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The goal for this kitchen was to create a beautiful and functional place that better matched the family needs. The owners said that there was not enough space for cooking and hosting large parties.
The existing kitchen’s layout didn’t allow for more space and openness. We decided to remove the wall between the kitchen and dining area to allow us to enlarge their kitchen and bring in an abundance of sunlight.
Alder wood cabinetry created a traditional, cozy feeling while the large island is ideal for cooking and hosting large gatherings. The pantry cabinets were designed with roll-outs, ample amount of drawers, and tray dividers which all provides easy access and organization. The upper glass doors cabinets adds a feeling of elegance.
We’re happy to say that the clients are very excited to enjoy the luxury of their new, functional kitchen that is filled with lots of light that can be enjoyed by the entire family. The bamboo flooring is a great accent to the look of the kitchen.
Dean J. Birinyi

The Home
While looking for space where their active family could expand, these homeowners turned to Black Forest, with trees that remind them of their Indiana years. A stunning Pikes Peak view underscores how fortunate they are to live in Colorado. This home features classic nods to the owner’s French heritage while embracing a thoroughly of-the-moment Colorado lifestyle. Priorities for these homeowners included blending outdoor and indoor spaces wherever possible with generously proportioned windows and doors, porches, patios and balconies.
A gracious lime-washed brick entry punctuates a simplified white stucco and black-frame-windowed exterior with traditional
rooflines. Dramatic open spaces on the main floor comfortably accommodate the everyday activities of this busy family of four, while
providing for welcomed visits from family and friends. A functional, open kitchen is designed for serious cooking, a butler’s pantry for
staples, and serveware storage and dining spaces that effortlessly host after-school snacking to multi-course meals. A main-level,
Peak-view office comfortably supports working at home, complete with a beer cave and tasting nook for hosting fellow aficionados
after work is done. Guests will find comfort and privacy in a ma in-level guestroom suite or sleepover fun in the built-in bunks of the
expansive over-garage bonus room.
This home is a true collaboration that blends the homeowner’s long-held vision of their ideal home brought to life by the builder’s vision
and design/build process that achieves something truly…Warm and welcoming in the Forest.
The Builder
Stauffer & Sons Construction is a true Design-Build team creating some of the finest living spaces in the Pikes Peak region for over twenty years. We’ve developed an easy point-of-entry to the Design-Build process that begins with our very popular Conceptual Design and Budgeting Agreement. This affordable, low-commitment step provides answers to the early-stage questions of “what and how much?” With this critical information in place, a robust collaboration between client and builder ensues, resulting in a thoughtfully designed home that strikes a balance between size and scope and budget.
The Interior Design
Family, friends and soon-to-be friends are welcomed into this updated version of a French country farmhouse through a bricked archway and a solid arch-top entry door. Once inside, a sweeping gallery of windows adorned with flower-filled window boxes sets a nice foreground to the ponderosa pine forest. A great room with a two-story, lime-washed, brick fireplace sits juxtaposed to a cozy farm-styled kitchen with large island, plenty of storage and a Pikes Peak view. This family home features a simple, clean design with warm, wooden beams and solid, white-oak flooring. This home is designed to be lived in. Wherever you go, downstairs, upstairs or out on the porch, this home wraps around you and is a delightful place to enjoy.

Lonicera sempervirens / Trumpet honeysuckle
Courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder
Find the right local pro for your project

Bouteloua curtipendula / sideoats grass
New York Botanical Garden
Photo: Kristine Paulus, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-2.0 Generic

Our customer wanted something low maintenance but stylish and eye pleasing. These stone pavers continued the design we created in the front patio areas and also provides a very easy upkeep as well. Tropical foliage was added to finish the design, now is ready to showcase this side of the house whenever he hosts any parties!!!

