Magnolia English Cottage

Location: Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, WA

Design Goals: Located in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood, this charming home was originally designed in an English cottage style, rich with distinctive architectural character both inside and out. Over time, key areas—including the kitchen, dining room, basement, and upper level—required repair and thoughtful updating to better support contemporary living. H2D Architecture + Design partnered with the homeowners to reimagine the layout while preserving the home’s inherent charm. The upper level was expanded with the addition of a new dormer, allowing for reconfigured bedrooms and a new bathroom that improve both function and livability. On the main floor, the kitchen was redesigned and opened to the dining area, creating a more connected and usable space for everyday living and entertaining. The basement was fully reworked to optimize its layout and functionality, transforming it into a more purposeful and integrated part of the home. Throughout the project, careful attention was given to maintaining and enhancing the original character of the house. New work was thoughtfully detailed to align with the existing English cottage aesthetic, resulting in a cohesive design that feels both authentic and refreshed.

Style: Tudor Cottage

Design Challenges + Site Constraints: With the majority of the work focused on the interior, the project required working carefully within the constraints of the existing Tudor cottage style home and its distinct architectural language. Preserving the character-defining elements of the home limited opportunities for major structural changes, calling for a more careful approach to intervention. The design centered on making thoughtful, efficient updates that respected the original style while improving functionality. Every inch of space was considered—refining layouts, enhancing circulation, and integrating storage in a way that felt natural to the home’s character. The challenge was to balance preservation with performance, ensuring the updated spaces feel cohesive, purposeful, and true to the spirit of the original design.

Team:
+ Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design
+ Interior Design: KP Spaces
+ Builder: Carlisle Classic Homes
+ Photography: Cleary O’Farrell Photography