Scott and Sue Kinney’s 3,366-square foot home in the quiet, family-friendly town of Bethany Beach, Delaware, reflects their ideal coastal retirement. The Kinneys worked with Marnie Oursler, president and owner of Marnie Custom Homes, to design and build the "transitional coastal"-style home. "We blended traditional and modern elements of coastal design to create a fusion of classic and contemporary," said Oursler. Ocean views were a key selling point for the Kinneys when they purchased the land. The home’s design is centered around the natural beauty of the water. Their home mixed and matched several Marvin collections: Modern, Ultimate, and Elevate. These collections provided sweeping views, complementary design, and protection in a storm-prone coastal climate. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Modern Multi-Slide doors Marvin Elevate Casement windows Marvin Elevate Awning windows Marvin Elevate Direct Glaze windows Ultimate Swinging door Architecture Firm: Marnie Custom Homes Builder: Marnie Custom Homes Dealer: Atlantic Millwork

We renovated the dining area to match the new and improved kitchen aesthetic. Two stained glass windows were installed, bringing in more sunlight and creating symmetry. Accents of teal, bursts of wood, and contemporary pendant lighting match the features in the kitchen, ensuring a complementary and cohesive design. One of the most unique features of the dining room is the secret door. The teal bookshelf is actually a doorway that leads to an old staircase that was previously walled off - it is now used as a nifty (and impressive) closet. Designed by Chi Renovations & Design who serve Chicago and it's surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest. For more about Chi Renovation & Design, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/portfolio/roscoe-village-renovation/

Modern Sophistication Meets Everyday Durability Step into a home redefined by clean lines and thoughtful design. This complete interior remodel showcases a seamless blend of modern elegance and practical luxury, designed for those who appreciate the finer details. Elevated Finishes The foundation of the home features 100% waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring, offering the timeless look of hardwood with unmatched durability. To anchor the space, we installed bold 5-inch modern baseboards, providing a crisp, architectural frame for every room. A Designer’s Palette The home’s character is defined by a sophisticated two-tone color scheme. While the walls offer a warm, inviting backdrop, the doors, trim, and baseboards feature a distinct, complementary hue. This high-contrast approach highlights the custom woodwork and gives the entire home a professionally curated feel. Brilliant Lighting & Privacy We’ve opened up the atmosphere with a comprehensive LED thin-can lighting package. These recessed lights offer a sleek, low-profile look while bathing the home in bright, energy-efficient light. To finish the look, brand-new custom blinds were installed throughout, offering the perfect balance of natural light control and contemporary style.

Extensive remodel to this couple's upscale home in Carlsbad. Transitional Bellmont Cabinet shaker style cabinetry with Quartz Aurea Stone's Paragon with 2-1/4" eased edge on the island top and Silestone's Charcoal Soapstone in Suede on the perimeter tops. We pulled out all the goodies on this kitchen with stacked cabinetry to the ceiling with glass uppers and lighting, an espresso bar cabinet with microwave shelf, fully customized hood with corbels, utensil base pullout, spice base pullout, two base trash/recycle pullouts, a base corner arena, drawer organizers, a custom niche bookcase, under cabinet angled power strips and more! TaylorPro is a Bellmont Cabinet Dealer Photos by: Jon Upson

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master beige tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and beige floor alcove shower remodel in San Francisco with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, an undermount tub, beige walls, an undermount sink and a hinged shower door

This welcoming outdoor living area with a covered patio and stainless steel outdoor kitchen showcase the Quarry Mill's Stonegate classic buff limestone real thin veneer. Stonegate is a classic and traditional choice for a natural limestone veneer. The stone is neutral and complementary allowing design flexibility with other siding, roofing, and flooring elements. Stonegate is predominantly an off white or buff tone with shades of grey. The stone has a slight amount of natural veining that looks similar to light pencil lines across parts of the stone. The veining is not visible from a distance but its detail and uniqueness are revealed upon close inspection. The depth and character of the veining in Stonegate can only be found in natural stone. Stonegate is considered an ashlar pattern but is on the rougher end as it is created to be less linear and clean-cut than some of our other ashlar options.

