Search results for "Blocking access" in Home Design Ideas

REDESIGN - Gentle curbed ramp wider treads were installed with a handrail to access new walled-in patio. Lawn was completely replaced with drought tolerant plants. Paper weed-block was installed with mulch to minimize weed growth and retain moisture. Drip irrigation was installed with a weather-based timer.

This sleek and contemporary landscape really completes the look of this modern home. Straight lines and modern grasses are used throughout this landscape, with linear concrete blocks leading to-and-from features and entrances. These white, polished concrete rectangles really stand out between the lush green grass and the black lava rocks, and makes for a wonderful stroll to the main feature of the backyard: the custom firepit and seating area. This propane-powered firepit gives off fantastic heat to anyone relaxing on the wooden seats, and the tall Karl Foerster grasses surrounding provides an intimate and secretive experience. As well, a custom wooden hot tub deck provides privacy, shade, and easy access to the waters. The main planting outside of the sunroom provides a view from the inside, while still providing privacy to the sunbathers on the outside.
In the front, the layered look of grasses provide a ascending experience for visitors and homeowners alike.
It was a pleasure doing the landscape for this homeowner!
Designed by Zac Marks

Glass Expanse has created a glass door system that provides accessible luxury to home owners that want to have flexibility in their enclosures. This system enables home owners to completely open (or close off) spaces, without sacrificing the view. The individual panels provide flexibility in configurations to produce partial wind block by spacing the panels out to allow some air flow. The system is compatible with bug screens or shades.
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As readers of architect/designer Katie Hutchison’s book The New Cottage (Taunton Press 2018), these homeowners approached KHS about designing a second home in Westerly, Rhode Island. Theirs is a double-long lot with street frontage on both ends, a short walk from the water. In addition to the new house, their wish list included a new lap pool (with associated patio) and new garage.
Aesthetically, they were looking to create an informally elegant, human-scaled family compound, engaged with the site and connected with the outdoors. They further requested sustainable features/systems and low-maintenance materials.
In response, KHS proposed an ell-shaped house that wraps two sides of a lap pool/patio. A porch-fronted two-story gabled component faces the main street and is flanked by the one-story primary suite in one leg of the ell and the one-story kitchen and rear porches in the other leg of the ell. The house is an efficient +/- 2800 square-feet and contains four bedrooms and three and one half bathrooms.
A salt-box inspired garage is detached so as not to increase the building massing. It helps shape outdoor spaces and doesn’t block daylight and direct exterior access from the house. It faces the secondary street. Driveways off both streets offer different modes of arrival.
The south-facing roof of the two-story volume – which includes three bedrooms and two baths – and the south-facing one-story roof of the kitchen and rear porches, as well as the south-facing roof of the garage support 47 photovoltaic solar panels, providing the bulk of the property’s electric power.
Two oversized exterior folding glass doors off the living area and kitchen blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, welcoming abundant daylight, views of the pool and patio, as well as summer breezes. An airy living/dining area includes a long custom window seat and borders a semi-open kitchen beneath a cathedral ceiling. Living area built-in shelving frames a TV and surrounds a modern efficient pellet stove.
A cheerful interior palette of soft hues features pops of color, Scandinavian wallpapers, custom textiles, and a dash of warm wood accents in the form of counters, built-in desks, and custom furnishings. On the exterior, natural shingles side the main volume and environmentally friendly and durable Boral board-and-batten side the one-story components and garage, communicating a legible hierarchy of spaces. The overall effect is a breezy, crisp New England home, pool patio, and garage for today’s living.

