Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a small transitional living room library remodel in New York with gray walls

Bates Masi Architects LLC
Trendy backyard deck photo in New York with decking and no cover

Backyard with custom pergola and built in grill in Geneva, Illinois.
Inspiration for a large timeless backyard brick patio remodel in Chicago with no cover

Susan Fisher Photography
Patio - contemporary patio idea in London with a bbq area

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

Photo by: Joshua Caldwell
Inspiration for a large timeless formal medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Salt Lake City with a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace, white walls and no tv

200 year-old Mesquite doors framed with Cor-Ten steel form the entry to the house courtyard.
Photo of a southwestern full sun landscaping in Los Angeles.

Design ideas for a contemporary partial sun backyard gravel retaining wall landscape in Los Angeles.

outdoor living space, outdoor seating, water feature, water falls, ponds, hardscaping, concrete pavers, retaining walls
Inspiration for a contemporary brick patio fountain remodel in Portland

Photography: Melissa Preston
Patio - traditional patio idea in Dallas with a fire pit and a pergola

Our clients loved the location of their duplex home with its peak-a-boo ocean view, but their existing kitchen was not suited for their growing family. They wanted a kitchen with a coastal vibe, plenty of storage space, and an eat-in area. We started by bringing the far wall into the kitchen space to accommodate a large panty and communication center for the family. Doing this allowed us to move the refrigerator out of the main traffic area and doubled the amount of storage space. Several new windows were added to bring in natural light. A half wall was moved to allow more countertop area and open up sight lines. The previously awkwardly shaped island was slimmed down to create better flow. There were a few venting challenges to overcome; gas lines and plumbing had to be re-routed without disturbing the unit below. To open up sight lines, soffits were eliminated which allowed the extension of cabinets to the ceiling. To stay within the homeowner’s budget, we match existing scraped flooring by lacing in and repairing patches. The old dining area was too small for table, so we designed and built a custom banquette to maximize the space and take advantage of the outdoor views. The overall space works for family meals as well as entertaining. A light summer palette was used to reflect the shades of the sand, sea and sky. Even though the new kitchen is actually smaller than the original space, its now far more functional and open.

Photography by Annie Schlechter
Inspiration for a timeless medium tone wood floor family room library remodel in New York

Photo of a traditional shade concrete paver garden path in Philadelphia.

Tuscan formal and enclosed living room photo in Los Angeles with gray walls

Deck - backyard deck idea in New York with a pergola

Photo: Lucy Call © 2014 Houzz
Example of a trendy built-in desk concrete floor home studio design in Salt Lake City with white walls

Example of a classic formal and open concept medium tone wood floor living room design in Charlotte with green walls

Paul Johnson
Example of a cottage family room design in New York

Scotch moss and pebbles surround a basalt dish rock. Juniper wood raised vegetable beds provide a bench for passersby to sit.
Photo of a traditional side yard water fountain landscape in Seattle.