Lindsey Denny
Example of a large trendy backyard deck design in Kansas City with a fire pit and no cover

A built-in home office features the classic Eames chairs with an open shelving unit. Matthew Willams Photography Victoria Kirk Interiors Co-Designer
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional freestanding desk medium tone wood floor study room remodel in Auckland with white walls

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

Example of a classic built-in desk craft room design in Salt Lake City with no fireplace

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

We have years of experience working in houses, high-rise residential condominium buildings, restaurants, offices and build-outs of all commercial spaces in the Chicago-land area.

Paul Richer / RICHER IMAGES
Example of a bedroom and small mountain style gender-neutral medium tone wood floor kids' bedroom design in Salt Lake City with gray walls

Elegant master bedroom with vaulted ceiling and sitting area
Bedroom - large transitional master carpeted bedroom idea in Cleveland with gray walls and no fireplace

Example of a mid-sized trendy gender-neutral and master carpeted and gray floor bedroom design in New York with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white walls and no fireplace

Brian Parks
Example of a classic stone patio design in Seattle with a fire pit and no cover

Example of a large country master white tile and marble tile marble floor and white floor freestanding bathtub design in Chicago with white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and recessed-panel cabinets

Transitional bathroom photo in DC Metro

Low maintenance, stain- and scratch-resistant AZEK Deck carries a limited lifetime warranty and is designed to last beautifully. Available in 17 colors and several grain textures, AZEK Deck has a color to complement any housing exterior. Shown here is AZEK Deck in Acacia with AZEK Deck in Kona used as a border. Offering easy living at its finest, AZEK Deck lets you enhance your backyard experience. With superior workability, AZEK Deck is perfect to create complete outdoor spaces with built-in benches, planters, and even works great around hot tubs and pools.

Transitional bathroom photo in Phoenix

Design ideas for a rustic vegetable garden landscape in Santa Barbara.

Ulrich designer: Bonnie Hufnagel, CKD Photography by Peter Rymwid To make this small kitchen work-flow really work and to add storage. The original kitchen had the refrigerator sticking out into the kitchen passage area. We installed a built-in Sub-Zero model that only projected to counter depth, and to install a custom wood panel on it matching the cabinetry. This made the refrigerator look like the cabinets and reduced its visual presence. We also moved the range to the center of the side wall space which provided 4 feet of prep area on either side of the range. The soffits were removed from overhead and the cabinets were brought to the ceiling around the kitchen perimeter to gain more storage space.

Photo: Lisa Petrole
Example of a huge trendy formal porcelain tile and gray floor living room design in San Francisco with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, no tv and a metal fireplace

Amazing open kitchen with white shaker cabinets and stained center island with matching floating shelves. Bronze and brass lighting and marble subway backsplash.

One of the upper wall cabinets is used as a device charging station; outlets built into the cabinet drawer charge multiple devices while reducing use of counter space. The cabinet also hides a landline telephone. Photographer Greg Hadley