Loft-Style Condo Renovation on Capitol Hill, Seattle

Nestled in Seattle’s vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood, the 1310 East Union Building—designed by the Miller Hull Partnership—houses a striking loft-style condo that recently underwent a thoughtful renovation. The project, led by SHED Architecture & Design, reimagined the interior to better suit the needs and lifestyle of its young owners while preserving and strengthening the home’s original industrial character.

The renovation centered on a compact, purposeful palette—concrete brick, stainless steel, blackened steel and reflective surfaces—that honors the building’s industrial roots while introducing a refined, contemporary warmth. The design strategy prioritized functional improvements: maximizing storage, creating a more welcoming entry, and adding smart, visible storage solutions in the master bedroom and throughout the living spaces.

One of the standout interventions is the custom perforated stainless-steel wardrobe in the master bedroom. This lightweight, ventilated enclosure combines durability with a visually lighter aesthetic, allowing the couple to store clothing and belongings without distracting from the loft’s open feeling. The closet’s perforated surface also subtly reinforces the industrial motif, acting as both a practical element and a design statement.

In the kitchen and living areas, practical materials meet thoughtful detailing. The new island adds valuable storage and casual seating, while a built-in microwave and a resilient stainless-steel counter plate beside the sink and range support everyday cooking. Natural wood tops provide a comfortable edge for elbows and soften the harder metal surfaces. Large windows throughout the loft invite generous daylight and uninterrupted views of the city, reinforcing a sense of openness and connection to Capitol Hill’s urban energy.

The new island houses valuable additional storage, a built-in microwave (a playful “curly cord” hanging from the ceiling provides the power) and informal seating for four. Its wood top is easy on the elbows while the 3/16” stainless steel plate counter that flanks the sink and range is impervious to the hazards of the kitchen. The geometric wallpaper by local designer Brian Paquette adds subtle texture and movement to the space.

Concrete brick surfaces are used selectively to anchor the interior and heighten its industrial appeal. Exposed block and masonry give the loft a raw, honest base that contrasts with polished metals and refined finishes. These judicious material choices support both durability and aesthetic cohesion, ensuring each surface performs well in daily use while contributing to a cohesive design narrative.

The renovation also reworked transitional zones, like the entry and spaces beneath staircases, turning previously underused areas into practical storage and display opportunities. These subtle reorganizations expand usable square footage without changing the apartment’s footprint, delivering a more liveable layout while keeping costs and intervention scale controlled.

Throughout the project, local influences and collaborators are visible in the details. Geometric wallpaper by local designer Brian Paquette introduces subtle pattern and movement without overwhelming the restrained material palette, while fixtures and built-ins are calibrated to the scale and rhythm of the loft’s open plan.

The result is a carefully balanced condo that reads as both contemporary and authentic: it honors the building’s industrial lineage while delivering modern comforts, clever storage strategies and a warm, inhabitable interior. Photography by Mark Woods captures the nuance of the finishes and the way natural light animates these materials, highlighting the renovation’s success in creating a livable, stylish urban home.