A huge thank you to two of my dearest friends for trusting me to bring their vision to life. I hope they enjoy their new CARRIAGE HOUSE as much as I enjoyed designing it. It’s obvious why we nicknamed it The Treehouse. The airy windows flood the space with such abundant NATURAL LIGHT. Its open-concept layout includes a cozy living area, fully equipped kitchen, and two bedrooms, which are perfect for hosting family and friends.

Photo: Caela McKeever © 2015 Houzz
Transitional home design photo in Seattle

Built in 1902, this Portsmouth home epitomized the colonial shingle style common to the surrounding neighborhood at the beginning of the 20th century. In more recent years, the home served as the parish residence for many Christian ministers and their families. Fondly nicknamed Stella Maris, meaning “The Star of the Sea”, the home was privately purchased and delicately renovated. The thoughtful restoration of the exterior gave new life to the interior while being sensitive to the home's original classic design. The home's shingles were given a wash of bright color unlike any other in the neighborhood. The kitchen was relocated to the front of the home to create connectivity to the front porch with street views. Existing windows were removed and fully repaired and reinstalled with the addition of custom exterior storm panels. Photos: Greg West Photography

This family mural is made up of a kind of caricature of each family member. Each person has something in the mural that depicts part of their personality or interests. On the far left is a daughter who wants to go into fashion design; the next one a musician. The young boy a colorful kid.... On the right the boy with the baseball cap is the brainiac, so he had brain waves coming out of him. The little girl's nickname was Punkin, etc.

When we drove out to Mukilteo for our initial consultation, we immediately fell in love with this house. With its tall ceilings, eclectic mix of wood, glass and steel, and gorgeous view of the Puget Sound, we quickly nicknamed this project "The Mukilteo Gem". Our client, a cook and baker, did not like her existing kitchen. The main points of issue were short runs of available counter tops, lack of storage and shortage of light. So, we were called in to implement some big, bold ideas into a small footprint kitchen with big potential. We completely changed the layout of the room by creating a tall, built-in storage wall and a continuous u-shape counter top. Early in the project, we took inventory of every item our clients wanted to store in the kitchen and ensured that every spoon, gadget, or bowl would have a dedicated "home" in their new kitchen. The finishes were meticulously selected to ensure continuity throughout the house. We also played with the color scheme to achieve a bold yet natural feel.This kitchen is a prime example of how color can be used to both make a statement and project peace and balance simultaneously. While busy at work on our client's kitchen improvement, we also updated the entry and gave the homeowner a modern laundry room with triple the storage space they originally had. End result: ecstatic clients and a very happy design team. That's what we call a big success! John Granen.

Built in 1902, this Portsmouth home epitomized the colonial shingle style common to the surrounding neighborhood at the beginning of the 20th century. In more recent years, the home served as the parish residence for many Christian ministers and their families. Fondly nicknamed Stella Maris, meaning “The Star of the Sea”, the home was privately purchased and delicately renovated. The thoughtful restoration of the exterior gave new life to the interior while being sensitive to the home's original classic design. The home's shingles were given a wash of bright color unlike any other in the neighborhood. The kitchen was relocated to the front of the home to create connectivity to the front porch with street views. Existing windows were removed and fully repaired and reinstalled with the addition of custom exterior storm panels. Photos: Greg West Photography

Project Overview: Nicknamed “The Old/New House” this was a custom build by David Hennessy of Hennessy Company, design by Chip Maguire of Modern.Organic.Dwelling.Environments. Product: Pika-Pika 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Black Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 2900SF Designer: M.O.D.E. Builder: Hennessy Company Date: November 2019 Location: Ketchum, ID

