Courtyard Dining Area and Breezeway

“We tried to give as many spaces as possible access to the exterior. This house really is about spending time in nature,” says Project designer, Lew Oliver.

That beachy fireplace: Layers of natural textures—the driftwood mantel, local Oregon stones, and oyster shell-encrusted mirror—pay homage to the moody Washington coastline.

Low-maintenance pea gravel: This stylish but fuss-free groundcover requires virtually no upkeep and looks great year-round. It also becomes a design element in the space, lending depth to all that gray.