When Paul and Leslie Santarelli were looking for a home in Seattle in 2018, they were seeing too many houses that were just a little too new. “It was a lot of modern farmhouses,” recalls Paul. “There was nothing very old.” Then the couple walked into a 1912 Craftsman in the Mt. Baker neighborhood. They were amazed by the home’s historic detail, from the coffered ceiling and decorative stair railing, to the original tile around the fireplace and stained-glass windows glinting in several rooms. “This was a house that I’ve always dreamed about living in,” says Leslie. “It had so much beautiful character and potential.”
After living there for a few years, they realized the few pain points: mainly, that there was only one bathroom for the three upstairs bedrooms, which wouldn’t work for the family of five, and the kitchen was worn and tired after an 80s remodel, resulting in a stylistic mismatch. For a remodel, Paul and Leslie sought out a team to design and build the project who was equally excited and passionate about historic houses. “For us, it was really about finding a team that had the same appreciation for the historic parts of the home that still existed,” says Paul.
They found it in interior designer Hyrel Mathias, of Board & Vellum and later Hyrel Mathias Interior Design, Lance Hayes, architect at Board & Vellum, and contractor Brad Wageman of Ambrose Construction. Wageman, who began his construction career in fine carpentry before starting a firm that remodels all types of homes, has a particular satisfaction for working with century-old houses like this one. A remodel is a chance to “pluck these aberrations out of the home and make it whole again,” says Wageman.
All were up for the challenge of a classic restoration combined with modern function. “It was like: how do we create a functional layout without compromising the historic details that were there,” says Mathias. On the first floor, the kitchen layout was extensively reworked without moving any walls, with an island, ample counterspace and storage, and even a desk space added. Period elements, from the box beams to the cabinet hardware, anchor the room’s aesthetic in its Craftsman surroundings, while warm white tile and paint brighten it up. Patterned floor tile introduces color and whimsy, a theme woven throughout. “They wanted a bit of whimsy to everything because they have a young family,” says Mathias.
Where missing, new moldings and trim were incorporated to seamlessly meet the preserved woodwork, so the historic charm continues from top to bottom. Then modern and eclectic furnishings were chosen to sit in lovely juxtaposition against that historic backdrop, including sculptural lighting, rich wallpaper, and jewel-toned colors that complement the rich wood. “I wanted to mix in all these modern elements to find the right balance between the modern and the historical,” says Mathias.
Upstairs, the layout was reconfigured to convert a sunporch into a private office for the parents, and a hall bathroom for the children carved out of unused storage space. The former bathroom was turned into a primary suite, complete with double-vanity, soaking tub and walk-in shower where a chimney used to be. There, fir paneling was recreated from the original paneling in the dining room, while the classic hex tile on the floor received a contemporary layout, echoing the colors in the fireplace tile downstairs. “It’s so satisfying bringing this home into the 21st Century,” says Hayes. “We really like that combination of the new and the old, and how they talk to one another in a sympathetic way now.”
PROJECT SOURCES
INTERIOR DESIGN
Hyrel Mathias Interiors
hyrelmathiasinteriors.com
ARCHITECT
Board & Vellum
boardandvellum.com
CONTRACTOR
Ambrose Construction
ambroseconstruct.com
WALLCOVERING
Seattle Design Center
seattledesigncenter.com
Shoptalk - Hyrel Mathias
Hyrel Mathias, owner and principal designer, Hyrel Mathias Interiors hyrelmathiasinteriors.com
How did your experience of growing-up in Dubai impact how you approach interior design?
Witnessing Dubai’s bold architectural transformation firsthand instilled in me an early appreciation for architecture and design. While I was captivated by innovative structures and endless interior design possibilities, I also yearned to delve into their historical contexts. This background enables me to blend contemporary design with a practical approach, drawing on diverse architectural styles and cultural elements.
What was the journey to building your own firm and how has your practice evolved?
Starting my firm was a journey shaped by over a decade of experience in the industry. Beginning at a prestigious NYC design firm, I refined my skills in high-end residential projects worldwide before broadening my expertise in Seattle with diverse remodels and new constructions. I prioritize innovative yet functional designs to represent my clients’ lifestyles. This evolution enriches my practice, fostering unique, personalized spaces that resonate with each client.
How do you find balance between the homeowner’s aesthetic and the architectural essence of a home?
I begin by understanding the homeowner’s preferences and lifestyle needs and study the architectural essence of the home to identify its unique features and if it has any historical significance. I then create a design that harmoniously integrates the homeowner’s personal style with the home’s architectural character, ensuring both aspects are thoughtfully balanced and complemented.
What kind of reaction do you hope to get from people that are living in your spaces?
Joy. Nothing feels better than when a client is truly happy with the result, and they can finally see what you visualized all along.
What’s the first thing you notice when you walk into a room?
All the architectural details and how they were constructed…the crown molding, the baseboards, the flooring, the windows, the lighting, the cabinetry. You can tell the quality of craftsmanship when you look closely at all the architectural details that are glued and screwed to a home.
You are skilled at tracking down design elements that also serve a purpose, what are some of the benefits of finding these pieces?
I enjoy finding items that are unique and aren’t usually trendy. This reduces the need for frequent updates and replacements, and you have a piece that’s one of a kind, tailored to your needs.
What is your approach to design and how do you imbue this in your work?
Simplicity and sophistication are foundational in my design approach. I achieve this by focusing on clean lines in all the details, and timeless materials that exude quality. Emphasizing functionality without compromising elegance, I carefully curate every element to create spaces that feel refined and sophisticated yet are inviting.
Favorite era of design?
Art Deco – I love the symmetry, bold colors, and geometric patterns.
What are a few indulgences you like integrating into a space?
Unique sculptural lighting, antiques, collectible and bespoke pieces by up-and-coming artists, whether it’s furniture or art.
Outside of design what interests you?
Food and travel – I enjoy exploring new places, experiencing new cultures and trying their food.
