Mercer Island, WA March 2024

Wow Factor Refresh

Singing in the Shower: A Mercer Island Remodel

HOME + DESIGN

SMART SITE SELECTION | HOW FEASIBILITY STUDIES SAVE MONEY AND AVOID HEADACHES

CREATING COMFORTABLE HOMES | NAVIGATING YOUR PET’S GOLDEN YEARS

REDESIGNING YOUR HOME FOR YOUR CHANGING LIFE

It’s not a look, but a feeling: It’s the sense that a space doesn’t merely fit you, but reflects you, fulfills you, feeds your soul. Artala is a bespoke interior design experience rooted in the luxuries of specificity and service. It is tailored to you. It is true to you. And every detail is managed for you. We elevate where life happens—so you can discover the art of living.

(206) 501-4448

“Kelly is just the very, very best! She helped us sell our house in 4 days. Her knowledge of what is required is 100% spot on. No issue is too small or too big and she has a team that can handle it all. She is an expert negotiator and will make it happen for her clients. She is so personable and joyful that it rubs off on everyone involved. The consummate professional!

Home Inspiration Awaits

Dear Islanders,

We are thrilled to bring you this month’s special Home issue of Mercer Island City Lifestyle magazine. With spring around the corner, it’s the perfect time to refresh your living space and envision new possibilities.

In this issue, we’re honored to feature the expertise of several local professionals who lent their insights on home projects and transitions.

Architect Mark Elster provides an incredibly valuable perspective in “Smart Site Selection.” He outlines critical guidance on feasibility studies for discerning the potential of a property during the buying or selling process. We’re grateful to Mark for sharing his wisdom from decades of experience navigating island properties and complex building codes.

Interior designer Amy May of Artala Design offers sage advice in “Redesigning Your Home for Your Changing Life.” She walks through her process of uncovering clients’ goals and pain points to deliver customized home transformations suited to their next life chapter. Thank you, Amy, for showing how thoughtful design can create surroundings tailored for your specific needs and dreams.

Megan Atkinson and the team at NW Lifestyle Homes give us a peek inside their elegant “Wow Factor Refresh” of a First Hill home. We appreciate their behindthe-scenes look at how they fulfilled the client’s request for a bathroom with some serious wow factor.

To help our furry friends gracefully age at home, Dr. Peter Brown from Island Animal Hospital provides actionable tips in “Creating Comfortable Homes.” His compassionate care for pets inspires us. We’re grateful to Peter for sharing his expertise in senior pet accommodations.

At Yuan Ru Art Center, Julie Hsieh transported us to the wonder of Lunar New Year celebrations in “Lunar New Year at Yuan Ru.” We’re honored Julie gave us a glimpse into this magical cultural tradition through the lens of captivating dragon art.

We hope this issue empowers you to envision possibilities for your living space that enhance your lifestyle. Please reach out if you’re dreaming up a home project - we’re happy to connect you with our contributors for expert guidance.

Wishing you a season of joy,

March 2024

PUBLISHER

Chris Ishii | chris.ishii@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sharon Perez | sharon.perez@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Megan Atkinson, CEO NW Lifestyle Homes, Dr. Peter Brown, DVM, President Cara Veterinary, Julie Hsieh, Founder of Yuan Ru Art Center

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Island Animal Hospital, Jim Garner, Laura Ohata Luxxe Travel, Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce, Sarah Kietzer, Sir Grout, Artala Design, AOME Architects

OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

“We can’t believe the many thoughtful features you included, it feels like you were able to read our minds.”

Homeowner — Lea Anne

city scene

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We provide top-notch tile, grout, and stone restoration and care services designed to enhance and protect hard surfaces in homes and businesses.

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Before

After

Before

TILE AND GROUT SERVICES

Over time, dirt, grime, and mold can build up on your tile and grout causing it to look unattractive. Our cleaning and color seal services counteract this and provide future protection.

COMMERCIAL SERVICES

Before

After

After

STONE SERVICES

Our cleaning, polishing, sealing, and restoration services provide exactly what your natural stone surfaces need to keep them looking as pristine as when they were first installed.

