This prefabricated 1,800 square foot Certified Passive House is designed and built by The Artisans Group, located in the rugged central highlands of Shaw Island, in the San Juan Islands. It is the first Certified Passive House in the San Juans, and the fourth in Washington State. The home was built for $330 per square foot, while construction costs for residential projects in the San Juan market often exceed $600 per square foot. Passive House measures did not increase this projects’ cost of construction. The clients are retired teachers, and desired a low-maintenance, cost-effective, energy-efficient house in which they could age in place; a restful shelter from clutter, stress and over-stimulation. The circular floor plan centers on the prefabricated pod. Radiating from the pod, cabinetry and a minimum of walls defines functions, with a series of sliding and concealable doors providing flexible privacy to the peripheral spaces. The interior palette consists of wind fallen light maple floors, locally made FSC certified cabinets, stainless steel hardware and neutral tiles in black, gray and white. The exterior materials are painted concrete fiberboard lap siding, Ipe wood slats and galvanized metal. The home sits in stunning contrast to its natural environment with no formal landscaping. Photo Credit: Art Gray

Small spaces can provide big challenges. These homeowners wanted to include a lot in their tiny backyard! There were also numerous city restrictions to comply with, and elevations to contend with. The design includes several seating areas, a fire feature that can be seen from the home's front entry, a water wall, and retractable screens. This was a "design only" project. Installation was coordinated by the homeowner and completed by others. Photos copyright Cascade Outdoor Design, LLC

After years of enjoying their backyard, the clients of this property enlisted our firm to improve the original landscape we had completed over ten years ago. Our goal was to update the patio and further develop their backyard by creating a garden with a variety of color and texture. Over time the existing patio had settled, plantings grew, and an existing Oak thrived. During the initial home and landscape construction our clients were particularly concerned about the health of the mature Oak located just off the home. Special care was given when the patio was first built. Precautions were again taken in working around the Oak as the existing patio was removed and replaced. Surrounding trees and shrubs had grown and enclosed the backyard limiting access. This required almost all work and transport of material to be done by hand. The old concrete paver patio was replaced with bluestone. Existing mortared limestone around the edges of the patio levels were cleaned and tuck-pointed. A new stoop was constructed with mortared limestone risers and bluestone treads. A built-in grill and fireplace further updated the backyard space. The fireplace was designed to follow the organic curve of the patio. Mortared limestone and bluestone material were repeated on all elements, tying them together. Along with the updated patio, many additions were made in transforming the modest backyard into a lush garden. Masses of annuals, ornamental grasses, and perennials along with mixed shrubs created sweeps of color and texture in front of a new arborvitae hedge and other existing trees and shrubs. After careful planning and execution the completed landscape gave our clients the updated landscape they desired. The completion of the project was a rewarding and fulfilling experience as we transformed a good past project into a fantastic new project.

Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Miami

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Denver with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, an undermount sink, solid surface countertops and subway tile backsplash

Transitional living room photo in Los Angeles

Scott Shigley
Living room - contemporary formal carpeted living room idea in Chicago with gray walls, no fireplace and no tv

DESIGN OVATION AWARD WINNER ! The asymmetrical placement of a 54” linear fireplace creates interest when framed by custom cut Egyptian Sea Grass limestone tile. The floating cantilevered hearth and layered alder mantels create strong horizontal lines. Simple transitional furnishings float on a subtle patterned Tibetan rug, creating a calm and inviting room. The result is an enduring design that is both comfortable and classic.

