Lil Shingle

When the mother of three design-driven daughters sought a modest home to retire in, she turned to the best team she knew—her family. Nestled in Seattle’s Mt. Baker neighborhood, the humble and practical bones of a 1950 dwelling, paired with the undeniable charm of its lake-adjacent location, inspired the vision of a multigenerational home base. Newly retired, she envisioned a warm and welcoming space with gathering areas for family, a single-story layout with a discreet but connected zone for visitors, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections. Despite having no prior renovation experience—and the house’s reputation as the “Slanty Shanty” among previous owners—she entrusted Best Practice Architecture, where her middle daughter is a Principal, to lead the project. Her two other daughters contributed their own design touches, making it a true family affair. Today, the thoughtfully renovated home, named “Lil Shingle” after its scalloped cedar shingles, stands as a testament to family contributions and a shared vision.

The house had been a rental property for decades, so the existing layout of one apartment with a garage on the first floor and a second basement walk-out unit lent perfectly to what the owner was looking for. Best Practice’s initial plan included a few big design moves and a handful of small strategic layout changes, but soon after construction began, the home’s previous name rang true. The project team found the wall framing, floor framing, and roof structure were failing, leaving only the existing basement foundation walls to be salvaged. Instead of starting from a blank canvas, Best Practice and the owner agreed there was something special about the original home and decided to move forward with their established design. Though effectively an entirely new house, traces of the old remain, including the footprint, the roof pitch, the overall layout, and most of the existing window and door openings.

The only expansion to the original envelope is a modest 52-square-foot mudroom, creating a practical buffer at the entry for coats and muddy boots. The most impactful design change was Best Practice’s decision to relocate the interior stairs. Instead of bisecting the house, designers rotated it 90 degrees and shifted it to the southern end of the main structure. This move opened up the kitchen, living, and dining spaces, enhancing flow and connectivity. A vaulted ceiling, complemented by a series of skylights, provides a generous, airy feel, filling the space with natural light. A striking green glazed brick fireplace serves as a focal point, extending upward into the skylight and drawing the eye.

The kitchen features a functional “U” shape with natural stone countertops, offering seamless access to the dining and living areas for a connected main floor experience. Large sliding glass doors open to a deck with views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Custom stained glass windows, designed by the owner’s youngest daughter and partner, cast playful shadows and pops of color to the dining room and powder room. The home’s furnishings and art were thoughtfully curated in partnership with the owner’s eldest daughter, a photographer, and Best Practice. Rounding out the upstairs is a primary suite with a spa-inspired blue tiled bathroom, white oak cabinetry in an open closet, and a convenient adjoining laundry area.

The downstairs functions as an accessory dwelling unit with a cozy living room opening to a lower patio. While connected through the new staircase, the lower level can be accessed separately to accommodate multi-generational living or future rental income. A full bathroom, a kitchenette, and two generous bedrooms complete the basement unit. Best Practice finished off the design with scalloped shingles enveloping the exterior. Stained in a semi-opaque white, the wood texture comes through while creating a friendly expression that befits the small home. Elegant landscaping created with Cambium Landscape features carefully positioned stone patios encircled with native plants and trees, fenced areas for privacy, and stepping stones to the backyard.

The goal of the project was never to maximize lot coverage or square footage but to thoughtfully enhance what was already there, embracing the unique charm of the original 1950s home. Best Practice and the owner prioritized strategic structural changes, preserving the idiosyncrasies that made the house special. The design celebrates comfortably sized yet efficient bedrooms and bathrooms to create more generous gathering spaces, while built-in storage solutions add functionality throughout. A true family collaboration, the house serves as a multigenerational home base that honors its past and embraces a new chapter of family gatherings and lifelong memories.