Personalization in an Elaborate Custom Home

Snohomish Estate

Customized down to the smallest detail, this home perfectly suits the homeowners and their family.

Sometimes more is more. That’s the case with this home, customized down to the last detail for the specific wants, needs, and tastes of these homeowners. Newly built on portions of the existing foundation, what was once a 1990s builder-grade home is now completely reimagined into the home of their dreams, with space for their family, ample room to pursue hobbies and relaxation, and spacious entertaining areas.

Both inside and out, details abound. An overall transitional style blends with opulent wallpapers, rich jewel-tone details, and shining metal fixtures. Each space is as unique as the next, with its own character, purpose, and special touches.

At the center of the home is a generous kitchen, dining, and entertainment area extending from inside to out, and able to support and host large parties like a breeze. The kitchen leaves nothing to be desired with features that address functionality and efficiency, whether in everyday life for a home chef, or for a busy catering crew.

One side of the kitchen is dedicated to food preparation, while the other side of the space provides a family-sized eating nook with additional built-in cabinets expanding the storage space and tying the two sides of the room together. A nearby bar sink means clean-up and refills don’t have to disrupt the cooking experience. A contrasting island in black offers storage, and additional prep and gathering space. LED lighting below the upper and lower cabinets adds drama and elegance to the neutral space.

Beyond the kitchen is one of many exterior rooms that connect the outdoors intimately to the interior. A wall-length window slides completely away to reveal a bar top with seating for casual summer gatherings. The deck area is also home to an outdoor kitchen with a grill and dedicated sink. The covered exterior dining space is nestled into the house, sheltered on three sides and with inset radiant heating and plenty of lighting for all-year and all-day entertaining.

Outside a large, new home, which is blue in color with a large, two car garage, gables, and a large turret.
Style Balance

The home’s Transitional-Victorian style is exemplified in its exterior, where traditional elements (like the turret) meet contemporary living and taste (like the bold blue exterior paint and spacious garage). Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Style Balance

The home’s Transitional-Victorian style is exemplified in its exterior, where traditional elements (like the turret) meet contemporary living and taste (like the bold blue exterior paint and spacious garage). Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A wrap around deck with wicker rocking chairs. In front are blooming spring flowers. On the deck, potted plants bring the landscape up to the human-level.
Enjoying the Outdoors

Outdoor spaces are as considered as indoor ones, with plenty of seating options to enjoy the expansive estate. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Enjoying the Outdoors

Outdoor spaces are as considered as indoor ones, with plenty of seating options to enjoy the expansive estate. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A cottage-style garden with an array of plants in many colors and textures. Behind is a bright blue house, walking path, and lawn.
Thoughtful Plantings

Textural plantings bring color and life to the yard in the spring and summer, and remain lush and green in the winter for year-round beauty. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Thoughtful Plantings

Textural plantings bring color and life to the yard in the spring and summer, and remain lush and green in the winter for year-round beauty. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A large, black kitchen island stands center. Above it are glass pendants for lighting and behind is a dining area with a small table. A window behind the dining area opens to the backyard with many trees.
Dining In

Flexible spaces within the large kitchen — like the dining nook — keep it useful in daily life, while providing plenty of utility for larger gatherings. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Dining In

Flexible spaces within the large kitchen — like the dining nook — keep it useful in daily life, while providing plenty of utility for larger gatherings. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A large kitchen with dark floors, an island, and many light wood cabinets.
Storage Aplenty

From floor to ceiling, the kitchen holds cabinets of all sizes for easy access to whatever you need whenever you might need it. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Storage Aplenty

From floor to ceiling, the kitchen holds cabinets of all sizes for easy access to whatever you need whenever you might need it. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A large kitchen island stands front and center. Behind is a navy blue range and hood. Above the island are glass pendants.
The Heart of the Home

The spacious kitchen makes preparing a weeknight dinner or the spread of an elaborate get together simple. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
The Heart of the Home

The spacious kitchen makes preparing a weeknight dinner or the spread of an elaborate get together simple. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A white kitchen with light wood cabinets. There is a large range and hood at the center, which is navy blue with gold knobs and pulls.
A Statement Stove

Ranges don't have to come in white, black, or chrome. This bold, navy statement range and hood offer a fun pop of color along with the sophisticated design. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

The navy and gold statement gas range and hood from La Cornue is an eye-catching focal point in a kitchen full of amenities. The marble pattern of the countertops continues up the wall behind the range as a backsplash accent, and features a pot filler so cookware heavy with water don’t have to be carried from the sink.

