Habitat

Blending Old and New for an Elegant Result | Littlebird Cabinetry

 Our client’s Lake Whatcom home was undergoing a major remodel and had a dated kitchen design in need of an update. We…

A Farmhouse Renovation That Manages to Be Both Rustic and Modern | TANNA BY DESIGN

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,…

Winter Wonderland

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….

Creating a Tablescape for the Holidays

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…

Functionality + History in South Hill | A1DesignBuild

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….

Fox Net-Zero Energy Home

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. The build started in the winter. After the builder, TC Legend Homes, poured the concrete slab, the weather turned and frosted. They saved the slab from freezing using plastic sheets and hay, but the wind kicked up and caused the hay to come into direct contact…

Outdoor Patio Refresh | TANNA BY DESIGN

 We transformed a drab, outdated outdoor space into a stylish, inviting patio perfect for relaxation, entertainment, and sun-soaking.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 seating areas, a dining section, and a sunbathing spot were strategically placed to enhance usability and flow. We updated…

Inspiring Creativity | Elisabeth’s Cottage by the Sea

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…

A Riverside Retreat With Contemporary Comforts

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 areas, while also improving the upstairs…

A Family-Friendly Cabin With Grown-Up Style

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…

Urban Jungle | JeKa Plants in Mount Vernon

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 more. A…

Samish Solar Sustainable Home

“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 a good ventilation system.” – Homeowners of Samish Solar Home On top of being well ventilated and highly insulated, their home is also highly energy and water efficient, produces more than enough electricity to power their house and an…

Anacortes Coastal Aging in Place | Patty Koskovich of Koskovich Design Group

Local interior designer Patty Koskovich and her husband began building their Anacortes home with a view of the Guemes Channel in 2017. After two…

A Midcentury (but Still Modern) Revival in Edgemoor | reachDESIGN llc

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…

A Home with History, Artistry, and Secret Details | Roeder Home

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…

HKP Architects: The Skagit Bay Residence Renovation

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 an age-in-place, functionally appropriate living floor for the two of them. The best…

Immersive Fantasy, Right at Home: Mythologie Candles

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 March 2020 during extremely uncertain times, which was very interesting. Despite encountering many obstacles, our little family business exploded almost overnight. It’s been a wild ride and we are excited about what the future holds!…

South Hill House in the Trees: Bellingham Bay Builders

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 needed amenities on the main floor allow the occupants to age in place, while…

One Room Challenge: A Spacious Update- Bathroom Remodel from Tanna by Design

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 was a blah, beige, and boring bathroom is now a gorgeous, chic retreat in their newly remodeled primary suite. When we presented the homeowners with the 3D renderings, they couldn’t believe their eyes. From a one-of-a-kind vanity (designed by moi!) to the slab porcelain tile up…

A Captivating Canine Collection | Laura Landrum’s “The Dog House”

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,…

A Contemporary Wilderness Retreat in the Shadow of Mount Baker | Bellingham Bay Builders

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…

A New Space for Ceramics in Downtown Ferndale

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,…

The Man Who Made Waves with Wood and Glass | Greg Klassen

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…

Tools to Elevate Your Cheese Game

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…

The Gateway to a Sustainable Home | GreenCoast Cedarworks

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…

Within the Walls: The McCarthys’ Story

Featured Home

Custom Is Key

Maiben Fixtures and Furnishings

Budding, Blossoming, Blooming

bLoom

The Makings of a Multi-Functional Home Gym 

Tanna by Design

Eclectic and Artisan Goods in Edison

Hedgerow

Q&A: Meet a Private Christmas Tree Decorator

Noam Moore, Concept Design, LLC

At Home for the Holidays

Ideas to turn your home into an iconic holiday haven

Household Holiday Gifts Made Close to Home

King Dahl Creative

New Construction, New Beginnings

Robin Daly Color & Design

Family-Owned Furniture

Samuel’s Furniture

Creating a One-of-a-Kind Fireplace

Amy Popelka of Tac Tile Company

The House in a Hollow

Feature Home, designed by TC Legend Homes

New Slab Gallery Encourages Connection to Design

Stone Pros Inc.