Entertaining and bringing people together is what this family is all about. Birthdays involve amazing cakes like you see on those TV shows, and groups of 30 people or more. Their ideal kitchen needed to accommodate that level of baking and hosting, but also support the daily rhythms of life.
Our collaborative design was guided by Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural tradition that predates feng shui. Based on Vedic traditions that harmonize human behavior with natural forces in the world, Vastu Shanstra basically suggests how to inhabit a place in the best way possible.
The objectives were:
-Relocate the entire kitchen so the home’s heat source (oven) is in the southeast
-Incorporate symmetry into the overall design
-Create a large space for entertaining – open and airy with lots of light
-Simultaneously separate but join cooking and gathering spaces, allowing the cook to have a cook-specific zone that is still a part of any gathering
-Individual storage for small appliances – making them easier to use
-Simplicity – the space should be easy to use and maintain
Design challenges we solved for:
-Incorporate three load bearing points of the house
-Provide structural support that was not obvious
-Reconfigure kitchen utilities to another part of the home
-Maximize storage space
Design solutions and mindful innovations became an exciting motivation that drove the project:
-Double-horseshoe design features two symmetrical islands that seat 18 people comfortably
-Downdraft ventilation behind rangetop allows unobstructed views
-Overhead beams for structural support
-Equip nearby dining room with locking bar and wine cabinet
-Roll-out appliance shelves on back of cooking island are powered for easy use
-Symmetrical fridge and freezer columns separated by oven
-Cabinets along back of the cooking area for everyday items
-Tall pantry cabinet has four drawers for paperwork
-Spacious walk-in storage pantry has a counter with power outlets
-Coffee station has a trash can directly below for easy clean up
-Two sinks and dishwashers for easy cleanup
“A lot of relationships are built over food,” the homeowner told us. “This [kitchen] keeps our family close because we all love food. My kids sit in the kitchen all evening long every day – and I’m right there cooking. That’s life –to be together.”
We also collaborated with the homeowners to remodel their primary bathroom, primary bedroom closet and an additional bathroom.

THE SETUP
Once these empty nest homeowners decided to stay put, they knew a new kitchen was in order. Passionate about cooking, entertaining, and hosting holiday gatherings, they found their existing kitchen inadequate. The space, with its traditional style and outdated layout, was far from ideal. They longed for an elegant, timeless kitchen that was not only show-stopping but also functional, seamlessly catering to both their daily routines and special occasions with friends and family. Another key factor was its future appeal to potential buyers, as they’re ready to enjoy their new kitchen while also considering downsizing in the future.
Design Objectives:
Create a more streamlined, open space
Eliminate traditional elements
Improve flow for entertaining and everyday use
Omit dated posts and soffits
Include storage for small appliances to keep counters clutter-free
Address mail organization and phone charging concerns
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges:
Compensate for lost storage from omitted wall cabinets
Revise floorplan to feature a single, spacious island
Enhance island seating proximity for a more engaging atmosphere
Address awkward space above existing built-ins
Improve natural light blocked by wall cabinet near the window
Create a highly functional space tailored for entertaining
Design Solutions:
Tall cabinetry and pull-outs maximize storage efficiency
A generous single island promotes seamless flow and ample prep space
Strategic island seating arrangement fosters easy conversation
New built-ins fill arched openings, ensuring a custom, clutter-free look
Replace wall cabinet with lighted open shelves for an airy feel
Galley Dresser and Workstation offer impeccable organization and versatility, creating the perfect setup for entertaining with everything easily accessible.
THE RENEWED SPACE
The new kitchen exceeded every expectation, thrilling the clients with its revitalized, expansive design and thoughtful functionality. The transformation brought to life an open space adorned with marble accents, a state-of-the-art steam oven, and the seamless integration of the Galley Dresser, crafting a kitchen not just to be used, but to be cherished. This is more than a culinary space; it’s a new heart of their home, ready to host countless memories and culinary adventures.
This photo features a maple interior drawer with the docking drawer outlet power attached for easy charging, key drawer, etc.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

