-site parking, you can just walk down the street to get to the best Laguna Beach has to offer.

It was a pleasure to photograph this boutique hotel! Thank you for your generous hospitality, Laguna Beach House!

Seattle Airbnb | Interior Commercial Photographer

The first thing I noticed walking into this absolutely perfect Airbnb rental home in Seattle was how well the original charm of the home was preserved in its modernization. We love crown molding AND updated heating!

The owner of this short term rental is a master of curation when it comes to vintage and antique items. Nothing is worse than walking into an Airbnb or VRBO and finding wall-to-wall fresh-out-of-the-box decor sourced exclusively from Amazon. It’s not to say that we don’t need convenience in our choices, but I love a collected space.

For one thing, it’s far more sustainable to repurpose items that are already in existence. There are so many good things already out there! Additionally, curating a space intentionally takes a lot of dedication to the overall balance of aesthetic. When we travel, we want to experience a place or a new city, and the place we stay can be just as meaningful as many of the other destinations and activities.

Think back to some of your favorite vacations and tell me if you can recall at least some details about the home you stayed in. In a world with Airbnbs available around every corner, spaces like this totally stand apart.

Of course, the icing on the cake is photographing it intentionally. In over ten years working with people and spaces, I’ve learned about approaching a space with a curious eye and informed skillset. Creating balanced compositions comes from a large background in art, and telling the story through a branding eye comes from many years of experience. I love the feedback I get from my clients when they tell me their space has rented at a higher rate and higher frequency because of their photography. My personal mission is to embody and inspire joy, and this kind of shoot brings me in such alignment with that purpose.

If you have a space you’ve designed I would love to hear about it! Get in touch via email: emily@emilykeeney.com.