If you keep up with the latest home design trends, you know that indoor-outdoor kitchens are highly desired among homeowners and prospective homebuyers. Architects and designers are seeing a spike in indoor-outdoor living space designs, and that open-air design has reached the kitchen! There are many ways to create an indoor-outdoor kitchen in your home, so you can enjoy an al fresco experience every time you cook a meal or do the dishes!

Folding Glass Walls Open Kitchens to the Outdoors

Bi-Fold Patio Doors can open kitchens to the outdoors by simply folding the doors away, leaving a large open space behind. Folding doors create an al fresco cooking experience with plenty of airflow, natural light, and unobstructed views. The transition from inside to out is seamless, and perfect for indoor-outdoor entertaining. With the application above, the kitchen and bar seating enjoy an indoor-outdoor lifestyle while expanding the space to an additional dining area on the large, expansive balcony! Your door may also be equipped with a retractable accordion screen to protect your home from insects while maximizing airflow.

Investing in a large folding glass door? Don't make these common mistakes.

Folding Glass Windows Create a Kitchen Passthrough

Another way to create an indoor-outdoor kitchen is by installing a Bi-Fold Window to create a kitchen passthrough window! Passthrough windows are perfect if creating a larger opening with Bi-Fold Doors is not possible or desired in the space. A passthrough window connects kitchen to outdoor patio—a typical passthrough window design provides additional dining space in the form of an outdoor breakfast bar. With the servery window seen above, appetizers, meals, beverages, and snacks can be passed from inside to outside with ease! It creates the ultimate entertainment space with the possibility of use as a buffet table or cocktail bar.

Folding Window-Door Combinations Make Walls Disappear

A Bi-Fold Window-Door Combination is a unique and interesting way you can create an indoor-outdoor kitchen in your home. The Window-Door Combination consists of Bi-Fold Doors and Bi-Fold Windows which connect at the center and transform an ordinary space into an indoor-outdoor paradise! On this window-door system, the window locks to the counter and head jamb, and the door and window lock together without additional framing to impede the view. With a Bi-Fold Window-Door Combination, you can still enjoy the luxury of a kitchen passthrough window and breakfast bar dining counter!

Corner Bi-Fold Doors Create Indoor-Outdoor Living

When you want to open multiple walls to the outdoors, opt for a Zero-Corner Bi-Fold System—this unit opens at a 90-degree angle and does not require a supporting post at the corner, leaving you with unobstructed views of the surrounds. To meet design needs, Zero-Corner Bi-Folds may also be inverted! This is the perfect solution to creating an indoor-outdoor kitchen and dining experience in a narrow space. With such a unique and tasteful style, the Zero-Corner Bi-Fold will take your home design to the next level!

Be sure to do your research and consult an architect or contractor before deciding on a design. Professionals can help you find out which design will enhance your space and create the indoor-outdoor kitchen and dining experience you desire! With numerous design options and features, AG Millworks can make Bi-Fold Doors and Windows to fit your specific design needs! Click here to learn more about Bi-Fold Doors and Windows!

If your primary living space is smaller than you’d like, and you feel cramped with the current setup, it might be time to reconsider the design. When a large addition to the space to add extra square footage isn’t possible, there are still things that can be done to maximize the living space and make it feel more spacious than it is! Use these tips to make the most out of your compact living area and turn it into a cozy, comfortable room while utilizing every inch of the space!

Extend It with Custom Patio Doors

One way to make your living space feel larger is by using Bi-Fold Patio Doors to connect the inside living space to the outdoor patio area. These custom patio doors can eliminate entire walls and can extend your space to the outdoors to make it feel larger and more open! With just a simple remodel and installation of folding doors, you can enjoy enhanced views and maximize your living space!

Mount Your TV

Mounting your TV on the wall is a great way to eliminate the need for a bulky TV stand and recover some extra square footage. A slim, modest-sized floating shelf beneath the TV is perfect for storing the cable box, remotes, and other necessities! If possible, keep wires hidden to maintain a clean and organized look—clean lines and minimal clutter is optimal for making a room appear larger!

Mirrors for a Spacious Feel

You can hang mirrors to trick the eye and make the space feel more open. When hanging mirrors and other artwork, be sure to hang them slightly above the eyelevel to stretch your walls and give the illusion of a tall ceiling.