A large opening in the kitchen, framed by built-in cabinets, opens to a dining area with a long central table.
Easy Entertaining

From the kitchen, the dining and gathering spaces flow seamlessly together for easy entertaining at all scales. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Easy Entertaining

From the kitchen, the dining and gathering spaces flow seamlessly together for easy entertaining at all scales. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

Looking toward three French doors, all open. In front is a large table with twelve upholstered seats around it. Beyond is a deck with additional seating.
Indoor/Outdoor Connection

A large outdoor gathering space beyond the formal dining room not only provides a delightful backdrop, but flexibility for large and small gatherings in all seasons. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Indoor/Outdoor Connection

A large outdoor gathering space beyond the formal dining room not only provides a delightful backdrop, but flexibility for large and small gatherings in all seasons. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

An outdoor dining table seating eight is arranged on a wooden deck. The area is covered by a roof where lighting and radiant heating are inset. Behind are a series of French doors leading to the indoor dining room.
Extending the Indoors Out

An outdoor dining table makes dining al fresco a breeze. The outdoor and indoor space beyond the French doors are designed to flow seamlessly together for an uninterrupted experience, regardless of the season. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Extending the Indoors Out

An outdoor dining table makes dining al fresco a breeze. The outdoor and indoor space beyond the French doors are designed to flow seamlessly together for an uninterrupted experience, regardless of the season. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A blue house with a large, black, outdoor bar which opens to the kitchen.
Bar Pass-Through

The ample pass through between the kitchen and outdoor entertainment space makes any indoor activity feel integral to the action outside. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Bar Pass-Through

The ample pass through between the kitchen and outdoor entertainment space makes any indoor activity feel integral to the action outside. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A hightop table with hightop chairs is at the center of a wood deck. Behind is a built-in grill with a sink and countertop. To the right is a large bar top with chairs that looks into the kitchen via a large, operable window.
Outdoor Entertaining

Casual dining space and a transformable bar top are an entertainer’s dream. The flexible spaces feel exclusive, yet connected to the kitchen. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Outdoor Entertaining

Casual dining space and a transformable bar top are an entertainer’s dream. The flexible spaces feel exclusive, yet connected to the kitchen. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

Back inside the house a formal dining room adjacent to the kitchen is designed to comfortably seat twelve with room to expand if needed. Three sets of French doors make for a breezy connection from the dining room back to the outdoor entertaining spaces.

Custom spaces throughout the home feel personal to the homeowners and their desired lifestyle. On the main floor, a spacious formal sitting room and a piano room provide plenty of space for quiet relaxation or entertainment. Tucked away, is a beautiful yet utilitarian mudroom with a dog washing station and water bowl (again, with a dedicated faucet for quick refills). Down the hall is a generous coat room and drop zone to accommodate the family’s frequent comings and goings and regular guests.

A sizable exercise room accommodates a variety of gym equipment, along with another connection to the exterior with a patio for warm-weather workouts. Above, is a private, luxurious shower and sauna for post-workout recovery, and a mirrored studio for pilates, yoga, or barre. Custom amenities like these make the house not only practical for daily life, but a pleasure to use.

