This historic home in Richmond's Church Hill neighborhood was in need of a floor to ceiling refresh. It's beauty was still evident, but it had endured years of disrepair. We worked hard to restore as much original carpentry as possible including woods, railings, flooring, fireplaces and even several windows. The kitchen and bathrooms were completely renovated with a new full bath added on upstairs. The final result was a gracious, stunning and historically preserved house that fits a modern family.

A homeowner who we’d worked with previously (a bathroom we’d remodeled for him was named ‘Bathroom of the Year’ by Boston Globe Magazine in 2007.) contacted us with a new project in mind. Following a divorce and second marriage, he and his family had moved into mid-sized home that felt too cramped for two adults and four children. Working within its existing frame, we set to work creating a more functional and pleasant living experience. The family’s main gathering area is the kitchen. We began improving the space by absorbing square footage from what had been a mudroom/laundry area behind the kitchen. This allowed us to introduce an island, creating a focal point for meal prep, cooking, and socializing. New custom cabinetry increased storage. We added a homework nook for the kids. Wider openings to the foyer and the dining room made flow between spaces easier. At the home’s entry, we re-treaded and re-finished the staircase, adding new railings and newell post. An orange fiberglass exterior door contrasts playfully with the home’s deep blue exterior. Finishing the basement allowed the introduction of a new laundry area, a cozy family room/kids play space, and a workshop. In this last space we reconfigured some kitchen items that had been ordered but were unusable due to a last-minute change in plans, including a cabinet now used for tool storage and a wall panel that became a workbench. On the home’s second floor, one bedroom had been accessible only by passing through another bedroom. The family’s two teenage children had been enduring this arrangement via solutions that included placing duct tape along the floor to mark passage boundaries. We were able to give each child much-desired private space by borrowing square-footage from a closet and carving out a hallway with separate entries for each room. Another bedroom on the second floor was refreshed with a new coat of paint. Photo by Shelly Harrison

The Emmet tall lounge chair and tall ottoman are a modern take on an enduring symbol of rustic American relaxation. Our exclusive design, Emmet is made in Duluth, Minnesota, from 100 percent recycled high-density plastic and features a stainless steel bottle opener under the arm for effortless outdoor entertaining. The matching ottoman meets the seat of the chair then gently cascades down to support your legs in a comfortable arch. The tall chair and ottoman have a higher seat than the original Emmet design, making it easy to get in and out. Eco-friendly, durable, comfortable and easy to care for, Emmet is an outdoor classic.

This new build was designed with a modern organic approach, blending clean architectural lines with warm, natural materials to create a space that feels timeless, calm, and highly livable. The goal was to design a cohesive main floor that feels elevated yet approachable, with thoughtful attention to scale, proportion, and material layering. Soft neutral tones provide a quiet foundation, while warm wood finishes, subtle texture, and brass accents add depth and visual interest. Furniture selections were carefully curated to balance comfort and sophistication, ensuring the home feels welcoming without sacrificing design integrity. Lighting was intentionally layered to enhance both functionality and atmosphere throughout the space. The result is a refined, modern organic interior that feels collected, enduring, and tailored to everyday living — a home designed to age beautifully over time.

"About this Home: Upon entering, the grandeur of the home is immediately apparent, with 15' vaulted ceilings gracing the main living areas and a barrer ceiling in the foyer, creating an atmosphere of openness and airiness. The living space, adorned with cedar beams and a gas fireplace, flows effortlessly into the dining area, which opens to a covered back deck overlooking a large private yard—an ideal canvas for creating an outdoor oasis, perhaps with a pool and pool house. The heart of this home is undoubtedly the meticulously designed kitchen. A culinary haven, it boasts Jenn Air appliances, custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, and a striking custom hood. Every detail was considered to provide both functionality and aesthetic pleasure. The site-finished hardwood floors underfoot enhance the overall sense of refinement. The master suite, located on the main level, is a sanctuary of indulgence. The oversized bedroom leads to a spa-like master bathroom featuring a freestanding tub, an oversized shower with dual shower heads, and opulent finishes throughout. Ascending to the second level, you'll find a large en-suite bedroom and two additional bedrooms sharing a Jack & Jill bathroom, ensuring privacy and comfort for all residents. Beyond the impeccable interior, the home is framed by a generous lot size of 0.7 acres, offering the potential to create a private retreat within the city. The vision for this home was not just to provide shelter but to curate a lifestyle—a life filled with refined comfort, entertaining possibilities, and an enduring sense of home. As the builder, we are proud to present a residence where every detail has been thoughtfully considered, resulting in a timeless masterpiece that will be cherished for generations to come. 41 West is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network. Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples. As a Certified Luxury Builder, 41 West is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information."

This Leawood, Kansas primary bathroom remodel was designed to support a growing family's changing needs while creating a more functional and timeless retreat. The existing layout was reimagined to improve daily routines, replacing an underutilized bathtub with a spacious walk-in shower featuring dual showerheads and a transom window that fills the space with natural light while maintaining privacy. The renovation extended beyond the bathroom to enhance the adjoining closet. By reclaiming square footage from the former shower location, the design created additional storage and incorporated a dedicated washer and dryer for greater everyday convenience. Thoughtful planning and purposeful design decisions helped maximize functionality without sacrificing style. Completed just before the homeowners welcomed their new baby, this remodel was designed to simplify daily life while providing a beautiful and enduring space that will serve the family for years to come.

The home received a James Hardie makeover in the shade Arctic White along with 8 ProVia Endure windows and a CertainTeed Landmark Pro Roof installed. For improved confidence and appeal. Beautiful!

