Built for the Bluff, A Sea Ranch Home is Remade from the Inside Out The house had always been grounded, on an ocean bluff at The Sea Ranch. It sits unencumbered, adjacent to one of the most dramatic stretches of the Sonoma coast with protected commons meadow to the east, uninterrupted Pacific views to the west, and a bluff trail running alongside. What it lacked was the feeling of home, one that could hold up its own against the natural landscape. The owners are entrepreneurs with deep involvement across tech, real estate, and development and they know how things are built. The Sea Ranch house had been in their lives for years, a second residence and a place for family to gather. Built for a different time, it felt more compromising than comfortable. Sitting in a closed off nook, the kitchen fit one cook at a time and turned its back on the rest of the house. The entry was dim and compressed, divided by a structural column that presented itself at exactly the wrong moment. The primary suite was small relative to the view outside it. A large rear bedroom sat behind a lowered ceiling with a bathroom that had never been added. The house was certainly worth the trouble of doing it right. What followed was not one project but four, each with its own design challenge, each addressed over a period of time. Where the House Meets the Ocean The most complex piece of the project, in both structural and spatial terms, was the kitchen expansion. The existing room was a single-person galley squeezed in as an afterthought with no meaningful connection to the dining room, the living space, or the deck outside. To make it useful for a family that cooks and gathers, it needed to grow outward into an existing patio and flow into the rooms around it. A big challenge was the roofline. Several planes at different pitches and angles converged directly where additional volume was needed. A new form had to join that geometry without reading as a correction. The solution found the simplest possible connection between the existing angles, a roofline that from outside the structure, appears entirely original. From the bluff trail where the addition is visible, there is no discernible seam. Inside, the kitchen is now open to the living and dining rooms without interruption. A large sliding glass door connects the space onto the rear deck. The deck itself was expanded and oriented so that the body of the house shields it from the coastal wind which is a common consideration that determines whether outdoor space at The Sea Ranch actually gets used. The result is a room that works for large family gatherings where no one feels cutoff, and one that makes the boundary between being inside and outside easy to ignore. Welcoming Light A structural column stood at the convergence of eight distinct roof planes in the entry. It was load-bearing, but it was also the reason the entry had always felt like a hallway rather than a welcoming arrival. With the structural engineer, a custom steel connector was designed to receive beams from six separate directions, redistributing the load through a single new continuous beam. The column was surgically removed. Three triangular skylights were then cut into the roof above, their shapes drawn from the existing geometry of the planes around them. The entry is now bright and open. The skylights feel native to the structure because they follow the logic already present in the roof. Two Suites, Two Views At opposite ends of the house, the two bedroom suites were each reconfigured, and each found a different way to introduce more of the landscape into the room. An addition to the primary suite extended the structure outward to create a wraparound plan with a loop from the bedroom through bath and closet that had not been possible before. The expansion opened a slot view from the tub and shower toward the ocean. The view is precise and private. The ocean view is present and deliberate. The rear bedroom absorbed an adjacent storage room to transform it into a full second suite with a vaulted ceiling, a large bathroom with a tub, a shower, and a sauna. A private fenced garden courtyard sits just beyond the glass bringing the outdoors inside. The tub was placed so that, looking past the courtyard and through the bedroom beyond, the ocean is visible at the far end. It is a long view and it makes the room feel larger and more settled than its footprint would suggest. Glass on Four Sides, Fire at the Center The main living and gathering room had always been caught between two competing facts: glass on four sides meant exceptional views but at The Sea Ranch, it also meant a cold room. A 360-degree cylindrical fireplace was added at the center on a raised stone base, providing radiant heat in every direction and giving the room a focal point around which a group naturally orients itself, whether that means two people at the end of the day or the whole family after dinner. Owners Who Picked Up the Tools The owner was not a passive client. they came with construction knowledge, specific ideas, and the desire to be an active part of the process, a dynamic that other architects may had found difficult, which Klopf Architecture accepted as an asset. They took it upon themselves to complete some of the work during construction, including the installation of a new radiant heating system beneath the floors. The radiant system added to the older and less-desirable forced-air setup. At The Sea Ranch, that change matters as the house sits close enough to the ocean and moving air competes with the sound of it, where radiant heat does not. Solar panels were added to the roof as part of the new system. Insulation was upgraded throughout the walls, roof, and crawl space. The house that had always had the right setting now holds warmth the way a house on the bluff should. They were also deeply involved in the design and selections throughout, and the finished house reflects both of them in ways that are specific rather than generic. The process took longer and moved through more iterations than a more arms-length relationship might have allowed. The result is more defined and personal because of it. The Landscape Holds Priority Every exterior decision was shaped by The Sea Ranch Design Standards, which require that buildings defer to the landscape around them rather than compete with it. Because this house sits on the bluff and is visible from the public trail, the additions faced a close review. Existing materials were matched. Geometries were resolved. The additions had to become indistinguishable from the original building. From the trail, the house reads exactly as it always has — low, cedar-clad, secondary to the meadow and the water. The setting holds priority. Inside, the house has been remade. Klopf Architecture Project Team: Geoff Campen and Trenton Jewett
Contractor: Shawn Bettega Construction
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2023
Location: The Sea Ranch, CA

