The theater scope included both a projection system and a multi-TV video wall. The projection system is an Epson 1080p projector on a Stewart Cima motorized screen. To achieve the homeowner’s requirement to switch between one large video program and five smaller displays for sports viewing. The smaller displays are comprised of a 75” Samsung 4K smart TV flanked by two 50” Samsung 4K displays on each side for a total of 5 possible independent video programs. These smart TVs and the projection system video are managed through a Control4 touchscreen and video routing is achieved through an Atlona 4K HDMI switching system. Unlike the client’s 7.1 theater at his primary residence, the hunting lodge theater was to be a Dolby Atmos 7.1.2 system. The speaker system was to be a Bowers & Wilkins CT7 system for the main speakers and use CI600 series for surround and Atmos speakers. CT7 15” subwoofers with matched amplifier were selected to bring a level of bass response to the room that the client had not experienced in his primary residence. The CT speaker system and subwoofers were concealed with a false front wall and concealed behind acoustically transparent cloth. Some degree of wall treatment was required but the budget would not allow for a typical snap-track track installation or acoustical analysis. A one-inch absorption panel system was designed for the room and custom trim and room design allowed for stock size panels to be used with minimum custom cuts, allowing for a room to get some treatment in a budget that would normally afford none. Both the equipment rack and the projector are concealed in a storage room at the back of the theater. The projector is installed into a custom enclosure with a CAV designed and built port-glass window into the theater.

The Aerius - Modern Craftsman in Ridgefield Washington by Cascade West Development Inc. Upon opening the 8ft tall door and entering the foyer an immediate display of light, color and energy is presented to us in the form of 13ft coffered ceilings, abundant natural lighting and an ornate glass chandelier. Beckoning across the hall an entrance to the Great Room is beset by the Master Suite, the Den, a central stairway to the Upper Level and a passageway to the 4-bay Garage and Guest Bedroom with attached bath. Advancement to the Great Room reveals massive, built-in vertical storage, a vast area for all manner of social interactions and a bountiful showcase of the forest scenery that allows the natural splendor of the outside in. The sleek corner-kitchen is composed with elevated countertops. These additional 4in create the perfect fit for our larger-than-life homeowner and make stooping and drooping a distant memory. The comfortable kitchen creates no spatial divide and easily transitions to the sun-drenched dining nook, complete with overhead coffered-beam ceiling. This trifecta of function, form and flow accommodates all shapes and sizes and allows any number of events to be hosted here. On the rare occasion more room is needed, the sliding glass doors can be opened allowing an out-pour of activity. Almost doubling the square-footage and extending the Great Room into the arboreous locale is sure to guarantee long nights out under the stars. Cascade West Facebook: https://goo.gl/MCD2U1 Cascade West Website: https://goo.gl/XHm7Un These photos, like many of ours, were taken by the good people of ExposioHDR - Portland, Or Exposio Facebook: https://goo.gl/SpSvyo Exposio Website: https://goo.gl/Cbm8Ya

2011 CAPITAL COTY AWARD HONORABLE MENTION AWARD WINNER Built circa 1980, a young couple with three children originally purchased this home for their growing family. After four years of karate, soccer, piano and other activities, however, the home was becoming too small to meet their needs. Problems started upon entering the front foyer. A 25-foot long dark hallway separated the family room and the kitchen, ending in a tiny powder room stuck in the middle of the layout. The kitchen was especially isolated, a cramped L-shaped design with a box bay breakfast bump out that was literally falling apart. The new design started with the core of the problem—the maze and separation created by the long hallways. First, the 25’ load bearing wall separating the foyer from family room was totally taken out and replaced with a long supporting beam. A French door replaced a small door and window leading to a screen porch . This action allowed lots of light to get into family and foyer. Then, the powder room was removed and the partition wall between the kitchen and family room was taken down. This created a large open concept design and greatly increased the size of the kitchen. The box bay was demolished and replaced with new walls and a large window. The plumbing for main sink and dishwasher got relocated into this box bay allowing a total transformation of the space. Now there are cabinets and counters on all sides. The doorway to the dining room was reconfigured to allow a butler area on its left. While the right side was occupied with new 36” gas range top with a decorative wood hood above it. The refrigerator, microwave/oven and pantries—the space’s tall elements—occupy one wall.. A large Island with a prep sink and beverage center for the kids occupies the center of the layout. Capable of seating up to four, family and friends can now keep the cook company. A large built-in desk area lets the kids do their homework so the parents can supervise while they prepare meals. Light cabinetry with a touch of caramel glazing and exotic granite countertops by our designers contributed to this kitchen’s elegant design. The contrasting distressed island’s darker finish matches the dinette set and other furnishings. New hardwood floors were installed throughout the first floor for a seamless look, while recess, pendant and task lighting make the space even brighter. Importantly, there’s plenty of space for parents and kids to hang out together. The kitchen is truly the heart of their home.

