Search results for "Physics" in Home Design Ideas

This indoor gym playroom is the ultimate family hangout, designed for staying active, healthy, and having fun together—especially for their tween daughter! With monkey bars, a climbing wall, swings, a punching bag, a yoga area, and even a Peloton, everyone gets their workout in. The calming neutral color palette creates a relaxing vibe, while organic wooden elements like climbing holds and Scandinavian wooden swings add a natural touch. Not only does this space support physical fitness, but it helps the daughter build strength, endurance, and grit—plus a real sense of accomplishment. It’s the perfect spot for the whole family to create lifelong healthy habits, all while having a blast!

This single-family home remodel was driven by the homeowner’s desire to “do the right thing” in the context of a
neighborhood which is witnessing a change of character as the small houses of its quiet past are getting
replaced by large luxury homes. One of the biggest initial challenges was to resist the temptation to increase
the size and height of the house in order to gain even better views – to resist keeping up with the Joneses. The
house already had an expansive view of Puget Sound. The owner also did not want the house to compete with
the land for attention or resources – the house should be humble and respect nature, a metaphor for walking
lightly on the earth.
The site also had its physical challenges – it is classified as an Environmentally Critical Area due to its steep
slope, and there is also an eagle’s nest nearby. Given these site challenges, minimizing the house’s impact on the
site was established as an underlying guiding principle early in the design process. The footprint of the house
was kept intact and the exterior changes were kept to a minimum. Even the deck and landscaping walls (both of
which needed replacement due to failures in the materials) were rebuilt within the same size and footprints. The
landscaping plan includes removing invasives and returning the site to native vegetation.
The original house was built in the 1940’s and had endured various additions over the years. Another
objective was to blend the division between the new remodel, the former remodels, and the original house – to
make the house feel whole again and not a collection of random pieces. The use of salvaged materials and the
reuse of existing materials were high priorities among many sustainable goals that included the conservation of
energy, water, and materials.
Photo by Grace Huang
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Kitchen Cube 1
Upper East- Residence
Work: Full Gut renovation- 2 apartments- in the same ‘S’ line
Size: 650 Sq Ft of space in both apartments, 5S and 4S
Using the Frankfurt Kitchen of 1926 for inspiration, Ms.Cianfaglione began asking herself how the typology of the NYC kitchenette for her building, in the ‘S’ line, needed to be upgraded to fit today’s physical and aesthetic needs. The Frankfurt Kitchen was the forerunner of modern fitted kitchens and had an unified concept to enable efficient work, consolidating a woman’s efforts and allowing her more time to spend else ware. But unlike the Frankfurt kitchen, Ms. Cianfaglione wanted to take this a step further and open it up rather than concealing it, and its user, inside a room. This would showcase the designer’s evolved notion of “cooking”,that would now become an orchestrated dance to be put on display.
Ms. Cianfaglione had a typical NYC kitchenette, a small room with an air grille for ventilation, and in this case, there was a small window that was currently blocked by a refrigerator. There was also the problem of the foyer space, which was just a waste in an apartment this small, and the structural wall that could not be removed. Ms. Cianfaglione responded to these conditions by designing the kitchen to become a wrap around condition, in an ‘L’ shape, that would use the foyer more effectively and at the same time, face the living area, and all the while concealing the structural wall that separates them.
The interesting thing about the ‘L’ shape was that it allows for a beautifully orchestrated flow that makes cooking look like a beautiful dance that moves back and forth along the’ L.’
The appliances are designed within the cabinetry to give a tailored look that does not allow for distraction, and you instead focus on the user. This renovation made the otherwise small, unused foyer and ineffective kitchen, now a focal point that dictates movement throughout. The kitchen has unified and designed an otherwise standard one bedroom apartment and seeks to become a new standard in this building’s typology.

