Photo Credit: Neil Landino, Counter Top: Connecticut Stone Calacatta Gold Honed Marble, Kitchen Sink: 39" Wide Risinger Double Bowl Fireclay, Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Arctic Gray 1577, Trim Color: Benjamin Moore White Dove, Kitchen Faucet: Perrin and Rowe Bridge Kitchen Faucet VIDEO BLOG, EPISODE 2 – FINDING THE PERFECT STONE Watch this happy client’s testimonial on how Connecticut Stone transformed her existing kitchen into a bright, beautiful and functional space.Featuring Calacatta Gold Marble and Carrara Marble. Video Link: https://youtu.be/hwbWNMFrAV0

Layered in timeless blues, soft greens, and warm creams, this space balances tradition with everyday comfort. Thoughtfully designed with family in mind, the room invites both connection and quiet moments—ample seating encourages gathering, while a dedicated game table sets the stage for friendly competition and shared memories. A traditional secretary desk adds a functional, collected touch, perfect for homework, correspondence, or simply keeping life organized. Comfortable, classic, and meant to be lived in—this is a living room where style and family life coexist beautifully.

This project transformed a Montclair historic home into a bohemian, family-friendly farmhouse. The decor and styling embraced the formal bones of the house but was updated with warm tones and a boho luxe style that is well-suited for everyday living.

This open concept home is perfect for entertaining and everyday life. The ceiling feature was custom designed and built by Roc Building Solutions. Furniture: Wenz Home Furniture Photo: Amenson Studio

In this refined yet playful home for a family of six, every room invites connection, creativity, and daily living, with thoughtfully integrated spaces for building, gathering, and everyday living. In this space, tailored cabinetry showcases curated Lego collections, balanced by sculptural lighting and a vibrant, graphic rug. Clean-lined furnishings and soft neutrals create a refined backdrop for creativity.

This Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA living room is filled with natural light, thanks to expansive windows that frame lush outdoor views. A soft coastal palette of blues and neutrals creates a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, complemented by comfortable seating and warm wood accents. Built-in shelving and an adjacent reading nook add both function and charm, making this open, airy space ideal for everyday living and entertaining.

Photography by Ron Blunt Architectural Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary enclosed cork floor living room remodel in DC Metro with blue walls and a standard fireplace