The living room at the Snohomish Estate. Two dark blue couches flank a narrow coffee table. At the center is a black fire place surrounded by bright white built-ins with a display of ceramics and art.
Classic Comfort

With comfortable couches and stylish built-ins, the living room strikes a balance between family comfort and elegant entertainment. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Classic Comfort

With comfortable couches and stylish built-ins, the living room strikes a balance between family comfort and elegant entertainment. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A collection of electric and acoustic guitars and ukuleles hang on a white wall. To the right is the back of a baby grand piano with the lid open.
The Music Room

A musical family, special attention was given to a designated space with a grand piano, guitars, and ukuleles. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
The Music Room

A musical family, special attention was given to a designated space with a grand piano, guitars, and ukuleles. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

To the left, a large bank of white cubbies and drawers create bench seating. There are black coats hanging on the cubbies.
Everything in its Place

Cubbies and drawers of all sizes make it easy to keep everything in its place, even amidst the busy comings and goings of this family and their guests. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Everything in its Place

Cubbies and drawers of all sizes make it easy to keep everything in its place, even amidst the busy comings and goings of this family and their guests. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A white, stacked washer and dryer set is visible to the left. At the center is a dog washing station in dark grey with a light grey tiled floor. Next to the dog washing station is a water bowl at dog height with a designated faucet for filling the bowl.
Multi-Purpose Mudroom

With a built-in dog washing station, washer & dryer, and plenty of space for supplies, it’s easy to make short work of messes, large and small. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Multi-Purpose Mudroom

With a built-in dog washing station, washer & dryer, and plenty of space for supplies, it’s easy to make short work of messes, large and small. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A weight room with workout machines, free weights, and boxes for exercising.
An Active Lifestyle Indoors & Out

A large weight room has everything this family needs to stay active, plus a large door that slides entirely away for taking the fun outside in warmer weather. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
An Active Lifestyle Indoors & Out

A large weight room has everything this family needs to stay active, plus a large door that slides entirely away for taking the fun outside in warmer weather. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A large, walk-in shower with a glass door. Within the shower is a wet sauna.
Sauna & Shower

Custom features — like this combination shower-sauna — were thoughtfully added to bring both relaxation and utility to the homeowners. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Sauna & Shower

Custom features — like this combination shower-sauna — were thoughtfully added to bring both relaxation and utility to the homeowners. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

Upstairs holds more surprises and custom features. Bespoke bedrooms for the whole family offer private space away from the bustle of downstairs. Dual pocket doors at the end of a built-in library hallway open to a suite for the kids — a shared study room connected to playfully decorated bedrooms.

The primary bedroom suite is a separate escape with spacious rooms for rest and relaxation. In the bathroom, a freestanding soaking tub stands below a vaulted ceiling, enjoying views of the forested hills. Separate vanities, a generous shower, and a large dressing room provide plenty of space to unwind before heading to the bedroom, where blackout curtains and a retractable projector screen make it simple to enjoy the built-in entertainment system.

Special touches — like playful wallpaper and rich, jewel-toned upholstery and soft goods — are a treat to discover as you move through the home. In the turret, a bright, light-filled reading room below contrasts with a moody, speakeasy-like loft lounge above. Sumptuous peacock wallpaper and velvety tufted chairs offer a private retreat with attitude to spare.

From jungle-themed monkey and toucan wallpaper in the primary bedroom to the orderly chaos of the old European city paper in the powder room, details delight throughout this home. Its specialty spaces belie a truly usable home that meets the daily needs of the homeowners while offering enjoyable spaces that offer something fresh upon each new entry — highlighting the joy of creating custom spaces that are as unique as the people who inhabit them.

A large hallway lined with built-in shelving full of books ends in a set of pocket doors, behind which is a study.
Study Hall

A secluded study can be entirely tucked away for privacy and focused study. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Study Hall

A secluded study can be entirely tucked away for privacy and focused study. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

On either wall of a white room are built-in desks with storage, bulletin boards and drawers for storage. Before the desks stand chairs upholstered in a repeating flamingo pattern fabric.
A Private Homework Room

Flanked by kids’ rooms beyond, this study is perfect for homework, reading, or quiet play. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
A Private Homework Room

Flanked by kids’ rooms beyond, this study is perfect for homework, reading, or quiet play. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

White built-in cabinets. The lowers have solid wood doors and the uppers have glass front doors so you can see their contents within. There are stacks of book inside the upper cabinets.
Library Cabinets

Beautiful built-in storage can easily double as space to display treasures or books. The integrated lighting makes it easy to see and find whatever you’re looking for. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Library Cabinets

