Riding a bike is a timeless activity that, for some people, has been part of life for many years. This includes the owner of Birch Bay Bike Shop, John Roy, who solidified his deep passion for biking in high school. The Birch Bay Bike Shop opened in 2023. Roy is…
Location: Lake Whatcom, Bellingham Homeowner: Mark Wheatley Architect: Maggie Bates, A1DesignBuild Builder: A1DesignBuild Interior Designer: Mark Wheatley Photographer: Moment Films When Mark Wheatley approached A1DesignBuild, he wanted a legacy home. Something intelligent, beautiful, and future-proof; a residence that would…
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…
Designer: Christine Coder Design Builder: Moceri Construction Photographer: Kate Rhodes When I arrived at the door, she reached out, smiled, and pulled…
Sisters Amy and Katie Carson of Bitters Co. have worked closely with craftspeople for over three decades to develop their unique homewares collection. Beyond a direct-to-customer and wholesale business, Bitters Co. is a design and product development studio with a deep appreciation for “traditional craft, use of sustainable materials, and modern sensibilities.” Bitters Co. launched in 1993 with a retail store in Seattle. In 2004, the sisters moved their base…
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 feet: a daylight basement and crawlspace…
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…
Magic can be found in the unlikeliest of places. A slate-gray blob of clay, a blank white canvas, rich brown wood, or even soft beeswax. These materials carry endless potential and can be made into statues of animals, culturally…
David Wight, the world’s premier glass wave sculptor, almost drowned at age 11. “My dad was floating down a little offshoot of water from the main river. I really wanted to do it…my mom really didn’t want me to but I convinced her,” says Wight. As he arrived at the mouth of the river, he realized that there were powerful whirlpools that started to pull him under. “They made me feel like I had handcuffs…
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…
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…
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 at 2234 Main Street consists of more than just beautiful architecture—it is a cherished piece of…
“I’ve been a professional woodworker for almost 25 years, and I’ve done all sorts of different things,” says Andy Thorp, the craftsman who…
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, and Portugal. As artists and creatives, they wanted their home aesthetic to…
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 her half-acre Everson flower farm, Goose Creek Flowers, her journey is one of finding community, embracing opportunities, and harvesting joy where it grows….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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, made to blend seamlessly into the existing peninsula. It’s nine feet tall, open on both sides to the hallway and kitchen, and you see it as soon as…
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 ones made by Wilson Picture Framing in…
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…
In the heart of the Yakima Valley, nestled near rolling orchard fields and whispering trees, stood an old farmhouse steeped in history. With its rustic charm, it was a relic of a bygone era, but within its walls lay the potential for transformation. Join us on a captivating journey as…
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 mean filling your mantel with Santas and stringing up Christmas lights in every window—a subtler touch can make your home feel just as fun. Indulge all your senses with…
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 perfect setting for your…
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 as enjoy the beauty of Bellingham. Being avid hikers, they knew they were in the right place. But they…
BUILDING THE FOX family’s Net-Zero Energy Home was not without its challenges. Still, the challenges ended up working in everyone’s favor…
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…
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…
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 has breathed new life into the late 1970s-era full-time residence. The biggest transformations were realized by expanding the house by six feet to enlarge the kitchen, entryway, main floor bathroom, and laundry…
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 Baker Rim community in Glacier, the cabin provides access to a host of outdoor activities—and the generous porch along the north wall of the property provides a convenient place to drop skis, boots, and any other less-than clean gear. The home’s central feature is the vaulted…
Walking into Jeka Plants in downtown Mount Vernon is like walking into a small, well-organized jungle. Created by sisters Jeanie Topness…
“Living in this house has shown us that efficiency and comfort actually go hand in hand….The quality of my sleep is so much better now that we live in a well-insulated house that stays cool during hot days and has…
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 careful construction, their Coastal Aging in Place home was completed, perfectly planned for comfortable…
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…
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…
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 as…
Hi there, could you please introduce yourself and Mythologie Candles? I’m Leah McHenry, founder of Mythologie Candles, which was born in Lynden, Washington! We create high-quality, handcrafted candles for lovers of history, fantasy, and mythology. We officially launched in…
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. All…
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!…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Imagine starting your workday by walking into your shop, “sun angling into the workspace, or rain pattering on the roof, stacks of beautiful cedar stock all around, a new project before you…” That is how Jeff Nelson, owner of GreenCoast Cedarworks, describes the start of his workday. Sounds like a pretty sweet gig to me. GreenCoast Cedarworks has been designing and building stunning garden and entry gates as well as other property…
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 kitchen, but my clients were able to see past it….
Although they had done a couple of home remodels, building a home from the ground up was a new experience…
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 and reflect the beauty of nature that surrounds us….
