Skagit Wild Bird Supply General Manager Tia Melhus, didn’t always like birds. In fact, she only started paying attention to them after being laid off during 2020. For Melhus, the crisis of being suddenly at home a lot more became an opportunity to learn about the birds all around her. “You start by noticing…
Designer: Christine Coder Design Builder: Moceri Construction Photographer: Kate Rhodes When I arrived at the door, she reached out, smiled, and pulled me inside—an easy, familiar gesture marking my second visit to their waterfront condo in Bellingham. Our initial meeting had been just as warm, a lively exchange of ideas that uncovered a wealth of possibility within the home’s older, compartmentalized layout. Once divided…
Sisters Amy and Katie Carson of Bitters Co. have worked closely with craftspeople for over three decades to develop their unique homewares collection. Beyond…
Designer: Robin Daly Color & Design Builder: Cascade Custom Homes Photographer: Snowberry Lane Photography When a Whidbey Island couple looked to expand their home’s livable space, their attention turned to what was beneath their…
Tucked away amongst the lush green suburbs of Bow, a menagerie of creatures surrounds a picturesque one-story house. A giant spider resides on the roof, while a full-sized horse, elephant, nesting ostrich, kangaroo with a joey in its pouch, alligator, bulldog, and more share the vast, grassy yard. Joe Treat,…
Magic can be found in the unlikeliest of places. A slate-gray blob of clay, a blank white canvas, rich brown wood, or even…
David Wight, the world’s premier glass wave sculptor, almost drowned at age 11. “My dad was floating down a little offshoot of water…
Nestled in the Mount Baker Rim community, Arch House is a beautifully designed two-bedroom, one-bathroom, arched frame cabin. The home was first purchased in 2021 by Erica and Alex Egner, who hoped to create a mountain getaway that could also serve as a vacation rental. They spent the next year and a half designing, renovating, and tailoring the…
Azzurra gift shop Owner Sasha Leaman didn’t start her career in retail—in fact, she never even worked in a shop before opening one of her own. A healthcare professional with a clinical doctorate in physical therapy, Leaman’s path to curating a refined and serene storefront in Fairhaven was anything but typical. “It was a long-held dream,” she says. “One I figured…
Photographs by Bellingham Media Group Staging by Sandra Hurtley and Solveig Johnson Some homes speak in whispers—of stories long lived and lives well loved. The Shields home, nestled in the heart of Ferndale, is one of those rare places. With its roots planted in 1905, this stately residence…
“I’ve been a professional woodworker for almost 25 years, and I’ve done all sorts of different things,” says Andy Thorp,…
Inspired by the views of Seattle’s Elliott Bay, Architect John Cashman and Creative Director/Designer Heather Cashman envisioned an industrial modern home with an ode to Seattle’s shipping and industrial history. The partners, who designed the home for their own family of four, were also inspired by places they love to travel like Amsterdam, Spain, France,…
Over the past decade, Anaïs Forster has been growing into a life as a PNW farmer. From working on a small family farm on Lummi to running…
Have you ever thought of providing local pollination from your own home? Whether you want to hardly lift a finger or go all in and be one with the bees, Northwest Apiary Services makes this possible. Co-Founders Monica Burdette and Karly Kerr are beyond passionate about making beekeeping local, sustainable, and accessible. Every county and city has different…
With a nod to the English countryside, this farmhouse design combines old and new, mixing modern pieces and antique furniture with rough-and-ready European elements that everyone is gravitating toward—a ‘hipstoric’ farmhouse with a curated maximalist style. What is ‘hipstoric?’ It’s a recent industry buzzword for a place that’s historic in nature and redesigned to look hipster—or a place that’s…
Did you know there’s a Bellingham business that sells its own line of custom-designed mattresses? If you’ve ever stayed a night at the Hotel Bellwether, it’s likely you’ve already slept on one! Northwest Sleep Solutions is a local and family-run business that’s been open in Fairhaven for 17 years. Owners LeAnn and Scott Caseria are the Mom and Pop of…
E. Cobb Architects Partners’ eHAB project is a self-sustainable, habitable structure built to endure extreme environments—a conceptual idea turned real. Founder Eric Cobb and his team conceived of eHAB during the economic downturn of the late 2000s. At the time, the studio was working on projects across the country, each with distinct and specific environmental challenges: meeting seismic stability requirements, solutions…
Check out our March 2025 feature: Inspirational Designs in Kitchen & Bath!
