Take Some Inspiration From These Award-Winning Remodels
In 2025, Model Remodel earned four Remodeling Excellence Awards from the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, recognition that reflects the dedication and skill our design-build team brings to every project. From thoughtful second-story additions to midcentury-inspired bathrooms, each remodel was designed to solve challenges, respect the home’s character, and improve daily life for our clients. For homeowners planning a remodel, these award-winning projects show what is possible when design and craftsmanship work hand in hand. Take some inspiration from these ideas that wowed the judges of one of Seattle’s most prestigious design awards.
1. A Second Story Addition For a Primary Suite
Winning the Best Addition award, this second-story suite shows how careful planning and smart design can completely transform an attic. The original cramped attic was removed and replaced with a full new upper level that matches the home’s Craftsman style and neighborhood guidelines. With a strict 25-foot height limit, the team used a gable roof and vaulted ceilings to gain headroom without exceeding zoning rules.
Inside, the new floor includes a spacious bedroom, a custom walk-through closet, and a bright bathroom. A redesigned staircase solved layout challenges and became a feature in itself with a colorful runner. To bring more daylight into tight spaces, a skylight and a stained-glass relite window were added above the vanity. Details like walnut cabinetry, built-in laundry storage, and vintage-inspired fixtures keep the addition consistent with the original home’s character. The result is a comfortable, functional suite that blends seamlessly with the house and the neighborhood.
2. Attic Remodel That Brings New Light
This project, which won Best Problem Solved, turned an underused attic into a light-filled primary suite without major changes to the home’s footprint. The design team added a dormer to make room for a larger bathroom, vaulted the ceiling to open up the space, and removed old knee walls to reclaim usable floor area. Covering collar ties in drywall kept structural supports hidden while maintaining strength.
Each skylight adds more and more to the ambience in this gorgeous suite.
A standout feature is the pair of large roof windows that function as balconies when opened. They bring in natural light, fresh air, and neighborhood views while staying weatherproof when closed. A skylight above the shower was the solution for adding daylight where side windows were not an option. Careful construction planning allowed the homeowners to remain in place during the remodel, with scaffolding used for access to minimize disruption inside. The completed suite is a practical example of how creative problem-solving can turn unused space into comfortable living areas.
3. Kitchen Remodel with more Space and Storage
This kitchen remodel, which placed second in the Kitchen Remodeling category, is an example of how layout changes and custom features can completely reshape a home’s main gathering space. The team removed one wall and expanded another to create a more open plan. This allowed for standout elements like the custom-built larder cabinet with sliding doors that hide appliances when not in use. Inside the larder, a matching backsplash and quartz shelf tie it to the rest of the kitchen.
Natural white oak flooring and a bright blue tile backsplash add warmth and color, while custom details like the arched pocket door connect the kitchen to the home’s original architecture. A built-in walnut bench near the windows adds a cozy breakfast nook with hidden storage and charging ports. From the floating quartz shelf to the polished nickel outlet plates, each design choice was made to be both practical and visually consistent. This remodel shows how thoughtful details can turn a kitchen into a central part of daily life.
4. Midcentury Modern Secondary Bathroom
Winner of Best Secondary Bathroom Remodel, this small bathroom was part of a full house remodel and shows how a well-designed secondary space can feel special. The walnut vanity and handcrafted vessel sink provide warmth and texture, while the quartz countertop and brushed nickel fixtures add a refined touch.
The textures and patterns in this room bring an endless sense of intrigue.
Stacked fluted tile creates subtle texture behind a large LED mirror that lights the space without needing extra wall fixtures. In the shower, large-format sand-colored tiles and simple brushed nickel hardware maintain a clean and calm look. A frosted sliding glass door preserves privacy while letting light through, adding to the bathroom’s midcentury feel. The design balances modern function with nods to the home’s original style, creating a shared bathroom that is both practical and visually interesting.
Remodeling in Seattle
Model Remodel’s Expert Team is Just a Call or Email Away
These award-winning projects highlight what is possible with a clear vision, good planning, and a skilled team. Whether you want to expand upward, update a kitchen, or add new life to a small bathroom, Model Remodel works throughout the Seattle area to help homeowners reimagine their spaces, large or small.
Got a big project or a wish-list of home improvement projects? From water damage repair to a whole house update, Model Remodel’s team can transform your vision into reality. Be sure to take a look at our portfolio for more remodeling inspiration.
Our design-build services let our expert designers and skilled builders breathe life into your home, opening up spaces, embracing natural light, and creating a better connection to your home. Let’s build something great – contact Model Remodel today and unlock the full potential of your Seattle home!
