5 things you need to know when buying waterfront in Washington

Buying a home, while exciting, can be a complex process. Furthermore, purchasing a waterfront home comes with a few special considerations. Ryan Riley of Penrith Home Loans shares several factors that waterfront home shoppers should keep in mind.1. The Co

Ever wanted to experience #WaterfrontLiving? This weekend is your chance

The Washington Waterfront Home Tour is Saturday, June 24 - Sunday, June 25 from 1-4 p.m. daily.This year's waterfront property market is more competitive than ever, and the Waterfront Home Tour gives you the BEST opportunity to check all these houses out I

Washington Waterfront Home Tour: Cape Cod-inspired stunner capitalizes on lakefront views

The classic elegance of the craftsman style gets a west-coast update at 22007 SE 21st Pl in Sammamish, WA. With four bedrooms and three and a quarter bathrooms, this home on the banks of Pine Lake fuses hominess with the breezy beauty of waterfront living

Washington Waterfront Home Tour: Vast estate marries natural beauty with luxury living

This 12,000-square-foot home on Birch Bay is magnificent, but those who appreciate Washington’s natural beauty might well find the property surrounding it even more stupendous.The 65.76-private acres include waterfront, rolling hillsides and private forest

Washington Waterfront Home Tour: French charm meets a modern sensibility

When the gate opens, you instantly feel transported to somewhere in the French countryside. The sweet fragrance of antique rose perfumes the air, and apples and pears grow plump amid the branches of sturdy espalier trees. Finally, as you near the end of th

It doesn't get much better than this $3.9M Kirkland home

This beautiful modern home in Kirkland is EPIC.It was built in 2013 by a builder for himself, right above Lake Washington, within walking distance to downtown and the beach and boasts incredible views. The architecture is exquisite, and no detail was misse

Here’s How to Make Your Garden a Haven for Pollinators

Most of us don’t give much thought to bees and butterflies, but these animals do a lot for us. According to calculations by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, over 75% of all flowering plants rely on animal pollinators and in 2010, pollinators like honey

Historic Sam Hill Mansion selling for $15 million

Sam Hill was a great American businessman, philanthropist, lawyer and advocate in the Pacific Northwest. While you may not recall his name - you probably do know his work, like the Peace Arch between the U.S. and Canada in Blaine, WA, the Maryhill Museum o

This $28M estate is the most expensive property in Washington

Every now and then we like to scour Zillow to see what the most expensive home on the market right now is - not because we're looking to buy (we wish!) - but because we're curious! Color us WAY impressed when we recently searched, and found a little (ok, n

Add-on, schmad-on: This home is just as cool as the original

Private garden, courtyard & waterfall - this Madison Park home has it all

We love the Modern Home Tour! This home, designed by AW Architecture | Interior Design, is located in the Madison Park Neighborhood.

Photos: An urban retreat atop Queen Anne Hill

Photos: This luxury modern home in Mt. Baker is giving us life

100-year-old Roanoke Park home gets the best facelift, ever

*Each day this week we are going to be featuring homes from the 2017 Seattle Modern Home tour, happening this weekend throughout Seattle. Eight houses will be showcased, all accessible from ticket-holders between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 29. Ti

This home boasts some of the only panoramic views on Lake Union

*Each day this week we are going to be featuring homes from the 2017 Seattle Modern Home tour, happening this weekend throughout Seattle. Eight houses will be showcased, all accessible from ticket-holders between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 29. Ti

Photos: Inside a Phinney Ridge phenom

The second home on the eight-stop Modern Home Tour we previewed is on the west slope of Phinney Ridge, with views ranging from next-door neighbor Ballard all the way to the Olympic Mountains.

Modern Home Tour Preview: Luxury Leschi Living

Be swept away in splendor at this beautifully appointed Leschi home.

Photos: We're swooning over this magical $3.5M Magnolia mansion

A Peaceful Getaway IN The City? You're Not Dreaming

Most city-dwellers, whether they’ll admit it or not, like to get away from the hustle and bustle every so often. Unfortunately, escapes are often short-lived vacations that don’t offer a good opportunity to really recharge.There’s an alternative, of course

Behind the Scenes: Renovated Historic Homes in Discovery Park

The Officer’s Row Homes at Fort Lawton in Discovery Park exemplify a thoughtful – and successful – renovation project. Take a look inside and see for yourself! To learn more, visit http://ownfortlawton.com.  