Mackenzie Schieck is a one-woman operation at Schieck Spaces, where she offers many different creative services, including interior decorating, prop and food styling, writing, and photography. Given the wide range of services she provides, Schieck says that her business is more of a creative studio, where…
Our client’s Lake Whatcom home was undergoing a major remodel and had a dated kitchen design in need of an update. We had the challenge of combining new elements with the existing cabinetry in a cohesive way. The design called for a dramatic lighted display cabinet with an asymmetrical shelving layout,…
Whether you received a new print for the holidays or you’ve had a beloved poster rolled up in the shipping tube for months, let this be the nudge you need to get it framed. I know, I know, custom framing can be expensive, especially if you (like me) love museum glass. But a beautiful frame like…
The primary goal of this Mount Vernon kitchen remodel was to take the original closed-kitchen layout and turn it into an updated, stylish, and functional open-layout space where the homeowner could host guests and feel connected to the rest of the house. The new design removed the L-shaped dividing…
In the heart of the Yakima Valley, nestled near rolling orchard fields and whispering trees, stood an old farmhouse steeped…
As the days get shorter and the nights grow cold, we love to combat the darkness with cozy, comforting home goods that add brightness and joy to our evenings. But turning your home into a winter wonderland doesn’t have to…
The Holidays are here, and whether you’re decorating for Thanksgiving or Christmas the table sets the mood for this special season. Below I have pulled together some ideas to help you on your journey to the perfect table for you. Happy Holidays! Let’s Get Inspired With today’s technology, there are so many options that can help you on your way to creating the…
A1DESIGNBUILD just completed a bathroom and kitchen renovation on a historic home built in 1911 in South Hill, Bellingham. The goal of the project was two-fold: to maintain the classic integrity of the house while adding modern functionality and design. Dave and Teresa Martinelli purchased the house because they wanted to be closer to their kids, as well…
BUILDING THE FOX family’s Net-Zero Energy Home was not without its challenges. Still, the challenges ended up working in everyone’s favor in the end, producing this beautiful and unique home….
We transformed a drab, outdated outdoor space into a stylish, inviting patio perfect for relaxation, entertainment, and sun-soaking. By creating distinct zones, we maximized functionality and made optimal use of the expansive area. Comfortable…
As you approach the Freeland Keystone Building at the corner of Commercial Avenue and Seventh Street in downtown Anacortes, there are signs for all kinds of attractions: Shabby French Market, Elisabeth’s Cottage, Bead Store, Jewelry, Antiques, Vintage, and Furniture. All of these are part of Elisabeth’s Cottage by the Sea, an eclectic business run by Elisabeth and Tom Freeland. The Freelands, originally from Arizona, had visited Anacortes on vacation, but moved there permanently to open their business 20…
This A-frame perched on the bank of the Skagit River seamlessly merges vintage aesthetics with contemporary comforts, thanks to a renovation completed in 2023 that…
This stunning 1,680-SQUARE FOOT, three bedroom, two-bathroom vacation home was built in 2023 for a Snohomish County family to be able to enjoy all year round. Located in the Mount…
Walking into Jeka Plants in downtown Mount Vernon is like walking into a small, well-organized jungle. Created by sisters Jeanie Topness and Karen Yarber (whose names combine to create the store name), this houseplant shop is lined with shelves holding calathea, cactus, blooming jasmine, tillandsia, and…
“Living in this house has shown us that efficiency and comfort actually go hand in hand….The quality of my sleep is so much…
Local interior designer Patty Koskovich and her husband began building their Anacortes home with a view of the Guemes Channel in 2017. After two years of…
The early ’60S house in the Edgemoor Neighborhood had been the client’s family home—it was built for his father’s aunt and her sister, and later the client’s parents had moved in and raised their children there. Now the client was moving back in, along with his wife, and they…
Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood of central Bellingham, surrounded by early-20th century craftsman homes with inviting porches and manicured lawns, is a surprisingly stately house. The Roeder Home, built by Victor Roeder at a cost of $20,000 (that’s nearly $650,000 by 2023 standards) and finished in 1910, is a three-story Arts and Crafts structure with bracketed gothic accents. Photograph by Kris Gray Photography Victor was the son of Bellingham founder Captain Henry Roeder…
HKP Architects is pleased to announce the completion of an addition and renovation for a residence in La Conner, Washington. The owners of this architecturally designed existing house purchased it several years ago for its views and setting, but parts of the house didn’t quite fit with their lifestyle. They set out to reimagine the upper floor…
Hi there, could you please introduce yourself and Mythologie Candles? I’m Leah McHenry, founder of Mythologie Candles, which was born in Lynden, Washington!…
This South Hill home bends with the trees above Bellingham Bay as it clings firmly to the steep sandstone bedrock. It’s a place to retire, relax, and have access to the PNW outdoor way of life….
Seamless, sassy, and may we say a little sexy! That was the look our clients were going for and I must say… we nailed it! What once…
Looking in from the outside, you might never guess that within the walls of Laura Landrum’s 1993 home hides one of our area’s most charming and unusual niche antique art collections. What makes this one so special, you might ask? Well, if you’re a lover of art, antiques, all things furry and four-legged, you’re in for a tail-wagging treat. As it turns out, the primary…
The Silver Residence stands as a remarkable testament to the integration of contemporary architecture, high-performance buildings, and our connection to the natural world. Nestled in a small meadow next to a picturesque pond and seasonal creek, this award-winning, net-zero energy home fosters a deep relationship to nature. Further enhanced by its outdoor amenities and its proximity to the Mount Baker Wilderness Area, the property invites the inhabitants to spend time outside recreating and visiting with one another. Upon returning…
Tell me about how you first began with pottery. How did you turn your art into a profession? I first started doing pottery in high school. It was required to take at least one year of fine arts credits in order to graduate, and the ceramics class was the most hands-on….
