For many of us, 996 square feet would be a palatial mansion. But in the real world, a space this cozy still requires arrangement acrobatics and ruthless decor choices. The couple profiled in the Seattle Times over the weekend worked to maximize the square footage afforded by their West Seattle stucco cottage, turning closets into nooks and finishing the basement for more usable space.
In Seattle's crazy recession-immune housing market, the sad and amazing thing is that despite resourceful remodel and design, they're convinced that their home will be considered a tear-down when they decide to sell. The result, though, is a remodel entirely free of consideration for resale value.
Images: Greg Gilbert / The Seattle Times.
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Comments (7)
It seems that, everyday, my partner and I see more old, beautiful houses with character and a distinct 'Seattle' look getting torn down to put up ugly town homes that lack personality. I have nothing against dense urban living, I just wish someone would come up with a design that doesn't look like every other freaking condo on the block.
Not everything around here gets torn down :/ there are a lot of old homes and a lot of people that are gonna keep 'em!
Yay for 996! That's what I have in an old 3 br house. It's more than enough room.
Hm. If they're making they're closet space into "nooks," where are they putting clothes?!
I love their home and good for them! I worry so much about there being no houses like these left when I finally have enough money to buy my own home. (if that ever happens) The worst would be to find the house that is still cute and quirky on the outside but the insides were gutted and changed. Hurrah for the Alexanders and knowing a good thing when they still had it!
It is so weird to see a Mediterranean-inspired architecture and a palm tree in rainy Seattle...
I know, isn't it? You actually see a lot of this beachy style in West Seattle. Seattle is known in urban agriculture circles for having strangely distinct climate zones within the city. West Seattle is right by the ocean and feels a little drier with the vibe of a beach town, with lots of palms and succulents used in landscaping. I'd love to live there!