This roomy 1-story home includes a 2-car garage with a mudroom entry, a welcoming front porch, back yard deck, daylight basement, and heightened 9’ ceilings throughout. The Kitchen, Breakfast Area, and Great Room share an open floor plan with plenty of natural light, and sliding glass door access to the deck from the Breakfast Area. A cozy gas fireplace with stone surround, flanked by windows, adorns the spacious Great Room. The Kitchen opens to the Breakfast Area and Great Room with a wrap-around breakfast bar counter for eat-in seating, and includes a pantry and stainless steel appliances. At the front of the home, the formal Dining Room includes triple windows, an elegant chair rail with block detail, and crown molding. The Owner’s Suite is quietly situated back a hallway and features an elegant truncated ceiling in the bedroom, a private bath with a 5’ shower and cultured marble double vanity top, and a large walk-in closet.

Move in Ready 2020 New construction townhome for sale in the Grand Central District of St. Petersburg and just One block to Central Avenue. Part of a townhome collection uniquely centered in St. Petersburg this tri-level modern townhome features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a 210 sq. ft. rooftop observation deck. The home has a 3 car garage and was designed for a home charging station to accommodate electric vehicles. The main floor of the townhome includes open space living with 9 ft' ceilings and a 2nd level 400 sq. ft. deck. The indoor and summer kitchens are natural gas equipped including the dryer on the 3rd level. The designer kitchen is an open concept with Woodland Cabinetry and lighting fixtures. The kitchen has Top of the Line Samsung appliances and installed beverage wine cooler combo. From the 3rd level rooftop observation deck you will enjoy amazing sunrises and skyline views the city of St Petersburg. The townhome has a public alley access to the oversized 3-car garage and offers energy efficient kitchen appliances and is pre-wired for Smart Home technologies. Home Buyers will enjoy knowing the home was built with Hurricane Impact Windows and Garage Door. This townhome is single-family zoning with a variance from the City of St. Petersburg, so you can enjoy the benefits of owning a home with no HOA or dues.

As readers of architect/designer Katie Hutchison’s book The New Cottage (Taunton Press 2018), these homeowners approached KHS about designing a second home in Westerly, Rhode Island. Theirs is a double-long lot with street frontage on both ends, a short walk from the water. In addition to the new house, their wish list included a new lap pool (with associated patio) and new garage.
Aesthetically, they were looking to create an informally elegant, human-scaled family compound, engaged with the site and connected with the outdoors. They further requested sustainable features/systems and low-maintenance materials.
In response, KHS proposed an ell-shaped house that wraps two sides of a lap pool/patio. A porch-fronted two-story gabled component faces the main street and is flanked by the one-story primary suite in one leg of the ell and the one-story kitchen and rear porches in the other leg of the ell. The house is an efficient +/- 2800 square-feet and contains four bedrooms and three and one half bathrooms.
A salt-box inspired garage is detached so as not to increase the building massing. It helps shape outdoor spaces and doesn’t block daylight and direct exterior access from the house. It faces the secondary street. Driveways off both streets offer different modes of arrival.
The south-facing roof of the two-story volume – which includes three bedrooms and two baths – and the south-facing one-story roof of the kitchen and rear porches, as well as the south-facing roof of the garage support 47 photovoltaic solar panels, providing the bulk of the property’s electric power.
Two oversized exterior folding glass doors off the living area and kitchen blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, welcoming abundant daylight, views of the pool and patio, as well as summer breezes. An airy living/dining area includes a long custom window seat and borders a semi-open kitchen beneath a cathedral ceiling. Living area built-in shelving frames a TV and surrounds a modern efficient pellet stove.
A cheerful interior palette of soft hues features pops of color, Scandinavian wallpapers, custom textiles, and a dash of warm wood accents in the form of counters, built-in desks, and custom furnishings. On the exterior, natural shingles side the main volume and environmentally friendly and durable Boral board-and-batten side the one-story components and garage, communicating a legible hierarchy of spaces. The overall effect is a breezy, crisp New England home, pool patio, and garage for today’s living.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

The bedroom was located at one end of the basement. The challenge was incorporating a bathroom close by to primarily be used by their daughter while allowing access to visitors without entering the bedroom