Inside, the home continues its disciplined aesthetic—open, airy, and rooted in natural texture. White oak floors, custom cabinetry, and stone countertops create a neutral foundation that highlights the home’s architectural lines. The open floor plan connects kitchen, dining, and living areas, while expansive window walls extend sightlines into the landscape. Mechanical and structural systems are discreetly integrated for comfort and performance. High-efficiency insulation, HVAC zoning, and moisture control ensure long-term durability and efficiency. Outdoor living areas—terraces, porches, and patios—mirror the main structure’s material language, with continuous stone and wood elements that blur the boundary between interior and exterior. Every joint, reveal, and finish at Summit Ridge exemplifies CarsonSpeer Builders’ dedication to authenticity, proportion, and craftsmanship. This modern Southern residence stands as a testament to timeless design—crafted to endure, inspire, and live beautifully within its mountain setting.

This Leawood, Kansas primary bathroom remodel was designed to support a growing family's changing needs while creating a more functional and timeless retreat. The existing layout was reimagined to improve daily routines, replacing an underutilized bathtub with a spacious walk-in shower featuring dual showerheads and a transom window that fills the space with natural light while maintaining privacy. The renovation extended beyond the bathroom to enhance the adjoining closet. By reclaiming square footage from the former shower location, the design created additional storage and incorporated a dedicated washer and dryer for greater everyday convenience. Thoughtful planning and purposeful design decisions helped maximize functionality without sacrificing style. Completed just before the homeowners welcomed their new baby, this remodel was designed to simplify daily life while providing a beautiful and enduring space that will serve the family for years to come.

This kitchen remodel blends timeless finishes with modern functionality. The design features custom Sollid Cabinetry, paired with classic white subway tile for a clean and versatile backdrop. Countertops and hardware were carefully selected to complement the cabinetry, while the standout fixtures include the Kohler Purist Vibrant Brushed Bronze faucet and a Kraus Single Bowl Workstation Sink, both adding beauty and everyday convenience. As the general contractor, our goal was to create a kitchen that feels both fresh and enduring, with a balance of modern design and lasting quality. By combining Kohler fixtures, Sollid Cabinetry, and homeowner-selected details, this remodel showcases how thoughtful material choices can transform a space into the heart of the home.

This gracious home was designed with comfort, livablity and timeless style in mind. The thoughtuful finishes, interesting designer lighting and wood tones make it a beautiful, easy space to be in. A traditional Craftsman home exudes warmth and character, characterized by its handcrafted details and use of natural materials like stone, wood, and tile. The design features exposed beams, custom woodwork, and built-in furniture, creating a sense of craftsmanship that prioritizes architectural integrity. A wide front porch with overhanging eaves welcomes visitors, while low-pitched roofs and shingle siding provide a classic, timeless look. Inside, cozy interiors are enriched by wrought iron accents, casement windows, and stained glass, reflecting the home’s deep connection to the Arts and Crafts movement. The thoughtful combination of functional elegance and charming details creates a comfortable, family-friendly space full of enduring beauty and practicality.

Upper Valley Estate Curb Appeal – El Paso, Texas This curb appeal transformation was conceived as a deliberate sequence—an arrival experience where architecture, landscape, and lighting work together as one. Every element was designed to honor the home’s stone construction, turreted forms, and Old World character while responding precisely to the Upper Valley climate and lifestyle. By day, the experience is grounded and composed. Brick-edged concrete drives establish order and permanence, guiding movement through the property with clarity and intention. Natural stone walls and columns anchor the architecture, while layered gravel beds, drought-tolerant plantings, and manicured turf soften transitions and connect the home to its desert setting. Mature trees were preserved and carefully integrated, providing scale, shade, and a sense of continuity. As afternoon shifts toward sunset, the materials begin to speak differently. Stone warms, textures deepen, and sightlines subtly draw the eye toward the front entry. The landscape narrows the focus, creating a moment of pause before arrival—calm, quiet, and refined. At night, the design reveals its final layer. Low-voltage lighting is integrated with precision, washing stone surfaces, tracing architectural curves, and uplighting specimen trees to create depth without glare. The drive, walkways, and entry feel safe, legible, and inviting, while the home itself glows with a restrained elegance. Coming home after dark feels intentional—protected, welcoming, and unmistakably yours. What was created is more than curb appeal. It is a cohesive design-build solution where nothing is ornamental without purpose and nothing is built without intention. A daily experience of arrival that reflects craftsmanship, care, and the enduring character of the Upper Valley.

Transitional home design photo in Boston

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.

Living room - living room idea in Houston

This traditional kitchen centers on the timeless beauty of Shiloh’s walnut cabinetry, crafted in a raised center panel door style that showcases the full warmth and character of the wood. The natural grain, depth of tone, and smooth finish highlight walnut’s inherent elegance, giving the space a grounded, heirloom-quality feel. The raised panel detailing reinforces a classic aesthetic, adding dimension and sophistication without excess ornamentation. Together, these elements create a kitchen defined by craftsmanship, durability, and the enduring appeal of richly stained wood.

This kitchen remodeling project in Spring Road, 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.

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.

A classic fireplace surround enhances your home with timeless design and architectural sophistication. Its graceful structure and traditional styling create a striking focal point, adding warmth and elegance while defining the character of your living space. Crafted from premium precast or cast stone, this surround offers exceptional durability and refined detailing for a polished, enduring finish. Its versatile design complements a variety of interior styles, seamlessly blending classic inspiration with modern comfort. Perfect for living rooms and residential interiors, a classic fireplace surround brings depth, charm, and lasting beauty, elevating your space with refined craftsmanship and timeless appeal.