This Carlsbad area homeowner came to Specialty Home Improvement looking for a customized design for the accessory dwelling unit they were planning to build on their property. This eco-friendly ADU is self-sufficient, spacious, and move-in ready for short or long-term renters.

This Carlsbad area homeowner came to Specialty Home Improvement looking for a customized design for the accessory dwelling unit they were planning to build on their property. This eco-friendly ADU is self-sufficient, spacious, and move-in ready for short or long-term renters.

Completed in collaboration with Alison Hall Architect, this Spring 2025 project focused on creating a dedicated laundry space that improves both the functionality and organization of the home. The new laundry addition was carefully designed to maximize efficiency while complementing the home's existing architecture and style. Custom cabinetry, ample storage, durable surfaces, and a thoughtful layout transformed a routine household task into a more convenient and enjoyable experience. Every detail was selected to enhance usability, from optimized workspace planning to smart storage solutions that help keep the area clean and organized. The result is a bright, practical, and beautifully finished laundry room that supports the homeowners' daily needs while adding long-term value to the home.

This Seattle-area rambler underwent a complete exterior renovation designed to improve curb appeal, functionality, and long-term value. The project included updated siding, enhanced architectural details, front entry improvements, fresh exterior finishes, and professional landscape upgrades. Thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship transformed the home's appearance while preserving its original character, creating a welcoming and timeless exterior that reflects modern Northwest living.

Sometimes the best solution isn't finding a bigger home, it's reimagining the one you already love. This Portland second-story addition demonstrates how strategic design-build planning can help a growing family gain the space they need while remaining in the neighborhood they never wanted to leave. Originally, this home was a modest single-level residence with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. As the family's needs evolved, the layout no longer offered the functionality they required. Visiting relatives from California frequently stayed with them, yet the existing floor plan lacked a dedicated guest bathroom. The primary suite was undersized, storage was limited, and the main living room felt cramped for everyday family life. Complicating matters further, the narrow lot provided virtually no opportunity for expansion to the front, sides, or rear of the property. To create meaningful additional square footage, the only option was to build upward. The transformation began with a complete rethinking of the home's interior organization. An existing bedroom, which had already transitioned into a home office, was removed to make way for a new staircase connecting the first and second floors. Rather than treating the staircase as simply a circulation element, the redesign used it to create a new living area while adding valuable storage beneath. The formerly enclosed dining room was opened to the kitchen and living spaces, resulting in a bright, cohesive great room that dramatically improved both sightlines and daily functionality. The newly added second floor became the centerpiece of the project. On one side of the addition, a spacious bonus room with vaulted ceilings provides a flexible space for family gatherings, movie nights, homework sessions, and creative projects. Dedicated workstation areas ensure the room can evolve alongside the family's needs while taking advantage of abundant natural light from multiple windows. On the opposite side, the homeowners finally gained the private retreat they had been missing. The new primary suite features soaring vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, and a walk-in closet approximately six times larger than the home's original primary closet. The adjoining bathroom was designed to balance comfort, practicality, and timeless style, with a double vanity, dedicated linen storage, a separate tiled shower, and a soaking tub that creates a true spa-like experience within the home. Throughout the renovation, a contemporary transitional aesthetic guided the design selections. New luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed across both the existing first floor and the newly constructed second level, creating visual continuity throughout the home. Matching custom stair treads provide a seamless transition between floors, while updated baseboards and door casings help unify the original structure with the addition so the entire home feels intentionally designed rather than pieced together over time. The staircase became an architectural focal point, featuring warm wood handrails stained to complement the flooring and black metal balusters that introduce a subtle modern influence. This combination successfully bridges the homeowners' appreciation for contemporary design while respecting the overall character of the home. Material selections in the primary bathroom create depth through texture rather than bold color contrasts. Softly varied white wall tile ranges from crisp bright whites to subtle cloudy tones, while a gentle watercolor-like surface texture captures and reflects natural light throughout the day. Extending the same tile across both the shower walls and tub surround establishes clean architectural lines and emphasizes the room's spaciousness. Black marble pebble flooring in the shower, paired with matte black plumbing fixtures, mirrors, lighting, and trim details, adds contrast and sophistication without overwhelming the palette. What makes this project especially meaningful is its ability to solve multiple challenges through a single integrated design-build solution. Through close collaboration with the homeowners and our architectural partner, Candid Design, every square foot was carefully considered to maximize functionality, comfort, and long-term livability. By building upward rather than outward, the homeowners gained a spacious primary suite, an additional living area, improved storage, a dedicated guest bath, and flexible family spaces while preserving the location, character, and community they already loved. The result is a home that feels larger, brighter, and better suited for the next chapter of family life without sacrificing the qualities that made it special in the first place.

