A Contemporary Makeover For A Home Built In 1907

February 18, 2023
The remodel of a 1907 cottage.

Best Practice Architecture has designed the contemporary remodel of a 1907 home in Seattle, Washington, that measures just 16-and-a-half feet wide.

Surrounded by old-growth trees in Seattle’s Phinney Ridge neighborhood, the cozy gambrel roof dwelling is dubbed “Phinney Mini” for its compact footprint and idyllic location.

Here’s a look at the home’s exterior before the remodel.

The 'before' photo of a 1907 cottage that underwent a remodel.

The updated exterior includes a freshly painted blue door and lighting, as well as new stairs and railing.

A remodeled 1907 cottage with a blue front door and stone patio.
A remodeled 1907 cottage with a blue front door and stone patio.

The homeowners made it clear that they valued thoughtful, well-organized spaces with a natural palette, which is evident in the entryway.

A contemporary entryway with a natural palette.

The original interior layout was a series of small, compartmentalized rooms.

"Before" photo - The original interior layout was a series of small, compartmentalized rooms.

The Best Practice team began by removing the interior walls of the main level, transforming the layout into a comfortable, open, and functional living space.

This remodeled living room flows through to the dining room with a wood table and bench seating. A work area with a desk and shelving is located on the opposite wall.

The living room flows through to the dining room with a wood table and bench seating. A work area with a desk and shelving is located on the opposite wall.

This remodeled living room flows through to the dining room with a wood table and bench seating. A work area with a desk and shelving is located on the opposite wall.
A shelving unit that includes a desk.
A modern remodel for a 1907 cottage.

The original kitchen was dated, enclosed in a small space, and lacked storage.

The 'before' photo of a remodeled kitchen.
The 'before' photo of a remodeled kitchen.

The new kitchen is smaller in footprint but highly efficient, and it opens to the main living area on one end and to a new deck on the other. The smaller footprint of the kitchen was a result of accommodating a generously sized family bathroom.

This new kitchen is small but highly efficient, and it opens to the main living area on one end and to a new deck on the other.
A modern kitchen with a simple and neutral colour palette.
A modern kitchen with a simple and neutral colour palette.
A modern kitchen with a simple and neutral colour palette.

The original bathroom has a standard bath/shower combo and a small basin with no storage.

The 'before' photo of a bathroom.

A 30-square-foot micro addition accommodates the requested traditional Japanese soaking tub (Ofuro), directly connecting to the outdoors via a folding glass door. A separate toilet room increases comfort and usability for the young family.

A modern family bathroom includes a traditional Japanese soaking tub (Ofuro), directly connecting to the outdoors via a folding glass door. A separate toilet room increases comfort and usability for the young family.
A modern family bathroom includes a traditional Japanese soaking tub (Ofuro), directly connecting to the outdoors via a folding glass door. A separate toilet room increases comfort and usability for the young family.
A modern family bathroom includes a traditional Japanese soaking tub (Ofuro), directly connecting to the outdoors via a folding glass door. A separate toilet room increases comfort and usability for the young family.
A modern family bathroom includes a traditional Japanese soaking tub (Ofuro), directly connecting to the outdoors via a folding glass door. A separate toilet room increases comfort and usability for the young family.
A modern family bathroom includes a traditional Japanese soaking tub (Ofuro), directly connecting to the outdoors via a folding glass door. A separate toilet room increases comfort and usability for the young family.
A modern family bathroom includes a traditional Japanese soaking tub (Ofuro), directly connecting to the outdoors via a folding glass door. A separate toilet room increases comfort and usability for the young family.

At the rear of the home, the original kitchen has a door to the deck with open storage below.

The before photo of a remodeled home.
Rear deck and stairs before remodel.

The updated rear of the home showcases the new extension, as well as a deck with stairs that lead down to the yard.

The updated rear of this modern home showcases the new extension, as well as a deck with stairs that lead down to the yard.

Best Practice also designed a detached work-from-home office, nestled into the landscape and partially sunken, that showcases a green roof.

A detached work-from-home office, nestled into the backyard and partially sunken, that showcases a green roof.

The new stairs from the deck connect down to the expansive family room complete with a custom Murphy bed for guests, an enclosed laundry and utility room, and concealed under-stair storage.

New stairs from the deck connect down to the expansive remodeled family room complete with a custom Murphy bed for guests, an enclosed laundry and utility room, and concealed under-stair storage.
A remodeled basement includes a door to connect to the backyard.

This is what the basement looked like before the remodel.

'Before' photos of a basement remodel.
'Before' photos of a basement remodel.

The new space, which has been dedicated as a playroom, is now bright with a play area, lounge area, and shelving.

A remodeled basement with lounge area and play space.

Here are the floor plans and drawings about the micro-addition and ofuro.

The floor plans of a remodeled home.
A drawing of a home with a micro-addition and a bunkered office space.
A drawing showing the inclusion of an extension with Japanese soaking tub.
Photography: Rafael Soldi | Architect: Best Practice Architecture | Structural: Harriott Valentine Engineers | Contractor: Kable Design Build | Landscape Design and Installation: Cambium, Inc. | Cabinetry: Kable Design | Custom Window Treatments & Drapery: Lesley Petty Studio | Plumbing Fixture Sourcing: The Fixture Gallery | Decorative Lighting & Furnishings: Inform Interiors | Furnishings: Hem | Window Sourcing: Dunn Lumber | Wall and Floor Tile: Statements Tile & Stone | Wall Tile: United Tile | Bath Wall Tile: DalTile