Setting the Stage

The area around a home can impact the way the home looks almost as much as the architecture. Landscaping that severely contrasts with the style of the home can detract from the beautiful aesthetic. It is important to give the yard some thought when designing a home. A solid plan does not have to be …

Work-from-home Options

The home office use to be the realm of CEOs and intrepid entrepreneurs, but  things have changed. Of course, a home office can still be used for running your business, but it doesn’t have to be. Having a space to store important documents and work on home budgeting can be just as significant. With the …

Pool Party

With the 4th of July holiday this weekend, many people probably wish they had a pool in their backyard in which to cool off. You may think that a pool will only fit a certain type of house, but these days a home pool can be designed to fit with any architectural style. Photo by …

Paper for a Pop of Color

There are a myriad of ways to add color and interest to a room but one which we often forget about is wallpaper. Decorating with wallpaper got its start during the Renaissance when people couldn’t get their hands on tapestries but still wanted to spruce up their rooms with large pretty pictures. Over the centuries, …

Spiraling Upwards

Seattle architecture firm Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl relishes opportunities to practice the art of architecture in every detail. This beautiful spiral staircase is part of Hillcrest Farm and works its way up the observation tower. At the base is a nearly life-size bear statue accompanied by a small garden area. It is a bit of a hike …

Updated View

Remodeling a home can take as much work, if not more, than designing and building one from scratch. To be done properly, the home renovation must take the original structure and meld new ideas and materials with it to create a cohesive design. The Lakefront Splendor home renovation is an excellent example of taking an …

Contemporary Design in the Pacific Northwest

Not all homes in the Pacific Northwest are log cabins. Contemporary residential architecture is thriving in the Northwest, and we have our own particular take on it. This Northwest Perspectives home is a perfect example of this. The home is modern and functional without being cold and aloof. As proof, just look at this stunning …

Living It Up Outside

Technically, summer does not start for another 20 days or so but don’t tell that to the weather.  It is now the perfect temperature to enjoy your beautiful new outdoor living space. What’s that? You don’t have one? Well then here are some idea that just might inspire you to create one. Photo by Gelotte …

Cozy Guest House

We all want our guests to feel welcome, and in this Touch of Normandy guest house they will feel so welcome they might never leave. Normandy is in the northwest region of France and is known for cheese and a dramatic coastline along with historic architecture. Many old buildings survive, from quaint thatched roof cottages …

Grand English Manor

As soon as you pull up to the Woodway Manor you may think you have crossed the pond to jolly old England. Nestled in a park-like setting this grand home is over 5,000 square feet of impeccably detailed architecture and design. Through an extensive home restoration and addition, Woodway architects Curtis Gelotte and Eric Drivdahl …