Sir Grout Adds Mercer Island to Service Area

Before

TILE AND GROUT SERVICES

Commercial buildings and offices can have thousands of square feet of tile and grout that are subject to heavy foot traffic and spills.

MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

After STONE SERVICES

Each stone restoration solution is designed to dramatically improve the aesthetic of the stone in lobbies, restaurants, hotels, schools, and more.

Our maintenance plans are flexible, giving you the option for monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual programs. You decide accordingly to your needs. Keep your surfaces fully protected, gorgeous-looking, and prevent any costly repairs.

Sir Grout has provided specialized premium Mercer Island hard surface restoration services for over 100 MI households over the last five years. Using advanced technology in the industry, valuable hard surfaces are restored back to their original beauty. Sir Grout Seattle’s owner, Ethan Wickersham, has added Mercer Island to their service territory to offer customers first-class surface restoration services, well-tailored to meet all their hard-surface cleaning and restoration needs.

LUXXE TRAVEL Custom

Itineraries & Dream Destinations

Islander, Brenda El-Ghazzawy, has launched a new luxury travel advisory, Luxxe Travel, for travel services such as VIP hotel booking, custom Itinerary planning and cruises, safaris & more to dream destinations.  Brenda is also a certified Fora Travel Advisor.  Start

Takai by Kashiba Starts Omakase Box Takeaway

Coming next month, Takai by Kashiba will begin offering their highly coveted Omakase boxes for pick-up. It will launch at a special debut price of $100/box with the option to add on sake or tea. These will be highly limited in availability (20 per day) so make sure to get your order in early at takaibykashiba.com!

WOW FACTOR REFRESH

SINGING IN THE SHOWER: A MERCER ISLAND REMODEL

Perched on the western slope of Mercer Island’s First Hill, a handsome white house recently got a new primary bath, closet, laundry room, and updated landscape.  The First Hill couple came to NW Lifestyle Homes with one request – remodel the spaces and create a bathroom with a “wow factor.”

The primary bathroom already started with a sweeping view of the lake and the Olympics, but it needed a thoughtful new layout. The NWLH design studio redesigned the whole composition for a fresh but classic look, starting with the bathroom’s anteroom.

A small anteroom between the primary bedroom and the primary bathroom was previously an unused hallway, this area now provides excellent storage. NWLH lined the anteroom with antique mirror-inset painted cabinets.

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Inside the primary bathroom, a brass and alabaster chandelier draws the eye to the soaring center vault, and two brass art lights illuminate paintings from local artist, Julie Sanchez. Rift-cut white oak vanities have lighted mirrors trimmed with oak and a custom recessed light detail.  The countertop is quartzite, and the lavatory cross handles are polished nickel and wall-mounted.

The sculptural, asymmetrical freestanding tub is angled into the room which creates drama and complements the adjacent marble shower. The horizontal inlaid shower niche is also custom-lit.

The new closet is equal parts impressive and functional.  This relatively small footprint with a sloped ceiling was re-floor planned to maximize the lighted display area and storage.  It shows off the homeowner’s shoes and clothes with style and provides substantial hang space, angled shelves, and drawer space.

The laundry room gave NWLH another opportunity to make some fun changes.  The new cabinets, fixtures, and black sink punch up the space, but the bold main character is the chevron floor.  Natural morning light floods this cheery room for a sunny, bright area to wash and fold.

In the landscape, NWLH’s design team brought the couple’s property to the next level, as well. A stately custom mailbox and entry columns at the street establish the home’s sense of place.  Cladding all existing retaining walls with custom fabricated metal and new concrete caps, NWLH repeated the fresh but classic aesthetic.  A new whitepainted arbor with black horizontal screening creates privacy and is a perfect foil for the existing trained camellia trees.  By adding a water feature, hydrangeas, boxwood, black mondo grass, and landscape lighting wherever possible, the front and back courtyards announce the seasons with new growth and interest.

