Extending - Photos & Ideas

Built in 2023 by Cutuli Homes, this custom detached accessory dwelling unit was designed as a true mother-in-law home—a private, beautifully finished residence that allows three generations of one family to live close together while maintaining their own individual spaces. The DADU was built as a companion to the homeowners' main residence, which Cutuli Homes had extensively remodeled and expanded two years earlier. Rather than treating the new structure as an afterthought, the goal was to create a home that felt architecturally connected to the existing property. Its traditional exterior, white siding, steeply pitched roof, generous windows and carefully proportioned trim give the small residence the character of an established home. The project was created for the homeowners' mother, who downsized from her large lakefront home in the Midwest to move closer to her family and young grandchild. The result captures one of the greatest advantages of multigenerational living: family and shared community just steps away, balanced with the independence, privacy and comfort of a home of her own. Inside, every inch was carefully considered. The compact footprint feels remarkably open thanks to a vaulted, white-paneled ceiling, abundant natural light, tall windows and an open vertical design that draws the eye upward. A loft level expands the usable living space without sacrificing the airy feeling of the main floor. Traditional white Shaker-style cabinetry provides extensive built-in storage throughout the home and gives the interior a clean, timeless architectural character. In the kitchen, cabinetry extends upward to take advantage of the available height, while warm neutral countertops and a textured herringbone-pattern backsplash introduce subtle depth and contrast. Stainless-steel appliances are thoughtfully incorporated into the compact layout, creating a highly functional kitchen without overwhelming the living space. One of the home's most charming features is the intimate living area tucked beneath custom built-in cabinetry. A built-in upholstered window-seat-style sofa with drawers below transforms what could have been unused space into a comfortable place to read, relax or visit. Across from it, a contemporary fireplace is integrated into a compact feature wall, with a wood display ledge above providing space for artwork, plants and personal collections. Warm wood accents soften the predominantly white interior. Natural wood ledges, shelving, flooring and the loft ladder bring warmth and texture to the rooms, while greenery and personal furnishings give the home the comfortable character of a full-size residence rather than a conventional accessory dwelling unit. The private sleeping area demonstrates the same emphasis on intelligent space planning. Built-in cabinetry surrounds the bed and continues overhead, providing substantial storage without requiring bulky freestanding furniture. A softly textured wall treatment, warm wood shelving and abundant natural light make the compact bedroom feel inviting and finished. Above, the loft takes advantage of the dramatic roofline with a white tongue-and-groove style paneled ceiling extending from wall to wall. Built-in storage is incorporated beneath the sloped portions of the ceiling, turning otherwise difficult spaces into useful cabinetry while preserving an open central area for a desk, music, hobbies or additional flexible living space. Even the exterior reflects the home's attention to detail. Large windows bring daylight deep into the interior, while the private patio extends the living space outdoors. Traditional siding and trim allow the DADU to complement the architecture of the main residence while still having an identity of its own. At every turn, this project demonstrates that downsizing does not have to mean compromising on craftsmanship, beauty, storage or individuality. Through custom cabinetry, creative built-ins, vertical space planning and carefully considered architectural details, Cutuli Homes transformed a modest footprint into an elegant and highly personalized residence. More than simply a DADU, this is a thoughtfully designed multigenerational home—close enough for grandparents, parents and grandchildren to share everyday life, while giving everyone the privacy and independence of having a place of their own.

Mequon - Extended Living

MJS Landscaping Services

Elegant patio photo in Milwaukee

Extended Patio Cover and deck; Houston, Tx

Tradition Outdoor Living

Patio - mid-sized modern backyard stamped concrete patio idea in Houston with a roof extension

Find the right local pro for your project

Find top design and renovation professionals on Houzz

Plan FB1038

Southernwood Homes

We crafted this spacious two-story home in Flowery Branch, GA, featuring an attractive exterior with a mix of stone, brick, and siding. The outer facade boasts board and batten shutters, along with a stylish metal roof accentuating the extended front porch. The porch itself is adorned with flagstone flooring and a wood inlaid ceiling. Upon entering, you're welcomed by an elegant two-story foyer showcasing a curved open banister handrail leading to the upper floor. The open-concept floor plan seamlessly extends from the front to the back, where the dining room meets the family room. Hardwood floors grace the entire living space, and the family room is highlighted by a large stone fireplace and a curved set of windows overlooking the outdoor living area. The expansive kitchen and dining areas were thoughtfully designed with plenty of custom cabinets and countertop space, featuring brushed stainless steel appliances. Additionally, a secondary kitchen is included for food preparation. The delightful master bedroom boasts hardwood flooring and a spacious tray ceiling. The extensive master bath offers a soaking tub, a separate walk-in shower, and his and hers vanities. Notably, the home includes two master suites. Convenience is key with two laundry facilities located in different areas within the home. A bonus room with a kitchenette adds flexibility to the living space. The full daylight basement is roughed in for future expansion possibilities. Outside, the living space extends to a sizable covered patio with flagstone flooring and a wood inlaid ceiling.

James Hardie Board & Batten - Fairfax

Mikeree Inc.

Mike Ree
Mid-sized contemporary yellow two-story concrete fiberboard exterior home idea in DC Metro

Family room extended

CP Interiors Ltd

Crystal Photiou
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room remodel in New York with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Barn-Inspired ADU & Guest Cottage in NY with NanaWall Steel Effect Doors

NanaWall

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.