EAST OF MARKET | 1525 4TH ST, KIRKLAND, WA
Exceptional privacy meets modern sophistication in this meticulously maintained East of Market home. A perfect layout with five bedrooms, including a main-level guest suite, dedicated offices on both the main and upper floors, and a spacious bonus room designed for flexibility, work, and entertaining.
MLS 2465920
Home is more than a place. It is the backdrop of our lives, the quiet witness to everyday moments, and the setting where our most meaningful memories unfold. It is where intention meets instinct, where design supports how we live today while quietly anticipating what we will need tomorrow.
In this March Home issue, we explore what it truly means to live well through spaces thoughtfully designed to elevate both form and function. From the homes that anchor our community to the creative professionals shaping how we experience them, this issue celebrates the art of intentional living.
Across the Eastside, we are seeing a shift in how people think about home. Luxury today is no longer defined solely by scale or finish, but by flow, privacy, wellness, and adaptability. Buyers are seeking spaces that support connection and restoration in equal measure. Architects and designers are responding with purpose-driven designs that consider not just aesthetics, but lifestyle, longevity, and the human experience at the center of every space.
This issue takes you inside that evolution. You will discover how architecture can be both visionary and deeply personal, how interiors can nurture well-being, and how outdoor environments can become true extensions of the home, designed for gathering, grounding, and escape. Each story reflects a shared philosophy: that the most impactful spaces are created through collaboration, clarity, and care.
We are proud to feature many of our trusted partners who continue to shape Bellevue’s residential landscape with integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Their work reminds us that great design is not about trends, it is about intention.
As you turn these pages, we hope you feel inspired to reimagine your own spaces and consider how thoughtful design can enhance the way you live, host, rest, and grow. Whether you are building, renovating, or simply dreaming, may this issue serve as a source of ideas and inspiration for creating a home that truly reflects you.
Warmly,
ROBINSON, PUBLISHER
March 2026
PUBLISHER
Taylor Robinson | taylor.robinson@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Amber Dawn Schultheis, Bree O’Brien, Michelle Parnell, Susie Naficy
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bryan Anderson of First Drop Media, Dawning Memories, Jennie Secord, Kara Mercer, Panravee Photography, Sumaira Amber, Tim Van Asselt
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Dr. Fredric Stern is a renowned and trusted expert in facial rejuvenation. Voted Best Cosmetic Surgeon in Best of Bellevue Lifestyle Magazine several years running, he has dedicated over 25 years to perfecting the art of facial aesthetics.
With a wealth of surgical experience in procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) endoscopic brow lifts, facelifts, and neck lifts, Dr. Stern is celebrated for achieving natural-looking results. Through non-surgical options like laser resurfacing, facial injectables, and PRP for both hair and facial rejuvenation, he ensures patients achieve a naturally refreshed and youthful appearance.
Discover why Dr. Stern is recognized as the best in Bellevue. Schedule a consultation today to explore your personalized path to facial harmony.
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| 425-455-9100
WHERE
Built Green Awards and Holiday Party 1: Guests mingle and enjoy hors d’oeuvres at the Mountaineers Seattle Program Center 2: Icons in the green building industry were recognized for their contributions over the years 3: Emcees Anthony Maschmedt, Dwell Development Principal and Tadashi Shiga, VP Land Division at Realogics Sotheby’s 4: Part awards ceremony, part holiday party, the event celebrated 25 years of Built Green homes 5: Program Manager Bree O’Brien with AVI Design Studio’s Vitalii Mitrianu and NW Build’s Ivan Turchik 6: Event sponsor King County GreenTools’ Kinley Deller, with Blindheim Company representatives and the emcees 7: Attendees enjoy socializing after the awards recipients were honored at the 2026 Built Green Awards Photography by Maurice Photo, Inc.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
The Curious Builder Collective is launching on the West Coast, offering a new peer-led community for builders in Los Angeles and Washington. Designed for professionals seeking practical, real-world insight, the Collective focuses on collaboration, shared problem-solving, and applying lessons directly to day-today business decisions. Facilitated by industry expert Stacy Eakman, the West Coast Collective emphasizes local connection, actionable strategies, and learning from what’s happening on the ground. Builders can learn more and register online through curiousbuilder.com.
