Some houses have a story that’s impossible to ignore. For the owners of Island Crest in Mercer Island, Washington, it started with a 1958 home filled with character, Pacific Northwest craftsmanship, and a magnificent magnolia tree standing proudly in the front yard. Working with ONOMA Architecture, they set out to transform the aging residence into a forever home for their growing family without losing the qualities that first captured their attention.
That goal wasn’t easy. The previous owner had raised ten children in the house, making its history especially meaningful. Even after a recommendation to demolish the home and unexpected discoveries of asbestos and mold, the owners remained committed to preserving the structure. They believed the house deserved another chapter, and that decision became the foundation for the entire renovation.
Reinventing the House Without Erasing Its Past
As the renovation progressed, the design evolved through three separate iterations led by Bryan Pendz of ONOMA Architecture. Instead of following a fixed plan, the design adapted as new conditions emerged, improving natural light, circulation, and functionality while respecting the home’s original mid-century character. Mercer Builders also encouraged the owners to continue exploring ways to preserve the existing house instead of replacing it.
Vertical timber cladding wraps the facade, complementing the home’s mid-century character, while black steel detailing adds crisp contrast around the door and windows. A sheltered porch provides a quiet transition from the courtyard into the home, balancing privacy with an open, welcoming feel.
The relocated front door creates a welcoming new arrival experience, giving the home a clear and inviting entrance. Set beneath a broad roof overhang, the oversized pivoting timber door is framed by full-height glazing that allows natural light to filter into the entryway while offering a glimpse of the warm interior beyond.
Inside, walls were removed to open the shared living spaces, while structural flitch plates allowed the ceiling beams to remain intact. The renovation also embraced the home’s existing structural grid, helping the finished project feel like it had always belonged.
An Entry That Balances Function and Openness
The redesigned entryway creates a practical arrival space while maintaining clear sightlines into the heart of the home. A custom white oak volume incorporates built-in bench seating and storage, providing a convenient place to set down bags, shoes, and everyday essentials before moving further inside. Warm timber finishes continue throughout, giving the space a welcoming, understated character.
Artwork in entryway by Nikole Hester
A Bright Space Framed by Light and Structure
Opening the floor plan transformed the living room into part of one continuous gathering space while still giving it its own identity. A freestanding partition wall anchors the room, creating definition without closing it off from the surrounding spaces.
At one end, a glass partition allows borrowed natural light to filter into the stairwell, making previously darker areas feel brighter. These new walls also highlight the home’s existing roof lines and introduce a stronger sense of scale throughout the interior.
Designed for Gathering Indoors and Out
The kitchen and dining area were opened up to better support the homeowners’ social lifestyle and accommodate larger gatherings. Removing interior walls created a generous open-plan layout where cooking, dining, and relaxing happen together. White oak finishes and durable Dekton countertops were selected to stand up to busy family life while complementing the home’s midcentury architecture.
Large sliding glass doors strengthen the connection between indoors and outdoors. An impressive 18-foot-wide sliding door disappears into the kitchen wall, opening directly onto the expanded deck, while additional sliding doors create access on both sides of the kitchen. Together, they allow the entertaining space to grow effortlessly for everything from everyday meals to larger gatherings.
A Bedroom Framed by the Trees
One of the bedrooms embraces the surrounding landscape through an expansive wall of black-framed windows that fills the space with natural light and leafy views. The interior is intentionally simple, allowing the view to become the focal point. Soft neutral finishes, understated furnishings, and a restrained palette create a calm atmosphere, while the generous glazing gives the room an open, airy feel.
A Calm Bathroom with Warm Natural Finishes
Natural light from the skylight brightens the bathroom, highlighting the textured wall tile. A warm wood vanity, brushed brass faucet, and simple stone countertop bring natural materials together in a clean, timeless palette that complements the home’s understated aesthetic.
Island Crest is a reminder that preserving an older home can be just as rewarding as building a new one. By investing in the original structure, the owners extended the life of a home that had already served one family for generations while adapting it for their own.