kwanchai • portfolio • residential interior design

TURNED INSIDE OUT

KWANCHAI designed a substantial outdoor living space and sport court which flow seamlessly from the interiors of this home. The family now enjoys a outdoor room suitable for all of Seattle's seasons (rain, rain, sun and rain!). With an entertaining kitchen, spacious dining area, big barbeque, comfortable lounge seating, sleek flat screen TV, relaxing waterfall feature, toasty fireplace and heat lamps, oh my, let's just say the clients' wish list was fulfilled.
BELLA ITALIA

CURRENT KWANCHAI PROJECT
DWELL WELL

The owners of this Ballard home were eager for an update to the interior and exterior of their active family home. Pairing KWANCHAI's design and product expertise with their own DIY capabilities, the clients built out custom living spaces which perfectly suited their aesthetic and lifestyle.

KWANCHAI specified windows and skylights welcome ample natural light to the expanded open floor plan while KWANCHAI selected sleek, yet livable, finishes and textures create a distinctly warm, modern home for this young family.
EAST VIEWING WEST

The client sought Southeast Asian and Chinese themes for this large Ralph Anderson-architected construction. A rich chocolate palette in the oversize master bedroom supports a darkened environment for its dual role as the home theater. The master closet is a custom design to maximize use in the unusually shaped space. KWANCHAI selected high-end furnishings while controlling for budget and integrating the owner's extensive art collection and grand piano. Especially notable is the unconventional living room configuration which fuses the formal with the comfortable.
MID-CENTURY MODERNIST

KWANCHAI guided the owner of this mid-century home in updating the kitchen and bath to fit his lifestyle and design vision. The challenge was in melding the new kitchen and bath with the open floor plan and the client's far-reaching taste. To fulfill the design concept, KWANCHAI selected finishes in the kitchen, living and dining room areas to fuse with the modern and mid-century furnishings. Additionally, KWANCHAI reworked the client's artwork collection to be highlighted in the home.

KWANCHAI is pleased to have this home featured in 'Mo Magazine September 2008.
ON THE WATERFRONT

When the owners purchased this Lake Washington waterfront estate, the layout and size did not meet the needs of the family. Taking it back to cement and studs and then adding additional square footage, KWANCHAI led collaboration with the contractors, including general, architect, lighting and cabinetry, to complete this jewel of a home.

The home features KWANCHAI designed and commissioned custom work including lighting, tilework, tables, benches, vanity, area rugs and chairs.
ALL GROWN UP

This classic home nestled in the natural landscape of a mature Eastside enclave was ready for updates after the homeowners' children were grown. KWANCHAI remains sensitive to the classic traditions of the home while modernizing the amenities and furnishings.
TURNING JAPANESE
DOUBLE DUTCH COLONIAL

With a full-scale architectural remodel, this home doubled in size to accommodate a growing family. In collaboration with the owners, KWANCHAI selected traditional designs with updated amenities to create warmth and interest to bring this Dutch Colonial to a sophisticated elegance.
TOTALLY TUDOR

KWANCHAI fully redesign the kitchen of this classic Tudor with a layout to accommodate frequent entertaining by the homeowners. Custom backsplash features red marble mosaic detail while limestone floors signal luxe and quartz composite countertops offer low maintenance. New high end stainless steel appliances complete the transformation.

In a neighborhood of Tudor homes, the final design phase involved updating the exterior. KWANCHAI specified classic colors to highlight the existing architectural features of the home.
GREENBELT

Furnishings specified by KWANCHAI keep with the environmentally sound concept of this award winning green home. KWANCHAI developed interior spaces with locally sourced furniture and accessories which utilized recycled and sustainable materials. The mix of materials creates a fine backdrop for this sanctuary of elements, from marble to bamboo and reclaimed wood to porcelain, creating a sleek and modern interior.