Entertaining and bringing people together is what this family is all about. Birthdays involve amazing cakes like you see on those TV shows, and groups of 30 people or more. Their ideal kitchen needed to accommodate that level of baking and hosting, but also support the daily rhythms of life.
Our collaborative design was guided by Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural tradition that predates feng shui. Based on Vedic traditions that harmonize human behavior with natural forces in the world, Vastu Shanstra basically suggests how to inhabit a place in the best way possible.
The objectives were:
-Relocate the entire kitchen so the home’s heat source (oven) is in the southeast
-Incorporate symmetry into the overall design
-Create a large space for entertaining – open and airy with lots of light
-Simultaneously separate but join cooking and gathering spaces, allowing the cook to have a cook-specific zone that is still a part of any gathering
-Individual storage for small appliances – making them easier to use
-Simplicity – the space should be easy to use and maintain
Design challenges we solved for:
-Incorporate three load bearing points of the house
-Provide structural support that was not obvious
-Reconfigure kitchen utilities to another part of the home
-Maximize storage space
Design solutions and mindful innovations became an exciting motivation that drove the project:
-Double-horseshoe design features two symmetrical islands that seat 18 people comfortably
-Downdraft ventilation behind rangetop allows unobstructed views
-Overhead beams for structural support
-Equip nearby dining room with locking bar and wine cabinet
-Roll-out appliance shelves on back of cooking island are powered for easy use
-Symmetrical fridge and freezer columns separated by oven
-Cabinets along back of the cooking area for everyday items
-Tall pantry cabinet has four drawers for paperwork
-Spacious walk-in storage pantry has a counter with power outlets
-Coffee station has a trash can directly below for easy clean up
-Two sinks and dishwashers for easy cleanup
“A lot of relationships are built over food,” the homeowner told us. “This [kitchen] keeps our family close because we all love food. My kids sit in the kitchen all evening long every day – and I’m right there cooking. That’s life –to be together.”
We also collaborated with the homeowners to remodel their primary bathroom, primary bedroom closet and an additional bathroom.

Entertaining and bringing people together is what this family is all about. Birthdays involve amazing cakes like you see on those TV shows, and groups of 30 people or more. Their ideal kitchen needed to accommodate that level of baking and hosting, but also support the daily rhythms of life.
Our collaborative design was guided by Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural tradition that predates feng shui. Based on Vedic traditions that harmonize human behavior with natural forces in the world, Vastu Shanstra basically suggests how to inhabit a place in the best way possible.
The objectives were:
-Relocate the entire kitchen so the home’s heat source (oven) is in the southeast
-Incorporate symmetry into the overall design
-Create a large space for entertaining – open and airy with lots of light
-Simultaneously separate but join cooking and gathering spaces, allowing the cook to have a cook-specific zone that is still a part of any gathering
-Individual storage for small appliances – making them easier to use
-Simplicity – the space should be easy to use and maintain
Design challenges we solved for:
-Incorporate three load bearing points of the house
-Provide structural support that was not obvious
-Reconfigure kitchen utilities to another part of the home
-Maximize storage space
Design solutions and mindful innovations became an exciting motivation that drove the project:
-Double-horseshoe design features two symmetrical islands that seat 18 people comfortably
-Downdraft ventilation behind rangetop allows unobstructed views
-Overhead beams for structural support
-Equip nearby dining room with locking bar and wine cabinet
-Roll-out appliance shelves on back of cooking island are powered for easy use
-Symmetrical fridge and freezer columns separated by oven
-Cabinets along back of the cooking area for everyday items
-Tall pantry cabinet has four drawers for paperwork
-Spacious walk-in storage pantry has a counter with power outlets
-Coffee station has a trash can directly below for easy clean up
-Two sinks and dishwashers for easy cleanup
“A lot of relationships are built over food,” the homeowner told us. “This [kitchen] keeps our family close because we all love food. My kids sit in the kitchen all evening long every day – and I’m right there cooking. That’s life –to be together.”
We also collaborated with the homeowners to remodel their primary bathroom, primary bedroom closet and an additional bathroom.

