Richard Bloom
Photo of a mid-century modern landscaping in Orange County.

1950s bathroom photo in San Francisco

Living room - mid-sized 1960s open concept gray floor living room idea in Los Angeles with white walls

The Roger Lee designed house from 1962 was purchased by the current homeowners in almost original condition, as the previous owners elected to defer most maintenance projects over the years. The clients were able to see beyond the dated materials and finishes, single-paned glass and uninsulated walls and they approached Klopf Architecture to help them expand and update the entire home, one the family could settle into and enjoy for years to come. It was important that the new designs were aligned with Lee's original intent not only because of the client's appreciation for mid-century modern architecture, but also because the house was deemed historical. The Stanford Real Estate Office requires a stringent design review which safeguards the integrity of the community, which Klopf Architecture was happy to oblige going into their updated designs. As with many original mid-century modern homes, the house was scaled to the 1960s lifestyle where rooms were smaller and openings to views were limited and tightly framed. The original conditions defined the direction the family of four would take in updating the house and making it comfortable for their modern lifestyle. Klopf designed a full gut remodel and major addition to bring the house into the 21st century and provide the living area needed for the client's family. The newly expanded house added just about 1,100 sf to create an airy, comfortable and family friendly house, taking full advantage of the beautiful southwestern views that extend out to the hills beyond. The enclosed garage created an additional 240 sf of covered space for long-term storage. A cracked swimming pool created an eyesore taking up a majority of the backyard landscape, so it was one of the first elements to go during the transformation. Working with Outer Space Landscape Architects, the family asked for a mix of relaxing outdoor patio spaces that eventually blend into the native landscaping, extending their views outward toward the natural greenery of the trees beyond their property. Filling in the old pool was a smart way to expand the living spaces outward. The orientation of the house was designed to enjoy the views, but the original architecture provided the first homeowners with mere glimpses of the landscape outside. Klopf was able to broaden those views, continuing and extending on the original architecture to take full advantage of the unobstructed natural views across the rear facade of the house. Small horizontal openings in the primary bedroom and office were replaced with much taller windows that now follow the angled roof line upward, extending across almost all of the facade. We worked with Western Windows, whose designs included an oblique-shaped, operable casement that allowed our design to rise with the slope. A new corner office added to the primary suite, offers a bright and functional work-from-home solution that looks out at the distant views and added natural light from the expanded window configuration that now wraps around the corner. The existing lower level was designed by Lee as a utilitarian space, serving as a wet pool room with a drain in the center of the floor, bathroom, laundry and storage areas. Without the need for a pool room, Klopf was able to convert the area into a much more comfortable and functional living space with a new family room and guest suite. The new spaces enjoy easy access to a new outdoor patio through floor to ceiling, full-width glass sliders. Continuing along the rear facade, a previously exposed deck extending from the living room and hallway provided access to the backyard through a single set of stairs leading toward the side of the house which made sense when the pool was in place. The new deck was re-envisioned as an extension of the main living room and now serves as a second outdoor living room. A new slatted pergola above provides the homeowners welcome relief from the hot afternoon sun. A second set of stairs now creates a better connection to the redesigned lower level. Klopf was able to reconfigure the spaces, extending the living room outward toward the views, where the family now claims it as the heart of the home, spending a large majority of their time outdoors. Back inside, the original wood-burning Malm fireplace was beautifully restored and a gas burner installed to comply with California's strict air standards. It now rests in front of a wall of Heath accent tiles where a dated red brick wall used to stand. A new taller window brings more light and views into the refreshed interior living room. The original glass doors opposite the fireplace were replaced by larger sliders that when fully opened, create a seamless transition to the new outdoor living area so the two spaces feel like one connected space. The original utilitarian kitchen was needlessly tucked into the far back corner and closed-off, out of sight from the living room, so the clients asked Klopf to open it up and expand the kitchen forward so it felt more connected. Today the much larger kitchen is connected to the living area where a short wall with a cutout offers a visual glimpse into the kitchen and a handy pass-through counter for serving guests. A new breakfast nook was also added to create another spot where the family can gather for casual meals. Just outside, a new built-in outdoor grill and prep area extends the kitchen outside and connects to a new outdoor dining spot nestled amongst the trees, taking advantage of the views out back. Klopf was able to expand the other two bedrooms, add a new laundry room and half-bath and convert the carport to an enclosed garage to add more storage areas which was lost when the pool house was converted to the family and guest room. To maintain a historical connection to the original designs, the exterior siding was repeated on all exterior walls, a full-height stained glass window at the front entryway restored, and an interior slatted screen element repeated outside at the exterior entry courtyard and over the new outdoor living room to create a shade trellis. The new house stands proudly and shines against it's new landscaping features, while respecting and expanding on the original intent of Roger Lee's designs epitomizing the comforts of indoor-outdoor living in Northern California. Completion year: 2020 Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane, Noel Andrade Contractor: ORB Construction, Brendan O'Reilly Structural engineer: Sezen and Moon Landscape architect: Outer space Furnishings and decoration: Urbanism Designs Photographer: Mariko Reed