Beautiful built-in storage can easily double as space to display treasures or books. The integrated lighting makes it easy to see and find whatever you’re looking for. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A view of the bright white upstairs hallway at the Snohomish Estate, looking toward an illuminated built-in library. The formal dining room is just visible below the stairs.
Uniformity That Pops

Uniform and bright white, the walls, trim, and ceiling make a clean backdrop for statement art pieces and a contrasting black railing and floor. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Uniformity That Pops

Uniform and bright white, the walls, trim, and ceiling make a clean backdrop for statement art pieces and a contrasting black railing and floor. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A small bathroom vanity made in light wood with dark purple cabinet pulls. The walls are light purple.
Softer Touches

Small spaces, like the powder room, feel special with thoughtful touches, like the soft purple walls and bold purple cabinet pulls. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Softer Touches

Small spaces, like the powder room, feel special with thoughtful touches, like the soft purple walls and bold purple cabinet pulls. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A small bathroom with a while sink and toilet. The walls are covered in a wallpaper with a busy building print. The buildings on the wallpaper are overlapping and in the style of an old European city.
Small Space, Big Impact

Small spaces are also great for making bold statements, like this bustling wallpaper. Though it might feel too busy in a larger space, here, it feels cozy and fun, without being overwhelming. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Small Space, Big Impact

Small spaces are also great for making bold statements, like this bustling wallpaper. Though it might feel too busy in a larger space, here, it feels cozy and fun, without being overwhelming. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A mint green kids room with a large, inset arch painted pale yellow. The bed is tucked under the arch with a surfboard-like headboard. There is a couch and lots of toy storage.
Comfortable Kids Room

An inset arch is the perfect place to tuck a bed. With recessed lighting and a close-by built-in bookshelf, the room is comfortable for active play and quiet time before bed. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Comfortable Kids Room

An inset arch is the perfect place to tuck a bed. With recessed lighting and a close-by built-in bookshelf, the room is comfortable for active play and quiet time before bed. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A small, all white reading room with many windows. There are two white chairs positioned with a small table between them. The room looks inviting with pillows and blankets and a basket of magazines to read.
Room With A View

The cheery sitting nook offers a cozy spot to read, relax, or enjoy a view of the entire property. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Room With A View

The cheery sitting nook offers a cozy spot to read, relax, or enjoy a view of the entire property. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

The Snohomish Estate turret loft with teal green tufted chairs, royal blue carpet, and gold wallpaper with a peacock motif.
Indulge In Color

The turret loft offers an opportunity to indulge in sumptuous patterns, colors, and textiles, for a one-of-a-kind getaway. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Indulge In Color

The turret loft offers an opportunity to indulge in sumptuous patterns, colors, and textiles, for a one-of-a-kind getaway. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A dimly lit room with gold and black peacock wallpaper and royal blue carpet. There is a small built-in with a counter, drawers, cabinet, and drink fridge beneath it. To the right is a steep flight of stairs used to enter and exit the space.
An Eye For Convenience

There’s no need to descend to the kitchen for snacks with a small drink fridge and space for storage in the turret loft. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
An Eye For Convenience

There’s no need to descend to the kitchen for snacks with a small drink fridge and space for storage in the turret loft. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

An all grey-and-white bathroom with a large soaking tub. There is a window behind the tub looking out at trees. It is a sunny day and there are sun rays illuminating the bathroom.
A Moment of Zen

The grand soaking tub, with its place of honor before the large bathroom windows, exemplifies the vision of relaxation accompanying the primary bedroom suite. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
A Moment of Zen

The grand soaking tub, with its place of honor before the large bathroom windows, exemplifies the vision of relaxation accompanying the primary bedroom suite. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A gray and white bathroom with a large soaking tub, built-in vanity and sink, and tiled floor.
At Home Spa

The primary bathroom’s high ceilings, ample space, and relaxing color palette come together for a relaxing experience worthy of any spa. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
At Home Spa

The primary bathroom’s high ceilings, ample space, and relaxing color palette come together for a relaxing experience worthy of any spa. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

At the center stands a large shower stall with clear glass doors. The shower stall is tiled in striped grey and white.
Neutral Patterns