10 years ago, we wrote about an up-and-coming craftsman who was breaking into the national scene for his fine furniture. In the decade since, Greg Klassen fathered a viral sensation, has sent his artwork to every corner of the globe, and continues to hone his craft and add to his certified body of work. Photo courtesy of Greg Klassen Klassen first began selling his woodwork around…
Don’t be intimidated by that 36-month aged Netherlands gouda! There’s a whole world of sophisticated cheeses out there that might seem tricky to get a handle on, but having the right tools for the job makes all the difference. We’ve gathered several suggestions for aspiring cheese aficionados to master any bloomy rind or cave-aged cheese that crosses your path. 1 – Cheese: A Connoisseur’s Guide to the World’s Best by Max McCalman and David…
Imagine starting your workday by walking into your shop, “sun angling into the workspace, or rain pattering on the roof,…
March Feature
Featured Home
Maiben Fixtures and Furnishings
bLoom
Tanna by Design
Hedgerow
Noam Moore, Concept Design, LLC
Ideas to turn your home into an iconic holiday haven
King Dahl Creative
Robin Daly Color & Design
Samuel’s Furniture
Amy Popelka of Tac Tile Company
Feature Home, designed by TC Legend Homes
Stone Pros Inc.
Circa
Eliza Island
August Feature
Remodeling from a Realtor’s Perspective
Dry Dock Goods
Home Buyer Tips
Featured Home
Featured Home
Landscape
Faith Ulate
KP Metalworks
Featured Home
Remodel
David Falk Design
Home Upgrades by Room
For years, the Gulit family dreamed of owning a cabin in nearby Glacier – A retreat for short weekend getaways close to home and close to nature. After touring many cabins and even putting in a few offers, they knew they had found THE ONE with this sweet little 840-square-foot saltbox house built in 1978.
Crowe Potter
Featured Home
Purchasing a home in Bellingham or the surrounding counties has been tricky this past year. With inventory low, prices high, and selling time fast, you’ve got to be quick on your feet, make snap decisions, and have a vision! This home was charming…with the exception of the…
Although they had done a couple of home remodels, building a home from the ground up was a new experience for Sue and Alec Berkman. Even before finding…
Debbie Dickinson Studios
Tac Tile Company was started in 2015 as a way to make a mark on my community through art and tile. I create unique handmade tiles that are intended to inspire…
What’s the first thing that jumps to mind when you think of holiday decor? For many of us, the visuals are similar: A red and green color palette, string lights (either multicolored or white), stockings, and of course the classic tree. Though timeless, this formula…
It’s time to dust off your holiday boxes and pull out all the stops to make this season your best. Every year we take inventory of what we have, check those lights, and dream of new and inventive ways to freshen up the holiday decor.
This holiday season, you can treat yourself to the gift of organization. Whether you have a particularly cluttered room or are looking for a new house-wide system, The Orderly Space is here to help.
Bellingham’s downtown neighborhoods might not be the first place you’d look for a new high-performance home. However, this rebuild snuggles right into the existing historic neighborhood perfectly, providing its residents with the comfort of modern style while maintaining easy access to the vibrant downtown scene.
At Auda Sinda, an artisan design studio in the Pacific Northwest, you can purchase a custom handwoven rug that is both unique and gorgeous. Owner Amy Tyson started her business in 2014 with hopes to create bespoke rugs crafted locally in the United States.
The spring 2021 “One Room Challenge” is a supportive and enthusiastic event held twice a year, with Better Homes & Gardens as the official media partner. It is not a competition; rather, it’s a celebration of creative and inspiring ideas.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are no strangers to rain. Whether or not you’re a fan of the frequent showers, have you ever stopped to think about where that rain ends up?
Comphy Sheets
“Do no harm” applies to not only physicians, but also to working on projects that evoke such strong memories of working with HKP Architects founder, Henry Klein. In 1993, a client commissioned HKP Architects (then the Henry Klein Partnership) to design a two-bedroom summer cabin…
Fresh Space Redesign
Marshall Dobry, Kitchen Design Studio
Four Designers Speak to Four Trends
If you’re looking for some home decorating inspiration, local designer and digital influencer Joanna Hawley-McBride is here to help.
Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association
Featured Home
SoMi Spaces
There’s a new team on the Bellingham real estate block, and they’re taking the industry by storm. At the helm is Julian Friedman, a lifelong Bellingham resident whose mission is to help homeowners market and sell their homes for the most amount of money in the least amount of time. “I have a personal relationship with almost everywhere [in Bellingham]. There…
Perry & Carlson
Featured Home
Remodel
Whether planning your first, second or tenth vegetable garden, it can be overwhelming. There are so many tasty vegetables and never enough space and time to grow them all.
Make your home more sustainable with tips on waste and energy reduction.
Pinecone Inc.
Kozy Kids Chairs
Going Green Is Easier Than You Think
Options Cabinetry
With just a few dahlias, you can enjoy picking your own fresh-cut flowers every day from July through September.
Home is a sanctuary — never has this been more apparent. Spending more time at home means many of us have had to reimagine how our spaces work for us. Whether it’s finding room for a home office, classroom, or workout studio, many of us have already transformed our homes to meet our needs, while others may still have plans to make big changes in the months ahead. If you’re looking to revamp or totally…
Check out this Q&A for tips on how to make your spring garden flourish.
