This terrific Issaquah, Wa. home had a poorly laid out main floor that left the kitchen trapped in the center with virtually no natural light — forcing electric lights on even during the day. Not exactly ideal for a house blessed with lavish forest views. By thoughtfully relocating the dining room, we shifted the kitchen to the view wall where it now enjoys beautiful daylight on two sides. The result is a bright, magnetic space that naturally draws family and guests in for cooking, gathering, and all kinds of everyday life.

We also dramatically brightened and reconfigured a gloomy hallway, a cramped entry foyer, and a lonely isolated office. Today the entire main floor feels open, connected, and wonderfully happy — true Happy-Town.

We took full advantage of the new natural light by choosing warmer, richer materials, including handsome medium-stained mahogany cabinetry in a transitional wide-rail Shaker style. We also craftily expanded workspace into the existing bay window while creating a fun built-in bench/play area for the grandkids.

Of Note — One of the most successful (and initially debated) details was the new window we placed to the left of the 48" gas range. The homeowners were hesitant at first, but we gently nudged them toward it. That corner counter had the potential to become a shadowed, underused zone right next to the main cooking area. The added window completely changed the experience — flooding the workspace with pleasant natural light and preserving open “face space” with no upper cabinets in the way. After completion, it instantly became their absolute favorite feature of the entire remodel.