We recently completed a custom 6 ft cedar privacy fence installation for a homeowner in the Seattle area. The goal was to replace an old, worn-out fence with a clean, modern design that provides full privacy, durability, and long-term value. We removed the existing fence, installed new pressure-treated posts rated for ground contact, and built a strong, level structure using high-quality cedar pickets. This type of fence not only improves the look of the property, but also adds security and increases home value. At PNW Craft Construction, we focus on clean work, solid structure, and long-lasting results. Every project is built to handle the Pacific Northwest weather. If you're thinking about installing or replacing a fence, feel free to reach out — we offer free estimates and fast scheduling.

This whole house renovation in Lake Wylie, SC reimagined the home with a focus on improving layout, functionality, and overall livability. The project transformed a dated interior into a cohesive, modern space by introducing a more open and connected floor plan designed for how the homeowners live today. As part of a comprehensive design-build remodeling project, the renovation included updates to the kitchen, living areas, and bathrooms, along with significant space reconfiguration to enhance flow and usability throughout the home. Key improvements included opening up main living spaces, upgrading finishes, and creating better connections between indoor living areas. The result is a fully updated home that balances clean, modern design with comfortable, functional living. By focusing on both aesthetics and layout, the renovation delivers a space that feels cohesive, efficient, and built for long-term use.

This whole house renovation in Lake Wylie, SC reimagined the home with a focus on improving layout, functionality, and overall livability. The project transformed a dated interior into a cohesive, modern space by introducing a more open and connected floor plan designed for how the homeowners live today. As part of a comprehensive design-build remodeling project, the renovation included updates to the kitchen, living areas, and bathrooms, along with significant space reconfiguration to enhance flow and usability throughout the home. Key improvements included opening up main living spaces, upgrading finishes, and creating better connections between indoor living areas. The result is a fully updated home that balances clean, modern design with comfortable, functional living. By focusing on both aesthetics and layout, the renovation delivers a space that feels cohesive, efficient, and built for long-term use.

This whole house renovation in Lake Wylie, SC reimagined the home with a focus on improving layout, functionality, and overall livability. The project transformed a dated interior into a cohesive, modern space by introducing a more open and connected floor plan designed for how the homeowners live today. As part of a comprehensive design-build remodeling project, the renovation included updates to the kitchen, living areas, and bathrooms, along with significant space reconfiguration to enhance flow and usability throughout the home. Key improvements included opening up main living spaces, upgrading finishes, and creating better connections between indoor living areas. The result is a fully updated home that balances clean, modern design with comfortable, functional living. By focusing on both aesthetics and layout, the renovation delivers a space that feels cohesive, efficient, and built for long-term use.

This Carlsbad area homeowner came to Specialty Home Improvement looking for a customized design for the accessory dwelling unit they were planning to build on their property. This eco-friendly ADU is self-sufficient, spacious, and move-in ready for short or long-term renters.

room2improve worked with the clients in this Birmingham Michigan home for about a year. The client went room by room. The rugs and the armoire were existing, and the client wanted to incorporate them into a more eclectic and contemporary look. Through our consultation services, they achieved what they wanted without the long term commitments and service fees of some interior design firms. They wanted floor plans, art and accessory ideas, some new furnitures, wall colors, wallpaper ideas, and built-in ideas. We also suggested wallpaper in the built-ins for another layer of texture.

