Design house: This 90s Mediterranean-style hillside home in Seattle has been given a luxurious, modern update

A Mediterranean-style hillside home has undergone a stunning transformation and now has charming interiors to match its incredible surroundings.

Designed by Stuart Silk in the late 90s, the Seattle property was in need of some modern reimagining. Its new owner turned to design studio Hoedemaker Pfeiffer to help get things in order.

The team said, ‘When a powerhouse bachelor approached our multi-disciplinary studio to help transform his newly purchased Mediterranean style hillside home, we answered the call. We set out to create a sophisticated but effortlessly comfortable oasis. 

‘Nearly every surface of every room both in and out of doors was reworked. The aesthetic goal for the home was relaxed luxury and a continuity of strong sculptural form. Craftsmanship was of the utmost importance.’ 

The finished product – one of the world's best homes created by designers Tim Pfeiffer and Peak Petersen – boasts a calmness and quiet comfort and merges modern design with heirloom pieces and timeless art.

Living room

In the living room, a serene blue, green, and gray color palette has been used to reflect the stunning Lake Washington, which lies directly outside the window.

The room has been designed with gatherings in mind, with flexible seating options like two mohair swivel chairs in the corner along with the oak and linen armchair and ottoman in the opposite one.

French-inspired chests and table lamps from Circa Lighting sit either side of the limestone fireplace and artwork from Nikoleta Sekulovic and the Rebecca Hossack Gallery completes this inviting space.

Library

The living room opens up into a formal library – a space which also acts as an office for meetings and deals. 

The settee from Baker Furniture, the armchair and wing chair face the limestone and bronze cocktail table in the centre of the room - with a lantern from Urban Electric Co. draped over the top.

This room combines both old with new as an 18th century oak library cabinet holds books, golf trophies and other mementos from the homeowner’s travels and life achievements.

Kitchen

Truly the definition of a multi-purpose space, this kitchen comes with a fully stocked bar, a TV viewing lounge, a dining zone and a part-time office set-up.

At the start of the project, this room was completely gutted before a beam and panelled ceiling, a stone fireplace wall, pale oak cabinetry and light quartzite countertops were all installed. 

Cane and walnut counter stools with green linen cushions give the space a contemporary feel. 

Above the sink lies the bar, home to bottles and crystal glassware, with open iron shelving and an antique mirror backsplash.

For the dining space, an Oushak rug sits underneath the oak dining table with luxurious leather armchairs.

Master bedroom

With the homeowner travelling a lot, it was important the master bedroom was designed as a place where he can rest and recuperate.

The finished product sees the mahogany Kravet bed with leather complete with linen and handwoven bedding. On either side are Swedish-inspired dark walnut nightstands from Kelly Forslund and Iatesta Studio, along with smoke grey glass table lamps.

Exterior

The outside areas of the house have been designed to come alive during the glorious Pacific Northwest summer months.

The front terrace includes iron framed sofas and chairs while the back deck boasts a round dining table with weathered teak and woven arm chairs – and all look out onto the beautiful water views.

Foyer

The entrance to this house was fitted with new glass and steel awning. As guests enter, they come face to face with an oversized vintage crystal chandelier from the original Fairmont Hotel, which hangs from the newly oak panelled ceiling. This was the only light fixture that wasn’t replaced in the house. 

Other heirlooms include an 18th century Louis XVI commode, which sits across from the iron staircase, along with a 17th century Italian artwork depicting an epic hunting scene.

Photography / Haris Kenjar (opens in new tab)

Interior design / Hoedemaker Pfeiffer (opens in new tab) / Tim Pfeiffer, Peak Petersen

Architecture /  Hoedemaker Pfeiffer – Steve Hoedemaker / Bryan Chilcote