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

Altius Design, Longviews Studios
Living room library - rustic medium tone wood floor living room library idea with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

John Hanncock
Mudroom - transitional mudroom idea in Richmond with blue walls

Pool - coastal pool idea in Miami

www.paperanter.com
Beach style family room photo in Minneapolis

A new Seattle modern house designed by chadbourne + doss architects houses a couple and their 18 bicycles. 3 floors connect indoors and out and provide panoramic views of Lake Washington. The stair uses reclaimed wood and steel. The stair winds around an interior wall of backlit translucent fiberglass. photo by Benjamin Benschneider

A young family moving from NYC tackled a lightning fast makeover of their new colonial revival home before the arrival of their second child. The kitchen area was quite spacious but needed a facelift and new layout. Painted cabinetry matched to Benjamin Moore’s Light Pewter is balanced by grey glazed rift oak cabinetry on the island. Shiplap paneling on the island and cabinet lend a slightly contemporary edge. White bronze hardware by Schaub & Co. in a contemporary bar shape offer clean lines with some texture in a warm metallic tone. White Marble countertops in “Alpine Mist” create a harmonious color palette while the pale blue/grey Waterworks backsplash adds a touch of color. Kitchen design and custom cabinetry by Studio Dearborn. Countertops by Rye Marble. Refrigerator, freezer and wine refrigerator--Subzero; Ovens--Wolf. Cooktop--Gaggenau. Hardware--Schaub & Company. Sink--Kohler Strive. Sink faucet--Rohl. Tile--Waterworks. Stools--Palacek. Flooring—Sota Floors. Window treatments: www.horizonshades.com in “Northbrook Birch.” Photography Adam Kane Macchia.

Kitchen pantry - transitional l-shaped kitchen pantry idea in New Orleans with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Michelle Peek Photography
Large trendy galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Spacecrafting
Inspiration for a farmhouse gray three-story mixed siding gable roof remodel in Minneapolis with a shingle roof

Exterior, Screened Porch, Natural Stone Fireplace, Marcelle Guilbeau
Inspiration for a large timeless screened-in back porch remodel in Nashville with a roof extension

Example of a large minimalist open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room design in Phoenix with gray walls, a ribbon fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Photo: Jason Snyder © 2013 Houzz
Cottage hallway photo with white walls

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Expansive kitchen complete with island seating, custom cabinets, and plenty of prep space. A cased opening connects the kitchen to the butler's pantry.

An appliance garage helps keep your kitchen tidy by providing a designated space to store frequently used appliances, reducing countertop clutter and maintaining a clean, organized look.

Inspiration for a transitional gray tile gray floor and double-sink wet room remodel in Orange County with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, an undermount tub, white walls, an undermount sink, gray countertops, a niche and a built-in vanity

Photo by Brian Parks www.parkscreative.com
Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Seattle with a fire pit and no cover

Daytime view of home from side of cliff. This home has wonderful views of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal park. Anice Hoachlander, Hoachlander Davis Photography LLC