4770 Ohio Ave S
Ste B
Seattle, WA 98134
info@paxsonfay.com
This 1915 Dutch Colonial in Seattle Strays Far Away from Tradition
It’s got a hint of bohemian funk.
It doesn’t get more traditional than a Dutch Colonial style house, but the owners of this one were adamant that the interiors look far from formal and stuffy. “They loved the cleanliness and organizational qualities of minimalism and contemporary styles but wanted the home to feel warm, not too formal, and with a hint of bohemian funk,” explains interior designer Casey Keasler, founder of Casework. “They were immediately drawn towards woods, Moroccan rugs, leather, and fun wallpapers—lots of texture but not traditional. They disliked the formality of traditional styles because it didn’t align with their lifestyle.”
The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom home, which is located on the Montlake Cut in Seattle, was a diamond in the rough. It hadn’t been updated since the ‘80s. It was gutted to the studs, with just the exterior framing (not the siding, though), some interior framing, and front door and side lights remaining.
“The biggest transformation to modernize the house was adding 350 square feet to the footprint of each level,” Casey says. “This new space allowed for a large shared office in the basement for the couple to work at individual desks but also created space for Lucy, a graphic designer, known for her printed invitations, the ability to spread out at a large central table to cut and assemble.”
The entire west side of the house was reconfigured on the main level. Casey and team reworked the formal dining room to include a powder bath, mudroom, and coat closet—all of which flowed into an open kitchen and dining nook.
While the couple wanted their kitchen and dining area to be inviting for large gatherings and intimate family meals, they eschewed a formal dining room and opted for the more casual nook that could still handle both. “None of the rooms are grand or big; they feel intimate and personal, even for a big gathering,” says Casey.
The addition on the second floor allowed for an actual primary suite with vaulted ceilings, a walk-in closet, and dressing room. The primary bedroom features neutral textures, wood paneling, a shearling bed, and floral drapery that connects the space to the outdoors.
There’s also a new laundry room off the kids’ rooms. And in addition to the large office, the basement also includes a playroom, workout area, and guest suite.
The color palette features warm tones mixed with six different patterned wallpapers that Casey says are reminiscent of the early 1900s with a nod to the modern aesthetic. The textures and patterns in the upholstery and drapery adds to the maximalist vibes.
Casey deftly mixed and matched the various colors and patterns in the home—everything just seems to live harmoniously together. She says decorating with color and pattern is not as tricky as it seems: It’s all about balance, considering all the layers, and looking at things with an editing eye.
“When selecting color and pattern, we start with a foundation,” she explains. “I usually look for a unifying element, most often color, and play from there. I prefer color to have balance, a mix of tones and patterns that are not too similar in scale or color because to me that feels too busy. I actually like it when patterns clash, like a plaid and floral, or a large floral and a small ditsy print or stripe.”
And it looks like the family is thrilled with the end result. Casey and team received a Christmas card with photos of the family in their home. “The card was the exact color of their living room and sunroom: Benjamin Moore’s Monroe Bisque. Inside was a note saying, ‘We are still loving the color!’” she adds.
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
senior account executive
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
account executive
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 coordinator
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 coordinator
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.
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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.