The Build
It started with a leaking roof and five overflowing wine fridges. It ended with something we never expected — a space built for slowing down.
The Transformation
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The Before
It started with a problem. The metal roof on our garage room was leaking, and our collection had long outgrown the five wine fridges crammed into the corner. What was supposed to be an office had become a storage room for bottles we loved but had nowhere to properly keep.
Five wine fridges. One leaking roof. Zero room left.
The Decision
We could have just patched the roof and called it a day. Instead, we asked a different question: what if we built something intentional? A space designed not just for storing what we love, but for sharing it. A cellar, an office, a place to slow down with friends — a speakeasy.
Our designer suggested sconces — something that never would have crossed our minds. She was right.
Demolition
Once we committed, there was no half-measure. The corrugated metal siding came off, the ceiling was torn open, and we discovered the roof damage was worse than we thought. The entire side wall needed to be reconstructed and the metal roof completely replaced.
Reconstruction
With the old skin stripped away, we rebuilt from the outside in. New siding went up, the windows were reframed, and the exterior started taking shape. Inside, framing went up for what would become the wine cellar — a room within a room.
Sealed Tight
Climate control matters when you're storing hundreds of bottles. The entire space got spray foam insulation — walls and ceiling — transforming a drafty garage room into something that could hold temperature year-round.
Walls Up
Scaffolding went up and the drywall went in. Suddenly the room had shape — you could stand in the space and start to imagine what it would become. The vaulted ceiling that had been hidden behind the old metal was now a real feature.
Isle of Pine
Choosing the color was its own journey. We landed on Isle of Pine green, and the name felt like fate — a nod to Islay, the Scottish island that produces some of our favorite single malts. The green went on the walls, the ceiling, everywhere. It changed everything.
Isle of Pine. Named for an island. Perfect for a room built around Islay whiskey.
Flooring & French Doors
Dark hardwood flooring went down, instantly warming the space. The French doors were hung between the main lounge and the wine cellar, flanked by custom cabinets with marble tops. The room was starting to feel real.
The Sign
The sign was created by Drake Sign & Design — the same artist who had painted a rotating mural at our last house. He sketched the design by hand, laid out the lettering on raw material, and hand-painted every letter. The finished sign hangs outside on a wrought iron bracket, announcing what waits inside.
The Cellar
The wine cellar racks were assembled and installed behind the French doors. What had been five overflowing wine fridges was now a proper cellar — temperature controlled, beautifully organized, and visible through glass.
The Shelving
The whiskey shelves were built from wood sourced locally in Woodinville from Hardwood Industries, stain-tested until we got the color just right. The brass pipe shelving was custom crafted by Soil & Oak. Once the shelves went up and the bottles went on, the room finally looked like it was supposed to.
The Details
The sconces cast warm light against the deep green. The sputnik chandelier ties the whole room together. Our designer suggested a painting for the wall — we joked that a Frame TV could show paintings just as well, and Mariners games when the mood strikes. Custom Casner Park tasting glasses, printed menus on cedar boards, a guest book gifted by a friend with a hand-carved tree on the cover. Every detail placed with intention.
Our designer wanted a painting. We got a Frame TV. It shows art — until the Mariners are on.
The Gathering
We didn't build this for the bottles or the shelves. We built it for nights like these — friends gathered around, flights poured, stories traded. A leaking roof became the best room in the house.
A leaking roof became the best room in the house.
Casner Park