Entertaining and bringing people together is what this family is all about. Birthdays involve amazing cakes like you see on those TV shows, and groups of 30 people or more. Their ideal kitchen needed to accommodate that level of baking and hosting, but also support the daily rhythms of life.
Our collaborative design was guided by Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural tradition that predates feng shui. Based on Vedic traditions that harmonize human behavior with natural forces in the world, Vastu Shanstra basically suggests how to inhabit a place in the best way possible.
The objectives were:
-Relocate the entire kitchen so the home’s heat source (oven) is in the southeast
-Incorporate symmetry into the overall design
-Create a large space for entertaining – open and airy with lots of light
-Simultaneously separate but join cooking and gathering spaces, allowing the cook to have a cook-specific zone that is still a part of any gathering
-Individual storage for small appliances – making them easier to use
-Simplicity – the space should be easy to use and maintain
Design challenges we solved for:
-Incorporate three load bearing points of the house
-Provide structural support that was not obvious
-Reconfigure kitchen utilities to another part of the home
-Maximize storage space
Design solutions and mindful innovations became an exciting motivation that drove the project:
-Double-horseshoe design features two symmetrical islands that seat 18 people comfortably
-Downdraft ventilation behind rangetop allows unobstructed views
-Overhead beams for structural support
-Equip nearby dining room with locking bar and wine cabinet
-Roll-out appliance shelves on back of cooking island are powered for easy use
-Symmetrical fridge and freezer columns separated by oven
-Cabinets along back of the cooking area for everyday items
-Tall pantry cabinet has four drawers for paperwork
-Spacious walk-in storage pantry has a counter with power outlets
-Coffee station has a trash can directly below for easy clean up
-Two sinks and dishwashers for easy cleanup
“A lot of relationships are built over food,” the homeowner told us. “This [kitchen] keeps our family close because we all love food. My kids sit in the kitchen all evening long every day – and I’m right there cooking. That’s life –to be together.”
We also collaborated with the homeowners to remodel their primary bathroom, primary bedroom closet and an additional bathroom.

A striking black, white and gray plaid tile sets the tone for this attractive laundry room that combines function and style, with high-efficiency appliances, easy-access storage and lots of counter space.

Entertaining and bringing people together is what this family is all about. Birthdays involve amazing cakes like you see on those TV shows, and groups of 30 people or more. Their ideal kitchen needed to accommodate that level of baking and hosting, but also support the daily rhythms of life.
Our collaborative design was guided by Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural tradition that predates feng shui. Based on Vedic traditions that harmonize human behavior with natural forces in the world, Vastu Shanstra basically suggests how to inhabit a place in the best way possible.
The objectives were:
-Relocate the entire kitchen so the home’s heat source (oven) is in the southeast
-Incorporate symmetry into the overall design
-Create a large space for entertaining – open and airy with lots of light
-Simultaneously separate but join cooking and gathering spaces, allowing the cook to have a cook-specific zone that is still a part of any gathering
-Individual storage for small appliances – making them easier to use
-Simplicity – the space should be easy to use and maintain
Design challenges we solved for:
-Incorporate three load bearing points of the house
-Provide structural support that was not obvious
-Reconfigure kitchen utilities to another part of the home
-Maximize storage space
Design solutions and mindful innovations became an exciting motivation that drove the project:
-Double-horseshoe design features two symmetrical islands that seat 18 people comfortably
-Downdraft ventilation behind rangetop allows unobstructed views
-Overhead beams for structural support
-Equip nearby dining room with locking bar and wine cabinet
-Roll-out appliance shelves on back of cooking island are powered for easy use
-Symmetrical fridge and freezer columns separated by oven
-Cabinets along back of the cooking area for everyday items
-Tall pantry cabinet has four drawers for paperwork
-Spacious walk-in storage pantry has a counter with power outlets
-Coffee station has a trash can directly below for easy clean up
-Two sinks and dishwashers for easy cleanup
“A lot of relationships are built over food,” the homeowner told us. “This [kitchen] keeps our family close because we all love food. My kids sit in the kitchen all evening long every day – and I’m right there cooking. That’s life –to be together.”
We also collaborated with the homeowners to remodel their primary bathroom, primary bedroom closet and an additional bathroom.

