Denny Blaine Historic MidCentury

Location: Denny Blaine neighborhood of Seattle, WA

Design Goals: This historic Seattle home, in the Denny Blaine neighborhood, was designed by John Rohrer in 1948. The main focus of this renovation project included updating and rethinking the primary bathroom. The redesigned space features a sunken walk-in soaking tub and shower. One of the defining features of the space is a large picture window overlooking a private garden. Sized generously enough to step through, the window blurs the boundary between indoors and outdoors, flooding the bathroom with natural light and creating a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. The walls are clad in a random staggered custom tile from Heath Ceramics, adding texture, movement, and a handcrafted quality that complements the home's original character. A custom vanity draws inspiration from classic midcentury design, with clean lines, warm materials, and carefully crafted detailing. Custom ceramic light fixtures serve as sculptural focal points. Together, these elements create a bathroom that feels timeless, rooted in its midcentury heritage yet tailored for modern living.

Style: MidCentury Modern

Design Challenges + Site Constraints: While the primary bathroom itself falls outside of the City of Seattle designated historic landmarked portions of the residence, the project was approached with a deep respect for the home's architectural heritage. Located within a historic midcentury residence in Seattle's Denny Blaine neighborhood, portions of the home and exterior are protected under landmark designation, requiring thoughtful consideration of the property's original character and design intent. The renovation draws inspiration from the home's midcentury roots through carefully selected materials and custom craftsmanship. The use of handcrafted Heath Ceramics tile, custom ceramic lighting, and a bespoke vanity creates a rich material experience that feels authentic to the era while remaining distinctly contemporary. The result is a space that honors the spirit of the original architecture, balancing preservation with modern living through the use of unique, highly crafted materials and thoughtful detailing.

Team:
+ Architecture and Interior Design: H2D Architecture + Design
+ Builder: GT Residential Contracting
+ Photographer: Dennon Photography