A Washington native, homeowner and designer Katie Hackworth nevertheless draws her inspiration from European houses and New York City’s classic brownstones, whose high ceilings, paneled walls, and ornate millwork inform much of her work. “I’ve always wanted to create a modern home with layers and historical details. The surrounding houses here are very conducive to that,” she says. Four years ago, when she landed a coveted piece of real estate in the Seattle suburb of Medina, she got her chance. Serving as both architectural and interior designer, she set out to build from the ground up, imbuing the house with a sense of history and patina.
Here, Hackworth and daughters Gracie, 13 (center) and Sadie, 11, pose against black lacquered front doors. The step and lintel are acid-washed concrete. Hackworth wanted to include a NYC-style vestibule, so the doors open to a space with paneled walls and rich green cement hex tiles.