The Watermill House is a beautiful example of a classic Hamptons wood shingle style home. The design and renovation would maintain the character of the exterior while transforming the interiors to create an open and airy getaway for a busy and active family. The house comfortably sits within its one acre lot surrounded by tall hedges, old growth trees, and beautiful hydrangeas. The landscape influenced the design approach of the main floor interiors. Walls were removed and the kitchen was relocated to the front of the house to create an open plan for better flow and views to both the front and rear yards. The kitchen was designed to be both practical and beautiful. The u-shape design features modern appliances, white cabinetry and Corian countertops, and is anchored by a beautiful island with a knife-edge marble countertop. The island and the dining room table create a strong axis to the living room at the rear of the house. To further strengthen the connection to the outdoor decks and pool area of the rear yard, a full height sliding glass window system was installed. The clean lines and modern profiles of the window frames create unobstructed views and virtually remove the barrier between the interior and exterior spaces. The open plan allowed a new sitting area to be created between the dining room and stair. A screen, comprised of vertical fins, allows for a degree of openness, while creating enough separation to make the sitting area feel comfortable and nestled in its own area. The stair at the entry of the house was redesigned to match the new elegant and sophisticated spaces connected to it. New treads were installed to articulate and contrast the soft palette of finishes of the floors, walls, and ceilings. The new metal and glass handrail was intended to reduce visual noise and create subtle reflections of light. Photo by Guillaume Gaudet

Example of a transitional kitchen design in San Diego

Master suite addition to an existing 20's Spanish home in the heart of Sherman Oaks, approx. 300+ sq. added to this 1300sq. home to provide the needed master bedroom suite. the large 14' by 14' bedroom has a 1 lite French door to the back yard and a large window allowing much needed natural light, the new hardwood floors were matched to the existing wood flooring of the house, a Spanish style arch was done at the entrance to the master bedroom to conform with the rest of the architectural style of the home. The master bathroom on the other hand was designed with a Scandinavian style mixed with Modern wall mounted toilet to preserve space and to allow a clean look, an amazing gloss finish freestanding vanity unit boasting wall mounted faucets and a whole wall tiled with 2x10 subway tile in a herringbone pattern. For the floor tile we used 8x8 hand painted cement tile laid in a pattern pre determined prior to installation. The wall mounted toilet has a huge open niche above it with a marble shelf to be used for decoration. The huge shower boasts 2x10 herringbone pattern subway tile, a side to side niche with a marble shelf, the same marble material was also used for the shower step to give a clean look and act as a trim between the 8x8 cement tiles and the bark hex tile in the shower pan. Notice the hidden drain in the center with tile inserts and the great modern plumbing fixtures in an old work antique bronze finish. A walk-in closet was constructed as well to allow the much needed storage space.

This well used but dreary bathroom was ready for an update but this time, materials were selected that not only looked great but would stand the test of time. The large steam shower (6x6') was like a dark cave with one glass door allowing light. To create a brighter shower space and the feel of an even larger shower, the wall was removed and full glass panels now allowed full sunlight streaming into the shower which avoids the growth of mold and mildew in this newly brighter space which also expands the bathroom by showing all the spaces. Originally the dark shower was permeated with cracks in the marble marble material and bench seat so mold and mildew had a home. The designer specified Porcelain slabs for a carefree un-penetrable material that had fewer grouted seams and added luxury to the new bath. Although Quartz is a hard material and fine to use in a shower, it is not suggested for steam showers because there is some porosity. A free standing bench was fabricated from quartz which works well. A new free standing, hydrotherapy tub was installed allowing more free space around the tub area and instilling luxury with the use of beautiful marble for the walls and flooring. A lovely crystal chandelier emphasizes the height of the room and the lovely tall window.. Two smaller vanities were replaced by a larger U shaped vanity allotting two corner lazy susan cabinets for storing larger items. The center cabinet was used to store 3 laundry bins that roll out, one for towels and one for his and one for her delicates. Normally this space would be a makeup dressing table but since we were able to design a large one in her closet, she felt laundry bins were more needed in this bathroom. Instead of constructing a closet in the bathroom, the designer suggested an elegant glass front French Armoire to not encumber the space with a wall for the closet.The new bathroom is stunning and stops the heart on entering with all the luxurious amenities.

