LUXURY HOME TRENDS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Back to Nature Builders are adept at utilizing the resources at their disposal, too. “In the PNW, we have been using natural materials for decades – it just fits,” says Brakken. She points to the widespread use of reclaimed wood and timber, which is in plentiful local supply, adding, “we love wood, and it’s a renewable resource grown here.” Given the prevalence of moisture in the air throughout the region, Brakken notes that many luxury home builders use engineered hardwood, a type of flooring created by layering a real hardwood veneer over a plywood or fiberboard core, which she calls “fantastic, since it is stable and avoids gapping.”
pumps and mini-split heating and cooling (which has the added benefit of being quieter and allowing for room-by-room climate control). Designers also employ solar energy wherever possible, though solar panels aren’t always an option for certain homes, given the abundance of trees in many areas. The result? “New construction at all price points is becoming more efficient,” says Brakken. High-end homebuyers are increasingly making design choices that prioritize their health and make their day-to-day lives easier. They gravitate toward low-VOC products like rockwool insulation, and incorporate HEPA filtration throughout to combat mold and mildew growth caused by residual moisture. Outdoor landscaping is low-maintenance and water-wise, with a focus on native plants and organic design that avoids being overly manicured and works with the climate instead of against it. Let In The Light Inside, natural light takes center stage. “We are constantly seeking more light; every homebuyer wants this, so homes are being designed with more and larger windows, higher ceiling expanses and open concept layouts,” Brakken remarks. Designers also love to integrate the outdoors in their work, using articulating sliding doors and glass walls wherever possible. Brakken mentions NanaWall Glass Walls, a West Coast-based manufacturer whose products are used frequently in luxury homes throughout the area. Their elegant glass solutions help to blur the lines between inside and out,
allowing for a more profound connection with nature.
Interiors are designed to counteract the oft-overcast Pacific Northwest weather with soft, natural tones. Cabinets feature materials such as maple, white oak or ash, while quartz or quartzite slab countertops reflect ambient light and add a sense of modernity and brightness. Handwoven, organic area rugs imbue warmth and texture. Exposed ceiling beams, wall paneling and raw- or live-edge slab tables made from reclaimed wood offer an elegance that is more rustic than overly refined. Moody color palettes of deep greens and rich plums evoke the dramatic beauty of nature while still maintaining a sense of warmth and intimacy. Fired Up One feature that offers both drama and warmth (literally and figuratively) is the fireplace. It has emerged as a selling point in many luxury homes in the Pacific Northwest, not only for its practical purpose but also for the structural focus and decorative impact it provides. Not surprisingly, the most memorable home fireplaces are anything but typical – think hand-carved stone and custom metalwork, or floor-to-ceiling slate hearths that are contemporary without being sterile or overpowering. From sustainable materials to deep hues and bespoke accents, luxury homes in the Pacific Northwest offer eco-friendly living without sacrificing comfort or style. It’s a design philosophy where sophistication and nature work in harmony.
Healthy Planet, Healthy Homeowners
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON LUXE LIVING FROM THE WATERFRONT TO THE PEAKS
There are some luxury homebuyers for whom sustainability is the most important design consideration; Brakken mentions a floating home community in Seattle and lauds their “commitment to living smaller, living in nature and living in community.” Sustainability underpins many decisions in Pacific Northwest home design even if it’s less of a personal commitment for homebuyers, however, largely because regional building codes demand it. “Builders are now required to utilize high-efficiency electric appliances [and] better insulation products,” says Brakken. “Luxury homes now are so well insulated, they use far less energy than a smaller and older home.” Other eco-friendly design requirements include the use of heat
The Emerald City has evolved far beyond its grunge-era reputation to become one of the West Coast's most sophisticated upscale real estate markets. From waterfront estates overlooking Elliott Bay to cutting-edge smart homes in Bellevue, Seattle luxury real estate now represents a unique blend of beauty and innovation that attracts affluent buyers from around the world.
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