FAUNTLEE HILLS

Scandinavian modern with Puget Sound views

A neglected, early ’70s West Seattle home was transformed into a beautiful contemporary home inspired by the style of renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. Built on a steep slope and nearly encased in vegetation, the home was a quintessential diamond in the rough.

We consider a home’s setting and outdoor options as important as plans for the home itself. At Fauntlee Hills, a huge tree leaning over the driveway was removed, opening up a fantastic view of Puget Sound from the entrance to the house.

Indoors, a wall separating the dining room and the kitchen was removed to create an airy great room, making the space more cohesive and functional. In keeping with the Scandinavian modern design, maple floors were installed, and white upper kitchen cabinets were installed to contrast with the lower, stained maple cabinets.

An expansive deck was added above the steep slope off the great room, opening up the house to remarkable views of the Fauntleroy Ferry and Olympics, and a pass-through from the kitchen expanded outdoor entertainment options.  

All of the home’s bedrooms and baths were upgraded, with limestone radiant heated floors installed in the master bath, along with a curbless, walk-in shower.

And finally, the entrance to the home was enhanced with new decking and a contemporary metal railing system, with the vibrantly painted front door offering a warm welcome to this beautifully reimagined modern home.