Take Advantage of Wall Space

Utilizing your wall space by hanging floating shelves is a great way to add additional storage and display your favorite décor pieces, while eliminating space-eating furniture.

Minimize Clutter

You want to keep small spaces free of mess and clutter to create a fresh, open space that won’t feel compact. Strive for a minimalist look when decluttering the space and use your favorite décor and design elements to add pops of color and charm!

Furniture That Doubles as Storage

Invest in some furniture pieces that will do double duty—an ottoman that doubles as storage, or a window bench that folds open to store extra blankets, or even a couch with storage underneath! This will give you a place to store the clutter, DVDs, magazines, and anything else you may need to hide away while providing extra seating and design.

Shrink Your Dining Table

When your kitchen and living spaces connect, you can maximize space by opting for a smaller dining table. A dining table is a large piece that takes up a lot of space, so choosing a small 2 or 3 seat dining table or counter seating can free up a lot of room!

Stick to Light Walls

Painting walls white or another light color, will make the room feel open, spacious, and bright. Sticking to light colors and a neutral palette for the interior design will help create an open and airy feeling. You can still use pops of color here and there to prevent a monotone look!

You have probably seen divided lite doors and windows on many homes and buildings in your area, but you may not have known what they are called. Doors and windows can be custom made with decorative grids to create multi-lite doors and windows. There are two different types of lites: true divided lites and simulated divided lites.

True Divided Lites

True divided lite doors and windows, available only in all-wood doors, have multiple panes of glass that are separated by actual wood bars, called mullions. The AG Multi-Slide Door pictured above has eighteen true divided lites in each door panel. This means that each door panel consists of eighteen small pieces of glass held together by wood mullions. At AG Millworks, solid wood Bi-Fold Patio Doors, Multi-Slide Patio Doors, and French Swing Patio Doors are available with custom true divided lite configurations. AG Millworks can create almost any true divided lite pattern, adding character and uniqueness to any home design!

Simulated Divided Lites

Simulated divided lite doors and windows have one pane of glass with grilles attached to the interior and exterior of the glass to simulate the look of true divided lites. The AG Bi-Fold Door pictured above has ten simulated divided lites on each panel. This means that each window consists of vertical and horizontal grilles the create the appearance of ten divided lites on the door panels. At AG Millworks, all-wood or aluminum clad Bi-Fold Patio Doors, Multi-Slide Patio Doors, and French Swing Patio Doors are available with custom simulated divided lite configurations. With three bar widths (5/8”, 7/8”, and 1-1/8”) offered, and the option of ovolo, bevel, or square shaped lites for the interior wood bar surface, AG Millworks offers the most divided lite options in the industry! AG can build patio doors with lite configurations that match existing windows and doors already installed in the home.

Why Divided Lites?

Divided lites are mainly a design feature. They have a historical aesthetic reminiscent of the colonial time period. Many people opt for divided lites to personalize the home design and make it more unique. Different home styles will use different lite patterns to accentuate a theme. Some of the most common lite patterns are listed below.

Cottage Style Lites

Pictured above is a AG Folding Patio Door with cottage style divided lites. This lite pattern is popular on beach, cottage, and craftsman style homes. Designers often match doors and windows with the same lite pattern to keep a consistent look throughout the home.

Equal Lites

Pictured above is an AG Bi-Fold Door with an equal lite pattern. Equal lite patterns are commonly used on modern and contemporary style homes. This pattern often features three or four equal divided lites, created by horizontal grilles.

The Robert Young Estate Winery builds a new tasting room, “The Scion House,” on its 206-acre estate featuring three AG Bi-Fold Door Systems which create the ultimate indoor-outdoor tasting experience.

The Robert Young Estate Winery is in Geyserville, California, in the Alexander Valley, and has been family owned for six generations. As you approach The Scion House, you begin to see the indoor-outdoor experience this new space offers, and you enter a new world filled with gorgeous views, fresh air, natural light, and delicious wine.

Two AG Bi-Fold Patio Door Systems are parallel to each other on opposite ends of the room, optimizing light and cross-ventilation in the space.