The Harmonious Blending of Inside to Out with Wood Framed Patio Doors By NanaWall Systems, September 3, 2025 Wood framed patio doors Some homes are designed to impress from the outside. This one was reimagined to breathe from the inside out with wood framed patio doors. For a family of music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the goal was about connection. Connection to each other, to the seasons, to nature, to sound, and to their lush backyard space for daily life and family gatherings. Designed by Jason Hanrahan of Mode Architects, the home features a thoughtfully placed NanaWall kitchen pass-through window and, later, wide bifold doors in the family sunroom. The design evolved in two phases to fit the family’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle perfectly. The result is a renovation defined by openness, light, and laid-back living. A Home Shaped by Light, Music, Wood Framed Patio Doors, and a Pass-Through Window Kitchen Renovation Opens Space to Light and Entertaining with a Pass-Through Window During phase one of the renovation, the existing kitchen was reimagined to replace a restrictive floor plan and outdated appliances. Central to its new design is a three-panel NanaWall SL60 folding window system—sized at counter height to serve as a flexible pass-through window for alfresco dining and entertaining. Custom divided lites were added to complement the home’s existing window styles. The window frames were finished in a warm, off-white on both interior and exterior, tying the kitchen seamlessly to the rest of the home and its façade. The result is a transitional space that connects the kitchen directly to the outdoor dining area, a seamless connection across spaces. “The countertop-height NanaWall system made the kitchen fit better into the family’s lifestyle,” says Hanrahan. “It supports hosting and day-to-day use without turning the kitchen into a full opening.” Designed for Living: Home Reimagined Around How the Family Connects After phase one introduced a NanaWall pass-through window in the kitchen, making serving, conversation, and time outside effortless, the homeowners returned to MODE to reimagine their older sunroom. The goal: a living room and music lounge that could open completely to the backyard. The solution was incorporating a full-height, five-panel NW Clad 740 wood framed patio doors. The Generation 4 folding glass wall offered the slimmest aluminum clad frames available, and therefore, was the ideal solution to achieve seamless connectivity. Outside, the frames were finished in a warm off-white to match the façade. Inside, solid wood frames seamlessly integrate with the mushroom wood paneling and millwork. The nearly 15-foot-wide system was customized with divided lites placed high up to add rhythm while preserving unobstructed views and keeping transitions seamless. “We wanted to maximize the opening size,” says Jason. “Not just to maximize light, but literally the opening as well. The family sunroom space became more useful.” A Living Sunroom That Folds Open to the Garden MODE centered the second half of the home renovation on the family sunroom, featuring wood framed patio doors to create a seamless transition from the interior to the garden. It’s the difference between “a room with a view” and a room that becomes the view. With the nearly 8-foot-tall system open, music spills outside; with it closed, daylight, acoustics, and comfort remain finely tuned. “You are sitting in the house with the family. The opening frames the view of the pond and the trees,” describes Architect Jason Hanrahan. “They liked how it connected them with their family when they were outside… it made it more cohesive.” Choosing Materials that Reflect Nature and Serenity According to the architect, the design aims to bring the outdoors in with an organic material approach. Inside, the room is wrapped in mushroom wood reclaimed boards, whose textured grain warms the acoustics and steadies the eye. Large-format tiles keep lines calm and maintenance easy. Outside, a long concrete tread and natural stone hold the grade without hard edges. Nothing shouts; everything contributes to a single idea: bring the outdoors in and the indoors out. Energy Efficiency Meets Everyday Living The systems’ energy-efficient and performance engineering make the sunroom a four-season retreat. The architect chose NanaWall wood framed patio doors to maximize the existing exterior opening, provide intuitive and easy daily operation, and create a threshold that feels like part of the floor rather than a barrier. T hese are hallmarks of NanaWall wood framed patio doors: engineered for durability and frequent use, precision-gliding panels, and performance-tested. To ensure year-round comfort, the NanaWall wood framed patio doors and pass-through window were specified with double glazed panels for optimal performance regardless of weather. Paired with the thermally broken Low Profile Saddle Sill, the bifold door not only offers energy efficiency but also a seamless, barefoot-friendly threshold to the outdoors. Final Thoughts From weeknight dinners to weekend music sessions, this is now a home that meets the family at the place they actually live, gather, and connect in. The kitchen pass-through window keeps everyday hosting effortless. The music room turns into a garden room in seconds, inviting breezes and conversation across one continuous plane. Here, NanaWall wood framed patio doors added versatile usable square footage and extended the soul of the home outdoors. By focusing on how the family truly lives, this home now opens in all the right ways: to light, to laughter, to nature, and to each other. Visit the NanaWall inspiration gallery to explore more homes like this, designed for connection, built for modern living!

This expansive living room is designed around volume, light, and seamless flow, featuring a dramatic two-story ceiling and a wall of oversized windows that flood the space with natural light. The open layout connects effortlessly to the kitchen and dining areas, creating a cohesive environment for both everyday living and entertaining. A sleek fireplace anchors the room beneath a wall-mounted TV, while a sculptural ring chandelier adds a modern focal point overhead. Wide-plank gray flooring and crisp white walls establish a clean, neutral foundation, complemented by a thoughtfully arranged seating area that brings warmth and balance to the airy, contemporary space.

This stunning kitchen is a masterclass in modern elegance and functionality. At the heart of the space is a bold navy blue island, topped with a crisp white quartz countertop, offering generous seating for six with stylish wood and upholstered bar stools. Above the island, three oversized white and brass pendant lights provide both illumination and a sophisticated design statement. The kitchen's perimeter features classic white shaker cabinetry, creating a bright and airy atmosphere, while brass hardware adds a touch of warmth and refinement. The integrated refrigerator and sleek, paneled appliances maintain a streamlined look. A beautiful herringbone tile backsplash adds subtle texture and detail behind the range, which is accented by a dark wood hood for a bit of contrast. A brushed brass faucet serves as a jewelry-like focal point against the clean surfaces, while carefully curated accessories — including a large navy ceramic vase with fresh greenery, a tray of lemons, and a lit candle — add life and warmth to the space. This kitchen is as beautiful as it is practical, perfectly designed for entertaining and everyday living.

This beautiful French Provincial home is set on 10 acres, nestled perfectly in the oak trees. The original home was built in 1974 and had two large additions added; a great room in 1990 and a main floor master suite in 2001. This was my dream project: a full gut renovation of the entire 4,300 square foot home! I contracted the project myself, and we finished the interior remodel in just six months. The exterior received complete attention as well. The 1970s mottled brown brick went white to completely transform the look from dated to classic French. Inside, walls were removed and doorways widened to create an open floor plan that functions so well for everyday living as well as entertaining. The white walls and white trim make everything new, fresh and bright. It is so rewarding to see something old transformed into something new, more beautiful and more functional.