Inspiration for a mid-century modern galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, black backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and black countertops

Guesthouse - 1950s detached guesthouse idea in Portland

This home, which was originally built in 1960, is a classic example of Mid-Century Modern Design. Over the years, the home had fallen into disrepair. The clients, who had recently purchased the home, approached Pelletier+Schaar because they wanted to upgrade and modernize the bathroom, master and laundry as well as add an expanded deck with a covered portion while simultaneously maintaining the aesthetics characteristic of mid-century modern design.

Example of a large mid-century modern master porcelain tile and blue tile porcelain tile and white floor bathroom design in Seattle with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white walls, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and an undermount sink

Lunardi
Inspiration for a mid-century modern backyard pool remodel in Tampa

Inspiration for a 1950s bathroom remodel in Los Angeles

The master bathroom has a freestanding tub in a wet room shower. Black hexagonal floor tiles give a geometric pattern to the space. Frosted glass provides a modern touch of privacy.

The master bedroom wardrobe/closets are by IKEA, with walnut veneer doors built on-site to conceal them. A Tech Monorail provides accent and task light. Photo by Christopher Wright, CR

Inspiration for a 1950s master double-sink bathroom remodel in Nashville with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and white countertops

Inspiration for a huge mid-century modern master porcelain tile and gray floor bathroom remodel in Portland with flat-panel cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and medium tone wood cabinets

Sunny Yellow Retro Kitchen remodel. We Designed and laid the floors ourselves!
Inspiration for a mid-sized mid-century modern u-shaped linoleum floor and multicolored floor kitchen remodel in Santa Barbara with white cabinets, laminate countertops, white appliances, shaker cabinets, a double-bowl sink, an island and white countertops

The uneven back yard was graded into ¬upper and lower levels with an industrial style, concrete wall. Linear pavers lead the garden stroller from place to place alongside a rain garden filled with swaying grasses that spans the side yard and culminates at a gracefully arching pomegranate tree, A bubbling boulder water feature murmurs soothing sounds. A large steel and willow-roof pergola creates a shady space to dine in and chaise lounges and chairs bask in the surrounding shade. The transformation was completed with a bold and biodiverse selection of low water, climate appropriate plants that make the space come alive. branches laden with impossibly red blossoms and fruit.

This 60's Style Ranch home was recently remodeled to withhold the Barley Pfeiffer standard. This home features large 8' vaulted ceilings, accented with stunning premium white oak wood. The large steel-frame windows and front door allow for the infiltration of natural light; specifically designed to let light in without heating the house. The fireplace is original to the home, but has been resurfaced with hand troweled plaster. Special design features include the rising master bath mirror to allow for additional storage. Photo By: Alan Barley

Open concept kitchen featuring flat-panel white cabinets and dark wood accents.
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized mid-century modern l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Seattle with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops, a farmhouse sink, white backsplash and mosaic tile backsplash

debra szidon
Kitchen - 1950s l-shaped kitchen idea in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, solid surface countertops, gray backsplash and an island