This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath. Joe Nowak

This renovation and addition project, located in Bloomfield Hills, was completed in 2016. A master suite, located on the second floor and overlooking the backyard, was created that featured a his and hers bathroom, staging rooms, separate walk-in-closets, and a vaulted skylight in the hallways. The kitchen was stripped down and opened up to allow for gathering and prep work. Fully-custom cabinetry and a statement range help this room feel one-of-a-kind. To allow for family activities, an indoor gymnasium was created that can be used for basketball, soccer, and indoor hockey. An outdoor oasis was also designed that features an in-ground pool, outdoor trellis, BBQ area, see-through fireplace, and pool house. Unique colonial traits were accentuated in the design by the addition of an exterior colonnade, brick patterning, and trim work. The renovation and addition had to match the unique character of the existing house, so great care was taken to match every detail to ensure a seamless transition from old to new.

This is the addition to a early 1960's split level. The addition encloses a family room and dining room. The dining room is defined by the higher ceiling. Daylighting is brought further into the interior by the use of a light shelf, which bounces the daylighting off of it and reflects it up onto the ceiling of the taller space. The overhang that the light shelf is made from blocks out the high summer sun, while still admitting the low winter sun for passive solar gain. The existing home's exterior was is located at the far left. http://www.kipnisarch.com Kipnis Architecture + Planning

Goals The clients main goal was more space. They desired a new kitchen that was large enough to fit their growing family and to update other rooms in their home to fit their contemporary style. Our Design Solution In order to enlarge the kitchen, we had to build a new addition. The original kitchen was just too small and had no where to expand to within the house. With moving the entire kitchen into the addition, there was now room to create a mudroom and a new bathroom. Above the new kitchen, we gave the client a new master suite. We used white cabinets, a custom wood counter, and gray back splash tile, to give the kitchen the contemporary feel the clients were seeking. C.J South Photography

Inserts are engineered to fit into existing wood-burning fireplace openings and vent through existing chimney systems. Most fireplace inserts are at least 80% efficient, with some almost 99%. One of the more attractive characteristic of a gas fireplace insert is its ability to turn on instantly. Shown here are just a few of the manufacturers and styles of gas fireplace inserts Okell's Fireplace carries.

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

This Portland 1929 Tudor mix home was in need of a few luxury additions. Designed by architect Stuart Emmons of Emmons Architects and built by Hammer & Hand, additions to the home included a green roof, two-person shower, soaking tub, and a two-story addition with a new living room and art studio. Photo by Mitchell Snyder.

Jeff Herr Photography
Example of a transitional master light wood floor bedroom design in Atlanta with green walls and no fireplace