A family that spends a lot of time in and around their beautiful saltwater pool, did not have a place in their home that provided them a visual or physical connection. They also lacked any storage for all their pool “stuff”. With small children and a love for entertaining, they needed a room that served and supported their watery lifestyle. We took over an empty and unused notch along the back of the house adjacent to the pool patio to create a new bright and airy pool house.
The new out building attempts to unify 4 areas; an existing deck, an upper master bedroom balcony, a lower lawn, and the pool itself, and provide the missing storage. By locating the pool house at the juxtaposition of these areas, the new room was able to provide a new expanded rooftop balcony for the master, anchor and define the dining and barbeque deck, extend and connect to the pool and patio, and create a new access to integrate the lower lawn – and carve out the much needed storage for the variety of pool toys and equipment.
The building itself is 400 sf with bath, laundry, storage, mechanical, kitchen, and living. A single new secure connection is made into the house through the existing mudroom. Clad with crisply detailed ship lap cedar, it draws on the existing material palate of the house and nods to the boat aesthetic in expression and efficiency. With pocketing glass walls the pool house is both the utility building needed, and an expansion of the vibrant pool scene itself, inside and outside, along the poolside.
Photographer: Brandon Stengelwww.farmkidstudios.com
Location: Edina, MN
Completed: 2013
Project Team:
Ben Awes AIA, Principal-In-Charge
Bob Ganser AIA
Christian Dean AIA
Nate Dodge

Despite physical disabilities that limit his financial opportunities, Allen wholly devotes himself to making intricate and beautiful papercut works. He says that his motivation to create work is to “keep busy and make people happy.”
Each of Allen’s pieces is made with a single sheet of black paper. He chooses to create his work out of paper because it is inexpensive. He explains, "You don’t mind if you mess it up. If you do, then you just crumple it up and get a new piece of paper." Allen’s artwork takes incredible patience and vision. He loves selling through ArtLifting because it allows him to to share his vision. He says, "It makes me feel good when people enjoy what I do."
Allen can often be seen riding around Boston finding inspiration for his latest artworks. If you see him around, he encourages you to say hello!
Buy this print here: https://www.artlifting.com/products/sea-of-glass

