The Warm, Scandi-Inspired Space That Challenges Any Overcast Day In Seattle

By  Eva Recinos Updated
one person sitting and another standing near a shelf Peter Schweitzer

Who: DJ and Victoria
Where: Capitol Hill, Seattle
Style: Scandi-inspired minimalism with a side of California cool

Although Seattle often gets associated with dreary, overcast days, Victoria Dailey and DJ Shiflet named their home "The Sun Haus." That's because the 1,200-square-foot loft — with a balcony that overlooks Puget Sounds — often gets flooded with natural light. The couple's guests call it a "slice of California in Seattle."

Led by a minimalist-meets-functional mindset, the two thoughtfully laid out their space to bring them a dose of happiness — even on the most overcast day. The Sun Haus features natural materials, sculptural accents, and vintage pieces that lend an air homey sophistication. And it doesn't hurt that they add plenty of warm tones throughout their space.

bedroom space with wood headboard and white beddingPeter Schweitzer

"Our palette has always landed on the core of natural elements found in nature in some of our most favorite destinations: Santa Fe, New Mexico; White Sands, Arizona; and Bangkok, Thailand," Shiflet tells Hunker. "We have been drawn to our palette because it feels natural and provokes a feeling of steady yet thought-out."

living room space with wood shelvesPeter Schweitzer

Their home functions as a space to stay inspired but also decompress after a busy day. Their cozy living room — with muted colors, natural light, and a comfortable couch — is perfect for unwinding.

"We see the best sunsets out of those windows," Dailey says. "It's a space that's evolved a lot, but the couple constants have been the Kasala sectional we got for a steal on Craigslist three years ago, and the vintage '70s mirrors that sit above it."

living room space with brown couch and two artworks on the wallPeter Schweitzer

"All the items we choose to have in our home have to serve purpose, function, and add an additional touch of design," Shiflet says. "We find it to be inspiring for our personal and business growth to be in a space that inspires us and facilitates a space of creativity."

wooden headboard near open closet and wood hooks with bagsPeter Schweitzer
wood table and chairs with artwork on the wallPeter Schweitzer

In 2017, Dailey and Shiflet founded Oak & Melanin, a full-service creative agency. They started the company "out of a love for creating for small businesses" and currently offer brand strategy, social media management, photography, interior design, and a number of other services.

The Oak & Melanin office embodies their Scandi-inspired decor style just as much as their home. The two got the keys to their 1,000-square foot studio space earlier this year. As with their home, they wanted to infuse the space with warmth, using light colors, cozy textures, and clean lines.

office space with white walls and wooden shelfPeter Schweitzer
office space with white wallsPeter Schweitzer
glass door that reads O & M implementing richness & exposurePeter Schweitzer
shelves and cabinet with cups and kitchenwarePeter Schweitzer

Some of their favorite signature items include the office's mustard velvet couch with glass legs, a vintage find from Ballard Consignment. The two often use Craigslist and OfferUp to find unique pieces, as well as local spaces like the Ballard Goodwill location, Kobo Seattle, and Tirto Furniture. As creative people themselves, Victoria and DJ enjoy supporting makers. Some of their favorite handmade ceramic pieces come from Illinois-based Daily Routines and California-based PKK Ceramics; another favorite is New York maker Hannah Candle.

wood table and chairs with white shelvesPeter Schweitzer
mustard velvet couch with wood side table and bust nearbyPeter Schweitzer

The couple's "intentional design and soft minimalism" offers a comfortable and mellow retreat, no matter the weather outside.

Locals Know Best

Favorite piece of design or architecture in your neighborhood, town, or city: Seattle Art Museum and Chihuly Glass Museum

Best places for thrift store finds, antiques, or flea markets: Indian Summer, Cura Collective, Ballard Consignment, SODO Flea, and Fremont Village Mall

Best farmers' market: Ballard Farmer's Market and Broadway Farmer's Market

Best happy hour: Harry's Fine Foods, Copal, The Nest, and London Plane

Best cheap and cheerful restaurant: Casco Antiguo, Tacos Chukis on Broadway, Saigon Deli in the International District

Best place to experience art and culture: Love City Love, Wa Na Wari, On The Boards, Seattle Art Museum

Best coffee shop: Cafe Barjot and Oddfellows Cafe

If I were to have visitors, I would take them to: Single Shot, Melrose Market, and Plant Shop Seattle

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