Photo by Jack Thompson
Exterior home idea in Houston

What began as a renovation project morphed into a new house, driven by the natural beauty of the site. The new structures are perfectly aligned with the coastline, and take full advantage of the views of ocean, islands, and shoals. The location is within walking distance of town and its amenities, yet miles away in the privacy it affords. The house is nestled on a nicely wooded lot, giving the residence screening from the street, with an open meadow leading to the ocean on the rear of the lot. The design concept was driven by the serenity of the site, enhanced by textures of trees, plantings, sand and shoreline. The newly constructed house sits quietly in a location advantageously positioned to take full advantage of natural light and solar orientations. The visual calm is enhanced by the natural material: stone, wood, and metal throughout the home. The main structures are comprised of traditional New England forms, with modern connectors serving to unify the structures. Each building is equally suited for single floor living, if that future needs is ever necessary. Unique too is an underground connection between main house and an outbuilding. With their flowing connections, no room is isolated or ignored; instead each reflects a different level of privacy and social interaction. Just as there are layers to the exterior in beach, field, forest and oceans, the inside has a layered approach. Textures in wood, stone, and neutral colors combine with the warmth of linens, wools, and metals. Personality and character of the interiors and its furnishings are tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Rooms are arranged and organized in an intersection of public and private spaces. The quiet palette within reflects the nature outside, enhanced with artwork and accessories.

Photography: Dan Piassick
Transitional living room library photo in Dallas with white walls and a standard fireplace

Sited on 35- acres, this rustic cabin was laid out to accommodate the client’s wish for a simple home comprised of 3 connected building forms. The primary form, which includes the entertainment, kitchen, and dining room areas, is built from beetle kill pine harvested on site. The other two forms are sited to take full advantage of spectacular views while providing separation of living and garage spaces. LEED Silver certified.

Nestled in the dunes on a double ocean front lot, the interior of this magnificent home is comprised of bespoke furnishings designed and built for each space. Carefully selected antiques and eclectic artwork blend colors and textures to create a comfortable, fresh palette balancing formality with a touch of whimsy granting the classic architecture an unexpected and lighthearted feel. Photography: Dana Hoff

Inside, the building is zoned into living and sleeping wings. The living room, kitchen, and dining spaces comprise the main area with high wood ceilings. Strategic skylights bring in patterned natural light from above to balance the south and north light. The bedroom wing is situated to be separate from the main space, and has two bedrooms plus the ‘bunk room’, which the three kids share. It has three double bunks and one loft, sleeping seven. Each of the bunks has its own small window and reading light. Photo by Paul Dyer

Bathroom - coastal bathroom idea in Portland Maine

The window walls are comprised of integral steel structure and steel window units containing hurricane glass. The horizontal mullion, which encircles the public spaces like a belt, is clad in cedar. Phillip Spears Photographer

Located on a large farm in southern Wisconsin, this family retreat focuses on the creation of large entertainment spaces for family gatherings. The main volume of the house is comprised of one space, combining the kitchen, dining, living area and custom bar. All spaces can be enjoyed within a new custom timber frame, reminiscent of local agrarian structures. In the rear of the house, a full size ice rink is situated under an open-air steel structure for full enjoyment throughout the long Wisconsin winter. A large pool terrace and game room round out the entertain spaces of the home. Photography by Reagen Taylor

Ellen Weiss Design works throughout the Seattle area and in many of the communities comprising Seattle's Eastside such as Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Redmond, Clyde Hill, Medina and Mercer Island.

Example of a mountain style living room design in DC Metro

The building is comprised of three volumes, supported by a heavy timber frame, and set upon a terraced ground plane that closely follows the existing topography. Linking the volumes, the circulation path is highlighted by large cuts in the skin of the building. These cuts are infilled with a wood framed curtainwall of glass offset from the syncopated structural grid. Eric Reinholdt - Project Architect/Lead Designer with Elliott, Elliott, Norelius Architecture Photo: Brian Vanden Brink

Nestled in the dunes on a double ocean front lot, the interior of this magnificent home is comprised of bespoke furnishings designed and built for each space. Carefully selected antiques and eclectic artwork blend colors and textures to create a comfortable, fresh palette balancing formality with a touch of whimsy granting the classic architecture an unexpected and lighthearted feel. Photography: Dana Hoff

Located on a large farm in southern Wisconsin, this family retreat focuses on the creation of large entertainment spaces for family gatherings. The main volume of the house is comprised of one space, combining the kitchen, dining, living area and custom bar. All spaces can be enjoyed within a new custom timber frame, reminiscent of local agrarian structures. In the rear of the house, a full size ice rink is situated under an open-air steel structure for full enjoyment throughout the long Wisconsin winter. A large pool terrace and game room round out the entertain spaces of the home. Photography by Reagen Taylor

A bespoke residence, designed to suit its owner in every way. The result of a collaborative vision comprising the collective passion, taste, energy, and experience of our client, the architect, the builder, the utilities contractors, and ourselves, this home was planned to combine the best elements in the best ways, to complement a thoughtful, healthy, and green lifestyle not simply for today, but for years to come. Photo Credit: Jay Graham, Graham Photography

A bespoke residence, designed to suit its owner in every way. The result of a collaborative vision comprising the collective passion, taste, energy, and experience of our client, the architect, the builder, the utilities contractors, and ourselves, this home was planned to combine the best elements in the best ways, to complement a thoughtful, healthy, and green lifestyle not simply for today, but for years to come. Photo Credit: Jay Graham, Graham Photography

Nestled in the dunes on a double ocean front lot, the interior of this magnificent home is comprised of bespoke furnishings designed and built for each space. Carefully selected antiques and eclectic artwork blend colors and textures to create a comfortable, fresh palette balancing formality with a touch of whimsy granting the classic architecture an unexpected and lighthearted feel. Photography: Dana Hoff

Steve Henke
Living room - zen formal living room idea in Minneapolis with beige walls

Looking across the bay at the Skyway Bridge, this small remodel has big views. The scope includes re-envisioning the ground floor living area into a contemporary, open-concept Great Room, with Kitchen, Dining, and Bar areas encircled. The interior architecture palette combines monochromatic elements with punches of walnut and streaks of gold. New broad sliding doors open out to the rear terrace, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor entertaining areas. With lots of light and an ethereal aesthetic, this neomodern beach house renovation exemplifies the ease and sophisitication originally envisioned by the client.