Search results for "Blocking access" in Home Design Ideas

This older couple have been residing in their one level custom home since the early 80’s. The Master bathroom old design was dysfunctional, steps in bathroom were dangerous for their age, the deck mounted tub took too much floor space, vanity space was limited. Swing doors were cutting accessibility for them. The wanted to open up the space and bring this old dragged of bathroom into a new era of design and functionality.
Planned a double sided fireplace in front of the tub area, taking out all multi-level shower and tub area, enlarged the shower stall and moved the new free standing tub directly under the wall of glass blocks, We have taken advantage of tall cathedral ceiling and added new ceiling and recess lights to brighten this space. The toilet area was enclosed with a frost glass pocket and made more room for larger vanity and counter space, given them lots of storage, small closets were taken out and replaced with larger linen cabinetry.
We have relocated the toilet to open up large portion of back wall, now home for his vanity space. The shower was moved to the corner, taking some space form adjacent closet.
Customer framed mirror, sconce lighting has taken over the left side of pantry, will large scale tile (and heated floor) this master bathroom transformation has given them a whole new life.
Carefully selected stain on cabinetry complimenting the stone top and porcelain floor and wall tiles were all a big part of this transformation.
The custom closet system has given them a much-needed space for their clothing and all their seasonal clothes.
Now more than ever life in their master suite is pleasurable and relaxing.

This backyard space offers plenty of sunny and shaded areas with a cabana, a pergola, and plantings. Family and guests will find a thoughtfully located outdoor kitchen with visibility to all the outdoor entertaining. Near the swimming pool, is a built-in spa on the opposite side of the cabana - which contains foldaway glass doors for easy access.
The golf enthusiasts will find themselves on the putting green tucked away in the corner of the property.
Throughout the spaces, Unilock Brussels block, Cumberland brown, and a larger veneer stone was used to tie together the beiges on the house. Final pops of colors come from the plantings.

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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Handsome 22 foot wide Bloomfield Street home perfect for today’s urban family. With a distinctive mansard roof and restored brick facade, this 4 story, 4 bedroom, 3½ bathroom home has undergone a complete renovation. The parlor floor features an open, airy layout with custom chef’s kitchen featuring quartz counters, classic white cabinets, top of the line Thermador appliance package and access to a low-maintenance landscaped yard. Master suite features dressing room, sitting area and en suite spa bath. Additional bedroom and office alcove complete the second floor. The top floor features 2 additional bedrooms each with custom en suite baths, generous closets and with soaring ceilings. Garden level playroom/media room features hot water radiant heated floors, oversized wood porcelain tile and full height ceilings. Wide plank white oak flooring, designer lighting, dual zone heating and cooling, full size laundry, custom Marvin windows and roof mounted backup generator. Private garage parking available for rent 1 block away.

On this project we removed the deteriorated brick retaining wall that was partially collapsed and impeding access to the rear yard. We installed a new drainage system and underground infiltration pit to assist in diverting water away from the house and wall. Concrete footings were installed, 8" block filled solid, and natural stone veneer / bluestone capping all installed in one week

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

Classic Farmhouse style with natural finishes bring to life this striking and expansive kitchen. Full-access perimeter cabinetry in natural cherry wood are accented with white subway tile alongside a feature area of 8”x 8” cement tiles in neutral tones of white and cream with pale blue accents. The large island in painted navy-blue cabinetry takes center stage with its butcher block countertop and furniture style detailing. The well-appointed beverage station features open shelving and the same striking cement tile accent area. A mix of metal finishes adds layers and textures to the kitchen, from the rustic pendant lighting and chandelier to the articulating lights over the large casement windows. Finally, the rustic, wide-plank hardwood floors tie this idyllic kitchen together in the heart of this family home.

A small floating desk is integrated into the wall of cabinetry that spans from the kitchen to the dining room. A pocket door disappears into the wall of cabinets allowing access to bedrooms beyond.
Photo by Heidi Solander

A busy family of four wanted to update the great room in their modern farmhouse and renovate their kitchen. The parents couldn’t keep an eye on their two young girls while cooking and found that the island was too long and narrow - blocking their kitchen walkway.
Surrounded by dated carpeting, colors, tile, and materials, they wanted to create a more uniform, open feel throughout their home with new flooring, paint colors, lighting, and furnishings. The end goal was to make the living and dining spaces brighter, warmer, and more welcoming but also kid-friendly!
To create the great room and modern farmhouse kitchen of their dreams, we removed their bar and opened up a wall to create direct access from the garage to the great room, flooding the area with natural light. We moved the kitchen island orientation, allowing the parents to see their kids in the great room while cooking up a storm, and changed the refrigerator position to create an efficient work triangle between the sink and cooktop.
This new floor plan and the new island allowed the family to finally move freely around the kitchen. We also transformed their living space with a chic new dining set, neutral living room furniture, and modern rustic touches here and there. A chandelier added a dramatic touch and more light in the great room, while crackled glass pendants hung over the kitchen sink to create warmth. Finally, we renovated their outdated fireplace with beautiful herringbone ceramic tile and installed a hardwood floor in their entryway using a herringbone pattern for added visual interest.

