Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

  This is the final in a six part series on classic and vintage design for homes found in Washington State. Cape Cod-style homes have long been admired for their simplicity, charm, and practicality. Originally designed to withstand the harsh coastal weather of New England, this architectural style has made its way across the country, including the Pacific Northwest. While it may seem surprising to find Cape Cod homes in cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Gig Harbor, their timeless appeal and functional design have allowed them to blend seamlessly into the region’s landscape. The Origins of Cape Cod Architecture Cape Cod-style architecture traces its roots back to the early 1600s, when English colonists settled in what is now Massachusetts. Inspired by traditional English cottages, these homes were built to endure the cold, windy, and stormy conditions of the Atlantic coast. The defining features of Cape Cod homes included steeply pitched roofs to shed heavy snowfall, symmetrical f...

This is a fifth in a six part series on classic and vintage design for homes found in Washington State. Victorian-style architecture is one of the most recognizable and beloved home styles in the United States, known for its ornate details, intricate craftsmanship, and historical charm. Originating in the mid-to-late 19th century during Queen Victoria’s reign (1837-1901), this architectural style gained popularity across the country, including in the Pacific Northwest. While many associate Victorian homes with San Francisco or the East Coast, the Pacific Northwest boasts a unique take on this timeless style that continues to captivate homeowners and architecture enthusiasts. The Origins of Victorian Architecture Victorian architecture emerged in Britain during the Industrial Revolution, a time when advancements in manufacturing allowed for the mass production of decorative elements. As European settlers brought their architectural influences to the United States, Victorian-style ho...

This is the fourth in a six-part series on classic and vintage architectural styles of homes found here in Washington State.  Mid-century modern architecture is more than just a design aesthetic—it’s a movement that defined an era. In Washington state, this iconic style has a distinct character shaped by the region’s landscape, climate, and architectural visionaries. Whether you’re a homeowner, a design enthusiast, or a prospective buyer, understanding the elements that make mid-century modern homes unique in Washington can help you appreciate their enduring appeal. They can be found in Seattle, Tacoma, Lakewood and even Bellevue.  What Defines Mid-Century Modern Architecture? Emerging in the mid-20th century, mid-century modern architecture focused on simplicity, functionality, and a connection to nature. Hallmarks of the style include: Clean Lines and Minimalism: Simple geometric forms, flat planes, and a lack of excessive ornamentation define these homes. Large Windo...

This is the third in a six part series on classic & vintage architectural styles of homes found here in Washington State.  Tudor Revival architecture has captivated homeowners and history enthusiasts for over a century, and its charm continues to influence the character of neighborhoods across the Pacific Northwest. With its origins in England and a unique adaptation to the region’s climate and aesthetic, this style remains a highly desirable choice for those seeking a home with timeless elegance and distinctive craftsmanship. The Origins of Tudor Revival Architecture The Tudor Revival style emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of the larger revivalist movement that romanticized medieval European architecture. It draws inspiration from the grand homes of the Tudor period (1485-1603) in England, incorporating steeply pitched roofs, decorative half-timbering, and leaded glass windows. In the United States, this style gained popularity during the early...

This is the first in a six part series on classic & vintage architectural styles of homes found here in Washington State.  The American Four Square, also known as the Seattle Box in the Pacific Northwest, is a timeless architectural style that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Rooted in practicality and simplicity, this design became a staple of American neighborhoods, particularly in cities experiencing rapid growth, such as Seattle. With its signature boxy shape, efficient floor plan, and Craftsman-inspired details, the American Four Square remains a beloved and enduring style in residential architecture. Origins of the American Four Square The American Four Square was a response to the ornate and sometimes impractical Victorian homes that dominated the 19th century. As architectural tastes shifted toward simplicity, efficiency, and functionality, the Four Square gained popularity, particularly between 1890 and 1930. The style drew inspiration from the Pr...

Building Your Dream Home: Part I - Where to Start Welcome to the first installment of our three-part series on finding the perfect land and building your dream home. If you’re anything like me, the idea of identifying a lot, managing the infrastructure, creating a design, and executing on it can feel overwhelming. While the overall process is similar no matter where you’re building, location plays a huge role in the ease, cost, and feasibility of your project. For instance, building a cabin nestled in the mountains involves different challenges than putting up a manufactured home on a flat lot. Let’s dive into how to get started. Deciding Where You Want to Live The first step is determining where you want to live. For some, the dream is a secluded cabin far from the hustle and bustle. For others, the ideal home might involve tearing down an existing structure in a more developed area and starting fresh. Whatever your vision, research is key. Investigate the availability of utilities...