Example of a transitional kitchen design in Atlanta

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool with raised spa, sunshelf, slide, grotto, and pizza oven (September 2013) – Ask the Pool Guy and his team at Legendary Escapes recently unveiled the newest Legendary Escape, a stunning nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool. The hand-carved concrete waterfall, rock slide, and grotto are the focal point of this incredible project, and designer and builder Al Curtis has truly outdone himself this time. Behind the waterfall sits a grotto that seats 8-10 people comfortably. The waterfall, slide, and grotto area come complete with intricate details and additions that perfectly play into the project’s theme. An immense amount of creativity, talent, and skill is required to take ordinary materials like vinyl and concrete and turn them into the outstanding backyards that Curtis creates, but these details allow his creativity to shine in a different light. Curtis immerses himself completely in just one or two projects at a time, which allows him the opportunity to add those intricate details that take his extraordinary projects to the next level. Some of the details in the grotto area of this hybrid project include real ship portholes that open and close, as well as carvings and lanterns to add visual interest inside of the grotto. The project also includes a raised spillover spa and a sunshelf with a bubbling water feature. The sunshelf has steps leading into the main body of the pool, giving swimmers an easy entry point if they don’t feel the urge to jump off the top of the waterfall or take a ride down the hand-carved, hand-tiled slide. The shelf has just enough water to allow shallow wading or lounging, and the pebbled finish provides a perfect place to set a lounge chair without worrying about damaging the vinyl liner. With the spa nearby, this whole end of the pool is perfect for relaxing, talking, or watching the kids while they swim. This incredible hybrid swimming pool also includes a poolside pizza oven, so fresh, stone-fired pizza is never far away. The brick oven can cook a pizza in about 90 seconds, and produces authentic, outstanding pizzas. The homeowners have spent years perfecting their pizza crust and sauce recipes, as well as growing their own tomatoes and basil. The pizza oven adds another element of their own personality, and makes this project even more perfect for them. With a built-in countertop, it’s easy to get a couple of pies going at one time, or to prep ingredients for personal pizzas. The homeowners are very family-oriented and love to have friends and family over to their home. During the construction process, the Legendary Escapes crew met several friends and family members who stopped in for some quality time and to check out the progress of the pool. The finished product is a perfect place for entertaining, and it feels very comfortable and welcoming. With the sunshelf, spa, grotto, poolside seating, and the pool itself, there are plenty of different places to sit or soak and have conversations or splash around. Curtis is incredibly proud of this project, and he has high hopes for it. He was recently named a Master of Design by Pool & Spa News for a hybrid swimming pool he built in Brighton, MI. This new, nautical hybrid pool fits in beautifully with his portfolio, but also stands out as extraordinary. The team at Legendary Escapes anticipates positive feedback and recognition for this project, and looks forward to building more swimming pools that push the envelope and wow clients and fans.

This remodel was one worth waiting for! Clients had a need for more storage, more counter and more room for entertaining friends and family. They love color and low maintenance materials so we went with a lovely happy green cabinet color, quartz counters, fun large hex porcelain floor tile and easy to clean backsplash. The original kitchen was lacking good flow, ample storage for this family. We started in the laundry room but re configuring the layout so now the W/D and fridge could be on one wall which opened up space for a drop area. We removed the old small closet that was the pantry and replaced the old water heater with a tank-less one to allow more place where they needed it the most. Drop area has outlets for charging and one in the broom cabinet as well. We removed the door to allow for us to relocate the garage entry door which now sits in the mud room instead of right in the middle of the kitchen. We added an actual walk in pantry which is equipped with drawers and plenty of shelf storage, we put the small appliances in here to allow for more counter space in the kitchen. To access the kitchen is now through a pocket door which is a big space saver and allows a more open feel. Let's get to this kitchen design! This was a odd layout before, now we have the fridge tucked away in it's proper home instead of sticking out. We relocated the garage entry door to the mud room to allow for this 36" range in its place featuring a pot filler as well. To maximize the kitchen footprint we closed up the door that went to the office and now we have a full L corner with plenty of storage and added some wood shelves for a sense of warmth and displace space in a beverage bar area, which also features an under-counter beverage fridge. Under-cabinet lighting, island fixture , a pendant above the sink and relocated the recessed lights to work better with the new kitchen layout. The island was a new addition which replaced the peninsula that used to cut off the kitchen from the rest of the home. We also removed a built in bookshelf and relocated the return air to the ceiling to free up even more floor space to truly transform this kitchen into the heart of the home.