The homeowners are so pleased with their newly remodeled spaces that they are singing in the shower.

One of the hardest parts of being a pet parent is the fact that pets age at such an accelerated rate. However, at Island Animal Hospital, we like to think of it as us finally getting to take care of them after so many years of them taking care of us.

To best care for aging pets, it’s important to understand when your pet is considered a senior pet. Cats often live longer than dogs, but breed, size, and genetics play a large role in a pet’s longevity. For some dog breeds, the transition to senior status may start as early as five years old. However, there's no need to be intimidated by the prospect of having a senior pet. It's all about adapting to their evolving abilities and ensuring their comfort.

Keep an eye out for changes in behavior and physical limitations. Simple daily activities like climbing stairs or going for a walk can offer valuable insights into your pet's well-being. If you start to notice any of these things, or your pet parent sixth sense starts kicking in, please contact your veterinarian.

Creating a safe home environment is paramount for enhancing the quality of life for senior pets. Here are some things to think about in your home to keep your pet comfortable:

1. CONSIDER NONSLIP FLOORING

Just like humans, a big part of taking care of our aging pets is reducing the risk of falls, especially those with mobility challenges.

2. ELEVATE FOOD AND WATER BOWLS

This minimizes strain on joints, making mealtimes more accessible for your aging dog.

3. MAKE SURE THEIR SLEEPING AREA IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE.

Pets love to be cozy, so make sure it’s easy for them to do so. If your pet loves sleeping on your bed or the couch, investing in pet stairs can minimize the need to jump, promoting joint health.

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ISLAND ANIMALHOSPITAL’STEAM WILL HELP YOUR PET AGE SAFELYANDCOMFORTABLY AT HOME.

4. HAVE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.

Ensure well-lit areas in and around your home, as aging dogs may experience changes in vision. Proper lighting helps them navigate their surroundings more comfortably.

5. ADAPT BATHROOM ROUTINES.

For cats specifically, you may need to consider using litter boxes with lower sides or ramps for easy access. For dogs, this may mean finding routes outside that require less stairs.

6. PROVIDE MENTAL STIMULATION. Your pet, like you would be, may be bored with a decrease in physical activity. Stimulating your pet with interactive toys and gentle play time may help them stay engaged.

7. STICK TO A ROUTINE.

Establish routines and maintain a predictable environment. This helps reduce stress and anxiety for your aging dog, promoting a sense of security.

Embracing the journey of your pet's aging involves a holistic approach that includes accommodations, medications, and dietary adjustments. Your veterinarian is an invaluable resource for personalized recommendations.

Even before your furry friend officially becomes a senior, routine twice-yearly exams and annual blood screenings are critical to identify diseases early. By being proactive, you can ensure a happy and healthy senior phase for your cherished companion. At Island Animal Hospital, we’d love to discuss a plan for helping your pet age gracefully.

Redesigning Home for Your Changing Life

YOUR LIFE CHANGES AND SO SHOULD YOUR HOME

We are naturally connected to our community and Islanders exemplify this in a very special way. We know that we have lifelong friends because of the activities we have led, participated in, and volunteered for as our children grew up.

As our lives transition through different seasons, our living needs change. Empty nesters especially face a new chapter, with kids grown up and moved out. Now is the time to re-envision your home for this exciting next phase. An experienced designer like Amy May of Artala Design can help create a space tailored specifically for your needs and dreams as an empty nester.

Amy shares one project for empty nester clients looking to transform their house into a spacious retreat for two. They felt it was dated and cramped. As Amy explains, “Empty nesters are people who finally get to have their grown-up house, after years of living with the eclectic clutter for the sake of the kids. Now they want a home suited for upscale, luxury retirement living.”

In working with this couple, Amy focused extensively on uncovering their pain points and aspirations for their new adult oasis. What did they want to change about their current home? How will their lifestyle be different now? What's their vision for living and entertaining in this liberating new season?

Amy uses this in-depth discovery process to reveal the clients’ true goals and wish lists. For these empty nesters, the freedom to entertain friends and family was a top priority. Their current home only allowed hosting 2-4 guests comfortably. They dreamed of regularly having 12+ people over for dinner parties and holidays once the kids were out of the house.