Extraordinary 28-foot wide Queen Anne mansion perched on historic Hudson Street, one of Hoboken’s most coveted blocks. Custom built in 1901, this home has been respectfully restored to showcase the original features and thoughtfully renovated to include an elevator servicing all four levels of this exceptional 6,600+ square foot, 7+ bedroom, 5½ bathroom home. Anchored on a 40×100 foot lot with a timeless façade and storybook stone turret, 925 Hudson Street’s appeal is further enhanced by beautifully scaled rooms, balanced with intimate spaces thus transforming this house into a true family home. The parlor level takes careful consideration to function and flow beginning at the dramatic foyer, flanked by an original fireplace mantle and pocket doors. The drawing room opens to a formal dining room, elevator and powder room. At the rear of the home, the great room provides a flexible, family friendly space with dining nook and an open kitchen with access to the rear yard. Glittering with natural light, the second floor master retreat encompasses a lounge warmed by a working gas fireplace with original mantle and surround, sleeping quarters, dressing hall and en-suite bath. Luxurious and functional, the master bathroom is well appointed with an oversized marble steam shower with barrel ceiling, free standing Victoria + Albert volcanic limestone bath, radiant heat flooring and separate water closet. The remainder of the second and third floors are comprised of five additional bedrooms, home office, three full baths and crowned by an original oval sky light and wide top floor corridor featuring a full wet bar with stone counter and refrigerator. From the terraced front area with mature plantings, to the newly finished side and back yards, the 925 Hudson Street is surrounded by greenery and inviting outdoor spaces. The rear lawn features an Ipé deck, low maintenance SynLawn, fire and water features. An automatic drip irrigation system services the planting beds and the wall of Hornbeam trees provide beauty in every season. Ideal for au pair suite, guest quarters or revenue generating rental, the garden level includes a private 1,000 sq. ft., 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment with a separate entrance. This floor is further outfitted with ample built-in storage, wine closet, and laundry room. Truly a one of a kind home with intricate hardwood flooring, classic plaster moldings, soaring ceilings, original pocket doors, shutters, 3 decorative fireplace mantles and 3 working gas fireplaces, 7 zone central heating and cooling system and a state of the art Control4 fully automated home with security, sound, lighting and HVAC controls. Call today to schedule a private viewing.
- See more at: 925hudson.com

Pristine and impeccably maintained wide 17.75’ single family, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath brownstone on uptown Park Avenue with large professionally landscaped backyard. Stunning kitchen renovation with large rear window, Scavolini cabinets, SubZero refrigerator, Miele ovens and Bosch dishwasher with separate pantry and bar; powder room and rear door for easy access to yard. Elegant double parlor with potential 4th bedroom/master suite. Master bedroom with custom walk-in closet. Finished basement with family room and storage. Renovated bathrooms. Beautiful period details throughout; 5 mantles, original kitchen stove, stained glass skylight, ceiling medallions, pocket doors and exposed brick. Central air, gas/radiators, Pella windows with Hunter Douglas shades, laundry, hardwood floors throughout, all on uptown Park Avenue’s loveliest block.

The primary bath is accessed from the main bedroom via frosted French doors. This allows for natural light to filter in, but provides privacy as well.

Classic, timeless, and ideally positioned on a picturesque street in the 4000 block, discover this dream home by Jessica Koltun Home. The blend of modern architecture and transitional finishes evokes warmth while understated elegance remains constant throughout this Midway Hollow masterpiece. Countless custom features and finishes include museum-quality walls, panelled fireplace wall, reeded cabinetry, stately millwork, and white oak wood floors with custom patterns. First-floor amenities include a dedicated study, a formal and casual dining room, and a private primary suite that has direct access to the laundry room. The second floor features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an oversized game room that could also be used as a sixth bedroom. This is your opportunity to own a designer dream home.