Tucked away among a grove of ponderosa pines in Okanogan County, this dreamy treetop hideaway marries imagination and design.
Washington Interior Designer, Tanna Edler, receives National Kitchen Designer of the Year Award
Creating the Perfect Home Gym
Garlands Galore! Make your own holiday décor with these unique DIY ideas.
This project was all about layering neutrals in a soft, subtle, and sculptural way.
This home makes all its own power from solar panels on the south-facing roof, setting a new cost-effective standard for Pacific Northwest housing. The owners wanted a home that fitted the way they live and could run the electrical meter backwards. They turned to TC Legend Homes, a design and build company based in Bellingham that has been making some of the most energy efficient homes in the country, receiving multiple awards from the Department of Energy. “Fitting the way we live”…
This treetop getaway is a dream come true for adults and children alike.
Updating an Old-Fashioned Kitchen
This Featured Home from Highline Construction is a modern day farmhouse with practical and functional designs.
Aqui Esta Tile and Stone
Want an elegant twist on fall decor? Try using white pumpkins to bring autumn into your home.
How to turn an old closet door into a shoe shelf
Bellingham Professional Finsihes
A new Buddhist temple lies nestled among the trees at the south end of Whidbey Island, at a dharma center called Yeshe Long.
This month’s Featured Home is a high-performance beach home with views of Boundary Bay, the BC Coastal Range, and beyond.
Modern meets rustic and vintage meets industrial in this farmhouse remodel.
Tucked away on the east side of Camano Island, you’ll find this stunning 1,100 square foot studio from Designs Northwest Architects.
Quarantine has given many of us a lot of downtime (perhaps too much). If you chose to take up gardening, here’s a Q&A on how to yield the best results from your plants this summer.
Enjoy cool drinks while keeping your furniture safe, with these unique DIY coasters.
Tracys Furniture brings quality craftsmanship and customer service to the homeowners of Anacortes.
Explore the best of Lakeside Living with this month’s feature: a Lake Neighborhood Guide.
This issue’s Featured Home is a modern cabin in the woods, with an interior that matches the beauty of the surrounding woods.
Looking for your next sustainable DIY project? Try this greenhouse made out of solar glass.
In an era of ease, the network HGTV is reminding generations of homeowners that housework is possible. Renovation shows are inspiring countless trends and reminding us that, “the first step in bringing an idea to life is putting pen to paper.” We love these messages! But as much as we love HGTV… we also sort of hate it. Hear…
You don’t need a prairie or large lot to attract and support pollinators. A meadow or informal, formal and even container gardens can bring in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to help pollinate plants. It’s just a matter of selecting the right plants, adjusting your maintenance practices, and skipping the pesticides.
An out-of-date bathroom gets transformed into an elegant and airy en suite.
This month’s featured home is an ’80s house turned into a modern retreat, equipped with tigerwood decking and large windows.
This month’s featured home is this lovely timber frame home on Shaw Island. Check out the pictures of this stunning abode!
This UW sorority gets a modern makeover, bringing contemporary and traditional styles together to create the perfect space for on-the-go college students.
This house on Lake Whatcom offers comfort and beauty all year long.
DIY the perfect holiday gift this season by learning how to make a jewelry holder with minimal materials.
Lisa Staton Interior Design revitalize this classic Bellingham Four Square, built in 1906, while honoring the home’s original architecture and detailing.
Jennifer Ryan talks the benefits of installing a dedicated built-in dog wash station in your home—as shown in this recent bathroom remodel.
Current volunteer coordinator for the North Cascades Audubon Society, Pam Borso, shares some tips for how to transform your yard into a haven for birds.
Take a look at this Broadway Park Neighborhood home—a perfect blend of high-performance detailing and traditional, craftsman design.
Interior designer Jennifer Ryan provides readers with a guide to creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces in the Pacific Northwest.
Samantha Kent, a researcher for SleepHelp.org, tells all about the relationship between sleep and interior design.
This month’s featured home is green—designed and built to minimize the home’s ecological impact in the face of climate change.
Architects Dan Nelson and Matt Radach of Designs Northwest worked to transform this Skagit Bay cabin into a classic beachfront home.
Designer and certified aging-in-place specialist, Susie Landsem, intersects both design and utility to help aging homeowners make their homes more accessible.
Terry and Jackie Lehmann show their appreciation for travel and design with this breathtaking Asian-inspired oasis, located just north of Lake Whatcom.
Jennifer Ryan brings new style with this geometric Bellingham bathroom remodel. See the end results of the makeover with Katheryn Moran Photography.
Take a look at this Featured Home on Chuckanut Crest in Bellingham. A modern industrial space with a state-of-the-art kitchen and beautiful view of the bay.
My client’s husband had recently passed away, and her daughter contacted me as a means to brighten her mother’s mood. The client and her husband had been dreaming of remodeling their home and just never thought the time was right. So when her family…
Mathew Blubaugh is the owner of Northwest Woodslayer, a woodworking business specializing in custom cabinetry. There is also an axethrowing station.
This beautiful Farmhouse Kitchen remodel was designed by Jennifer Ryan. See the end results of the makeover with Katheryn Moran Photography.