Originally built in 1892, this quaint log cabin has undergone a transformative renovation while preserving its charming character. Located near the Little Deschutes River in Central Oregon, within the historic Vandert Homestead, the home now boasts bright, open spaces for everyday living, complete with flexible aluminum clad folding doors.
Working alongside contractor Bales Inc., architect Jeff Klein from Klein Architecture led the renovation with the goal of opening the once dark interior to natural light and the surrounding landscape. Central to the design was transforming a deteriorating garage into a new functional sunroom, creating a light-filled space that reorients the cabin design toward the patio and natural environment.
Restoring a Historic Cabin with Aluminum Clad Folding Doors
outdoor living with aluminum clad folding door
A Revamped Cabin Design for Indoor-Outdoor Living
The former garage is now a transitional space between the cabin and a natural stone patio. Positioned along the south elevation, the sunroom captures daylight throughout the day while acting as a buffer between the interior and exterior environments. A revised roof assembly was developed to resolve previous drainage failures. Working with framers, the design team incorporated a sloping roof system with a waterproof membrane to direct water away from the structure.
This approach not only protected the log walls but also created access to a rooftop deck from the upper level, adding functional outdoor space without expanding the building footprint.
“It was also critical to transform the existing dark, segmented interior spaces by physically opening them up to the new sunroom,” says Klein. “NanaWall systems offered the ideal solution for what we were after.”
historical homestead interior
Improving Spatial Flow, From the Kitchen to the Sunroom
The kitchen remained largely intact during the renovation, retaining many of the elements that had defined the cabin’s character for decades. Features such as the farmhouse sink, concrete countertops, butcher-block island, and built-in seating were retained, creating a perfect blend of old and new.
What changed was how the kitchen connects to the surrounding rooms. The layout now flows naturally into an adjacent dining area before extending into the newly added sunroom, delivering a seamless transition from the interiors to the outdoors through aluminum clad folding doors.
Historic log cabin with clad folding doors and windows
A Light-Filled Sunroom Designed for Gatherings with Aluminum Clad Windows and Doors
The newly added sunroom became the centerpiece of the cabin design. Designed as a bright, welcoming space, it connects the historic cabin to the natural stone patio beyond. Interior designer Sue Olson helped create the room's atmosphere by choosing finishes and furnishings that complement the cabin's rustic materials while keeping the space open and inviting.
The sunroom captures sunlight throughout the day and serves as a flexible space for dining, relaxing, and entertaining. The addition was designed to sit comfortably alongside the existing log structure while introducing expansive glazing and aluminum clad folding doors that draw daylight deep into the home.
NanaWall aluminum clad folding doors and windows
Aluminum Clad Folding Doors Open the Sunroom to the Patio
A NanaWall aluminum clad folding glass door opens the south wall of the sunroom, creating a direct connection to the natural stone patio. Spanning more than thirteen feet wide and nearly eight feet tall, the system allows the entire façade to open when the panels are folded back. Specified with pine wood frames and simulated divided lites, the door complements the cabin’s traditional materials while introducing the flexibility of modern indoor-outdoor living.
When closed, the door frames the view while bringing daylight into the sunroom. When open, the space seamlessly flows into the patio. Plus, customized with double glazed panels, these aluminum clad systems offer an insulated barrier that keeps cold weather out and keeps comfortable interiors year-round.
“The NanaWall system was the ideal solution for the proposed design,” says Klein. “The result is a seamless connection between the sheltered interior area and the openness of the outdoor environment.”
aluminum clad folding windows
A Folding Window Creates an Indoor-Outdoor Bar
Complementing the folding door and indoor-outdoor cabin design, a NanaWall aluminum clad folding window was installed at bar height along the sunroom wall facing the patio. Stretching more than thirteen feet across and just over four feet in height, the opening transforms the wall into a casual indoor-outdoor serving counter.
Specified with matching pine wood frames and simulated divided lites, the system folds away easily, creating an indoor-outdoor bar that encourages interaction between the sunroom and patio. When open, the counter becomes a flexible gathering point for meals, drinks, and conversation, allowing those inside and outside to share the space comfortably.
“The NanaWall door and window systems played a pivotal role in achieving our design objectives,” says Klein. “The connection between the indoor and outdoor environment has become seamless.”
inoor-outdoor living with clad folding windows and doors
The Flexible Design Solution for Every Home Style
Beyond creating large openings, the NanaWall aluminum clad folding doors were chosen for how well they integrate with the cabin’s traditional architecture while delivering modern functionality. The wood clad panels, specified with simulated divided lites, reflect the style and charm of classic window detailing, while panels that fold outward maximize usable space inside the cabin.
Minimal frames maximize glass area, drawing natural light deeper into the sunroom and adjacent spaces. Paired with higher weather performance sills, the systems are built to withstand the region’s climate while allowing the sunroom to shift easily between a sheltered interior space and an open-air extension of the patio.
Additionally, NanaWall aluminum clad systems feature clip-on cladding technology that allows the wood to breathe in environments where temperatures are extremely hot, humid, or cold. This, in turn, aligns with the renovation’s goal of resolving prior drainage and moisture issues.
outdoor living with NanaWall aluminum clad systems
Final Thoughts: Historic Cabin Design Reimagined for Modern Living
Today, the Vandevert Homestead perfectly blends old-time charm with modern living. The renovation maintains the historic character of the original log structure while introducing brighter, more connected spaces that better engage with the surrounding landscape.
With the transformation of the garage into a light-filled sunroom and flexible NanaWall aluminum clad folding doors, everyday living now flows naturally between the kitchen, dining area, sunroom, and patio. The result is a cabin that feels both timeless and renewed, where historic craftsmanship remains intact while the home experience is lighter, more open, and closely tied to the natural beauty of Central Oregon.

The open concept Great Room includes the Kitchen, Breakfast, Dining, and Living spaces. The dining room is visually and physically separated by built-in shelves and a coffered ceiling. Windows and french doors open from this space into the adjacent Sunroom. The wood cabinets and trim detail present throughout the rest of the home are highlighted here, brightened by the many windows, with views to the lush back yard. The large island features a pull-out marble prep table for baking, and the counter is home to the grocery pass-through to the Mudroom / Butler's Pantry.

Part of a complete home renovation in an aging Mid-Century Bow Mar home, this expansive kitchen is visually and physically the home's centerpiece. I used two large seating areas attached to opposing half-circle islands to create a functional and comfortable family space, as well as house a microwave drawer and induction cooktop.
The high-gloss white wall cabinetry, paired with oak base cabinetry is Bauformat, German designed and manufactured. The subtle contrast between the flooring and base cabinetry, paired with Mid Century inspired matte-white large-format wall tile keeps the whole space light and airy. Natural light is ample from the window over the sink to the large sliding doors and light tubes in the ceiling.
Tim Gormley, TG Image

Nestled into a steep hill on an urban-sized lot, N44° 58' 34" is a creative response to a set of unique site conditions. The house is terraced up the hill, providing multiple connections to the large urban lot. This allows the main living spaces to wrap around the greenspace, providing numerous visual and physical relationships to the backyard. With a direct connection to the largest public park in Minneapolis, the backyard transforms seasonally to support the families active, outdoor lifestyle.
A grand, central staircase functions as a statement of modern design while windows simultaneously flood all three levels with light. The towering stair is framed by two distinct wings of the home, creating secluded, yet connected moments on each level.

