Norman-style Thiry home evolves with respect

THIS IS THE house that architect Paul Thiry built, in 1929.

But its also the house that Seattle interior designer Robin Chell has nurtured for the past two generations of homeowners. The first being herself and her husband, David.

David bought the house. Thats how we met (in 1998), she says. David bought a chair from me. And then, oh! and another chair.

Chair-buying courting concluded, the couple married in the backyard in 2001. They then had their way with the Norman-style home in Madison Park, remodeling the kitchen and dining room, opening spaces, adding modern materials (using architect Chris Keyser).

Then, in 2002, the couple moved on to build their own home.

The Chells sold to newlyweds Bonnie and Rob (six hours from first viewing to offer). That couple had fallen for Thirys structural design, Robins subtle blend of modern and traditional (concrete counters, stainless-steel hardware, floors in limestone and wood) and Davids work transforming a plain old hillside out back into tiers of beckoning garden spaces.

When we walked in we knew, is how Bonnie puts it.

Then we put our furniture in, and it didnt look near as good.

Coming from a small condo on Capitol Hill, 1,700 square feet of house seemed cavernous. So Bonnie and Rob bought the Chells living-room grand piano in the deal. But it wasnt enough. They needed more of that Chell magic.

We bought this house because of Robin and David, Bonnie says. You walk in the front and its Robin. You walk out the back door, its David.

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Norman-style Thiry home evolves with respect