The “Spaces” part of this feature gives a look at stunning designs for a variety of rooms. Take a look at these beautiful PNW homes.
The “Kitchens” part of this feature gives a look at the inspiration behind each design for these six kitchens, and kitchen tech recommended by the experts.
The RE Store in Bellingham shows us how to upcycle old pallets and turn them into a raised garden bed, garden shed, or shelves.
This month’s Featured Home is an island cabin near Anacortes. This year-round home has a view of Deception Pass State Park.
Kelly DuByne of Distinctive Interior Designs showcases a kitchen remodel in Lake Stevens. Cabinets from Architectual Cabinet brighten and warm the room.
There are many environmental hazards that can affect our homes. This safety guide lists safety checks for the house to keep you living in a healthy home.
Jennifer Ryan took on the challenge of a home remodel to open up the kitchen, dining room, and living room, so a view of the lake could be enjoyed.
This month, our featured home showcases a home for the holidays, with Christmas trees and seasonal decor to brighten and warm the room.
The Saratoga Inn on Whidbey Island makes a delightful getaway this winter. In the remodel, owner Jim Pensiero gave the inn a refreshing, comfortable look.
Interior designer Tanna Edler answers her most frequently asked questions about home design including inspirations and tips and tricks.
Heidi Skievaski and Kryssie Maybay of Sublime Garden Design worked to transform this Snohomish backyard into a relaxing retreat, complete with a waterfall.
Jennifer Ryan transformed this garage into an Archie comic book themed game room for two teens, complete with disco ball and foosball table.
Take a look at this Featured Home on Sandy Point in Ferndale designed by Alexei Ford, built by Ian Hamilton, and photographed by Tim Chandonnet.
Take a look at the amazing transformation of this beach drive remodel on Camano Island. This article details the renovations made during this home remodel.
Doing a partial kitchen remodel can be a tricky puzzle, especially while trying to combine existing aspects with new features that just don’t seem to go together.
Take an inside look as Ross Grier builds his dream home in Fairhaven by fusing Japanese elements with a Pacific Northwest Washington feel.
Approximately 40 years ago, this bathroom and closet off the master bedroom was a luxury. After much love, it was in desperate need of a makeover. Updating the fixtures and bringing the “look” to the current century was my clients’ first request. Next, they wanted to brighten…
Downtown, An Old Space Becomes New Again For Fred and Colleen Schacht, the Hamlet Hotel has been a reclamation project, sentimental journey, and business venture wrapped into one century-old downtown building. The Hamlet isn’t really a hotel but a four-suite Airbnb, where guests check themselves in via…
The challenge: Designing and remodeling a bathroom that involved a rotting floor due to water splashing from the shower curtain enclosure. The first question was “How do we keep the water in the tub?” My clients wanted to keep the large…
Here is a quick glimpse inside this beautiful home in Anacortes, with amazing detail to design and even more incredible views.
In Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties of the North Sound, the real estate industry has grown from a decade ago. No wonder, because people are moving here at a rate not seen since 2010, the last official census. The secret’s out: The North Sound is a great place to live. We’ve got nature in abundance, the coastline, fresh water,…
Faith Ulate grew up in Whatcom County, and long dreamed of having a beach home. So, she and her family lived in Costa Rica for 11…
What may have been best described as a collective mess before our design update is now an “organized oasis.” The enhancements in this project have…
When you find the perfect house —it’s got a beautiful view, a great lot, lots of space for three growing girls, and in the desired location —but it’s lacking charm and style, what do you do? This is what my some of my interior decorator clients purchased last year. Right away they knew they wanted to make some changes. But they were unsure of what to do and how to pull it all together in a cohesive way….