This hidden appliance lift when not in use, lives down in the centre of the kitchen island. When in use it pops up with the touch of a switch. There are two sliding trays that come forward for easy access to small appliances. Brilliant solution to hide all of your counter top appliances! Photo by Spit Second Photography

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Free consultation for landscape design!
Peabody Landscape Group
Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

This kitchen, designed by David Arnoff, features Bilotta Collection cabinetry in a classic Frosty White paint on the perimeter and Rift Cut White Oak with a “Driftwood” stain for the island. The kitchen prior to renovation had a small island and a peninsula that blocked the flow into the other rooms. It also had a massive wood hood that flanked both sides of the range all the way down to the countertop which was very cumbersome and restrictive. The client wanted to reuse their appliances which were fairly new. So the cabinetry had to be designed around those models but laid out with a much more functional flow. David chose to eliminate the existing peninsula to allow access to the sun room and living area. He opted instead for a larger island to give back the space lost by removing the peninsula. This gave the same amount of cabinet and counter space and was far more functional and easier to move around. Since the one wall of cabinets (where the main sink is) had no wall cabinets, David designed the opposite wall with double stacked cabinets for additional storage – with glass fronts for aesthetics. They also raised the custom hood, by Amore, allowing for more countertop space around the range. The countertops are polished quartz, Aurea Stone by Eastern Stone. The Backsplash is a basket weave marble from Greenwich Tile Marble. Sink and faucets by Kohler. Appliances are a mix of Subzero and Wolf.
Designer: David Arnoff
Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

The existing layout presented challenges, particularly the acute angles and centrally placed glass block feature, while also accommodating an ambitious program: a full laundry area, separate his-and-hers vanities and closets, a private toilet room, and a spacious shower with dual shower heads alongside a tub. To resolve this, the design introduces a wet room that consolidates the bathing functions and frees up the central footprint. This approach opens the space and allows for a functional laundry island with a washer and dryer, generous countertop space for folding, and integrated storage for cleaning supplies and household equipment, improving both flow and usability.

