Lake Union Houseboat | Seattle Renovation Featured in ELLE Decoration

ELLE Decoration Issue 48, 2026
Author Maria Aziz Nahas
Photos  Jessica Burke
Builder Proform Builds

Designed by Anja Michals, this Seattle houseboat renovation transforms an ordinary nineteen eighties structure into a warm, character rich retreat. Anchored in the historic Eastlake neighborhood, the project reflects a sensitive dialogue between water, light, craftsmanship, and a quietly expressive interior language.

Set directly on the water, the house reflects its owner’s desire for a more grounded way of living. A successful CEO of a local company, she returned to Seattle after years in the desert Southwest, drawn by the promise of light, landscape, and daily contact with the lake. Eastlake, a narrow historic neighborhood defined by floating homes and intimate waterfront views, offered both discretion and a strong sense of place.

Originally built in the nineteen eighties, the houseboat lacked architectural identity and warmth. Anja Michals approached the project as a complete interior transformation, preserving only the essential structure while rethinking layout and atmosphere. A wall separating the kitchen from the dining area was removed to open sightlines and improve flow. New millwork, finishes, lighting, and furniture established a unified and inviting language throughout the home.

The most significant challenge was time. The decision to clad the entire first floor, including walls and ceilings, in white oak paneling required an exceptional level of craftsmanship and extended the construction schedule. The result is a richly textured interior envelope that brings depth, continuity, and a strong sense of calm.

Playful moments of color appear alongside painted cabinetry and bold marble surfaces. Furnishings and lighting from Nickey Kehoe, Lindsey Adelman, Urban Electric, Apparatus, and Stahl and Band are layered with intention. Artworks by Udo Nöger, Karen Gunderson, and Curtis Steiner introduce a subtle emotional resonance. The completed home feels scandi eclectic, lived in, and deeply personal.

Let’s start building.

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Proform Builds | Luxury Home Builders in Seattle & Austin
+1(206) 910-0303
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