Set on a gentle rise overlooking Bellingham Bay, Edgemoor House in Bellingham, Washington, brings together architecture and interiors in a way that feels both polished and easy to live in. Designed by Graham Baba Architects with interiors by Lisa Staton Interior Design, the home replaces a modest mid-century structure that was relocated to a nearby site and given a second life.
The new house was imagined for a young family who loves cooking, hosting, and spending time outdoors. From the start, the focus was clear, create a home where the kitchen leads, views are maximized, and spaces can flex for visiting family.
A Layout Shaped by Light, Views, and Everyday Use
The form is clean and modern, but it’s far from minimal in experience. The layout revolves around a central volume that organizes the home, bringing together the main living spaces while also handling practical needs like ventilation and the fireplace flue.
A large great room anchors the main level, opening directly to the outdoors. Upstairs, three bedrooms include a primary suite with expansive glazing, while the lower level adds a guest suite, office, and bonus spaces for longer stays. Even the garage goes beyond basics, doubling as storage and a home gym.
Light plays a big role throughout, especially with a skylight and open stair that pull daylight deep into the lower level.
Built to Last – Texture, Performance, and Longevity
The material palette is built for longevity. Charred wood siding using the traditional Japanese technique of shou sugi ban gives the exterior a rich, textured finish while improving durability against weather and pests.
A standing seam metal roof adds another layer of resilience, designed to last decades. Steel detailing sharpens the edges, while triple-pane windows and continuous insulation ensure the home stays quiet and comfortable despite its proximity to a busy street.
A Steel-Framed First Impression
The entry is marked by a finely scaled steel canopy that creates a moment of pause before stepping inside. It’s subtle but precise, setting up the material language that continues throughout the house.
Where the Indoors Opens Wide
Inside, the living area is open, bright, and directly connected to the outdoors. Large sliding glass doors lead to a covered patio, making it easy to move between inside and out in any season. A wood-burning fireplace ties into the central chimney volume, adding warmth both visually and physically.
At the Center of Every Gathering
Positioned within the same open space, the dining area benefits from the same light and views. It sits naturally between the living area and kitchen, making it ideal for everything from quick meals to larger gatherings.
The Kitchen That Runs the House
The kitchen is the heart of the home, with cabinets that blend into the wall, while a large island provides a place for additional seating. Designed at a chef-grade level, it’s built for serious cooking while still feeling welcoming and social. Its placement allows whoever is cooking to stay connected to everything happening around them, whether that’s conversation at the dining table or activity spilling in from the patio.
Slow Mornings in a Quite Nook
Tucked nearby, the breakfast nook, with a built-in floating bench offers a quieter corner for everyday meals. It’s a more relaxed spot that still benefits from natural light and views, making it a go-to for mornings.
The Hidden Engine by the Kitchen
A walk-in pantry supports the kitchen, keeping storage and prep tucked out of sight. It allows the main kitchen to stay clean and open, even during busy cooking sessions or when hosting.
A Staircase That Pulls Light Through the Home
A wood staircase connects the social areas of the home to the more private spaces. Above, a skylight brings daylight down through the stair, brightening the lower level.
Waking Up to Bay Views
Upstairs, the bedrooms are simple and comfortable, with the primary suite taking full advantage of the home’s elevated position. Large windows frame views out toward the bay, bringing in light throughout the day.
From Statement Soaks to Everyday Function
One bathroom leans into vertical space, with a higher ceiling that adds a sense of openness. A freestanding bathtub becomes the focal point, placed to take advantage of light and proportion.
Another bathroom takes a more integrated approach, with a built-in tub that blends into the overall layout, while the square tiles add a textural element.
A Small Room With a Bold Voice
The powder room introduces a bolder moment, with mustard-toned walls adding contrast against the more neutral palette seen elsewhere. It’s a small space with a strong visual identity.
Where Function Meets Color
The mudroom is designed for real use, especially with an active household. Green walls and matching ceiling, and matching cabinetry bring personality while handling storage for gear, shoes, and everyday items coming in from outside.
Edgemoor House balances performance and comfort without feeling overly technical. High air-sealing, an HRV system, and all-electric systems keep the interior environment consistent year-round, while solar readiness looks ahead to future upgrades.
From the central kitchen to the outdoor connections and durable materials, every part of the home supports how it’s actually used. It’s a modern house that feels ready for everything from quiet mornings to full, busy weekends with family.