2010 CAPTIAL COTY, HONORABLE MENTION AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL The owners of this single family home were seeking a more colorful, contemporary kitchen style. Other goals for the renovation included having larger appliances, better traffic flow, better lighting and other updated amenities. To help the couple achieve their goals, the design team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes relocated all the electrical and plumbing from the bulk heads to create additional cabinet space. Then, they opened up the bearing wall between the family room and kitchen using structural beams and brought plumbing for a wall mounted faucet and a vessel sink for the wet bar. A new pantry replaced the old doorway to the dining room. All of the new appliances were relocated to the wall between the kitchen and dining room that was previously blank. It now houses a new 36” refrigerator and 36” freezer, double ovens, and additional cabinets. A central island was installed to accommodate a large cooktop. The design team then suggested double stack upper cabinetry that contains stainless steel glass door cabinets in upper part with a cobalt blue high-gloss lacquer on the lower part. Use of complementary exotic granite to tie in stainless steel appliances and color of the cabinets is one of the nice features of this job. The entire kitchen and leading hallway to the front foyer was filled in with very contemporary metallic porcelain tiles. Use of LED lighting, pendant lights and creative paint were just of few of the finishing touches. An old brick fireplace in the family room was covered in granite that complements the kitchen’s colors to facilitate the new connection between the two rooms.

Achieve a natural, classic look for your bathroom with Hunter Douglas Design Studio Roman shades. We can further customize your window treatments with trims & complementary valances!

THE SETUP The original L-shaped guest bathroom, primarily utilized by the client’s young nephews, presented several design challenges. The entry door’s placement at the top of the stairs created an awkward flow, while the lack of natural light and the sectioned-off toilet and shower area contributed to a cramped and dimly lit ambiance. Design Objectives: Reconfigure the floor plan to improve guest access and circulation Create a versatile space that accommodates both young guests and adult needs Introduce natural light to brighten the overall ambiance Incorporate a tub/shower combination suitable for children while meeting adult requirements Design Challenges: Relocating the entry door to a more functional position Finding an optimal layout to open up the entire bathroom as a unified space Maximizing natural light and creating a bright, inviting atmosphere Updating the tub/shower area with a refreshed look while ensuring child-friendly features THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Reconfigured floor plan with the entry door relocated to the main hallway for seamless guest access Removal of the dividing wall separating the toilet and tub/shower area, enabling an open, spacious layout Strategic placement of a window to flood the space with natural light. Also – careful selection of materials and finishes contributing to the bright and airy aesthetic Inclusion of a handheld showerhead serving as a lower shower option for young guests The new floor plan and the introduction of natural light have transformed this guest bathroom into a radiant, welcoming space. The dual vanity sinks and tall storage cabinet cater to versatile needs, while the terracotta floor tiles harmonize beautifully with the overall design, adding warmth and style. The decision to keep a shower curtain for the tub/shower combination enhances the open and airy feel. Thoughtful details, such as the gear-inspired faucet handles and complementary light fixtures above the mirrors, add a touch of edgy sophistication to this multifunctional guest retreat.

These beautiful bathrooms located in Rancho Santa Fe were in need of a major upgrade. Once having dated dark cabinets, the desired bright design was wanted. Beautiful white cabinets with modern pulls and classic faucets complete the double vanity. The shower with long subway tiles and black grout! Colored grout is a trend and it looks fantastic in this bathroom. The walk in shower has beautiful tiles and relaxing shower heads. Both of these bathrooms look fantastic and look modern and complementary to the home.

The spacious living room featuring a modern and clean fireplace and hardwood flooring in complementary shades of gray and beige.
Living room - living room idea in Los Angeles

Monte Mar embodies a refined balance of bold rectilinear forms and warm complementary materials, accentuated by welcoming, public-facing balconies. Lush landscaping cascades toward the street, creating a vibrant threshold that invites both neighbors and pedestrians while providing a verdant transition to the elevated residence. MAKE Architecture | www.makearch.com | 323-669-0278

A stainless steel kitchen integrated into a large scale landscaping makeover. The bronze undertone to a grey stainless steel cabinets adds a complementary contrast to the light grey tones of the house and landscaping. With an oversized sink that doubles as an ice bar and a fridge, this kitchen was designed with hosting poolside in mind.

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.

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.

This craftsman style kitchen design in Okemos features Decora by Masterbrand Quartersawn Oak cabinetry accented by a Cambria Helmsley quartz countertop and Richelieu black matte finish hardware. The unique t-shaped island incorporates storage and work space in the main part of the island, with a walnut wood top pub style table at the end to create a stunning kitchen dining space. A decorative wood hood enhances the craftsman style design. Stone and glass tile creates a stunning backdrop in the kitchen design's backsplash with a mosaic tile feature and a shelf included over the cooktop. An Elkay USA quartz sink pairs perfectly with a Kohler Simplice pull down spray faucet in a complementary black finish. Black GE appliances complete the look of this warm, welcoming kitchen.

