Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless 3/4 gray tile and ceramic tile alcove shower remodel in New York with white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, granite countertops and a one-piece toilet

View from the kitchen to the backyard. Architect: Drawing Dept Contractor: Camery Hensley Construction Photography: Ross Van Pelt
Example of a minimalist patio design in Cincinnati

Named for the original homestead, the Aspen Leaf Ranch blends early ranch history with modern sensibility. The owner, an outdoorsman and native plant enthusiast, and former project manager of notable Seattle buildings (including the Olympic Sculpture Park and the Bullitt Center), tasked Best Practice Architecture with designing a modest yet comfortable home reflective of valley cabins and farmsteads. He desired a small home that was ‘light on the land’, yet flexible enough to accommodate visiting friends and family. Located in a quiet river valley 10 miles from the nearest town, the result is a humble compound firmly rooted in the rural vernacular. The Methow Valley was familiar to the owner from childhood ski and camping trips and he now has family who live in the area. The Valley is hot and dry in the summer and on average receives over 70 inches of snow each winter. Set in a narrow river valley below high mountain peaks, the owner wanted the new home to have a strong visual and physical connection to the surrounding landscape. For many years, the homestead was operated as a horse packing guide service, and an old agricultural barn remains that will eventually be repurposed into a ski waxing room, shop, and sauna. Two new structures make up the residential retreat: a one-bedroom main house and a carport with an adjoining guest suite, small office, and storage for outdoor equipment. Best Practice’s design prioritizes natural light and optimizes dramatic views of the surrounding meadow, forest, hills, and mountains “I wanted both the design and scale of the new buildings to reflect traditional ranch homes and cabins in the remote river valley with all the creature comforts of modern living,” said the homeowner. “Ensuring a strong connection to the outside throughout the seasons was a primary goal. Windows on all sides and three exterior doors allow me to track the many species of birds and wildlife that move through the property and access the ever-changing light and weather.” Best Practice carefully positioned the new structures to frame important vistas while minimizing disturbance to the native forest and meadow. The exterior finishes and details are consistent with historic cabins and barns in the area but stylized to acknowledge the new structure’s place in time. Metal roofing, siding, and a gravel skirt were chosen to reduce wildfire risk, and native plantings attract and support local birds and wildlife. Best Practice simplified the interior detailing with a nod towards a rural cabin aesthetic, incorporating painted beadboard, extensive built-in cabinetry, warm woods, a sizeable kitchen, and an open nook for daytime lounging and overnight guests. The design also took into account the owner’s collection of art, family heirlooms, and furniture gathered over many years. Best Practice designed this Methow Valley home to respect the history and beauty of the historic Aspen Leaf Ranch while embracing modern comforts. The design successfully meets a well-considered program for 4-season use and serves as a full-time rural retreat for the owner as well as a gathering place for friends and family.

Anthony Crisafulli photography Gale Goff architect Kirby Goff ID
Example of a beach style light wood floor mudroom design in Providence

Claw-foot bathtub - traditional master claw-foot bathtub idea in New York with white walls

Named for the original homestead, the Aspen Leaf Ranch blends early ranch history with modern sensibility. The owner, an outdoorsman and native plant enthusiast, and former project manager of notable Seattle buildings (including the Olympic Sculpture Park and the Bullitt Center), tasked Best Practice Architecture with designing a modest yet comfortable home reflective of valley cabins and farmsteads. He desired a small home that was ‘light on the land’, yet flexible enough to accommodate visiting friends and family. Located in a quiet river valley 10 miles from the nearest town, the result is a humble compound firmly rooted in the rural vernacular. The Methow Valley was familiar to the owner from childhood ski and camping trips and he now has family who live in the area. The Valley is hot and dry in the summer and on average receives over 70 inches of snow each winter. Set in a narrow river valley below high mountain peaks, the owner wanted the new home to have a strong visual and physical connection to the surrounding landscape. For many years, the homestead was operated as a horse packing guide service, and an old agricultural barn remains that will eventually be repurposed into a ski waxing room, shop, and sauna. Two new structures make up the residential retreat: a one-bedroom main house and a carport with an adjoining guest suite, small office, and storage for outdoor equipment. Best Practice’s design prioritizes natural light and optimizes dramatic views of the surrounding meadow, forest, hills, and mountains “I wanted both the design and scale of the new buildings to reflect traditional ranch homes and cabins in the remote river valley with all the creature comforts of modern living,” said the homeowner. “Ensuring a strong connection to the outside throughout the seasons was a primary goal. Windows on all sides and three exterior doors allow me to track the many species of birds and wildlife that move through the property and access the ever-changing light and weather.” Best Practice carefully positioned the new structures to frame important vistas while minimizing disturbance to the native forest and meadow. The exterior finishes and details are consistent with historic cabins and barns in the area but stylized to acknowledge the new structure’s place in time. Metal roofing, siding, and a gravel skirt were chosen to reduce wildfire risk, and native plantings attract and support local birds and wildlife. Best Practice simplified the interior detailing with a nod towards a rural cabin aesthetic, incorporating painted beadboard, extensive built-in cabinetry, warm woods, a sizeable kitchen, and an open nook for daytime lounging and overnight guests. The design also took into account the owner’s collection of art, family heirlooms, and furniture gathered over many years. Best Practice designed this Methow Valley home to respect the history and beauty of the historic Aspen Leaf Ranch while embracing modern comforts. The design successfully meets a well-considered program for 4-season use and serves as a full-time rural retreat for the owner as well as a gathering place for friends and family.

Take a look at this two-story historical design that is both unique and welcoming. This laundry room continues the bright feel of the house and provides for plenty of space to wash, dry, and fold the weekly laundry.

Jesse Snyder
Family room - mid-sized transitional enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room idea in DC Metro with gray walls, no fireplace and no tv

Example of a transitional l-shaped black floor kitchen design in Minneapolis with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Ryan Garvin
Example of a transitional formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor living room design in Orange County with gray walls and a media wall

Chuck Choi
Living room - modern living room idea in New York

photos by Susan Teare
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Living room - traditional medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room idea in San Francisco with white walls

A comfortable lounge area with firepit allows three season comfort on this rooftop terrace. Native plants and grasses provide a lush but low maintenance landscape.

Timothy Krueger Photography
Trendy u-shaped kitchen photo in Orange County with white cabinets, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash and stainless steel appliances

An Indoor Lady
Bathroom - mid-sized contemporary master brown tile and stone tile travertine floor bathroom idea in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink and white countertops

This is an example of a mid-sized farmhouse full sun front yard stone garden path in Philadelphia.

Freestanding bathtub - contemporary black and white tile gray floor freestanding bathtub idea in Salt Lake City with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, beige walls, an undermount sink, white countertops and a floating vanity

Sunroom - mid-sized coastal medium tone wood floor sunroom idea in Los Angeles