A creative couple has successfully transformed a distinctive 1990s postmodern house in Seattle's Denny-Blaine neighborhood into a serene modern cabin that feels like living in a treehouse. The original structure featured bright-red cladding and tiered cornices that didn't match the couple's aesthetic preferences, but they recognized the property's potential for creating a calming retreat. Working with local firm SHED Architecture, the family of five plus two dogs now enjoys their renovated three-story home nestled among the trees.

The 2,820-square-foot residence drew inspiration primarily from the Sea Ranch community's distinctive architecture along Northern California's rugged Pacific Coast. The homeowners sought to create a purposeful sense of simplicity and harmony with the surrounding natural environment. The home's compact footprint makes extensive use of natural materials, including ash built-ins for storage and display purposes, as well as open-gap cedar cladding along the exterior walls.

The interior design incorporates elements of Nordic minimalism and Danish hygge, achieved through a largely neutral color palette complemented by warm accents throughout the space. Notable features include a cozy reading nook on the upper level and a freestanding fireplace in the living room that serves as a focal point for relaxation and gathering.

One of the most significant changes during the renovation involved expanding and reorienting the kitchen, which now serves as the main gathering space for hosting friends and family. The designers removed a small den from the original floor plan to allow the kitchen to face west and flow seamlessly into the dining room and onto the full-length deck. This open-concept design creates a natural progression from cooking and dining to outdoor entertainment.

The deck offers views of a private, wooded section of the property and features a built-in bench along with custom planters that bring the surrounding greenery even closer to the residence. This outdoor space serves as an extension of the indoor living areas and emphasizes the home's connection to its natural setting.

On the upper level, the primary suite underwent significant renovation to provide added privacy while better framing views of the poplar trees standing outside. A strategically positioned skylight above the bed floods the bedroom with natural light and brightens the blue accent wall behind the headboard. The primary bathroom features gray tile from floor to ceiling, with privacy glass partitioning off the bathtub area for a spa-like experience.

The home accommodates the family's needs with two additional bedrooms on the upper level, an office/bedroom on the main level, and a surprisingly stylish Murphy bed in the lower-level family room that doubles as a guest room. This flexible arrangement allows the space to adapt to various needs while maintaining the clean, uncluttered aesthetic.

Beyond its stylish design, the home incorporates Passive House strategies with net-zero energy targets in mind. Sustainable features include a nine-kilowatt solar array, high-efficiency systems throughout the house, continuous exterior insulation, and complete whole-house electrification. These environmentally conscious upgrades align with the owners' desire to live in harmony with their natural surroundings while reducing their environmental impact.