Ship Canal Floating Home

This two-story floating home was completely renovated, inside and out, to be more open, full of natural washes of light, and connected to the water and surrounding views. The original home had bedrooms on the lower floor and the living spaces above. The completely redesigned home is a modern, custom-designed space that better fits the owner’s lifestyle while remaining within the original footprint, which provides a better connection to the water. The front door is centered on a framed view of the water which immediately sets the tone. In contrast to the new black siding on the exterior, the interior is all light and bright, with whitewashed oak floors, white oak cabinetry, and white walls. The stair immediately on the left from the entry features a custom metal railing detail and stacked windows facing south. Cabinets were designed to fit perfectly under the staircase and wrap around to create an entry space ideal for dropping mail and keys. Items are kept away to avoid clutter yet are easily accessible.

Some square footage was traded for volume and light in the living room to open the space up. The new design creates a dramatic double-height living area washed in sunlight all day. The kitchen, living, and dining spaces act as one big open space for flexibility in gathering while keeping everything connected. Dual folding doors connect the living and dining areas out to the float for an "outdoor" feel right at the water’s edge. The kitchen area is divided from the dining area by a large island and instead of a backsplash at the sink, a window offers additional water views. A breakfast nook with custom circular seating and twin built-ins adds the finishing touches. Off the kitchen is a tv room/ den that also opens out to a side deck and the water. It can be closed off from the kitchen with an oversized steel and opaque glass sliding door.

At the top of the stairs, a guest suite features a wood-clad day bed with a water view, a skylight, and a built-in bookshelf tucked in the corner. The modest guest bath with shower and built-in shelving was designed in all white to maximize the light from the window, except for the dark blue floor tile with stripe detailing that acts as a nod to the striping of light coming through the window and hitting the floor. The guest suite can become a private space by sliding the wooden doors across the large opening. The primary bedroom is wrapped with water views on three sides. The custom built-in bed was designed to sit centered right on the big main view window, looking right at Gasworks Park in the distance. In addition to a spot for a small desk, there is an ensuite walk-in closet and primary bath. The bath has a soaker tub with window views out to the water, a large central skylight, a double vanity, and an oversized shower with a custom-cut tile pattern for a space that feels both minimal and yet luxurious. A deck on the second floor can be accessed from the end of the hall or the primary bedroom.