KWANCHAI is pleased to have this home featured in a hardcover design book - "Dreaming Green: Eco-Fabulous Homes Designed to Inspire" by Good Morning America producer Lisa Sharkey.
ALL ABOUT THE VIEW

The owners sought to transform this longstanding family home into one of their future with a full architectural remodel. KWANCHAI was initially contracted to redesign two fireplaces but the scope soon expanded to specifying all finishes in the home.

A symphony of slate, granite, limestone and hardwoods compliments sparkling metalwork under the glow of custom lighting. Designer paint unifies the spaces and serves as backdrops to the stunning Sound views.
DOWN UNDER

Basement remodel
TAILORED LIVING

Once completing the main stairway redesign for this family home, KWANCHAI embarked on a full makeover of the main floor living spaces. The existing Chinese antique area rug is a favorite of the client and our task was to bring in furnishings and colors to compliment the piece. KWANCHAI employed crisp details reminiscent of a finely tailored gentleman's suit in the textiles and finishes to counterbalance the rug. The sofa and ottoman are custom pieces from Jonathan's new furniture line.
ARTIST ABODE

The clients' active lifestyle is reflected in the exuberant mix of colors, patterns and textures in order to bring their love of nature to the interiors. Making this home "Entertainment for the Senses," KWANCHAI select comfortable and durable furnishings with all pieces complementing the extensive contemporary art collection. Easy-care fabrics, sophisticated and family-friendly.
FAMILY TIES

Staying true to the existing style of the home, KWANCHAI fulfilled the client's desire for a spa feeling in both the master and the kids bathrooms. The master bath is warm and inviting through incorporating rich colors, textures and controlled lighting. The kids bath is fun and whimsical, yet maintains a spa-like effect with the water-inspired tile color and patterns.
CRAFTSMAN CLASS ACT

KWANCHAI is involved early in new construction projects with architects and builders to coordinate exterior and interior colors and finish materials. KWANCHAI works closely with developers and new home buyers to develop coordinated neighborhood presentations.
FAMILY TIES

After working with an architect and builder, the owners of this new construction asked KWANCHAI to help define their personality and lifestyle. KWANCHAI will incorporate these concepts into the finished home, both inside and out, from furnishings to landscaping. This striking custom built home is a current project.

KWANCHAI is pleased to have this home's indigenous low-maintenance landscaping featured in 'Mo Magazine September 2008.
THE COLORIST

The clients sought a design incorporating fun with colors for their secluded colonial. Color selection created a stylish fusion of elegant patterns with tropical colors envoking energy and life. Each room was designed around Form and Function. Extending the enthusiastic design, KWANCHAI suggested hand-painted fairytale scenes for the daughter's playroom.
RECLAIMED TIMBER

As seen in "Northwest Home and Garden" Spring 2007. This owner of this property is environmentally conscious and wanted a complete "Green Home" both inside and out. The interior design concept of the home incorporated the ideas of reuse, repurpose and refresh. All new products, furnishings, artwork and materials selected by KWANCHAI are eco-friendly and substainable while existing furnishings were revitalizing to prolong their life. The use of recycled materials maintains the integrity of the homeowner's vision.

KWANCHAI is pleased to have this home's green design featured in Pacific Northwest Magazine November 2009.
SPARKLING LUXURY

The luxurious master bath remodel features travertine slab countertop, glass mosaic tile, porcelain flooring and sleek modern chrome fixtures to create a retreat with a spa-like feel. Sparkle!
THE RANCH HOUSE

This classical ranch style home is noted for its long, low to the ground profile and minimal use of exterior and interior decoration. A clear line of sight runs through the house from front door to backyard and the house fuses modernist ideas with notions of the American Western working ranches. KWANCHAI is working with the clients to combine their personal style with that of the home to create an informal and casual living style.
MOSAIC RIVER

With a full-scale master bathroom remodel in this classic Seattle bungalow, KWANCHAI brought to life the clients' wishes for a sleek, two-toned shower which incorporated glass blocks. As expected with our custom designs, special attention to details abound, from the sparkling glass mosaic deco to the shimmering floor tile border.
ZEN REFLECTION