On March 9th, Spring arrives at Nelson Farm with Springfest, a joyful gathering that reflects life at Suncadia. Set among open fields and blooming landscapes, the event invites families and neighbors to celebrate the season outdoors. Music, hands-on activities, and local food create an easy rhythm of connection and play. Free and open to the public, Springfest offers a glimpse into a community rooted in nature, where coming together is simply part of everyday life.
This March 13th Ladies Who Lunch welcomes Anna Popov of Interiors by Popov for an engaging conversation on Neuro Design—the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and interior design. Discover how our brains respond to space, color, light, texture, and layout, and learn how intentional design can influence mood, productivity, well-being, and behavior. Anna will share insights from her design practice, emerging research, and realworld applications that are reshaping how we create meaningful interiors.
A well-built home deserves thoughtful, ongoing care. Hamor+Naegl’s Service and Maintenance division brings the same custom-driven approach we’re known for into every repair and main tenance plan. Our team evaluates your home’s materials, environmental exposure, and daily use to develop a tailored care strategy—then manages it seamlessly through every season with the craftsmen you already trust. To learn more about our service program and special introductory offers for new clients, contact us at care@hamorandnaegl.com
our Life is Better at The Lake project Design + Build by Common Formme
Where thoughtful design and careful construction work hand in hand, guided by natural materials and the rhythms of daily life, to support a more grounded way of living.
How John Buchan Homes Creates Custom Residences That Perform Quietly Every Day
ARTICLE BY SUSIE NAFICY
You have spent your career designing systems that are elegant under pressure. You value clarity, reliability, and solutions that disappear into the background because they work exactly as intended. A strategically designed home can deliver that same effect. When done well, it amplifies your energy, simplifies daily routines, and turns ordinary moments into seamless experiences.
This philosophy sits at the center of the work of John Buchan Homes. Their residences are conceived as integrated systems rather than collections of features, with the goal of making everyday life feel lighter, calmer, and more intuitive.
A truly custom home should operate the way your best products do. It should support momentum, create ease, and enhance how you live without asking for attention. Visual drama is not the objective. The objective is a living environment that strengthens focus, privacy, hosting, and recovery through intentional design.
Think of a custom home as an operating system. When the architecture is sound and the infrastructure is thoughtfully planned, everything else runs smoothly.
“Luxury is not about more options. It is about fewer points of friction.”
In high performing organizations, strategy comes before design. The same principle applies to building a home.
Before materials are selected or renderings are reviewed, the most important work is defining what success looks like. The most effective custom homes begin with a clear articulation of outcomes. This front loaded clarity is central to the John Buchan Homes process, where planning decisions are guided by daily performance rather than surface appeal.
That means understanding how your household truly functions from day to day. It means identifying where privacy matters, how movement flows, and how spaces support both independence and connection. It means designing for a Tuesday morning as deliberately as a Saturday evening.
Consider how you spend most days. Are you working in long, focused blocks? Are you hosting frequently, both socially and professionally? Are you coordinating complex family schedules? Each answer shapes the architecture.
Capturing these priorities in a concise home specification creates alignment across the entire project. It becomes a decision framework that keeps the design clear, disciplined, and intentional.
Many luxury homes are designed to be admired. The best homes are designed to be lived in.
A more effective approach is to organize the residence around distinct modes of living that repeat every week.
Mornings benefit from efficiency. A thoughtfully planned home supports momentum with intuitive paths from garage to entry to drop zone. Storage lives where items naturally land. Breakfast and coffee routines feel calm, organized, and unrushed.
Work thrives on focus. A true home office is shaped by acoustic separation, controlled lighting, clean air, and intentional circulation. The rest of the home can remain active while work stays uninterrupted.
Hosting should feel natural. Public spaces are legible and welcoming. Kitchens encourage conversation as much as cooking. Secondary prep areas keep the experience polished. Outdoor living performs across seasons, not just peak summer months.
Evenings and weekends invite recovery. Bedrooms function as quiet environments with consistent temperature and lighting control. Wellness features are integrated for durability and simplicity. Spaces encourage decompression rather than accumulation.
