Step into this waterfront Bainbridge Island home with a peaceful wooded backdrop

Gravel driveway approach to a dark wood modern home with metal roof, surrounded by lush garden plantings and Japanese maple

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After Graham Baba Architects completed the beautiful renovation of this waterfront home tucked into the sheltered setting of Eagle Harbor, Bainbridge Island, Washington. Large windows throughout frame stunning views of the harbor, setting the tone for a serene island lifestyle. Designer Charlie Hellstern was brought in to help the homeowners, who are design-industry insiders with European roots, shape interiors that reflect their vivid tastes.

Using their new yellow sofa as a starting point, the designer refreshed the spaces by organizing and presenting their existing art and eclectic décor with greater intention, resulting in rooms that feel personal, spirited, and grounded in their Northwest lifestyle. Continue below to see the results of this remarkable waterfront transformation…

DESIGN DETAILS

ARCHITECT Graham Baba Architects
INTERIOR DESIGN Charlie Hellstern

A Private Courtyard Garden at the Heart of the Home

Private cobblestone courtyard with wire lounge chairs, Japanese maple trees, and glass connector between two wings of the home

This scope of this project entails a substantial reinvention of an existing waterfront home and cottage. The renovation unfolded in two phases — the cottage and basement were tackled first, with both structures stripped back to the bones. Once the cottage was complete, the family moved into it while the main house underwent its full transformation.

Guest cottage entrance with dark vertical wood siding, open pivot door, and overgrown native plantings along a boardwalk path

The renovation of the primary residence involved both addition and subtraction, including the demolition of a significant portion of the existing structure. This allowed the plan to be reorganized around a single, open living volume where kitchen, dining, and living spaces flow together with uninterrupted views of the landscape and water.

Exterior dusk detail of dark vertical wood siding with a minimalist wall sconce casting warm light

A defining architectural move is the extended roofline, which reaches far over the side of the house to create generous outdoor living space. Though largely covered, daylight streams in through integrated skylights. This resulted in a highly functional outdoor dining and living room that feels as considered as any interior space.

Guest cottage entry foyer with terracotta walls, shiplap accent wall, French doors, and a round mirror

What We Love About This Home

We love how this renovation opened up a once closed-off home into something that feels genuinely connected to its Eagle Harbor surroundings. The extended roofline shelters the deck below, with integrated skylights keeping it bright even on grey Pacific Northwest days. Inside, Charlie Hellstern layered in art, color, and personality that feels genuinely reflective of the people who live here.

Tell Us: Would this waterfront home on Bainbridge Island be your idea of the ulimate refuge? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fascinting home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of Washington: This Cotswolds-inspired home is surrounded by the beauty of Bainbridge Island and A timeless beach house designed as a forever home on Bainbridge Island.

Guest cottage living area with terracotta walls, Togo-style sectional, wood stove, patterned rug, and garden views

An Open-Plan Kitchen and Dining Area

Open-plan dining area with walnut oval table, tan leather chairs, globe pendant light, and oak kitchen cabinets with green tile backsplash

Kitchen Details: Oak Cabinetry and Zellige Tile

Close-up of kitchen with warm oak cabinetry, stainless steel countertop, and a richly textured green zellige tile backsplash

Interior hallway with wide-plank oak floors, exposed ceiling beams, and a sliding glass door opening to a cobblestone garden courtyard

A Light-Filled Living Room With Harbor Views

Living room with mustard yellow sofa, navy swivel chairs, sheer curtains, exposed wood beam ceiling, and water views beyond

An Outdoor Deck Designed for Pacific Northwest Living

Covered outdoor deck with gray sectional, fire pit table, retractable pergola, and lush wooded backdrop

Upper landing with a custom steel railing, textured plaster walls, warm wood door frames, and an antique Chinese console table

An Owner’s Bedroom Suite With Waterfront Views

Bedroom detail showing horizontal oak plank wall with built-in open shelving and a glowing green mushroom lamp

Primary bedroom with water views, patterned Roman shades and wallpaper, pink upholstered headboard, and globe pendant light

Bedroom reading nook with a Danish-style lounge chair set against bold cloud-patterned wallpaper and bamboo garden views

A Serene Owner’s Bathroom With Stone and Chevron Tile

Primary bathroom with gray chevron tile walls, marble soaking tub surround, warm wood vanity, and walk-in shower

A Charming Guest Cottage

Small studio outbuilding with dark wood siding, French doors, small deck, and surrounding hydrangeas and mature trees

Landscaped garden path between buildings with ornamental grasses, white roses, cobblestone walkway, and a Corten steel planter

Waterfront home viewed from the dock, with dark wood siding, metal roof, and wraparound deck nestled among Pacific Northwest trees

PHOTOGRAPHER Rafael Soldi