So, you’ve decided you want to build a water feature in your back yard That’s a wonderful idea. A pond draws hummingbirds, songbirds, and butterflies. The trickling sound of a stream is soothing as is watching colorful gold sh or koi swim…
Pesky Plants to Avoid We gave you the best and easiest plants to grow in your Pacific Northwest garden, but it’s also invaluable to know what not to plant. See our list of what plants experts say are the among the worst – invasive, disease-ridden, or…
If first impressions are everything, then a waiting room is crucial to a patient’s experience. A waiting room sets the tone for what comes next, be it a massage or a root…
There’s warmth just looking at this yellow cedar home, originally built in 1927 as a single-story, working-class Craftsman. But in addition to adding a second story and master bedroom to their now two-bedroom, three-bath home (plus basement apartment), the client wanted a…
Elegant styling with a luxurious arrangement balanced this office remodel. With a creative pattern and texture, the simplicity of the accent wall was a stand-out. A sustainable and organic passion created this tremendous geometric attraction, and the custom salmon art gave a nod to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Our goal was to bring nature indoors, with a hint of tradition, plus a contemporary twist. Our wall treatment design was the timeless result we aimed for…
New owners of this home loved its sweeping views of Lake Whatcom and its modern character. But sometimes, even modern needs an update. With a family of five, the house was also due for an expansion, and a bedroom and bathroom was added to produce a total four-bedroom, four-bath lake house. Built in 1996 and…
The Palatine Passive House by architect Tiffany Bowie of Malboeuf Bowie Architecture was one of eight homes featured during last year’s Seattle Modern Home Tour in April. Bowie, a certified passive house consultant, fielded questions from tour guests curious about passive construction. “Many people weren’t familiar with the concept of a passive house, so it was a great educational opportunity,” Bowie said. Thanks to its efficient design, the 2,700-square-foot urban infill project boasts energy usage up…
Today, I have many clients confused when trying to explain their “design style,” not wanting to commit to just one, fearing they might end with the wrong…
Private Gardens Design Susan Harrison, owner of Private Gardens Design, is no stranger to awards. She won our own Best of the Northwest for Best Landscape Designer in 2015 and took home the silver from this year’s Association…
This spectacular Birch Bay estate is what dreams are made of: This private 66-acre property consists of a 12,000-square-foot mansion with 1,575 feet of pristine, south-facing and jaw-dropping Georgia Strait shoreline. And that’s just the beginning. If you prefer to arrive by air rather than land or boat, the property has its…
Western’s Carver Gym Renovation a Sight to See for Fans After undergoing an extensive and much-needed renovation costing $70 million and spanning two years, Sam Carver Gym at Western Washington University will re-open its doors — just in time for fall sports. Your first chance to watch…
This striking home in the San Juan Islands started as a log cabin. A full overhaul, led by Bellingham interior designer Lisa Staton and client Kristina Gladstein, transformed it to…
Ferndale Landmark It’s hard to believe the clock tower building that looms over Main Street in Ferndale was once a 1920s craftsman home. Today the structure is a sprawling, multi-story sight to behold. Each exterior wall is coated in a different siding material, highlighted with maroon trim and scattered windows, all beneath a series of jutting rooftops. Its most prominent feature is the brick-lined clock tower that sprouts from the original…
While the tiny building that sits on Pam Bosch’s property isn’t legally a house, it serves as a model for future construction projects. It was built using hempcrete, a cement-like mixture that’s made from combining the inner core of the hemp plant with lime. The…
Arrive by land, sea or air to your estate; a private 66-acre compound on 1,575 ft. of pristine waterfront. A 12,000 square foot manse, carefully composed for graceful and comfortable gatherings.
RE Store’s Revision Division We love to recycle here in the Pacific Northwest. We’ll divide, compost, and reuse until just about everything gets another home or is made functional again. And while recycling might seem more mundane than stylish, Matt Vaughn and David Spangler at the RE Store’s Revision Division, would beg to differ. Vaughn and Spangler use almost entirely recycled materials to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind…
The airy lightness of this Chuckanut Bay home’s interior stands in contrast to its big, bold, concrete frame that attracts attention from those who live nearby or paddle past. The owner, a builder himself, wanted to convey permanence in a home situated between the everchanging water and a boulder wall constructed to highlight area sandstone. McClellan…
If you think the compacted-soil, rock-hewn, lifeless plot of land on your property could never support a garden, we have a story for you. More than 100 volunteers recently transformed the empty gravel lot across…
Lairmont Manor Historic homes can be a focal point for neighborhoods. In Bellingham, few are more famous than Lairmont Manor, in Fairhaven’s Edgemoor neighborhood. Originally named The Larrabee House, it was designed in 1914 for local power couple Charles and Frances Larrabee by renowned Seattle architect Carl…
Bath Renovation Antique wood and a sliding barn door in a bathroom? Say it isn’t so! Yes, that is exactly what we incorporated in this recent remodel and the trend has exploded. The juxtaposition of materials and finishes in homes today is exhilarating. As a designer and…
Lake Samish Row House This distinctive home on the shores of Lake Samish was built in 2010 with rowers in mind. We want to say its curvy roof and contemporary, minimalist design evokes the smooth, effortless air of a rowing team in sync. But like the sport itself, looks can be deceiving. Bellingham Bay Builders…
Kitchen Remodel Helps Ease a Drab Winter’s Chill This home, a one-time 1930s beach cabin, got so cold in winter that its owner would routinely flee to Mexico for three months. But after six years of annual escapes, it was time to put down year-round roots. And a foundation. This renovated kitchen was the final flourish to an extended whole-house remodel that included installing a foundation and…
Animal Prints Rev Up a Room It might be safe to say that while keeping the color palette tame on this project, we got wild with the style. Prior…
This home, located on 12th Street overlooking stunning Bellingham Bay, was past due for a kitchen remodel. I had worked with this client on previous projects in her home and was thrilled to have the opportunity to design her kitchen. By giving her tons of cabinet, floor and counter space, I felt this kitchen…
