"Katelyn Bento Maudslien is no stranger to change. Having moved across the country three times in the last six years, she also recently left a decade-long career in event planning to launch her own interior design studio. Though perhaps unwittingly at first, Kately had been training for this career pivot for years, starting with the purchase of her first home on a street called Devaughn Drive in Marietta, Georgia. While designing and styling that first house, she realized her love for design could eventually grow into a career. After Katelyn, her husband Thane, and their pup Mia packed up again and settled just outside of Seattle, Devaughn Design was born.
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Their current home in Washington boasts a dream of a location: close to family, 15 minutes from downtown Seattle, and just two minutes from the beach. Here, Katelyn once again put her design skills to work, creating a home that channels the earthy tones of the Tucson desert, the coastal charm of Southern California, and the functional aesthetic of Scandinavian design. Katelyn’s home is a warm, curated, and cozy space that effortlessly brings the outdoors in and masterfully maximizes every square foot. Keep scrolling for a full tour of Katelyn’s Seattle home and her top tips for honing and showcasing your personal style—even in a small space.
Katelyn Bento Maudslien’s Seattle Home Tour
The details:
Name: Katelyn Bento Maudslien
Location: Seattle, Washington
Square Footage: 1,150 square feet
Rent/Own: Own
You’ve lived in four different states over the past six years. What drew you to Washington, and what makes it feel like home?
We moved to Seattle to be near my husband’s family and to help with his 90-year-old grandmother. Being by the ocean and feeling the salt air really makes it feel like home.
Your home’s location offers the best of both worlds: only 15 minutes from downtown Seattle and two minutes from the ocean. Walk us through the process of finding this property.
When we were looking for a home in Seattle, we knew we wanted something close to his family. We also knew that finding something we loved would be hard, as the homes in our price range here are smaller than the ones we had lived in previously. Once we found a neighborhood we liked, we watched the market to see what homes became available. When we lived in Georgia, we were so lucky to have so much excess space, so moving to Seattle was a great exercise in getting creative and more intentional with designing for functionality in addition to aesthetics.
You fell in love with interior design while decorating your first home in Georgia. How did your approach to designing this current home differ from your first?
When we bought our first home in Marietta, Georgia, in 2020, we were far away from friends and family. I used my personal Instagram to share our decorating journey and keep them involved. What began as a way to stay connected soon grew into something much bigger!
The process wasn’t without its challenges—especially when a major water leak in our primary bathroom led to a complete renovation of both bathrooms. As first-time homeowners, the stress was overwhelming, but I embraced it as an opportunity to share our renovation story online. This experience not only allowed me to explore new materials and design concepts but also fueled my passion for interior design. It’s a reminder beauty can emerge from even the most difficult situations.
By the time we purchased our second home, my approach had evolved. I treated it more like a spec project, maximizing the budget and addressing the unique challenges of working in a smaller space. I focused on optimizing layouts and incorporating organization into every aspect of the design. With limited space, I knew everything needed a dedicated place to prevent clutter. I relied heavily on baskets and innovative storage solutions to create a balance between function and beauty.
You recently launched your own design firm, Devaughn Design. What inspired you to turn your passion into a business?
My love for design started early, though I didn’t realize it at the time. Throughout childhood, my parents would take me to model homes in Orange County, and I was fascinated by how each one had its own character and charm. As a kid, I also spent hours playing with drafting software or designing homes in “The Sims” video game to satisfy my creative itch.
In high school, I took an architectural course because I thought I wanted to be an architect, but math was always a challenge for me due to my dyslexia, so I couldn’t continue down that path. Instead, I found fulfillment in event planning, but it left me wanting something more permanent. When my husband and I purchased our first home, everything started to click.
I poured my heart into each room, and I’ll never forget the day we listed our house to sell—a stranger literally drove by and shouted, ”I love your home’s design!” This moment was a turning point for me, confirming I was on the right path and needed to pursue a business in interior design.
When we bought our second home in Seattle—and after years of encouragement from friends and family who believed in my talent—I launched Devaughn Design. The name is special to me—it’s a tribute to the street where our first home was located and where it all started.
As someone who has moved around a lot, do you find that your decorating style has been influenced by the places you’ve lived?