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),…
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 on the shore of Lake Cavanaugh. The site was a ¾ acre peninsula bisected by a stream that overflowed its…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 contacted me…
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 the space and gain more room without changing the footprint. Last, they wanted a…
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 cellphone and internet (though the Schachts are just a phone call away). The Hamlet’s location, at 1202 Railroad Ave., makes it stand out — few hotel…
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 bathtub, so swapping it out for a shower was not an option. I am always looking for…
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…
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 years. But when it came time to move back, she was determined to bring beach life with her. Ulate, a realtor with a passion for turnaround projects, gutted this three-bedroom, two-bath condo overlooking Bellingham’s Boulevard Park. Then she…
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 increased the functionality by doubling paper-related storage, adding private storage and providing an appealing place to display family favorites. Along with the added advantages of the enlarged custom desk, the lighting is now also the appropriate scale for the room and provides proper illumination to work all day if…
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….
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 lazy laps. Water lilies in full summertime bloom are stunning. You’re already imagining perfect pond-side summer…
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 just outright annoying – to allow into your garden….
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 canal. At the same time,…
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…
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…
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 remodeled last year, the complete custom renovation generated better flow between rooms…
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…
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 result. Combining hints of contemporary with a nod of tradition is a popular request….
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 of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) International Design Competition. The silver-winning design is…
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…
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 a Western team play in the new gym will be on September 19, when Western women’s volleyball hosts NCAA Div. II rival Simon Fraser University. Events are open to the public, and…
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 a lighter, brighter vacation getaway that fits…
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…
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 result is a cozy space that stays cool even on a hot day. Even though it’s only 120 square feet, the building, affectionately called the “Crow’s Nest,” feels a…
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…
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….
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…
Lairmont Manor Historic homes can be a focal point for neighborhoods. In Bellingham, few are more famous than Lairmont Manor,…
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 interior enthusiast, I am enjoying the risks my clients are willing to take while throwing ancient rules out the window. The anything-goes theme is so much fun to work with…
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…
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…
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…
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 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 of Guemes Island with expansive views of Bellingham Bay, this 625 square-foot cabin combines the best of comfort and tranquility Hall worked closely with the owners to ensure that the outdoor patios were integrated seamlessly with the interior. The rectangular floor plan provides a…
The beautiful thing about ranch-style houses is the way in which a good designer can open up the interior, build in…
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…
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 Service entitled “Building with…
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 for entertaining. The property’s former owner was an architect who designed and built the home, which features intriguing shapes and angles. The home offers sweeping views of the entire landscape, with large…
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 of architectual distinction and cabin-like intimacy. The natural wood beams and finishes complement each other, incorporating the context of the surrounding woods while offering expansive views of the water. The stone fireplace and mantel give the main…
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 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…
Good things do come in small packages! Bringing back the bright was our design goal for this tiny ranch home….
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…
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…
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 grow and spread, and tucking them in too tightly…
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 painted? Well, a similar scenario played out in this beautiful South Hill home. What began as a renovation of a one-car garage grew into a major addition remodel. Jennifer Ryan of Jennifer Ryan Design and Verrett Design + Building…
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 upon how…
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 rut…
For landscape designer and certified professional horticulturist Heidi Skievaski of Sublime Garden Design, an unsightly curtain drain that skirted a newly…
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, at times, surprisingly simple. “Most of the remodel…
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…
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 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…
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 with potential….
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…
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 Store, Skagit Salvage and antique stores galore, it’s not difficult to find materials for an era-authentic remodel. This…
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…
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…
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 forestal acreage and…
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 how it looked behind the sink. Decades ago, faux was just another word for fake, ersatz, as something that was meant to reach for an effect, but failed in…
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, including basil, can be propagated in water from a stem and transplanted into soil…
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 bulbs should list the CCT, or Correlated Color Temperature. Bedroom light generally tends to be warmer…
As the leaves fall and the cold air starts to blow, we find ourselves enjoying intimate moments in our homes once again. Now is the time to bring the outdoors in…
In my recent project, I assembled an eclectic collection of furniture, which is neatly placed in a symmetrical living area layout. In…
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 as a remodel, but the needs of the family were greater than the existing house could provide, and a rebuild ended up being a more affordable option. A Feng Shui consultant reviewed the new design to ensure…
“Your home is whimsical, cozy, cottage, industrial with raw, organic elements, quirky focals and current styling. Am I close?” This was my…
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 was a large scale undertaking that we were both excited…
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,…
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 conditions — the salt, sand and constant breeze of the island elements — it’s solidly built and yet graceful. Amenities include heated concrete floors without a crawlspace,…
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 they desired. The family I worked with…
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.