The open concept Great Room includes the Kitchen, Breakfast, Dining, and Living spaces. The dining room is visually and physically separated by built-in shelves and a coffered ceiling. Windows and french doors open from this space into the adjacent Sunroom. The wood cabinets and trim detail present throughout the rest of the home are highlighted here, brightened by the many windows, with views to the lush back yard. The large island features a pull-out marble prep table for baking, and the counter is home to the grocery pass-through to the Mudroom / Butler's Pantry.

What is an ADU: Accessory Dwelling Units:
An accessory dwelling unit, usually just called an ADU, is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot. The term “accessory dwelling unit” is a institutional-sounding name, but it’s the most commonly-used term across the country to describe this type of housing. While the full name is a mouthful, the shorthand “ADU” is better.
ADUs vary in their physical form quite a bit, as there are detached ADU, attached ADU, second story ADU (above garage or work shop), addition ADU, internal ADU.
IMPORTANT:
There’s simply too few permitted ADUs to make a real difference in the housing stock. But, even if they aren’t going to solve all a city’s problems, they may help homeowners solve some of their problems. The most common motivation for ADU development is rental income potential, followed by the prospect of flexible living space for multigenerational households.
We at FIDELITY GENERAL CONTRACTORS, providing a single point of contact to homeowners interested in this product, from conceptual stage including plans, city legwork, project managing of the construction stage including assistance with material purchase and other coordination, all the way to completion.
(this project showcases a detached ADU, 400 SQ.)

Twelve years between phases. Every piece from the first still beautiful in the second. That is what investing
well in interior decorating looks like.
These returning Toronto clients first worked with Yassein Interiors in 2013 — two accomplished
professionals ready to invest in their condominium but not yet ready to do everything at once. We started
in the kitchen: sprayed cabinets, a bar and sideboard, custom dining storage, and two occasional chairs for
the living room. Every piece was chosen not for the moment but for the long view.
In 2025, they called again. Now retired. Now ready for the rest. And here is the part of this story that matters
most: every single piece from 2013 was still there. Still beautiful. Still working. Nothing had been chosen
carelessly in the first place.
The second phase centred on the living room. A custom sectional transformed the layout — generous for
book club evenings, perfectly oriented for television, proportioned so the room breathes. Beside it, a swivel
chair in an acrylic-mohair blend connects quietly to the bar cabinet purchased a decade earlier. A highback chair with matching ottoman was positioned for one purpose: to enjoy the treetop view. The angle, the
relationship to the window, the way light falls across the fabric at different hours — this is what careful
space planning looks like.
The flooring was the largest physical change: dated cherry hardwood replaced throughout with a warm midtone oak that ties every room together. In the kitchen, a new faucet, custom counter stools, and playful
drapery gave a space that was already well-appointed a fresh lift without starting over.
Proof that the best decorating is never just for the moment.
Full-service interior decorating by Yassein Interiors, serving Toronto, the GTA, Durham Region, and
Northumberland County

3D Rendering
By including physically accurate items in our 3D Renderings there are no surprises during the install because the client has already seen and approved the project ahead of time!

This client approached us with a request to remodel their home to better accommodate their
needs related to a recent amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis, also known as Lou
Gehrig’s disease–a condition that can lead to various physical challenges, including mobility
issues, fatigue, and diffi culty with manual tasks. Recognizing the impact of these challenges on
daily living, the client sought our expertise to make their home more accessible and functional.
The project involved a signifi cant redesign of their three-story home, including the installation
of an elevator to provide seamless access across all fl oors, and a complete remodel of the
Primary Bathroom and Bedroom to enhance usability and comfort. This redesign was driven by
the objective to support the client’s independence and improve their quality of life. Knowing
that the client would receive assistance through the Veteran Affairs Special Adaptive Housing
Program, our Team needed to include additional documentation for this project.

