Location: Eastgate neighborhood of Bellevue, Washington
Size: 3,000 square feet (279 square meters); three bedrooms, 1¾ baths
Year built: 1969This family recently relocated from Long Beach, California, to Seattle, leaving behind ever-present sunshine. “We moved in during the thick of winter and, boy, were we in for a surprise,” Michelle says with a laugh. “It snowed 6 inches that weekend and here we were a bunch of Californians getting off the plane in flip-flops.”With the move, the family left behind its Cliff May-designed ranch home. Michelle, who owns home decor and vintage store 6th and Detroit, sought a house that was equally architectural and one where she could easily express her late-’70s California-inspired style, this time in a Pacific Northwest setting.
The 1969 home, designed by Seattle architect Omer Mithun, has everything they were looking for: “Floor-to-ceiling windows, midcentury architecture and an insane view of the horizon that made you feel like you were in the heavens,” Michelle says.
Wall hanging: Ay Que Vintage; mirror: D+K Renewal; PS 2014 plant stand: Ikea; vintage gold plant stand: Mazidori; vintage wicker plant stand: Vintage Seattle Rain; white planter: Peacock & Co.; green planter: Home Depot; lamp: Mod Pop Vintage; Fireside faux fur throw blanket: Anthropologie; blanket: Etsy; plant basket: HomeGoods
Before making the move, the family had just one weekend to tour homes and make a decision. After viewing four houses, it was starting to get discouraged. “The second we walked through the door of the fifth house,” Michelle says, “it screamed out to us, ‘This is it!’ ”Karim, left, Hamilton, Davis and Michelle are pictured here in their formal living room, where they spend the most time. “It was interesting to see that in our new house we still all hang out in the same room at the same time every day as we did in our California home. Creatures of habit I guess,” Michelle says. “It’s where I can lounge, work, chat when guests come over, fold laundry, play games with the kids and just ‘be’ when I get those free moments of quiet.”
The entryway showcases the home’s subtle Asian design influences. “It was perfect,” Michelle says. “There was an immediate East-meets-West Zen feeling that brought an instant calm.”Desk and bench: 6th and Detroit
Michelle credits her Southern California upbringing for her signature aesthetic, which often features a sunburned color palette. “My love of sun makes me gravitate toward pops of yellows and oranges,” she says. The hues also pair perfectly with a 1970s-inspired look. “I love midcentury and I love the ’70s, so I like to marry the two,” Michelle says.Sofas, rug and armchair: 6th and Detroit; metal wall art: Fremont Vintage Mall
This mix of styles is seen in the downstairs living area. “You’ll see a handsome tapered-leg teak coffee table paired with a wicker room divider,” Michelle says.Daybed sofa: Overstock; Mexican serape: 6th and Detroit; rug: OfferUp; midcentury teak coffee table: Vintage Seattle Rain
“My love of the sun makes me gravitate toward circles,” Michelle says. Circular shapes are seen in a number of decor items in the home. Here, a mirror with a quarter-circle pattern forms rainbow-like imagery behind a vintage floor lamp.Throw pillows: D+K Renewal
The living room opens onto a deck with an outdoor dining area. “We get to dine alfresco while watching the perfect view of the sunset, hearing nothing but birds chirping. It’s magical,” Michelle says.Russell Woodard patio set: The Fair Trade Union; jute rug: OfferUp
The family room connects to a patio on one side and a deck that overlooks Lake Washington on the other. The house is larger in square footage than the family’s Southern California home, and this bonus living space gave Michelle room for her blush-colored velvet Adrian Pearsall sofa, which she calls her “biggest splurge of all time.”Adrian Pearsall sofa: Sunbeam Vintage
Circles and half circles repeat in the wall art and accessories in the guest bedroom. “I tend to always lean toward natural elements, wood textures and all the plants I can get my hands on,” Michelle says.This room comes in handy when family comes to visit from California.
Pillows and sheets: Jungalow; accent pillows: Myhavenhome; wall hanging and nightstand: Vintage Seattle Rain; mirror: 6th and Detroit;
George Nelson cigar bubble wall sconces: Modernica; bed: Etsy; sheets: Macy’s; pillows and rug: D+K Renewal; pot: Peacock & Co.
“This home encourages play and discovery because it feels like it’s nestled deep within a forest,” Michelle says. That vibe is evident in the boys’ bedroom, where picture windows put the lush surroundings at their fingertips.Santa Fe Mission bunk beds: Camaflexi; Golden Canyon duvet cover: Circa 78 Designs; Ornos pillow cover in yellow: Hamamlique; rug: 6th and Detroit
