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

photo by Matthew Millman
Example of an eclectic home design design in San Francisco

Juxtaposing the rustic beauty of an African safari with the electric pop of neon colors pulled this home together with amazing playfulness and free spiritedness. We took a modern interpretation of tribal patterns in the textiles and cultural, hand-crafted accessories, then added the client’s favorite colors, turquoise and lime, to lend a relaxed vibe throughout, perfect for their teenage children to feel right at home.

Location: Spring Lake, NJ, US Our design goal for this renovation and addition was to present a modern interpretation of Colonial Plantation Style. This home features dark wood floors, wood paneling and a light soothing color scheme. The Dining Room features classic silk De Gournay Wallpaper which further fuses the indoor and outdoor seamlessness of the home. The amazing tile installations permeate the decor with color, texture and pattern. The shaker-style kitchen is refreshed by using black cabinetry, a custom stainless hood and La Cornue Range. We enjoyed adding vintage finds throughout - a farm table for the Kitchen, Bergere chairs in the Entry, and a Victorian Flower mirror in the Powder Room. threshold interiors ensures that your beach retreat is elegant, transitional and most importantly comfortable and relaxing! Photographed by: Michael Partenio

Example of a minimalist u-shaped concrete floor home design design in New York with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

Four years ago, we began the design process of the main house to align with the owner's retirement and move back to the Seattle area from Chicago in 2015. Although the Boathouse and Carriage house are more Pacific Northwest shingle in character, this time around the owners wanted a modern interpretation for the main house. Now in 2016 - 10 years later - they are settled in and their little "compound" has become the family gathering place for their three grown sons, their wives, and the owner's grandchildren. The main house is a contemporary interpretation of Northwest Regionalism in which dramatic waterfront conditions are complemented with aesthetic consideration of massing, materials and the embracing of natural light. The interior spaces are highlighted in marble, steel, walnut, sapele and limestone finishes.

Exterior Perspective; Photo Credit: Home Visit Photography
Mid-sized arts and crafts gray split-level mixed siding exterior home photo in DC Metro

A 1950's mid-century bungalow required an update from it's original, with a colorful, modern interpretation wanted by the owners. The terrazzo is original and since difficult to match color, the tile wall curves to meet the floor.

Large elegant gray two-story mixed siding house exterior photo in San Diego with a hip roof and a shingle roof

photo by Matthew Millman
Example of an eclectic home design design in San Francisco

Living room - contemporary formal and open concept dark wood floor living room idea in New York with beige walls and no tv

The original firebox was saved and a new tile surround was added. The new mantle is made of an original ceiling beam that was removed for the remodel. The hearth is bluestone. Tile from Heath Ceramics in LA.

A 1980's townhouse located in the Fitler Square neighborhood of Philadelphia was in need of an upgrade. The project that resulted included substantial interior renovation to the four-story townhome overlooking the Schuylkill River. The Owners desired a fresh interpretation of their existing space, more suited for entertaining and uncluttered modern living. This led to a reinvention of the modern master suite and a refocusing of architectural elements and materials throughout the home. Originally comprised of a divided master bedroom, bathroom and office, the fourth floor was entirely redesigned to create a contemporary, open-plan master suite. The bedroom, now located in the center of the floor plan, is composed with custom built-in furniture and includes a glass terrarium and a wet bar. It is flanked by a dressing room on one side and a luxurious bathroom on the other, all open to one another both visually and by circulation. The bathroom includes a free-standing tub, glass shower, custom wood vanity, eco-conscious fireplace, and an outdoor terrace. The open plan allows for great breadth and a wealth of natural light, atypical of townhouse living. The main entertaining floor houses the kitchen, dining area and living room. A sculptural ceiling defines the open dining area, while a long, low concrete hearth connects the new modern fireplace with the concrete stair treads leading up. The bright, neutral color palette of the walls and finishes contrasts against the blackened wood floors. Sleek but comfortable furnishing, dramatic recessed lighting, and a full-home speaker system complete the entertaining space. Barry Halkin and Todd Mason Photography

Mid-sized trendy light wood floor bedroom photo in Dallas with white walls

Completed in 2015, this project incorporates a Scandinavian vibe to enhance the modern architecture and farmhouse details. The vision was to create a balanced and consistent design to reflect clean lines and subtle rustic details, which creates a calm sanctuary. The whole home is not based on a design aesthetic, but rather how someone wants to feel in a space, specifically the feeling of being cozy, calm, and clean. This home is an interpretation of modern design without focusing on one specific genre; it boasts a midcentury master bedroom, stark and minimal bathrooms, an office that doubles as a music den, and modern open concept on the first floor. It’s the winner of the 2017 design award from the Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and has been on the Tribeza Home Tour; in addition to being published in numerous magazines such as on the cover of Austin Home as well as Dwell Magazine, the cover of Seasonal Living Magazine, Tribeza, Rue Daily, HGTV, Hunker Home, and other international publications. Featured on Dwell! https://www.dwell.com/article/sustainability-is-the-centerpiece-of-this-new-austin-development-071e1a55

Modern, artsy interpretation of retro pink tile bathroom by The Legacy Building Company of Minnetonka, MN
Example of an eclectic pink tile porcelain tile alcove bathtub design in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an integrated sink and tile countertops

Example of a french country u-shaped dark wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam kitchen design in Austin with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, gray backsplash, paneled appliances, two islands and black countertops

Inspiring home office with chandelier, indoor-outdoor concept and bookcase. Additional Credits: Interior (Cindy Smetana, OC)
Home office - tropical freestanding desk home office idea in Hawaii with blue walls

Axiom Desert House by Turkel Design in Palm Springs, California ; Photo by Chase Daniel ; custom cabinets by Turkel Design ; surfaces, backsplash, and storage accessories from Corian, counter stools by Fyrn, appliances by Dacor ;paint from Dunn-Edwards ; doors and windows from Marvin