This kitchen remodeling project in San Marcos, Texas transformed an outdated space into a bright, functional kitchen designed for everyday living and entertaining. The renovation included custom cabinetry, updated countertops, a spacious center island, modern lighting, and improved workflow throughout the space. Large windows provide abundant natural light while highlighting the quality craftsmanship and attention to detail incorporated throughout the remodel. The finished kitchen offers increased storage, improved functionality, and a timeless design that complements the rest of the home. Like Father Like Son Construction completed this San Marcos kitchen remodel with a focus on quality materials, practical design, and long-term value for the homeowner.

Sometimes the best solution isn't finding a bigger home, it's reimagining the one you already love. This Portland second-story addition demonstrates how strategic design-build planning can help a growing family gain the space they need while remaining in the neighborhood they never wanted to leave. Originally, this home was a modest single-level residence with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. As the family's needs evolved, the layout no longer offered the functionality they required. Visiting relatives from California frequently stayed with them, yet the existing floor plan lacked a dedicated guest bathroom. The primary suite was undersized, storage was limited, and the main living room felt cramped for everyday family life. Complicating matters further, the narrow lot provided virtually no opportunity for expansion to the front, sides, or rear of the property. To create meaningful additional square footage, the only option was to build upward. The transformation began with a complete rethinking of the home's interior organization. An existing bedroom, which had already transitioned into a home office, was removed to make way for a new staircase connecting the first and second floors. Rather than treating the staircase as simply a circulation element, the redesign used it to create a new living area while adding valuable storage beneath. The formerly enclosed dining room was opened to the kitchen and living spaces, resulting in a bright, cohesive great room that dramatically improved both sightlines and daily functionality. The newly added second floor became the centerpiece of the project. On one side of the addition, a spacious bonus room with vaulted ceilings provides a flexible space for family gatherings, movie nights, homework sessions, and creative projects. Dedicated workstation areas ensure the room can evolve alongside the family's needs while taking advantage of abundant natural light from multiple windows. On the opposite side, the homeowners finally gained the private retreat they had been missing. The new primary suite features soaring vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, and a walk-in closet approximately six times larger than the home's original primary closet. The adjoining bathroom was designed to balance comfort, practicality, and timeless style, with a double vanity, dedicated linen storage, a separate tiled shower, and a soaking tub that creates a true spa-like experience within the home. Throughout the renovation, a contemporary transitional aesthetic guided the design selections. New luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed across both the existing first floor and the newly constructed second level, creating visual continuity throughout the home. Matching custom stair treads provide a seamless transition between floors, while updated baseboards and door casings help unify the original structure with the addition so the entire home feels intentionally designed rather than pieced together over time. The staircase became an architectural focal point, featuring warm wood handrails stained to complement the flooring and black metal balusters that introduce a subtle modern influence. This combination successfully bridges the homeowners' appreciation for contemporary design while respecting the overall character of the home. Material selections in the primary bathroom create depth through texture rather than bold color contrasts. Softly varied white wall tile ranges from crisp bright whites to subtle cloudy tones, while a gentle watercolor-like surface texture captures and reflects natural light throughout the day. Extending the same tile across both the shower walls and tub surround establishes clean architectural lines and emphasizes the room's spaciousness. Black marble pebble flooring in the shower, paired with matte black plumbing fixtures, mirrors, lighting, and trim details, adds contrast and sophistication without overwhelming the palette. What makes this project especially meaningful is its ability to solve multiple challenges through a single integrated design-build solution. Through close collaboration with the homeowners and our architectural partner, Candid Design, every square foot was carefully considered to maximize functionality, comfort, and long-term livability. By building upward rather than outward, the homeowners gained a spacious primary suite, an additional living area, improved storage, a dedicated guest bath, and flexible family spaces while preserving the location, character, and community they already loved. The result is a home that feels larger, brighter, and better suited for the next chapter of family life without sacrificing the qualities that made it special in the first place.