For this young, vibrant pair of homeowners, KWANCHAI looked to the east for inspiration while combining the lux and glamour of modern design to create a gorgeous space that shimmers with light, day or night.
UPTOWN HOUSE

Within the residences's four luxurious levels, KWANCHAI is assisting the client with creating a cohesive concept for this modern space. Custom KWANCHAI designed and commissioned furnishings, lighting, accessories and art work abound in the home. This attached single family home in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood encompasses the function, style and beauty of convenient in-city living.
REJUVENATION

Working with the owner closely after the purchase of the home, KWANCHAI is fashioning an original, inspired space which reflects the individuality of the creative stylist. From the modernization of the exterior facade (no more old, crumbling shingles!) to the creation of a dramatic fireplace, KWANCHAI has captured the aspirations of the modern, eclectic homeowner.
PRIMARY RESIDENCE

This was "The Complete Remodel" project with KWANCHAI's interior design concept bringing the home to life. The clients sought a vibrant home; alive with punchy primary colors. The full-scale remodel included removing the sunken living, moving and enlarging the kitchen, installing cork flooring and adding maple millwork cabinetry throughout.
PIED-À-TERRE

The challenge was to create a beautiful and complete livable space in just 480 square feet. KWANCHAI reconfigured the layout of the downtown Seattle condominium by moving the kitchen and creating a sleeping area behind sliding screens. Special attention to wall and ceiling lighting kept valuable floor space open while perceptually enlarging the areas. Premium details, bamboo flooring and a unique wallcovering of mulberry tree bark completed the project.
FAMILY TRADITIONS

KWANCHAI designed an inviting and streamlined kitchen to align with the clients' modern, casual and family-friendly lifestyle. Natural textural stone and glistening glass tiles abound in the space. The redesigned kitchen now provides effortless usability and clear views to the family room and breakfast nook which allow for unobstructed sight of the clients' energetic children.
ASIAN BY DESIGN

KWANCHAI redesigned the client's dated kitchen along with providing a full home color consultation with the design intent to create a sense of openness and bring natural light throughout the home. New gleaming bamboo floors join the adjacent living spaces and a warm palette welcomes its owners in a comforting embrace.
READY FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT

A husband's man cave which also pleases the aesthetic eye of his wife can be a tricky task. KWANCHAI accomplished the design of a masculine yet elegant fireplace and media wall with cool, textured slate and warm, rich cherry wood. Strong lines and graceful attention to detail aim to please both parties.
PACIFIC RIM

KWANCHAI sought to capture the diverse essence of the Pacific Rim in this kitchen remodel. Modern lines and rich woods mingle with rainforest granite counters and Japanese-inspired hardware to create an intriguingly contrasting earthly palette. This cook's kitchen now graciously opens to the dining and family rooms, allowing the owner to regularly host her beloved large, family-style meals.
TWO OF A KIND

To increase the usability and overall value of the home, KWANCHAI reconfigured one extra-large bathroom into a main bathroom and guest bathroom. The home now boasts two generously bright bathrooms with fresh colors, custom details and spa finishes.
DOLCE SPA

A tired, worn bathroom received a sumptuous Italian-inspired KWANCHAI makeover complete with generous soaking tub, warm textured tiles and sparkling glass mosaic details. The rich rustic color palette accentuated by soothing lighting invites one to linger, unwind and enjoy a relaxing bubble bath.
IN THE MIST

Nestled within a lush forest in the peaceful mountain foothills, KWANCHAI is working closely with the homeowners to completely refresh the primary living spaces of the home. Updates include painting walls & refinishing floors while custom designs include tile work, upholstery and window treatments.
A NEW TRADITION

kwanchai • jonathan mathews design group
1735 Westlake Ave. N • Suite 300 • Seattle WA 98109
tel. 206.262.1022 • fax. 206.262.1008
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