Custom cabinetry makes this marble topped vanity a standout piece. Paired with unique lighting features and hardware. Jim Brady Architectural Photography

10' ceilings and 2-story windows surrounding this space (not in view) bring plenty of natural light into this casual and contemporary cook's kitchen. Other views of this kitchen and the adjacent Great Room are also available on houzz. Builder: Robert Egge Construction (Woodinville, WA). Cabinets: Jesse Bay Cabinets (Port Angeles, WA) Design: Studio 212 Interiors

All white kitchen with white moldings and cabinetry, wood top island, wide plank wood flooring, brass hardware. Farmhouse style kitchen.

Photo by Randy O'Rourke www.rorphotos.com

Jean Allsopp (courtesy Coastal Living)

For this house overlooking a salt water pond, my clients wanted a cozy little cottage, but one with an open floor plan, large public rooms, a sizable eat-in kitchen, four bedrooms, three and a half baths, and a den. To create this big house in a small package, we drew upon the Cape Cod tradition with a series of volumes stepping back along the edge of the coastal bank. From the street the house appears as a classic half Cape, but what looks like the main house is only the master suite. The two “additions” that appear behind it contain most of the house. The main entry is from the small farmer’s porch into a surprisingly spacious vaulted stair hall lit by a doghouse dormer and three small windows running up along the stair. The living room, dining room and kitchen are all open to each other, but defined by columns, ceiling beams and the substantial kitchen island. Large windows and glass doors at the back of the house provide views of the water. Upstairs are three more bedrooms including a second master suite with its own fireplace. The extensive millwork, trim, interior doors, paneling, ceiling treatments, stairs, railings and cabinets were all built on site. The construction of the kitchen was the subject of an article in Fine Homebuilding magazine.

Photo by Shelley Paulson

Carney Logan Burke Architects; Peak Builders Inc.; Photographer: Matthew Millman; Dealer: Peak Glass. For the highest performing steel windows and steel doors, contact sales@brombalusa.com

This transitional timber frame home features a wrap-around porch designed to take advantage of its lakeside setting and mountain views. Natural stone, including river rock, granite and Tennessee field stone, is combined with wavy edge siding and a cedar shingle roof to marry the exterior of the home with it surroundings. Casually elegant interiors flow into generous outdoor living spaces that highlight natural materials and create a connection between the indoors and outdoors. Photography Credit: Rebecca Lehde, Inspiro 8 Studios

Günter Standl