This remodel was one worth waiting for! Clients had a need for more storage, more counter and more room for entertaining friends and family. They love color and low maintenance materials so we went with a lovely happy green cabinet color, quartz counters, fun large hex porcelain floor tile and easy to clean backsplash. The original kitchen was lacking good flow, ample storage for this family. We started in the laundry room but re configuring the layout so now the W/D and fridge could be on one wall which opened up space for a drop area. We removed the old small closet that was the pantry and replaced the old water heater with a tank-less one to allow more place where they needed it the most. Drop area has outlets for charging and one in the broom cabinet as well. We removed the door to allow for us to relocate the garage entry door which now sits in the mud room instead of right in the middle of the kitchen. We added an actual walk in pantry which is equipped with drawers and plenty of shelf storage, we put the small appliances in here to allow for more counter space in the kitchen. To access the kitchen is now through a pocket door which is a big space saver and allows a more open feel. Let's get to this kitchen design! This was a odd layout before, now we have the fridge tucked away in it's proper home instead of sticking out. We relocated the garage entry door to the mud room to allow for this 36" range in its place featuring a pot filler as well. To maximize the kitchen footprint we closed up the door that went to the office and now we have a full L corner with plenty of storage and added some wood shelves for a sense of warmth and displace space in a beverage bar area, which also features an under-counter beverage fridge. Under-cabinet lighting, island fixture , a pendant above the sink and relocated the recessed lights to work better with the new kitchen layout. The island was a new addition which replaced the peninsula that used to cut off the kitchen from the rest of the home. We also removed a built in bookshelf and relocated the return air to the ceiling to free up even more floor space to truly transform this kitchen into the heart of the home.

This Dining room was designed for a young Hip family that loves to entertain. This is an oversized dining room with great coffered ceilings. We were inspired for this room when we found the fabulous color in the drapery. We kept the furniture traditional, timeless and classic but allowed the lighting and art work to keep things fresh and youthful by lending a more modern element. The elegance of the brass and silver details are counter balanced with a casual grass rug that was custom sized to fit the table allowing the room to remain casually elegant. The white chairs are upholstered in an umbrella fabric to allow their small children to enter and mingle in this fabulous space. The white bar cabinet allows for adult entertaining. And the Trefoil cache pot in the center of the dining table allows for an ever-changing opportunity to bring fresh seasonal fauna inside.

CONTACT These home owners initially contacted their Designer to identify the reason that the floor in their upstairs bedroom suffered from a noticeable slant. The floor problem actually impacted a small bathroom and adjoining study also. Early on, the decision was made to re-design the footprint for the 3 rooms in conjunction with repairing the uneven floor. The approach was to gut all three spaces of walls and floors and start from scratch. The new spaces were designed with the clients needs for accessibility in mind. DESIGN The design effort included identifying the products to be used throughout the spaces. This included everything from the flooring to the wall paint. Kohler plumbing fixtures and Adelphi cabinetry were decided on first. A radiant heat grid was included for the bathroom floor. Lighting, paint and tile soon followed. Wood flooring was installed throughout the adjoining spaces. The master bedroom was redesigned to allow for entry from the study or the master bath via pocket doors. The study was given an access to the master bath also. The hardwood flooring ties the bedroom and study together and gives each room a very spacious feel. The original master bedroom was changed to incorporate a large walk-in closet that features custom storage throughout. The study that also doubles as the IT center for the home was updated with custom book cases and cabinetry from Adelphi Cabinets. When discussing the reapportioning of the entire space for the individual rooms the bathroom was given priority. The previous small bathroom did not include a window for natural light. The new design corrected that in a big way by incorporating an existing bedroom window into the new space. The decision was made early on to allow for the inclusion of a large shower with full granite walls and custom plate glass surround. The shower system includes both fixed and hand held shower heads. A thermostatic control system was included to eliminate scalding. A large bench seat of matching granite allows for relaxing while getting squeaky clean. A separate air massage tub from Kohler centered under the new windows allows for a relaxed moment while being caressed by all those tiny bubbles. His and her side by side vanity sinks allows for efficient use of the space. The Caxton sinks and coordinated toilet were selected to match the color of the tub and do so beautifully! CONSTRUCTION We started the project not knowing what we were going to find. The slanting floor upstairs was not evident in the ceiling of the first floor Once the demolition had been completed it was evident that the floor joists were at the heart of the problem. The home had been framed with floor joists that had been strung together to increase their length. Over time and with the house settling, the strung together joists started to droop from their connection point. This was concealed on the first floor by a large HVAC duct running through the garage. This was corrected by the addition of two laminated beams in the ceiling of the first floor (luckily in the garage) that re-supported the offending joists. THE END The project was a huge success in terms of problem solving and designing with budget and time frame in mind. The overall impact of the new space is impressive both visually and from a practicality point of view. The new master suite with upscale bathroom and study adds significant value to the home and the home owners quality of life!