This peaceful retreat on Guemes Island designed by David Hall (since retired) of HKP Architects draws on Finnish and Scandanavian summer houses for inspiration. Situated on the the north end…
The beautiful thing about ranch-style houses is the way in which a good designer can open up the interior, build in great storage, and add light and space. Many of these homes have been updated a…
What is it that turns a house into a home? When a person first walks into their new house, they see the potential. My job as an interior designer is to make them see a “home,” to give them space they can call their own. This is the reason I became a designer. My clients contacted me after purchasing the Edgewater Place condominium that had been built by Ron Barter and Dick Skeers. This stunning home sits above…
A classic log cabin on Camano Island’s North Shore offers stunning views of Utsalady Bay and has been in Neil Hampson’s family since the 1940s. Hampson’s grandfather Dr. Russell R. Bradley, an Everett optometrist built the cabin himself. The preface to a 1944 publication of the U.S. Forest…
Heidi Skievaski and Kryssie Maybay of Sublime Garden Designs transformed a two-acre property that was essentially a blank canvas, a hillside with a few junipers and rhododendron and a sea of lawn, into a backyard retreat with several gardens and distinct areas…
This beautiful Orcas Island beach house is an island paradise, nestled among towering evergreens and set right on the water. As with most things Orcas, this home is the perfect balance…
In a nutshell, this home is nestled on two acres overlooking a pond with stunning landscaping. For this design, I wanted to bring all the elements of the outdoors inside. I did this by using soft robin egg blue on the walls to mirror the sky, along with wood elements found in nature. By building with textures and fabrics these three…
The Palatine Passive House by Architect Tiffany Bowie of Malboeuf Bowie Architecture was one of eight homes featured during the 2016 Seattle Modern Home Tour in April. Bowie, a certified passive house consultant, fielded questions from tour guests curious about passive construction. “Many people weren’t familiar with the concept of a passive house, so it was a great educational opportunity,” Bowie said. Thanks to its efficient design,…
Good things do come in small packages! Bringing back the bright was our design goal for this tiny ranch home. Every square foot was important; therefore, scale and proportion played a huge role in this little space. A refreshing paint palette, additional windows, and new cabinets with open shelving proved that minor changes can provide substantial results. It doesn’t take a lot of…
The owners of this Blaine residence wanted the finest in architectural construction as well as the most aesthetically compelling styling possible. The overall result is demonstrated in this beautiful floating staircase. The steel supports were incorporated into the framing. The walls were then added, then the treads. The sturdy, yet graceful stainless steel railing and guard rails were welded together and hand-finished by the team at…
An updated landscape is just what this Medina property needed after it underwent a major remodel. Heidi Skievaski of Sublime Garden Design delivered a landscape design and install that complemented the newly renovated mid-century exterior. One of the challenges of a landscape remodel is incorporating existing elements. For example, homeowners desired to keep the giant Empress tree that…
Oh it’s that time of year, time to plant and sow, to weed and cultivate. The sun is getting closer and brighter, the soil is warming up—it’s time to make the most of your landscape. There are a lot of ways it can go so right, and happy accidents are a great gardening tool, but here are some ways it goes all wrong: Crowding the plants: Remember that plants…
You know what it’s like when you paint your living room, and then the adjoining dining room looks drab, so you paint that, and the next thing you know, the kitchen, bath, and laundry room are all now newly…
Though you probably haven’t convened your family members to hold a climate change summit in your living room, sometimes it can feel inordinately challenging to agree upon and make sustainable decisions at home. Ask anyone who has recently shopped for furnishings, upgraded appliances, or planned a build or remodel. World leaders seem to face similar challenges in agreeing…
Over the years I have done hundreds of color consults. The basis of all my home designs — whether hanging art, furnishing a room, or doing a remodel — starts, and essentially ends, with color. Most people love color, but they are often overwhelmed by all the possibilities, and thus choose to do nothing. And then they are forever unhappy with their white walls. Let’s get out of that…
For landscape designer and certified professional horticulturist Heidi Skievaski of Sublime Garden Design, an unsightly curtain drain that skirted a newly constructed high-bank waterfront home was a design challenge turned opportunity. Because of the home’s location on a coastal bluff, the curtain drain was there to stay. Picture an 18-inch swath of drain rock marring the backyard and access to…
As far as remodels are concerned, you might think that the most dramatic transformations are also the most expensive and the most complicated. The waterfront Beach Drive Remodel on Camano Island, executed by principal architect Dan Nelson of Designs Northwest Architects, proves these misconceptions wrong. The resulting transformation was so complete that neighbors believed it to be a newly constructed home, yet the remodel was cost effective and,…
This stunning San Juan Island beauty is a perfect metaphor for a writer’s personality — open, receptive, and unguarded at times, and closed, private, and introspective at other times. A beautiful example of contemporary architecture, this cabin folds up into a neat little package, or opens up to a big, expansive view. The interior is thoughtfully designed to be completely functional as well as luxurious. An…
Perhaps the crown jewel of the entertainment space, a glassed-in wine display room showcases a wine library and is conveniently located near the wet bar, an upgrade from the traditional bottom-floor wine cellar.
Tiny houses make it difficult to squeeze these large appliances into a tiny footprint. Luckily, manufacturers have stepped up and sized down without sacrificing quality.
The couple set about remodeling, using mostly local artisans. The result? A comfortable, unpretentious, and yet artful home that accommodates family, friends, and even a lovely bald eagle who lurks in the trees above
Sean Haven of Haven Design workshop took on the challenge of designing and building a Net Zero house.
Considerations like direction of sunlight, storm runoff, window materials, and flooring are all part of the eco package.
Natural textures like wood and stone complement the white walls and countertops.
