Before & After – A 1970s Home Received A Contemporary Renovation

November 6, 2023
A contemporary remodel and addition for an original 1970s home.

Floisand Studio Architects has shared photos of a contemporary renovation project they did for a home in Seattle, Washington.

The original 1970s Seattle rambler had a typical boxy layout, while the exterior featured brick with blue and red accents.

Before remodel - The original 1970s Seattle rambler had a typical boxy layout, while the exterior featured brick, and blue and red accents.

The new exterior includes new siding, landscaping, and an enlarged entryway, significantly enhancing the home’s street appeal.

The new facade includes new siding, landscaping, and an enlarged entryway significantly enhancing the home's street appeal.

The rear of the home had an old deck and pergola.

Before remodel - a rear deck and pergola.

The updated rear of the home includes a warm wood deck, as well as a fire pit area. A “PopTop” addition was also introduced to accommodate a new primary bedroom and a second family room for gaming and sleepovers.

The updated rear of the home includes a warm wood deck, a fire pit area, and a "pop top" addition.
The updated rear of the home includes a warm wood deck, a fire pit area, and a "pop top" addition.

The original entryway had blue vertical siding, concrete steps, and a red front door.

Before remodel - The original entryway had blue vertical siding, concrete steps, and a red front door.

The spacious new entry and hallway are now flooded with light from a newly added skylight, replacing a previously dark and cramped area.

The spacious new entry and hallway are now flooded with light from a newly added skylight, replacing a previously dark and cramped area.
The spacious new entry and hallway are now flooded with light from a newly added skylight, replacing a previously dark and cramped area.

The original living room had a dark red accent wall, as well as built-in cabinetry and shelving surrounding the TV.

Before remodel - the living room

By removing interior walls, introducing vaulted ceilings, and strategically placing windows throughout, the home now receives abundant natural light.

A modern living room with a skylight.
A modern living room with a skylight.

The original dining room was positioned in a separate area off the side of the kitchen.

Before remodel - the dining room.

The updated dining area is now positioned between the living room and the kitchen. White oak floors are also featured throughout the home.

An open plan dining area between the kitchen and living room.
An open plan dining area between the kitchen and living room.

The original kitchen had wood cabinets and a central wood island.

Kitchen before remodel.

The kitchen was expanded by squaring off a popout to create a larger sink area and extending the windows to the countertops, maximizing light and backyard views. New large sliding doors connect the kitchen and living room to the deck and backyard, seamlessly integrating the primary living spaces.

A modern kitchen with wood and white cabinets, black window frames, an island, and a skylight.
A modern kitchen with wood and white cabinets, black window frames, an island, and a skylight.
A modern kitchen with wood and white cabinets, black window frames, an island, and a skylight.

The original dark hallway had walls filled with artwork.

Before Remodel - the original hallway

The updated hallway is brighter, with a single piece of art at the end of the hallway, while a low window adds additional natural light.

An updated hallway has a low window to let natural light in.

In an updated bedroom, windows wrap around the room, showcasing the trees outside.

A contemporary bedroom with windows that wrap around the walls.

In the updated primary bathroom, there’s a double vanity, a tall window, and a shower with additional windows.

A modern bathroom with a double vanity and tall window.
A modern shower with windows at the top of the wall.

In the powder room, located near the dining area, a fun tropical print wallpaper covers the wall, adding an unexpected fun element.

In this powder room, a fun tropical print wallpaper covers the wall adding an unexpected fun element.

The stairs leading to the “Pop Top” addition feature a large sculptural pendant light and natural light from a row of windows.

This staircase features a large sculptural pendant light and natural light from a row of windows.
After photography by Rafael Soldi