A breakfast room feels like part of the rear garden

Dining in this Seattle breakfast room is almost like having an alfresco meal. The 16-foot-wide space, separated from the kitchen by a small peninsula, extends into the rear garden; windows bring in daylight on three sides. To make the room feel even more like part of the outdoors, the Pennsylvania bluestone- paved back patio is flush with the slate floor of the breakfast area.

“We understand the value of light,” says designer/builder Joe Schneider, who made this slender, 20-foot-wide house feel as open and bright as possible. Clerestory windows expand views and allow light to wash across the white ceilings, brightening the kitchen as well.

The kitchen and breakfast room remain cheery even on the dreariest of Seattle days, thanks to light-colored and reflective surfaces ― from the white-painted cabinetry, walls, and woodwork to the zinc kitchen counter and warm-toned wood flooring. The one contrasting element is a kitchen island, which acts as a focal point. With its dark blue base and black granite top, it’s detailed to resemble a piece of fine furniture.

DESIGN: J.A.S. Design-Build, Seattle (206/547-6242)