Yet the space also had to remain highly functional for just the two of them and accommodate aging in place. The wife suffered from chronic back pain, so the design needed to reduce bending and reaching.

With the clients' criteria in mind, Amy recommended adjustments like opening up the cramped, walled-off kitchen by knocking down walls to create an airy, open-concept gathering area. She suggested repositioning the kitchen island to improve traffic flow for guests. They even repurposed a coat closet near the front door into a built-in bar area for drink service and extra counter space when entertaining.

Amy also proposed installing pull-out shelving and drawers in the pantry and cabinets to reduce bending. And she recommended taller countertops and movable task lighting to customize the cooking area to the wife's height and vision needs.

In the end, Amy delivered a customized home catered exactly to this couple's wish list that far exceeded their expectations. The once cramped, isolated kitchen is now a spacious, luxurious entertainment hub perfect for hosting lively dinner parties. And the everyday living areas are tailored for the clients' comfort and changing preferences for convenience.

As Amy notes, clients frequently wish they had hired her from the start once they see what’s possible by collaborating with an experienced designer focused on their specific needs and dreams. By involving a designer early when facing life transitions, you gain a home thoughtfully designed for your next chapter. Be prepared for an outcome beyond your imagination.

Open

chatter

Lunar New

YUAN RU ART CENTER: CELEBRATES LUNAR NEW YEAR WITH “ART OF THE DRAGON”

PHOTOGRAPHY

Exhibiting nine local and international artists, including three from Mercer Island through March 31. “Surrounding myself in nature is my favorite way to recharge, center myself and find my creative muse. I try to soak in the views and maintain a presence whether I’m taking a walk or traveling. We are so intricately connected to nature and yet everything is so transient. I want to savor and preserve memories of places that are meaningful to me.” -Nancy

“I love how paint/ink mixes with paper to create interesting patterns, images and “happy little accidents.” The transition between light and dark, the splash of colors, and the rhythm among objects I use to create harmony and contrast in my work. My art is a reflection of the magic and beauty of nature's treasures.”

“My ink art is a reflection of my life’s experiences as well as inspiration from nature and musical rhythm. My studio floor becomes covered with paper like a stage upon which I transfer the thick ink through my movement guiding the brush.” -Julie

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 1ST

Mercer Island First Friday

Art Walk

Multiple locations around Mercer Island Town Center | 5:00 PM

First Friday Art Walk will take place from 5-8 pm at Clarke & Clarke Art + Artifacts, 7605 SE 27th St. #105, and other participating venues including Aljoya, Suzanne Zahr, Realogics Sothebys, Barrels Wine Bar, John L Scott, Caldwell Banker Bain and MIVAL Gallery.

MARCH 2ND

City of Mercer Island

Senior Resource Fair

Mercer Island Community & Events Center | 10:00 AM

Mercer Island Seniors are invited to a new event designed for you and your loved ones.  Saturday, March 2, from 10am-12pm the Fair will offer services, resources focused on senior health and happiness in our community.  Youth & Family Services support, Parks & Recreation offerings, local providers, volunteer opportunities and more! Morning refreshments included. Sponsored by Aegis Living Mercer Island.

MARCH 2ND — 17TH

29th Seattle Jewish Film Festival

Stroum Jewish Community Center 3801 E Mercer Way | 9:00 AM

Save the date! The 29th Seattle Jewish Film Festival (March 2-17, 2024) combines the best in global Jewish cinema—in person and virtually, on screens big and small—with community engagement and electrifying in-person special events

• Sat March 2: SJFF Opening Night Festivities

• Sun March 10: Red Carpet Oscars Party

• Sun March 17: Closing Night Silent Movie + Live Score

sjcc.org/event/29th-seattlejewish-film-festival

MARCH 15TH

Mercer Island Chamber Champions of Change: Women’s Business Brunch

Mercer Island Community & Events Center | 10:30 AM

Get inspired and network over brunch, visit sponsor booths, and hear from guest speaker:  Linda Hoffner, GM at Wright Runstad & Company, overseeing the Bellevue Spring District development operations of 1M sf of completed office and retail, and 36 acres of shared outdoor park space. Tickets are limited. Payment is required prior to attending. Open to all. www. mercerislandchamber.com/events