Absolutely! Moving around has had a huge impact on my style and how I approach interior design. The Tucson desert and the coastal charm of Southern California are my biggest sources of inspiration. The desert’s warm, earthy tones and natural textures create a sense of serene beauty and grounded elegance. I love incorporating these elements into my designs.
Now being in Seattle, I have also been introduced to the functional aesthetics of Scandinavian design. By blending these elements with traditional Southern touches, my designs are now both visually captivating and deeply comfortable.
Your home beautifully incorporates materials from nature, including natural woods, woven textures, and leather accents. What are your favorite ways to bring a touch of the outdoors inside?
Using materials from nature is a favorite of mine. Whether it’s through furniture or smaller decor pieces, wood instantly adds warmth and a grounding effect to any space. I love using live-edge wood tables or reclaimed wood accents that have their own unique character and tell a story.
Woven textures are another go-to for me. From baskets to rugs to light fixtures, they bring in a relaxed, organic feel that instantly softens a room. It’s such a simple yet impactful way to introduce natural elements that feel both stylish and cozy.
I’m also always looking for ways to bring in greenery. Plants not only bring life into a space, but they also connect you to nature in a way that’s both visually and emotionally refreshing. They’re the perfect final touch to creating a space that feels balanced and alive.
The Danish concept of hygge, which emphasizes comfort and connection with our spaces, is a cornerstone of your design work. What changes have had the most impact on making your home a cozy, relaxing retreat?
I’ve incorporated soft, warm materials like cozy textiles, natural wood, and plush rugs, which invite you to sink in and relax. These pieces don’t just look good—they also feel good. This makes the space feel comforting and lived-in. Lighting has also been huge for me. I’ve added soft, ambient lighting and candles throughout the house, which instantly create a calming vibe.
One of the most meaningful changes has been filling the space with personal touches. I’ve surrounded myself with items that have a story or remind me of special moments. These things help create a deep connection to the space and make it truly feel like home.
Lastly, keeping things clutter-free has been a game-changer. By creating areas with functional organization in mind, they now feel open and peaceful. This has been essential for making the home an escape from the busyness of everyday life. It’s these thoughtful touches, rooted in hygge, that have turned my home into a place where I can truly unwind and feel at ease.
You carved out a charming dining nook in a corner of your living room. What led you to this creative small-space solution?
This dining nook was really the only viable option for the space. The layout of the living room didn’t allow for a full-sized dining area, so I had to think creatively about how to integrate a functional dining spot without overcrowding the room. Using a round table with drop-down leaves made the most sense, as it provides flexibility. The table can expand when needed for larger meals or fold down when more floor space is required. This adaptable solution was key to making the space work while still maintaining a stylish, cozy corner that fits seamlessly into the overall design. It turned a tricky layout into a practical yet aesthetically pleasing area perfect for everyday use and added more seating options for our small living/dining space.
Your style strikes a balance between simple and tidy without feeling overly minimalist. How do you know when a room is “just right” and it’s time to stop decorating?
I know it’s time to stop decorating when everything has a purpose, yet the space still feels inviting and lived-in. I’m all about creating a sense of warmth without overloading the room with unnecessary items. To that end, I always make sure there’s enough negative space for the room to breathe—it allows the key design elements to stand out without feeling cluttered. When I walk into a room and feel a sense of calm and connection, that’s when I know I’ve hit the right note. It’s not about filling every corner but making sure what’s there serves both the design and the people who live in the space.
If I catch myself constantly adding or adjusting things, this is usually a sign to step back and reevaluate. Sometimes, less truly is more, and I rely on my gut feeling when everything finally feels cohesive, comfortable, and complete.
Your kitchen previously featured a seafoam green backsplash and yellow walls. What was the process of turning it into the bright, airy space it is today?
The original kitchen design was not my taste. The color overload, builder-grade cabinets, and generic flooring lacked the hygge, calming effect I knew I wanted in my kitchen.
Rather than replacing the shiny white cabinets, we opted for a more budget-friendly yet high-impact solution by adding a beautiful white matte tile backsplash, which softened the glossiness of the cabinets and created a serene, cohesive feel. This choice allowed the kitchen to feel brighter and more balanced without the need for a full cabinet overhaul.
