A renovation project on Mercer Island brings light and luxury to life  

Perched on the north shore of Mercer Island, the 1962 mid-century modern home offers sweeping views of Lake Washington. The property was thoughtfully renovated by Dyna Builders, with architectural design by Janice Wettstone and interiors crafted by Kristi Steffen of Dyna Design. Though its bones were strong, years of updates had left the home feeling dated and dark. The renovation preserved the home’s iconic mid-century character while introducing modern livability, enhanced light, and a sense of understated luxury. 

Transforming spaces 

Central to the design was the reorganization of the main living spaces, particularly the kitchen. The existing layout lacked flow, making for an awkward and undefined space that lacked connection to the outside and the lake view. By reconfiguring circulation paths and adding a generous island, the kitchen transformed into a functional and inviting hub, now connected seamlessly to a newly installed deck via a wide sliding glass door. This change improved circulation and created a natural transition between indoor entertaining and the outdoor lakeside setting. 

 The entryway received a dramatic update, featuring a custom pivot door fabricated by the Dyna metal shop. This striking element balances privacy with glimpses of light and lake views, setting the tone for the interplay of mid-century and modern throughout the interiors. Sleek metal railings, custom fabricated by Dyna, replaced dated drywall pony walls, and introduced light and transparency to the stairwell.  

Luxe details 

In the living room, original fir beams were stained darker to complement newly added herringbone oak floors. The design retained the original fireplace, updating it with a luminous onyx hearth fitted with LED lighting for a soft, golden glow. Downstairs, the layout was largely preserved, with four bedrooms and a sunken family room offering privacy and flexible functionality. Updates included new finishes, refreshed bathrooms, and a custom hot tub discreetly situated off the lower patio. Structural enhancements, including the removal of posts and the installation of steel beams at the patio, opened the lower level’s view and helped integrate it into the larger flow of the home. 

 The renovation also introduced luxe details, including elegant light fixtures, jewel-toned cabinetry, and custom furnishings. These elements strike a balance between preserving the home’s Modernist ethos while layering in contemporary glamor. The result is a residence that celebrates its mid-century origins while embracing a refined, comfortable, and distinctly Northwest lifestyle.   

Project Team 

• Architecture: Wettstone Studio, Janice Wettstone
• Contractor: Dyna Builders, Ren Chandler
• Interior Design: Dyna Design, Kristi Steffen
• Landscape Architecture: Studio Terrain, Lauren Galante
• Landscaping: Terrain Seattle
• Photography: Rafael Soldi  

Project Data

• Location: Mercer Island, WA
• Size: 4,200 square feet
• Specs: 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, office, home gym, sauna, custom spa

Product Info 

• Appliances: Sub Zero & Wolf
• Wallpaper: Gucci, Kelly Wearstler
• Cabinet Hardware: Buster & Punch
• Designer Tile: Ann Sacks, Kelly Wearstler for Ann Sacks, Terrazzo
• Countertops: Calacatta Gold Extra Select
• Rugs: Kelly Wearstler
• Sunken Living Room Fireplace: Onyx Crema
• Spa: Diamond Spas & Pools
• Sauna: Sunlighten
• Furniture: Womb Chair, Barcelona Chair, Eames Chair, Mah Jong Missoni couch, Camaleonda X Stella McCarney B & B Italia sofa 
• Custom Lighting: Apparatus Studio – 3 light fixtures, main one in living room
• Art Lighting: Ralph Lauren
• Art Curator: Carol Lee Pryor, art pieces available upon request.
• Shades: Lutron
• Sliders: Fleetwood

www.dyna.builders  

Dyna Builders is a Seattle-based custom builder of high-quality, distinctive homes. Its projects traverse aesthetic boundaries and are not limited to a particular style; instead, it respects a home’s character and strive to make it the best it can be. Every project is unique, which is why it assembles the best team for each build and collaborates with some of the most notable architects and designers in the Pacific Northwest.