Have you always dreamed of owning a modern home, but your definition of “modern” is a little bit homier than some? We’ve all seen homes before that were so contemporarily styled as to look cold and uninviting, but not every modern home is built this way! Some people believe modern styles to be a little more than pristine shades of white and clean lines. Some are instead more casual despite staying true to many details, like the signature geometric furnishings. This expansive home, gorgeously named Belleview Modern, is the perfect example of the classic contemporary concept that we mean!
Bellevue Modern is a stunning mid-century single family house located in its namesake, the city of Bellevue in Washington, USA. Completed in 2016, the space efficient home was created and designed by Lane Williams Architects. Between the spacious layout and the gorgeous, relaxing yard, this place was designed with comfort in mind even in its attempt to be stunningly modern.
The exterior is a great visual combination between nearly industrial dark stone and a lighter, more natural wood finish that tones the modernity down slightly. A split level floor over strong garage makes space for a neat outdoor seating space and high windows invite your visitors right in. Outside the house in the back, you’ll find another sunny spot to sit, but with an extra special feature: a gorgeous tiered pool.
On the inside, you’ll find more of that same dark and neutral colour combination, with light wood finishes continuing in recurring styles throughout the house at large. You’ll find modern furniture shapes, low beds, and geometric art throughout as well, but the wood, which extends all the way up to and across the ceiling, adds an atypical quality to the contemporary decor. It keeps things grounded and comfortable!
Photos courtesy of Lane Williams Architects
This is a very nice adaptation of Mid-Century Modern (MCM) designs that are not uncommon in the Bellevue area. Phase 1 of the Surrey Downs development is located less than 2 miles from the Vuecrest neighborhood where this new home is located. The article does not mention the lot or house size, but the total project budget was likely north of $3M US. The architect deserves praise for creatively adapting MCM design principles in a way that accomplishes the owner’s space needs, outdoor living spaces and landscaping – all while working withing a strict height limitation requirement that overlays the neighborhood.
Due to the current land values and the throwaway value of the houses, the Vuecrest neighborhood will evolve over time with new houses that are better far better than the original houses. Vuecrest will look nothing like what residents of Bellevue remember from the mid-1950s through 1970. Such is life!