Real Estate

Rewriting the Neighborhood

What House Bill 1110 Means for the Future of Our Community Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by RSIR In neighborhoods across Mercer Island, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Snohomish, a quiet but powerful shift is underway. Backyards, driveways, and empty side lots may soon take on new life, thanks to House Bill 1110 (HB 1110) —a bold new law reshaping residential zoning across Washington State. Passed in 2023 and now taking effect, HB 1110 requires many cities to update zoning codes to allow two...

Life + Culture

Celebrating Father’s Day

Locals share cherished Father’s Day memories and timeless advice passed down from the dads who raised them.   Article by Caitlin Agnew Tyler Sholdt Founder and designer of T. Anthony Jewelers   Favorite Father’s Day memory? One of my favorite Father's Day memories was from a couple years ago when we took a trip down to Santa Barbara and drove the 101 up to Big Sur. We had such a blast exploring, eating great food and I got to check off a bucket list item - golfing Pebble Beach.   ...

Home + Design

Form Meets Function

Architect Adam Crain shares his design philosophy and new Kirkland project. Article by Caitlin Agnew | Photography by Life N Light 2Plys is an architectural firm specializing in real estate development solutions, primarily focusing on multifamily, urban infill and spec homes.  Since its start in 2012, 2Plys has designed and entitled more than 600 projects ranging from new custom single-family homes to 50-unit apartment buildings.  Founder and owner, Adam Crain, started the company while living...

Sports + Recreation

Home Turf Advantage

How the Seattle Sounders Are Shaping FIFA 2026 Article by Taylor Robinson | Photography by Seattle Sounders FC Seattle is no stranger to soccer greatness—but the next two summers promise to be truly historic. As the city prepares to take the global stage as a host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, its deep soccer roots and electric fan culture are already on full display. From record-setting attendance at Lumen Field to a growing list of international milestones, no club has done more to elevate...

Life + Culture

Women of Inspiration

Inspiring Stories of Women Shaping Our Community Article by Caitlin Agnew The women shaping our community inspire those around them every day.  They share their creativity, build businesses, volunteer their time, and often while also raising their families. Their resilience and dedication strengthen our community’s foundation. These women bring fresh perspectives, and their commitment continues to pave the way for future generations, making our community a better place for everyone.     ...

Home + Design

Designer Spotlight: Maggie Smith

California Casual Meets Pacific Northwest Article by Caitlin Agnew | Photography by Tim Lenz Organic, textured, minimal, functional.  Just a few words Maggie Smith uses to describe her signature interior design style.  From living in Los Angeles to now in Kirkland, Maggie’s hope is “to bring a little bit of my California casual style to the Pacific Northwest.”  Kirkland Lifestyle had the opportunity to catch up with Maggie to learn more about her interior design journey.     What first...

Travel

Girlfriend Getaway

Article by Caitlin Agnew Get your girls trip out your group chat and book a close to home getaway.  Less stress, less packing, and more time to play.  Here’s what we did (and recommend!) for our Seattle staycation.   Stay: Palladian Hotel   Voted ‘Best Hotel in Downtown Seattle’, the Palladian Hotel is within walking distance of landmarks like Pike Place Market, popular restaurants, live music, cafés, and boutiques. The edgy design elements and contemporary furnishings reflect...

Arts + Culture

Words for Young Readers

She's written over 60 children’s books, sparking imagination and a love of reading Article by Bree O'Brien | Photography by Courtesy of Dori Hillestad Butler While Dori Hillestad Butler always knew she wanted to be a writer, it wasn’t until a serendipitous encounter in her freshman year creative writing class that she considered writing for kids. Hillestad Butler was struggling to complete a short story assignment, when a classmate majoring in Elementary Education apologetically announced that...

Beauty

Refresh. Renew. Reveal.

Experience cutting-edge aesthetics, rejuvenating treatments, and personalized care at Lake Washington Medical Aesthetics new location. Article by Caitlin Agnew Lake Washington Medical Aesthetics has been operating in Kirkland for over two years and they are thrilled to open their new location on Market Street; a free-standing oasis with beautiful lighting and ambiance overlooking Lake Washington and Heritage Park.  There will be recently renovated treatment rooms inspired by modern, natural...

Arts + Culture

Rising Tides Lift All Ships

Photographer Sung Park’s Passion Project Showcases Talented Artists as well as his Talent Behind the Lense. Article by Caitlin Agnew | Photography by Sung Park Tell us about your business.   I started my photography business 10 years ago after working in marketing and advertising for about 12 years. Most of my income now is from commercial photography and headshots.  I started my personal project, “Artists at Work”, in 2018. The first collaboration in the series was with Douglas...