Here is an architecturally built house from the early 1970's which was brought into the new century during this complete home remodel by opening up the main living space with two small additions off the back of the house creating a seamless exterior wall, dropping the floor to one level throughout, exposing the post an beam supports, creating main level on-suite, den/office space, refurbishing the existing powder room, adding a butlers pantry, creating an over sized kitchen with 17' island, refurbishing the existing bedrooms and creating a new master bedroom floor plan with walk in closet, adding an upstairs bonus room off an existing porch, remodeling the existing guest bathroom, and creating an in-law suite out of the existing workshop and garden tool room.

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

Open kitchen featuring exposed wood beams, plaster shelves, light wood finishes, ship pulls on the cabinets, concrete floors and sitting area. Built by CAM Construction

Exposed beams, unfinished hardwood and this gorgeous hand-made railing highlight the simplicity and coziness of the cabin. 2014 Stock Studios Photography

Example of a mountain style light wood floor and beige floor kitchen design with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, an island and multicolored countertops

All-White Kitchen with Exposed Wooden Beams, Photo by David Lauer
Inspiration for a large contemporary u-shaped medium tone wood floor and beige floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Denver with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island, white backsplash and white countertops

An urban twist to a Mill Valley Eichler home that features cork flooring, dark gray cabinetry and a mid-century modern look and feel! The kitchen features frosted glass wall cabinets, an entertainment center and dining hutch flanking the kitchen on either side. The use of the same cabinetry keeps the space linear and unified. Schedule an appointment with one of our designers: http://www.gkandb.com/contact-us/ DESIGNER: DAVID KILJIANOWICZ PHOTOGRAPHY: TREVE JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY

The Nestled Neighbor house straddles the seam between the Dakota Ridge new urbanist neighborhood and Boulder Open Space. This unique location afforded opportunities to play to the natural western vistas while supporting a walkable street with neighborly interactions. Photo by Daniel O'Connor Photography

Family room - mid-sized rustic dark wood floor family room idea in Denver with brown walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Below Buchanan is a basement renovation that feels as light and welcoming as one of our outdoor living spaces. The project is full of unique details, custom woodworking, built-in storage, and gorgeous fixtures. Custom carpentry is everywhere, from the built-in storage cabinets and molding to the private booth, the bar cabinetry, and the fireplace lounge. Creating this bright, airy atmosphere was no small challenge, considering the lack of natural light and spatial restrictions. A color pallet of white opened up the space with wood, leather, and brass accents bringing warmth and balance. The finished basement features three primary spaces: the bar and lounge, a home gym, and a bathroom, as well as additional storage space. As seen in the before image, a double row of support pillars runs through the center of the space dictating the long, narrow design of the bar and lounge. Building a custom dining area with booth seating was a clever way to save space. The booth is built into the dividing wall, nestled between the support beams. The same is true for the built-in storage cabinet. It utilizes a space between the support pillars that would otherwise have been wasted. The small details are as significant as the larger ones in this design. The built-in storage and bar cabinetry are all finished with brass handle pulls, to match the light fixtures, faucets, and bar shelving. White marble counters for the bar, bathroom, and dining table bring a hint of Hollywood glamour. White brick appears in the fireplace and back bar. To keep the space feeling as lofty as possible, the exposed ceilings are painted black with segments of drop ceilings accented by a wide wood molding, a nod to the appearance of exposed beams. Every detail is thoughtfully chosen right down from the cable railing on the staircase to the wood paneling behind the booth, and wrapping the bar.

Family room - large country open concept light wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam family room idea in San Diego with beige walls, a stone fireplace and a media wall

The living room retains its existing character while being enhanced by the newly lofted ceiling and exposed beams - Architecture/Interiors/Renderings: HAUS | Architecture - Construction Management: WERK | Building Modern - Photography: Tony Valainis

Creating a space that combined the warmth of an older home with the features and materials of today was the task for the designer on this project located on Cape Cod. The designer used Mouser Cabinetry with a beaded face frame and the Stratford inset door style in white throughout the kitchen. Wood beams are the focal point and draw the eye to the vaulted ceiling. Kyle J Caldwell Photography

Tucked neatly into an existing bay of the barn, the open kitchen is a comfortable hub of the home. Rather than create a solid division between the kitchen and the children's TV area, Franklin finished only the lower portion of the post-and-beam supports. The ladder is one of the original features of the barn that Franklin could not imagine ever removing. Cleverly integrated into the support post, its original function allowed workers to climb above large haystacks and pick and toss hay down a chute to the feeding area below. Franklin's children, 10 and 14, also enjoy this aspect of their home. "The kids and their friends run, slide, climb up the ladder and have a ton of fun," he explains, "It’s a barn! It is a place to share with friends and family." Adrienne DeRosa Photography

Opening up the kitchen to make a great room transformed this living room! Incorporating light wood floor, light wood cabinets, exposed beams gave us a stunning wood on wood design. Using the existing traditional furniture and adding clean lines turned this living space into a transitional open living space. Adding a large Serena & Lily chandelier and honeycomb island lighting gave this space the perfect impact. The large central island grounds the space and adds plenty of working counter space. Bring on the guests!

This inviting kitchen blends crisp white cabinetry with exposed brick, reclaimed wood beams and a rustic island. Oversized lanterns and professional appliances add timeless sophistication.

Country light wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam living room photo in Indianapolis with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The open concept of the kitchen and living room combined with a high vaulted ceiling give the space a bright, airy feel with an abundance of natural light.

Living room - contemporary open concept light wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam living room idea in Kansas City with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv