“Lil’ Shingle" by Best Practice caught our attention in the Additions and Renovation category of the 2025 Your Modern Cottage Design Awards. While it didn’t take top honors, the project earned an Honorable Mention for its quiet confidence and clear sense of purpose. In a design culture that often favors the bold and expansive, this cottage stands out for its thoughtful restraint—and for consistently centering the needs of its homeowners.

Nestled in Seattle’s Mt. Baker neighborhood, the humble, practical bones of a 1950s dwelling—paired with the undeniable charm of its lake-adjacent location—inspired the vision for a multigenerational home base.

Newly retired, the homeowner envisioned a warm, welcoming space with gathering areas for family, a single story-layout with a discreet yet connected zone for guests, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Having served as a rental property for decades, the house already featured a practical setup: an upstairs apartment with an attached garage and a walk-out basement unit below—an ideal foundation for the homeowner’s plan.

Best Practice’s initial plan included key design moves and small layout changes, but when construction revealed failing wall, floor, and roof framing, only the basement foundation walls could be salvaged. Rather than starting from scratch, Best Practice and the owner chose to preserve the essence of the original home.

Though essentially a new house, it retains traces of the old, including the footprint, roof pitch, layout, and many original window and door openings.

The project aimed to enhance, not expand, embracing the unique charm of the original 1950s home. Best Practice and the owner prioritized strategic structural changes, preserving its character. The design balances efficient bedrooms and bathrooms with generous gathering spaces, while built-in storage adds functionality throughout.

*Custom stained glass windows, designed by the owner’s youngest daughter and partner, cast playful shadows and pops of color in the upper level powder room and dining room (below).*

The home’s furnishings and art were thoughtfully curated by the owner’s eldest daughter, a photographer, and Best Practice. The downstairs functions as an accessory dwelling unit with a cozy living room opening to a lower patio. While connected through the new staircase, the lower level can be accessed separately to accommodate multi-generational living or future rental income.

“You can feel the respect for what was already there,” noted one juror. “It’s not about erasing the past-it’s about elevating it.” The footprint stays modest, but every inch is considered, resulting in a very personal home filled with meaningful touches.

Contractor — Bellan Construction

Collaborators — Smith Lubke Engineering
Unique Art Glass (Custom stained glass windows)
Cambium, Inc. (Landscape Design & Installation)

Photo Credit — Rafael Soldi

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