Farmhouse style with an industrial, contemporary feel.

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

interior designer: Kathryn Smith

Christopher Mayer

The original shaker kitchen in this rustic lake house was finished in dark stained wood with traditional details. In an effort to update and modernize the home, we incorporated blued steel exteriors with welded steel frames surrounding doors, drawers and glass centered panels. While preserving the original layout and function, a completely new aesthetic was achieved. This modern/edgy design allowed the client to escape the original traditional constraints of the space providing the opportunity to introduce modern furniture and artwork throughout the rest of the home. Photographer: Beth Singer Photography

Shamanth Patil J

Within a relatively compact living room, a variety of activities are accommodated by a uniquely curved upholstered seat that lines three walls - its depth varies to allow for: conversations, music listening, lounging, reading, napping, etc.

Modern Living in Mercer Island Washington. http://www.greenbankdevelopment.com/

photography by Matthew Placek

Troy Thies Photography