Lake Union

When our clients purchased two adjacent one-bedroom condominium units in a 1960s Lake Union building, they saw something others may not have immediately recognized — opportunity. Individually, the units were compact and compartmentalized. Together, they had the potential to become a spacious, view-focused, design-forward residence that honored the building’s mid-century roots while functioning like a modern custom home.

This was not simply a cosmetic update. It was a full-scale reimagination — combining two separate residences into one cohesive two-bedroom home, touching every surface, and solving structural and mechanical challenges unique to an older building.

The result is a refined Lake Union condo that feels intentional, expansive, and timeless.

The clients were drawn to the building’s character and prime location overlooking Lake Union. The views were spectacular — expansive water, city skyline reflections, and dynamic light throughout the day. However, the existing floor plans did not fully celebrate that asset. Walls interrupted sightlines. Layouts felt dated. The interiors no longer reflected the way the homeowners wanted to live.

Rather than searching for a larger unit elsewhere, they decided to invest in transformation.

By merging two adjacent one-bedroom condos, they could expand living and entertaining areas, open up sightlines to capture the views outside, modernize mechanical systems, and preserve and elevate the mid-century modern theme.

The goal was not to erase the building’s era — it was to refine it. Clean lines, thoughtful textures, and material selections were chosen to respect the mid-century aesthetic while updating it for contemporary living.

This vision required careful planning, especially in a structure built in the 1960s, where construction methods differ significantly from modern standards.

This bathroom is a beautiful example of how the renovation balanced mid-century character with elevated, modern finishes. The standout feature is the rich green wall tile, installed vertically to draw the eye upward and add depth and texture to the space. Paired with warm wood cabinetry and sleek wall-mounted brass faucets, the design feels both timeless and refined. 

In the shower, thoughtful craftsmanship is evident in the precise tile alignment, clean transitions, and carefully integrated niches. The combination of textured vertical tile and smooth slab-style tile adds subtle dimension, while brushed brass fixtures provide warmth and continuity. Every detail — from material selection to installation — reflects the high level of design oversight and execution that defined this condo merge project.

This bar and lounge area was designed to feel seamlessly integrated with the home’s mid-century character while adding a layer of modern sophistication. Deep navy cabinetry anchors the space, creating contrast against the clean white quartz countertops and full-height slab backsplash with subtle veining. The upper glass-front cabinets provide both display and storage, giving the bar a curated, intentional feel. A compact beverage fridge and under-mount sink enhance functionality, making the space ideal for entertaining without interrupting the main kitchen flow.

The black-framed glass partition doors add architectural definition while maintaining openness and sightlines into the adjacent living area. This thoughtful design detail preserves natural light and connectivity while subtly separating spaces for entertaining. Warm wood flooring and carefully selected finishes tie the area back to the home’s mid-century influence, demonstrating the same level of craftsmanship and design oversight seen throughout the condo merge project.