“A well designed home does not feel larger. It feels clearer.”
What defines a premium home is rarely what draws attention first. It is what you experience over time.
Quiet is shaped through window performance, wall assemblies, zoning, and mechanical planning. Air quality is supported through balanced ventilation, filtration, and humidity control. Thermal comfort comes from real zoning and thoughtful glazing placement. Lighting is layered and programmable to support both circadian rhythm and hospitality.
Most importantly, these systems perform consistently. Whether you are home or traveling, the house responds the same way every day. This reliability is a hallmark of homes built by John Buchan Homes, where durability and predictability are treated as essential design outcomes. If there is one place where investment compounds, it is comfort and durability. These are not upgrades. They are the foundation of a home that supports long term wellbeing.
One of the most overlooked challenges of custom building is decision fatigue. When every element is treated as a unique choice, progress slows and clarity erodes.
High performing projects rely on defaults.
A core material palette creates cohesion. Standardized trim profiles, door styles, and hardware reduce visual noise. Approved options for variable elements streamline decisions while preserving character.
This approach protects personalization. It reserves attention for moments that matter most. The arrival sequence. The view. The kitchen experience. The primary suite. The systems behind the walls.
Technology evolves quickly. Infrastructure should endure.
The most successful homes are designed to adapt gracefully. Structured wiring, accessible technology zones, and serviceable pathways allow for future upgrades without disruption. Power planning anticipates electric vehicles, increased loads, and resilient backup strategies. Network design assumes constant connectivity and remote work as a permanent condition.
The objective is flexibility. A home should evolve smoothly over time.
Luxury in Bellevue is inherently understated. It values privacy, efficiency, and calm.
Privacy begins with architecture and landscape working together. Sightlines are considered. Entries feel welcoming yet discreet. Deliveries and packages are handled without overtaking the front door.
Daily flow matters. Homes that perform well here make demanding weeks easier. Garage to kitchen paths stay protected from weather. Drop zones absorb real life gear. Kitchens prioritize ventilation, storage density, and ease of maintenance.
The strongest Bellevue homes embrace quiet luxury. Acoustic control softens the environment. Comfort systems deliver consistency. Materials are selected for longevity because ease matters more than attention.
Hosting often blends professional and personal life. Homes designed for this allow the main level to scale effortlessly. Secondary prep spaces preserve calm. Indoor and outdoor living connect naturally throughout the year.
“True luxury is the ability to retreat completely, even in the middle of the city.”
A home designed at this level requires more than craftsmanship. It demands systems thinking, disciplined process, and an understanding of how decisions compound over time.
John Buchan Homes approaches building with this exact mindset. Their work translates complex lifestyles into homes that perform quietly and reliably, supporting the way clients actually live rather than how spaces are meant to be perceived.
The result is not a house that impresses once. It is a home that quietly elevates daily life.
A custom home that truly fits your life is defined by how smoothly your days unfold.
When architecture, infrastructure, and intention work together, the home recedes into the background. What remains is focus, calm, and the satisfaction of a life made easier through thoughtful design.
CRAFTED WITH CARE. A TABLE FOR EVERYONE. UNITED BY GOOD TASTE.
General Harvest Restaurants, led by award‑winning chef Brian Clevenger, is joining Suncadia Social as a true partner in shaping the heart of this new village. With G.H. Pasta & Pizza and Eldr, they bring more than dining, they bring a philosophy centered on connection, hospitality, and genuine care for the people they serve. Guided by Brian’s belief that memorable experiences begin with intention and warmth, both restaurants will become places where neighbors recognize each other, conversations linger, and the feeling of belonging comes naturally. Together, we’re building a community where great food is simply the backdrop for even greater connections.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO FOLLOW THE PROGRESS AND WATCH THE COMMUNITY COME TO LIFE. THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO LIVE IN THE HEART OF IT ALL.
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Aesthetics
Key Insights Guiding High-End Real Estate Decisions in 2026 from our Luxury Partners
HOW IS LUXURY EVOLVING AND WHAT WILL MATTER MOST TO BUYERS IN 2026?