Photo - PHD; Kitchen cabinets - Elmira Kitchen and Bath; Cabinet hardware - Lee Valley; Beveled subway tile - Dante's Tile, Kitchener, ON; Penny round tile - Casa Bella Tile, Kitchener, ON; Frigidaire appliances - Home Furniture, St. Jacobs, ON; Lighting - Lites, Guelph, ON Shelf - IKEA; American Standard faucet - Lowes; Blanco granite sink - Glenbriar Home Hardware, Waterloo, ON; Pendant light - The Lighting Shoppe, Cambridge, ON

We are cooperating with different Building Materials and furniture factories according to different clients' needs. We can supply all the designs on the catalogs, and for sure customized designs and sizes/thickness are acceptable depends on quantity. We have been working with Builders,Architects & Building Designers for projects of Hotels, villas, and residential buildings, restaurants and many others. Our reliable suppliers and factories are ready to supply different products at the most competitive cost according to your sizes and designs as per the projects needs. We offer one stop services on: (1) Sourcing for products (2) Factory visiting & evaluation (3) Prices Negotiation (4) Quality control (5) Shipping Coordination (6) Documents for custom clearing By sending us your projects layout and designs in CAD or PDF with required materials details,we could quote you cost accordingly. Contact Ms Ella WeChat: Ella12530 WhatsApp: +8615002034810 E-mail: Ella@ewe-china.com #chinabuyingagent #chinasourcingagent #guangzhousourcingagent #foshansourcingagent #foshanbuyingagent #chinahomefurniture #chinaweddingfurniture #foshanfurniture #chinadinningroom #chinafurniture #foshannordicfurniture #nordicfurnituresupplier #foshansourcingagent #furnituremadeinchina #chinanordicchairs #chinabuildingmaterials #beds #chinasofa #chinanightstands #chinadinningset #luxuryfurniture #luxurysofa #luxurybedroomset #luxurydinningset #luxuryhomefurniture

Laura Campbell
Inspiration for a small asian partial sun front yard stone landscaping in Boston.

Wallingford, Ct. Living beyond the walls of your home outdoor KITCHEN DESIGNER MICHAEL GOTOWALA FOUNDER THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE IN seamlessly capturing the serenity of the morning sun and after evening dinner gatherings were on the menu for this great family. The idea at hand brought forth by outdoor living fabulously designer Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES were graciously accepted and the work began to not only enlarge the deck space but to capture value centers for Outdoor culinary, evening bar and Alfresco and the convenience of a nearby splash in the hot tub surrounded by granite and even a remote Fire feature above the hot tub. All these features part of the recipe for Living Outdoors fabulously. If you look close enough you can see the masonry details in which Preferred Properties is known for. The elegance of Stone surrounding Brown Jordan's cabinetry in Java color shows the insightfulness of masterful outdoor Kitchen builder Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES. The sprawling outdoor grill island has plenty of work or play space for that matter highlighting DCS grill, plenty of storage, two drawer refrigerator and a trash pull all capped off with large swirling granite counters. A nice touch here is the top shelf designed for sight lines from entering the back yard, wind blockage for grilling, receptacles, and even night lighting underneath to illuminate at night. The second area is the sprawling bar and beverage Alfresco up against the house. Even the top shelf mimics the octagon bow window shape. The stone and granite details surround a nice layout of outdoor cabinetry for user convenience. The third area more of a splash to the outdoor living fabulously label is a Sundance spa enabled by a step down into from the deck. The new Deck and multi level stone surround with Remote firewalls keeps the fire visible from the house and poses as a privacy screen and back drop for the hot tub. These subtle features and design ideas by our team make the homeowners feel absolutely fabulous about the newly unfound space. For more great outdoor kitchens go to THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES. www.OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com or call right away at 1-855-GET OUTDOORS

Ellen Richardson Custom cabinets and stove hood by Dutch Maid Cabinets.
Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized craftsman l-shaped ceramic tile enclosed kitchen idea in Raleigh with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, laminate countertops, beige backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Example of a kitchen design in Other

The kitchen sink is a single bowl undermount stainless steel sink with a ledge that accepts a variety of sink accessories. The faucet is in a polished nickel finish.

