LESCHI RENOVATION DESIGN

Mid-Century Split Level turned Mid-Scandi Modern

The One Where Minimalism Framed the View

The new year in the life of Refern:  

• 🏚️ We’re actively looking for our next flip investment with the hopes of closing mid-Feb.

• 👷 The renovation of the Leschi Residence is underway and it’s time for the design to shine!

• 🏡 Jason and I are looking for an investment property to purchase as our primary residence— yes, you think we're crazy but we're excited about how our experiences as designers and real estate insights can make it a meaningful, profitable (and fun!) opportunity.

The Leschi Residence

What you need to know about this project—The owners purchased the home in the fall of 2024 and soon after began renovations themselves. During the summer of 2025, they brought on Refern (aka me!) to bring together some of their ideas into a comprehensive design vision. Detailing custom millwork, selecting materials and fixtures, then tying it all together to bring their dream home to life.

Inspired by the Pacific Northwest, the design vision was to blend the clean minimalism and cozy warmth of Scandinavian design with the organic forms and wood tones of Mid-Century Modern. New bedrooms will have custom millwork to house books and decor, bathrooms will evoke a spa-like experience, and the kitchen’s clean lines and vast windows orient you to views across the lake and to the iconic Mt Rainier. The 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home will also add a mother-in-law suite and an additional bathroom on the lower level to accommodate parent stays for babysitting in the near future or allow for short-term rental in the future!

The Vibe and Inspiration

Visualizing the Design

Each zone of the house was designed with an overarching concept, that supported the larger vision for the house. As the design evolved, we were always able to come back to these themes to ensure each decision we made supported the goals of the design.

• The Gathering Spaces | Light and airy of earthy accents, maximizing views

• The Primary Suite | A grounded stillness, refreshing yet lush

• Bedrooms | Soft, organic and simply clean

• Mother-in-Law Suite | Rejuvenating, calm and a cool escape

The Befores

In case you're curious about what this home looked like before— It was simple but outdated and though it's situated on a property with view of Mt. Rainier and Lake Washington, it lacked a design that maximized the natural light and views. We reoriented some of the main living spaces to increase the transparency, sight-lines and let the scenery shine. Materials compliment the natural surroundings with warm neutrals and muted earth notes.

Finish Selection Process

One of the most fun parts of the job— seeing how all the finishes, colors and textures will come together. It's like I need a studio or something instead of my back patio... 😏

Tips for Home Renovators:

• Nooks & Niches  | Maximizing storage in homes is never under-appreciated. Find creative ways to incorporate extra shelving, closets, niches and discrete storage components to make hiding all the 'stuff' easy!

• Pick Plumbing Fixtures Early | You may be ready to bring your plumbing in to rough-in new piping. Until he asks what shower faucets you are using... Each fixture brand typically has a unique valve that will need to be installed while studs are exposed, so make your selections early!

• Vision vs Piecemeal | If designing your home renovation yourself, begin with a comprehensive plan and make decisions before starting the work. It will avoid potential re-dos and additional costs.

Hope you enjoyed a sneak-peak into the design process for this one!

Cheers to a new year and some new projects,

refern (aka Rachel)