In places like Alaska where weather conditions can be extreme, it’s not unusual to prioritize functionality over aesthetic. Things like brick, for example, are very hard to come by in Alaska because of the expensive importing costs. Still, what Anchorage lacks in shopping it makes up for in stunning views and fresh air that you can’t find anywhere else in America. Tanya and Carson of That Feeling Co. married their love of Scandinavian style, natural simplicity, and the Alaskan landscape when they built their dream home tucked away in the mountains, about 15 minutes from downtown. And when I say built, I mean they literally built the home themselves.

Carson and Tanya are both photographers by trade, shooting scenic wedding landscapes. Tanya is also an artist, inspired by the immense imagery of the Alaskan wilderness. The couple was able to employ the help of Carson’s family, who own The House of Bread‘s two locations in Alaska, to help build the home. Together, they were able to come up with cost-effective design solutions that fit Tanya and Carson’s specific aesthetic. The result is a warm and inviting open space with the dreamiest light and mountain views anyone could hope for. You can follow their home adventures on My Alaskan Home.

Our Style: Modern/clean/boho/functional.

Inspiration: The architecture and styling of new Australian and Scandinavian homes and cabins.

Favorite Element: The siding on the front of the house.

Biggest Challenge: Permitting from the municipality took about a year longer then expected. When building your own home it always takes longer than you think.

What Friends Say: They say it’s cozy and minimal! We love having friends over for dinner parties and movie nights.

Biggest Embarrassment: No bed frame and kind of okay with it.

Proudest DIY: We designed and built the entire home from scratch ourselves. The entire process took the last two years. We have never built a home before and decided to just go for it and learn as we go. We basically DIYed every single part of the house.

A specific DIY project that was a major challenge was the siding. We hand -anded and stained 500 12-foot cedar 2x2s and attached them to the front of the house one by one using over 10,000 screws.

Also, the reclaimed brick fireplace.

Biggest Indulgence: Tall ceilings, open space of the living area, and all the plants. You can never have enough plants.

Best Advice: Buy nice or buy twice.

Dream Sources: CB2.com, pampa.com.au, popandscott.com

LIVING ROOM
Rug — Target
Pillows — Target
Paintings — That Feeling Co.

KITCHEN
Pendant Light — CB2
SMEG Fridge — Smeg USA
Blanco IKON sink — Blanco
Concrete Countertops — Concrete Counter Top Solutions
Cabinets — Spenard Builders Supply
Rohe Maple Espresso — Mid Continent Cabinetry

BATHROOM
Sink — Duravit USA Happy D.2
Faucet — Brizo Litze

⇒ House Tour & House Call Submission Form

See More:
⇒ Recent House Tours
⇒ House Tours on Pinterest