Search results for "Blocking access" in Home Design Ideas

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.

Turn an unused dining room into a fully functional custom pantry with built-in shelving made to fit the space and keep everything organized and easy to access.

The client approached us as he had a property that benefited from an elevated position and water views over the Georges River. The current home needed a change to the layout, additional bedrooms and living spaces that captured the magnificent views and catering for their retirement. The existing property had a garage, rumpus room and two terrace’s within the front setback along the boundary which needed to remain as part of the proposal as it would not be permissible to reinstate them under the current planning rules. The floor plan of the development is meticulous in providing for the needs of the client. As seniors in their 70’s we were keen to provide easy access on a steep sloping block. The driveway, lift and elevation of the main floor level adjacent to the rear garden has achieved this brilliantly. Enjoyment of the stunning views over the river was of paramount importance and this has been elegantly achieved. There are great views from all three terraces, the entire upper floor, including the master bedroom, the lift, the rear patio and rear garden. The highlight of this home, however, is the enthusiastic manner which, both the client and designer approached the picturesque views. Large double glazed windows and doors optimally located provide wonderful thermal efficiency and a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors whilst ensuring privacy from neighbouring sites. The light and airy feeling in this space is complemented with the natural coastal finishes prevalent throughout the home.
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Paul came to us with a very tight site a couple of blocks from the town centre. A great lot, but the program required for the site was stretching the limits of the site. With the final design, we ended up being at 99.99% of our allowable buildable area!
The home contains a compact two bedroom suite accessed from the rear of the property. Wrapping around this is a huge two car garage, with enough space for the owners trucks and motorbikes. The lounge and kitchen are open plan and have large doors out to the west.
A double height entry creates a feature opening, with a single run of stairs up to the upper floor. Here, three large bedrooms and two bathrooms fill the space, some with vaulted ceilings. The master bedroom has sliding doors that open to a private west facing balcony.
The craftmanship and skill in woodwork throughout the building is exemplary and a real testament to the skilled guy and girls at Tree Construction who built the home.

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.

At the upper level, the flow between the primary bedroom, bath, and closet are designed with wider clearances for future wheelchair use. We included blocking in the bathroom walls for future grab bars.
The bathroom has an open curbless shower with a bench and adjustable showerhead; as well as a vanity that can be easily reached with a wheelchair-accessible unit if needed.

Our client wanted a clean traditional design with access to the driveway and a seating area with a bench. Our design included a paver path leading to the main walk, stone edging, ornamental trees to accent the features of the house, and lots of ferns and iris to soften the landscape.

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

In Seattle’s North Admiral neighborhood, this project began with a tear-down lot and the vision to create something new that still felt timeless. Built as a spec home, the design carefully considered the character of the surrounding homes, blending seamlessly into the block as if it had always been part of the community.
Inside, warm finishes and natural wood cabinetry bring a sense of comfort and authenticity, while modern touches elevate the living experience. A two-sided gas fireplace creates cozy ambiance for cool Pacific Northwest nights, and a wet bar offers the perfect setup for entertaining. The primary suite features a spacious soaking tub, balancing everyday function with a touch of luxury.
With four bedrooms and a detached alley-access garage, this home provides both convenience and charm. Thoughtfully designed from the ground up, it stands as a classic addition to the neighborhood — honoring tradition while embracing modern living.

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 sophisticated wet bar area serves as a stylish and functional transition between the kitchen and living room. Custom navy shaker cabinetry is accented by elegant polished brass cup pulls, creating a classic yet modern look. The setup includes a high-end dual-zone wine fridge integrated seamlessly into the lower cabinets, providing easy access to beverages while hosting. With its clean lines and rich color palette, this dedicated social hub by Better Builders perfectly complements the open-concept flow of the home

This luxury property boasts a private 18-hole golf course, a world-class athletic club and spa, and of course, this heated 25-yard lap pool with year-round access. We constructed this pool in our own backyard – Colorado Springs.
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Lap Pool with Dive Blocks
Hot Tub
Kids Splash Pool
Fountains & Slide
Lounge Area

Classic, timeless, and ideally positioned on a picturesque street in the 4100 block, discover this dream home by Jessica Koltun Home. The blend of traditional architecture and contemporary finishes evokes warmth while understated elegance remains constant throughout this Midway Hollow masterpiece. Countless custom features and finishes include museum-quality walls, white oak beams, reeded cabinetry, stately millwork, and white oak wood floors with custom herringbone patterns. First-floor amenities include a barrel vault, a dedicated study, a formal and casual dining room, and a private primary suite adorned in Carrara marble that has direct access to the laundry room. The second 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 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
Free consultation for landscape design!
Peabody Landscape Group
Columbus' Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

Epay walkway, stairs and shower at beach access
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Miami.
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Miami.

