IMAGINE

DISCOVER

REFRESH

INVENT

LAURELHURST TREASURE

                        CONTRACTOR:  GARSPAR'S CONSTRUCTION, INC.

   PHOTOGRAPHY:  LAURIE BLACK

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"IT'S THE FEELING ... EVERYTIME YOU ENTER THE ROOM"

©2010 Michael O'Neill Interiors

™

It was indeed a privilege to work on this Asian inspired ranch designed by the iconic Northwest architect Lionel Pries in 1948. Only two generations of one  family had followed the first owner. All the original details were preserved and or restored - a testament to timeless design.

The exceptions to the grand theme were the kitchen, laundry and utility areas which, although originals, were utilitarian in nature as they were intended for use only by a live-in maid.

Cramped and with few conveniences the kitchen was cut off from the rest of the home which had magnificent views of Lake Washington, Mercer

Island and Medina.

Key to accessing these views were the enlarging of the small existing kitchen window and opening the wall to the dining room with an interior window.  The later took a leap of faith by the clients who wanted to maintain a formal dining area - problem solved with shoji screens to match those used throughout the house.

Space was gained from the no longer needed utility room which opened the kitchen to more view, light and more cooks!

Foremost was the imperative to honor the architect's precedents in this jewel of a house.