Built on a hilltop, the new tasting room is surrounded by hills, vineyards, and mountains. The AG Bi-Fold Doors create expansive vistas of the estate, visible from every corner of the tasting room.

The high ceilings and farmhouse design create a rustic look in the tasting room. The wood interior, traditional stiles, and simulated divided lites of these Custom Folding Patio Doors perfectly complement the rustic atmosphere of the space.

The Scion House is filled with plenty of cozy nooks and comfy lounge chairs for guests to relax and enjoy their wine tastings and cheese boards—this is every wine lovers dream space! Bring your friends and your favorite boardgames, taste some wine and buy your favorite bottle to share, and spend the day playing games and bonding over good wine.

For larger groups or parties, the Scion House has a private room with tons of seating and more views through the third AG Folding Patio Door. This is the perfect spot to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or bachelorette party—spend time celebrating while indulging in wine and charcuterie and taking in the lovely views.

The best spot in the house is on the huge back patio where the comfy lounge chairs are especially inviting. You can sit back and relax, enjoy the view, sip on wine, and catch the sunset! The Scion House offers small bites, but you might also consider packing a picnic for an all-day trip.

The Scion House has plenty of seating but be sure to schedule a tasting in advance and arrive early to ensure seats at the outdoor spots. If you’re looking for a shady spot, there are two gazebos on either side of the patio space with plenty of seating in the shade. The expansive lawn surrounding the tasting room is perfect for laying down a blanket and basking in the sunshine while enjoying a tall glass of wine.

The firepit on the back patio is the perfect spot for cozying up with a blanket and a large glass of wine on chilly fall and winter days and evenings.

Design is in the details, and the new tasting room at the Robert Young Estate Winery features the most unique and special design details. From the three AG Bi-Fold Patio Door Systems, to the rustic farmhouse interior design, to the expansive patio, this space was built to create the ultimate indoor-outdoor wine tasting experience. With delicious wines, tasty bites, and breathtaking views, this winery should be on every wine connoisseur’s list. Click here to learn more about visiting The Scion House.

To get started on your outdoor living project and learn more about folding door systems, complete this form to hear from a folding door expert.

Open plan dining is one of 2018’s hottest home design trends. This design is suitable for both big and small families and can be accomplished in any sized space! Featured on HGTV.com, Designer, Cynthia Spence, says this floor plan “creates a sense of flow throughout the space, and brings socializing back to the dinner table.” Below are five reasons you should make the conversion to an open plan dining space in your home.

1 | Central Location

As Cynthia Spence said, an open dining floor plan creates a central location where you and your family and friends can gather and enjoy a meal together. In 2018, we all have busy lives—the day is consumed by work, school, sports, volunteering, working out, running errands, and hopefully a little play time. An open plan dining design reminds us to seize the opportunity to sit down, take a moment to forget about our responsibilities, and enjoy some quality bonding time with family and friends. It is also great for entertaining—it creates a flow in your home where guests can mingle in the dining and living spaces, but not feel separated from the party, because both spaces are connected!

2 | Open-Air Dining

An open dining plan creates natural flow inside your home, but it doesn’t have to stop there. With Bi-Fold Patio Doors or Multi-Slide Patio Doors, you can eliminate entire walls and connect your dining and living space to the outdoors. As doors fold or slide open, the line between inside and outside is erased. This creates an alfresco dining experience for you and your family to enjoy. Folding doors or sliding doors can expand your space and create an open and endless atmosphere.

3 | Efficient Use of Space

Smaller spaces can oftentimes feel confined, especially with a boxy, closed-off dining room. Creating an open plan dining design in your home is an efficient use of space that will make your home feel and appear larger than it is! Combining dining and living spaces creates a little extra room that would normally be occupied by walls and doorways. This extra space can be utilized and transformed into a cute seating area, window bench, or reading nook!

4 | Increased Natural Light

Open plan dining can increase the natural light in your multi-use space. Less walls mean more light flow—natural light can illuminate your space and be absorbed into the room when obstacles aren’t blocking the way! Sunlight helps to lighten your mood; it makes you more productive, happier, and healthier. With folding patio doors or sliding patio doors, an abundance of light flows through the large glass panels and further illuminates your home!

