Kirkland Modern Residence
This project in Kirkland, Washington showcases a personalized blend of modern minimalism and curated textures. Our clients were moving into a new construction home and wanted to carry over the warm, refined feel of their previous residence—also designed by our team—into this fresh space. We collaborated closely with the builder to tailor the finishes before move-in, creating a home that felt both brand new and intimately familiar.
To align the home's base with our clients' aesthetic, we modified several builder-grade features, including Hardwood flooring selection, a custom black soapstone slab fireplace, updated stair railing design, tailored paint colors and accent lighting, modern wallpaper installations and simple, elegant window treatments. These thoughtful upgrades laid the groundwork for a cohesive, high-end interior that feels bespoke and livable.
The primary bedroom is a serene, textural retreat with minimal color and maximum depth. We installed a rich black grasscloth wallpaper to add dimension, then layered on a striking, textural art piece by a local artist—bringing bold contrast and a sense of drama. Custom stepped nightstands provide symmetry and storage while floor-to-ceiling drapery, and upholstered bed with luxurious bedding soften the space in combination with a textured area rug that ties in color from the artwork and grounds the room. The result is a minimalist bedroom design with softness and personality, using texture to replace the need for bold color.
In the Living Room, we reimagined the fireplace with a clean, modern black soapstone surround, creating a strong focal point against crisp white walls. Sculptural furniture pieces — like a rectangular lounge chair and a petal-like rounded chair — bring variety and playful elegance. A vintage travertine bi-level coffee table adds lightness and flexibility, while layered greenery and sculptural accessories soften the room’s modern lines. All together the furniture layout encourages flow and connection, and this space feels art-forward and organic; balancing form and function with a modern twist.
The dining area is anchored by two large-scale artworks that both contrast and complement one another. A pale blue dining table picks up tones from a Great Salt Lake photograph piece, while the dark encaustic painting is mirrored in the upholstered dining chair color. The art curation emphasizes the client’s personal expression, while the furniture and decor choices support cohesion and storytelling
The Kirkland Modern Residence is a study in minimalism with character—where every material, finish, and object was selected with purpose. Sculptural furnishings, tactile textiles, and a blend of new and vintage pieces create a space that is at once clean, warm, and deeply personal.
INTERIOR DESIGN: Michelle Dirkse Interior Design
PHOTOGRAPHY: Ryan Werner