I placed the large outdoor umbrella on the outside of the wall so as not to take up precious square footage. It arches over the entire patio which is a practical and easy solution for an exposed patio.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

Entertaining and bringing people together is what this family is all about. Birthdays involve amazing cakes like you see on those TV shows, and groups of 30 people or more. Their ideal kitchen needed to accommodate that level of baking and hosting, but also support the daily rhythms of life.
Our collaborative design was guided by Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural tradition that predates feng shui. Based on Vedic traditions that harmonize human behavior with natural forces in the world, Vastu Shanstra basically suggests how to inhabit a place in the best way possible.
The objectives were:
-Relocate the entire kitchen so the home’s heat source (oven) is in the southeast
-Incorporate symmetry into the overall design
-Create a large space for entertaining – open and airy with lots of light
-Simultaneously separate but join cooking and gathering spaces, allowing the cook to have a cook-specific zone that is still a part of any gathering
-Individual storage for small appliances – making them easier to use
-Simplicity – the space should be easy to use and maintain
Design challenges we solved for:
-Incorporate three load bearing points of the house
-Provide structural support that was not obvious
-Reconfigure kitchen utilities to another part of the home
-Maximize storage space
Design solutions and mindful innovations became an exciting motivation that drove the project:
-Double-horseshoe design features two symmetrical islands that seat 18 people comfortably
-Downdraft ventilation behind rangetop allows unobstructed views
-Overhead beams for structural support
-Equip nearby dining room with locking bar and wine cabinet
-Roll-out appliance shelves on back of cooking island are powered for easy use
-Symmetrical fridge and freezer columns separated by oven
-Cabinets along back of the cooking area for everyday items
-Tall pantry cabinet has four drawers for paperwork
-Spacious walk-in storage pantry has a counter with power outlets
-Coffee station has a trash can directly below for easy clean up
-Two sinks and dishwashers for easy cleanup
“A lot of relationships are built over food,” the homeowner told us. “This [kitchen] keeps our family close because we all love food. My kids sit in the kitchen all evening long every day – and I’m right there cooking. That’s life –to be together.”
We also collaborated with the homeowners to remodel their primary bathroom, primary bedroom closet and an additional bathroom.

Entertaining and bringing people together is what this family is all about. Birthdays involve amazing cakes like you see on those TV shows, and groups of 30 people or more. Their ideal kitchen needed to accommodate that level of baking and hosting, but also support the daily rhythms of life.
Our collaborative design was guided by Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural tradition that predates feng shui. Based on Vedic traditions that harmonize human behavior with natural forces in the world, Vastu Shanstra basically suggests how to inhabit a place in the best way possible.
The objectives were:
-Relocate the entire kitchen so the home’s heat source (oven) is in the southeast
-Incorporate symmetry into the overall design
-Create a large space for entertaining – open and airy with lots of light
-Simultaneously separate but join cooking and gathering spaces, allowing the cook to have a cook-specific zone that is still a part of any gathering
-Individual storage for small appliances – making them easier to use
-Simplicity – the space should be easy to use and maintain
Design challenges we solved for:
-Incorporate three load bearing points of the house
-Provide structural support that was not obvious
-Reconfigure kitchen utilities to another part of the home
-Maximize storage space
Design solutions and mindful innovations became an exciting motivation that drove the project:
-Double-horseshoe design features two symmetrical islands that seat 18 people comfortably
-Downdraft ventilation behind rangetop allows unobstructed views
-Overhead beams for structural support
-Equip nearby dining room with locking bar and wine cabinet
-Roll-out appliance shelves on back of cooking island are powered for easy use
-Symmetrical fridge and freezer columns separated by oven
-Cabinets along back of the cooking area for everyday items
-Tall pantry cabinet has four drawers for paperwork
-Spacious walk-in storage pantry has a counter with power outlets
-Coffee station has a trash can directly below for easy clean up
-Two sinks and dishwashers for easy cleanup
“A lot of relationships are built over food,” the homeowner told us. “This [kitchen] keeps our family close because we all love food. My kids sit in the kitchen all evening long every day – and I’m right there cooking. That’s life –to be together.”
We also collaborated with the homeowners to remodel their primary bathroom, primary bedroom closet and an additional bathroom.

