Coates Design in Seattle took on a demanding project: adapting a contemporary family home that was already under construction. Altering an in-progress house poses different challenges than designing from scratch, but the firm found opportunities within the constraints. They revised some interior elements, replaced exterior surfaces and refined the floor plan to open up the lower level, creating a brighter, more inviting living environment tailored to the owners’ lifestyle.
The exterior combines soft green panels with cedar and fir, producing a restrained yet distinctive façade. Inside, a neutral palette of white and beige forms the base, punctuated by touches of gray and the natural warmth of wood. That subdued backdrop allows furnishings and accent colors to stand out while keeping the overall atmosphere calm and timeless.
The interior layout emphasizes an open plan, where living, dining and kitchen areas flow into one another to encourage social interaction and easy movement. Natural light is an important feature: a skylight above the stairwell channels daylight through both levels, while large openings and bi-folding glass doors blur the boundary between indoors and out.
The living area opens directly to a pergola-covered outdoor dining space and a comfortable outdoor hangout. Bi-folding glass doors retract to create a seamless connection between interior rooms and the deck, turning the lower level into a single extended entertainment and relaxation zone during warm weather. The thoughtful transition makes the deck feel like an extension of the living room rather than a separate area.
The kitchen pairs wood tones and white surfaces with beige accents, establishing a neutral stage where stronger colors can be introduced through accessories and furnishings. This restrained material palette keeps the space feeling bright and functional while allowing design details—lighting, hardware and textiles—to create visual interest.
On the upper level, bedrooms and bathrooms continue the same measured approach. Neutral finishes, wood accents and careful detailing combine to create calm, comfortable private spaces. A bedroom with a sloped ceiling uses subtle color—such as blue bedding—to bring softness and a personal touch to the scheme. Bathrooms use wood and white for a clean, contemporary expression that emphasizes simplicity and functionality.
Practical design choices—like replacing sliding doors with bi-folding doors for a home office—reinforce the goal of flexibility. The exterior outdoor seating, colorful chairs and a welcoming fireplace make the deck an inviting year-round destination for conversation and relaxation.
Drawing on Seattle’s vernacular and echoes of mid-century modern sensibilities, the Green Lake Residence is understated yet expressive. The careful combination of materials—light green panels, cedar and fir on the exterior; white, beige, gray and wood tones inside—results in a cohesive home that feels both contemporary and rooted in place. Thoughtful spatial planning, abundant natural light and seamless indoor-outdoor connections deliver a comfortable, adaptable home that responds directly to the owners’ needs and the Pacific Northwest setting.