Mercer Island Indoor/Outdoor Kitchen Renovation Stunner

This project is a stunning transformation of a Mercer Island kitchen, dining and outdoor kitchen space, also with a big upgrade for the primary bathroom. Designed by ID by Gwen and built by Bright Work Builders, this renovation offers a spacious kitchen that flows into the dining room and outdoor space with a bright and natural feeling. When I arrived on site, the homeowner had just finished a swim in Lake Washington. Over the course of the shoot I could sense the unity between the design of the space with the lifestyle of its inhabitants.

With plenty of counter space (a beautiful stone!) and a large pass-through window to the outdoor kitchen, this space begs for hosting gatherings and enjoying quality time in the beautiful Seattle climate. The covered outdoor kitchen nearly doubles the footprint of the initial space. Gary of BrightWork Builders explained how the entire roof line was extended to accommodate this new kitchen, though from a glance it appears to have been there from the start.

The kitchen has a mostly white design, with a beautiful blue island to break up the visuals. The glass pendant light fixtures act as the finishing touches and really bring the space to life. A vase of hydrangeas perfectly brought together the tones of the light fixtures and the island, with the slightly gray countertops.

An added bonus to this beautiful project, the primary bathroom got a beautiful upgrade. The blue theme carried through upstairs with a deep cobalt tile with a subtle pattern and all new cabinetry, soaking bathtub and large glass shower stall.

Enjoy this beautiful renovation!

A Desert Oasis in Vantage | Seattle Interior Photographer

Sometimes a little change of scenery is the key to refreshing your whole outlook. It’s easy to feel far away when you head east over the pass to Vantage, WA. Home to The Gorge, many wineries (including Cave B), and stunning desert scenery, you can take in desert sun and colors without traveling southwest.

This new vacation rental, The Wild Horse, is perched on the shore of the Columbia River with sweeping views in all directions from the rooftop deck. The sky is so open. It’s easy to forget you’re so close to Seattle with these vast landscapes.

The desert color palette is brought indoors throughout this bright short term rental home. With tall ceilings and abundant natural light, each room brings its own vibe of desert oasis (and its own attached bathroom!). The black accent walls in two of the rooms make for striking backdrops to the bright accent pillows and cow skull decor. Most unexpected is the family rec room with wall-to-wall window views of the surroundings. From this room, head upstairs to the rooftop sunset deck to take in the changing sky as the sun sinks over the mountain behind the house.

Traveling kids and adults alike will enjoy the party garage with ping pong and other games and a projector for movie nights next to the custom mural. There are musical posters all over the house with special nods to Tom Petty, Neil Young, and other musical pillars of rock.

Perhaps the coolest feature of the entire house is the custom crochet hat wall in the dining area. Made to be interacted with, you can pop out a chic hat for all your desert vibing, or just enjoy for a quick group selfie.

You can book this spot on Airbnb now!

A Perfect Coastal Retreat 2 Hours from Seattle

Other than being famous for the Olympic Rainshadow, making it unusually sunny for a place in Western Washington, Sequim also might be the most idyllic landing spot for a soul looking for a quaint town and a little peace and quiet near the water.

Haus of Hygge has launched another magical property in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, a veritable dream of a beach house situated on five acres of estuary that heads out into into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A distant lighthouse glimmers over the peaceful water while an occasional ship sails by, amongst a constant flurry of birds dipping and soaring. While the house is a fully-stocked modern retreat, the true magic is in the view and the surroundings.

My friend Sydney and I headed out on a beautiful July weekend to photograph the property and take it in for ourselves, documenting our stay all the while. We traipsed through lavender fields, scored the jackpot of antiques and thrifts, dined al fresco, and cozied up to You’ve Got Mail to the distant tune of lapping waves. To say it was the restorative bliss a busy mother needs isn’t saying enough. You just have to experience it for yourself.

In the mornings we enjoyed fresh brewed coffee as the birds performed their dance. Mid-day we took in the quaint towns of Sequim and nearby Port Townsend. As the evening breeze took hold, we lit up the gas fireplace and enjoyed the combination of fresh sea air and warmth from the fire, fresh from the oversize shower after a hot tub dip.

