A modern cabana along the Hudson River Set just above the waterline, the Hudson Pool Cabana is a quiet architectural retreat designed for effortless summer living. This modern pool house embraces its riverside setting with a warm, minimalist material palette and an open connection to the surrounding landscape. With pergolas constructed of cedar that will naturally silver over time, the structure nestles into the terrain with quiet confidence. At its heart is a streamlined kitchen that opens wide to the pool terrace, thanks to custom lift-up glass panels that transform the façade and dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. This gesture invites conversation, movement, and hospitality to flow freely between interior and exterior spaces. Inside, the cabana is grounded in simplicity—clean lines, natural finishes, and purposeful details. A full bath and changing area support long days in and around the pool, while pergolas offer shelter and shade when the sun begins to dip over the Hudson River. At once practical and poetic, this riverside cabana elevates the everyday into something serene and enduring—a modern companion to the water's edge.

This kitchen was 24 years old with the cabinets and appliances not functioning well, the flooring was cracked and in bad shape and the kitchen needed a facelift. Audrey & Karl Schmitt chose Cabinet-S-Top because we are one-stop shop and could remodel everything from floor to ceiling. This white kitchen is a timeless beauty with a style that endures and has many design features to highlight; but the customer loves the way we separated the refrigerator and freezer with a beautiful pantry to give it a more furniture feel. Audrey and Karl praised their designer, Betty Nairn and said she is beyond awesome and is professional, creative, and easy to talk to!

We were hired to turn a 1950s split-level into a forever home for our clients, a growing family who fell in love with their home for the location. Over the course of two years, we transformed the space, adding an extensive amount of square footage to the home’s footprint, raising ceilings, and adding a third floor. We prioritized stylish and enduring materials like handmade tiles and natural stone to create a warm and livable aesthetic for family living.

This warm and inviting kitchen seamlessly blends natural materials with modern functionality. The space is anchored by light brown wooden cabinets, offering both style and practicality, while a cleverly designed hidden storage space keeps the kitchen clutter-free. A wood dining table sits atop a woven natural rug, adding texture and warmth to the room. The stainless steel fridge provides a sleek contrast, complementing the earthy tones of the cabinetry. Green plants breathe life into the space, enhancing its organic feel, while the durable tile flooring ties everything together with a clean and enduring look.

The definitive idea behind this project was to create a modest country house that was traditional in outward appearance yet minimalist from within. The harmonious scale, thick wall massing and the attention to architectural detail are reminiscent of the enduring quality and beauty of European homes built long ago. It features a custom-built Spanish Colonial- inspired house that is characterized by an L-plan, low-pitched mission clay tile roofs, exposed wood rafter tails, broad expanses of thick white-washed stucco walls with recessed-in French patio doors and casement windows; and surrounded by native California oaks, boxwood hedges, French lavender, Mexican bush sage, and rosemary that are often found in Mediterranean landscapes. An emphasis was placed on visually experiencing the weight of the exposed ceiling timbers and the thick wall massing between the light, airy spaces. A simple and elegant material palette, which consists of white plastered walls, timber beams, wide plank white oak floors, and pale travertine used for wash basins and bath tile flooring, was chosen to articulate the fine balance between clean, simple lines and Old World touches.

Lace up your sneakers and perfect that jump shot - because something big is coming from the makers of Skee-Ball®. Clocking in at 7’ 8” to 8' 6" tall, SuperShot® by Skee-Ball premium in-home basketball game features custom LED lit backboard nestled atop a sleek chain-link hoop for a larger-than-life experience in 8+ unique game plays for up to eight (8) players: from Classic Sprint and Arcade Endurance to Around the World and Elite Bracket Buster. And if shooting the buzzer beater wasn’t enough, feast your eyes on an in-home basketball game - designed with aesthetic in mind - handcrafted in the heart of the Midwest where quality, fine details, and authenticity combine to create a modern, statement piece you’ll be proud to show off. Hoop there it is!

This luxury kitchen at Project Lee Circle in Buckhead features a grand statement island with ample seating, custom cabinetry, and refined architectural detailing throughout. A sculpted range hood, professional grade appliances, and classic lighting fixtures create a timeless focal point designed for both everyday living and elevated entertaining. Warm wood floors and a balanced neutral palette reinforce the home’s enduring design and thoughtful functionality within this custom Buckhead residence. Keywords Project Lee Circle Buckhead, luxury kitchen Buckhead Atlanta, custom kitchen design Buckhead, statement kitchen island, high end kitchen seating, classic modern kitchen Atl

This refined transitional kitchen remodel blends timeless design with modern functionality. Light shaker-style cabinetry is paired with warm wood accents, including a custom statement island and matching wood range hood, creating balance and depth throughout the space. Quartz countertops, a classic white subway tile backsplash, and clean black hardware keep the palette fresh and elevated, while glass globe pendants add a soft modern touch. A farmhouse apron-front sink beneath an arched window brings character and charm, complemented by professional-grade stainless steel appliances and thoughtful storage solutions. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, this kitchen feels bright, welcoming, and enduring.