This indoor gym playroom is the ultimate family hangout, designed for staying active, healthy, and having fun together—especially for their tween daughter! With monkey bars, a climbing wall, swings, a punching bag, a yoga area, and even a Peloton, everyone gets their workout in. The calming neutral color palette creates a relaxing vibe, while organic wooden elements like climbing holds and Scandinavian wooden swings add a natural touch. Not only does this space support physical fitness, but it helps the daughter build strength, endurance, and grit—plus a real sense of accomplishment. It’s the perfect spot for the whole family to create lifelong healthy habits, all while having a blast!

Kitchen — Project Description (Bolton, CT)
(Full Renovation • Reconfiguration • Architectural Corrections)
The original kitchen suffered from spatial imbalance and limited functionality: the right side was visually and physically heavy with cabinetry and appliances, the 135-degree angled walls lacked symmetry due to a missing window on the driveway side, and the small island could only seat two. Circulation was obstructed by a desk positioned in the main traffic flow, and the low French door felt disproportionate in scale compared to the large windows and adjacent two-story Great Room.
Major Structural & Functional Improvements
Repositioned window on the front elevation to the right, creating a long-desired view to the driveway while freeing space for a centered cooktop and statement hood — visually aligning with the Great Room’s redesigned fireplace focal wall.
Installed a new custom sliding door, significantly taller and wider than the original French door. This upgrade enhances natural light, visually opens the kitchen to the deck, and provides unobstructed traffic flow thanks to its sliding operation.
New Kitchen Layout & Enhanced Functionality
Designed an entirely new layout centered around a 10' double-slab island, providing expansive workspace and a natural gathering zone.
Added conversational seating for the whole family, allowing comfortable interaction on all sides of the island.
Introduced purpose-designed storage solutions, including pullouts, rollouts, spice towers, tray organizers, and deep drawers to maximize usability.
Reallocated the desk area to a dedicated window spot overlooking the backyard, removing it from traffic paths and improving both functionality and comfort.
Cabinetry & Architectural Detailing
Custom two-tone cabinetry in soft white and a serene blue-green tone reflects the visual language of the adjacent Great Room, creating whole-home cohesion.
Installed lit upper glass cabinets along the entire perimeter, balancing vertical proportions and creating an elegant display band throughout the kitchen.
A custom range hood was designed and painted to match the base cabinetry, becoming a focal point framed by symmetrical windows.
Surfaces, Lighting & Finishes
The island features a double-thickness quartz slab with a soft ogee radius for a timeless, furniture-like feel.
A full-height, handcrafted aqua subway tile backsplash introduces depth, texture, and a gentle reflective quality.
New layered lighting concept, including recessed lights, pendants, task lighting, and integrated cabinet lighting, ensures a warm and functional workspace at any time of day.

This highrise apartment had been designed and beautifully appointed back in the early 90’s but was desperate for an update. This Master Bath had an awkward angled shower with an enclosed toilet room that made it feel small and cramped.
By eliminating the toilet room and squaring off the shower for a larger footprint, we gained physical space. The sleek modern design was enhanced by using a single large format tile type throughout. The Duravit soaking tub has a “reading shelf” built into the side of the plinth facing the toilet - necessary, yet hidden. The tub was designed to be a feature as you walk into the room – allowing the homeowner to feature a favorite piece of art.

Our in-depth knowledge of manufacturing and craftsmanship assures that Seachrome’s Lifestyle & Wellness Series meets the highest standards in its class. Comfort, safety, and beauty combine in each of these bold, innovative designs. The Lifestyle & Wellness Series integrates our decades of experience in providing stable and secure structural options in a bathroom environment — proven to create confidence, self-reliance — and peace of mind — for the elderly and physically impaired. Underlying the fluid lines and elegant simplicity is our commitment to functional support, durability, and intelligent style — all in service to health and quality of life.

A stunning mix of high gloss poly and Peruvian walnut veneer is a perfect mix for this older project in Baltimore county . Automated upper cabinets for ease with stunning Statuario marble counters and backsplash. The Massive 6" thick solid Peruvian walnut cantilevered island top with a counterbalancing waterfall end was a mission in itself to be installed and as you can imagine i was not there to physically help !!!!
Note the cabinets do not go to the ceiling , this was due to the fact we used the last veneered log in the USA ! Still a stunning project regardless .
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