Have you ever wondered about the installation Process of a C-Thru Sunroom? Take a look at the Video Below to see the process from start to finish. Contact us for more information on a C-Thru Sunroom. 1- The first step in any sunroom build is pre-construction and demo. Here you can see our builders are setting forms for the foundation. A nice level foundation will ensure a water tight seal to last and last and prevent against perimeter leaks. 3 - In this particular sunroom the client wanted a higher roof so we built her what is called a roof saddle 4 - The benefits of a roof saddle include, extra height, better drainage, more light with upper glass transoms and even an option to match your existing roof 5- We have the safest delivery methods for your materials they will arrive in customized prepackaging. 6 - We carefully unload and stage materials in your backyard. 7- Here, our certified C Thru Installers are anchoring perimeter channels that holds the walls in place. 8 - These channels are specially designed with an anti-moisture system to prevent perimeter leaks Guaranteeing a moisture free environment. 9- Our installers are putting up the walls - carefully leveling and plumbing each section to the house, we can achieve a custom fit to any house wall with modifications as needed. 10- all though our roof systems are water tight as is, we offer composition roofing to match your existing roof and add to the over all aesthetics of the structure. Flooring, Heating and cooling, fans, lights, and many other custom interior and exterior aesthetic options are available. While other sunroom additions are only available in stock sizes, or rely on panels and miscellaneous parts to be mixed and matched to fit your home as best they can, C-Thru sunrooms are individually designed and engineered according to the exact specifications of your home. Each and every piece of our sunrooms is fabricated with total precision in our innovative manufacturing facility using industry-leading Computer Aided Design technology. This means that every single sunroom we build is engineered with efficiency, perfect sizing, and optimal visual appeal in mind. Custom Sunroom Additions for Every Home When it comes to custom sunroom additions, C-Thru offers a multitude of options to fit your exact preferences and the specific needs of your home. And thanks to our efficient, precision manufacturing technology, a sunroom addition installation with us can be finished in a matter of days—not weeks. When you work with us, you’ll have access to a variety of energy efficient elements to choose from, including Roof Styles: Window Styles: Interior/Exterior Styles: Make your sunroom truly your own, with options to personalize every feature to your preference. From heated flooring to cable-ready installation, we can make sure your sunroom is ready for its intended purpose. Thank you for watching, for an estimate please do not hesitate to contact us! We are happy to help with your patio cover or sunroom project. Contact us today for an estimate! P: 1-650-339-1477 E: marco.truvaluebuilders@gmail.com cthrusunroomsnocal.com patiocoversgalore.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoFZ3vZ_yfk&t=71s #GabledSunrooms #PatioCovers #PatioEnclosures #ScreenRooms #StudioSunrooms #ThreeSeasonRooms #FourSeasonRooms #Enclosures #Solarium #Awning #Retractable #Awning #BayArea #SF #SanJose #SantaClara #Hayward #SanMateo #Burligame #EastBay #Concord #Penninsula #California #NorCal #NorthBayArea #sunroom #patioenclosure #pergola #patiocovering #shed #greenhouse #Solarium #sunroom At C-Thru Sunrooms we have bi-parting windows and doors! Easy to operate door panels allow for quick opening and closing allowing for lots of ventilation and easy of movement in and out. These doors are great for entertaining a large croud or family event! We are also one of the first sunroom manufactures to offer a solution to all your lighting needs. Our recessed lighting and fans are sure to illuminate your night! Contact us today for an estimate! P: 1-650-339-1477 E: marco.truvaluebuilders@gmail.com cthrusunroomsnocal.com patiocoversgalore.com link to video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esXIo3IA1uQ&t=56s #GabledSunrooms #PatioCovers #PatioEnclosures #ScreenRooms #StudioSunrooms #ThreeSeasonRooms #FourSeasonRooms #Enclosures #Solarium #Awning #Retractable #Awning #BayArea #SF #SanJose #SantaClara #Hayward #SanMateo #Burligame #EastBay #Concord #Penninsula #California #NorCal #NorthBayArea #sunroom #patioenclosure #pergola #patiocovering #shed #greenhouse #Solarium #sunroom

While the owners liked their original home and loved its location, they were in need of additional space and custom touches for their active family. Through our X-Act 3D Design we were able to show them what their home could be! They loved the new plan that added a cozy porch with fireplace, custom built-in bunk room with bath, huge activities court with golf simulator overlooked by a custom bar up top, and another ensuite with a great view — all blended seamlessly into their original home! We delivered on the plan and now they are ready for a quick game of hoops, extended family stays, and entertaining! What an incredible transformation!

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

The inviting new porch addition features a stunning angled vault ceiling and walls of oversize windows that frame the picture-perfect backyard views. The porch is infused with light thanks to the statement light fixture and bright-white wooden beams that reflect the natural light. Photos by Spacecrafting Photography

Industrial transitional English style kitchen. The addition and remodeling were designed to keep the outdoors inside. Replaced the uppers and prioritized windows connected to key parts of the backyard and having open shelvings with walnut and brass details. Custom dark cabinets made locally. Designed to maximize the storage and performance of a growing family and host big gatherings. The large island was a key goal of the homeowners with the abundant seating and the custom booth opposite to the range area. The booth was custom built to match the client's favorite dinner spot. In addition, we created a more New England style mudroom in connection with the patio. And also a full pantry with a coffee station and pocket doors.

The owners of this project wanted additional living + play space for their two children. The solution was to add a second story and make the transition between the spaces a key design feature. Inside the tower is a light-filled lounge + library for the children and their friends. The stair becomes a sculptural piece able to be viewed from all areas of the home. From the exterior, the wood-clad tower creates a pleasing composition that brings together the existing house and addition seamlessly. The kitchen was fully renovated to integrate this theme of an open, bright, family-friendly space. Throughout the existing house and addition, the clean, light-filled space allows the beautiful material palette + finishes to come to the forefront.

