A Boomerang-Shaped Home with an Art Studio and Lake Views

A boomerang-shaped lakefront home curves into the hillside, carefully orienting living spaces toward Mt. Rainier and Lake Washington.

This lakefront home was designed to do three things well. Frame views of Mt. Rainier and Lake Washington. Create natural moments of connection between family and friends. And make space for art as part of daily life. DeForest Architects responded with a boomerang-shaped plan that curves into the hillside, guiding movement through the house while opening its living spaces to light, water, and landscape.

From the street, the entry is set within a landscaped courtyard carved into the hillside. This protected approach creates a quiet transition from street to home.

A landscaped courtyard carved into the hillside leads to an oversized pivot door, creating a calm transition from street to home.
A landscaped courtyard carved into the hillside leads to an oversized pivot door, creating a calm transition from street to home.

The main entry is marked by an oversized pivot door, setting a strong architectural moment before opening into the central living spaces, which are connected by a gallery-like hallway with concrete floors and art on the walls.

A landscaped courtyard carved into the hillside leads to an oversized pivot door, creating a calm transition from street to home.
The main entry is marked by an oversized pivot door, setting a strong architectural moment before opening into the central living spaces, which are connected by a gallery-like hallway with concrete floors and art on the walls.

The main living space sits along the curve of the boomerang, opening fully to the lake through large multi-panel sliding doors. When open, the room extends outward to the patio, making the lake feel like part of the living area.

Sliding glass doors on both sides of the main living space flood the interior with light and connect the house to its surroundings.

The dining room features colorful glass pendant lights hanging above a wood dining table that’s surrounded by chairs with color accents.

A sunny patio spans the full width of the house, acting as an extension of the main living spaces. Large sliding doors allow the home to open completely, encouraging a relaxed flow between indoor and outdoor living.

A sunny patio spans the full width of the house, designed to support seamless indoor and outdoor living.
A sunny patio spans the full width of the house, designed to support seamless indoor and outdoor living.

The kitchen anchors the central portion of the home and features a colorful, contrasting island. Positioned within the open plan, it stays visually connected to both living and dining areas.

A colorful, contrasting island anchors the open kitchen while keeping it connected to living and dining spaces.

An open-riser stair with wood treads connects levels while maintaining visual openness.

An open-riser stair with wood treads connects levels while maintaining visual openness.

At the top of the stairs, the landing becomes a lofted entertaining space, adding another layer of living. Open to the spaces below, it maintains connection while offering a distinct place to gather.

A modern interior with an open landing at the top of the stairs.
A lofted entertaining space overlooks the main living areas, offering a connected yet distinct place to gather.

Private spaces are oriented within the bend of the boomerang, benefiting from views and the sense of shelter created by the form. This bedroom with sliding glass doors opens to a small outdoor space, extending the room beyond its walls, while warm wood floors, soft textiles, and patterned accent wall creates a calm setting.

This bedroom with sliding glass doors opens to a small outdoor space, extending the room beyond its walls, while warm wood floors, soft textiles, and patterned accent wall creates a calm setting.

At one end of the boomerang sits the art studio, a double-height space with a transom and skylight, that’s flooded with natural light.

A double-height art studio with skylight and transom anchors one end of the house, filling the space with natural light.
A double-height art studio with skylight and transom anchors one end of the house, filling the space with natural light.

By shaping the house as a boomerang, DeForest Architects created a lakefront home where architecture quietly shapes how people gather, move, and connect.


Photography by John Granen Photography | Architect: DeForest Architects | Structural: Evergreen Design Company | Landscape Design: Allworth Design | Contractor: Toth Construction | Interior Design: Pulp Design Studios