A New Brownstone Channels Old World Design

By  Kate Santos
living room with traditional details Belathée Photography

These days, it's safe to say midcentury is the reigning decor influence. But when designer Katie Hackworth went about creating her dream home in Medina, Washington, her inspiration went farther back, to classical traditions in European architecture. While the brownstone is a completely new building (created with architect Holden Withington), it feels more old world, which fits in the picturesque Seattle suburb. "[The area] has a quiet and peaceful way about it, with quaint old-school touches like a corner grocery store and post office that date back to the early 1900s," Hackworth said.

In the interior, Hackworth opted for consistency and balance — building on the classical framework Withington designed — with textures and patterns that feel traditional, but not rigid. "I wanted the structure to read timeless, but carry a modern thread throughout," Hackworth said. "I love the idea of combining new and old."

living room Belathée Photography

1. Living Room

The living room is a play on texture: the softness of the green Cisco Brothers sofa, the charcoal metal of the Serge Mouille floor lamp, the wicker planter, and a concrete Jayson Home coffee table.

2. Living Room

living room with fireplaceBelathée Photography

In a different portion of the living room, Hackworth puts a slight spin on a traditional fireplace by choosing a pale blue material. The antique gilded mirror almost feels Parisian.

3. Living Room

living room with white armchairBelathée Photography

European design sensibilities are used throughout. A white John Derian for Cisco Brothers chair stands out against dark stained white oak floors.

4. Dining Room

dining room lightingBelathée Photography

The dining room relies on contemporary furnishings to create a pleasing contrast, with solid oak chairs from Nickey Kehoe and a Saarinen dining table purchased from DWR.

5. Kitchen

kitchen lightingBelathée Photography

Custom cabinets keep darker, natural textures toward the bottom half of the room. Meanwhile, toward the ceiling, white walls reflect natural light. Mosaic House tiles make up the backsplash.

6. Kitchen

kitchen with blue backsplash and marble countersBelathée Photography

In the kitchen, modern appliances mesh with vintage details. A sink from Blanco features a faucet from Waterworks, which matches the metallic saucer hanging lights by Workstead.

7. Bedroom

bohemian bedroom with floral wallpaperBelathée Photography

Lively wallpaper from House of Hackney sets the stage for a bold bedroom design that mixes natural textures and whimsical shapes.

8. Bedroom

bohemian bedroom with floral wallpaperBelathée Photography

Hackworth picks up on a slight boho vibe in the bedroom, with a wicker bed from Anthropologie, a vintage dresser purchased from Rejuvenation, and layered bedding from Coyuchi.

9. Bathroom

industrial style bathroomBelathée Photography

Being a designer on your own project has its benefits: "Overall, it was a pretty smooth process," Hackworth told us.

10. Bathroom

bathroom with pink tileBelathée Photography

For the bathroom, Hackworth opted for a red, Persian-style rug to go over the Marrakech Design floor tiles. The cabinets were custom-designed and painted in Pinky Swear by Benjamin Moore.

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