This house was designed as a second home for a Bay Area couple as a summer retreat to spend the warm summer months away from the fog in San Francisco. Built on a steep slope and a narrow lot, this 4000 square foot home is spread over 3 floors, with the master, guest and kids bedroom on the ground floor, and living spaces on the upper floor to take advantage of the views. The main living level includes a large kitchen, dining, and living space, connected to two home offices by way of a bridge that extends across the double height entry. This bridge area acts as a gallery of light, allowing filtered light through the skylights above and down to the entry on the ground level. All living space takes advantage of grand views of Lake Washington and the city skyline beyond. Two large sliding glass doors open up completely, allowing the living and dining space to extend to the deck outside. On the first floor, in addition to the guest room, a “kids room” welcomes visiting nieces and nephews with bunk beds and their own bathroom. The basement level contains storage, mechanical and a 2 car garage. Photographer: Aaron Leitz

This Seattle modern house by chadbourne + doss architects provides open spaces for living and entertaining. A library is enclosed in the guard rail and overlooks the Great Room below. Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

View showing integrated space of the living room area and kitchen. Relationship between materials ties each space together.

Photo: Julia Heine / McInturff Architects

Cabinetry by Ingrained Wood Studios: The Lab. © Alyssa Lee Photography

Prue Roscoe

Photo: Le Michelle Nguyen © 2014 Houzz

Foto Kai Schlender, www.bugks.com

Elad Sarig

Photo: Casey Dunn

The main living level includes a large kitchen, dining, and living space, connected to two home offices by way of a bridge that extends across the double height entry. This bridge area acts as a gallery of light, allowing filtered light through the skylights above and down to the entry on the ground level. Photographer: Aaron Leitz