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.

Rare to market! Picture perfect 2 bedroom, 2 bath with garage parking and balcony at the Gate, an award winning steel and concrete, elevator building on sought after corner of uptown Bloomfield Street. Timeless galley kitchen with classic white cabinetry, granite counters, stainless steel appliances and wine refrigeration. Separate dining room features unique gray exposed brick pass through to kitchen and access to private balcony. Master suite features large walk-in closet with tailored built-ins, freshly refinished hardwood floors, in home washer/dryer and central heat and air. Across from NYC bus, gym and uptown Farmer’s Market. Just blocks from ferry, shopping, dining and nightlife.

This spacious 2-story home features a welcoming front porch and 2-car side entry garage with mudroom. A dramatic 2-story ceiling in the Foyer creates a grand impression upon entering the home. The Foyer is flanked by the Study to the left and the Living Room to the right. Off of the Living Room is the Formal Dining Room adorned by chair rail with elegant block detail.
The Kitchen with stainless steel appliances and convenient island opens to the sunny Breakfast Area with sliding glass door access to backyard patio. The spacious Family Room features a cozy gas fireplace and triple windows providing plenty of natural light.
The second floor boast all 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a laundry room. The Owner’s Suite with truncated ceiling features an expansive closet and private bathroom with 5’ shower and double bowl vanity with cultured marble top.

Like any other hardworking area of your home, your garage can be an organizational powerhouse. Given the right storage elements, your garage can function as an extension of your mudroom, work bench and shed. When you create zones for organizing sports equipment, tools, or garden essentials, it’s easier to have quick access to seasonal items because they have a permanent home.

FOR THE ULTIMATE IN PRIVACY AND LIGHT CONTROL
The ultimate in versatility, Hunter Douglas Top-Down/Bottom-Up window shades and shadings offer you the ability to operate window treatments (including Roman shades, cellular honeycomb shades and woven wood shades) from the top down, bottom up, or in combination to meet all your privacy needs while still giving you access to natural light.
Available with multiple operating systems including manual or PowerView® Automation.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TOP-DOWN/BOTTOM-UP SHADES?
Flexibility: Unlike traditional shades that only open from the bottom up, the Top-Down/Bottom-Up design option lets you customize the exact position of your shades to fit your ideal level of privacy, light control and comfort.
UV Protection: Even on cloudy days, damaging UV rays can fade and deteriorate your furnishings. With Top-Down/Bottom-Up shades, you can position your shades to block the sun’s harsh rays while still bringing in natural sunlight.

Framed by clean paver tiles and bordered in uniform grout lines, the in-ground pool uses a subtle gradient in tiling to visually deepen the center basin. The waterline features a linear mosaic trim that adds a precision finish between the interior surface and coping edge. Perimeter drainage is embedded beneath the patio surface to prevent runoff accumulation without interrupting the slab’s clean layout.
A consistent light-stone deck finish surrounds the pool, extending to a lounge zone arranged with modern Adirondack-style seating in UV-resistant composite material. Adjacent turf is edged with structural concrete and transitions into a reinforced boat dock equipped with a covered lift system, enabling watercraft access without encroaching on poolside activities. Framing the boundary, slim-profile fencing and mature palm plantings add privacy without blocking the expansive water view. The entire layout emphasizes symmetry, unobstructed sightlines, and a balance of functional exterior zones in a luxury coastal setting.

This spacious 2-story home features a welcoming front porch and 2-car side entry garage with mudroom. A dramatic 2-story ceiling in the Foyer creates a grand impression upon entering the home. The Foyer is flanked by the Study to the left and the Living Room to the right. Off of the Living Room is the Formal Dining Room adorned by chair rail with elegant block detail.
The Kitchen with stainless steel appliances and convenient island opens to the sunny Breakfast Area with sliding glass door access to backyard patio. The spacious Family Room features a cozy gas fireplace and triple windows providing plenty of natural light.
The second floor boast all 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a laundry room. The Owner’s Suite with truncated ceiling features an expansive closet and private bathroom with 5’ shower and double bowl vanity with cultured marble top.

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

After Picture of Entrance; Kitchen access door was closed out with block work to create privacy form the entrance
Inspiration for an eclectic entryway remodel in Hertfordshire
Inspiration for an eclectic entryway remodel in Hertfordshire

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.

The newly remodeled kitchen creates a better workflow for a family of five. Now updated this kitchen is brighter with the focus on function. To eliminate clutter and create a workstation, the new design expanded the pantry from a single door to a double door walk-in pantry, a command center for schedules and communication, as well as plenty of storage for canned goods and groceries. Now everything can be tucked away behind closed doors, but is still easily accessible and well organized.
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