
This 1915 Dutch Colonial in Seattle Strays Far Away from Tradition
It’s got a hint of bohemian funk.

It doesn’t get more traditional than a Dutch Colonial style house, but the owners of this one were adamant that the interiors look far from formal and stuffy. “They loved the cleanliness and organizational qualities of minimalism and contemporary styles but wanted the home to feel warm, not too formal, and with a hint of bohemian funk,” explains interior designer Casey Keasler, founder of Casework. “They were immediately drawn towards woods, Moroccan rugs, leather, and fun wallpapers—lots of texture but not traditional. They disliked the formality of traditional styles because it didn’t align with their lifestyle.”

Emily Kennedy
The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom home, which is located on the Montlake Cut in Seattle, was a diamond in the rough. It hadn’t been updated since the ‘80s. It was gutted to the studs, with just the exterior framing (not the siding, though), some interior framing, and front door and side lights remaining.

Emily Kennedy
“The biggest transformation to modernize the house was adding 350 square feet to the footprint of each level,” Casey says. “This new space allowed for a large shared office in the basement for the couple to work at individual desks but also created space for Lucy, a graphic designer, known for her printed invitations, the ability to spread out at a large central table to cut and assemble.”

Emily Kennedy
The entire west side of the house was reconfigured on the main level. Casey and team reworked the formal dining room to include a powder bath, mudroom, and coat closet—all of which flowed into an open kitchen and dining nook.

Emily Kennedy
While the couple wanted their kitchen and dining area to be inviting for large gatherings and intimate family meals, they eschewed a formal dining room and opted for the more casual nook that could still handle both. “None of the rooms are grand or big; they feel intimate and personal, even for a big gathering,” says Casey.

Emily Kennedy

Emily Kennedy
The addition on the second floor allowed for an actual primary suite with vaulted ceilings, a walk-in closet, and dressing room. The primary bedroom features neutral textures, wood paneling, a shearling bed, and floral drapery that connects the space to the outdoors.
There’s also a new laundry room off the kids’ rooms. And in addition to the large office, the basement also includes a playroom, workout area, and guest suite.

Emily Kennedy
The color palette features warm tones mixed with six different patterned wallpapers that Casey says are reminiscent of the early 1900s with a nod to the modern aesthetic. The textures and patterns in the upholstery and drapery adds to the maximalist vibes.

Emily Kennedy
Casey deftly mixed and matched the various colors and patterns in the home—everything just seems to live harmoniously together. She says decorating with color and pattern is not as tricky as it seems: It’s all about balance, considering all the layers, and looking at things with an editing eye.

Emily Kennedy

Emily Kennedy
“When selecting color and pattern, we start with a foundation,” she explains. “I usually look for a unifying element, most often color, and play from there. I prefer color to have balance, a mix of tones and patterns that are not too similar in scale or color because to me that feels too busy. I actually like it when patterns clash, like a plaid and floral, or a large floral and a small ditsy print or stripe.”

Emily Kennedy
And it looks like the family is thrilled with the end result. Casey and team received a Christmas card with photos of the family in their home. “The card was the exact color of their living room and sunroom: Benjamin Moore’s Monroe Bisque. Inside was a note saying, ‘We are still loving the color!’” she adds.