We are China buying agent for building materials and furniture, Sourcing Agent, providing One-Stop Service for Building projects supplying on Building Materials & Furniture from China. Contact Ms Ella WeChat: Ella12530 WhatsApp: +8615002034810 E-mail: Ella@ewe-china.com We are cooperating with different Building Materials and furniture factories according to different clients' needs. We can supply all the designs on the catalogs, and for sure customized designs and sizes/thickness are acceptable depends on quantity. We have been working with Builders,Architects & Building Designers for projects of Hotels, villas, and residential buildings, restaurants and many others. Our reliable suppliers and factories are ready to supply different products at the most competitive cost according to your sizes and designs as per the projects needs. We offer one stop services on: (1) Sourcing for products (2) Factory visiting & evaluation (3) Prices Negotiation (4) Quality control (5) Shipping Coordination (6) Documents for custom clearing By sending us your projects layout and designs in CAD or PDF with required materials details,we could quote you cost accordingly. Contact Ms Ella WeChat: Ella12530 WhatsApp: +8615002034810 E-mail: Ella@ewe-china.com #chinabuyingagent #chinasourcingagent #guangzhousourcingagent #foshansourcingagent #foshanbuyingagent #chinahomefurniture #chinaweddingfurniture #foshanfurniture #chinadinningroom #chinafurniture #foshannordicfurniture #nordicfurnituresupplier #foshansourcingagent #furnituremadeinchina #chinanordicchairs #chinabuildingmaterials #beds #chinasofa #chinanightstands #chinadinningset #luxuryfurniture #luxurysofa #luxurybedroomset #luxurydinningset #luxuryhomefurniture

We are China buying agent for building materials and furniture, Sourcing Agent, providing One-Stop Service for Building projects supplying on Building Materials & Furniture from China. Contact Ms Ella WeChat: Ella12530 WhatsApp: +8615002034810 E-mail: Ella@ewe-china.com We are cooperating with different Building Materials and furniture factories according to different clients' needs. We can supply all the designs on the catalogs, and for sure customized designs and sizes/thickness are acceptable depends on quantity. We have been working with Builders,Architects & Building Designers for projects of Hotels, villas, and residential buildings, restaurants and many others. Our reliable suppliers and factories are ready to supply different products at the most competitive cost according to your sizes and designs as per the projects needs. We offer one stop services on: (1) Sourcing for products (2) Factory visiting & evaluation (3) Prices Negotiation (4) Quality control (5) Shipping Coordination (6) Documents for custom clearing By sending us your projects layout and designs in CAD or PDF with required materials details,we could quote you cost accordingly. Contact Ms Ella WeChat: Ella12530 WhatsApp: +8615002034810 E-mail: Ella@ewe-china.com #chinabuyingagent #chinasourcingagent #guangzhousourcingagent #foshansourcingagent #foshanbuyingagent #chinahomefurniture #chinaweddingfurniture #foshanfurniture #chinadinningroom #chinafurniture #foshannordicfurniture #nordicfurnituresupplier #foshansourcingagent #furnituremadeinchina #chinanordicchairs #chinabuildingmaterials #beds #chinasofa #chinanightstands #chinadinningset #luxuryfurniture #luxurysofa #luxurybedroomset #luxurydinningset #luxuryhomefurniture

When our clients said they want to feel like they are in nature even when they're in their living room, we said, "Challenge accepted." Tucked away in Athelstane, Wisconsin sits this home that you have to see to believe. She's a perfect mix of modern and industrial with custom scrub oak (all made by us) and galvanized metal. It doesn't stop there, though -- take a look at those glass garage doors on both the front and side of the home. Yes, you can open all the doors and smell the trees and lake while you make breakfast or have dinner parties. Like we always say, if you dream it, we will build it.

Photo of a large transitional drought-tolerant and partial sun side yard stone garden path in San Francisco.