The house you see is the result of an extensive remodeling/renovation. It was originally built in the early 1900’s our client grew up in this house and was returning to it as his father was moving on to an assisted living facility. Ben Quie, of Ben Quie and Sons, asked me to help these clients: revive and re-invision this house for their own particular needs and lifestyle. It turned out to be a fairly whole-scale transformation on the main level, moving a stairway that was inconveniently located and ill conceived, enlarging the kitchen, provide for a mudroom/laundry room and added a family sitting area off of the living room. The upstairs remained more intact but we added a bath of the couples room and reworked a number of closets. The lower level was also finished out with a hobby room and an area for television viewing. This was a fun project and made special by both the superb craftsmanship of Ben and his crew and the enthusiastic involvement of our clients. Design by Timothy Fuller with Joe Metzler Construction by Ben Quie and Sons Photography by Troy Theis This project was designed while Tim was at SALA Architects

As often happens my clients came to me after having their first child. Their home was small but they loved the location and opted to add on instead of move. Their wish list: a master bedroom with separate walk-in closets, a bathroom with both a tub and a shower and a home office with a “hidden door”. The addition was designed in keeping with the existing small scale of spaces so that the new rooms fit neatly above one side of the split level home. The roof of the existing front entry will become a small deck off the office space while the master bedroom at rear will open to a small balcony.

The large stove and open counter space give plenty of room to cook and entertain. The pantry is conveniently tucked off to the side of the kitchen. Photographer: Ethan Rohloff

My clients really wanted an island on legs, that felt more like a furniture piece. We wired the Microwave through the legs of the island. The cabinets match Benjamin Moore Dove white (OC-17) and the island and perimeter countertops are both quartzite. Carlos Vegara Photography

Inspiration for a 1950s formal medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Portland with blue walls, a ribbon fireplace and no tv

This project was for a long time client of mine who lives in a wonderful patio home with a finished basement. There were several challenges with which to contend. First, as you enter the Foyer, all of the spaces are open to each other so we had to make sure everything worked together. Second, furniture arrangement had always been a struggle for the large living area with the fireplace on an angled corner wall and large built-in. Last, although the homeowner loves color – especially blue/greens – we had to convince her to bring it into her home as an accent and make it work with the other spaces. We started with a neutral sofa positioned across from the built-ins and paired it with a settee in a blue/green fabric. The settee does not block the fireplace and reinforces our color scheme. The homeowner upgraded her husband’s chair and ottoman with a contemporary leather one, and we added a perfectly scaled swivel chair to the corner next to the built-ins. We finished off the space with a mixture of unique accent tables including a beautiful coffee table with wood inlay, a small metal french drink table, a two-tiered egg shaped table, and a pedestal table with marble top. We added lighting, artwork and accessories to the built-ins and tables to complete the space. We also added blue/green accessories to the breakfast area to make the spaces flow seamlessly. We love how these spaces in the Open Concept Redesign turned out. It is a very pleasing palette that does not overwhelm the spaces, but adds interest. Enjoy!

Complimentary to it’s adjacent bathroom, this light white laundry room boasts function and form. With a combination of open and concealed storage, this space maximizes efficiency and organization. Leading to the garage, it was important for this space to double as a mudroom with a bench seat to throw on your shoes before heading out the door. Sliding doors at accessible height were a must in the laundry room allowing the client to move freely about this space without contending with swinging doors.

This project was for a long time client of mine who lives in a wonderful patio home with a finished basement. There were several challenges with which to contend. First, as you enter the Foyer, all of the spaces are open to each other so we had to make sure everything worked together. Second, furniture arrangement had always been a struggle for the large living area with the fireplace on an angled corner wall and large built-in. Last, although the homeowner loves color – especially blue/greens – we had to convince her to bring it into her home as an accent and make it work with the other spaces. We started with a neutral sofa positioned across from the built-ins and paired it with a settee in a blue/green fabric. The settee does not block the fireplace and reinforces our color scheme. The homeowner upgraded her husband’s chair and ottoman with a contemporary leather one, and we added a perfectly scaled swivel chair to the corner next to the built-ins. We finished off the space with a mixture of unique accent tables including a beautiful coffee table with wood inlay, a small metal french drink table, a two-tiered egg shaped table, and a pedestal table with marble top. We added lighting, artwork and accessories to the built-ins and tables to complete the space. We also added blue/green accessories to the breakfast area to make the spaces flow seamlessly. We love how these spaces in the Open Concept Redesign turned out. It is a very pleasing palette that does not overwhelm the spaces, but adds interest. Enjoy!