The goal was to build a timeless waterfront escape—a vacation home on Camano Island with architectural character and traditional elements. “My clients wanted the home to feel as if it had been lived in before,” said principal architect Dan Nelson of Designs Northwest. Situated on an exceptionally steep bank that offers views of both Skagit Bay and Mount Baker, the result is a threestory home with plenty of space for multiple generations of family members to holiday…
For this remodel, my clients wanted to revamp an old shed. Fifty feet from the house, this outbuilding is the perfect place to create a space to entertain friends, have sleep-overs, watch movies, play games, have snacks, make music, and exercise. My clients wanted to maintain the…
Built to blend unobtrusively with its landscape, yet maximize views and interior space, the House in the Field takes the lines of a traditional ranch house and explodes them into beautiful angles and fascinating forms. Natural materials and an earthy palette complement the open land surrounding the house.
Remodeling an Era If you are like me, you’ve driven around an older neighborhood at some point in your life, admiring homes with a certain style – long, low profiles with minimal exterior decor. You were probably touring an established neighborhood where ramblers were the predominate style. Their simplicity is captivating and infused…
Find a corner, spruce it up Perhaps you need a spot for yoga, or a place to sit and read in the sun. Maybe you like to knit by the fire or watch…
One of the features that makes our area so charming is in the way in which we preserve and restore houses and buildings from our past. With the RE…
Homeowners Delight Green and Michael Newlight hired Craig Burling, owner and general contractor of CB Premier Construction, to build an addition onto the master suite of their creative Chuckanut Drive house. The 850 square foot addition included a bedroom, bathroom and closets, all with electric radiant heat. “The house is 41 years old and we thought the master bath was dated, Delight said. “Also, we wanted more closet space to make the house fit with contemporary expectations for…
Our master bath remodel had been a long time coming. It started in my head when we bought our 1920s Tudor in Bellingham 13 years ago. The unfinished attic had been remodeled in the 80s, and the bath was added then—good space, but the dark wallpaper, phone booth-sized shower and graying linoleum floors were showing their age. Fast-forward a decade and we were finally ready to gut the…
When architect Don Larkin and his small Eastside architectural firm were asked to design a Lopez Island vacation home on the original foundation of a dilapidated cabin, he and his team drew upon the stunning views and quiet, driftwood-strewn bay below to create a sophisticated seaside escape. A stunning blend of Nantucket-meets-Northwest, this 2,900 square-foot home is surrounded by…
The effect of faux tile finishes once depended on how light fell, how the sun or kitchen lights caught the pattern in the floor, how the tile felt underfoot or…
Herb gardens are perfect for small spaces. They thrive on patios, balconies and even on your kitchen counter. Thyme, parsley, chives, oregano, cilantro and basil are common and satisfying herbs to grow. Herbs are among the easiest plants to nurture — all you need are containers to plant them in, potting soil and a green thumb. Many herbs,…
The Light Touch With incandescent bulbs disappearing in favor of more long-lasting light bulbs, finding light that has the right color temperature can be a challenge. Florescent light—as from compact florescent lamps—can look yellow and sickly, and LEDs can look too blue. Be sure to research the right temperatures for your taste. The packaging for alternative light…
As the leaves fall and the cold air starts to blow, we find ourselves enjoying intimate moments in our homes once again. Now is…
In my recent project, I assembled an eclectic collection of furniture, which is neatly placed in a symmetrical living area layout. In this aesthetic, casual contemporary embraces stylish comfort. The arrangement of this living space makes it a great place for bringing people together and fostering conversation. Contemporary style is, by definition, what is being created and…
In partnership with the Northwest Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, we selected this exquisite home perched above beautiful Chuckanut Bay. This project began…
“Your home is whimsical, cozy, cottage, industrial with raw, organic elements, quirky focals and current styling. Am I close?” This was my first question after the initial consultation at my client’s rambler home in Snohomish. She has a flair for the eclectic, as well as many hand-me-downs that are absolutely gorgeous….
Q & A on the Tiny Tack House Bellingham Alive: What is your background and interest in building a tiny house? Malissa Tack: The Tiny Tack House was our first adventure building anything of this size. Both Christopher and myself had only constructed a few projects, back in our high school shop classes. So to us this…
This issue we feature two small spaces that are nestled deep in the woods and surrounded by mature forest. The paths around the property teem with wildlife, the trees are alive with birdsong. A peaceful spot overlooking the bay, these small structures speak to both sustainable…
This lovely house is located on the tip of Samish Island, just above high tide. It is owned by an oyster farmer who farms the surrounding waters of Samish Bay. Built to withstand harsh…
He’s a little bit country and she is a little bit rock ‘n roll, and the combination is something I call “organic modernism.” We combined the homeowners’ mementos, industrial pieces and warm textures to create a collection of oddities that satisfies their rustic-inspired living, giving them the luxurious lodge look…
Half old/half new, half vintage/half current, half refinished/half refreshed describes this throwback classic! A 50/’50s blend that bridges the decades with a touch of organic and man-made: What was popular then is popular now.
Read about this Bellingham eco-friendly home, owned by Carlos Dinares and Julie Dykema towers just off the shore of Lake Samish.
From boring basement to high-end man cave, designer Tanna Barnecut takes us on a journey of transformation…
Give your home its own unique look, inspired by today’s design trends.