Privacy and security are near the top of the list. In addition, floor plans that offer functionality and flow for entertaining. The prime locations of West Bellevue and the Eastside in general continue to be in demand. Finally, we are seeing our luxury buyers seek homes that place an emphasis on health and wellness—saunas, cold plunges, and workout areas.
FOR
We observe luxury buyers missing opportunities to make offers. For some reason there is an unwillingness for buyers to step forward and start a conversation with sellers via a written offer. I can’t tell you how many times we get a call after a sale closes from an agent saying my client regrets they never tried to make the offer. We encourage our buyers to start the conversation!
WHAT SHOULD HOMEOWNERS DO NOW TO BEST POSITION THEIR HOME FOR A FUTURE SALE?
Do a seller pre-inspection to address maintenance issues in advance. At the very least check the attic and crawlspace and make any repairs needed. Do a sewer scope. Sewer lines age over time, tree roots grow, and a cleared blockage offers a cleaner report to prospective buyers. Even the “newer” areas of the Eastside can have issues. Working to address these now can make for a much smoother sales process.
Be strategic. Sellers need to work with a real estate advisor to pinpoint the best list price for their home based on the micro-market trends in that specific community. Buyers should not shy away from making offers below list price and beginning a conversation with the seller. Work with your real estate advisor to present a written offer based on the latest data and market trends. fosterrealty.com
HOW IS LUXURY EVOLVING AND WHAT WILL MATTER MOST TO BUYERS IN 2026?
Luxury in 2026 is defined by intention, not excess. Buyers are prioritizing thoughtful design, privacy, and functionality over sheer scale. Homes that feel curated, efficient, and emotionally compelling, while still offering flexibility for work, wellness, and entertaining will command the strongest demand.
WHERE ARE YOU SEEING OVERLOOKED OPPORTUNITIES FOR TODAY’S LUXURY BUYERS?
The best opportunities often lie beyond surface-level metrics like days on market. Buyers who work with experienced brokers that have deep luxury and hyper-local insight are able to identify properties with long-term value, and potential that the broader market frequently overlooks.
WHAT SHOULD HOMEOWNERS DO NOW TO BEST POSITION THEIR HOME FOR A FUTURE SALE?
Homeowners should focus on timeless improvements that enhance livability and presentation rather than chasing trends. Thoughtful updates to kitchens, primary suites, lighting, and outdoor spaces paired with disciplined maintenance, will protect value and ensure a home feels current when it comes to market.
WHAT DEFINES A SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE MOVE IN 2026?
A successful move in 2026 is one that aligns lifestyle goals with long-term value. We help our buyers and sellers approach decisions strategically, grounded in real market data, decisions that will outperform those driven by emotion or short-term market noise.
MaxRombakh.com
Interior Design and Landscape Design
425-736-5488
persimmon.design@outlook.com www.persimmon.design
Inside AVI Design Studio’s rapid rise and its approach to shaping spaces for life, work, and everything in between
ARTICLE BY TAYLOR ROBINSON
Architecture is often judged by what we see clean lines, thoughtful materials, a sense of balance. But at AVI Design Studio, architecture begins long before form takes shape. It starts with understanding how people live, how businesses function, and how space quietly influences daily behavior. Founded as a natural evolution of more than two decades spent across real estate, development, construction, and design, AVI Design Studio approaches architecture not as a single discipline, but as an integrated system.
Rather than emerging from a singular moment of inspiration, the studio was built through experience. Years spent viewing projects from multiple vantage points homeowner, builder, investor, and community shaped a practice grounded in clarity and foresight. From the outset, AVI was designed with intention. Over the past two years, that original vision has not shifted; instead, it has sharpened. Processes have been refined, tools evaluated, and services strengthened through real world data and continuous review, all while preserving the studio’s foundational philosophy.
Early growth followed a similar mindset. Momentum did not come from chance, but from preparation. Prior to launching, the studio established longterm financial, operational, and creative goals, pairing ambition with discipline. AVI invested early in building a strong, multidisciplinary team and organizing the studio around clearly defined systems. Architecture, interiors, purchasing, marketing, finance, and consulting operate as interconnected departments, allowing projects to move fluidly from concept
through completion. Every repeated process is documented, measured, and improved an approach that reduces friction, supports creativity, and enables the studio to scale responsibly across both residential and commercial work.