This project was for a long time client of mine who lives in a wonderful patio home with a finished basement. There were several challenges with which to contend. First, as you enter the Foyer, all of the spaces are open to each other so we had to make sure everything worked together. Second, furniture arrangement had always been a struggle for the large living area with the fireplace on an angled corner wall and large built-in. Last, although the homeowner loves color – especially blue/greens – we had to convince her to bring it into her home as an accent and make it work with the other spaces. We started with a neutral sofa positioned across from the built-ins and paired it with a settee in a blue/green fabric. The settee does not block the fireplace and reinforces our color scheme. The homeowner upgraded her husband’s chair and ottoman with a contemporary leather one, and we added a perfectly scaled swivel chair to the corner next to the built-ins. We finished off the space with a mixture of unique accent tables including a beautiful coffee table with wood inlay, a small metal french drink table, a two-tiered egg shaped table, and a pedestal table with marble top. We added lighting, artwork and accessories to the built-ins and tables to complete the space. We also added blue/green accessories to the breakfast area to make the spaces flow seamlessly. We love how these spaces in the Open Concept Redesign turned out. It is a very pleasing palette that does not overwhelm the spaces, but adds interest. Enjoy!

This project was for a long time client of mine who lives in a wonderful patio home with a finished basement. There were several challenges with which to contend. First, as you enter the Foyer, all of the spaces are open to each other so we had to make sure everything worked together. Second, furniture arrangement had always been a struggle for the large living area with the fireplace on an angled corner wall and large built-in. Last, although the homeowner loves color – especially blue/greens – we had to convince her to bring it into her home as an accent and make it work with the other spaces. We started with a neutral sofa positioned across from the built-ins and paired it with a settee in a blue/green fabric. The settee does not block the fireplace and reinforces our color scheme. The homeowner upgraded her husband’s chair and ottoman with a contemporary leather one, and we added a perfectly scaled swivel chair to the corner next to the built-ins. We finished off the space with a mixture of unique accent tables including a beautiful coffee table with wood inlay, a small metal french drink table, a two-tiered egg shaped table, and a pedestal table with marble top. We added lighting, artwork and accessories to the built-ins and tables to complete the space. We also added blue/green accessories to the breakfast area to make the spaces flow seamlessly. We love how these spaces in the Open Concept Redesign turned out. It is a very pleasing palette that does not overwhelm the spaces, but adds interest. Enjoy!

This project was for a long time client of mine who lives in a wonderful patio home with a finished basement. There were several challenges with which to contend. First, as you enter the Foyer, all of the spaces are open to each other so we had to make sure everything worked together. Second, furniture arrangement had always been a struggle for the large living area with the fireplace on an angled corner wall and large built-in. Last, although the homeowner loves color – especially blue/greens – we had to convince her to bring it into her home as an accent and make it work with the other spaces. We started with a neutral sofa positioned across from the built-ins and paired it with a settee in a blue/green fabric. The settee does not block the fireplace and reinforces our color scheme. The homeowner upgraded her husband’s chair and ottoman with a contemporary leather one, and we added a perfectly scaled swivel chair to the corner next to the built-ins. We finished off the space with a mixture of unique accent tables including a beautiful coffee table with wood inlay, a small metal french drink table, a two-tiered egg shaped table, and a pedestal table with marble top. We added lighting, artwork and accessories to the built-ins and tables to complete the space. We also added blue/green accessories to the breakfast area to make the spaces flow seamlessly. We love how these spaces in the Open Concept Redesign turned out. It is a very pleasing palette that does not overwhelm the spaces, but adds interest. Enjoy!