Northwest Contemporary Craftsman Home

Designer: Cat Schmidt, Model Remodel

Location: Mercer Island, WA

Scope: Whole House, Kitchen, Bathroom, Basement,

Sustainability: Low-VOC paint, 50% recycle rate, LED lighting, dimmer light switches, energy efficient ventilation fans, fan timers, low flow plumbing fixtures, Energy Star Certified appliances, salvaged 300-year-old Western Red Cedar beam from the Stillaguamish River, water-based stain, smart thermostats, Low-VOC WindsorOne shiplap, Low-VOC WindsorOne trim

This remodel was all about combining functionality with timeless style, transforming the most used areas of the home into spaces that work effortlessly for everyday life. In the kitchen, a full remodel includes a new island, layout, eating nook, and all new cabinetry and appliances. Clever design solutions, such as a custom island hood and a reconfigured corner cabinet, ensured a cohesive aesthetic while maximizing space. The living and rec rooms received refinements that enhance comfort, including a refreshed fireplace, new finishes, and a custom snack bar. The primary bath now features a striking Japanese soaking tub, smart storage solutions, and a venting skylight for improved airflow. Thoughtful updates in the Jack & Jill bath and new access to the skylight round out this transformation, ensuring every inch of the home is both beautiful and highly functional.

AN EXPANSIVE KITCHEN REMODEL

The kitchen remodel started with solving a persistent problem: an outdated peninsula with a faulty cooktop and poor ventilation. Instead, we introduced a central island that serves as both a culinary workspace and gathering spot. With the new stove against the window, a sleek hood designed for island installations became a clever solution to fit in an unorthodox space. The existing soffits, skylights, and can lights were preserved, maintaining the home’s original character while integrating modern updates.

To address an angled wall, we designed a custom corner cabinet that smooths out the transition and eliminates a previously awkward lighting situation. The island features a short waterfall quartz countertop with an apron edge—a subtle but effective detail that protects the cabinetry with style. Above, gorgeous and sentimental bell pendant lights inspired by a meaningful family trip add a personal touch.

The kitchen’s aesthetic blends industrial, craftsman, and Northwest modern elements with warm traditional softness. Natural wood tones ground the space, with cherry cabinetry complementing existing features. Porcelain tile flooring ensures durability, while textured quartz countertops bring a tactile dimension. Reeded glass on the upper cabinets subtly obscures contents without making them opaque. A custom cabinet above the oven conceals ductwork, maximizing both form and function.

A dedicated coffee bar transformed a previously enclosed hallway, opening the space and adding an extra sink for convenience. An undermount LED strip illuminates the area, and a top shelf along the half-wall increases functionality. The eating nook, designed as a flexible banquette with built-in bench seating, accommodates different layouts with two café tables. Nearby, refinished and re-stained wood details integrate seamlessly into the new design.

LIVING ROOM REFRESH

Though this spectacular living room was structurally unchanged, Model Remodel did make some useful updates. The fireplace received a striking update with a new mantle and refinished cap, blending seamlessly with the home’s refined yet relaxed aesthetic. A fresh coat of paint brightened the space, while refinished hardwood floors, cabinet doors, and millwork breathed new life into the existing features. These thoughtful updates retained the home’s original warmth while giving it a polished, contemporary feel.

A FAMILY FUN REC ROOM

Downstairs, a new rec room takes shape. A newly added door provides separation from the main living area, offering privacy, reducing noise, and improving temperature control. This daylight basement leads directly into the backyard and serves as the perfect movie-night theater, or game room. The centerpiece of the rec room is a custom-built snack bar, complete with a mini fridge, microwave, small sink, and an extended bar seating area to hold snacks and bridge the two areas. A new gas fireplace with a granite hearth adds warmth, while a reconstructed wall helps maintain a cozy atmosphere.

BEFORE & AFTER

Main Living Room Remodel
Kitchen Remodel (Before)Kitchen Remodel
Kitchen Remodel (Before)Kitchen Remodel
Bathroom Remodel (Before)

BATHROOM TRANSFORMATIONS

Primary Bath
Functionality and craftsmanship define this bathroom update. Inset recessed medicine cabinets add seamless storage, while an angled backsplash enhances the room’s architectural interest. Separate outlets for each user improve convenience, and a dedicated storage cabinet by the toilet maximizes utility. With this full bathroom remodel, the homeowners wanted a breathtaking update for the shower/bath. The highlight of this room is a Japanese soaking tub, delicately placed in a huge wet-room style shower, with a skylight overhead.

To enhance accessibility, we installed a linear shower drain and added hooks for towels and robes within easy reach. Through the connected walk-in closet, a stunning custom barn door—designed to slide both ways—adds a stylish yet practical entry solution. These carefully chosen details ensure the space feels luxurious while meeting everyday needs.

Jack & Jill Bath
Shared between two bedrooms, the Jack & Jill bathroom saw thoughtful updates that increased both function and style. We retained the existing bathtub but replaced the curtain with a sliding door for added privacy. Storage was improved with a new niche, and upgraded fixtures modernized the space. The finishes echo those in the primary bath, creating a cohesive feel throughout the home.

THE MRM WAY

A previously difficult-to-reach skylight was replaced with a new hatch model that also provides easier access to the flat roof—an essential update for maintenance and convenience. All throughout the home, thoughtful updates were made to bring this home into the modern age, and keep it beautiful and sustainable for many years to come. Detail and thoughtfulness in design and construction is the MRM way, and we’re proud to bring that to every project we take on, from a small bathroom to a huge whole house remodel like this.

Gallery

Home » Portfolio » Northwest Contemporary Craftsman Home