This custom rowhome living room is designed to maximize light, openness, and modern comfort. Warm natural white oak flooring pairs with crisp white walls to create a bright, inviting foundation, while expansive black-framed sliding glass doors connect the space seamlessly to a private outdoor balcony. A sleek linear fireplace anchors the room with a subtle architectural statement, complemented by built-in shelving that adds both function and balance. Thoughtfully proportioned and filled with natural light, this living room feels refined, airy, and perfectly suited for everyday living and entertaining.

This custom rowhome living room is designed to maximize light, openness, and modern comfort. Warm natural white oak flooring pairs with crisp white walls to create a bright, inviting foundation, while expansive black-framed sliding glass doors connect the space seamlessly to a private outdoor balcony. A sleek linear fireplace anchors the room with a subtle architectural statement, complemented by built-in shelving that adds both function and balance. Thoughtfully proportioned and filled with natural light, this living room feels refined, airy, and perfectly suited for everyday living and entertaining.

This custom rowhome living room is designed to maximize light, openness, and modern comfort. Warm natural white oak flooring pairs with crisp white walls to create a bright, inviting foundation, while expansive black-framed sliding glass doors connect the space seamlessly to a private outdoor balcony. A sleek linear fireplace anchors the room with a subtle architectural statement, complemented by built-in shelving that adds both function and balance. Thoughtfully proportioned and filled with natural light, this living room feels refined, airy, and perfectly suited for everyday living and entertaining.

This custom rowhome living room is designed to maximize light, openness, and modern comfort. Warm natural white oak flooring pairs with crisp white walls to create a bright, inviting foundation, while expansive black-framed sliding glass doors connect the space seamlessly to a private outdoor balcony. A sleek linear fireplace anchors the room with a subtle architectural statement, complemented by built-in shelving that adds both function and balance. Thoughtfully proportioned and filled with natural light, this living room feels refined, airy, and perfectly suited for everyday living and entertaining.

This custom rowhome living room is designed to maximize light, openness, and modern comfort. Warm natural white oak flooring pairs with crisp white walls to create a bright, inviting foundation, while expansive black-framed sliding glass doors connect the space seamlessly to a private outdoor balcony. A sleek linear fireplace anchors the room with a subtle architectural statement, complemented by built-in shelving that adds both function and balance. Thoughtfully proportioned and filled with natural light, this living room feels refined, airy, and perfectly suited for everyday living and entertaining.

This open and inviting living room is anchored by a striking fireplace that serves as a timeless focal point. The light stone surround and contrasting wood mantel create visual balance, while tall windows on either side bring in natural light and symmetry. Warm hardwood flooring, neutral walls, and a vaulted ceiling enhance the sense of space, making this great room ideal for both everyday living and entertaining.

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.

These lovely homeowners, in their late 60s and seasoned by life and travel, wanted a home that truly worked for their lifestyle. Their wish list was simple: comfort, functionality, and a space that felt welcoming for guests. When Small Annoyances Become Big Dealbreakers The main floor was no longer working. The kitchen was cramped, the wall between it and the dining room disrupted the flow, and two unused bedrooms wasted valuable space. Even the powder room was tucked away at the back. Upstairs, one shared bathroom, basement laundry, and a primary bedroom that overheated in the afternoon made daily life frustrating. Facing Renovation Worries The homeowners were excited but cautious. A previous renovation attempt with another company had fallen through, so trust was key. They also wanted to make sure their vision was achievable without stretching the budget. The Transformation Relocating the stairs completely opened up the main floor. The kitchen, dining, and living areas now flow together beautifully, creating a bright, open, and welcoming space. Smart Details for Everyday Living The new kitchen features a large island, ample storage, and a raised dishwasher at standing height for easy loading and unloading. We also moved the powder room to the front and added a coffee and bar station near the dining area, perfect for morning routines or entertaining guests. Comfort and Flow Upstairs Upstairs, the primary bedroom was moved to the cooler side of the house and now connects to a spacious walk-in closet and new ensuite. Compact laundry machines were installed upstairs, and the former primary bedroom was converted into a private guest suite with its own en-suite and walk-in closet. Finishes That Feel Like Home Beautiful, low-maintenance materials complete the space: custom cabinetry, leather-finish quartz countertops, engineered hardwood on the main floor, and refinished hardwood upstairs. Porcelain tiles, a new gas fireplace, and oak stairs tie everything together. The Final Takeaway Life at home has completely transformed. Cooking, entertaining, and everyday living are now effortless and enjoyable. Every space flows, every detail feels intentional, and the home finally fits their lifestyle. Ready to Love Your Home Again? If your house no longer suits your lifestyle, we can help. Let’s explore how a thoughtful renovation can make your home work for you. Contact us today to get started.