photo by Douglas Gibb
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Minimalist kitchen photo in Dallas

This bathroom shows off it's whitest white with pure, clean light from GE Reveal HD.
Example of a bathroom design

Photo: Mina Brinkey © 2013 Houzz
Inspiration for a transitional family room remodel in Tampa

Photo: Andrew Snow © 2015 Houzz
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This is one of several custom made gates for a Tuscan Villa style home in Newport Beach, CA. Dynamic Garage Door worked closely with the proud homeowners to achieve a rustic style gate that transmitted the essence of Tuscany's rugged riviera homes. The gates features world-class European hardware including mortise style locks with roller catches and decorative iron pulls that feel authentic to the touch because they were made much in the same way tradition has dictated for centuries. The goal was to achieve an architectural gate design that would harmonize, not compete, with the home's earthy elements including the rock walls and neutrally toned color scheme. We chose oak as our reclaimed barn wood species for its brown tones that differ from your typical pine species which give you a silver appearance. Oak give off a warmer, brown coloration that is closer to the tonalities found in Tuscan homes. Nothing gives is more impressive than reclaimed bar wood gates because of the unique lumber characteristics that were given by mother nature over decades and centuries, nothing that can be achieved over night. Dynamic Garage Door craftsmen are highly skilled in preserving these lumber surfaces and keeping them intact. We developed designs and techniques that keep each piece authentic and true to its charming age. Just like wine, reclaimed wood will get better and better over the ageless decades and centuries to come. There is literally no maintenance on our reclaimed wood gates because each passing year is a new layer of gorgeous character that will pass the test of time over and over again! As an added bonus and value to our already high-end gate designs, we craft each one of our gates on galvanized steel frames which will ensure our gorgeous gates will not only look fabulous but last a lifetime! Contact us today for prices and perhaps design ideas you might not thought of yet or with your own ideas that others have declined to build for you. Consultation Center: (855) 343-3667

Relaxed modern entryway.
Example of a minimalist entryway design in Dallas

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today. A Remodel That Balances Past and Present What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form. Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner. A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it. Navigating Challenges With Precision The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved. Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly. Details That Respect the Eichler DNA The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness. At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence. The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving. Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process. The Value of Evolving Scope As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun. The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA. Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa. Contractor: Golden Cove Construction Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2024 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

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Contemporary exterior home idea in Portland

Open pantry and double ovens. Photo by Olga Soboleva
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized modern u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, glass-front cabinets, quartz countertops, glass sheet backsplash, stainless steel appliances, black backsplash and no island

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2015 Houzz
Bathroom - farmhouse bathroom idea in New York

Interactive Construction’s second Passive House shows that it is possible to achieve this high level of energy efficiency in even the tightest of lots. This build challenged the common assumption that you need a lot of south facing windows to achieve the Passive House certification. The relatively small solar gains from the limited southern exposure was made up for with an extremely tight air-barrier, a top of the line HRV, and higher R-values of insulation. To achieve the best indoor air quality, low-VOC products were used in the finishes. Solid Maple flooring was used throughout the upper levels to create a beautiful look without the chemicals found in engineered flooring. Aging-in-place was key to the design, with a central elevator and accessible door sizes and shower access. Smart design can make homes for versatile over their lifespan which reduces the need for costly renovations in the future. Both the indoor and outdoor areas blend to create tranquil and calm-inspiring spaces. What the homeowners had to say: Each area works well for its purpose. We love the stairs and the glass wall that separates the stairs from the living area. We love our windows, doors and skylights which give us so much light.

Interactive Construction’s second Passive House shows that it is possible to achieve this high level of energy efficiency in even the tightest of lots. This build challenged the common assumption that you need a lot of south facing windows to achieve the Passive House certification. The relatively small solar gains from the limited southern exposure was made up for with an extremely tight air-barrier, a top of the line HRV, and higher R-values of insulation. To achieve the best indoor air quality, low-VOC products were used in the finishes. Solid Maple flooring was used throughout the upper levels to create a beautiful look without the chemicals found in engineered flooring. Aging-in-place was key to the design, with a central elevator and accessible door sizes and shower access. Smart design can make homes for versatile over their lifespan which reduces the need for costly renovations in the future. Both the indoor and outdoor areas blend to create tranquil and calm-inspiring spaces. What the homeowners had to say: Each area works well for its purpose. We love the stairs and the glass wall that separates the stairs from the living area. We love our windows, doors and skylights which give us so much light.

Expanded Living Space with Connection to the Outdoors The team settled on the unique folding window/door combination by NanaWall. With this folding system, the window height system opens the kitchen counter to the outside providing additional outdoor counter space which is convenient for entertaining while the full-height folding walls can operate independently or in conjunction with the window unit to completely open the back of the home. The family is thrilled that this system completely opens the home to seamless indoor-outdoor interaction!

This is one of several custom made gates for a Tuscan Villa style home in Newport Beach, CA. Dynamic Garage Door worked closely with the proud homeowners to achieve a rustic style gate that transmitted the essence of Tuscany's rugged riviera homes. The gates features world-class European hardware including mortise style locks with roller catches and decorative iron pulls that feel authentic to the touch because they were made much in the same way tradition has dictated for centuries. The goal was to achieve an architectural gate design that would harmonize, not compete, with the home's earthy elements including the rock walls and neutrally toned color scheme. We chose oak as our reclaimed barn wood species for its brown tones that differ from your typical pine species which give you a silver appearance. Oak give off a warmer, brown coloration that is closer to the tonalities found in Tuscan homes. Nothing gives is more impressive than reclaimed bar wood gates because of the unique lumber characteristics that were given by mother nature over decades and centuries, nothing that can be achieved over night. Dynamic Garage Door craftsmen are highly skilled in preserving these lumber surfaces and keeping them intact. We developed designs and techniques that keep each piece authentic and true to its charming age. Just like wine, reclaimed wood will get better and better over the ageless decades and centuries to come. There is literally no maintenance on our reclaimed wood gates because each passing year is a new layer of gorgeous character that will pass the test of time over and over again! As an added bonus and value to our already high-end gate designs, we craft each one of our gates on galvanized steel frames which will ensure our gorgeous gates will not only look fabulous but last a lifetime! Contact us today for prices and perhaps design ideas you might not thought of yet or with your own ideas that others have declined to build for you. Consultation Center: (855) 343-3667

Photo: Mina Brinkey © 2013 Houzz
Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in Tampa

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This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home. The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living. The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home. The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play. The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms. Energy Efficient features include: • The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade • 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques • Foil covered roof sheathing • Extensive use of blown in cellulous • All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass • Tank-less water heaters • Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV. Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency. These items include: • 2x6 walls with staggered studs • Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting • Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows • ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls. The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.