Tucked away behind retractable cabinet doors is this office and mail center. (Psst...there is a shredder behind the other base cabinet door). Photography by Chrissy Racho.

Example of a large transitional dark wood floor staircase design with gray walls

Vaulted ceilings allow for a two-story great room with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer plenty of natural light and a 50-inch fireplace keeps the space cozy.

In the main living area, bold floor-to-ceiling glass-doors define the room. (Photography by Matthew Millman)
Inspiration for a contemporary gray floor living room remodel in Los Angeles with gray walls and a tv stand

Photo © Eric Staudenmaier
Trendy backyard patio photo in Los Angeles with no cover

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

This modern lake house is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The residence overlooks a mountain lake with expansive mountain views beyond. The design ties the home to its surroundings and enhances the ability to experience both home and nature together. The entry level serves as the primary living space and is situated into three groupings; the Great Room, the Guest Suite and the Master Suite. A glass connector links the Master Suite, providing privacy and the opportunity for terrace and garden areas. Won a 2013 AIANC Design Award. Featured in the Austrian magazine, More Than Design. Featured in Carolina Home and Garden, Summer 2015.

This was a gut remodel of a 1950’s 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1200-square-foot home. The main house was composed of two bedrooms with one bathroom, and a separate studio unit with a full bathroom was located in the backyard. The new owners, a family of 4, wanted to remove the studio unit and increase the square footage of the main house to include a new master suite, family room, and powder room while leaving enough space for the possible addition of a pool in the backyard down the road. We also expanded the kitchen and remodeled the kids’ shared bathroom. White Sands advised during the architectural stage of the project to perfect the layout and ensure enough space was carved out for the new kitchen, family room, and master bedroom. We designed a modified galley kitchen with a large eat-in island in the center. Custom cabinetry was key in making the layout work. To provide ample storage, we created a European-style larder pantry, which is flanked by full-height glass hutches and appliance garages to keep countertop gadgets concealed. The family room is anchored by a new fireplace, complete with custom built-ins flanking each side. The client’s goal for the overall aesthetic is very simple, classic coastal cottage. They wanted cutesy charm. They did not want anything fussy or fancy, requesting selections to be pared down and approachable. All tile and counter finishes selected were in timeless shapes and color palettes. We brought in color and personality with the accessories- cabinet hardware, mirrors, wallcoverings, and styling accessories.

Open concept kitchen - large contemporary u-shaped open concept kitchen idea in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, brown backsplash, wood backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

A custom walnut slat wall feature elevates this mudroom wall while providing easily accessible hooks.
Small trendy light wood floor, brown floor and wood wall mudroom photo in Chicago with white walls

Design By Sheila Mayden Interiors, Photos by WE Studio
Powder room - traditional dark wood floor and brown floor powder room idea in Seattle with blue walls

Inspiration for a timeless painted wood floor single front door remodel in Birmingham with multicolored walls and a glass front door

Inspiration for a transitional formal living room remodel in San Francisco

Peter Rymwid
Large transitional l-shaped travertine floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen photo in New York with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, soapstone countertops, white walls and travertine backsplash

Example of a classic gray three-story exterior home design in Charleston

A free-standing painting and drawing studio, distinctly contemporary but complementary to the existing historic shingle-style residence. Together the sequence from house to deck to courtyard to breezeway to studio interior is a choreography of movement and space, seamlessly integrating site, topography, and horizon. Images by Steve King Architectural Photography.

Example of a large transitional gray floor mudroom design in Minneapolis with a white front door

A tiny waterfront house in Kennebunkport, Maine. Photos by James R. Salomon
Inspiration for a small coastal bathroom remodel in Portland Maine with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and white walls

John Ellis for Country Living
Inspiration for a mid-sized cottage kids' subway tile and white tile painted wood floor and multicolored floor claw-foot bathtub remodel in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, blue walls, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door