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

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.

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 wide frame of the Providence door style offers contemporary simplicity and classic detailing for a distinctive transitional style. The Maple finished in White Icing supports the classic theme while bold accents, such as the decorative legs with a tapered foot in Oak Espresso, frame the peninsula and add drama to the contemporary architecture of this space. Wine cubes add a decorative element and are unexpected place for storage or display of small items. A rolling island cart with a John Boos butcher block top offers additional work space and the 64-1/2" pull-out pantry features full extension, heavy-duty glides for easy access to what you need. From the bold contrast of colors to the integrated beauty of the deluxe wood hood with a plate ledge, this design combines style, flexibility and function to create a one-of-a-kind space.
Find a Design-Craft Showroom near you today: http://www.designcraftcabinets.com/dealer-locations

Not on the market in almost 30 years yet stylishly remodeled in 2010, the 3+BD/2.5BA home embodies contemporary living. Integrating the best of outdoor living and spacious open floor plan set in a peaceful, sunny cul-de-sac adjacent to open space. The home encompasses two levels of carefully planned living space on an oversize 12,600+ lot with expansion potential. With a mix of traditional and contemporary, the gated courtyard and entry foyer welcomes you. When the family is at home, the property invites indoor-outdoor living from the gourmet kitchen, living, dining and family rooms. Meticulous attention to details, remodeled and upgraded with beautiful oak floors, cathedral beamed ceilings, LR fireplace, family room, custom office, “2nd” guest kitchen and oversized attached 2 car garage. The “Deco” style eat-in Euro kitchen opens to the outdoors features Quartz countertops. Stainless appliances featuring a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Viking double oven with convection, Viking 36" gas cooktop, Bosch dishwasher, Kitchen Aid built-in microwave. The level yard features a sport court, a private hot tub platform plumbed and ready for installation, fruit trees and an abundance of boxed gardening beds and is adjacent to open space. Expansive storage and oversized 2 car garage with additional “2nd” kitchen convenient for guests and gardeners. Conveniently located near the Scott Valley Swim and Tennis Club, Edna Maguire Elementary School, Whole Foods, shopping and Mill Valley bike path. Easy commute to SF. • 3 Bedrooms Plus “4th Bedroom/Custom home office. • Expansive master suite, family room and sport court • Sunny and bright on oversize 12,600+Sq.Ft lot adjacent to open space • Cul-de-sac living with expansive decks, yard, sport court and gardens. • Built-in exterior BBQ and exterior bench seating • Indoor-Outdoor living in an open floor plans with multiple doors opening to exterior. • Premier Scott Valley location. Edna Maguire Elementary and Scott Valley Swim Club blocks away. • Stylishly remodeled eat-in kitchen with Quartz countertops and Euro Maple Cabinetry • Oak floors in main living areas • Cathedral beamed ceilings in living and dining room. • Wood burning fireplace in Living Room with “Signed” stone mural • Custom home office features built in cabinetry, bookshelves and numerous work stations. • Two car attached garage and additional second “kitchen” off of garage for guests • Custom laundry area • Powder room in main living area • Expansive family room with pool table included in sale • Kitchen opens to rear expansive deck, gardens and open space • Family room opens to lower yard and sport court with miles of open space hiking • Master suite bath has exterior door leading to hot tub area. • Easy access to hiking, biking, Mill Valley bike path, Edna Maguire Elementary School and Scott Valley Swim and Tennis Club

Kimberlee Knoebel
Living room - mid-sized coastal open concept light wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Orlando with white walls, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv
Living room - mid-sized coastal open concept light wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Orlando with white walls, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv
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