Thoughtful Updates to a Bedroom, Bathroom, and Sitting Room
Inverness Primary Suite
A spacious, relaxing, and light-filled set of rooms inspired by traditional Japanese design.
Loving their charming, quiet neighborhood in Seattle, these homeowners knew they were working with a great foundation, but had grown tired of the quirks of their existing primary suite. It needed attention — the layout wasn’t optimal, and it felt cramped, dark, and overcrowded, despite tall ceilings and large windows. Closet storage was inadequate, and the upper bedroom space was open to the sitting room below.
After exploring a number of options that would have made more significant changes to the house’s structure, the homeowners opted for a design that kept the sitting room and roofline largely intact, while optimizing opportunities for the primary suite above.
Upstairs, the primary bedroom suite is refreshed with an updated layout to optimize the home’s gorgeous water views. A built-in window seat offers a special space to enjoy these views while adding helpful display and storage space.
Space to Breathe
No quick visits here! This bathroom is designed for extended stays with a large soaking tub, bench seat, and sauna beyond. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Space to Breathe
No quick visits here! This bathroom is designed for extended stays with a large soaking tub, bench seat, and sauna beyond. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
An Open-Concept Bathroom
Instead of tucking the shower away, these homeowners opted for a glass, curbless, walk-in shower to add to the open-air, spa-like feel of this bathroom. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
An Open-Concept Bathroom
Instead of tucking the shower away, these homeowners opted for a glass, curbless, walk-in shower to add to the open-air, spa-like feel of this bathroom. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Big Sky
Operable skylights overhead bring in light even on dim days. When open, they can refresh the space with a cool breeze without disturbing the privacy of those within. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Big Sky
Operable skylights overhead bring in light even on dim days. When open, they can refresh the space with a cool breeze without disturbing the privacy of those within. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Sit & Stay A While
If you plan to spend a lot of time in your bathroom, you can't overlook a comfortable place to sit. No perching on the side of the tub necessary! Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Sit & Stay A While
If you plan to spend a lot of time in your bathroom, you can't overlook a comfortable place to sit. No perching on the side of the tub necessary! Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Form & Function
Built-in storage is a must when optimizing a small space. It's even better when it can serve double duty, like these drawers which double as a comfortable place to sit. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Form & Function
Built-in storage is a must when optimizing a small space. It's even better when it can serve double duty, like these drawers which double as a comfortable place to sit. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Watching the Weather
Stunning views like this deserve a contemplative spot it watch the day go by. The built-in storage bench frames the window to draw the eye out, highlighting the beauty just outside. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Watching the Weather
Stunning views like this deserve a contemplative spot it watch the day go by. The built-in storage bench frames the window to draw the eye out, highlighting the beauty just outside. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
The new walk-in closet keeps any clothes and clutter tucked away to maintain the peaceful atmosphere of the suite, while smooth, sand-colored wood and creamy white walls provide an aesthetic link to the rest of the home. Strategically adjusting walls and doors allowed us to maximize the primary suite within the existing footprint, including creating a luxurious primary bathroom. A true oasis, the bathroom features a curbless, walk-in shower, a large soaking tub, and a tucked-away sauna. The double sink is complemented by a marbled countertop and backsplash, and a large, operable skylight, which adds an open-air feel to this sumptuous space.
Eye-Catching Details
Doors so often get overlooked, but not in this house. This sliding door is an integral part of the design, adding to the character and atmosphere of the space. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Eye-Catching Details
Doors so often get overlooked, but not in this house. This sliding door is an integral part of the design, adding to the character and atmosphere of the space. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Play of Light
Even when closed, the papered sliding door and transom window offer a transparency that helps this small landing feel bright and open. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Play of Light
Even when closed, the papered sliding door and transom window offer a transparency that helps this small landing feel bright and open. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Downstairs, small edits like replacing the dated carpet with light wood floors and refreshing the paint allow the existing fireplace and vaulted, wood ceilings to shine. An inset nook next to the fireplace — previously lined with glass block — was closed off to the ceiling to create a much-needed storage closet below and a much-needed walk-in closet above.
Now, the space feels larger, taking full advantage of the three windowed walls which ensure the area is always bathed in natural light. Warm white walls pair well with light wood accents, keeping the home feeling bright and fresh, even on cloudier days (with updated wall sconces and a central chandelier to supplement).
Japanese design-inspired additions, like the new banister and papered sliding doors on the second floor pay subtle homage to the homeowners’ love of the culture and their collection of art and mementos acquired on their travels. With a modern white backdrop, an optimized layout, and a cohesive feel, this upgraded suite feels open, fresh, and ready to take these homeowners to a deep place of relaxation well into the future.
Change of Space
Descending the staircase brings a new perspective, with the same sense of calm inspired above now in an open, lightfilled sitting room. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Change of Space
Descending the staircase brings a new perspective, with the same sense of calm inspired above now in an open, lightfilled sitting room. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
If It's Not Broken
You know the old saying. Simple aesthetic updates allow the fireplace and ceiling's original beauty to shine even more brightly. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
If It's Not Broken
You know the old saying. Simple aesthetic updates allow the fireplace and ceiling's original beauty to shine even more brightly. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Staying Grounded
Right-sized furniture in a complementary style keeps the space feeling grounded and relaxing despite the vastness of the space. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Staying Grounded
Right-sized furniture in a complementary style keeps the space feeling grounded and relaxing despite the vastness of the space. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Wonderful Wood
New, light wood flooring mirrors the original wood-clad ceiling and anchors the sitting room in its delicate, neutral palette. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Wonderful Wood
New, light wood flooring mirrors the original wood-clad ceiling and anchors the sitting room in its delicate, neutral palette. Inverness Primary Suite | Photo by Miranda Estes.
Notes & Credits
This project was built by Schultz Miller.
Photography by Miranda Estes.
Want to learn more?
You’re welcome to take a look at our available services and other portfolio projects.
Services
Our design services encompass architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture, with teams specializing in projects across the spectrum, from single-family homes to multifamily and mixed-use buildings, and from boutique commercial spaces to civic spaces, like parks. We love designing the integrated fabric of structures, spaces, and places that create vibrant neighborhoods.
Considering a project? Or, just curious about something?
Send us your questions about design, architecture, interiors, landscape, LEGO rooms… Anything, really. We’re always eager to meet new people, and we’d love to get to know you, your project, and your goals.