Sand Point Home Theater & Backyard Pavilion

Beyond the lounge is a larger area accessible to the indoor kitchen and dining room of the home via French doors. This uncovered area provides a chance to dine beneath the sun or stars when weather permits and creates a more formal outdoor dining option. Fairy lights above visually connect the space to the covered lounge while also boosting the ambiance. Further along, the patio steps down to an intimate seating area with a fire pit and grill. This spot, which grants a peek at water views, offers a more private spot for chatting while meals are prepared or parties wind down.

The homeowners also wanted to reserve plenty of space for activity and sports. Composed of turf, the lawn is easy for a dog-owning household to clean and maintain. A basketball court celebrating the University of Washington is tucked away behind the outdoor lounge. It was important to reserve places for activities this family can enjoy together. And as avid UW basketball fans, it was only right to personalize this court with their passions.

While connecting a basement to an outdoor entertainment area might not be the first idea that comes to mind, it belies an elegant solution. The basement is now connected to the patio area by a discreet walk-out staircase leading directly to the covered outdoor lounge and kitchen, with no need to pass through the upper levels of the home. And with their updated indoor entertainment areas located primarily in the basement, access to these spaces directly from outside makes for a seamless transition.

In the basement, the homeowners dreamed of adding an entertainment center with a night-out-at-the-cinema feel. To accommodate a low ceiling, we carved out the floor to increase head height without impacting the rest of the home.

With a little more space to breathe, this entertainment space feels luxurious, cozy, and secluded, with projector and screen, plush seating, and ample built-in storage. The cinema experience is completed with a marble-top bar and kitchenette for making and storing snacks and beverages. Best of all, the walls are completely soundproof, so movies can be fully enjoyed without disturbing the rest of the home.

Other areas of the previously unoccupied basement had corners that met at strange angles, making the rooms awkward and unnatural. By adding custom built-in features throughout, we were able to square-off these corners for a more polished feel. More than that, these built-ins offer both open and closed storage spaces, plus a custom Murphy bed that can be easily stowed when not in use. We also added a built-in window seat that serves as two twin beds with storage drawers beneath. Windows above allow light to seep into the basement, keeping the area feeling fresh and bright.

The design was inspired by classic colors, timeless materials, and high-quality finishes to keep the space stylish and functional for years to come — and able to withstand the inevitable wear and tear of children.

Through close collaboration with the homeowners, we were able to personalize this backyard and basement to create their dream entertainment and living space. Now they have more space for their active family to enjoy and call their own.