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

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open concept light wood floor and brown floor family room remodel in Los Angeles with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

Custom Surface Solutions - Owner Craig Thompson (512) 430-1215. This project shows a remodeled master bathroom with 12" x 24" tile on a vertical offset pattern used on the walls and floors. Includes glass mosaic accent band and shower box, and Fantasy Brown marble knee wall top and seat surface.

Freestanding bathtub - transitional gray tile gray floor freestanding bathtub idea in Denver with recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, white countertops, a niche and a built-in vanity

Small elegant master light wood floor and brown floor bedroom photo in New York with white walls

Photo: Michaela Dodd © 2017 Houzz

Window seat in master bedroom. Another of our goals for this project was to create, simultaneously, a juxtaposition of the man-made and the natural, as well as a window--literally or metaphorically--to nature, a space to meditate upon nature. These two aims are quite closely intertwined: The clear, straight, simple geometry of this window is juxtaposed upon the lovely random chaos of the oak tree beyond. These are complimentary contrasts rather than contradictory. Each actually enhances the other. Rather than 'nature' and the 'artificial'/man-made being considered perpetually at odds, we can see how intentional juxtaposition can allow us a framework--in this case literally--to meditate on both. Photographer: Eric Rorer

Example of a transitional bathroom design in Los Angeles

Michael Hunter Photography
Farmhouse exterior home idea in Austin

Jennifer Mayo Studios
Eat-in kitchen - small contemporary galley medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Grand Rapids with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, white walls and no island

Eichler in Marinwood - In conjunction to the porous programmatic kitchen block as a connective element, the walls along the main corridor add to the sense of bringing outside in. The fin wall adjacent to the entry has been detailed to have the siding slip past the glass, while the living, kitchen and dining room are all connected by a walnut veneer feature wall running the length of the house. This wall also echoes the lush surroundings of lucas valley as well as the original mahogany plywood panels used within eichlers. photo: scott hargis

Mountain Peek is a custom residence located within the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana. The layout of the home was heavily influenced by the site. Instead of building up vertically the floor plan reaches out horizontally with slight elevations between different spaces. This allowed for beautiful views from every space and also gave us the ability to play with roof heights for each individual space. Natural stone and rustic wood are accented by steal beams and metal work throughout the home. (photos by Whitney Kamman)

A dual vanity with Kohler undermount sinks, Brizo Virage faucets and Silestone quartz countertops..
Inspiration for a large transitional master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile freestanding bathtub remodel in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, a two-piece toilet and gray walls

Other features in the bunk room include USB ports for phone and tablet charging installed in each bunk behind the shelves, pull-out shelves next to master bed for easy access to reading material or phone, and a drawer on each side of the master bed. Photos by: Ryan Williams Photography

This home was a love affair as it was a light filled 1956 house that needed a complete face lift. I literally took it down to the studs. I raised the ceilings and added a new master suite wing, and added onto the entry with new doors and windows. It had the potential to be a beauty with its lush greenery and private setting.

This home was a love affair as it was a light filled 1956 house that needed a complete face lift. I literally took it down to the studs. I raised the ceilings and added a new master suite wing, and added onto the entry with new doors and windows. It had the potential to be a beauty with its lush greenery and private setting.

Visit the rest of our portfolio now at : www.laurau.com Learn about our new "design bar" concept, Studio U, online at: www.studiou.com Photography: Julie Soefer

Quinn and Paige, residents of this tired 1960’s tri-level home hated their kitchen. As a matter of fact, prior to making plans to renovate the first floor - they considered selling the home, but were reluctant because of its enviable location near the heart of downtown Barrington which was within walking distance to local stores and all their favorite places. So instead they contacted Advance Design Studio after hearing about them from a neighbor, to rescue their tired home and give it new life. The very first plan was to remove the constricting walls surrounding the original kitchen, and open the expansive first floor living room and dining area to the new heart of the space; a stunning state of the art coastal designed kitchen. Exposing attractive beams in the vaulted ceiling created an interesting structural detail that suits the open plan and salutes the original architecture of the home, further emphasizing the height of the new space enjoyed now by the family as a great room. The stage was set for the seaside feel of this kitchen by pairing crisp white painted maple cabinets with Dura Supreme’s one of kind hand weathered finish on the island in soft blue-green finish. But the authentic feeling of being on your favorite beach was supremely achieved by the matching of unique Mt. Claire marble on the island and the specialty Wareham acid washed stone on the perimeter counter tops. Pictures don’t do justice to the feel of this stone under your hand; its water-washed texture reminds instantly of summer vacations collecting rocks softly etched by hundreds of waves. Stainless steel appliances and satin nickel hardware shine brightly against the backdrop of bright white subway tiles accentuated by subtle grey grout lines contributing to the nautical feel of this comfortable kitchen. Seeded glass door cabinetry reminiscent of beach grasses dress up the space just enough, and a proud 6” stacked crown molding extends above 36” wall cabinets into the expanse of the now taller space; balancing this kitchen nicely within its newly integrated home. Features in this kitchen include a built in standard depth refrigerator, pull out spice racks, tall tray dividers and wood super Susan with double pull out trash and recycling. A cutlery divider holds sharp knives, and an angled cabinet was customized to hold a secret USB charging station. The bright white Kohler farm sink is graced by an elegant bridge faucet in brushed nickel. This now airy and spacious kitchen has room for guest and family to congregate around the large island, complete with stools and attractive hidden storage for seldom used entertainment pieces. “I was sold when I saw the drawings. My designer nailed it, down to every last storage idea and coastal detail I envisioned, it was all in there. It was unbelievable how accurate her interpretation was of what was in my head; working with her made my kitchen renovation so easy, it’s as if she literally read my mind”, said Paige enthusiastically. The woman of the house expressed upon completion not only her love for her fantastic new cooking space, but how renovating her kitchen has given new life to the entire home. Talk of moving has been relegated to the recycling bin, and instead the family is discussing plans to renovate the master bath now that they’ve decided to stay for the long term. Friends who visit the home do a double-take as they recognize the new space’s dramatic transformation from original cramped and closed spaces - to the now amazingly fresh open kitchen that has become the center of every gathering and family meal. Designer: Nicole Ryan Photographer: Joe Nowak

Will Calhoun - photo A compact bathroom with ample storage and convenience shelving. Shower has a separately valved hand sprayer for washing children. All electrical was replaced.