Tolmie Edgewater

This waterfront, mid-century modern, home built on the shores of the Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest, is the dream come true for husband and wife Stephen and Paige Backholm. They had always dreamed of living on the water, however, the journey to get there was not quite as dreamy.

Acting as general contractor while maintaining their lives was no small feat. When they weren’t homeschooling their five children, cooking, cleaning, or working as the Director of Innovation and Technology for the WA State Investment Board, they were researching products, drawing up designs, ordering materials or laboring at the jobsite.

The goal was mid-century modern design, clean lines, open living space and spacious. The couple was on a tight budget which forced them to complete much of the work with their own hands. The 4300 square foot home was completed at $103/square foot.

You’ll find custom touches throughout the home. Such as: cement hexegon tiles special ordered from Cle` tile out of California, a mid-century credenza turned into a bathroom vanity, brass transition pieces from Schluter, slab front custom cabinets from Barker Cabinets out of Oregon, Feeney Design Rail cable deck railing, satin brass hardware from Rejuvenation, and mid century globes and chandeliers from West Elm.

Now that construction is complete, the family of seven enjoys daily walks along the beach, reading, cooking and baking, cheering on the Seahawks and hosting large gatherings in their spacious home.