Modern glass house set in the landscape evokes a midcentury vibe. A modern gas fireplace divides the living area with a polished concrete floor from the greenhouse with a gravel floor. The frame is painted steel with aluminum sliding glass door. The front features a green roof with native grasses and the rear is covered with a glass roof. Photo by: Gregg Shupe Photography

Lissa Gotwals Photography
Living room - large traditional open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Raleigh with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and no tv

Outdoor Gas log fire pit with custom stone surround and flagstone top by Fine's Gas
Patio - large rustic courtyard stone patio idea in Other with a fire pit

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY GRAND AWARD WINNER A single family home in Oakton, VA built in late 80’ was occupied by family of four for 10 years. The owner wishes to expand the living space, finish the basement, add a sunroom/breakfast area addition, eliminate the deck and put in a screen porch. Also convert the laundry room to office/mudroom area. It took months of planning to get into the final design. We have implemented a plan that had a two story back addition (both basement level and first level). This required removing the cinder block wall of basement to add the seamless addition, and removing the entire first level back wall of kitchen to open up kitchen into sunroom. The major challenge was to re-route all duct work going to second level, add ducts for basement and first level to existing system. Then add a second HVAC system in attic for entire second level. Then change all load structure for tow story addition to side wall and new walls to have entire width opened up. The basement has gained a new bar area, a total new bathroom with shower and large vanities and all amenities, media area with gas fireplace and mantel surrounded with matching cherry bookcases and granite tops, recess lights, surround sound system, wood floor and steps, new sewer ejection system due to their difficult septic tank. The new French doors lead into back bricked patio The first floor gained this new 16’x20’ cathedral ceiling sunroom/breakfast addition surrounded with large arched windows and French slider leading into new screen porch. The kitchen lay-out gained three more feet in width. Also by removing partition wall between kitchen and existing family room. The first floor now has total open floor plan. The fireplace in existing family room was converted to gas and got marble surround and new mantel. All bulkhead and part of partition walls contained massive plumbing and electrical that needed to be relocated in order to implement the new kitchen layout. This design has much more appliances and a beautiful large furniture style island that is the focal point of this kitchen done in espresso color cherry cabinetry and contrasting light color exotic stove top lighted by two crystal chandeliers. The wrap around of cherry cabinetry in the kitchen with expended cabinetry into butler area and bookcases and bench in sunroom has given this couple lots to fill in. The entire first floor and leading stairs to second floor and part of the second floor was all covered with new 5” wide exotic Santos Mahogany wood floors and new railings. The powder room has been reconfigured to allow larger hallway and with new furniture style vanity this powder room even small than before but has better layout and space. The old Laundry room and has been converted to a 10’x15’ area of multipurpose space. On the left wall there are locker style cabinetry and bench. One the left wall built in and desk area with tones of storage space. The washer and dryer are install into a closet, away from site. A set of French doors were installed into the new back deck and screen porch. The large porcelain floors made the space look even larger and more utilitarian. Use of cherry cabinetry on deck and bookcase with recess lighting scaled up look of the space. The new kitchen, family room and sun room with the rich cherry cabinetry and darker granite top, tumbled marble backsplash and wide board mahogany floors, upper scale stainless steel appliances and furniture style distressed look darker wood Island and light granite have made this project a breathtaking one. The added side screen porch done with Trex decking and cathedral ceiling covered in beaded panel and corner gas fireplace all around covered with Ledgestone has given this family a place to retire in for all those autumn afternoons and much more. The major overhaul of this home from replacement of all existing doors and windows, flooring, crown molding and trim, stairs, entire first floor reface, new siding , new roofing, new electrical, new HVAC, entire new basement, bathroom, mud room, screen porch and lots more makes these owner proud to stay in this home for years to come.

This drop dead gorgeous kitchen encompasses custom white cabinetry, quartz and marble countertops, and a custom designed backsplash inset at the stove top. The faux finished modern vent hood is a perfect addition to the white, bright space.