Nestled in the lush landscape, a modern reinterpretation of a once-fallen barn now features a charming guest cottage with stylish details and contemporary amenities. Situated along a narrow lot in Germantown, New York, the cottage completes a cluster of existing buildings, forming an intimate courtyard on one side. Steel effect folding patio doors fully open the living areas to the expansive fields and the Catskill Mountains beyond. The homeowners, a young family with parents living abroad, envisioned a cozy yet modern ADU for extended stays. Designed by Lauren Cawse, AIA, architect and partner at The Art of Building, the year-round retreat draws inspiration from traditional local barns while embracing a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Captivating Guest Cottage Design Enhances the Senses with Steel Effect Folding Patio Doors The modern ADU design started with the site itself. Positioned between residential and commercial neighbors, the elongated property required a careful balance of privacy and openness. Architect Lauren Cawse approached the layout by redefining the existing house and garage as the east and west sides of an outdoor room, with the new cottage forming its southern boundary. This arrangement created a clear courtyard near the main residence while directing the 800-square-foot guest house toward the open meadow and the distant Catskill Mountains. “The unique character of the site and its history inspired the architectural direction,” says Cawse. “The intent was to create a secondary structure in the compound in clear contrast to the modern farmhouse style of the house and garage.” A Barn-Inspired Exterior Adds Visual Flair The exterior envelope evokes a traditional barn with a simple gable shape, weathered wood siding, cedar shingles, and a foundation veneer made of local fieldstone. A large sliding barn door adds a complementary feature to the courtyard-facing side, creating a dynamic opening that maintains uninterrupted views through the cottage to the meadow beyond. Steel effect folding patio doors surrounding the structure add a modern touch of transparency, and simulated divided lites allow the contemporary glass wall systems to harmonize with the traditional elements of the modern ADU design. “The goal was to fully open the living areas to the outdoors, framing views to the meadows and mountains,” says Cawse. “The positioning of the NanaWall systems frames the views and, when open, dissolves the boundary between inside and out.” Interior Design That Mirrors Nature’s Tranquility Inside, the design program features a simple layout with one bedroom, a full bath, a kitchenette, and a living area with a wood-burning stove. The interior, a collaboration between The Art of Building and the homeowners, is defined by an understated palette and tactile materials that reflect the natural setting. Color is introduced through the framed glass views on all sides of the structure. Reclaimed timber collar ties span the ceiling overhead, while stone surfaces and naturally patinated metal accents add quiet texture throughout. Custom hand-painted Delft tiles along the kitchen backsplash add personal detail, and terra cotta flooring in the bathroom brings warmth and old-world charm. Soaring ceilings and abundant daylight create a peaceful play of light and shadow, shifting subtly with the seasons and emphasizing the cottage’s connection to the natural landscape outside. Sleek Steel Effect Folding Patio Doors Elevate the Modern ADU Design Aesthetic Three customized steel effect folding patio doors define the living space, each aligned to respond to a different edge of the site. The largest, spanning nearly 20 feet wide and just under eight feet tall, opens directly onto the stone patio, allowing the main gathering area to extend fully into the landscape. Along the side of the living room, a smaller 10-foot-wide system introduces more light and ventilation, nearly creating an open corner condition if not for the structural post that supports the façade and roofline. At the rear, a fourth ten-foot-wide system features a French door swing panel configuration that opens toward the courtyard, strengthening the design connection to the main residence. All steel effect folding patio doors were specified with a low-maintenance, water-rated Performance Sill to safeguard against inclement weather while providing a seamless, barrier-free transition to the outdoor patio. Unique Customizations for Visual Appeal and a Steel Effect Each folding patio door system is configured to open outward, maximizing usable floor space in the compact interior and allowing furniture placement to remain uninterrupted. By stacking outward, the steel effect folding patio doors, specified in a SE Classic Bronze powder coat, ensure every inch of the cottage is optimized. Simulated divided lites create a consistent rhythm across windows and doors, maintaining alignment with the traditional barn-inspired exterior. In the bedroom, a three-panel, 10-foot-wide system mirrors these customizations, matching the steel effect divided-lite pattern and outward-opening configuration, extending the indoor-outdoor connection while preserving visual continuity throughout the ADU. “The divided lites were crucial to the architectural vision, and while budget prohibited a steel and glass system, NanaWall Systems’ thin frames provide the open and airy feeling we hoped to attain,” says Cawse. “Simulated divided lites transition the thoroughly modern element of the glass walls to remain in harmony with the otherwise traditional palette.” Matching Windows and Doors: Create a Cohesive Design Program Alongside the larger openings in the living areas and bedroom, a smaller 3-foot-tall NanaWall tilt turn window was added to the bathroom. This window-sized NanaWall system perfectly matches the divided lite panels and sleek frames of the steel effect folding patio doors, creating a cohesive modern ADU design throughout. The compact opening provides ventilation and natural light, enhancing the spa-like atmosphere along with natural stone flooring. The matching glass lines and sleek profiles of the NanaWall Generation 4 comprehensive product line further unify visual consistency, allowing each system to fit into the architectural style seamlessly. “This project had three bifold glass walls, a pair of double French doors with sidelites, and a single tilt turn window,” says architect Lauren Cawse. “Being able to work with a single manufacturer provided aesthetic cohesiveness and simplified coordination.” Sustainability Where It Matters Most New York weather can vary from hot 85-degree summers to cold 26-degree winters. Creating an efficient living space was a primary goal. To achieve this, the design included Timber HP-insulated walls and floors with a heat pump system for effective heating and cooling. Additionally, the steel effect folding patio doors and windows were specified with double-glazed panels to ensure a tight building envelope. Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces for Relaxing and Entertaining In-house landscape designer Liz Pulver worked closely with the team to conceive open-air spaces that enhanced the connection between inside and outside. To the south end of the lot, the landscape transitions into an “enhanced meadow,” allowing the cottage to feel embedded within the surrounding fields rather than set apart from them. A circular pool was designed to mimic a natural pond with a modest footprint. Around it, a minimalist fence and sunken stone ha-ha wall offer discreet safety for young children. Limited space due to existing infrastructure and zoning setbacks left only a small footprint for the swimming pool, prompting the designer to propose a circular form that maximized the usable swimming area. “We felt that the perfect way to integrate a pool into the property and to honor the landscape would be to treat the pool as a piece of art itself,” says Pulver. “The result is a beautiful round pool that serves as both a functional retreat and a sculptural moment.” Final Thoughts: A Barn-Inspired Design for Contemporary Living This modern ADU design skillfully combines modern features with the enduring charm of traditional barns. The outcome is a welcoming living space that stands out amid a stunning landscape. Natural materials that mimic the beauty of the outdoors, expansive steel effect folding patio doors that fill the space with fresh air and natural light, and a restrained interior design work together to create an inviting retreat for everyday living, throughout the seasons. “When entering the site, the cottage feels as though it was always there,” says Cawse. “It achieves its two opposing goals by creating a feeling of intimacy and enclosure near the house while also functioning as a threshold to the expansive fields and views beyond.” Explore how NanaWall folding patio doors elevate other ADU spaces in our inspiring project photo gallery! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is Slimline Steel Effect? Steel Effect is a folding patio door design option that replicates the appearance of traditional steel-framed glass doors. It combines the look of steel with the performance benefits of aluminum, including energy efficiency, low maintenance, greater design flexibility, and lower cost. How does a NanaWall Steel Effect aluminum system compare to traditional steel-framed glass doors? NanaWall Slimline Steel Effect folding patio doors replicate the narrow frames of traditional steel doors with improved weather and thermal performance and easier operation. They are lighter, more corrosion-resistant, and feature a thermally broken design for better energy efficiency and lower long-term maintenance. What are the benefits of Steel Effect folding glass walls? Steel Effect folding glass walls deliver the narrow sightlines and grid patterns of traditional steel, combined with the performance and low maintenance of aluminum. The slimline steel effect option offers all the benefits of our Generation 4 product line, including the FourFold / SixFold floating panel set option and smooth operation with Gothic arch stainless steel rollers on a stainless steel track. Can Slimline Steel Effect glass walls be customized? Yes, these systems offer a high level of customization to suit different architectural styles, including simulated divided lites specified in various patterns, popular SE colors for a true steel effect look, and a contemporary glass stop option for a refined look. Contact your local NanaWall representative for additional options here. How energy-efficient and weather-resistant are Slimline Steel Effect folding patio doors? Steel effect folding systems are engineered for strong thermal and weather performance. Thermally broken frames and high-performance glazing help improve energy efficiency. Each NanaWall system has been independently tested for air, water, structural integrity, and forced entry with excellent results.

