Amy Zhang

Work It “We wanted to open up the back of the house, but there’s nothing to look at,” says Dana. “So we decided to put something in our yard as a focal point, to create our own view.” The architects came up with a glass-walled studio, which Dana uses as her home office. The architects mounted a steel I-beam that spans the yard, with holes drilled at eight-inch intervals for maximum flexibility of use. Right now it’s used for Ikea play equipment, but later they plan to hang a hammock and a movie screen. ikea.com

Easy Transitions To visually connect the kitchen with the outdoor covered patio, the architects installed a cedar ceiling that flows from interior to exterior, peppered with an uninterrupted grid of Iside 2 puck lights from Leucos USA. Bifold accordion doors by Sierra Pacific open all the way, allowing the Zuckermans’ large dinner parties to spill outside. leucosusa.com sierrapacificwindows.com

[Sofas by? original Ligne Roset? we don’t need to call out if they are dupes, but just wanted to check in case they are original.]

In the primary bathroom, a new shower sits next to a tub with green porcelain tiles from Mutina throughout. The toilet is from Toto and the tub is Duravit. Fixtures are Kohler.

"This was the best decision I have made for myself in a long time,

The living room could feature a roaring fire as a focal point. The metalwork for the wood stove and venting cost about $13,000.

A Seattle couple built their own backyard house with a city-sponsored design—and then rented out their old home on the property to friends.

The kids' bathroom has a decidedly more youthful feel, with terazzo flooring and vanities and mirrors from West Elm.

Now the kitchen opens to the living room and dining room in one open space.

The "appliance garage

The floors and casework are white oak, and the counters and backsplash are marble. The sconces are a custom design by Workaday, which is available through their Portland shop Daygoods.

By far the biggest transformation, the new kitchen enjoys high ceilings from the revamped roofline; all new casework, flooring, and finishes; and a large island. The stools are from 2xhome.

A stair from the lower level leads directly up to the covered porch, with the stair tucked behind the kitchen. The outdoor dining table is by Loll Designs and the chairs are from IKEA and Sundso.

The kitchen contains a hidden door leading to the primary suite.

On the ground level, Johnson created a home office and a workshop space. Shelves in the office are IKEA, and the plywood desk and mahogany chair were made by Johnson.

Emma and Martin found the couch at West Elm. "We sat on a bunch and this one was the most comfortable and we liked its simplicity,

Emma keeps only a small and valued selection of beloved books and items.

In Johnson's daughter's room, he used birch plywood for the built-in wardrobe and desk. The chair is maple and steel and was designed and fabricated by Johnson.

For his son's room, Johnson used walnut plywood for the built-in desk. He also used walnut for the chair.

In the primary bedroom, a small built-in desk overlooks the exterior stair. Johnson crafted the desk from birch plywood and the chair from maple. The lamp is by Greta Grossman and the chair below is from Cherner.

After: The marble-clad primary bath evokes Zeke's childhood. "I grew up in a house that had been owned by a prizefighter, and I distinctly remember the shower being slabs of marble, floor-to-ceiling,

Skylights puncture the vaulted ceilings, infusing the main living spaces with an abundance of warm, natural light.

An Eames lounge chair and ottoman anchor the houses's living room, which enjoys floor-to-ceiling views looking north.

Both bedrooms, including this bunk room, feature the same sliding-glass doors as the living room and great room, allowing plenty of natural light.