Perched on the southwest slopes of Bellevue, Somerset is known for spectacular views of Lake Washington, the Seattle skyline, and the Olympic Mountains. Remodeling a Somerset kitchen requires balancing view-oriented layouts, multi-level structural framing, and high-performance design.
Constructed primarily throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s, Somerset's hillside architecture differs significantly from flat-lot neighborhoods. Homes frequently feature split-level floor plans, daylight basements, vaulted cedar-beamed ceilings, and deep cantilevered decks designed to embrace sweeping western exposures.
However, many original kitchens were designed before modern open-concept living gained popularity. Common baseline layout challenges include:
How thoughtful planning turns a dated hillside kitchen into an Eastside architectural showcase.
By positioning the primary kitchen island or peninsula perpendicular or parallel to western window walls, meal prep, dining, and conversation all face Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline. Installing an undermount sink or flush induction cooktop on the island allows the cook to engage with guests while enjoying panoramic sunsets.
When removing walls between a Somerset kitchen and view-facing dining areas, drop headers can break sightlines. Professional remodelers utilize flush LVL (laminated veneer lumber) or steel beams recessed into the ceiling joist cavities, preserving clean 8-foot or vaulted ceiling heights across the entire great room.
Somerset homes often feature extensive western-facing view decks. Replacing standard swinging doors with multi-slide or bi-fold glass door systems creates an organic indoor-outdoor transition, allowing the kitchen to function as the primary staging area for summer Eastside outdoor dining.
Because Somerset kitchens often feature expansive glass and afternoon sun, material durability and thermal performance matter:
Natural quartzite (such as Taj Mahal or Sea Pearl) provides the organic elegance of marble with superior hardness, acid resistance, and heat tolerance. It will not discolor under intense western UV exposure. For clients preferring engineered quartz, modern low-resin formulations offer clean, consistent veining that complements contemporary Eastside architecture.
Rift-sawn white oak, walnut, and high-density matte painted cabinetry harmonize naturally with Somerset's mid-century modern lines and Pacific Northwest evergreen surroundings. Full-extension soft-close dovetail drawers, blind-corner pullouts, and integrated appliance panels maintain a clean, uncluttered visual aesthetic.
With open-concept floor plans, quiet yet powerful kitchen ventilation is essential. High-CFM exterior blower systems (where the motor is mounted outside or in the attic) extract cooking grease, steam, and odors without creating disruptive dining-room noise.
