Interiors by Christy Dillard Kratzer, Architecture by Harrison Design Associates, Photography by Chris Little

Photo by Rodolfo Castro

Nestled into sloping topography, the design of this home allows privacy from the street while providing unique vistas throughout the house and to the surrounding hill country and downtown skyline. Layering rooms with each other as well as circulation galleries, insures seclusion while allowing stunning downtown views. The owners' goals of creating a home with a contemporary flow and finish while providing a warm setting for daily life was accomplished through mixing warm natural finishes such as stained wood with gray tones in concrete and local limestone. The home's program also hinged around using both passive and active green features. Sustainable elements include geothermal heating/cooling, rainwater harvesting, spray foam insulation, high efficiency glazing, recessing lower spaces into the hillside on the west side, and roof/overhang design to provide passive solar coverage of walls and windows. The resulting design is a sustainably balanced, visually pleasing home which reflects the lifestyle and needs of the clients. Photography by Andrew Pogue

Restored historic living room now used as a library. Windows on right are original. Windows on left were salvaged from the deconstructed part of the house and newly placed in this wall for improved daylighting. Wall was orginally an interior wall, now an exterior wall through which new courtyard is visible. Cathy Schwabe Architecture. Photograph by David Wakely. Contractor: Young & Burton, Inc.

Light hardwood floors flow from room to room on the first level. Oil-rubbed bronze light fixtures add a sense of eclectic elegance to the farmhouse setting. Horizontal stair railings give a modern touch to the farmhouse nostalgia. Stained wooden beams contrast beautifully with the crisp white tongue and groove ceiling. A barn door conceals a private, well-lit office or homework nook with bespoke shelving.

Architect: David C. Fowler and Associates.

This beautifully spacious kitchen was created by first removing an enclosed pantry closet where the microwave area is currently. We then carefully designed work spaces that function for this family who entertains often. The base cabinets are comprised of flat panel Walnut with a bourbon stain and the wall cabinets have white painted Shaker doors. Using light or white wall cabinets enhances the open space plan while dramatizing the darker base cabinets and the appliances. Using the Walnut cabinets on the wall where the range is highlights this area and gives the room depth and gravity. White Caesarstone Blizzard counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and white backsplash were used to enhance overall contrast. Light brown subway tile complements this open floor plan. Kitchen Design and Photos: Elyse Hochstadt

Home office with loft library in timber frame home.

Architecture and Design by Anders Lasater Architects. Photos by Jeri Koegel.

Reclaimed Chestnut cabinetry reaches all the way to the ceiling in a door over door configuration. Photo Credit: Crown Point Cabinetry

Making used pallets great again!

The rear wall openings were enlarged, bricks were patched in and repaired at chimney. Photography by Marco Valencia.

Trudy Schuringa

Family room with dining area included. Cathedral ceilings with tongue and groove wood and beams. Windows along baack wall overlooking the lake. Large stone fireplace.

Cooking for Two Location: Plymouth, MN, United States When this couple’s last child graduated from college they began the process of looking for a new home. After a lengthy search they decided to stay with the neighborhood they loved, saving money by remodeling rather than starting over. The top priorities on their wish list were adding character to their 1990’s era home with a classic white kitchen and a larger island while keeping within the existing footprint. With the intention of honing their cooking skills, they were also considering better appliances and two ovens. Challenges and Solutions Design a larger island with seating for at least two. The existing island was small and the area behind the seating was less than recommended clearances. To solve this challenge, the seating area of the island was extended out into the open area of the kitchen. This created a larger island with seating for three, extra storage and a bookshelf across from the range. The original kitchen had a range with microwave above, so adding another oven was a challenge with limited wall space. Because the adjoining dining room is used infrequently, the homeowner was open to placing the second oven and microwave in the walkway. This made room for the small buffet between the built in refrigerator and ovens, creating one of her favorite areas. The client requested a white painted kitchen but wanted to make sure it had warmth and character. To achieve this the following elements were chosen: 1) Cabinets painted with Benjamin Moore Capitol White, a luminous and warm shade of white. 2) The Range hood was painted with warm metallic shades to reflect the bronze of the Ashley Norton hardware. 3) Black Aqua Grantique granite was chosen for countertops because it looks like soapstone and adds contrast. 4) Walker Zanger Café tile in Latte was chosen for it’s handmade look with uneven edges. 5) The to-the-counter-cabinet with glass door shows off serving dishes and lends sophisticated charm. The result is a welcoming classic kitchen, where this couple enjoys cooking more often and sharpening their skills with gourmet appliances. Liz Schupanitz Designs Photographed by: Andrea Rugg Photography

General Contractor: Hagstrom Builders | Photos: Corey Gaffer Photography

The design of this remodel of a small two-level residence in Noe Valley reflects the owner’s passion for Japanese architecture. Having decided to completely gut the interior partitions, we devised a better arranged floor plan with traditional Japanese features, including a sunken floor pit for dining and a vocabulary of natural wood trim and casework. Vertical grain Douglas Fir takes the place of Hinoki wood traditionally used in Japan. Natural wood flooring, soft green granite and green glass backsplashes in the kitchen further develop the desired Zen aesthetic. A wall to wall window above the sunken bath/shower creates a connection to the outdoors. Privacy is provided through the use of switchable glass, which goes from opaque to clear with a flick of a switch. We used in-floor heating to eliminate the noise associated with forced-air systems.

10' ceilings and 2-story windows surrounding this space (not in view) bring plenty of natural light into this casual and contemporary cook's kitchen. Other views of this kitchen and the adjacent Great Room are also available on houzz. Builder: Robert Egge Construction (Woodinville, WA). Cabinets: Jesse Bay Cabinets (Port Angeles, WA) Design: Studio 212 Interiors