The most striking design element was incorporating slate herringbone-laid tile for the flooring. This instantly enhanced the room’s feel, adding texture, movement, and a sense of timeless sophistication. The contrast of the rich slate against the white tile backsplash and matte finishes created a dynamic and elevated aesthetic that brought the entire kitchen together.
You also removed a cabinet along one wall to make room for a charming wall-mounted bar and a pair of stools. How did you decide to trade storage for extra seating?
The decision to trade storage for seating was an easy one, especially when it involved incorporating a piece of furniture with so much personal history. My husband and I bought this live edge piece of wood as our first piece of furniture together over eight years ago, and it has traveled with us over the years—first as a bench, then an entry table, and now repurposed as a bartop in the kitchen. It has always been a part of our home, so it felt fitting to integrate it into this space.
By removing the larger, bulky cabinet, we not only freed up floor space but also created a more open and inviting area. Using the live edge wood as a countertop made perfect sense because it fits the space so naturally, and its story adds a unique, personal touch to the kitchen. This solution allowed us to maintain functionality while adding character, providing a charming spot for a pair of stools without overwhelming the room. It was a thoughtful trade-off that balanced practicality and sentimentality while adding a place for me to sit and enjoy coffee in the morning while my husband Thane makes breakfast!
Your home features a variety of Western-themed prints and artwork. What do you love about these pieces, and where are your favorite places to source them?
I love incorporating original artwork into our home because it reflects our personal style and tells a part of our story. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for artists and the beauty they create. For me, art is like the jewelry that completes an outfit—it has the power to bring everything together, making a space feel whole. I also see art as a meaningful investment, with many pieces increasing in value over time. But beyond that, it’s the personal connection and story behind each piece that resonates with my husband and me the most.
“For me, art is like the jewelry that completes an outfit—it has the power to bring everything together, making a space feel whole.”
When it comes to sourcing Western-themed prints and artwork, my favorite place to find them is the Maxwell Alexander Gallery. We’ve collected a mix of original pieces and professionally framed prints from artists we admire, like Logan Maxwell Hagege, Mark Maggiori, Brett Allen Johnson, and Eric Merrell to name a few.
There’s something truly special about Western art and the desert that captivates me. I can’t quite explain it, but I’m drawn to the colors, the vast landscapes, and the sense of calm they evoke. It’s a passion that I love weaving into my home and design projects.
You prioritize comfort in your designs, and no room should be more comfortable than your bedroom. How did you approach designing this room to ensure it felt like a retreat from daily life?
When designing the bedroom, I wanted to create a space that truly felt like a spa relaxation room—a place where you can unwind and escape from the demands of daily life. Every design decision, from the wall color to the furniture placement, was made with the intention of promoting rest and relaxation. I carefully selected soft, inviting textures and soothing colors to set a calm and relaxing tone for the room.
The bedding was a major focal point, and I focused on creating a layered look. I used plush linens, cozy throws, and pillows to create a luxurious yet approachable feel. I also kept the furniture minimal and purposeful, allowing the room to feel open and uncluttered, which is key for creating a small yet serene atmosphere.
Lighting was another important element. I opted for warm, ambient lighting through bedside lamps and a soft overhead fixture, ensuring the room could transition seamlessly from day to night. I also maximized natural light by incorporating custom woven window treatments that allow for privacy while still letting in soft daylight. These paired with linen curtains really give it a spa-like feel.
You live with the cutest little dog, Mia, and have many beautiful white furniture pieces throughout your home. Do you have any tips or tricks for keeping white furniture in great shape when living with pets?
Living with our little Mia and maintaining beautiful white furniture has definitely taught me a few tricks! I will mention Mia is hypoallergenic, weighs only 5 pounds, and receives weekly baths; she is spoiled with a capital S, so don’t be fooled. However, one of the biggest things I recommend is choosing durable and easy-to-clean fabrics like performance fabrics or slipcovers. I also suggest choosing white furniture pieces that come with removable covers that can be tossed in the wash, which makes it easy to keep them looking fresh. For upholstered items that can’t be removed, I swear by a good fabric protector to help repel stains and dirt.
Regular maintenance is key, so I vacuum and spot-clean often to prevent dirt or buildup. I also de-fuzz or shave our sofa—I know it sounds crazy, but I promise it helps! I also keep cozy throws or blankets in the areas Mia likes to snuggle up in, which adds a stylish touch while protecting the furniture from wear and tear. With a few smart choices and consistent care, it’s totally possible to enjoy the look of white furniture even in a home with pets!
