A view through the garden rooms, a gravel path leads through to the many spaces. The path is lined with cushwa brick outlining the spaces. Terra cotta containers are filled with boxwood and petunia; pachysandra and bugleweed ground cover fill the flanking and center beds. A cast iron bench offers an opportunity to sit and enjoy the space, with the fountain creating a pleasant sound. The wall is graced with two standard form lilacs. Photo Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

Example of an eclectic gender-neutral playroom design in Boston

Design ideas for a mediterranean partial sun side yard landscaping in Orange County with a pergola.

Jonathan and David Sloane
Patio - contemporary patio idea in New York with a fireplace

Giovani Lunardi
This is an example of a tropical side yard brick garden path in Portland.

Peter Molick Photography
Inspiration for a transitional white two-story brick gable roof remodel in Houston

Hoi Ning Wong
Design ideas for a craftsman gravel landscaping in San Francisco.

Patio - traditional patio idea in Portland

Photography by Morgan Howarth
Inspiration for a large timeless backyard deck remodel in DC Metro with a pergola, decking and a bbq area

Evan White
Open concept kitchen - transitional l-shaped open concept kitchen idea in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Large farmhouse master black and white tile, white tile and ceramic tile multicolored floor and cement tile floor freestanding bathtub photo in Omaha with gray walls, a hinged shower door, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a vessel sink and white countertops

Photo by George Dzahristos
Photo of a traditional partial sun stone formal garden in Detroit.

Inspiration for a large cottage u-shaped brown floor and light wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Denver with an island, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops, marble backsplash, paneled appliances and white countertops

The conversion of this iconic American barn into a Writer’s Studio was conceived of as a tranquil retreat with natural light and lush views to stimulate inspiration for both husband and wife. Originally used as a garage with two horse stalls, the existing stick framed structure provided a loft with ideal space and orientation for a secluded studio. Signature barn features were maintained and enhanced such as horizontal siding, trim, large barn doors, cupola, roof overhangs, and framing. New features added to compliment the contextual significance and sustainability aspect of the project were reclaimed lumber from a razed barn used as flooring, driftwood retrieved from the shores of the Hudson River used for trim, and distressing / wearing new wood finishes creating an aged look. Along with the efforts for maintaining the historic character of the barn, modern elements were also incorporated into the design to provide a more current ensemble based on its new use. Elements such a light fixtures, window configurations, plumbing fixtures and appliances were all modernized to appropriately represent the present way of life.

Succulent Strip Garden
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary full sun backyard landscaping in San Diego.

Hulya Kolabas
Example of a large transitional open concept dark wood floor living room design in New York with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Perimeter Hardware Paint Island - Rift White Oak Wood Driftwood Dark Stain
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen idea in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, brick backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops, gray cabinets, quartz countertops and red backsplash

Inspiration for a country light wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Salt Lake City with open cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

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