This whole house renovation in Lake Wylie, SC reimagined the home with a focus on improving layout, functionality, and overall livability. The project transformed a dated interior into a cohesive, modern space by introducing a more open and connected floor plan designed for how the homeowners live today. As part of a comprehensive design-build remodeling project, the renovation included updates to the kitchen, living areas, and bathrooms, along with significant space reconfiguration to enhance flow and usability throughout the home. Key improvements included opening up main living spaces, upgrading finishes, and creating better connections between indoor living areas. The result is a fully updated home that balances clean, modern design with comfortable, functional living. By focusing on both aesthetics and layout, the renovation delivers a space that feels cohesive, efficient, and built for long-term use.

This Carlsbad area homeowner came to Specialty Home Improvement looking for a customized design for the accessory dwelling unit they were planning to build on their property. This eco-friendly ADU is self-sufficient, spacious, and move-in ready for short or long-term renters.

Complete siding replacement project featuring Double 4.5" Encore Dutch Lap siding in Natural Clay, selected for its classic profile and long-lasting performance. The Dutch lap design adds subtle shadow lines, giving the home a more dimensional and upscale appearance. Our team handled full removal of the existing siding, proper surface preparation, and precision installation to ensure durability and weather resistance. Attention to detail was key throughout the project, especially around trim, corners, and transitions. All existing shutters and exterior moldings were carefully reinstalled, maintaining the home’s original architectural style while enhancing its overall look with the new siding color and finish. The finished result is a clean, modernized exterior with improved curb appeal and long-term protection.

Our busy Silicon Valley clients asked us to convert their tight-quartered 1960’s ranch house to a gracious family home that would meet their long term needs. Ease of living was paramount, both in functionality and in ordered design. The project was completed on a moderate budget.While retaining most of the structure of the existing house to avoid costly structural changes, we opened walls to improve the sight lines and flow of the house and bring in more light. We made small additions at the front and back bedrooms to gain space for the family and relatives. An existing underused patio area was improved with a simple outdoor kitchen and overhang to extend the living space to the outside. Costs were kept down with choices of modest materials. Everything was made to be functional. Ample storage has been built into the right places. The details of the kitchen were carefully worked out to accommodate all the wishes of the various cooks in the family. The house is set up to be easy to keep clean. Acoustic walls separate living from bedroom spaces so adults can enjoy time together while children sleep. The outdoor kitchen has easy access to the indoor kitchen and the garage, and its setup promotes socializing while cooking outdoors. A large part of the narrow back yard was previously unusable space due to a steep slope up to a neighbor’s higher fence. With a new retaining wall and some re-grading we took back more of the yard for the patio and play space on a new lawn. The remodeled house is a mix of contemporary and traditional elements. Cool colors have a calming effect. Traditional items such as prairie style windows, trellis, mosaic tiles, and Shaker style cabinets, break down the scale in an otherwise streamlined, contemporary design. A new gabled roof with a broad arch at the front of the house marks the entry and resolves a challenging form where the central entry is set back from walls on both sides. Photography: Kurt Manley https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/modern-ranch/

Complete siding replacement project featuring Double 4.5" Encore Dutch Lap siding in Natural Clay, selected for its classic profile and long-lasting performance. The Dutch lap design adds subtle shadow lines, giving the home a more dimensional and upscale appearance. Our team handled full removal of the existing siding, proper surface preparation, and precision installation to ensure durability and weather resistance. Attention to detail was key throughout the project, especially around trim, corners, and transitions. All existing shutters and exterior moldings were carefully reinstalled, maintaining the home’s original architectural style while enhancing its overall look with the new siding color and finish. The finished result is a clean, modernized exterior with improved curb appeal and long-term protection.

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.