The Inverness Bathroom remodel had these goals: to complete the work while allowing the owner to continue to use their workshop below the project's construction, to provide a high-end quality product that was low-maintenance to the owners, to allow for future accessibility, more natural light and to better meet the daily needs of both the husband's and wife's lifestyles. The first challenge was providing the required structural support to continue to clear span the two cargarage below which housed a workshop. The sheetrock removal, framing and sheetrock repairs and painting were completed first so the owner could continue to use his workshop, as requested. The HVAC supply line was originally an 8" duct that barely fit in the roof triangle between the ridge pole and ceiling. In order to provide the required air flow to additional supply vents in ceiling, a triangular duct was fabricated allowing us to use every square inch of available space. Since every exterior wall in the space adjoined a sloped ceiling, we installed ventilation baffles between each rafter and installed spray foam insulation.This project more than doubled the square footage of usable space. The new area houses a spaciousshower, large bathtub and dressing area. The addition of a window provides natural light. Instead of a small double vanity, they now have a his-and-hers vanity area. We wanted to provide a practical and comfortable space for the wife to get ready for her day and were able to incorporate a sit down make up station for her. The honed white marble looking tile is not only low maintenance but creates a clean bright spa appearance. The custom color vanities and built in linen press provide the perfect contrast of boldness to create the WOW factor. The sloped ceilings allowed us to maximize the amount of usable space plus provided the opportunity for the built in linen press with drawers at the bottom for additional storage. We were also able to combine two closets and add built in shelves for her. This created a dream space for our client that craved organization and functionality. A separate closet on opposite side of entrance provided suitable and comfortable closet space for him. In the end, these clients now have a large, bright and inviting master bath that will allow for complete accessibility in the future.