Within the soothing grey and white palette, a striped shower stall makes a big statement without disrupting the sense of calm. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Neutral Patterns

Within the soothing grey and white palette, a striped shower stall makes a big statement without disrupting the sense of calm. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

To the left is a grey and white tiled shower. To the right, a single-sink vanity all in white. At the center is a look into the walk-in closet with a center island and crystal chandelier.
A Look Inside

From between the shower and vanity peeks the primary suite walk-in closet — a room unto itself. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
A Look Inside

From between the shower and vanity peeks the primary suite walk-in closet — a room unto itself. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A large walk-in closet with a center island, hanging racks, and built-in drawers to additional storage. There is a large set of windows looking out at the trees with a built-in vanity in front.
More Than A Closet

In a house with a room for everything, the primary suite closet was not to be overlooked. Built-in drawers, hanging racks, a center island, and a custom vanity create a space that’s suited for more than just storage. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
More Than A Closet

In a house with a room for everything, the primary suite closet was not to be overlooked. Built-in drawers, hanging racks, a center island, and a custom vanity create a space that’s suited for more than just storage. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A white and grey bathroom with a single sink vanity to the left and built-in storage space to the right. There is a oval mirror behind the sink with sconces on either side of the mirror.
A Balanced Bathroom

With two separate vanities and storage solutions that fit just right, the primary bathroom has plenty of room for two. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
A Balanced Bathroom

With two separate vanities and storage solutions that fit just right, the primary bathroom has plenty of room for two. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A white bed with an upholstered headboard is in the foreground. Behind the bed is a wall with a jungle theme of monkeys, birds, and flowers.
Wild Wallpaper

Statement wallpaper behind the bed adds a sense of whimsy to an otherwise understated bedroom. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
Wild Wallpaper

Statement wallpaper behind the bed adds a sense of whimsy to an otherwise understated bedroom. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A white bed stand in the foreground of a room with light green walls. A red couch is up against one wall with a large window behind it.
A Relaxing Contrast

Subtle green walls offset a ruby-hued couch which, bathed in light, is a winning spot to relax and unwind. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
A Relaxing Contrast

Subtle green walls offset a ruby-hued couch which, bathed in light, is a winning spot to relax and unwind. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

In a light green bedroom, with blackout curtains over the window. There is a projector screen down with a baseball game playing on it.
In-Home Entertainment

Smart home technology turns the primary suite into an in-home theatre with the click of a button. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
In-Home Entertainment

Smart home technology turns the primary suite into an in-home theatre with the click of a button. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

A large blue house with a gently sloping lawn and prim plantings around the perimeter. The house is large with a large turret and wrap around deck.
A Dream Home

A completely new build (except for the original foundation) these homeowners were able to achieve a home that perfectly suits their style and needs. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.
A Dream Home

A completely new build (except for the original foundation) these homeowners were able to achieve a home that perfectly suits their style and needs. Snohomish Estate | Photo by Kirsten Robertson.

Notes & Credits
Architecture & Landscape Architecture by Board & Vellum.
General Contracting by JM Bogan Remodeling.
Finishes, Fixtures & Equipment by Decorus Home Staging.
Home Automation by Beemer Smart Home.
Civil Engineering by Red Barn.
Structural Engineering by Fast + Epp.
Lighting Design Consultation by Luminous NW.
Photography by Kirsten Robertson.

Want to learn more?

You’re welcome to take a look at our available services and other portfolio projects.

Services at Seattle architecture firm Board & Vellum – Board & Vellum's portfolio includes architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture projects.

Services

Board & Vellum offers design services in architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture, for private residences, multifamily and mixed-use, commercial environments, campuses and organizations, and civic spaces, like parks.

Board & Vellum's portfolio includes architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture projects, like this backyard cottage.

Portfolio

Board & Vellum’s portfolio spans across a spectrum of project types and scales. We don’t have a particular “style” either: we relish the creative juices that flow when teams design with variety: traditional, modern, contemporary, you name it.

Considering a project, or curious about something?

Say hello, and send us your questions via the form below. We’re always pleased to make new connections, and eager to get to know you, your project, and your goals.

Get in touch.