The design of this Whidbey Island beach house is a blend of Cape Cod cabin and Pacific Northwest vernacular. The client wanted to fulfill their living requirements yet maintain the charm of a cabin situated within a narrow lot. A primary challenge was lighting a 1-1/2 story vaulted great room, an integral part of the design. Clerestory windows and careful lighting design were part of the solution. Another concern was finding the right balance between the client's nostalgia for a previous cabin and modern aesthetics. The new beach home maintained the desired cedar paneling but is more refined with tight knots and v-grooves. Finding the right stain for the great room walls, floors and casework was a critical component contributing to the great room's ambiance.