You achieved a stunning bathroom upgrade without a complete remodel. What specific changes did you make to enhance this space?
The bathroom was quite small, so we focused on making high-impact updates without a full remodel. One of the biggest changes was upgrading the tile, which gave the space a fresh, modern look. I also incorporated mixed metal finishes, which added dimension and contrast to the room. The combination of metals brought a touch of elegance while keeping the design interesting.
I was particularly intentional about choosing a mirror and light fixture that not only complemented the overall style of the house but also stood out as unique and fun elements. I wanted these pieces to add personality and elevate the bathroom beyond just a functional space. These changes really transformed the bathroom into a stylish, cohesive space without the need for a complete overhaul.
Beyond that, styling the bathroom was just as important as the upgrades themselves. I wanted the space to be not only functional but also visually pleasing. Incorporating small yet thoughtful touches, like a beautiful custom pottery piece from Erica Moore Pottery to hold our Q-tips, added both practicality and charm to the room. It was essential to me that even the functional elements looked stylish, so the entire space felt cohesive and elevated.
The full wall of black-and-white framed photos makes such a striking statement. How did you decide on the arrangement and find exactly the right frame sizes?
Oh, our lovely photo wall is something I always get asked about! I did something similar on a large staircase wall in our first home in Georgia, and I really wanted to incorporate this design feature into this home, too. Since I didn’t have a staircase to feature it on, it only felt right to turn this full wall into a gallery wall. I went to Ikea and bought A LOT of photo frames—more than you think because it takes a lot—and chose black-and-white photos to create a cohesive and timeless look.
When deciding on the arrangement, I wanted a balance between structure and fluidity, so I laid the frames out on the floor first to experiment with different combinations before hanging them. Mixing frame sizes helped add visual interest, and I made sure to keep the frames themselves consistent in style for a clean, unified aesthetic.
I started by selecting a few larger frames to anchor the layout and then added smaller ones around them to create a dynamic yet balanced composition. The end result is a striking wall that draws the eye and tells a story while adding a personal touch to the space, and I tell you, people LOVE it.
You transformed a dark, carpet-lined attic area into a bright, airy home office. How did you maximize this space and make it feel like an inviting place to work?
Initially, the space felt small and closed off, but I wanted to create an open, inviting, functional, and inspiring room for my office and guests, as our guest bedroom is upstairs, too! One of the first things we did was remove the old carpeting and install light white oak hardwood flooring. This instantly made the space feel more modern and clean. Painting the walls and ceiling all white helped to reflect the natural light and create a sense of openness, which was crucial given the sloped ceiling.
To maximize the space, I carefully selected furniture that wouldn’t overwhelm the room. A streamlined, black desk with curved edges gave the area a more modern touch while remaining functional. By adding thoughtful elements like a comfortable chair, cozy textures, and a few personal decorative touches, the room became a warm and inviting place to work.
In addition to the cosmetic updates, we added a window in this office nook. This was a game changer for the space, as it brought in much-needed natural light, making the room feel brighter and more expansive. Beyond the functional benefits, the window also added a touch of curb appeal, creating an exterior focal point that ties the whole home together. This small architectural detail gave the office a more open and inviting feel, and from the outside, it became a charming feature that enhanced the house’s overall look.
What advice do you have for people who are looking to refresh their home but aren’t sure where to start?
My advice is to focus on small, impactful changes first. I always recommend starting with a single room! Focus on one room at a time and work off those design elements you love to incorporate into other spaces in your home.
Begin by decluttering your space and considering what you really love and use. Once you have a clean canvas, think about what elements in your home make you happy or inspire you—whether it’s a certain color, texture, or piece of artwork. If you’re unsure, start with soft furnishings like pillows, throws, or rugs. These are easy to swap out and can instantly change the mood of a room. Paint is another powerful and relatively inexpensive way to refresh your space, whether it’s an accent wall or a full room makeover.
Also, do not underestimate the power of lighting. Updating light fixtures or adding lamps can dramatically alter the feel of a space. Finally, consider adding personal touches, like artwork, photos, or plants, that reflect your style and make the space uniquely yours. By making these small but intentional changes, you can create a space that feels fresh and new without feeling overwhelmed by where to begin.
