Chamber Member Highlight: Designing with Purpose on Vashon
At Harpole Home, we believe every home tells a story—a reflection of the people who live there, the landscape that surrounds them, and the creativity that flows within. This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on one of our recent projects, a stunning kitchen remodel nestled on Vashon Island’s scenic west side.
This project was particularly special because the homeowner isn’t just a Vashon resident—they’re a talented local clay artist whose pottery is a testament to the island’s vibrant artistic community. Collaborating with them allowed us to create a space that celebrates their craft while taking full advantage of the breathtaking views that define our island paradise.
Designing with Intention
A well-designed kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it’s a space that supports daily routines, inspires creativity, and enhances the home's overall aesthetic. Here are a few key design principles we used in this project that can be applied to any home:
1. Showcase What Matters
The heart of this kitchen redesign lies in its seamless blend of functionality and artistry. We designed custom shelving and display areas to showcase the homeowner’s handmade pottery, ensuring every piece could shine as both art and utility. Open shelving is an excellent design choice when you want to integrate personal elements into your space. Whether it’s art, family heirlooms, or collected ceramics, displaying meaningful objects makes a home feel truly personal.
To further highlight the homeowner’s craft, we incorporated handcrafted tile that echoed the textures and hues of their pottery. By repeating materials and textures throughout a space, you create a sense of unity and balance.
2. Play with Natural Light
Beyond the artistic elements, we focused on framing the stunning west-side views. Expansive windows flood the space with natural light, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for inspiration—or simply enjoying the beauty of island living. Natural light is one of the most powerful tools in design. In this project, we kept window treatments minimal to allow uninterrupted views and maximize brightness. If your space doesn’t have large windows, consider adding reflective surfaces, lighter cabinetry, or even well-placed mirrors to brighten the room.
3. Balance Function with Beauty
Incorporating art into a working kitchen requires careful planning. We made sure that the displayed pottery remained accessible but wasn’t at risk of breakage. Smart storage solutions—like deep drawers for dinnerware and thoughtfully placed cabinetry—helped keep everyday items within reach while maintaining a clutter-free aesthetic.
Another key consideration was the workspace layout. This kitchen is not just a gallery; it’s an active cooking space. We ensured that key areas—like the prep station, sink, and range—were efficiently arranged to make cooking both enjoyable and practical for multiple cooks in the kitchen at one time.
4. Use a Cohesive Color Palette
To ensure the kitchen felt like an extension of the artist’s work, we pulled inspiration from their pottery. Earthy hues, natural wood tones, and handcrafted tile accents tied the space together while keeping the design warm and inviting. Color is a crucial design element that can make or break a space. If you’re unsure about a palette, look at personal artwork, textiles, or nature for inspiration. Using a consistent color scheme throughout a room can create a harmonious, calming effect.
Celebrating Local Craftsmanship:
Working with fellow islanders is always a joy, and this project is a reminder of how deeply connected Vashon’s creative community is. Whether it's in clay, wood, or design, every space can tell a story when built with intention.
At Harpole Home, we’re honored to craft spaces that amplify the talents of our neighbors while enhancing the unique character of their homes. If you’re a Vashon resident dreaming of a home that reflects your story, let’s collaborate! Visit Harpole Home to explore more of our work and connect with us.
Vashon Designer: @harpolehome
Vashon Photographer: @taggphoto
Vashon Cabinet Builder: Sound Woodworks, Inc.
Editorial Note: We’re thrilled to have Harpole Home as a member of the Vashon Chamber. This singularly-focused blog post is published as a ‘make good’ after a mistake was made in a prior advertising placement. You can look forward to future blog posts that feature multiple Chamber Members while adding editorial value like this one.