Central Washington has its own design identity — and it’s one we’re genuinely proud of at D. Marie Interiors. The homes we design in Wenatchee, Yakima, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, and the Suncadia area reflect a specific set of values: connection to the landscape, quality materials that work hard, and spaces that feel as comfortable after a day outdoors as they do for a dinner party. Here’s what we’re seeing in the homes we’re working on right now.
Nature-Inspired Palettes Are Dominant
The color story across Central Washington homes right now is rooted in the landscape. Warm sage, dry-grass gold, basalt gray, high-desert terracotta, and the deep blue-green of the Columbia River are all showing up in paint, textiles, and tile choices. These palettes aren’t trend-chasing — they’re a natural response to living in one of the most visually distinctive regions in the Pacific Northwest.
We’re moving away from the cool gray and white interiors that dominated the last decade toward warmer, more complex neutrals that feel grounded and specific to place.
Indoor-Outdoor Living Is Non-Negotiable
In a region with as much natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle as Central Washington — whether that’s skiing at Mission Ridge, hiking in the Enchantments, or wine touring in the Yakima Valley — the connection between interior and exterior space is paramount. We’re seeing more clients invest in covered outdoor living rooms, oversized sliding and folding doors, and material continuity between interior floors and exterior hardscape that blurs the boundary between inside and out.
Mountain Modern Is the Dominant Style
The most requested aesthetic in our Central Washington projects is what we call mountain modern — a hybrid of Pacific Northwest warmth (natural wood, stone, wool, leather) and contemporary restraint (clean lines, minimal clutter, thoughtful editing). It’s the design equivalent of a beautifully made down jacket: functional, beautiful, and completely appropriate to the environment.
Exposed timber beams, live-edge wood elements, stone fireplace surrounds, and grasscloth or textured wallpaper are all consistent features of the style. Textured wallpapers in particular have become a signature — adding warmth and depth that paint simply can’t provide in these spaces.
Vacation Home Design Is Evolving
The second-home and vacation property market in areas like Suncadia, Lake Chelan, and the Cle Elum area is growing — and clients’ expectations for these properties have risen significantly. Where vacation homes once skewed toward practical and forgettable, we’re now designing spaces that are every bit as considered as primary residences. The goal is a home that feels like a genuine retreat: intentionally designed, deeply comfortable, and specific to its setting.
Investment in Kitchens and Primary Baths
Across all project types, the kitchen and primary bathroom continue to receive the most significant design investment — and the bar for both has risen. In kitchens, we’re seeing strong interest in handmade tile backsplashes, custom or semi-custom cabinetry, and integrated appliances that disappear into the design. In bathrooms, freestanding tubs, curbless showers with floor-to-ceiling tile, and heated floors are increasingly standard expectations rather than luxury upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What interior design style is most popular in Central Washington?
Mountain modern is the dominant aesthetic — a blend of natural materials (wood, stone, wool, leather) with contemporary restraint and clean lines. It’s specific to the Pacific Northwest landscape and feels both timeless and deeply suited to the region’s outdoor lifestyle.
Are Central Washington homes following national design trends?
Partially. The shift toward warmer palettes, natural materials, and nature-inspired design is a national trend — but Central Washington homes apply it in a more specific, landscape-rooted way. The region’s geography (high desert, mountains, rivers, orchards) creates a distinctive aesthetic context that national trends adapt to rather than replace.
What should I prioritize when renovating a Central Washington home?
Kitchen and primary bathroom renovations consistently deliver the strongest return on investment and the greatest improvement in daily quality of life. After those, the living room — particularly if it connects to an outdoor space — and the primary bedroom are the highest-impact areas for design investment.
Do you work with vacation homes and second properties in Central Washington?
Yes — we work extensively with vacation and second-home clients in Suncadia, Lake Chelan, Cle Elum, and throughout the region. These projects are some of our favorites because the design brief is so clear: create a space that feels like a genuine retreat, specific to its landscape and completely comfortable for how you actually vacation.
Working With D. Marie Interiors
If you’re designing or renovating a home in Central Washington — whether a primary residence, a vacation property, or an investment home — we’d love to hear about your project. Reach out to our team to start a conversation about your home and what’s possible.