From Time-Capsule to Timeless: A Mid-Century Condo Kitchen Before & After

We all love a good before and after transformation, and this lower Queen Anne condo in Seattle is no exception. When this condo was built in 1963 — in the era of the Seattle World’s Fair — its kitchen was designed for a very different way of life. The original layout was small and closed off, and over the decades, almost nothing had changed. Appliances didn’t work. The space was cramped with virtually no counter space. Storage was at a minimum. It was like stepping into a time capsule.

Honoring that history, however, became our north star. The goal wasn’t to wipe away its mid-century character; it was to honor those roots while creating a kitchen and bar area that functioned beautifully for modern life. Clean lines, warm wood tones, and an up-to-date interpretation of 1960s craftsmanship. Our task was to make it feel open to the condo and the views of the Puget Sound; built for entertaining with friends; and relevant without losing its soul.

The Challenges

Because the building is concrete, the renovation had to work around strict structural limitations. Adding new lighting or relocating key utilities was not an option, so the design had to work within those parameters. A soffit was dropped over the island – allowing for electrical and HVAC to be added. The galley kitchen itself was extremely tight and couldn’t expand beyond the windows, so every inch had to be accounted for to get a sink and a full-sized dishwasher at the window. These constraints meant every decision needed to be efficient.

The Transformation

The most dramatic change came from opening the kitchen to the rest of the home and adding a peninsula. This shift transformed the flow completely, allowing the kitchen to become part of the living and dining experience rather than tucked-away. The peninsula also serves multiple purposes: a prep surface, a place for casual meals, and a social hub where guests can gather while someone cooks. The cabinets on the other side of the peninsula are handy for hiding things like the Wi-Fi modem, while the open shelving is prime for displaying their handmade pottery.

Storage was reimagined from the ground up. A “super-pantry” near the refrigerator consolidates dry goods, coffee supplies, and daily essentials in one beautifully organized zone, while a dedicated cleaning closet offers a smart home for everything from the vacuum to step stools. The cabinetry mixes slatted walnut with soft sage-green finishes, creating a palette that feels both mid-century inspired and completely contemporary.

Just beyond the kitchen, the new built-in bar area brings an elevated sense of hospitality to the condo. It is now a beautiful display and storage zone, complete with a wine fridge, shelving for glassware, and a place to share their vintage glasses and curated mementos.

The Result

The results are a game-changer for this small condo -- open, warm, and surprisingly expansive given its size. Where the original kitchen could be hidden behind a sliding wood door, the new version is connected and built for entertaining. It’s now a place where someone can prep dinner while chatting with friends and family at the peninsula or pour a drink from the bar before settling into the living room. The thoughtful storage means the condo stays clean and uncluttered, with every item having a home. And aesthetically, the space strikes a balance that respects the past while fully embracing the needs of modern living.