Our longtime clients decided to finally do something about their dated and poorly functioning primary bath, and, at the same time to update and improve their two-story primary bedroom suite.
The suite was a 1979 addition to a 1950s rambler, with a study on the main floor, facing a neighboring golf course through a wall of windows, and a second-floor bedroom that was completely open to the study below. Adjoining the bedroom was a dark, low-slung bath tucked under the eaves. The bath featured brown sinks and toilet, dark tile, and 1970s can lights, all of it unsuited to an otherwise lovely home with stunning views of Lake Washington.
We teamed up with Board & Vellum architects to open up the bath while enhancing the privacy of the loft-like open bedroom.
Board & Vellum considered adding a dormer above the vanity in the bath, but there were structural challenges; instead the architects designed a large, operable skylight that occupies the entire ceiling above the vanity, bringing in abundant light, along with air when opened. The tall curb of the skylight adds headroom and extra space on the wall for mirrors and light fixtures.
To improve the privacy and function of the bedroom, we added a walk-in closet that closed off the opening to the study below and installed a shoji door of rift-sawn white oak at the top of the stairs, further separating the bedroom from the study. Built-in cabinetry below new windows completes the bedroom.
Upgrading the bath and bedroom offered an opportunity to tune-up the two-story study as well, with new windows and new oak floors and stairs. The tune-up included removing a glass block interior window to the left of the hearth and replacing it with a closet.
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