Two hours from Seattle (either by driving or by ferry), Sequim is situated on the northern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. It’s a great stopping point if you’re road tripping around to the coast, but is worth a stay all of its own. Surrounded by literal dozens of lavender fields, a stroll through the mesmerizing rows is necessary during full bloom. (We visited B&B Family Lavender Farm.) Port Townsend is a 45-minute drive along winding country roads, and offers a historical dip into a quaint seaside town. (If you’re looking for an excellent burger high up on a waterfront patio, hit Sirens pub!)

As an interiors and travel photographer, I’ve slowly built a lifestyle of traveling and capturing the unique beauty of spaces all over. For me, the best way to capture a travel destination is by immersing myself in the environment. I love observing how the light changes and brings rooms to life. As we cooked dinner the first night, the most perfect ray of sunlight fell across the countertop as my friend was cutting a red bell pepper. You just can’t plan that stuff! And it truly tells the story of the space beyond your typical interior photographs. It’s the combination of those clean editorial images plus the handheld lifestyle snaps that bring the whole story together, creating an immersive peek into such beautifully curated spaces.

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage is available now to book! More information and booking details here.

A Brand New Seattle Beachfront Rental + 5 Tips for a Great Weekend Trip

A weekend getaway to a beach house in Seattle is the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. With our famous rugged coastline, abundant water, and access to a thriving city scene, a weekend trip has so much to offer. Before you go, here is a home tour of a stunning new Des Moines rental and some tips to get the most out of your trip!

1. Plan Ahead and Book Early: Securing a beach house in Seattle can be competitive, especially during peak seasons. To avoid disappointment, start planning your weekend getaway well in advance. Research and book your beach house rental early to secure the best options. Consider factors such as location, amenities, and proximity to the beach to find the perfect spot that suits your preferences. There are many waterfront areas, some in more urban settings (including houseboats in Seattle!) and some are more remote (Whidbey Island, Vashon Island). This beach house in Des Moines offers a little bit of the best of both worlds. It’s pretty secluded but is a short drive to lots of restaurants and activities.

2. Pack Accordingly: Seattle's weather can be unpredictable, so it's essential to pack clothing suitable for various conditions. Even during the summer, coastal areas can experience cooler temperatures, fog, and occasional rain showers. Layered clothing, including a light jacket or sweater, will ensure you're prepared for any changes in weather. Don't forget to bring comfortable footwear for beach walks and outdoor activities. And if you forget something, enjoy a visit to the downtown Nordstrom flagship!

3. Explore Local Beaches and Parks: Seattle is packed with beautiful beaches and parks waiting to be explored. Take the time to discover some of the area's hidden gems. Alki Beach has a boardwalk that feels very west coast and has a strip of tons of restaurants, Golden Gardens Park is one of the only sand beaches in the area (and allows bonfires!), and Discovery Park is a sprawling park with beach access if you’re up for a little hike (or you can vie for the few parking spots available at the beachfront). This house is situated a little ways south of Seattle just next to the Des Moines Marina and beach, which is a beautiful place for walks and tossing rocks.

4. Embrace Outdoor Activities: Seattle's beach towns offer a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy. Engage in water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, or even take a scenic boat tour. This rental comes equipped with kayaks so you can launch straight from shore! If you're an adventure seeker, consider hiking along nearby trails or try your hand at beachcombing. Visit local marinas to rent equipment or join guided tours for a unique experience: Seattle by Pontoon is a great way to take in Seattle views and jump into the refreshing water! If you happen to catch a rainy weekend, the Seattle CityPass is a great way to get into some indoor-friendly activities!

5. Indulge in Local Cuisine: Seattle is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, and a beach house weekend presents an excellent opportunity to savor local flavors. Treat yourself to fresh seafood and all kinds of snacks at Pike Place Market. Visit the Des Moines Farmers Market for a taste of the region's finest produce. Enjoy a sunset dinner with a view at Anthony’s or have a beachfront picnic on a budget.

Enjoy the home tour of this beautiful new Des Moines rental on Airbnb, and book a weekend trip!