This remodel was one worth waiting for! Clients had a need for more storage, more counter and more room for entertaining friends and family. They love color and low maintenance materials so we went with a lovely happy green cabinet color, quartz counters, fun large hex porcelain floor tile and easy to clean backsplash. The original kitchen was lacking good flow, ample storage for this family. We started in the laundry room but re configuring the layout so now the W/D and fridge could be on one wall which opened up space for a drop area. We removed the old small closet that was the pantry and replaced the old water heater with a tank-less one to allow more place where they needed it the most. Drop area has outlets for charging and one in the broom cabinet as well. We removed the door to allow for us to relocate the garage entry door which now sits in the mud room instead of right in the middle of the kitchen. We added an actual walk in pantry which is equipped with drawers and plenty of shelf storage, we put the small appliances in here to allow for more counter space in the kitchen. To access the kitchen is now through a pocket door which is a big space saver and allows a more open feel. Let's get to this kitchen design! This was a odd layout before, now we have the fridge tucked away in it's proper home instead of sticking out. We relocated the garage entry door to the mud room to allow for this 36" range in its place featuring a pot filler as well. To maximize the kitchen footprint we closed up the door that went to the office and now we have a full L corner with plenty of storage and added some wood shelves for a sense of warmth and displace space in a beverage bar area, which also features an under-counter beverage fridge. Under-cabinet lighting, island fixture , a pendant above the sink and relocated the recessed lights to work better with the new kitchen layout. The island was a new addition which replaced the peninsula that used to cut off the kitchen from the rest of the home. We also removed a built in bookshelf and relocated the return air to the ceiling to free up even more floor space to truly transform this kitchen into the heart of the home.