The Renovation of Officer’s Row Homes at Fort Lawton

Renovation is a delicate process when it comes to historic homes. Too heavy a hand robs a structure of its defining characteristics, but too light a touch will leave inhabitants yearning for modern conveniences.The Officer’s Row Homes at Fort Lawton in Dis

This is NOT your grandma's quilt shop

When you think of quilting, do drab dark fabrics and simple appliques come to mind? Well, scrap that outdated notion. At the center of the modern quilt movement is Circa 15 Fabric Studio in Kirkland, WA. Modern quilting uses bold colors, geometric prints

Heard of the 'GurglePot'? Turns out, the creator is from Sumner WA

The story of the GurglePot starts in a small French town. There's where Sumner's Matt Ellison was sitting down to home cooked meals that lasted for hours. The only problem - Matt and his hosts couldn't communicate. They spoke French, and Matt spoke English

This $20m Friday Harbor home is the 2nd most expensive in Western WA

This home is the epitome of what dreams are made of. Actually scratch that - it's more than just a home. It's a full on retreat and oasis located on Friday Harbor that will knock the socks right off of your feet. With seven beds and bathrooms, this gorgeou

Here’s Why Seattle’s Empty Nesters Are Headed Downtown

If you think living in the city is just a Millennial trend, you don’t really understand city living! Empty nesters are among the leading demographics seeking this “lock and leave” lifestyle. Seattle Refined talked to some of the couples flocking downtown t

An insider's guide to entering Seattle's housing market

Seattle is a beautiful Pacific Northwest cultural hub with many satisfied residents and people from out of town who want to move in. That reputation has made housing tricky to find.In fact, Seattle is consistently rated as one of the country's finest citie

5 creative ways to increase your equity

If you're interested in selling your house or condo in the next few years, you know the importance of equity the money you will have, once you've paid off any loans or liens.When you first bought, perhaps you figured you would build equity the old-fashion

How Bath Fitter Solved One Mom’s Bathroom Dilemma

Before Seattle Refined stepped in, Peggy and her three teens shared a single bathroom with an outdated bath tub in it and the experience wasn’t exactly pleasant. None of them had used the bath tub in ages, and Peggy was constantly tormented by the dingy, d

This Furniture Will Help You Make the Most of Tiny Spaces

We hit downtown Seattle’s Alchemy Collections with designers from award-winning design firm Weber Thompson to get advice for living large in small spaces. Here are their best tips for achieving comfort and style in a condo, tiny home or other little space

5 reasons East Village is the best place for Seattle's empty nesters

Becoming an empty nester is a wonderful stage of life. You’ve raised your children well enough they have taken flight and are living adult life with the lessons learned under your wing.Now it’s time to spread your wings and enjoy this stage of life to the

Geeking Out Inside Seattle’s First High-Tech High-Rise, NEXUS

It’s no secret that Seattle is one of the country’s top tech cities and indeed, innovators like Amazon and Microsoft call Seattle home. Others are following. With the construction in the downtown Seattle’s burgeoning East Village, out city will soon be ho

Is It Better to Rent or Buy in the Seattle Market?

Whether it’s best to rent or buy depends on your personal goals first and foremost, but environmental factors play a part too. We turned to area experts Nancy Glover and Carese Busby of Caliber Home Loans for the inside scoop on the Seattle market. Here’s

NEXUS, Seattle's High-Tech High-Rise, is at the Forefront of the City's Urban Evolution

It’s an exciting time for Seattle’s real estate market. The tech boom has attracted thousands of new residents, and they’re all competing for limited real estate, especially downtown. Urban residential developments are springing up to accommodate the influ

Look Inside the Historic Homes on Officer’s Row

It’s not often you find a property that has it all, but the newly debuted homes on Fort Lawton’s Officer’s Row would probably leave even the pickiest people on House Hunters at a loss for complaints.If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ll love the p

Garden Lovers: You Can Buy a Ready-Made Nursery (& Home) on Vashon Island

If you are in the market for a new home and have a green thumb that can't be matched - this home and garden nursery on Vashon Island will rock your socks.Previously owned and operated by DIG Nursery, the 4 bed/2.25 bath home sits on 1.89 acres and is on th

