A Contemporary Makeover For A Home Built In 1907

Best Practice Architecture has designed the contemporary remodel of a 1907 home in Seattle, Washington, that measures just 16-and-a-half feet wide.

Surrounded by old-growth trees in Seattle’s Phinney Ridge neighborhood, the cozy gambrel roof dwelling is dubbed “Phinney Mini” for its compact footprint and idyllic location.

Here’s a look at the home’s exterior before the remodel.

The 'before' photo of a 1907 cottage that underwent a remodel.

The updated exterior includes a freshly painted blue door and lighting, as well as new stairs and railing.

A remodeled 1907 cottage with a blue front door and stone patio.

The homeowners made it clear that they valued thoughtful, well-organized spaces with a natural palette, which is evident in the entryway.

A contemporary entryway with a natural palette.

The original interior layout was a series of small, compartmentalized rooms.

The Best Practice team began by removing the interior walls of the main level, transforming the layout into a comfortable, open, and functional living space.

This remodeled living room flows through to the dining room with a wood table and bench seating. A work area with a desk and shelving is located on the opposite wall.

The living room flows through to the dining room with a wood table and bench seating. A work area with a desk and shelving is located on the opposite wall.

The original kitchen was dated, enclosed in a small space, and lacked storage.

The 'before' photo of a remodeled kitchen.

The new kitchen is smaller in footprint but highly efficient, and it opens to the main living area on one end and to a new deck on the other. The smaller footprint of the kitchen was a result of accommodating a generously sized family bathroom.

This new kitchen is small but highly efficient, and it opens to the main living area on one end and to a new deck on the other.

A modern kitchen with a simple and neutral colour palette.

The original bathroom has a standard bath/shower combo and a small basin with no storage.

A 30-square-foot micro addition accommodates the requested traditional Japanese soaking tub (Ofuro), directly connecting to the outdoors via a folding glass door. A separate toilet room increases comfort and usability for the young family.

A modern family bathroom includes a traditional Japanese soaking tub (Ofuro), directly connecting to the outdoors via a folding glass door. A separate toilet room increases comfort and usability for the young family.

At the rear of the home, the original kitchen has a door to the deck with open storage below.

The updated rear of the home showcases the new extension, as well as a deck with stairs that lead down to the yard.

The updated rear of this modern home showcases the new extension, as well as a deck with stairs that lead down to the yard.

Best Practice also designed a detached work-from-home office, nestled into the landscape and partially sunken, that showcases a green roof.

A detached work-from-home office, nestled into the backyard and partially sunken, that showcases a green roof.

The new stairs from the deck connect down to the expansive family room complete with a custom Murphy bed for guests, an enclosed laundry and utility room, and concealed under-stair storage.