HOME x Ballard

Author: HOME x Ballard

  • The Super Bowl Host: Mastering Flow in a Phinney Ridge Bungalow

    The Super Bowl Host: Mastering Flow in a Phinney Ridge Bungalow

    After a chilly afternoon walking the loop at the Woodland Park Zoo, you might be ready to settle in for the big game. However, hosting a crowd to watch the Seahawks game in a classic Phinney Ridge home—where the views of Green Lake and the Cascades are sweeping but the living rooms are traditionally narrow—requires a strategy for flow.

    You don’t need an open-concept mansion to host without stress; you just need to create “traffic loops” rather than dead ends.

    Here is how to optimize your living space for the big game:

    • Clear the Field: In narrow bungalows, every inch counts. Physically remove obstacles like extra side chairs or decorative poufs. Don’t just push them to the wall; move them completely to a bedroom or hallway for the night. Clear the coffee table completely of books and decor to create a functional surface for snacks.
    • The Hospitality Station: Avoid the “kitchen cluster.” Set up a sideboard or bar cart separate from the TV area. This forces guests to move away from the screen to get a drink, preventing a bottleneck and circulating the room.
    • Zone Defense: Use designated trays to corral remotes and coasters. If they have a visible “home base,” the remote won’t get lost in the couch cushions during a touchdown celebration.
    • Trash Tactics: In many remodeled Seattle kitchens, the trash is hidden behind a cabinet door—great for style, bad for guests holding sticky wings. Place a visible, stylish trash bin near the food zone so guests aren’t hunting for the garbage.

    By designating specific zones for food, trash, and seating beforehand, you prevent the chaos that usually traps guests in the kitchen. Enjoy the kickoff!

    If you want a home that is ready for kickoff without lifting a finger, we can help. Contact HOME x Ballard to schedule a free quote—we plan, shop, and execute the perfect system for you.

    The image is only a visual representation of the techniques used by HOME x Ballard, not an actual project.

  • Peak Rain: The Mudroom “Wet Zone” in Broadview

    Peak Rain: The Mudroom “Wet Zone” in Broadview

    We are in the thick of the rainy season, and if you live near the trails of Carkeek Park in Broadview, you know the mud struggle is real. To save your floors after a forest hike, you need a “Wet Zone” immediately inside the door.

    Create a defense system against the damp:

    • Contain the Water: Start with a high-walled rubber boot tray that can hold standing water; fabric mats just won’t cut it here—they soak through and damage hardwood.
    • Vertical Drying: Install wall-mounted hooks directly above the tray for wet scarves and hats. This ensures drips land in the waterproof tray, not on your floors.
    • Umbrella Management: Add a sleek, dedicated umbrella stand to contain the clutter and prevent puddles in corners.
    • The Towel Basket: Keep a dedicated basket with old towels nearby for wiping down dog paws or muddy shoes before they leave the mat. By creating a designated spot for wet items to dry before they are put away, you prevent mildew and keep your entry pristine.

    Whether you’re returning from a muddy trek through the park or just a quick walk with your dog, a well-planned “Wet Zone” ensures the PNW rain stays exactly where it belongs—outside.

    The image is only a visual representation of the techniques used by HOME x Ballard, not an actual project.