Whatcom County’s Best-Kept Secret

Eliza Island

Moving Isn’t Always the Answer

Remodeling from a Realtor’s Perspective

Where Desert Meets the Sea

Dry Dock Goods

A New Frontier for Northview Homes at Larrabee Springs

Featured Home

Anacortes Cliffside Cabin

Featured Home

Molly Maguire: Landscape Architect

Landscape

Making Magic with Metal

KP Metalworks

Raising the Bar for Rentals

Remodel

Q&A with David Falk Design

David Falk Design

An Airbnb Escape in Glacier

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.  

San Juan Cliffside Retreat

Featured Home

Let There Be Light

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. The sellers had chosen to leave it in its ‘70s era knowing…

A Forever Home in Semiahmoo

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 the perfect lot on…

The Infinite Potential of Tile

Debbie Dickinson Studios

Remodel on Deception Pass

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. With each custom project, I meld the client’s ideas with my own personal style, thus creating something original that can be enjoyed for ages.   When I was contacted…

Holiday Inspiration For Your Home

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 doesn’t leave much room for personal flair.  We believe that Christmas decorations should never be one-size-fits-all. Elegant or rustic, understated or lavish, classic or contemporary, and everything in between– there’s fun…

Holiday Decorating Hotspots

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.

Get Organized, Stress-Free

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.

Green Build in Historic York District

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. 

Handwoven Rugs Made in Bellingham

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. 

One Room Challenge: Outdated to Oasis

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.  

Saving Rain for a Rainy Day

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? 

Get Comfy (and Sustainable) with Comphy Sheets

Comphy Sheets

Summer Cabin on Lake Cavanaugh

“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 banks seasonally….

Fresh Space Gets a Fresh Space

Fresh Space Redesign

The Architect Who Fell in Love With Kitchens

Marshall Dobry, Kitchen Design Studio

Get Inspired with Jojotastic

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 Celebrates 30 Years of Restoration & Education

Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association

Cady Mountain Tower House

Featured Home

Elevating Personal Health, One Holistic Space at a Time

SoMi Spaces

Julian & Company

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. …

Home Goods, Art, and More at Perry and Carlson

Perry & Carlson

Whales, Water, and Quiet in Semiahmoo

Featured Home

A Room of One’s Own…to Share With Guests

Remodel

Planning and Designing a Productive Vegetable Garden

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. 

A Beginner’s Guide to Going Green at Home

Make your home more sustainable with tips on waste and energy reduction.

New Mount Vernon Design Center Honors Sustainability and Creativity

Pinecone Inc.

Skagit-Based Company Creates Furniture Just for Kids

Kozy Kids Chairs

La Pedrera Net Zero House

Going Green Is Easier Than You Think

Spice up Your Interiors

Options Cabinetry

The Best Dahlias for a Backyard Cutting Garden

With just a few dahlias, you can enjoy picking your own fresh-cut flowers every day from July through September. 

Q&A with Gardening Expert Ciscoe Morris

Check out this Q&A for tips on how to make your spring garden flourish.

Eastern Washington Hideout

Tucked away among a grove of ponderosa pines in Okanogan County, this dreamy treetop hideaway marries imagination and design.

Designing a Dream

Washington Interior Designer, Tanna Edler, receives National Kitchen Designer of the Year Award

Dream Workout Room

Creating the Perfect Home Gym

Decorating with Garland

Garlands Galore! Make your own holiday décor with these unique DIY ideas.

First Hill Condo Remodel

This project was all about layering neutrals in a soft, subtle, and sculptural way.

The Future of Eco-Homes

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…

A Family Getaway in the Trees

This treetop getaway is a dream come true for adults and children alike.

Anything Is Possible 

Updating an Old-Fashioned Kitchen

Farmhouse with a Modern Twist

This Featured Home from Highline Construction is a modern day farmhouse with practical and functional designs.