At the core of AVI’s work is a belief that space shapes people. In residential projects, the studio studies daily rituals, family dynamics, and personal habits, designing homes that support connection, growth, and balance. Layouts are informed by how spaces are actually used, not just how they appear. In commercial environments, the lens expands to include business logic, customer behavior, brand identity, and longterm performance. While the context may differ, the intention remains consistent. Design is never decoration alone; it is a strategic tool that influences lifestyle, experience, and outcomes.
Scaling a creative studio presents its own challenges.
For AVI, the most defining has been building systems that allow creative people to thrive. Growth requires structure, but creativity demands freedom and striking the balance between the two is essential. The studio focused on establishing clear processes, timelines, and expectations while preserving room for exploration and innovation.
This balance now shapes everything from internal collaboration to client communication, creating an experience that feels both thoughtful and seamless.
Clients benefit from this clarity at every stage. Transparent workflows, consistent communication, and a deeply integrated team allow projects to progress with confidence. Rather than reacting to challenges as they arise, AVI’s systems anticipate them, creating space for better decision making and stronger outcomes. The result is architecture that feels intentional, cohesive, and enduring.
Looking ahead, AVI Design Studio is focused on growth with purpose. Expansion is guided not by visibility alone, but by impact. Over the next several years, the studio plans to establish a presence in key U.S. markets while maintaining a strong connection to the communities it serves. Each project is approached with an understanding of its broader context how it contributes to the neighborhood, how it will be used over time, and how it can positively shape the lives of those who inhabit it.
For clients, this evolution means deeper insight, elevated service, and design rooted in understanding rather than trend. For communities, it means architecture that endures spaces designed not just to be seen, but to be lived in, gathered within, and grown into over time.
Experience unparalleled luxury senior living at The Bellettini, located in the heart of beautiful downtown Bellevue.
Our senior living community offers both Independent Living and Assisted Living services, blending comfort with luxury for an exceptional living experience.
We offer many amenities from delicious dining, valet parking, 24 hour concierge service, full kitchens, a vibrant social environment and much more.
Schedule a tour today to see the beauty that The Bellettini has to offer. thebellettini.com
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE PARNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUMAIRA AMBER
Creating beautiful and healthy spaces comes naturally for Emily Ellstrom, who grew up watching her parents design and build homes, giving life to the dreams of their clients.
“My parents met on a job site in the 80s. My dad was a general contractor and my mom was a high-end designer,” shares Emily. “In the mid-2000s, as they were sitting around a table with clients and the various parties who can be involved in a project, they saw the overlap in roles and the miscommunication that comes with having so many people involved. They wanted to streamline the process.”
As a result, Bradley and Tami Cline opened their own firm to bring everything under one umbrella and offer clients a full-service experience. Now Emily carries on their legacy as the owner and creative director of Common Formme, a locally owned boutique design build firm.
“I started helping on the business side of my parents’ company and about six years ago made that full-time leap into the business,” she says. “I was really on more of the operations and marketing sales side of things, but found that it wasn’t filling my creative cup. So, I started taking on more design projects in the last few years and it has been a natural evolution to move into the role of creative director for the company.”
Common Formme projects range from small to large and can include existing dwellings or from-scratch builds that begin with a tract of land. Clients can choose design-only services and work with their own contractors, or streamline the process and have the team work on all aspects of their project from conception to completion.
“...WE’VE GONE THROUGH ALL OF YOUR FURNISHINGS, STYLED YOUR SPACES...AND YOU WALK IN AND GET TO SEE HOW ALL THE PLANNING COMES TO LIFE.”
“It really does have that moment at the end where we’ve gone through all of your furnishings, styled your spaces, and you walk in and get to see how all the planning comes to life,” says Emily.
Incorporating healthy living into each project is important to Emily, and she does this by offering clients products and using building techniques that promote a healthy environment, from airtight construction to the use of natural fibers and materials.
