From 1958 to Now: A Bold Renovation of a Seattle Midcentury House

This 1958 mid-century house, originally designed by Seattle architect Al Bumgardner, recently underwent a thoughtful renovation by Shed Architecture to blend its rich architectural history with the contemporary needs and personalities of its new owners. 

Perched on a cliff in West Seattle, the home offers stunning views of Vashon Island, the Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound. The project aimed to preserve Bumgardner’s original vision while ensuring the house remains relevant, functional, and personal in the 21st century.

Renovating a home with architectural significance like this one requires careful consideration of the existing design, its condition, and how it can evolve to meet modern requirements. 

The new owners, whose storied lives brought them to this unique property, wanted their home to reflect both its history and their own distinctive style. The Shed team took a nuanced approach, determining where minimal changes would suffice and where more extensive interventions were necessary.

One of the key aspects of the renovation was the reconfiguration of interior spaces to enhance openness and functionality, a nod to the original design ethos of Bumgardner. 

The house was reimagined with an emphasis on natural light and scenic views, making the most of its location atop the cliff. The transformation starts at the entrance, where a new front door, custom casework, and a stylishly wallpapered powder room set the tone for the home’s blend of original and modern elements. 

The kitchen, a central hub for the new owners, was redesigned to improve flow and connectivity with the surrounding landscape. A wall was removed to open the space and create an unobstructed view of Puget Sound. 

The kitchen’s custom cabinetry and woodwork pay homage to the house’s mid-century roots, with a balance of white oak and Bumgardner’s original VG-stained fir and cedar. The addition of a Nero Marquina Marble island, a walk-up coffee bar, and a built-in breakfast nook enhanced the kitchen’s functionality while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.

The primary bedroom, which originally felt overly open, was restructured for better functionality. A new walk-in closet was added, and the two-way fireplace connecting the bedroom and living room was reimagined with glazed brick tile. 

Strategic placement of interior relights and mirrors ensures privacy while maintaining the home’s emphasis on light. The ensuite bathroom was also refreshed with custom casework and a striking black-and-white tile design, adding a modern touch without overshadowing the home’s mid-century charm.

On the southern end of the house, two existing bathrooms were merged into one, with a pocket door separating the toilet from the shower room. This new bathroom connects a children’s room and a communal hallway, eliminating the need for a separate guest bathroom while offering privacy for the attached bedroom.

Throughout the home, the renovation team skillfully blended new materials with the original design elements. Playful tiles, distinctive wallpaper, and new white oak and vertical-grain fir finishes complement Bumgardner’s palette. 

The furnishings and artwork, carefully selected to reflect the owners’ past lives abroad and their bold taste in decor, add a personal touch.