Originally built in 1892, this quaint log cabin has undergone a transformative renovation while preserving its charming character. Located near the Little Deschutes River in Central Oregon, within the historic Vandert Homestead, the home now boasts bright, open spaces for everyday living, complete with flexible aluminum clad folding doors.
Working alongside contractor Bales Inc., architect Jeff Klein from Klein Architecture led the renovation with the goal of opening the once dark interior to natural light and the surrounding landscape. Central to the design was transforming a deteriorating garage into a new functional sunroom, creating a light-filled space that reorients the cabin design toward the patio and natural environment.
Restoring a Historic Cabin with Aluminum Clad Folding Doors
outdoor living with aluminum clad folding door
A Revamped Cabin Design for Indoor-Outdoor Living
The former garage is now a transitional space between the cabin and a natural stone patio. Positioned along the south elevation, the sunroom captures daylight throughout the day while acting as a buffer between the interior and exterior environments. A revised roof assembly was developed to resolve previous drainage failures. Working with framers, the design team incorporated a sloping roof system with a waterproof membrane to direct water away from the structure.
This approach not only protected the log walls but also created access to a rooftop deck from the upper level, adding functional outdoor space without expanding the building footprint.
“It was also critical to transform the existing dark, segmented interior spaces by physically opening them up to the new sunroom,” says Klein. “NanaWall systems offered the ideal solution for what we were after.”
historical homestead interior
Improving Spatial Flow, From the Kitchen to the Sunroom
The kitchen remained largely intact during the renovation, retaining many of the elements that had defined the cabin’s character for decades. Features such as the farmhouse sink, concrete countertops, butcher-block island, and built-in seating were retained, creating a perfect blend of old and new.
What changed was how the kitchen connects to the surrounding rooms. The layout now flows naturally into an adjacent dining area before extending into the newly added sunroom, delivering a seamless transition from the interiors to the outdoors through aluminum clad folding doors.
Historic log cabin with clad folding doors and windows
A Light-Filled Sunroom Designed for Gatherings with Aluminum Clad Windows and Doors
The newly added sunroom became the centerpiece of the cabin design. Designed as a bright, welcoming space, it connects the historic cabin to the natural stone patio beyond. Interior designer Sue Olson helped create the room's atmosphere by choosing finishes and furnishings that complement the cabin's rustic materials while keeping the space open and inviting.
The sunroom captures sunlight throughout the day and serves as a flexible space for dining, relaxing, and entertaining. The addition was designed to sit comfortably alongside the existing log structure while introducing expansive glazing and aluminum clad folding doors that draw daylight deep into the home.
NanaWall aluminum clad folding doors and windows
Aluminum Clad Folding Doors Open the Sunroom to the Patio
A NanaWall aluminum clad folding glass door opens the south wall of the sunroom, creating a direct connection to the natural stone patio. Spanning more than thirteen feet wide and nearly eight feet tall, the system allows the entire façade to open when the panels are folded back. Specified with pine wood frames and simulated divided lites, the door complements the cabin’s traditional materials while introducing the flexibility of modern indoor-outdoor living.
When closed, the door frames the view while bringing daylight into the sunroom. When open, the space seamlessly flows into the patio. Plus, customized with double glazed panels, these aluminum clad systems offer an insulated barrier that keeps cold weather out and keeps comfortable interiors year-round.
“The NanaWall system was the ideal solution for the proposed design,” says Klein. “The result is a seamless connection between the sheltered interior area and the openness of the outdoor environment.”
aluminum clad folding windows
A Folding Window Creates an Indoor-Outdoor Bar
Complementing the folding door and indoor-outdoor cabin design, a NanaWall aluminum clad folding window was installed at bar height along the sunroom wall facing the patio. Stretching more than thirteen feet across and just over four feet in height, the opening transforms the wall into a casual indoor-outdoor serving counter.
Specified with matching pine wood frames and simulated divided lites, the system folds away easily, creating an indoor-outdoor bar that encourages interaction between the sunroom and patio. When open, the counter becomes a flexible gathering point for meals, drinks, and conversation, allowing those inside and outside to share the space comfortably.
“The NanaWall door and window systems played a pivotal role in achieving our design objectives,” says Klein. “The connection between the indoor and outdoor environment has become seamless.”
inoor-outdoor living with clad folding windows and doors
The Flexible Design Solution for Every Home Style
Beyond creating large openings, the NanaWall aluminum clad folding doors were chosen for how well they integrate with the cabin’s traditional architecture while delivering modern functionality. The wood clad panels, specified with simulated divided lites, reflect the style and charm of classic window detailing, while panels that fold outward maximize usable space inside the cabin.
Minimal frames maximize glass area, drawing natural light deeper into the sunroom and adjacent spaces. Paired with higher weather performance sills, the systems are built to withstand the region’s climate while allowing the sunroom to shift easily between a sheltered interior space and an open-air extension of the patio.
Additionally, NanaWall aluminum clad systems feature clip-on cladding technology that allows the wood to breathe in environments where temperatures are extremely hot, humid, or cold. This, in turn, aligns with the renovation’s goal of resolving prior drainage and moisture issues.
outdoor living with NanaWall aluminum clad systems
Final Thoughts: Historic Cabin Design Reimagined for Modern Living
Today, the Vandevert Homestead perfectly blends old-time charm with modern living. The renovation maintains the historic character of the original log structure while introducing brighter, more connected spaces that better engage with the surrounding landscape.
With the transformation of the garage into a light-filled sunroom and flexible NanaWall aluminum clad folding doors, everyday living now flows naturally between the kitchen, dining area, sunroom, and patio. The result is a cabin that feels both timeless and renewed, where historic craftsmanship remains intact while the home experience is lighter, more open, and closely tied to the natural beauty of Central Oregon.