5 | Resale Value

Open plan dining is an ongoing trend that will be desirable for years to come. According to Time Magazine, an open floor plan is the number one feature homebuyers want. If you are planning a remodel, open dining is a good investment—if/when you sell your home, it will make your home more appealing to buyers.

Living rooms are a big deal—they are a central location where you and your family gather and watch movies, play board games, entertain guests, and maybe even eat the occasional meal. This is a space that should offer comfort and accommodate your lifestyle. If your living space isn’t everything you want it to be, there are some things you can do to liven up the space and create a room that you and your family will love spending time in.

1 | Window Bench

You can liven up your space by incorporating a window bench in your living room. Window benches create the perfect reading nook and provide additional seating when you have a house full of people. Add comfy cushions and reading lamps to create a cozy spot for anyone to curl up and read a book! The best part is, you can create additional storage inside the underneath compartment for blankets and board games. This comfy spot can be created with a built-in bench, or you can purchase a bench to achieve the design.

2 | Natural Light

The doors in your living room that lead to your patio can have a huge impact on the look and feel of the room. By installing large Bi-Fold Patio Doors or Multi-Slide Patio Doors, you can expand your living space by connecting it to your outdoor entertainment area. These luxury patio doors will let in an abundance of natural light through the large glass window panes, illuminating the space entirely; and with doors open you can enjoy the beautiful weather and fresh breeze! Doors that slide or fold away are perfect for entertaining because they blur the line between indoors and out.

3 | Bookshelf

A bookshelf is both aesthetic and functional—it creates a unique focal point in the room, and can also be used to store books, games, and other items. Bookshelves are a design element we love, especially those with a matching ladder to safely reach high shelves. If space allows, a built-in bookcase is ideal. However, the look can still be achieved with a smaller, free-standing bookcase.

4 | Tabletops

Your coffee and end tables can dramatically change the style and feel of your living room. It is important to consider what your tables will be used for when choosing a design—will you use this table to play card and board games, build puzzles, and eat meals? Knowing how you will use your table will guide you in selecting a bigger or smaller coffee table, which may have extra storage underneath (hidden storage in your coffee table is great for hiding your 10 different TV remotes)! Your end tables should be large enough for a table lamp, décor, and a glass of wine.

5 | Lighting

Lighting and fixtures contribute to the ambiance of your living space. If your family is big on movies, investing in dimmer lights with a handheld remote is a good idea. You can also liven up the space with interesting and unique light fixtures, chandeliers, and lamps. With plenty of natural light coming in from your Bi-Fold Doors, be sure to hang some thick blackout that will block bright sunlight when you want to watch a movie during the daytime.

6 | Hanging Swing Chair

A fun feature to include in your living space design is a hanging swing chair! It will immediately draw the eye of anyone walking in the room, and swing chairs are fun to lounge in. You can hang the chair from the ceiling, or if you want to keep the ceiling free of holes, you can invest in a free-standing swing chair.

Are you thinking about downsizing your home now that the kids are grown up and you’re enjoying retirement? Downsizing is a step most people make as they enter retirement and become empty nesters. With the kids gone, there is no need to have such a large space and property to maintain—with a smaller home, you can spend less time on cleaning and home maintenance, and more time traveling, playing golf, and lounging at the country club pool. You might even be able to afford a second home or condo in one of your favorite vacation destinations if you downsize.

When making the transition from a large 3000+ square foot home to a smaller, cozier space it is important to understand what you want and need out of your new home. Will you need rooms for your grandkids to visit, or studio space to explore your creative side? What about a pool? You might enjoy going for early morning swims, or maybe you never want to own a home with a pool again because the maintenance is too much of a hassle! Deciding how much space and what amenities you require to live comfortably will make the downsizing transition easier.

Part of downsizing is figuring out what you can and can’t live without. When downsizing, chances are you will need to get rid of some of your furniture and home goods. Use this as a time to declutter your life—get rid of old furniture, clothes you haven’t worn in years, and mismatching Tupperware. Donate everything you don’t want or need, and you will feel organized and ready to tackle the downsizing process!