MARCH 16TH

Youth Theatre Northwest’s CLUE

Gala Fundraiser

The Sunset Club 1021 University Street, Seattle | 6:00 PM

Join YTN for a night of intrigue, mystery and murder!  Work with fellow guests, follow the clues and solve the mystery.  Live and silent auctions, dinner, reception, and performances by YTN students and staff.  Come in attire inspired by the Clue Board Game.  It will be a dinner to die for.

Limited Tickets at YouthTheatre.org

MARCH 29TH — 30TH

Islander Middle School

Little Mermaid

MIHS Auditorium | 7:00 PM

Welcome to life Under the Sea!  IMS will perform three shows of the Little Mermaid at MIHS PAC: Friday, March 29 at 7pm and Saturday, March 30 at 2pm and 7pm. Join the middle school students for a magical and musical journey under the sea!  It’s showtime!

Kimi was brought to Island Animal Hospital when her owner had to move to Korea. Over the course of five months, Island Animal Hospital saw Kimi seven times to help prepare her for the big trip. With the help of Dr. Faltin and all at IAH, Kimi was able to get the testing, travel certificates, and proper documentation to safely and legally get to her new home in Korea.

SMART SITE SELECTION

HOW FEASIBILITY STUDIES SAVE MONEY AND AVOID HEADACHES

Selecting the right property to buy or sell in the Seattle area can be filled with costly pitfalls if you don’t do your due diligence. An experienced architect like Mark Elster of AOME Architects recommends starting any site search with a feasibility study.

“The biggest mistake people make is not getting professional guidance before they commit to a property,” says Elster. “They fall in love with a site before determining what’s actually possible to build there. I’ve seen buyers purchase land only to find out later their dream home won’t fit or meet zoning restrictions. It’s devastating emotionally and financially.”

A feasibility study done upfront can uncover issues with setbacks, height limits, protected trees, soil stability, access and a myriad of other constraints. This allows buyers to only look at properties that will truly meet their goals or helps sellers accurately market their land’s potential.

“Most feasibility studies cost a few thousand dollars but can save people countless time and money down the road,” explains Elster. “I once had a client who purchased a $7.5 million property. She wanted 8,000 square feet but I discovered only 6,000 was allowed. She had to sell at

“The real reason tear downs happen is that as areas get wealthier, the value of land increases,” explains architect Mark Elster. “Owners want homes suiting the property value, not outdated ones. It’s the natural evolution of neighborhoods.”

a loss.” This could have been avoided if her property search started with a feasibility study.

Rules and regulations vary greatly between jurisdictions and neighborhoods. Even experienced realtors or contractors can misjudge what’s possible on a site. Elster relies on his decades of knowledge to quickly assess feasibility. Communities like Mercer Island and many of our other lakefront communities have very unique limitations that affect property development.

“In 30 seconds I can usually know if a property will work based on my familiarity with zoning codes and the jurisdiction,” says Elster. “I then confirm with the building department. This saves people from wishful thinking or speculative assumptions.”

Elster helps buyers narrow down candidate properties based on must-haves like views, lot shape, access

or pool locations. For sellers, he creates scenarios showing what can realistically be built to maximize value. His expertise also aids in navigating complex permit processes.

“Jurisdictional reviews are like Calvinball,” jokes Elster. “The codes are a labyrinth and internally contradictory. My job is to understand the intent and teach the officials to say yes to our design.” (Calvinball is from the comic strip, “Calvin and Hobbes”.)

The bottom line is feasibility studies reduce risk on both ends of a transaction. They provide clarity on what can and can’t be done. Elster summarizes, “The architect’s job is to clearly define the boundaries, so people know if a property will work or if they should walk away.”