Sometimes we like it traditional! This family that is very active in their community, needed a kitchen that will endure a lot of traffic, and have ample storage for oversized cookware and serving pieces, to be able to accommodate the weekly Shabbos Kiddish that they host. Can you spot the hiding place for the huge cholont pot?

An enduring piece of Americana was beautifully preserved in a 1920 cotton warehouse in Brownsville, TN that we were fortunate to find and acquire. Its character, heritage and quality immediately caught our eye. Now, painstakingly reclaimed, this oak is perfect for our Cotton collection of modern, statement tables. This organic collection speaks to our passion to blend historical beauty with modern elegance into timeless, artistic pieces.

Black and white color schemes have a long history of being associated with sophistication and timeless elegance. This classic combination adds a sense of refinement to the kitchen space that transcends passing design fads. The stark contrast between black and white creates a visually striking effect that adds depth and dimension to the kitchen. The balance between light and dark tones creates a sense of harmony, making the space visually appealing and well-designed. White elements in the kitchen can make the space feel larger and more open, while black accents can ground the design and add a sense of coziness. This duality enhances the overall aesthetics of the kitchen. The enduring popularity of black and white kitchens can be attributed to their ability to blend classic charm with modern sensibilities, resulting in a space that is both inviting and stylish.

This kitchen remodeling project in Spring, is part of a whole house remodel Kitchen and Bath Shop did recently. In this kitchen, we used quartz countertops, a farmhouse sink, open shelves, and white, long-endurance cabinets made in the U.S.A. by WellKraft Cabinetry.

Photo by Jody Dole John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

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.

Three piece set of Decorative Cast Stone Pumpkin Decor. Cinderella Pumpkins that come in 3 adorable sizes with a vibrant antique stain that endures for many seasons to come!! Hand sculpted.

This elegant dining room captures the essence of traditional design, where comfort, symmetry, and timeless sophistication come together. The space feels open yet intimate, seamlessly connected to the surrounding living areas while maintaining its own sense of purpose and grace. A stunning glass dining table serves as the centerpiece, surrounded by beautifully crafted wooden chairs that introduce warmth and classic character. The natural wood flooring enhances the inviting ambiance, adding texture and continuity throughout the home. Overhead, statement light fixtures provide a soft, balanced glow, while the dark exposed ceiling beams add architectural depth and a sense of heritage. Decorative wall panels contribute artistry and refinement, reinforcing the traditional aesthetic with subtle visual drama. Designed for both everyday gatherings and special occasions, this traditional dining room offers a harmonious blend of elegance, functionality, and enduring style.

The owners hail from Europe and were looking for a home built of materials that would last. The steel frame, cementitious siding, concrete and glass making up the structure will endure for many years, making the house more sustainable. Built over a basement, the two story home uses two large glass lanterns, or light tunnels, to bring in daylight to all levels. One functions as the stairwell and both exhaust heat through operable skylights at the top. The basement is also daylit by a large exterior light well that creates a small walk-out patio. The bedrooms open onto a roof deck. Downstairs the secondary bedroom suite is used as a full-time office. The open plan living space and kitchen open to the rear yard to bring in light and view. The front of the house is shaded by an ancient oak tree that was carefully preserved throughout construction. Klopf Architecture Project Team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova, Ethan Taylor, Fernanda Bernardes, Sherry Tan
Structural Engineer: Holmes Structures
Heating and Plumbing Engineer: Monterey Energy Group
Ventilation Engineer: Pxt Consulting
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022 Location: Palo Alto, CA

This kitchen was 24 years old with the cabinets and appliances not functioning well, the flooring was cracked and in bad shape and the kitchen needed a facelift. Audrey & Karl Schmitt chose Cabinet-S-Top because we are one-stop shop and could remodel everything from floor to ceiling. This white kitchen is a timeless beauty with a style that endures and has many design features to highlight; but the customer loves the way we separated the refrigerator and freezer with a beautiful pantry to give it a more furniture feel. Audrey and Karl praised their designer, Betty Nairn and said she is beyond awesome and is professional, creative, and easy to talk to!

A modern cabana along the Hudson River Set just above the waterline, the Hudson Pool Cabana is a quiet architectural retreat designed for effortless summer living. This modern pool house embraces its riverside setting with a warm, minimalist material palette and an open connection to the surrounding landscape. With pergolas constructed of cedar that will naturally silver over time, the structure nestles into the terrain with quiet confidence. At its heart is a streamlined kitchen that opens wide to the pool terrace, thanks to custom lift-up glass panels that transform the façade and dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. This gesture invites conversation, movement, and hospitality to flow freely between interior and exterior spaces. Inside, the cabana is grounded in simplicity—clean lines, natural finishes, and purposeful details. A full bath and changing area support long days in and around the pool, while pergolas offer shelter and shade when the sun begins to dip over the Hudson River. At once practical and poetic, this riverside cabana elevates the everyday into something serene and enduring—a modern companion to the water's edge.