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

A typical post-1906 Noe Valley house is simultaneously restored, expanded and redesigned to keep what works and rethink what doesn’t. The front façade, is scraped and painted a crisp monochrome white—it worked. The new asymmetrical gabled rear addition takes the place of a windowless dead end box that didn’t. A “Great kitchen”, open yet formally defined living and dining rooms, a generous master suite, and kid’s rooms with nooks and crannies, all make for a newly designed house that straddles old and new. Structural Engineer: Gregory Paul Wallace SE General Contractor: Cardea Building Co. Interior Design: Ken Fulk Photographer: Open Homes Photography

Emily Followill
Inspiration for a timeless medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Atlanta with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and an island

Outdoor living space, outdoor fireplace, outdoor kitchen, outdoor seating, ambiance lighting, outdoor lighting bluestone hardscaping, Outdoor living space, outdoor fireplace, outdoor kitchen, outdoor seating, ambiance lighting, outdoor lighting, bluestone hardscaping, wood fired over, pizza over

This award-winning and intimate cottage was rebuilt on the site of a deteriorating outbuilding. Doubling as a custom jewelry studio and guest retreat, the cottage’s timeless design was inspired by old National Parks rough-stone shelters that the owners had fallen in love with. A single living space boasts custom built-ins for jewelry work, a Murphy bed for overnight guests, and a stone fireplace for warmth and relaxation. A cozy loft nestles behind rustic timber trusses above. Expansive sliding glass doors open to an outdoor living terrace overlooking a serene wooded meadow. Photos by: Emily Minton Redfield

Light and Bright with rich color and textures. Photo by Amy Bartlam
Beach style formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room photo in Orange County with white walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Staircase with Starphire ultra clear low-iron glass divider wall. Breakfast Nook at right and Dining Room at left (with backyard access beyond). Photo by Clark Dugger

Craig Washburn
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Phoenix photographic
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Walk-in pantry has plenty of space for dishes, service ware, and even ingredients. Photography by Spacecrafting
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Claire Callagy
Inspiration for a small 1950s enclosed and formal light wood floor living room remodel in San Francisco with beige walls

Large transitional l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen photo in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, white appliances, an island and marble countertops

Bruce Glass Photography
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Watch this kitchen come together in our YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HlvIoar2VQ

Farmhouse Bathroom, Black Hex Tile Bathroom, White Subway Tile
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Sofia Joelsson Design Movie Theatre Home theatre
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Inspiration for a transitional indoor indoor pool remodel in Boston

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Garden Design By Kim Rooney Landscape architect, Client designed planting in containers, located in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle Washington. This photo was taken by Eva Blanchard Photography.