A Masterpiece of Pacific Northwest Modernism Nestled in the Forest

A Harmonious Retreat on Bainbridge Island

Designer Brian Paquette, known for his sophisticated, grounded approach to interiors, brought a long-time vision to life in this remarkable Bainbridge Island home. Wrapped in the tranquility of dense forest, the home is a celebration of Pacific Northwest modernism — a serene blend of glass, steel, wood, and concrete, built in 2004 and left largely untouched structurally.

“This home is exactly what I envisioned when I thought about classic Pacific Northwest design,” says Paquette. “It sits quietly in nature, with a strong relationship to the landscape around it. It’s the kind of project I’ve prepared my whole career for.”

Preserving the Architectural Integrity

When Paquette and senior designer Brea Valenzuela of Brian Paquette Interiors were brought on, the home already had strong architectural bones. Instead of making significant alterations, the design duo focused on enhancing the space’s natural connection to its surroundings.

The existing elements — open layouts, clean lines, and an abundance of windows — served as a perfect canvas. Additions were minimal: carefully placed cabinetry, curated paint choices, and select wallpaper. The designers focused on warmth, texture, and comfortable living, furnishing the home nearly from scratch, as the clients brought little with them.

Living Room: A Modernist Composition of Comfort

The home’s living room, spanning an impressive 42 by 20 feet, posed both a challenge and an opportunity. “The scale reminded me of a grand Manhattan prewar apartment,” Paquette explains. He took cues from legendary decorators like Billy Baldwin, designing the space with distinct but connected zones.

“I divided the space into two seating areas, both centered on a large flat-weave rug,” says Paquette. One side faces the forest-lined deck, while the other invites warmth with a fireplace. The furnishings — clean-lined and sculptural — prioritize comfort and keep the focus on nature. Most fabrics were solid, creating a grounding effect, with subtle plaid accents incorporated at the client’s request.

Dining Room: Floating Among the Trees

While the living room is expansive, the dining room offers intimacy. Projecting outward from the home like a glass greenhouse, the room invites natural light and panoramic views. “It’s small, and you feel suspended in the trees,” says Paquette.

Instead of overfilling the compact space, he chose a live-edge walnut table from Sobu, Stahl + Band chairs upholstered in Romo fabric, and an Armadillo rug in straw tones. These pieces offer rich texture and tonal warmth without competing with the view.

Bedroom: A Treehouse of Texture and Color

In the primary bedroom, Paquette balanced the cool tones of Mark Alexander-upholstered lounge chairs with the earthy textures of Thibaut grass-cloth walls and a goldenrod Maiden Home mohair headboard. The effect is calming and cocoon-like — a private retreat at the far edge of the home, where windows soar into a pitched ceiling.

“You could do this space in grays and blues, but it would fall flat,” Paquette notes. “That pop of ochre mohair brought it to life.” He cites influence from top designers like Pam Shamshiri, known for pushing color boundaries.

Kitchen & Office: Minimal Changes, Maximum Intent

In the kitchen, Paquette chose not to overhaul the layout. Its dark tones and sleek lines keep the attention on the outside scenery. Meanwhile, the home office features Justin swivel chairs from his own line with Lawson-Fenning, a Sobu coffee table, and an understated Stone + Sawyer lamp. Each piece was selected for both visual appeal and daily usability.

Media Room: Relaxation Meets Regional Art

The media room incorporates a Mesa sectional and ottomans by Lawson-Fenning, grounded by a custom rug from Kush Rugs. Art by Emily Gherard, sourced through Seattle’s J. Rinehart Gallery, adds a layer of regional storytelling. This artful approach continues throughout the home, with works from Pacific Northwest artists like Anne Hirondelle of Port Townsend, whose ceramic and sculptural work appears prominently.

“Art is always a key part of my projects,” says Paquette. “It personalizes the space and roots it in its environment.”

Bathroom: Simple Luxury in a Forest Frame

Even the primary bathroom reflects restraint. A single BDDW chair sits between the tub and shower, offering a quiet moment of design. Large glass panels open the space to the forest, proving that sometimes, the best design choice is knowing when to step back.

Color & Material Palette: Earthy Elegance

Throughout the home, Paquette relied on an earthy yet rich palette. While many Pacific Northwest homes default to cool blues and grays, he opted for warmth and depth. Touches of aged copper, deep blue upholstery, and muted ochre wallcoverings elevate each room while harmonizing with the surrounding forest.

Featured Designers and Brands

A Regional Story, Fully Realized

For the client, this home represented a return to roots — a reconnection with family ties in the Pacific Northwest. For Paquette, it was the culmination of decades of aesthetic evolution and a personal expression of place.

“This is the most authentically Pacific Northwest project I’ve completed,” says Paquette. “It honors the landscape and tells a story that’s both personal and regional. I loved every minute of it.”

Explore More

• Learn more about Brian Paquette Interiors
• Discover works from J. Rinehart Gallery
• Explore architectural influence from Billy Baldwin
• Visit Pam Shamshiri Studio for color-forward design inspiration

This Bainbridge Island home is more than a dwelling — it’s an immersive experience of Pacific Northwest modern living, grounded in comfort, artistry, and respect for the natural world.