Entertaining and bringing people together is what this family is all about. Birthdays involve amazing cakes like you see on those TV shows, and groups of 30 people or more. Their ideal kitchen needed to accommodate that level of baking and hosting, but also support the daily rhythms of life.
Our collaborative design was guided by Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural tradition that predates feng shui. Based on Vedic traditions that harmonize human behavior with natural forces in the world, Vastu Shanstra basically suggests how to inhabit a place in the best way possible.
The objectives were:
-Relocate the entire kitchen so the home’s heat source (oven) is in the southeast
-Incorporate symmetry into the overall design
-Create a large space for entertaining – open and airy with lots of light
-Simultaneously separate but join cooking and gathering spaces, allowing the cook to have a cook-specific zone that is still a part of any gathering
-Individual storage for small appliances – making them easier to use
-Simplicity – the space should be easy to use and maintain
Design challenges we solved for:
-Incorporate three load bearing points of the house
-Provide structural support that was not obvious
-Reconfigure kitchen utilities to another part of the home
-Maximize storage space
Design solutions and mindful innovations became an exciting motivation that drove the project:
-Double-horseshoe design features two symmetrical islands that seat 18 people comfortably
-Downdraft ventilation behind rangetop allows unobstructed views
-Overhead beams for structural support
-Equip nearby dining room with locking bar and wine cabinet
-Roll-out appliance shelves on back of cooking island are powered for easy use
-Symmetrical fridge and freezer columns separated by oven
-Cabinets along back of the cooking area for everyday items
-Tall pantry cabinet has four drawers for paperwork
-Spacious walk-in storage pantry has a counter with power outlets
-Coffee station has a trash can directly below for easy clean up
-Two sinks and dishwashers for easy cleanup
“A lot of relationships are built over food,” the homeowner told us. “This [kitchen] keeps our family close because we all love food. My kids sit in the kitchen all evening long every day – and I’m right there cooking. That’s life –to be together.”
We also collaborated with the homeowners to remodel their primary bathroom, primary bedroom closet and an additional bathroom.

Entertaining and bringing people together is what this family is all about. Birthdays involve amazing cakes like you see on those TV shows, and groups of 30 people or more. Their ideal kitchen needed to accommodate that level of baking and hosting, but also support the daily rhythms of life.
Our collaborative design was guided by Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural tradition that predates feng shui. Based on Vedic traditions that harmonize human behavior with natural forces in the world, Vastu Shanstra basically suggests how to inhabit a place in the best way possible.
The objectives were:
-Relocate the entire kitchen so the home’s heat source (oven) is in the southeast
-Incorporate symmetry into the overall design
-Create a large space for entertaining – open and airy with lots of light
-Simultaneously separate but join cooking and gathering spaces, allowing the cook to have a cook-specific zone that is still a part of any gathering
-Individual storage for small appliances – making them easier to use
-Simplicity – the space should be easy to use and maintain
Design challenges we solved for:
-Incorporate three load bearing points of the house
-Provide structural support that was not obvious
-Reconfigure kitchen utilities to another part of the home
-Maximize storage space
Design solutions and mindful innovations became an exciting motivation that drove the project:
-Double-horseshoe design features two symmetrical islands that seat 18 people comfortably
-Downdraft ventilation behind rangetop allows unobstructed views
-Overhead beams for structural support
-Equip nearby dining room with locking bar and wine cabinet
-Roll-out appliance shelves on back of cooking island are powered for easy use
-Symmetrical fridge and freezer columns separated by oven
-Cabinets along back of the cooking area for everyday items
-Tall pantry cabinet has four drawers for paperwork
-Spacious walk-in storage pantry has a counter with power outlets
-Coffee station has a trash can directly below for easy clean up
-Two sinks and dishwashers for easy cleanup
“A lot of relationships are built over food,” the homeowner told us. “This [kitchen] keeps our family close because we all love food. My kids sit in the kitchen all evening long every day – and I’m right there cooking. That’s life –to be together.”
We also collaborated with the homeowners to remodel their primary bathroom, primary bedroom closet and an additional bathroom.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

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!
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