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.

Tucked into the hillsides of Marin, the environment played a predominant role in defining the contemporary yet exotic style of this home. In the master bedroom, a fireplace adds a cozy design element, while an inconspicuous home theater system can be elegantly tucked away when not in use. In the master bathroom, pebbled stone tile adorn the walls of the double shower that overlooks the hillsides of Marin. A guest bathroom was designed to compliment the eclectic aesthetic of the home. While in the center of the residence, a spiral acrylic staircase climbs 3 floors acting as a consistent element, tying together the varied yet complementary styles.

This narrow room feels more intimate with bright cream paint on the walls and the addition of a flowing geometrical patterned rug. Furnishings are kept light and streamlined, to allow the colors in the custom cushions and the complementary colored artwork to stand out, expanding the feeling of the space. Completing the room with glass topped tables helps to keep the narrow area from feeling closed in. Home located in Mississauga, Ontario. Designed by Nicola Interiors who serves the whole Greater Toronto Area. For more about Nicola Interiors, click here: https://nicolainteriors.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://nicolainteriors.com/projects/lisgar/

In this home remodeling project, the bathroom was transformed from an outdated space into a more functional and aesthetically pleasing area. To cater to the homeowner's needs, the large, underutilized bathtub was removed, allowing for an extension of the shower area. This extension created a dedicated dry-off space, complete with convenient towel and robe hooks. The shower itself received a makeover with new tile and niche shelves to provide ample storage for shower products. The vanity was updated with stylish dark countertops and fixtures, adding a modern touch to the space. The addition of complementary accessories such as mirrors and lighting fixtures tied the entire look together, resulting in a well-put-together and updated bathroom that seamlessly blended form and function.

This kitchen design in Okemos incorporates medium stained flat panel cabinets with a glaze from Aristokraft, paired with a SSU quartz countertop and Jeffrey Alexander hardware. Gray glass tile from Virginia Tile creates a complementary backsplash that is both practical and stylish. The kitchen incorporates custom storage accessories like corner storage and pull outs, and GE Profile Slate appliances for an efficient kitchen ideal for a busy family. Luxury Vinyl Tile wood textured flooring completes the look with a durable and low maintenance surfaces.

Step back in time to a chic and sophisticated era with this stunning French vintage electric bathroom. The bold and playful mix of red and zebra wallpaper sets the tone for a luxurious space that exudes both charm and character. The black accents throughout the room, from the fixtures to the ornate mirror frame, add a touch of elegance and provide a complementary contrast to the vibrant color palette.

The flat has one bathroom accessible via the hallway with a shower/bathtub, toilet and sink. The bathroom is equipped with a hair dryer plus complementary toilet rolls, shampoo, shower gel and hand soap to start your stay.

The Pool Boss transformed this Caldwell, NJ property into an outdoor living space full of amenities. The home and surrounding grounds represent a true blend of rustic and elegant, so it is only fitting that the homeowner chose “The Harmony” pool. Perfectly suited to the home itself, it also expresses a beautiful synergy of classic and modern pool elements. External steps descend into this stunning free-form pool which was also fitted with deck jets and a swim-out in the deep end! Perhaps the most exciting water feature is the adjacent fieldstone hot tub which contains a “spillover” waterfall into the pool. A vibrant fire bowl sits on either side. The surrounding paving stone patio provides style + generous space for poolside lounging. On the opposite end, a handsome fieldstone fire pit provides a cozy gathering space for the colder months. A thin border of shrubs & river stones creates dimension and separates the water space from the green space. Overlooking this oasis is a handsome deck spanning the width of the house. Look up and you’ll admire a rich wood-planked ceiling. Look down and you’ll see a patterned paving stone floor set in a complementary Ashlar pattern. The Pool Boss truly created a space that incorporated the design elements of this lovely house, making it a natural extension of the property as well as an enviable place for entertaining!

This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced in a choreographed, curated way that encourages wandering and an intimate connection to each piece. The mood is set in the entry courtyard. A floating walkway curves down and around a brilliant spiraling blue Clement sculpture. It pauses once, at a moment of surprise, when the first view through the house is filled with the blue water of the lake beyond. Inside, the saturated color of many of the pieces of art are balanced by an absence of other visual clutter in the color palette, furniture, and architecture. A new interior plaster, steel, and bronze stair carves through a space occupied by two small Clement sculptures in niches, a McKay Otto sculpture on a landing and a glass cylinder elevator. This is a very specific place, designed for specific art and for a collector who has a close relationship with each piece.