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

Laundry room - mid-century modern laundry room idea in Orange County

Example of a 1960s laundry room design in Portland

The laundry area of this Mid Century Modern Home was originally located in the garage. So, the team took a portion of the garage and enclosed it to create a spacious new laundry, mudroom and walk in pantry area. Glass geometric accent tile provides a playful touch, while porcelain terrazzo patterned floor tile provides durability while honoring the mid century design.

Samantha Goh
Example of a small mid-century modern limestone floor and black floor laundry room design in San Diego with shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, white walls, a stacked washer/dryer and gray cabinets

Example of a small 1950s single-wall laundry closet design in New York with white cabinets and a stacked washer/dryer

White quartz countertops updated the existing laundry room and a fun black and white backsplash tile adds contrast.
Dedicated laundry room - mid-sized 1950s l-shaped ceramic tile and brown floor dedicated laundry room idea in Portland with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white countertops

Juliana Franco
Dedicated laundry room - mid-sized mid-century modern single-wall porcelain tile and gray floor dedicated laundry room idea in Houston with flat-panel cabinets, solid surface countertops, white walls, a stacked washer/dryer and green cabinets

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.

Inspiration for a small 1950s single-wall black floor dedicated laundry room remodel in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and gray countertops

This remodel in the Sugar Land, TX, Sweetwater area was done for a client relocating from California—a Modern refresh to a 30-year-old home they purchased to suit their family’s needs, and we redesigned it to make them feel at home.

Nice built-in cubby space for a much needed mudroom off of the garage.
Example of a mid-sized mid-century modern galley light wood floor dedicated laundry room design in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, beige walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer

Our Austin studio decided to go bold with this project by ensuring that each space had a unique identity in the Mid-Century Modern style bathroom, butler's pantry, and mudroom. We covered the bathroom walls and flooring with stylish beige and yellow tile that was cleverly installed to look like two different patterns. The mint cabinet and pink vanity reflect the mid-century color palette. The stylish knobs and fittings add an extra splash of fun to the bathroom. The butler's pantry is located right behind the kitchen and serves multiple functions like storage, a study area, and a bar. We went with a moody blue color for the cabinets and included a raw wood open shelf to give depth and warmth to the space. We went with some gorgeous artistic tiles that create a bold, intriguing look in the space. In the mudroom, we used siding materials to create a shiplap effect to create warmth and texture – a homage to the classic Mid-Century Modern design. We used the same blue from the butler's pantry to create a cohesive effect. The large mint cabinets add a lighter touch to the space.

Architect: Carol Sundstrom, AIA Accessibility Consultant: Karen Braitmayer, FAIA Interior Designer: Lucy Johnson Interiors Contractor: Phoenix Construction Cabinetry: Contour Woodworks Custom Sink: Kollmar Sheet Metal Photography: © Kathryn Barnard

1950s l-shaped white floor laundry room photo in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, gray walls, a stacked washer/dryer and white countertops

Mark Corcoran - UpMarket Photo
Example of a 1960s laundry room design in Los Angeles

Example of a mid-century modern laundry room design in San Francisco

Example of a mid-century modern laundry room design

HomeStar Video Tours
Example of a small mid-century modern galley ceramic tile and blue floor dedicated laundry room design in Portland with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, gray walls, a stacked washer/dryer and gray countertops