The Top Home Decor Shops in Seattle for Pacific Northwest Design
These natural surroundings impact the decorative decisions we make within our homes
By Jennifer McCullum April 14, 2016
This article originally appeared in the May 2016 issue of Seattle magazine.
From lush evergreens to sparkling Puget Sound to, yes, skies that display every possible shade of gray, the Pacific Northwest is a uniquely beautiful environment to live in. These natural surroundings impact the decorative decisions we make within our homes, so we’ve broken down these regional design influences and matched them with our favorite stores to help you discover where to find each look.
1. NATURAL HABITAT
While homes are built to shelter us from the wind and the rain, the Great Outdoors still always seems to find its way in
The look: A Lake Cle Elum retreat designed by Seattle-based Johnston Architects, featured in Seattle magazine July 2015
Hanging glass terrariums, $38–$64, and urchin textured ceramic pots, $34–$48, are just a few of the ways Glasswing clothing and home goods shop helps bring the outdoors inside. Capitol Hill, 1525 Melrose Ave.; 206.641.7646; glasswingshop.com
Owner Chris Tirtoprodjo named his store Tirto Furniture in a nod to the family furniture business, which his father started in his hometown of Blitar, Indonesia. All of the exceptional, originally designed pieces, such as this rosewood and teak root Segi coffee table, $1,775, are still created in the Blitar workshop. Capitol Hill, 1908 E Mercer St.; 206.322.0597; tirtofurniture.com
Good things come in small packages at Niche Outside, a shop of less than 300 square feet that’s tucked away in Chophouse Row. Pop in to score naturally beautiful finds, such as this Faribault 100 percent virgin wool throw blanket, $180. Capitol Hill, 1424 11th Ave.; 206.939.7913; nicheoutside.com
Mort’s Cabin, the rustic retail shop named for owner Darold Andersen’s father, offers one-of-a-kind lighting inspired by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. This antler lamp, $348, features a hand-cut deer-hide shade constructed by Andersen. Eastlake, 2241 Eastlake Ave. E; 206.323.6678; mortscabin.com
Interior image: Benjamin Woolsey; pots & terrariums: glasswing; table: tirto furniture; throw & lamp: Hayley Young
2. MODERN LUXURY
Elegant neutrals, architectural silhouettes and the play between pattern and texture characterize Seattle’s transitional interiors
The look: Interiors for this Broadmoor residence by designer Christian Grevstad, featured in Seattle magazine October 2015
Veritables continues owner Marie Harris’ tradition of uncompromising taste with luxury finds, like this zebra patterned lumbar pillow, $225, and wool blend whipstitch throw blanket, $240. Bellevue, 10220 Main St.; 425.455.8335; veritablesdecor.com
Stepping into Kelie Grosso’s Maison Luxe feels like an invitation to enter the most gorgeous modern-day parlor with items such as this porcelain lamp, $420. Madison Park, 2806 E Madison St.; 206.405.2828; maisonluxe.net
New store Adorn offers an indulgent array of Belgian linen bedding, luxe wallpaper patterns and other fine items for the home, such as this antique brass and iron tray, $480. Phinney Ridge, 7003 Third Ave. NW; 206.399.0910; adorn.house
Designer Carrie Hayden’s showroom, Hayden Collective, ups the glam factor in Pacific Northwest interiors with featured pieces like this Kelly Wearstler “Melange” club chair, $5,235, and Arteriors blackened iron and brass keepsake box, $225. Capitol Hill, 500 E Pike St.; 206.448.9405; carriehayden.com
Interior image: Benjamin Woolsey; pillow & blanket: Hayley Young; chair: E.J. Victor; Box, tray & lamp: Arteriors
3. ANTIQUES & CURIOSITIES
One-of-a-kind items and hidden treasures are tucked away in some of this city’s most historic homes
The look: An early 1900s-style parlor in First Hill, featured in Seattle magazine January 2014
Husband and wife Ryan and Michele Tansey seek out vintage finds like this Anadol hand-knotted Turkish carpet, price upon request, to stock their shop, Homestead Seattle. By appointment and open for walk-ins on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Capitol Hill, 411 E Pine St.; 206.588.5519; homesteadseattle.com
One of the newest destinations for Seattle antique shopping, Rook offers a treasure trove of dramatic lighting and custom furniture, such as this iron side table, $1,800, made from salvaged grating from the 19th century, designed by owners Theresa and Jeff Fotheringill. SoDo, 241 S Lander St.; 206.747.5463; Facebook, “Rook Antique Store”
Wandering the aisles of Pacific Galleries antique mall is a celebrated Seattle shopping adventure yielding coveted pieces like this 1930s cut crystal wall sconce, $48.50. SoDo, 241 S Lander St.; 206.292.3999; pacgal.com
Explore the curated collection of 20th-century artist Paulina Everitt’s work, including this ink-wash sketch, $2,150, among cultural objects, vintage jewelry and tribal art from around the world at Bobbie Medlin. Belltown, 2006 First Ave.; 206.728.6564; bobbiemedlin.com
Score pieces like this 1920s European leather wingback chair, $3,250, at the first Seattle location of Big Daddy’s Antiques, which opened this past fall. SoDo, 1911 First Ave. S; 206.566.6973; bdantiques.com
Interior image, sketch and sconce: Hayley Young; carpet: Ryan Tansey; table: Jeff Fotheringill; chair: Big Daddy’s Antiques
4. ALL AT SEA
From Lake Washington to Puget Sound, these seaside-inspired items celebrate Seattle’s connection to the water
The look: A Queen Anne living room designed by Ballard-based Pulp Design Studios, featured in Seattle magazine July 2014
Salt House Mercantile‘s second location opened in December and boasts the same adorable selection of small home wares and kitchen items as are found at the Bainbridge Island shop. Sir/Madam whale mug, $14. Madison Valley, 2812 E Madison St.; Facebook, “Salt House Mercantile”
Eastside gift shop Hedge & Vine‘s curated collection of decorative objects proves it’s the little things that count. Floral block-print frame, $30. Bellevue, 10028 Main St.; 425.451.7872; hedgeandvine.com
Graphic striped Ana candles such as this ivory and black patterned pair, $24, are a staple in Ted Kennedy Watson’s home decor shops. Downtown, Watson Kennedy Fine Living, 86 Pine St., 206.443.6281; and Watson Kennedy Fine Home, 1022 First Ave., 206.652.8350; watsonkennedy.com
Owner Pamela Robinson travels around the world, filling her shop, Red Ticking, with an incredible collection of vintage textiles to make custom creations, like this indigo ikat bolster, $350, and these Throw pillows, $250. Madison Park, 2802 E Madison St.; 206.322.9890; redticking.com
Interior image: Alexander Crook; all at sea items: Hayley Young
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