We consider ourselves lucky finding Belltown Design from a Google search as we sought to find a designer to update the 1914 Craftsman Four Square home I was raised in and purchased from my parents in 1999. Paula, the owner of Belltown Design, began her process by sharing her design vision through beautiful and detailed hand-illustrated drawings of two primary living spaces that provided us a “look and feel” and nailed what we had discussed with her at our initial meeting. From there, she and her team provided a work plan, target timeline and estimated budget. She brought expertise in design and color that pushed us outside of our box and helped us see design components we wouldn’t have naturally gravitated. We talked about our lifestyle, familial backgrounds, and the importance of representing our respective Japanese and Jewish cultures (what we like to call “Jewpanese”) into our home. Paula took this all to heart and when selecting design elements from wallpaper to lighting to artwork, made sure there was a significance we could both culturally and aesthetically appreciate.
Belltown Design also took on the role of general contractor which was invaluable. Paula selected every single contractor as if they were working on her own home. The respect every sub-contractor had for our house, for the individuals living here, and for our timeframe, made the situation very livable. From the exterior siding to the hardwood floors, interior painting and wallpaper installation – the execution exceeded our expectations
The living room is by far the most utilized room in the house. We wanted to update the look to one that was more contemporary and create a space that was both beautiful and functional. Paula came up with colors, designs, and lighting that we would never have chosen, and after a few compromises, we now have the living space of our dreams. Our big, beautiful sectional sofa with comfy throw pillows and blankets is where we find ourselves each night as we watch our favorite TV shows together. Paula accommodated our budget by shopping for high quality consignment treasures that we fell in love with and complement the sanctuary-like feel of the room.
The dining room is our family gathering place. We wanted an intimate room we could use each night for family dinners, yet would also accommodate our large extended family and network of friends when we entertained. We found an online furniture company and Paula worked directly with them and us to select a table that doubled the seating when needed and created the more contemporary look we were aiming for in the redesign. Paula found a stunning Japanese-origami-inspired lighting fixture that reinforced the contemporary aesthetic and is the center piece of the room. Brightly colored artwork and beautiful floor lamps help “lighten up” the original dark fir wood panels and create a warm ambience.
The kitchen had been updated in 2000 from its original 1914 build, but still had a few problem areas that impacted traffic flow and storage needs. Again Paula and her team designed a way to solve the traffic flow pain point by recommending a smaller counter-depth refrigerator and incorporating two refrigerator drawers to make up for lost space. Our pantry which was “dark and deep” was blamed for many lost canned goods over the years! Our new pantry is both functional and beautiful featuring layered “shelves within shelves” to promote organization and accessibility. New color on the walls, window coverings and vibrant teal blue counter stools completed the transformation with minimal investment. We couldn’t be happier with our updated kitchen
We could go on and on about the beauty and function Belltown Design introduced into our home. We feel fortunate to have found Paula and Belltown Design and they will, with no question, be our “go-to” for other future projects. Paula and team are highly recommended for anyone seeking an experienced designer with a meticulous eye for color and aesthetic without compromising function or quality. Thank you Paula and Belltown Design!