Craftsman's Touch

Cultured stone from Eldorado Stone accents the new front entrance, which features a custom-designed mahogany door and an oval side window.  After photos by Krogstad Photography

 Remodeler and residential designer: Stone Pillar Remodeling, Redmond, Wash.

Classic craftsman details with a northwestern twist transformed the exterior of this high-profile, 35-year-old hillside ranch from bland to beautiful.

The new look to the Bellevue, Wash., home includes brand new front and rear porch entries, barrel vaulted archways supported by stone-sheathed battered columns, cedar lap siding and energy-efficient windows.

Before

"It was really important to accomplish a symmetry between these three elements and get away from the linear look of the original style," says Gordon. "We did this by repeating the same shape of the barrel vaults on both the front and rear elevations and using a curved railing on the new deck."

Gordon is quick to attribute much of the success of the project to her client, who, she says, was very involved in the design process. "She has a background in art and, even though she had no architectural experience, she did a wonderful job of making sure that everything went together well. Her ability to made decisions sped the process. The finished product is a remarkable reflection of her personality."