First Hill
Maximalist Condo
Featured in Design Milk, GRAY Magazine, and The Seattle Times, this 1960s Seattle condominium served as our personal laboratory for exploring the intersection of structural minimalism and high-pattern maximalism. We defined the project by navigating the rigid constraints of a mid-century concrete building, including strict HOA limitations and a fixed architectural footprint. By embracing the home’s original "bones" while layering expressive materials from the Michelle Dirkse Collection, the design proves that compact urban living can be both technically disciplined and aesthetically fearless.
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The interior is anchored by a commitment to structural honesty and functional ingenuity. During the professional removal of an asbestos ceiling, the original concrete slabs were discovered and left exposed to contrast with the new, clean-lined engineered oak floors. Technical challenges, such as the lack of exterior venting and a shared laundry room, led us to integrate a non-venting washer and dryer hidden within deep, black cerused kitchen cabinetry to maintain a seamless visual plane.
The curation serves as a masterclass in pattern-play, utilizing wallpaper, fabric, and an area rug all from the Michelle Dirkse Collection to establish a rhythmic dialogue between the walls, upholstery, and window treatments. In the kitchen, we extended the small footprint into the dining area to maximize work surfaces, while the bathroom was visually expanded with full-height mirrors and a preserved periwinkle tub set against white tiles and custom pink grout. Every detail, from the window trim that doubles as a side table to the adapted baseboard heating, reflects a design philosophy that prioritizes character over convenience.
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Construction: HZ Freeman Construction
Photography: Haris Kenjar -