“It’s a foundational approach to build healthy from the ground up and then bring in all of those layers that affect your environment in different ways. To us, it means a water and airtight structure to avoid any mold and mildew that can intrude into your home and silently wreak havoc on your health and environment without you knowing it. It’s also lighting that is conducive to your circadian rhythm, low volatile organic compounds (VOC) paints, and insulation that doesn’t have harmful chemicals in it.”
This approach includes educating clients on using naturally certified wood, upholstery that has natural wool and cotton fills or natural latex fills, and being aware of potential toxins being introduced into the home. “I love that I’m able to share my own holistic way of living with clients and show how they can make small changes in their home to ensure that they are creating this beautiful and also healthy environment. It’s really woven into the ethos of everything we do, and I love that I can bridge those worlds.”
A relatively new addition to Common Formme’s repertoire includes creating wellness zones for homeowners that include saunas and plunges, another area that reflects Emily’s passion for healthy living. “A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to help design a community bathhouse experience to include sauna and plunge-led classes. As fun as that sounds, I wanted to be able to impact more people’s personal spaces. So, I took the concepts we developed for these bathhouses and have adapted that
into how we design and build homes,” explains Emily. “In Washington, our codes are changing right now and there are much looser regulations around Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs.) It’s really opening up an opportunity for people to create these smaller bespoke spaces on their property, whether it’s a workout space, an office, or a wellness zone.”
Other signature design elements Emily employs are unique to the Pacific Northwest and include use of natural color palettes, stones, and textures to create a collected, lived-in look that reflects the character and lifestyle of her clients.
A great way to get a feel for all that Common Formme has to offer is to stop by the newly completed showroom. “We’ve created the showroom to invite people into this experience and as
you walk through it, it’s meant to feel like a home,” shares Emily. “As you go through a bedroom, living room, sitting room, and office, we want you to see different features that we integrate into our full-service experience. Or, if you live in an apartment or just finished building your home, we offer products at a smaller price point that you can make your space feel unique and special.” The showroom also offers U.S. made natural fiber furniture and collected home accessories, as well as vintage and one-of-akind objects and art, perfect to add a special touch to any home.
To learn more about the company and their offerings, visit commonformme.com , call 206-285-6560, or stop by the Common Formme showroom located at 108 5th Ave South in Edmonds. You can also follow Common Formme on Instagram and Pinterest.
ARTICLE BY BREE O’BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRYAN ANDERSON, FIRST DROP MEDIA
How partnership, communication, and vision lead to extraordinary spaces
While aesthetics and functionality have historically been considerations for designing the back, front, and side yards of a home, more modern schools of thought consider outdoor spaces as extensions of the home. As such, they should complement both the architecture of the dwelling and the lifestyles of those who live within it.
Landscape planning can be an enjoyable partnership between designers and homeowners through a lens that views the spaces as livable environments, not just features. The design shouldn’t only be built around trends, pre-set layouts, or dramatic visual impact alone - that line of thinking doesn’t account for how residents will inhabit the space.
Founded 35 years ago and remaining locally-owned and family-operated, Malone’s Landscape is known for a hightouch, relationship-first design process, creating outdoor spaces around how people actually live. For today’s homeowners the outdoor environment isn’t an
afterthought; it’s where family dinners stretch long into summer evenings, privacy matters, and the pace of daily life slows down. COO Ryan Malone says, “Our clients come to us with a dream of their own outdoor paradise, and it is our team’s job to listen and bring that dream to reality.”
Each project begins with understanding how a client wants to use their space: For entertaining, relaxing, spending time with family, or creating privacy. Then translating those objectives into a long-lasting, functional design. Malone’s ethos is to create spaces that feel personal, natural, and deeply connected to both the home and its surroundings. Tranquility and livability are hallmarks of a Malone design, and the company achieves that outcome through collaboration with clients based on clear communication from concept through construction. Malone’s considers landscape design in the same way homeowners consider their homes: intentionally.
Malone’s ethos is to create spaces that feel personal, natural, and deeply connected to both the home and its surroundings.
One recent example is a six-acre Issaquah property which included the client family’s home, expansive natural wooded areas, and beautifully curated gardens featuring a stone waterfall, hot tub and gazebo, and patios. Says one of the homeowners, “We definitely toyed around with several different options and working with Jeremiah at Malone’s was fantastic because he picked up on all of our cues and ideas. There were several different ideas we went through and he was just always very responsive.”
