4770 Ohio Ave S
Ste B
Seattle, WA 98134
info@paxsonfay.com

written by Melissa Dalton
Queen Anne
This petite kitchen in a 1910 Victorian in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood looked nothing like the rest of the house. Whereas the other rooms revealed hardwood floors, diamond pane windows and wainscot—all expected in something of this era—a more-recent remodel had left the kitchen out of step, with drab big box-store cabinets, glossy black granite counters and a stainless-steel backsplash. “The kitchen had undergone a previous remodel that was not in keeping with the original character or quality of the home,” said interior designer Sheila Mayden of Sheila Mayden Interiors.
But the homeowner loved everything about the Victorian era, even collecting antiques and dishware, and wanted a kitchen that aligned with not only the rest of the home but also her favorite teacups and saucers. “She has all kinds of cool pieces,” said Mayden. “She really wanted a kitchen that felt cohesive with the house and displayed all the things she loved.”
Mayden stayed within the same 153-square-footprint so as not to disturb the surrounding rooms, and focused on the kitchen and its attached pantry. She started with the stove wall, allotting a 36-inch Lacanche range there to create a focal point across from the dining room, and then surrounded it with a custom stove hood and cabinetry, the uppers fitted with bespoke leaded glass that echo the pattern found in the windows. (All the better to display the owner’s pretty dishes.)
When it came to the cabinet fabrication, the owner did not want any sort of composite wood, or MDF. “She said, ‘No, that’s not how it would’ve been made back then. I want a solid wood door,’” Mayden recalled. The owner chose cherry for the door and drawer fronts, for its weight and solidity, and asked the painter to apply a hand-brushed finish for further authenticity. “You feel like you’re in a turn-of-the-century hotel, or somewhere in Europe,” said Mayden. “I felt very transported when I stand in the new kitchen, like I’ve gone back in time.”
As for the color palette, it was inspired by some favorite pieces from the client’s china collection, and she requested a bold, red-toned pink, or cranberry. Mayden matched her with, appropriately enough, Benjamin Moore “Chinaberry.” The color was applied to the majority of the room, including the cabinets, tongue-and-groove beadboard backsplash, window frames and crown molding. “We liked how the singular use of a bold color unified everything and made it feel like all one piece,” said Mayden. Honed black granite on the counters grounds the bright color, while just a dash of Pierre Frey wallpaper on select walls picks up the motif from the dishware. Delicate chandeliers cast a warm glow.
The result is a room the owner adores. “She loves color and pattern, and old things,” said Mayden. X X “This was about her finding overall delight in the space.”
Beacon Hill
Color Blocking Refreshes a Rental Kitchen
Design doesn’t have to take itself so seriously, as this project proves. When the couple that owned this Beacon Hill Craftsman home decided to move out of the city and rent their home while they were gone, they knew they needed to spruce up the kitchen first. They reached out to local firm Best Practice Architecture and essentially said, “Do something fun, remembered founder and architect Ian Butcher. Known for its creative use of color and unexpected design treatments, the firm did just that, teaming up with contractor Ainslie-Davis Construction to transform the failing space in a cheerful, and economic, remodel.
Having been previously spruced up in the 1960s, the kitchen had all the finishes to prove it: outdated appliances, laminate counters and vinyl flooring. Still, the existing plywood cabinets were in pretty good shape, with cast metal hardware. “That’s something people pay a lot to buy new at Rejuvenation now,” said Butcher of the hardware. The architect decided to keep all of the cabinets, just replacing a few of the boxes that were damaged, and then applied a two-tone “color dip” to the entire room. “Paint is a great way to get a lot of design interest without spending a lot of money,” said Butcher.
The color scheme started with the floor, where the viny! was replaced with a durable pink Marmoleum sheet. “The clients wanted a bright color, and there’s not a lot of bright colors available in that product, so they chose pink, said Butcher, who also rehabbed the exterior with the same hue, applying multicolor shingles to a rebuilt porch-turned-family room.
The base cabinets then received Benjamin Moore “White Dove” on the frames, door and drawer faces, and even powder-coated the hardware to match. The new laminate counter is also white, with an exposed plywood edge, and white ceramic subway tile on the backsplash completes that layer. Up top, Butcher wanted a “poppy, contrasting color” and opted for Benjamin Moore “Bermuda Teal, including the ceiling for an immersive effect.
“It is almost like Neapolitan ice cream,” mused Butcher on the design. “A lot of people are concerned about resale, or whether it’s too weird, or too personal, but these clients were like, ‘Let’s do it, and that makes it a lot of fun.” Both for the design pro-cess—and the finished room.
meet the team
We’re inspired by diverse design perspectives, innovation, technology, art, and the world around us. We live for the chance to create and disperse powerful, genuine messages that resonate.
tessa franchini
principal
tessa@paxsonfay.com
Tessa graduated from Fordham University in New York with a dual bachelor's degree in Communications and Political Science. During her time at Fordham, she worked for an interior designer and at NBC News where she developed her love for both design and communications. After graduating, Tessa managed marketing at 3form, a pioneer in the sustainable building products industry. During her tenure, 3form was repeatedly named one of the most recognized manufacturers in the design industry among architects and designers, and the company won multiple awards for its innovative product launches. After 3form, Tessa consulted on marketing efforts with leading product manufacturers in architecture and design before starting Paxson Fay with Amy.
