From Cramped to Custom: Our Queen Anne Seattle Renovation Journey

When my husband and I bought our 1909 craftsman in upper Queen Anne back in 2016, we were newly married, working full-time in offices, and excited to put down roots in a neighborhood we loved. Fast forward a few years—and a global pandemic later—our world (and home life) shifted. Like many families, we suddenly found ourselves both working remotely, juggling Zoom calls and diaper changes under one roof. I was squeezed into the laundry room as my makeshift office, while my husband was in our spare bedroom, which served as our guest room, gym, and his workspace.

As our family grew to four, our house started feeling tighter by the day. We considered moving and even made competitive offers on multiple Queen Anne homes nearby—one went for all cash and $500K over asking, another $150K over our budget. We quickly realized that if we wanted to stay in our neighborhood, we’d have to think differently.

That’s when my passion for design and renovation took center stage. What started as a “what if” turned into a full-scale project: Could we rip the roof off and build up? After months of research and walkthroughs with several contractors, we decided to go for it. We moved out for eight months and began the transformation.

The result? We opened up our main floor to create a bright, functional family space and added a full second story—complete with a primary suite, two kids’ bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a cozy reading nook. Now, our whole family sleeps on the same floor, we each have real workspaces, and we have room to grow as our kids get older. You can check out our full renovation journey on Instagram.

This experience wasn’t just about creating a dream home—it deepened my love for real estate, construction, and design. It gave me firsthand insight into the possibilities that exist within a home’s walls and how thoughtful renovation can unlock long-term value and comfort.

If you’re considering a remodel, buying a home with potential, or prepping your space for sale, reach out—I’d love to connect.