Kitchen tile - Wine themed custom tile for kitchen backsplash. Designed and created as kitchen focal point for a clients' wine-themed kitchen. Framed in complementary natural stone tiles. photo: jbpaul

This Mediterranean-inspired bathroom in Woodland Hills features a beautifully crafted natural wood vanity, topped with a sleek marble countertop. The large framed mirror with a bold, textured design adds a touch of elegance while enhancing the space’s warmth. Flanked by tall cabinets with glass-paneled doors, the bathroom is as functional as it is stylish, providing ample storage space for all essentials. The combination of warm wood tones and sophisticated hardware creates a welcoming, rustic vibe with modern Mediterranean flair. The attention to detail, from the unique drawer pulls to the complementary light fixtures, reflects the homeowner's love for natural materials and luxurious finishes. This bathroom transformation is part of the homeowner's journey to recreate the Mediterranean charm they experienced during their travels to coastal Italy.

This dining room is far from boring. A dominant color palette of purple and orange creates the perfect contrast against the space's other finishes, materials, and textures. The intricate details, such as acanthus leaves and gold, white, and black accents, are complementary and statement-making, bringing the entire room together cohesively. Credit: Photography by Apollo's Bow

Complementary colours are used in the Den with stark blue walls against a bright orange task chair. A pink womb chair unifies the space bringing in colours from the living/dining area to the den.

We renovated the dining area to match the new and improved kitchen aesthetic. Two stained glass windows were installed, bringing in more sunlight and creating symmetry. Accents of teal, bursts of wood, and contemporary pendant lighting match the features in the kitchen, ensuring a complementary and cohesive design. One of the most unique features of the dining room is the secret door. The teal bookshelf is actually a doorway that leads to an old staircase that was previously walled off - it is now used as a nifty (and impressive) closet. Designed by Chi Renovations & Design who serve Chicago and it's surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest.

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.

-Rear addition Originally built in 1835, years of deferred maintance and a failing foundation rendered this home in need of a serious help. The home had poorly constructed additions removed, it's core historic structure was raise out of the flood zone, and the angled walls were brought to plumb. The interior was then crafted for contemporary living while maintaining the windows and details of the original home. A complementary addition was added to create an inviting kitchen and master suite. Now re-built and strengthened, it is ready to add to the city's charm for another 150 years. photos by www.newport653.com

This kitchen previously housed an undersized island that did not allow for the large farmhouse dining table the family grew to love. The client asked me to assist in designing the new island with high end corbels and a grey soapstone countertop. We incorporated a vinyl upholstered banquette seat that spans the entire length of the 9' Island. We also used a white paint to cover the existing Hickory cabinets and a dark stain to enhance the hood and island in a complementary hue. Photgraphy by: J. Bloom of Nebraska

This custom home, sitting above the City within the hills of Corvallis, was carefully crafted with attention to the smallest detail. The homeowners came to us with a vision of their dream home, and it was all hands on deck between the G. Christianson team and our Subcontractors to create this masterpiece! Each room has a theme that is unique and complementary to the essence of the home, highlighted in the Swamp Bathroom and the Dogwood Bathroom. The home features a thoughtful mix of materials, using stained glass, tile, art, wood, and color to create an ambiance that welcomes both the owners and visitors with warmth. This home is perfect for these homeowners, and fits right in with the nature surrounding the home!