This classic post-and-beam house sits on a ridge in the Riviera neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA. With stunning views of Gibraltar Rock, Mission Canyon, and Cielito Overlook, the house’s original designers sited it perfectly and implemented an elegantly simple structural system based on a clear design vision. Unfortunately, several subsequent owners lacked that same clarity and made questionable remodeling choices based on passing style fads, effectively turning the house into something it was not and – most perplexing of all – turning their backs to the majesty of the surrounding mountains and valley.
Working with the new owner, who saw through the noise of these misguided remodels, we set out to return the house to its roots and recreate its rhythmic geometry and interior flow. We added new wall-to-wall double sliding doors that open to the expansive northern views, bringing space and light to the living, dining, and kitchen areas and providing easy access to the surrounding natural environment. We also reconsidered the color palette and materials, simplified detailing and trim, and highlighted interior focal points such as the original slump block fireplace and newly remodeled kitchen. The house now entertains easily and provides a comfortable and gracious living space for its owner and guests.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Classic, timeless, and ideally positioned on a picturesque street in the 4000 block, discover this dream home by Jessica Koltun Home. The blend of modern architecture and transitional finishes evokes warmth while understated elegance remains constant throughout this Midway Hollow masterpiece. Countless custom features and finishes include museum-quality walls, panelled fireplace wall, reeded cabinetry, stately millwork, and white oak wood floors with custom patterns. First-floor amenities include a dedicated study, a formal and casual dining room, and a private primary suite that has direct access to the laundry room. The second floor features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an oversized game room that could also be used as a sixth bedroom. This is your opportunity to own a designer dream home.

Aging-in-place whole home remodel plus an addition to transform a small space into a beautiful, bright, and open floor plan home by adding 1100 sq ft. The remodeled kitchen was transformed from a tiny galley area to an open-concept kitchen with a separate laundry room equipped with a custom, butcher block folding area. We also added a primary bathroom designed for aging in place.

As readers of architect/designer Katie Hutchison’s book The New Cottage (Taunton Press 2018), these homeowners approached KHS about designing a second home in Westerly, Rhode Island. Theirs is a double-long lot with street frontage on both ends, a short walk from the water. In addition to the new house, their wish list included a new lap pool (with associated patio) and new garage.
Aesthetically, they were looking to create an informally elegant, human-scaled family compound, engaged with the site and connected with the outdoors. They further requested sustainable features/systems and low-maintenance materials.
In response, KHS proposed an ell-shaped house that wraps two sides of a lap pool/patio. A porch-fronted two-story gabled component faces the main street and is flanked by the one-story primary suite in one leg of the ell and the one-story kitchen and rear porches in the other leg of the ell. The house is an efficient +/- 2800 square-feet and contains four bedrooms and three and one half bathrooms.
A salt-box inspired garage is detached so as not to increase the building massing. It helps shape outdoor spaces and doesn’t block daylight and direct exterior access from the house. It faces the secondary street. Driveways off both streets offer different modes of arrival.
The south-facing roof of the two-story volume – which includes three bedrooms and two baths – and the south-facing one-story roof of the kitchen and rear porches, as well as the south-facing roof of the garage support 47 photovoltaic solar panels, providing the bulk of the property’s electric power.
Two oversized exterior folding glass doors off the living area and kitchen blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, welcoming abundant daylight, views of the pool and patio, as well as summer breezes. An airy living/dining area includes a long custom window seat and borders a semi-open kitchen beneath a cathedral ceiling. Living area built-in shelving frames a TV and surrounds a modern efficient pellet stove.
A cheerful interior palette of soft hues features pops of color, Scandinavian wallpapers, custom textiles, and a dash of warm wood accents in the form of counters, built-in desks, and custom furnishings. On the exterior, natural shingles side the main volume and environmentally friendly and durable Boral board-and-batten side the one-story components and garage, communicating a legible hierarchy of spaces. The overall effect is a breezy, crisp New England home, pool patio, and garage for today’s living.
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