Your guest bedroom is quite small and has a sloped ceiling that limits your layout options. How did you work within this challenging footprint to make the most of the room?
The guest bedroom presented a unique challenge due to its small footprint and sloped ceiling, which limited layout options. To make the most of the space, we actually had to remove an existing built-in bench that was taking up valuable room and hiding an exposed vent for the heater. By relocating this vent to the floor, we freed up the extra space needed to fit the bed more intentionally and create a better flow for the room.
I decided to use a wall-mounted headboard to give the space a more unique and custom look while keeping the bed location in the lower part of the sloped ceiling. This layout not only maximizes the space but also ensures guests can move comfortably around the room without feeling cramped. Placing the bed in this location allowed us to optimize the layout and functionality, making the small room feel more open and inviting for loved ones when they come to visit. Fun fact: This room is the largest in our house, but the ceiling makes it feel smaller than it actually is!
With so many design trends circulating online, it can be challenging to determine which ones resonate personally and are worth incorporating into your home. How do you guide your clients in discovering and defining their unique style amid constantly changing trends?
To me, design is about being timeless, as it’s more impactful and important than being trendy. When guiding my clients in discovering and defining their unique style, I always start by focusing on what resonates with them on a personal level rather than getting too caught up in the latest trends. I encourage clients to think about how they want their space to feel and function and what colors, textures, or elements make them feel most at home. It’s about creating a space that reflects who they are, not just what’s popular at the moment.
I also have them look for patterns in what they’re drawn to, whether it’s through inspiration photos, favorite pieces they already own, or places that make them feel comfortable. Trends can be fun, but I always emphasize incorporating them in a way that aligns with their personal taste and complements the overall design of their home. Timelessness and authenticity are key, so I help them weave in trends subtly—perhaps through accessories, textiles, or small elements—so the space feels fresh but not overly trendy.
Your vast outdoor space is to die for and especially hard to find in the Seattle area. Was a large backyard a key factor in your home search?
Interestingly, a large backyard wasn’t initially a big must-have for us during our home search. But when we saw the backyard of this house, we instantly fell in love with what it had to offer. We could immediately envision ourselves hosting gatherings, spending time outdoors, and creating so many special memories in that space.
It ended up being the best surprise and has become one of the things we love most about our home. It’s given us countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors right in our own space, which we consider to be one of the greatest gifts of the property!
Your outdoor deck looks like the perfect place to entertain and enjoy nice weather. What are your favorite ways to use this area?
Since we don’t have a formal indoor dining area, the outdoor table has become a vital part of our everyday life. We love hosting dinner parties, utilizing the outdoor dining table, and finishing the evening with marshmallows by the fire pit. It’s the perfect setting for relaxed, intimate gatherings, with plenty of room for everyone to spread out and enjoy. In the summer, the deck also becomes the go-to spot for girls’ wine nights. It’s such a cozy, inviting area to unwind, share a bottle of wine, and enjoy the warm evenings.
Whether it’s a larger dinner party or a casual evening with just a few friends, the deck has become the heart of our entertaining space and a place where we’ve made countless cherished memories. One of the most special moments we’ve had was our surprise wedding ceremony in July. After eloping in Mexico, we hosted a party with our friends and family, and right there on the back deck, we surprised everyone by sharing our “I Dos.” It was an unforgettable moment!
We love how you’ve sectioned out your backyard into distinct areas for outdoor dining, lounging, and hanging out around the fire pit. How did you decide what to do with such a large space?
With such a large backyard, it was important to me that it was both functional and inviting, so I decided to create distinct zones for different activities. I started by thinking about how we envisioned using the space—an outdoor entertaining space for dining and a space to gather around a fire pit at night with friends were at the top.
With the yard being naturally sectioned into different areas, I was able to give each part a specific purpose. The outdoor dining area is perfect for meals and entertaining. With the lower level naturally being flatter, it made sense to incorporate a firepit. The end result is a backyard that feels both expansive and intimate, where we can enjoy a variety of activities without feeling like any part of the space is underutilized. This is truly our favorite part of our home!
Lauren Blue, Lifestyle Staff Writer
As a Lifestyle Staff Writer for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of home decor, delicious recipes, hobbies, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Instagram for beautiful homes to feature on the site.