Remember our big Reservoir remodel? These pictures were taken AFTER the house was staged with beautiful, complementary furnishings. Looking good! Amanda K

Advice on interior design is available everywhere—from TV shows and websites to books, magazines and apps. We love seeing people become engaged in design and educated on the wide range of possibilities. But we hope you’ll proceed with caution. It’s not that style errors are a matter of life and death. It’s just that it’s easy to choose designs that aren’t necessarily reflective of your own personality and character. And since you’re typically stuck with your interior design decisions for years, styles that don’t quite fit can tend to grate on you. Interiors that give one person comfort may unleash chaos in someone else. This goes beyond favorite colors or hot trends, right to the heart of interior design, where you find questions of composition, balance, repetition, space and more. The goal is to find that unique combination of design elements that gives you comfort, support and balance. In one home, that perfect balance was struck through the use of symmetry. A pair of comfortable swivel chairs sit beneath matching indigo patterned paintings. Matching bookcases below the paintings contain similar, but not identical, arrangements of books, vases and bowls. Woods and bronzes help warm up the simple white bookcase shelving. Two matching poufs in front of the fireplace provide additional seating. The sofa is accented with a pair of pillows with a blue pattern that echoes the artwork. The effect of the symmetry is to achieve order and simplicity, which I promote at every opportunity. After all, your home interiors should be the setting or the backdrop of your life—not center stage. Antique bronze and blue are complementary colors. Together, they offer a rich palette of richness and depth, which brings out the beauty of wood and stone. In the home office, a unique, whitewash-stained wooden desk rests on metal, Sawhorse-inspired legs for a warm, rustic look. The black leather chair features a contemporary silhouette with an antique brass frame. An adjustable desk lamp has bronze accents. The bookcase combines a sleek, black metal frame with concrete shelves, for another unusual pairing. It’s kept uncluttered for an orderly, peaceful look. Items on the shelves include a bronze-accented lamp and a pair of high gloss-finished wooden bookends. The elegant artwork behind the desk is a simple midnight-blue and bronze with mottled white. Deep blues are again picked up in the rug, which adds a stately vibe with a modern pattern and satisfying texture. Within the framework of symmetry, the living room repeats the blue-and-bronze color scheme. A large midcentury brass clock above the fireplace keeps the natural stone visible, rather than hidden behind a painting or television, while its straight lines and color create a beautiful contrast. The sofa is a soft, neutral blue. The pattern on the round brass side table features echoes the darker blue-patterned rug, as well as the rug in the office, tying the rooms together. Indigo blue books adjacent to bronze vases on the shelves repeat the color scheme. The soapstone-topped coffee table echoes the shape of the fireplace. A pair of tall, matching floor lamps with long wooden bases, brass pulls and simple linen shades combine both the colors and symmetry found throughout the home.

Our client wanted to open up the kitchen into the dining and living area, allowing the first floor to feel more open and inviting. They were seeking a kitchen that would suit their needs but also feel modern and fresh. To accomplish a more spacious look and feel we added a large window, removed all the wall cabinets and incorporated natural maple floating shelves with LED track type undercabinet lighting. Custom built cabinets in this rich contemporary blue color along with 2 cm Silestone Blanco Maple countertop transformed this space into a modern style kitchen. The Modern Dimensions 2x4 backsplash tile in tan add a nice complementary accent color. Photos by The Vine Studios

Modern Sophistication Meets Everyday Durability Step into a home redefined by clean lines and thoughtful design. This complete interior remodel showcases a seamless blend of modern elegance and practical luxury, designed for those who appreciate the finer details. Elevated Finishes The foundation of the home features 100% waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring, offering the timeless look of hardwood with unmatched durability. To anchor the space, we installed bold 5-inch modern baseboards, providing a crisp, architectural frame for every room. A Designer’s Palette The home’s character is defined by a sophisticated two-tone color scheme. While the walls offer a warm, inviting backdrop, the doors, trim, and baseboards feature a distinct, complementary hue. This high-contrast approach highlights the custom woodwork and gives the entire home a professionally curated feel. Brilliant Lighting & Privacy We’ve opened up the atmosphere with a comprehensive LED thin-can lighting package. These recessed lights offer a sleek, low-profile look while bathing the home in bright, energy-efficient light. To finish the look, brand-new custom blinds were installed throughout, offering the perfect balance of natural light control and contemporary style.