Downsizing your home doesn’t mean you have to compromise your views. Look for a new home with scenic surroundings—downsize your home but upsize your views! A home with Bi-Fold Patio Doors makes it easy to fold doors open and enjoy the weather on your balcony or deck and get lost in the expansive views. Pocketing Multi-Slide Doors slip into the wall pocket, disappearing completely out of sight, leaving nothing but open views in their wake. A home with such luxury patio doors should be on your wish list—not only do these patio doors maximize the view, folding doors and sliding doors expand your living space which is the perfect solution when you have visitors in your new home and need the extra entertainment space!

Downsizing is a great time for you to redecorate your new space and create a new design scheme for your home. Look for interior design inspiration in Luxe Magazine, Pinterest, and Houzz. Channel your inner interior designer and choose colors, textures, and styles you love, and if you’re feeling risky, go a little bit out of your comfort zone on some design aspects! You don’t have to get rid of all your old décor—choose a new theme that channels elements of your old space. The goal is to create a beautiful living space that you will enjoy spending time in!

With a modern remodel and the use of AG Bi-Fold Patio Doors, these homeowners eliminate an entire wall and maximize their ocean views in their Southern California beachfront home!

This beachfront home has a long “shotgun” floor plan, with the back edge of the home sitting right on the sand. The goal of the remodel was to modernize the home while maintaining some traditional aspects, such as the dark wood grain touches found throughout the home. The entryway features warm hardwood floors that continue all the way up the staircase and through the first story until you reach the kitchen and living room. Though it is a narrow entry, guests get a peek of the natural light, open space, and ocean views created by the Bi-Fold Patio Doors.

The spacious contemporary kitchen transitions from the warm wood floors of the entry into a light ivory tile. The cabinetry is a solid wood with a beautiful textured wood grain finish and modern stainless-steel hardware. A large white quartz island creates contrast from the dark cabinets and adds a modern touch to the space! The kitchen is fully loaded with high-end appliances and a prep sink on the kitchen island. Views of the ocean can be seen from every corner of the kitchen due to its open floor plan.

The ivory tile continues from the kitchen into the living and dining space. A new mantle and electric fireplace were installed, in the same wood grain finish as the kitchen cabinets, front door, and staircase railing. A tv nook with electrical outlets was built into the mantle, making for easy television hookup. The living space is flooded with an abundance of natural light from the custom folding patio doors, but also has plenty of recessed lighting for cloudy days and dark evenings.

The highlight of the remodel is the 8-panel AG Bi-Fold Patio Door that replaced the back wall of the home. This luxury patio door creates resort style living and creates an abundance of natural light pouring into the home. Even with doors closed, residents can enjoy the gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean.

With doors open, the line between indoors and outdoors is erased. The homeowners can enjoy the cool ocean breeze that fills their home and soak in the breathtaking views while relaxing in their indoor-outdoor living space. The living space extends to an outdoor deck, with steps leading down to the sand.

Upstairs, the master bedroom uses the same warm wood flooring as the entryway and features immaculate views of the horizon. Like downstairs, the master has a fireplace and tv hookup on the mantle. This master bedroom is the ultimate escape from reality and when homeowners turn in for the night, they drift away to the sound of soothing ocean waves.

The remodel was a success because it modernized the home, maintained some traditional aspects, and enhanced the homeowners’ indoor-outdoor living experience. With these resort-like views, it was a smart investment to eliminate walls and create the ultimate indoor-outdoor living space with custom folding patio doors.

The homeowners are thrilled with the outcome of their remodel, especially their AG Bi-Fold Patio Doors! On warm summer nights they enjoy folding open the doors, relaxing on the deck, and watching the sunset from the comfort of their indoor-outdoor living space!

The doors and windows in your home are incredibly important features of the overall home design. Your living space can be completely transformed with the proper doors and windows installed. Windows and doors don’t last forever, however well-maintained products can last 15 to 20 years. Eventually though, all doors and windows in your home will need replacing. How do you know if it’s time to replace your doors and windows? Keep reading to find out!

Broken, Damaged, and Hard to Use

Your doors and windows should open and close with ease, so if they are difficult to use, it might be time to replace them! Broken or damaged windows and doors can sometimes be fixed, but often if the frame or panel is warped, replacement is your best investment. It is so important to have easy to use, functional windows and doors—windows and doors that stick or won’t stay open is not only a nuisance, it is a safety hazard!

