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

Study room - traditional freestanding desk dark wood floor study room idea in Denver with gray walls and no fireplace

Bulletin Board in hall and bench for putting on shoes
Hallway - mid-sized mid-century modern light wood floor and beige floor hallway idea in San Francisco with gray walls

Roger Davies Photography
Huge transitional dark wood floor dining room photo in New York with white walls

Example of a transitional dark wood floor dining room design in Detroit with gray walls

It was arduous to find space for sleeping, reading, sewing, writing, painting and sitting - all within a 168 square foot room. Success depended on creative use of every nook and savvy space planning. There were two closets, so one was repurposed into a small office area. The mesh bins are used for storing sewing materials or other craft supplies.

We executed a full-scale renovation that included the kitchen, bathrooms,and living spaces. The kitchen was upgraded with state-of-the-art appliances, custom cabinetry, and elegant countertops. Bathrooms received spa-like upgrades with high-end fixtures, custom tiling, and modern lighting. Living areas were redesigned to create an open concept, enhancing natural light and flow throughout the home. Results: The home's value almost doubled, and the homeowner realized a return on investment that was three times what they put into the project. This was evidenced in 2023 when they sold the home and a neighbor who had not updated their condo sold for a million less. Our meticulous attention to detail and dedication to excellence ensured that every aspect of the remodel met and exceeded the homeowner's expectations.

We executed a full-scale renovation that included the kitchen, bathrooms, and living spaces. The kitchen was upgraded with state-of-the-art appliances, custom cabinetry, and elegant countertops. Bathrooms received spa-like upgrades with high-end fixtures, custom tiling, and modern lighting. Living areas were redesigned to create an open concept, enhancing natural light and flow throughout the home. Results: The value of the home almost doubled, and the homeowner saw a return on investment that was three times what they put into the project. This was evidenced by the sale price in 2023. Our meticulous attention to detail and dedication to excellence ensured that every aspect of the remodel not only met but exceeded the homeowner's expectations.

We executed a full-scale renovation that included the kitchen, bathrooms, and living spaces. The kitchen was upgraded with state-of-the-art appliances, custom cabinetry, and elegant countertops. Bathrooms received spa-like upgrades with high-end fixtures, custom tiling, and modern lighting. Living areas were redesigned to create an open concept, enhancing natural light and flow throughout the home. Results: The value of the home almost doubled, and the homeowner saw a return on investment that was three times what they put into the project. This was evidenced by the sale price in 2023. Our meticulous attention to detail and dedication to excellence ensured that every aspect of the remodel not only met but exceeded the homeowner's expectations.

We executed a full-scale renovation that included the kitchen, bathrooms,and living spaces. The kitchen was upgraded with state-of-the-art appliances, custom cabinetry, and elegant countertops. Bathrooms received spa-like upgrades with high-end fixtures, custom tiling, and modern lighting. Living areas were redesigned to create an open concept, enhancing natural light and flow throughout the home. Results: The home's value almost doubled, and the homeowner realized a return on investment that was three times what they put into the project. This was evidenced in 2023 when they sold the home and a neighbor who had not updated their condo sold for a million less. Our meticulous attention to detail and dedication to excellence ensured that every aspect of the remodel met and exceeded the homeowner's expectations.

Tria Giovan
Dining room - coastal dark wood floor dining room idea in New York with white walls

Park Slope Townhouse Foyer Interior design, custom furniture design & art curation by Chango & Co. Photography by Ball & Albanese
Inspiration for a large transitional light wood floor foyer remodel in New York with white walls and a white front door

We executed a full-scale renovation that included the kitchen, bathrooms, and living spaces. The kitchen was upgraded with state-of-the-art appliances, custom cabinetry, and elegant countertops. Bathrooms received spa-like upgrades with high-end fixtures, custom tiling, and modern lighting. Living areas were redesigned to create an open concept, enhancing natural light and flow throughout the home. Results: The value of the home almost doubled, and the homeowner saw a return on investment that was three times what they put into the project. This was evidenced by the sale price in 2023. Our meticulous attention to detail and dedication to excellence ensured that every aspect of the remodel not only met but exceeded the homeowner's expectations.

We executed a full-scale renovation that included the kitchen, bathrooms,and living spaces. The kitchen was upgraded with state-of-the-art appliances, custom cabinetry, and elegant countertops. Bathrooms received spa-like upgrades with high-end fixtures, custom tiling, and modern lighting. Living areas were redesigned to create an open concept, enhancing natural light and flow throughout the home. Results: The home's value almost doubled, and the homeowner realized a return on investment that was three times what they put into the project. This was evidenced in 2023 when they sold the home and a neighbor who had not updated their condo sold for a million less. Our meticulous attention to detail and dedication to excellence ensured that every aspect of the remodel met and exceeded the homeowner's expectations.

Traditional design blends well with 21st century accessibility standards. Designed by architect Jeremiah Battles of Acacia Architects and built by Ben Quie & Sons, this beautiful new home features details found a century ago, combined with a creative use of space and technology to meet the owner’s mobility needs. Even the elevator is detailed with quarter-sawn oak paneling. Feeling as though it has been here for generations, this home combines architectural salvage with creative design. The owner brought in vintage lighting fixtures, a Tudor fireplace surround, and beveled glass for windows and doors. The kitchen pendants and sconces were custom made to match a 1912 Sheffield fixture she had found. Quarter-sawn oak in the living room, dining room, and kitchen, and flat-sawn oak in the pantry, den, and powder room accent the traditional feel of this brand-new home. Design by Acacia Architects/Jeremiah Battles Construction by Ben Quie and Sons Photography by: Troy Thies

Several styles and cuts of Calcatta marble create rhythm in this master shower. In the shower, the Kohler Chrome Watertile Rain Shower System includes five body spray units and two Soundtile speakers. The system has programmed settings for temperature, flow, steam, music, massage, etc. Daniel Newcomb Photography

Catherine Tighe
Mid-sized trendy formal light wood floor living room photo in New York with gray walls, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Mindy Mellenbruch
Kitchen - mid-sized contemporary medium tone wood floor kitchen idea in San Diego with gray cabinets, blue backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

We executed a full-scale renovation that included the kitchen, bathrooms,and living spaces. The kitchen was upgraded with state-of-the-art appliances, custom cabinetry, and elegant countertops. Bathrooms received spa-like upgrades with high-end fixtures, custom tiling, and modern lighting. Living areas were redesigned to create an open concept, enhancing natural light and flow throughout the home. Results: The home's value almost doubled, and the homeowner realized a return on investment that was three times what they put into the project. This was evidenced in 2023 when they sold the home and a neighbor who had not updated their condo sold for a million less. Our meticulous attention to detail and dedication to excellence ensured that every aspect of the remodel met and exceeded the homeowner's expectations.