Finding the right spot
"We looked at about every nook and cranny in Methow Valley," says Andy Maloy of his search, with wife Sarah, for a quiet site on which to build a streamlined, budget-friendly retreat.
They eventually found it in a 2½-acre parcel near Winthrop, Washington.
Creative cost-cutting
Fir plywood gives this home a warm look for less than standard wood paneling.
The metal wall grids neatly hide the rough-cut edges.
Casual kitchen
Thrifty choices in this kitchen include a mix of open shelves and laminate cabinets.
Smart trade-offs
Limiting the number and size of windows in the bedroom and elsewhere helped offset the cost of a large opening in the main living space.
Room with a view
The sliding doors provide access to the deck and the forest views beyond.
Small space–big living
By keeping the materials simple and the layout of the 860-square-foot cabin uncomplicated, the Maloys ended up with a clean-lined, warm home that serves as a jumping-off point for skiing, fishing, and mountain-bike excursions.
Design: Tom Lenchek, Balance Associates Architects, Seattle (206/322-7737)
Floor plan
The open floor plan groups cooking, eating, and hangout areas at the front of the house, near the deck. The resulting laid-back flow adds a sense of spaciousness.
Get the look: Cheap seat
Promote shoes-off habits―and a cleaner home―by placing a bench near the entry (Norden solid-wood bench, $70; 133/4 by 59 by 173/4 in.; ikea.com).
Get the look: Floor show
Jazz up a neutral room with a geometric-pattern rug (Zumi rug in brown, from $199 for 4 by 6 ft.; crateandbarrel.com).
Get the look: Light fantastic
Give your dining area an industrial-chic air with a metal pendant lamp (Progress Lighting Model P5094-13, $69; 16-in. diameter; homedepot.com).
Get the look: Hug a tree
Or at least rest your glass on one (Natural Tree-Stump fallen-cypress side table, $229; 121/2 by 19 in.; westelm.com).