Tour a $5.6 million Mercer Island Majesty

When you get to tour luxury houses as much as we do, it's easy to become jaded. (I know, I know - play us the tiniest violin in the world).But even our mouths dropped when we saw the listing for this $5.6 million 5 bed / 6.5 bath Mercer Island home being s

How to Control Clutter and [Finally!] Get Your Garage Organized

Seattle Refined teamed up with Lowe’s to rescue the Barger family from their cluttered garage and give them a usable storage space that can even fit a car! Here’s what we learned in the process:1. Pegboard is your friendInexpensive and versatile, pegboard

These Condos in Bellevue are Bangin'

The Living Room to End All Living Rooms is on Juanita Bay

This beautiful Bennion Deville home is the epitome of lakefront luxury.

We'd never heard of Finn Hill, but now we want to live there

This beautiful home, listed by The Deol Group, is located in Finn Hill in Kirkland. We admit - we aren’t totally familiar with the area, but after looking at this home we are INTRIGUED. I mean, as intrigued as you can be with a casual price tag of $1,198,0

The Comfiest, Coziest Blankets To Get You Through Winter

Combat the frigid January weeks by entering full-on hibernation mode. With all the upcoming tv premieres, you're going to be spending a lot of time on the couch - you might as well make it as comfortable as possible, right? Check out our five favorite irre

These pottery pieces have a special place [setting] in history

Nestled between the bars and boutiques of Pioneer Square, there's a unique shop with ties to the past. Laguna Pottery stocks pieces with a place (or should we say place setting) in history. The store specializes in vintage American pottery - also known as

Modern Luxury meets Beach Living on Alki

This $4.95M beaut sits on the edge of Discovery Park

We Toured Snow White's Cottage in WA that's selling for $925K

We went to Snow White's cottage in Kitsap County and toured the 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath home for sale. This storybook home features meticulous detail including the hand build doors, painted rock pavers, hand carved wood beams, stained glass windows and more. E

Livin' La Vida Leschi for $2.7M

This brand new, eco-friendly, and drop dead gorgeous home sits on the shores of Lake Washington in the Leschi neighborhood. The luxury home has a price tag of $2,748,888 and it's a real dream. With four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, this 3,748 s

Our 5 Favorite Vendors from the Renegade Craft Fair this Weekend

Here's how much the Griswold's lights would cost in WA

If you’ve ever seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, you’ve probably at one point or another wondered how in the world the Griswold’s were able to afford powering up their 25,000 holiday light display.Yeah, these are the questions that keep us up at

These bathrooms need professional help

Here at Seattle Refined, we are all about makeovers. We've transformed dorms...porches...and now we are ready to take on one of the most treasured rooms of the house.The Bathroom.That's right - we want to spruce up your bathrooom! Are you looking for an up

Easy ways to get festive this Thanksgiving season

Halloween has quickly passed and while there is still plenty of candy lingering in its wake, my thoughts have turned to Thanksgiving. The stores may already be decorated for Christmas but it would be a crime to skip over Thanksgiving decorations at this ti

Photos: First Fort Lawton Officer Row home lists at $2 million

New Seattle high-rise lets you customize your own penthouse

I’ve got some fun penthouse news. Because anything to do with penthouses is just wonderful news.The latest addition to the Seattle high-rise scene is the Kinects, a 41-story tower (currently under construction) that is now offering the option for potential

This Queen Anne home is what dreams are made of

Perched atop Queen Anne hill there is a new ultra-luxe high-performance home selling for $3,845,000 by Windermere. The 5 bed/5 bath home has panoramic views of the Seattle city skyline, Space Needle and Puget Sound. Amenities include soaring ceilings, floo

Photos: Fawn Island selling for $3.48 million

Making old furniture modern and chic

Where others see broken and battered furniture, Chanel Prineas sees possibilities. That's why customers bring their one-of-a-kind family heirlooms to her shop, Coco's House.  She's able to look beyond bad paint and outdated upholstery to the essence of the

5 easy ways to spruce up your home for fall

Time to break out the cozy blankets, warm pillows and autumn decor. Here are 5 ways to get your abode in the fall spirit, from leafy wall hangings to ornamental gourds and plaid blankets.Show off your love for the Harvest season with a HARVEST Burlap Garla