Thirty Years and Counting

Aqui Esta Tile and Stone

Falling For White Pumpkins

Want an elegant twist on fall decor? Try using white pumpkins to bring autumn into your home.

DIY Shoe Rack

How to turn an old closet door into a shoe shelf

Putting the Stain in Sustainable

Bellingham Professional Finsihes

Building With Precision: Yeshe Long Temple

A new Buddhist temple lies nestled among the trees at the south end of Whidbey Island, at a dharma center called Yeshe Long.

Birch Point Beach House

This month’s Featured Home is a high-performance beach home with views of Boundary Bay, the BC Coastal Range, and beyond.

Modern Ranch on the Farm

Modern meets rustic and vintage meets industrial in this farmhouse remodel.

Studio Getaway on Camano Island

Tucked away on the east side of Camano Island, you’ll find this stunning 1,100 square foot studio from Designs Northwest Architects. 

Q&A with Robin Haglund, founder and president of Garden Mentors®

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.

DIY Coasters with Photos and Artwork

Enjoy cool drinks while keeping your furniture safe, with these unique DIY coasters.

Quality Furniture in Anacortes

Tracys Furniture brings quality craftsmanship and customer service to the homeowners of Anacortes.

Cabin in the Woods

This issue’s Featured Home is a modern cabin in the woods, with an interior that matches the beauty of the surrounding woods.

Build Your Own Greenhouse from Recycled Solar Glass

Looking for your next sustainable DIY project? Try this greenhouse made out of solar glass.

Why I have a love-hate relationship with HGTV

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…

Designing a Beautiful Garden for Pollinators

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. 

Dream En Suite

An out-of-date bathroom gets transformed into an elegant and airy en suite.

A Pacific Northwest Retreat

This month’s featured home is an ’80s house turned into a modern retreat, equipped with tigerwood decking and large windows.

Shaw Island Timber Frame Home

This month’s featured home is this lovely timber frame home on Shaw Island. Check out the pictures of this stunning abode!

A Formal Sorority Transformation

This UW sorority gets a modern makeover, bringing contemporary and traditional styles together to create the perfect space for on-the-go college students.

Lake Whatcom House

This house on Lake Whatcom offers comfort and beauty all year long.

Upcycle an Old Picture Frame Into a Cute DIY Jewelry Holder

DIY the perfect holiday gift this season by learning how to make a jewelry holder with minimal materials.

Bellingham Four Square

Lisa Staton Interior Design revitalize this classic Bellingham Four Square, built in 1906, while honoring the home’s original architecture and detailing.

The Benefits of Having a Dog Wash Station in Your Home

Jennifer Ryan talks the benefits of installing a dedicated built-in dog wash station in your home—as shown in this recent bathroom remodel.

Preparing Your Yard for Winter Birds

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.

Art and Play in the Fountain District

Take a look at this Broadway Park Neighborhood home—a perfect blend of high-performance detailing and traditional, craftsman design.

Inside Out

Interior designer Jennifer Ryan provides readers with a guide to creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces in the Pacific Northwest.

Is Your Room Keeping You up at Night?

Samantha Kent, a researcher for SleepHelp.org, tells all about the relationship between sleep and interior design.

The Twin Peaks Passivhaus + ADU

This month’s featured home is green—designed and built to minimize the home’s ecological impact in the face of climate change.

Skagit Bay Waterfront Home

Architects Dan Nelson and Matt Radach of Designs Northwest worked to transform this Skagit Bay cabin into a classic beachfront home.

The Art of Aging in Place

Designer and certified aging-in-place specialist, Susie Landsem, intersects both design and utility to help aging homeowners make their homes more accessible.

A Hidden Sanctuary

Terry and Jackie Lehmann show their appreciation for travel and design with this breathtaking Asian-inspired oasis, located just north of Lake Whatcom.