Uplighting, layers of greenery, and hand-laid stonework upgraded an existing retaining wall which serves as a lovely divider between levels of the yard. The family and guests can stroll the paver walkways through eye-catching flower beds, enjoying the quiet and nature on full display. “When we do recommend Malone’s, the first thing we mention is that Malone’s actually cares about what’s going on and they want to see your vision. They want to work with you and make sure all of your ideas can be considered
and thought through and show you what it might look like. They make sure that when you get that final vision, we’re going to make it happen and then work with you along that process. They communicate very well, and they make it simple in something that can be very complex,” the customer says.
Since its establishment in 1991, Malone’s Landscape has grown through word of mouth and the recommendations of delighted clients. The company’s relationships with and care for clients drives the creation of enduring designs that invite homeowners to enjoy their outdoor spaces every day.
ARTICLE BY AMBER DAWN SCHULTHEIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWNING MEMORIES
If you’re a lover of pickley, briny snacks, this tapenade is the perfect addition to your next cheese board. Unlike many olive dips and spreads, this recipe calls for vibrant, green castelvetrano olives keeping it bright and inviting to the eye. Use this as a dip for veggies, crackers, and pita bread or spread onto a turkey sandwich for a bright pop of flavor that will take the boring out of any bite. It’s a guest-friendly recipe - naturally vegan and gluten-free - for anyone to enjoy. Trust the addition of citrus here. You won’t be sorry!
• 3 cups pitted Castelvetrano olives
• ¼–½ cup high-quality olive oil, such as Orange Fused Olive Oil from A Bit of Taste – Snohomish Olive Oil Company
• ¼ cup capers
• 2 cloves garlic
• ⅛ cup fresh orange juice
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• ½ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional)
Kitchen Tools
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester or microplane
• Food processor or blender
• Rubber spatula
• Serving bowl
1. Add the olives, capers, and garlic cloves to the bowl of a food processor or blender. Pulse until roughly chopped into a coarse mixture.
2. Wash and dry the orange. Using a zester or microplane, remove only the outermost orange layer of the peel until you have about 2 teaspoons of zest.
3. Add the olive oil, orange juice, orange zest, and red chili pepper flakes (if using) to the food processor. Pulse a few more times, just until the mixture is well incorporated but still slightly textured.
4. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve at room temperature alongside your favorite crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
• It’s normal for the oil to separate slightly from the olive mixture. Stir before serving to re-incorporate.
• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy!
Amber Dawn Schultheis is our culinary extraordinaire and the talent behind The Host Notes . From casual celebrations to Tuesday night dinner, Amber can help you gather with joy and ease. Find more seasonal, hospitality-focused tips and recipes at thehostnotes.com or follow @thehostnotes on your favorite social channels.
MARCH 7TH
Bellevue Downtown Park
Celebrate spring at CRY Seattle Holi 2026 on March 7th at Bellevue Downtown Park! Join a joyful festival of colors with organic powders, energetic music, live performances, delicious Indian food, and fun for all ages. Experience vibrant community spirit while supporting CRY America’s mission to uplift children’s rights. Bring friends and family for a lively afternoon of color, culture, and celebration!
MARCH 8TH
Bellevue, WA
International Women’s Day, observed every March 8th, is a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements and a powerful call to accelerate gender equality. Rooted in more than a century of activism, IWD unites communities worldwide to honor progress, spotlight ongoing challenges, and inspire collective action toward a more just, inclusive future for all women.
MARCH 14TH
Yuan Ru Art Center | 2:00 PM
Yuan Ru Art Center presents Surge of Horses, a dynamic joint exhibition celebrating the Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse. Featuring five Asian American artists, the show highlights powerful ink works by master Zuolie Deng, where bold brushwork captures motion, strength, and resilience. Opens February 21st, with a Spring Reception March 14th, 2-4 pm.
Our Care Team offers a customized home maintenance program tailored to you, providing proactive care, expert support, and reliable service to keep your home performing at its best.