Family’s letter secures dream home

A family in Issaquah, Washington, purchased their dream home after sending a letter to the owners, who had no plans to sell.

Brooke Solinsky and her family grew fond of a neighborhood 15 miles east of Seattle, attracted by its mountain views, mature trees, and peaceful setting. The home they wanted wasn’t listed, so they wrote to the owners, sharing why they hoped to buy it.

The house had belonged to the same family for 40 years. The owners, who had raised their children there, initially resisted selling. However, they appreciated the idea of passing the property to someone who would value it as much as they did. After discussions, the Solinskys finalized the purchase in 2015.

Turning a house into a home

The home was well-kept, but Brooke wanted to adjust it for her family’s lifestyle while preserving its original charm. She imagined spaces that encouraged togetherness, using materials that developed character over time and furnishings with personal meaning.

“We wanted a home that feels enduring—one that honors the property’s history while reflecting our family’s life inside it,” she said.

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Brooke hired Jennifer Tamblin of Drift Interior Architecture to help. Tamblin came recommended for her expertise, and from their first meeting, Brooke felt confident in the choice. “She had clear ideas but didn’t impose them. Instead, she helped me refine my vision with practical advice,” Brooke said.

Tamblin found the collaboration unusually easy. “Clients with strong preferences can be challenging,” she said. “But Brooke was different. She trusted our suggestions and depended on us for layout decisions.”

A kitchen built for gathering

The original layout consisted of small, closed-off rooms with limited storage. The renovation aimed to create openness, especially in the kitchen, which Brooke envisioned as the home’s center.

“Our family always ends up in the kitchen, especially when guests are over. We needed a space that could handle everyone comfortably,” she said. The new design established separate areas: cooking by the stove, prep at the island, cleanup by the sink, and a butler’s pantry for drinks.

A large island anchors the kitchen, designed to resemble furniture rather than a built-in unit. The surrounding countertops feature Arabescato Corchia marble, selected for its striking veining. “Natural marble has a unique beauty that tells its own story over time,” Brooke said.

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The marble contrasts with understated finishes: warm taupe cabinets, a custom-stained white oak island in deep brown, soapstone countertops, and a Venetian plaster range hood. “These materials age gracefully and develop character,” Brooke noted.

The project changed more than the house—it inspired Brooke to start her own design business. Those ideas now shape Brooke Anne Studio, the firm she launched after the renovation. The experience helped her define her style: classic, textured, and rooted in natural materials like stone, wood, and linen. “It was a defining moment,” she said. “A home shaped by my taste ultimately showed me where that taste could lead.”

Tamblin, who became a close friend during the project, called the outcome deeply satisfying. “Seeing Brooke and her family enjoy their home after all the effort makes it worthwhile,” she said. “I’m proud of her and excited about her new venture.”

A designer makeover in another city followed a similar philosophy, focusing on personal touches and natural elements.