This kitchen remodel has been 27 years in the making and was ready for an all-around update. During our first few meetings, our client had envisioned what drawers would house which items and really wanted the kitchen to accommodate more people whether for a simple meal or for multiple cooks during a celebratory gathering. The original kitchen did not have enough storage and the island did not allow for much seating space. Our client dreamed of a kitchen where she could cook and entertain her family and friends at the same time. An existing wall enclosing the kitchen was removed and another wall was extended to room for a wall of cabinetry while also allowing the space for a bigger island. Upon entering the kitchen, a base cabinet with beveled glass doors showcases the beautiful china that our client has collected throughout the years. The new kitchen is packed with appliances that allow our client to make the best usage of them. A 48” American Range Lenged Series rangetop and a 48” stainless steel hood by Windster form the heart of the kitchen. A stainless steel backsplash allows easy maintenance for our client who uses the kitchen so often. The new wall now starts with a desk/office area, a 30” American Range Legacy Series double wall oven, a 36” French door refrigerator, ice maker, wine refrigerator and beverage center. A mixer stand is located in the base cabinet of the island to save countertop space and a drawer bank allows for baking utensils. A prep sink is part of the island with a single trash to make cooking, prepping and cleaning an ease for multiple cooks. A microwave drawer is also available on the island. Easy access and once again keeping the countertop work space open and free. Storage is available at the seating area for seasonal items. The kitchen finishes were completely switched out as well. The new cabinetry consists of a Cherry species in the Nantucket door style by Crystal Cabinets. Cabinets were finished in a Cinnamon stain with black glazing in a distressed look with cracking and wearing. The surrounding cabinets have a leathered granite and a marble countertop for the island. The three-part crown was inspired by an armoire that has been with the family for a long period of time. Crystal knobs and cup style pulls provide the finishing touches to this beautiful and functional kitchen. Ever since the kitchen has been completed, our client has spent so much time in the kitchen, cooking at home has overridden the want to go out and eat. Preview First

This kitchen remodel has been 27 years in the making and was ready for an all-around update. During our first few meetings, our client had envisioned what drawers would house which items and really wanted the kitchen to accommodate more people whether for a simple meal or for multiple cooks during a celebratory gathering. The original kitchen did not have enough storage and the island did not allow for much seating space. Our client dreamed of a kitchen where she could cook and entertain her family and friends at the same time. An existing wall enclosing the kitchen was removed and another wall was extended to room for a wall of cabinetry while also allowing the space for a bigger island. Upon entering the kitchen, a base cabinet with beveled glass doors showcases the beautiful china that our client has collected throughout the years. The new kitchen is packed with appliances that allow our client to make the best usage of them. A 48” American Range Lenged Series rangetop and a 48” stainless steel hood by Windster form the heart of the kitchen. A stainless steel backsplash allows easy maintenance for our client who uses the kitchen so often. The new wall now starts with a desk/office area, a 30” American Range Legacy Series double wall oven, a 36” French door refrigerator, ice maker, wine refrigerator and beverage center. A mixer stand is located in the base cabinet of the island to save countertop space and a drawer bank allows for baking utensils. A prep sink is part of the island with a single trash to make cooking, prepping and cleaning an ease for multiple cooks. A microwave drawer is also available on the island. Easy access and once again keeping the countertop work space open and free. Storage is available at the seating area for seasonal items. The kitchen finishes were completely switched out as well. The new cabinetry consists of a Cherry species in the Nantucket door style by Crystal Cabinets. Cabinets were finished in a Cinnamon stain with black glazing in a distressed look with cracking and wearing. The surrounding cabinets have a leathered granite and a marble countertop for the island. The three-part crown was inspired by an armoire that has been with the family for a long period of time. Crystal knobs and cup style pulls provide the finishing touches to this beautiful and functional kitchen. Ever since the kitchen has been completed, our client has spent so much time in the kitchen, cooking at home has overridden the want to go out and eat. Preview First