This new custom house, completed in late 2012, was designed with an accessory dwelling unit to take advantage of an allowance in the single family zoning code in Seattle. The primary dwelling, 1300 square feet on the upper two stories houses a mother and teenager. The accessory dwelling, 750 square feet, provides a leasable smaller space that can be for a tenant or downsizing in the future. Seattle based RE Store began by completely deconstructing the original home so that its salvaged parts could have a new life in other design applications. The new design for the home is modern with a sustainable theme, incorporating a palette of natural materials. The Paperstone, wood and steel staircase connects the open-plan living, dining areas and kitchen to the upstairs bedrooms and open library. Exterior decks extend the main interior living spaces while sliding glass panels allow the primary bedroom to connect. Stylishly visible from all rooms in the open interior living spaces are two complementary objects, both lit from within, a frosted lexan pantry and a slatted reclaimed fir bathroom, with wood sourced from Windfall Lumber. Throughout the home, finishes are simple and minimal: polished concrete flooring, bright-white walls, and formaldehyde-free sapele and maple cabinetry. The main kitchen is outfitted with Ecotop counters and a custom sapele wood island that has large, handle-free pullout drawers on the cooking side and a built-in wine rack on the other. Maximizing storage, a custom built-in apple plywood bench and open wooden box shelves provide extra space. A model of efficiency, the home maximizes the performance of the envelope of the building. The reclaimed fir car decking wrapped around the exterior from Windfall Lumber, creates the rainscreen siding and is sourced locally from a deconstructed warehouse in Tacoma WA. In addition, access to daylight through high-performance glazing, solar preheat for domestic hot water needs, in-floor radiant heating and a green roof created by the owner adds to the efficiency. Photo Credit & Design: b9 architects URL http://www.windfalllumber.com Photographer: Ed Sozinho

The Tribeca credenza offers a modern urban style with a raised geometric pattern inspired by the grid design of city streets. Finished in dark Tadon, the credenza has four cast resin push-to-open doors that open to reveal two drawers and four adjustable shelves. The base offers a complementary look with textured steel in Barlow finish.

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!

A double staircase cascades into the entrance foyer, inaugurating the guest to the regal surroundings. Rooms flow into rooms and the design elements are complementary. Photos by Craig Thompson. Resources: Builder: Robert Struharik, Master Plan Builders; Interior design: Jennifer Bannon & Rosemarie Nair, Interior Decorating Company, Inc.; Kitchen and bath: Bolon’s Custom Kitchens; Flooring and marble: Buckeye Ceramic Tile Distributors; Pub: Jim Trenga, Trenga Woodworking; Bar countertops: Carmen Trenga, Premier Granite; Diner: BarsandBooths.com; Theatre room: CompTech Networking Solutions, LLC; Electricians: Neiheisel Electric Inc.; Lighting: Hite Company; Chandeliers: Schonbek; Decorative painting: Kristen Tankosh, KT Finishing Touch; Staircase: Arcways; Hardwood: Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods; Carpets: Tondo Carpets Inc.

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.

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.

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.

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/

This rustic kitchen includes maintenance free doors in Dark Wild Apple with Brown glaze for a craftsman style. The counter tops are Corian in Maui for a complementary, yet contrasting look. The full backsplash is glass and stone in a rust and brown palette. Cabinet refacicng transformed this kitchen into a luxurious kitchen motif. David Glasofer

A newly built 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath home was in need of a refreshing design. As a second home for our clients, a newly retired couple, we wanted to make this space as relaxing as possible. Finding inspiration from elements of nature, we were able to incorporate a sunset color palette in the living area, using gorgeous hues of orange, burgundy, and red with a splash of neutrals—all highlighted in the beautiful drapery. The bedrooms showcase tranquil color schemes of navy, blue, and gray, a complementary contrast to the warmer hues used throughout the rest of the home. Our team collaborated with many artisans to create custom furniture, cabinetry, lighting, wall finishes and artwork as well as utilizing exclusive furniture & fabric vendors. The use of such artisanal pieces not only create a one-of-a-kind look and feel, but all come together to create an artistic design throughout the whole space. Another unique element of this space is the amazing 400 SF terrace, which oversees the Highline and the meticulous landscaping. The clients love to entertain, therefore, providing functional and comfortable custom outdoor furniture selections was critical. Finding fun fabrics to tie in the blues of the indoor space, provided a seamless transition. The sculptural element of the outdoors created a mini MOMA on the terrace and brought a lot of interest to the space though the installations of STORM KING artist, Joel Perlman.

The Hive This remodel transforms three small, crowded rooms into an expansive, open kitchen connecting directly onto a new backyard deck. The coziness of a former breakfast nook is re-created with a built-in bench with discreet storage, and a pre-existing island is re-imagined with a new marble surface and complementary marble slab installed above the counters. The new modern kitchen, combines bamboo, white, and glass cabinet materials and integrates an original Wedgewood range stove providing a spacious, open environment. Outside, the new deck design addresses a previous basement flooding problem and brings together the upper and lower floors with a floating “crow’s nest” balcony, maximizing available outdoor space for use by both couples. To avoid the need for a support post, the balcony is supported by steel beams cantilevered into the house itself. Its custom rail system is galvanized steel and stainless steel cable, leaving as much space open as possible, and a steel awning overhead protects the new door from potential rain damage. The deck itself, as well as its railings and trellis structure, are built in durable ipe, a smooth barefoot-friendly hardwood. Stairs and seating create a smooth transition from the elevated deck down into the yard, where the new owners installed flagstones and setup their own bee hives.

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 choregraphed, 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 Page Kempner 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.

Marsh Kitchen & Bath designer Jan Zuccarello started this project as an update to a 1990s kitchen and quickly turned it into the homeowner's dream kitchen. Taking out a pantry and desk area, changing a window, updating appliances, and adding a new color palette with complementary lighting made the new space light and airy with a feeling of openness. Soft gray countertops complement a light patterned quartz on the contrasting gray island. The custom display cabinet with seeded glass and mullion detail repeated in the chair backs, along with the crown molding details, made this a dream come true for the homeowner.

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.

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.