This addition project allowed us to utilize an unused and available space that would elevate this property’s value and livability. The existing crawlspace, previously a rudimentary expanse of dirt, support posts, and rudimentary retaining walls. This transformation wasn’t just about adding square footage; it was reimagined into an exquisitely designed living space by adding an additional bedroom, bathroom and entertainment room. The crawlspace was meticulously excavated and reinforced to accommodate the new design.
Structural supports were upgraded, and the area was fully waterproofed to ensure longevity and comfort. A new bedroom was crafted for both functionality and designed to tie-into the homes existing aesthetic, including high ceilings and ample lighting. The bathroom, which was accessible from the bedroom and hallway to add convenience, featuring a walk-in shower finished with premium marble and porcelain tiles.
Cherry wood cabinetry from Merit Cabinets was installed for the vanity with ample storage, topped with sleek quartz countertops, combining contemporary aesthetics with high functionality. The family room was designed for both relaxation and social gatherings, highlighted by custom built-in bookcases that add both style and practical storage solutions. Newly constructed stairs provide a seamless transition from the existing home to the newly added space.
The stairs are not merely functional but also allowed for a new storage closet to be included underneath. The new living space features white oak engineered hardwood flooring, chosen for its durability and ties the new addition cohesively with the existing home, ensuring a unified look.
This project is a testament to visionary design and strategic execution, transforming an underutilized area into a high-value, functional living space. It stands as a prime example of how thoughtful renovation can redefine a property’s potential.
In design, we bring characteristics of the natural world into built spaces, such as water, greenery, and natural light, or elements like wood and stone. Encouraging the use of natural systems and processes in design allows for exposure to nature, and in turn, these design approaches improve health and wellbeing. There are a number of possible benefits, including reduced heart rate variability and pulse rates, decreased blood pressure, and increased activity in our nervous systems, to name a few.
Over time, our connections to the natural world diverged in parallel with technological developments. Advances in the 19th and 20th centuries fundamentally changed how people interact with nature. Sheltered from the elements, we spent more and more time indoors. Today, the majority of people spend almost 80-90% of their time indoors, moving between their homes and workplaces. As interior designers embrace biophilia.
Establishing multi-sensory experiences, we can design interiors that resonate across ages and demographics. These rooms and spaces connects us to nature as a proven way to inspire us, boost our productivity, and create greater well-being. Beyond these benefits, by reducing stress and enhancing creativity, we can also expedite healing. In our increasingly urbanized cities, biophilia advocates a more humanistic approach to design. The result is biophilic interiors that celebrate how we live, work and learn with nature. The term translates to ‘the love of living things’ in ancient Greek (philia = the love of / inclination towards), and was used by German-born American psychoanalyst Erich Fromm in The Anatomy of Human Destru ctiveness (1973).
Ready to elevate your home with our comprehensive construction services? Contact Malama Design & Build today to discuss your project and schedule a consultation. Discover how our expertise in fireplaces, countertops, flooring, painting, and outdoor living spaces can transform your home in Bellevue, Washington, and the surrounding areas.
10220 NE 1st Place #101, Bellevue, WA