Geometric Tiles Add Pop to Condo Bathroom Revival

Jennifer Ryan brings new style with this geometric Bellingham bathroom remodel. See the end results of the makeover with Katheryn Moran Photography.

Chuckanut Crest View Home

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.

Remodel Brightens Kitchen, Spirits

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 and asked if I could take on this special project and handle every detail of the kitchen redo so their mother wouldn’t…

Build Cabinets, Throw Axes

Mathew Blubaugh is the owner of Northwest Woodslayer, a woodworking business specializing in custom cabinetry. There is also an axethrowing station.

Farmhouse Kitchen

This beautiful Farmhouse Kitchen remodel was designed by Jennifer Ryan. See the end results of the makeover with Katheryn Moran Photography.

Pallets Repurposed

The RE Store in Bellingham shows us how to upcycle old pallets and turn them into a raised garden bed, garden shed, or shelves.

Island Cabin to Year-Round Home

This month’s Featured Home is an island cabin near Anacortes. This year-round home has a view of Deception Pass State Park.

A Kitchen with a View

Kelly DuByne of Distinctive Interior Designs showcases a kitchen remodel in Lake Stevens. Cabinets from Architectual Cabinet brighten and warm the room.

Keeping Your Home ‘Healthy’

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.

Home with a Better View

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.

Home for the Holidays

This month, our featured home showcases a home for the holidays, with Christmas trees and seasonal decor to brighten and warm the room.

Whidbey Island’s Unpretentious Getaway

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.

Inspired By Roots

Interior designer Tanna Edler answers her most frequently asked questions about home design including inspirations and tips and tricks.

Snohomish Backyard Retreat

Heidi Skievaski and Kryssie Maybay of Sublime Garden Design worked to transform this Snohomish backyard into a relaxing retreat, complete with a waterfall.

Transforming a Garage Into a Game Room

Jennifer Ryan transformed this garage into an Archie comic book themed game room for two teens, complete with disco ball and foosball table.

Picture-Perfect on Sandy Point

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.

Beach Drive Remodel

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.

A Fresh New Island

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.

Finding Elbow Room In a Bathroom Overhaul

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…

Fighting Bathroom Splash

The challenge: Designing and remodeling a bathroom that involved a rotting floor due to water splashing from the shower curtain enclosure….

A Home Office Remodel

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…

Updating with Charm and Style

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?…

Bad Boys in the Garden

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…

Waiting in Style

If first impressions are everything, then a waiting room is crucial to a patient’s experience. A waiting room sets the…

Executive Treatment

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…

A Picture-Perfect Refuge

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 located…

Back at Home

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…

Hemp House is Small, but Cool

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…

Birch Bay Waterfront Estate

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.

One-of-a-Kind Design

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…

Chuckanut Bay House

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…

Little Old, Little New

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…

Oops! Landscaping Mistakes

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…

Ramble On

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…

Lopez Island Getaway

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…

Fabulous Faux

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,…

Container Herb Gardens

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…

Brightening Your Bedroom

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…

Remodel: Bring the Outdoors In

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 through décor. This project incorporates native items that resulted in a nature-inspired interior design plan. The ability to bring nature into your home is an art and design aesthetic that will always be interesting and unique. I…

Casual Contempo

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 produced right this…

Chuckanut House

In partnership with the Northwest Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, we selected this exquisite home perched above beautiful Chuckanut…

Vintage Industrial Redo

“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,…

Tiny Tack House

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…

Woodland Retreat

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…

Samish Island Cabin

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…

Farming Inspired Design

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,…

Mod Redux: 1950’s Classic Gets Contemporary Update

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.

Living Green – Lake Samish Home

Read about this Bellingham eco-friendly home, owned by Carlos Dinares and Julie Dykema towers just off the shore of Lake Samish.

His Place

From boring basement to high-end man cave, designer Tanna Barnecut takes us on a journey of transformation…

Design Trends – Colorful, Cultural & Clever

Give your home its own unique look, inspired by today’s design trends.