This development, nicknamed "Trivaca", is situated on a unique triangular shaped property within the historic Lavaca neighborhood of San Antonio. It consists of four, two-story modern townhouses, designed by four individual architects that work within the Southtown neighborhood. The designs, although modern, make use of a variety of materials found throughout the area such as steel, wood, and stucco, while also maintaining a unique individual look across all four properties. Fisher Heck's design for this home is a contemporary reflection of many of the surrounding historic homes, specifically with regards to materiality and building proportion. The main level consists of the main living areas as well as a home office/guest bedroom with full bath. The living spaces all open out to a lush, private xeriscaped courtyard and modular driveway. The two upstairs bedrooms both face north with perfect views of Tower of Americas and downtown fireworks.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Designer Kate Smith, along with her husband, Scott, partnered with Tim Raduenz of Form One Design to build this visually passive family home, situated on 5 open acres in Door County, Wisconsin. The area has deep Nordic and Scandinavian roots, which led to the design team choosing the nickname SVART HUS for the project. In Swedish, this means “black house.”

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Project Overview: Nicknamed “The Old/New House” this was a custom build by David Hennessy of Hennessy Company, design by Chip Maguire of Modern.Organic.Dwelling.Environments. Product: Pika-Pika 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Black Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 2900SF Designer: M.O.D.E. Builder: Hennessy Company Date: November 2019 Location: Ketchum, ID

Built in 1902, this Portsmouth home epitomized the colonial shingle style common to the surrounding neighborhood at the beginning of the 20th century. In more recent years, the home served as the parish residence for many Christian ministers and their families. Fondly nicknamed Stella Maris, meaning “The Star of the Sea”, the home was privately purchased and delicately renovated. The thoughtful restoration of the exterior gave new life to the interior while being sensitive to the home's original classic design. The home's shingles were given a wash of bright color unlike any other in the neighborhood. The kitchen was relocated to the front of the home to create connectivity to the front porch with street views. Existing windows were removed and fully repaired and reinstalled with the addition of custom exterior storm panels. Photos: Greg West Photography

Project Overview: Nicknamed “The Old/New House” this was a custom build by David Hennessy of Hennessy Company, design by Chip Maguire of Modern.Organic.Dwelling.Environments. Product: Pika-Pika 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Black Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 2900SF Designer: M.O.D.E. Builder: Hennessy Company Date: November 2019 Location: Ketchum, ID

Project Overview: Nicknamed “The Old/New House” this was a custom build by David Hennessy of Hennessy Company, design by Chip Maguire of Modern.Organic.Dwelling.Environments. Product: Pika-Pika 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Black Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 2900SF Designer: M.O.D.E. Builder: Hennessy Company Date: November 2019 Location: Ketchum, ID

Project Overview: Nicknamed “The Old/New House” this was a custom build by David Hennessy of Hennessy Company, design by Chip Maguire of Modern.Organic.Dwelling.Environments. Product: Pika-Pika 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Black Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 2900SF Designer: M.O.D.E. Builder: Hennessy Company Date: November 2019 Location: Ketchum, ID

This development, nicknamed "Trivaca", is situated on a unique triangular shaped property within the historic Lavaca neighborhood of San Antonio. It consists of four, two-story modern townhouses, designed by four individual architects that work within the Southtown neighborhood. The designs, although modern, make use of a variety of materials found throughout the area such as steel, wood, and stucco, while also maintaining a unique individual look across all four properties. Fisher Heck's design for this home is a contemporary reflection of many of the surrounding historic homes, specifically with regards to materiality and building proportion. The main level consists of the main living areas as well as a home office/guest bedroom with full bath. The living spaces all open out to a lush, private xeriscaped courtyard and modular driveway. The two upstairs bedrooms both face north with perfect views of Tower of Americas and downtown fireworks.

Project Overview: Nicknamed “The Old/New House” this was a custom build by David Hennessy of Hennessy Company, design by Chip Maguire of Modern.Organic.Dwelling.Environments. Product: Pika-Pika 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Black Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 2900SF Designer: M.O.D.E. Builder: Hennessy Company Date: November 2019 Location: Ketchum, ID

Project Overview: Nicknamed “The Old/New House” this was a custom build by David Hennessy of Hennessy Company, design by Chip Maguire of Modern.Organic.Dwelling.Environments. Product: Pika-Pika 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Black Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 2900SF Designer: M.O.D.E. Builder: Hennessy Company Date: November 2019 Location: Ketchum, ID