We are China buying agent for building materials and furniture, Sourcing Agent, providing One-Stop Service for Building projects supplying on Building Materials & Furniture from China. Contact Ms Ella WeChat: Ella12530 WhatsApp: +8615002034810 E-mail: Ella@ewe-china.com We are cooperating with different Building Materials and furniture factories according to different clients' needs. We can supply all the designs on the catalogs, and for sure customized designs and sizes/thickness are acceptable depends on quantity. We have been working with Builders,Architects & Building Designers for projects of Hotels, villas, and residential buildings, restaurants and many others. Our reliable suppliers and factories are ready to supply different products at the most competitive cost according to your sizes and designs as per the projects needs. We offer one stop services on: (1) Sourcing for products (2) Factory visiting & evaluation (3) Prices Negotiation (4) Quality control (5) Shipping Coordination (6) Documents for custom clearing By sending us your projects layout and designs in CAD or PDF with required materials details,we could quote you cost accordingly. Contact Ms Ella WeChat: Ella12530 WhatsApp: +8615002034810 E-mail: Ella@ewe-china.com #chinabuyingagent #chinasourcingagent #guangzhousourcingagent #foshansourcingagent #foshanbuyingagent #chinahomefurniture #chinaweddingfurniture #foshanfurniture #chinadinningroom #chinafurniture #foshannordicfurniture #nordicfurnituresupplier #foshansourcingagent #furnituremadeinchina #chinanordicchairs #chinabuildingmaterials #beds #chinasofa #chinanightstands #chinadinningset #luxuryfurniture #luxurysofa #luxurybedroomset #luxurydinningset #luxuryhomefurniture

This was an existing cabinet that we had modified to accept a TV and lift in a master bedroom.
Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic master gray floor bedroom remodel in Other with white walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

"The homeowners wanted a modern kitchen design with a striking marble back splash, clean, white countertops, and light colored cabinets with a wood island. Our goal was to satisfy our client's wishes by creating a kitchen that is highly functional, polished, and visually striking." Fernando Geurra Spogue Kitchens & Bath

Inspiration for a contemporary landscaping in Atlanta.

The previous award winning remodel of their Burr Ridge home brought these clients back to LaMantia and designers Jackie Prazak and Katie Suva, CKD, CBD when they decided it was time to build out their unfinished lower level. As before, their main objective was to create areas to accommodate their extended (and now grown) family. During the 2013 main floor remodel, a bedroom and Powder Room had been given up to gain the large award winning kitchen, so recapturing those two spaces were high on the “list of desires.” Also on the list was the need for a pool table, a comfortable movie/TV space, lots of game storage and plenty of open area for grandchildren game playing. The stairway into the lower level was the main challenge in this build-out; both the stair run and tread depth needed to be lengthened to perform to code. To create greater head room on the staircase the main beam was cut and a portion was relocated 18”. A second column at the end of the stair run was added to match the required structural column, allowing the last tread to wrap decoratively onto each side. Throughout the design planning many details built-into the main level project were repeated to marry the main and lower levels together. The built-in cabinetry and the mirrored doors in the bedroom can also be found in the Guest Room on the main level. The mirrored element over the bed is actually an interior door glazed with mirrors and hung on its side. The parquet look tile flooring of the new bath is reminiscent of the main level wood parquet flooring while the carpenter built wainscoting also can be found in the main hall of the first floor. The custom walnut stair spindles were fabricated from a photo the homeowner found and loved. In the Movie/TV area the theatre seats are fully powered to accept iPhones, iPads, Laptops, etc. Also note the large chalkboard scorekeeping area with seating for the game players. And, one very special detail can be found under the (now longer) staircase; a private room under the stairs was created with touch-lighting and bean bag chairs for anyone seeking a quiet space.

After receiving a referral by a family friend, these clients knew that Rebel Builders was the Design + Build company that could transform their space for a new lifestyle: as grandparents! As young grandparents, our clients wanted a better flow to their first floor so that they could spend more quality time with their growing family. The challenge, of creating a fun-filled space that the grandkids could enjoy while being a relaxing oasis when the clients are alone, was one that the designers accepted eagerly. Additionally, designers also wanted to give the clients a more cohesive flow between the kitchen and dining area. To do this, the team moved the existing fireplace to a central location to open up an area for a larger dining table and create a designated living room space. On the opposite end, we placed the "kids area" with a large window seat and custom storage. The built-ins and archway leading to the mudroom brought an elegant, inviting and utilitarian atmosphere to the house. The careful selection of the color palette connected all of the spaces and infused the client's personal touch into their home.

This kitchen was a Reface Project from “Showplace Wood Products- Renew” line! The perimeter doors and drawers are Showplaces “Arlington” door style in their new Coastal Gray in a Casual Vintage Matte Finish with Walnut Glaze. The island was restyled to look like a piece of furniture by adding decorative fluted leg posts in the corners in Showplaces and adding a row of apothecary drawers to raise the upper level to accept the glass countertop. The cherry wood doors and drawers on the island are Showplace’s “Waterford” door style in Russet stain with Vintage Matte Finish that has been distressed to look old and weather with time.