19 vogue vases that will transform your living spaces

We never knew that vases could be so flossy. But these vases, my friends - are so flossy. With a little help from our friends at Wayfair, ATGStores.com and Porch, we bring you the vases of your interior designer dreams.Hanging cylinder vase - $59.99 Add a

Floating Home Tour: The Ultimate Prize

Floating Home Tour: Cabin on the Water

Floating Home Tour: Nautical, Traditional

The 2016 Floating Home Tour featured thirteen floating homes along Portage Bay. We were able to sneak into a couple early, and will profile one a day for the next week. Next up is a slightly more traditioinal floating homes than the others we've seen so fa

Downtown Seattle penthouse closes for $7.15M after 8 years on market

Floating Home Tour: Cozy with Character

Floating Home Tour: A POP of color on the water

Floating Home Tour: Modern Minimalist

This Sedro-Woolley winery is selling for $1.1M

If scientists are right, these homes will be underwater by 2100

And no I don’t mean financially.Zillow studied how many U.S. homes would be underwater if sea levels follow climate scientists’ predictions and rise six feet by 2100. Using data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Zillow identified wh

Move over glassybaby, there's a new candle company in town

If you like to spice up your gift-giving with a charitable donation, glassybaby has always been a good option here in Seattle . But now there’s a new candle company on the block which has put donating at the very heart of its business model.Only 17-years-o

Swing from these 9 amazing chandeliers (wait plz don't)

Let their be light! Lighting a room is important (duh), but it can also be done with flair. Even Sia knows they're important. Those gorgeous chandeliers you see in dream homes aren't just for the rich and famous, Wayfair, Porch and ATGStores.com helped up

Photos: You can buy Ryan Lewis’ Magnolia Mansion for $9.45 million

This is what $7M gets you in Medina

Because we can never get enough of luxury homes.This house is so gorgeous, I actually don't think there are words that can do it justice. Tere Foster listed this brand new constructed estate in Medina for almost $7M. Here's some of the basics:It's a brand

23 ways to take your outdoor dining to the next level

Want to live in one of the smallest municipalities in Western WA?

Even if you've lived in Seattle your whole life, you might not have heard of Beaux Arts Village. It's tucked on the eastern shore of Lake Washington just north of I-90, and only has a population of 300 residents (making it one of the smallest municipalitie

Here's one of the largest penthouses available in a Seattle high-rise

A penthouse that has both a solid Seattle history but with new modern charm is what dreams are made of.The Panorama Penthouse apartments have been around since 1962 which was the same year as the Seattle World's Fair. However, in the past year the building

Here's how to have the best Fourth of July celebration, at home

The Fourth of July is only days away and if you are looking for a chill way to celebrate at home, look no further! We have rounded up some of the best recipes, drink options, backyard games and decorations to pull off the Best Fourth of July Backyard Celeb

Tour the $3.6 million Lopez Island home with the ultimate backyard

This home is on Shark Reef Road, but don't be scared. It's one of the most beautiful things you've ever seen.Lopez Island is one of the quieter islands of the San Juans - it doesn't get as many tourists but is equally as beautiful and quaint.But...we woul

Homes with this color kitchen sell for $1,360 above expected

Nice try! You think we'd give it away in the picture or summary?!

Metallic home decor - yay or nay?

We say yay, and our partnersPorch, Wayfair andATGStores.com agree. Take a look at these 11 tinny splashes of glam to add to your household, and just see if you don't fall in love with at least one!1. Rose Gold Pendant - $458If you're like us you pretty m

Musician Steve Miller's Friday Harbor home is STILL on the market for $14.8M

Home Tour: Alta Vista View is just...perfection

Just when we think we have found our favorite house in the city, we find another. And another. And another. Our current crush is on this home, Alta Vista View (we still fall for homes with names - there's just something so classy about it!)Located on 145th

Vote Now: Which of these porches deserves a makeover?

