Creative Inspiration and Design Musings
How to Select the Right Lighting for Every Room in Your Home
Lighting has the power to completely transform a space. Even if you choose the finest materials and finishes, they can look underwhelming in a space with poorly designed lighting. On the other hand, thoughtful lighting can elevate even budget-friendly materials and make them feel high-end. The right light can make a room feel warm and inviting, or stark and cold, depending on the color temperature and positioning of the light source.
SIPs in Washington: Just the Walls or Go All In?
When building or remodeling in Washington state, you’re not only considering the right layout or finishes, but you’re also planning for diverse climates, energy efficiency, construction speed, and long-term comfort. That’s why we often recommend Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) to our clients—especially those prioritizing sustainability and high-performance year-round.
Saving Energy with Plants
There are many ways to invest in a house to reduce the amount of power and money needed to keep it comfortable year-round such as insulation, airtight construction, and more efficient equipment. However, people sometimes overlook what a well-designed layout of trees, bushes, and other plantings can do to contribute to a passive heating and cooling strategy.
Cabinet Hardware Placement Guide
When designing a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or built-in cabinetry, every detail is intentional—from the grain direction of the wood to the texture of the backsplash. One important detail that helps to tie the design together is the cabinet hardware.
Best in the PNW 2025 Winner!
We're excited to announce that H2D Architecture + Design won two awards in the 2025 Seattle Times ‘Best in the PNW’ | People Choice Awards!
Engineered Hardwood vs Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Flooring is more than a surface, it is an integral part of your home, and the right flooring sets the tone for your entire home. These materials affect not just the look of a space but also how it feels underfoot, and how environmentally friendly your home will be. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between LVP and engineered hardwood, including aesthetics, durability, environmental impact, and overall value.
The Power of Trim: How Millwork Shapes Your Space
Millwork, trim, and molding are often subtle, overlooked elements in interior design, but their impact on a space is anything but minor. They play a significant role in shaping the overall character and atmosphere of a space. Whether your home leans traditional, modern, or minimalist, thoughtful decisions about your interior millwork package can elevate your design from basic to beautifully cohesive.
Choose the Best Siding for Your PNW Home
The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is known for its natural beauty, lush forests, and wet climate. While this unique geographical area creates a stunning landscape, it also presents challenges for home exteriors. Choosing the right siding is essential to ensure durability, moisture-resistance, and longevity. Here, we explore our top 3 siding choices that can withstand the PNW elements and enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Universal Design for Single-Family Homes
When planning a home, most people focus on aesthetics, comfort, and functionality. However, as we age and our needs evolve, considering how a home can adapt to changing abilities and different life stages is paramount. Universal design addresses this by creating spaces that are accessible, usable, and adaptable for everyone – regardless of age or physical ability.
We’re Licensed in Oregon!
We’re excited to announce that H2D Architecture + Design is expanding to provide full-service architecture and interior design services in Oregon state!
As a sustainability-focused, women-owned architecture and interior design firm based in Edmonds, Washington, this milestone marks the start of an exciting new chapter in our firm’s story..
Meet Our Team, Cristy
Meet our Architectural Designer + Project Manager, Cristy Weller, and discover more about her and her expertise at H2D!
Swim Spas vs. In-Ground Pools
If you’ve dreamed about owning a swimming pool but also love the idea of a relaxing hot tub, a swim spa could be an ideal choice combining the best of these worlds. The design options are endless and can add value to your home by integrating a swim spa into a revitalized backyard with a new deck or patio, often combined with an outdoor covered living space or kitchen.
Fireplace Design Guide
As temperatures drop, the fireplace becomes an inviting focal piece in the home. Whether you’re designing a custom home or remodeling an existing space, selecting the right fireplace(s) for your house involves considering factors like aesthetic preferences, environmental impact, and heat output. From modern electric fireplaces with color changing flames to classic wood-burning hearths, we’re here to help you better understand how to navigate the many options to create a fireplace design that enhances your home.
Home Gyms: More than a New Year’s Resolution
Whether you need a serene meditative yoga space, a high-energy barbell slamming strength training zone, or something in-between, your home gym should be thoughtfully designed to support your workout style and needs. From structural factors to durable, shock absorbent flooring and noise dampening materials, there are a few architectural and interior design factors to consider when incorporating a fitness space in your home.
Bring the Outdoors Inside, Live Intentionally
When designing a house remodel, addition, or new construction, it’s important to plan for how natural light and the outdoor environment can be integrated with your home’s layout and footprint location. The placement, size, and functionality of windows and doors – along with additional tools for harnessing natural light – are major considerations to discuss early in the process.
Design with Pets in Mind
A whopping 86.9 million households in the United States (nearly 70%) have a pet according to the American Pet Products Association's (APPA) 2024 survey. With this rise in pet ownership, it’s no surprise we’re seeing more frequent asks to incorporate pet-friendly home designs.
Turn Your Vision into Reality with H2D: A Guide to Our Design Process
The journey to creating a beautifully designed + functional space starts with a well-structured design process. Our comprehensive approach ensures every detail of your unique project is thoughtfully considered – from initial idea consultation through final execution of the construction phase – we are here to support you along the way.
Best in the PNW ‘Interior Design Firm’ Winner 2024
We're beyond ecstatic to announce that H2D Architecture + Design won the Seattle Times 2024 Gold Award for the Best Interior Design Firm!
Introducing Our New Interior Design Service: Furnishing and Décor
We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our interior design services to include a comprehensive furnishing and décor package! Until now, our expertise has been focused on helping you select the perfect finishes and fixtures to complement the structure of your home. Today, we take a step further…
NW Ecobuilding Guild Green Home Tour 2024
H2D Architecture + Design and Carlisle Classic Homes are excited to announce that one of our recently completed new custom home projects will be featured on the NW Ecobuilding Guild’s Green Home Tour on April 27, 2024…