Dark and Outdated

If your windows and doors are old and outdated, and are not enhancing your living space, it is time to replace them. If your doors and windows are not providing an abundance of natural light and maximizing your views, then they are not doing their job. Consider replacing small, old windows in the kitchen with Bi-Fold Passthrough Windows. You can also replace doors and windows and eliminate walls by installing a Bi-Fold Patio Door System.

Full Home Remodel

If you are undergoing a full remodel of your home, this is the perfect time to replace your windows and doors. Upgrading the rest of your home but leaving your old doors and windows will create an inconsistent look and ruin your modern home design with outdated products. Since you will be making major upgrades, you have full reign to incorporate beautiful, high-quality patio doors into your redesign. A unique Bi-Fold Window-Door Combination System can completely transform your kitchen and connect it to your outdoor living space. Use large, custom sliding glass doors glass on your upstairs balcony to create the perfect transition from indoors to outdoors. The backyard deck can benefit from a Zero Corner Folding Patio Door Unit and maximize views of your surroundings.

Energy Efficiency

Most likely, your old windows and doors will not fulfill today’s energy efficiency standards, so it is probably time for an upgrade. Our Energy Solutions Bi-Fold Doors and Windows can keep heat in during the winter and deflect unwanted heat gain during the summer. With such energy efficiency, you can save money on heating and cooling bills. Additionally, energy efficient doors and windows raise a home’s value, and increase appeal to potential buyers.

Indoor-Outdoor Living

A good reason to replace windows and doors is if you desire an indoor-outdoor living design in your home. Luxury patio doors and windows can create the ultimate indoor-outdoor experience as the perfect transition from your indoor living space to your outdoor patio paradise!

Whether you’re planning a modest remodel, or upgrading every door and window in your home, AG Millworks has you covered. Our custom patio doors are made to order and will blend perfectly with any home design style. Learn more about our patio door features and customization options here.

A 1929 period home receives a modern kitchen upgrade and creates an indoor-outdoor lifestyle with AG Pocketing Multi-Slide Doors.

The spacious kitchen features a large island in the center with a built-in stovetop and bar seating. It received new mahogany cabinets and marble countertops to keep the look classic yet modern. A swing door leads to an enclosed wet bar, just off the dining room.

One amenity the homeowners love about their new kitchen is the indoor grill built into a small nook—it allows them to monitor the food cooking on the stove while working with food on the grill at the same time! The indoor grill is easier to use and clean while yielding the same results as an outdoor grill!

Though a modern upgrade was the goal, the homeowners wanted to maintain the 1929 style and charm of their home. They were hesitant to install a large sliding door because they thought it would look too contemporary among the other French doors and windows with divided lites and shutters.

Architect Kurt Gibbs had the perfect solution—an all-wood AG Multi-Slide Door that pockets into the wall. With the rest of the doors in the home in mind, the Multi-Slide was designed with 18 true divided lites in each sliding panel that were strategically placed to line up with and match the adjacent French doors. The homeowner comments, “The door system, when closed, perfectly complements the surrounding 1929 architectural style, becoming an integral part of our home. When open, it allows our interior space to seamlessly flow outside, enhancing its beauty and functionality.” For maximum light flow, a matching French door-sized fixed window was built and placed in the corner next to the Multi-Slide.

The Multi-Slide opened the kitchen to the outdoor patio area, creating a perfect transition from indoor to outdoor spaces. The homeowner commented that this was the perfect set up for entertaining, and when he hosts parties he opens his pocketing sliders and eliminates the barrier from inside to out. This allows guests to migrate inside and out and enjoy the perks of indoor-outdoor living.

The homeowners are very pleased with the outcome of their remodeled kitchen, and they especially love the new indoor-outdoor lifestyle created by the AG Multi-slide: “In all architectural projects, there is always one feature which provides pizazz -- a magical element that allows the design to come alive. In the case of our recent kitchen remodel, that was the sliding pocket doors provided by AG Millworks.” Their two dogs, a dalmatian and a yellow lab, are also enjoying the luxury of indoor-outdoor living!