Entries have been gathered and the judges have spoken! Here are the Final 3 porches that we think...cough....need the most love.Porch A Boring, Old & UglyThis 1919 house could use a bright light, a new Welcome Mat, and perhaps a splash of color! Owner says

Photos: Seattle goes wild over glassybaby Seconds Sale

Hundreds of shoppers packed the Glassy Baby warehouse in South Seattle for Glassy Baby's Second Sale. Anything that was deemed not perfect for the retail store or older designs are sold for discounted prices. Shoppers lined up hours before doors opened a

Watch: 15 photos of spectacular Washington waterfront homes

The Washington Waterfront Home Tour is Saturday, June 11 - Sunday, June 12, 2016. This year's waterfront property market is more competitive than ever, and the Waterfront Home Tour gives you the BEST opportunity to find the right property, in the right loc

Watch: These waterfront homes will make you want to move today

The Washington Waterfront Home Tour returns Saturday, June 11 - Sunday, June 12, 2016. This year's waterfront property market is more competitive than ever, and the Waterfront Home Tour gives you the BEST opportunity to find the right property, in the righ

Wanna see 6,322 square feet of pure luxury?

Well here it is. There aren't words to articulate how beautiful this home is, so I'm going to let the gallery do all the talking. But - I will include some of the highlights:It's called La Belle Maison, so you immediately know it's classy and luxurious$3,7

This South Lake Union Houseboat is What Dreams Are Made Of

Koi Ponds, Waterfalls, Zen Gardens - is this home in Bali or Seattle?

First and foremost - just wow. This home is as close as we are ever going to come to Bali, in Washington state.The 6,600 square foot property is a private compound that surrounds a 1954 mid-century house designed by architect Ibsen Nelsen, FAIA (Museum of

Photos: Tour a house made for summer in Seattle

Architect Jim Dwyer of BDR Homes knew what he was doing when he designed this 3,500 square foot home in Kirkland. The 4 bedroom home has a covered outdoor room with heaters, a fireplace, and TV - and the rooftop decks gives the home an airy and expansive

7 Chic DIY Gifts for Mother's Day

Moms love receiving handmade presents for Mother's Day, especially when the gifts are pretty and chic! Here are seven stylish ideas you can make. Whether your mother enjoys relaxing in the bathtub, wearing sparkly jewels or receiving fresh flowers, there's

This is what a house designed for avid gardeners looks like

*Each day this week we are going to be featuring homes from the 2016 Seattle Modern Home tour, which took place this past weekend. Next in line? A house for avid gardeners.The owners of this house were clear when they came toThomas Schaer of SHED Archite

This urban PNW beach cabin is small but mighty

*Each day this week we are going to be featuring homes from the 2016 Seattle Modern Home tour, which took place this weekend. Next in line? The CLTHouse.This house is definitely not the largest around town - in fact, it's only 1,500 square feet. But that

Houseboat of Our Dreams: Complete with underwater window, "floating islands"

*Each day this week we are going to be featuring homes from the 2016 Seattle Modern Home tour, which took place this weekend. Next in line? Only the coolest houseboat ever.This houseboat has a dramatic history - and we're not talking Bachelor drama, we're

This Greenwood home uses 90% less energy than standard codes

*Each day this week we are going to be featuring homes from the 2016 Seattle Modern Home tour, which took place this weekend. First up? The Palantine House.Yes, 90 percent less energy. And....it looks pretty darn cool too, don't you think?The Greenwood hom

Preview: 5th Annual Seattle Modern Home Tour

Out with the old and in with the new. Goodbye bungalow style, hello smart house!The annual Seattle Modern Home Tour is scheduled for Saturday, April 30th, and gives the curious an up-close and personal tour of some modern homes in the area. In other words,

What amenities do millennials most want in their apartments?

Seattle's got the supply, but what is the demand?!4,279 new apartments popped up in Seattle's inventory last year, so LinkedIn conducted a survey that measured just what millennials are demanding from their place of dwelling. So what amenities are attracti

The most expensive houses in the state, ranked by city

If you're like us, real estate values in Seattle and the greater area scare - but also fascinate - you. We thought it might be interesting to go on Zillow, and find out what the most expensive home in some Western Washington cities really are.Here they ar

Real estate listings with these phrases sold quicker in Seattle metro

Calling all people who are trying to sell their house! My mom and dad are so, pay attention, parentals.Zillow Digscompleted an analysis on what terms in real estate listings spiked the interest of buyers and increased sales, and you might be a bit surpris