amy golden
principal
amy@paxsonfay.com
Originally from Seattle, Amy left her home in the Pacific Northwest to attend Fordham University, fulfilling her dream of living in New York City. After graduating with a BS in business administration, specializing in marketing and minoring in economics, Amy began her career in advertising sales at CNN and the Hallmark Channel in New York and LA. However, Amy’s love of writing, design, and connection with people ultimately led her to PR. While finishing her MBA back home at Seattle University, in 2015, Amy cofounded Paxson Fay with her friend and business partner, Tessa, driven by a shared vision to build a PR agency that reflected their values and passions. At Paxson Fay, Amy thrives in media relations and pitch development, enjoying the process of diving deep into each client’s story to craft compelling narratives that resonate with editors and journalists. Amy has a particular passion for architecture-focused projects, and securing SHED’s feature in The New York Times was an especially rewarding moment, as they were her first client. Another major career milestone was helping build out Paxson Fay’s talented team, fostering an environment where young professionals can grow their skills and pursue their passions. Outside of work, Amy loves spending time with her family, chasing after her two little boys, exploring Seattle’s restaurant scene, traveling with friends, and reading.
colby wood
account manager
colby@paxsonfay.com
After graduating from Fordham University in New York City with a major in Communications and Media Studies and a handful of marketing and PR internships, Colby moved to Boston to manage marketing for a small, women-owned, creative consulting agency. While in that role, Colby managed public relations and marketing efforts for some of Boston's most prominent events and public art initiatives, including the Boston Pickle Fair and The Bulfinch Crossing Projections in downtown Boston. Colby gained experience crafting brand stories and identities through social media marketing and creative copywriting, seen through the successful launch of a premier Massachusetts adult-use dispensary and the revamp of her agency's own website. After two years, Colby decided it was time to figure out what the West Coast was all about. Looking to blend her marketing experience with her passion for design and architecture, Colby found Paxson Fay, where she focuses on social media strategy and management and public relations.
paige childs
senior account executive + digital lead
paige@paxsonfay.com
As a child, Paige wanted to be an architect; but after falling in love with storytelling, the power of words, and yes, the show West Wing, she decided to pursue journalism at The George Washington University in the nation’s capital. Following graduation, Paige crafted communications for the beauty and banking industries. Craving space for creativity, she joined the small team that would reopen the congressionally designated National Children’s Museum. There, she played an integral role in establishing the museum’s brand, bringing it to life across digital channels, including social media, email, and advertising. After nearly eight years in DC, she decided it was time for a change of scenery. Having grown fond of the title Washingtonian, she made the cross-country move to Washington State. She landed in Seattle at Paxson Fay, where in true full circle fashion she is the architect of social media and public relations strategies for our architecture and design clients.
martina povolo
account executive
martina@paxsonfay.com
Martina joined the Paxson Fay team as an intern when she was a senior at the University of Washington. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Interest Communications, Martina is now continuing with the team as a Communications Assistant. During her time at UW, Martina worked as the Special Sections Editor at the university’s newspapers where she won multiple awards for her front page spreads. Looking to blend her minors in real estate and environmental science with her focus in communications, Martina is passionate and excited to join the Paxson Fay team.
tara lyons
account executive
tara@paxsonfay.com
With roots in Napa and Denver, Tara ventured to the Pacific Northwest to pursue her academic journey at the University of Washington, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Education. Tara's love for writing began when she delved into songwriting, building on her pre-existing passion for singing and playing the piano. Following her undergraduate years, she returned to Paxson Fay, where she had previously interned, transitioning into the role of Communications Assistant. With a keen interest in PR and social media, Tara seamlessly integrates her creative flair into the professional realm. Outside of work, you'll find Tara passionately supporting the Kraken, embodying her love for both storytelling and sports.
Jamie Paxton
Communications Assistant
jamie@paxsonfay.com
Growing up in the Bay Area, Jamie made her way to the Pacific Northwest to attend the University of Washington, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communications and Psychology. Jamie first joined the Paxson Fay team as an intern during her senior year at the University of Washington and is excited to continue her journey with the team as a Communications Assistant. With a passion for writing and social media, Jamie is excited to bring her creativity and unique perspective to the role. Outside of work, you can find Jamie exploring local restaurants or picking up a good book.
We are hiring for our internship program! We are looking for an intern with a passion for design to help manage key communication channels. Click here to read more.
what we do
We are a communications firm founded in our passion for good design. Our unique approach to marketing and public relations in the architecture and design community has elevated our clients work to the next level. We’re backed by a talented community of creatives. From copywriters to social media experts, we provide a complete package of customized services. We strive to create a personal experience with each client, integrating teams and tackling your biggest marketing and public relations challenges from a high level. Then we help execute those plans ensuring lots of reporting along the way, with lots of coffee breaks in between because we’re from Seattle and that’s what we do.
marketing
marketing strategy
brand strategy
project management
partnerships acquisition and management
e-mail blasts
public relations
media strategy
content production
media communications and outreach
awards: strategy, content development and submissions
social
platform strategy and management
content production
targeted campaigns
results + reporting
advertising
advertising strategy
budget strategy + negotiation
calendar management
creative coordination
content
storytelling
copywriting
website and e-mail marketing
video: sourcing, storyboarding and scheduling
photography acquisition + curation
events
event management
sponsorships + partnerships
tradeshow coordination
press tours
clients
Here is a little taste of who we love to work with and what we love to do.