This is a full remodel of a modest rambler in Edmonds that our clients had purchased a few years back and were renting until they were truly ready to downsize! Once their grown children were fully launched, we embarked on a design effort to transform the house into a Japanese-influenced retirement retreat. Although both spouses continue to work, the design incorporates aging-in-place strategies such as no steps (only one minimal step at the entry), wide doors for walkers if needed, easy access to gardens, walk-in shower, etc. The goal is to have this be their last house; their toughest task was to pare down their life-long accumulation of belongings as required for a much smaller, simpler lifestyle!

The house retains its original footprint except for the addition of a window seat bump-out in the kitchen/family room. The living and dining rooms have been opened for a more spacious flow and connectivity to other areas of the house – with options for privacy enhanced by sliding doors and translucent screens. Panels of fabric-encased acrylic or wood, along with fir trim running strategically throughout the home impart a calm serenity to the home – evoking the feel of a Japanese teahouse retreat, yet totally contemporary.

It’s a lovely wooded site with views from all spaces out to newly designed garden “rooms”. The owners have quickly settled in to their smaller surroundings, keeping count on the increasing number of birds visiting the new gardens; and with greater frequency, locking the door on this low-maintenance house and taking off for long-planned travels. The benefits of downsizing are adding up!