Seeking to balance family life in Seattle with time spent on their working farm in the San Juan Islands, the owners of Rad Trad turned to Best Practice Architecture to design a right-sized home that met their needs without sacrificing style or function. The project transforms an existing urban infill site, introducing a new dwelling that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood—a 1,315-square-foot home that embraces contemporary concepts and traditional styling.
Prioritizing spatial efficiency, Best Practice employed strategic design moves to maintain a modest footprint while maximizing outdoor connections. Rather than adding a full second story, the team incorporated a loft, taking advantage of the site’s underutilized space without maximizing lot coverage or building height. A bold asymmetrical gable roof unifies the design, offering shade and weather protection at the entry. The layout places the primary suite at the front, the office and entry at the center, and an open living, kitchen, and dining area at the back, where expansive sliding glass doors connect to the yard. Forgoing a full garage in favor of a shed allowed Best Practice to capture valuable exterior square footage.
Created for casual family gatherings, the vaulted living area—anchored by exposed wood collar ties and a central fireplace—is ideal for lively dinner parties and Sunday pancakes with grandkids. A striking alternating tread staircase leads to the loft, tucked beneath a south-facing dormer. Best Practice collaborated with Harriot Valentine to define the roof truss profile, carving out space for a cozy bunkroom and a tucked-away painting studio.
Continuity and functionality guide the home’s interiors. A neutral palette and custom cabinetry create a sense of cohesion throughout the compact footprint. The kitchen features a white oak and quartzite island, complemented by soapstone countertops, warm white tiles, and mixed metal hardware. Shaker-style cabinets extend from the kitchen into the entryway, creating a built-in display and storage wall that separates the hall from the office. This flexible space effortlessly converts into a guest room, with work essentials concealed behind doors and drawers. In the primary suite, floor-to-ceiling shaker casework replaces traditional closets, maximizing storage while minimizing bulk. The bathrooms blend modern simplicity with classic charm—clean-lined cabinetry, vertically stacked tiles, and natural stone are paired with playful lighting, patterned wallpaper, and antique decor collected by the homeowners.
Rad Trad embodies both contemporary sensibility and traditional influences, striking a balance between warmth, nostalgia, and expressive design. The result is a home that feels both timeless and refreshingly new—a reflection of its owners’ unique needs and lifestyle.
Architect: Best Practice Architecture
Contractor: Summit Development
Engineer: Harriott Valentine Engineers
Landscape Design: Stillpoint Studio
Cabinetry: Spencer Cabinets, LLC
Kitchen Island: Cooper Woodworks
Photographer: Rafael Soldi