Perched on the north shore of Mercer Island, this thoughtfully renovated home offers panoramic Lake Washington views and a fresh take on classic design. Originally built in 1973, the house has been carefully updated by Seattle custom home builder Dyna Builders, alongside architect Janice Wettstone and interior designer Kristi Steffen. The project balances preservation and innovation, reinterpreting Northwest modernist architecture for today’s lifestyle.
Mercer Island is known for its rich stock of mid-century homes, many of which were designed in the post-war era by noted architects like Roland Terry and Paul Hayden Kirk. While some have been lost to unsympathetic remodels, this 4,200-square-foot residence stands out for its respect of original design principles—clean lines, open circulation, and indoor-outdoor connection—while enhancing light, function, and comfort.
The main goal behind this renovation was to modernise the space without losing its architectural soul. Years of dated updates had left the home feeling dark and disconnected. By reworking the layout and material palette, the team created a home that feels both timeless and contemporary.
The kitchen saw the most dramatic change. Once closed-off and inefficient, it is now the central hub of the home. A large island improves circulation and encourages gathering, while sliding glass doors connect the space directly to the new lakeside deck. This integration between indoor and outdoor living is a hallmark of mid-century architecture, which clearly inspired this project, now refreshed with a contemporary sensibility.
Other standout features include a custom metal pivot door at the entry, modern steel railings that replace old pony walls, and original fir beams darkened to contrast with new oak herringbone flooring. The living room fireplace, once heavy and dated, now features an LED-lit onyx hearth, a subtle gesture that blends mid-century aesthetics with modern luxury.
Downstairs, the home retains its original layout—four bedrooms, a sunken family room, and a private patio. A custom hot tub, discreetly positioned off the lower terrace, expands the home’s year-round usability.
This Mercer Island mid-century modern inspired is a revival of intent. It respects the principles of modernist residential architecture. Light-filled, efficient, and comfortable, it proves that the inspiration from mid-century homes remains one of the most compelling in the Pacific Northwest.
