Mystical mountains, stunning sea stacks, and rolling green forests stretching as far as the eye can see–there’s so much to love about the Pacific Northwest, but one of our favorite things to come out of Cascadia is the Pacific Northwest Modern design style. Sleek and timeless, this style is perfectly outfitted for the melodic rainfall this region is known for. It also easily translates to other regions with enduring design and crowd-pleasing appeal.
Continue reading to learn how to identify (and adopt!) the northwest regional style like a local.
Brick Shown: White Mountains // Design: Heather Cleveland // Image: Steven J Magner
What Exactly Is Pacific Northwest Modern Style?
Taking inspiration from mid century modern, international style, and Japanese architecture, Pacific Northwest Modern strives to sustainably incorporate nature within simple and sleek modern design.
Tile Shown: Ivory Gloss 1x6 Sheeted // Design: Tamar Barnoon // Image: Laure Joliet
This architectural style was sculpted in the mid-20th century by renowned architects like Paul Hayden Kirk, John Yeon, and Paul Thiry, who designed notable Northwest Modern buildings such as the University of Washington Faculty Club with its steel overhanging eaves and the historic Aubrey R. Watzek House.
Sustainability is a prized feature of this style, which incorporates locally sourced natural materials like wood and stone as much as possible. Floor plans of northwest modern homes are open and airy, and it’s common to see the exposed wood of post and beam structures made from cedar or other locally sourced wood.
PNW Modern homes feature plenty of large windows that maximize the amount of natural light inside, in order to counteract the infamous dark and rainy days of the northwest. Not to mention that if you have a view of the untamed beauty found in the northwest, you’ll want to stare at it as often as you can.
Tile Shown: Block Shop x Fireclay Tile Handpainted Roundabout 2 and Roundabout 4 in Gesso Motif, Dot Dash 7 in Charcoal Motif
Bring Home A Taste of the Pacific Northwest
If you can’t make it to the Pacific Northwest, then bring a piece of it to you! Our Essentials tile features eight timeless colors inspired by the great PNW–and it happens to be our most budget-friendly tile ever.
Tile Shown: Manzanita 3x9, Feldspar 6” Hexagon
Sample these Pacific Northwest Modern favorites here, featuring Ceramic color samples in Timberline, Cloud Cover, Alberta Blue, Hood River, Puget Sound, Salt Creek, Pearl, and Manzanita.
Covetable Examples of PNW Modern Interiors
This airy kitchen embodies misty northwest vibes with a soothing palette and lots of natural wood. The backsplash of foggy-hued handmade tile beautifully complements the modern wood cabinetry.
Tile Shown: Salton Sea 2x8 // Design + Image: Alter Interiors
Two shades of green tile mimic the rolling forests of the PNW in this beautiful spa bathroom, while a large window brings coveted sunshine into this peaceful space.
Tile Shown: Peabody 3x3 Sheeted, Rosemary 3x6 // Design: Velinda Hellen Design // Image: Sara Ligorria-Tramp
This contemporary sauna may be the purest example of PNW Modern style, with its rich hardwood and coordinating tile floor that adds a hint of evergreen color.
Tile Shown: Eucalyptus 4x4 // Design + Image: Hommeboys
The modern craftsman style of this green kitchen is common to Pacific Northwest contemporary homes, while the golden hour glow through the ample windows makes the space radiate with charm.
Tile Shown: Feldspar Gloss 2x8 // Design + Image: Grace Lee-Lim
A petite powder room full of impactful design, this space uses two shapes and colors of handmade tile in classic northwest colors to complement the sleek vanity and accents.
Tile Shown: Flagstone 2x8, Rosemary 4” Hexagon // Design: Decorotation // Image: Sen Creative
Showing off the moody side of the PNW, the dark cabinets of this kitchen are offset by the large light-filled window and warm white handmade tile backsplash.
Tile Shown: Salt Creek 3x6
Find your zen in this soothing spa bathroom, featuring natural wood accents and a flowing handpainted tile pattern in the walk-in shower.
Tile Shown: Oyster Shell 4x4, Jade 4x4, Block Shop x Fireclay Tile Handpainted Roundabout 2 and Roundabout 4 in Fresco Motif
Anchored by a charcoal-green brick fireplace, this airy dining room serves a sleek dose of modernism for mealtimes and beyond.
Brick Shown: Absaroka // Design: Decorotation // Image: Sen Creative
This checkerboard bathroom brings the PNW vibes with mossy hues and a minimalist floating vanity made from natural, unpainted wood.
Tile Shown: Eucalyptus 3x3 Sheeted, Feldspar Gloss 6x6, Dolomite 6x6 // Design: Autumn Hachey, TWENTY-TWO TWELVE, You Should Stay Here // Image: Michelle Johnson
Light, bright, and the perfect blend of modern and vintage, this bathroom gets depth and dimension from stormy grey tile wainscoting while the exposed wood beams on the ceiling help bring soothing outdoor elements in.
Tile Shown: Overcast 3x6, Egret + Condor Matte 1x1 & 1x2 Pinwheel
Are you feeling the mountains calling? Our design consultants can help you design the PNW Modern project of your dreams with sustainably made tile and our free design services. Reach out to be connected with your personal consultant today!