A five-thousand-square-foot residence in Seattle’s Windermere neighborhood, coveted for its proximity to the University of Washington, lake and mountain views, and architecturally significant mid-century homes, sits at the center of a project to honor a building’s past while adapting it for modern living. The home, originally designed by Raymond H. Peck—the architect behind the city’s iconic Dick’s Drive-In—has undergone a renovation overseen by designer Jessica Nelson. The homeowners, Heidi and Brett Kaluza, wanted to retain the home’s mid-century character while updating it for their own entertaining needs, much like the home’s original owners.
Updating the Core Spaces
The team focused on refreshing original details rather than replacing them. Vaulted ceilings and clerestory windows frame views of Lake Washington, and the terrazzo floors were refurbished, a time-consuming process that involved patching original holes and blending different thicknesses to align with the new layout. The original stone accent wall received new pointing to make those details feel fresh again. A neutral grasscloth was layered on the walls to add texture and warmth to the open spaces, enhancing the home’s raised, artful take on mid-century modern design.
The kitchen required a clever reconfiguration rather than a structural overhaul. No walls or windows were moved, but the orientation was shifted so the space opens to the breakfast nook and offers a view of the lake through a corner window. Walnut wall paneling and cabinetry were kept, with a green quartzite countertop adding color.
A curved island softens the room’s lines, and a custom banquette in the nook, hand-drawn by Jessica to fit perfectly, became a favorite feature. The original flooring created a challenge due to the layout change. Because the terrazzo had been poured around the original cabinetry, gaps appeared that needed a creative solution. The gaps were filled with deep oxblood zellige tile, which adds a quirky playfulness to the space while nodding to the original architecture.
Related Post: Rebuilding a home with personal touch
Beyond the kitchen, a former laundry room became a hardworking butler’s pantry. It now includes a second oven, a dishwasher, two drink fridges, and appliance storage. The space is painted Farrow & Ball Railings and features an integrated sink wrapped in red 4-inch square tile. Two vintage flush mounts hang from the ceiling, adding metallic interest.
On the opposite side of the house, the family room and primary suite were reconfigured to create a larger private retreat. The bedroom was positioned to have lake views, and the primary bathroom expanded to include a walk-in closet and a dressing room with a stackable washer/dryer unit. Walnut paneling and grasscloth wallpaper continue into this space, and the ceiling is a light blue that reflects the lake hues, creating a seamless connection to the outdoors.
The adjoining bathroom uses walnut paneling along the walls, with a playful tile border underfoot. A custom curved floating vanity mirrors the kitchen island for continuity throughout the home. The guest spaces also received updates, with the upstairs bathroom retaining its original layout but now featuring red marble, an oak vanity with brass accents, and walls painted in Farrow & Ball’s Dead Salmon. The adjacent bedroom includes a vintage mid-century dresser, accent chair, and distinctive lighting from Sin and Etsy.
Sustainable and Thoughtful Furnishings
The Kaluzas prioritized sustainability and supporting small businesses when sourcing furnishings. In the great room, over 80% of the pieces came from sustainable brands, women-owned companies, and small businesses, including Nickey Kehoe, Clad Home, Matilda Goad, daughters, and Sunday Shop. Designer Jessica Nelson notes, “I love how the furnishings make a relatively neutral space feel so personal and interesting—they’re such a reflection of the clients’ personalities.” This approach extends throughout the home, with vintage and custom pieces adding character and uniqueness to each room.
Related Post: San Francisco home gets modern renovation
Playful and Functional Spaces
Downstairs, the living room features a wavy, light-blue sectional, vintage chairs from Rescue Vintage and Seattle Furniture Company, and a modern table lamp from MDRN, creating a fun and comfortable atmosphere. The original bar was salvaged, refinished, and enhanced with red marble and an antiqued mirror backsplash. Art from Uprise Art ties the room’s colors together, while the space remains ideal for movie nights and gaming.
The powder room embodies the home’s entertaining spirit with an integrated checkered tile sink, Beata Heuman’s marbleized wallpaper, and unlacquered brass accents. A reused hand sculpture towel ring adds a whimsical touch, honoring the room’s original character and bringing the cocktail party vibe to life in an updated way.
After approximately 15 months of construction and furnishing, the home blends its mid-century heritage with modern updates. The powder room’s playful design serves as a fitting finale, celebrating the house’s legacy as a gathering place for generations to come, now carried forward by a new generation of hosts.
