Search results for "Additional layer" in Home Design Ideas

Contemporary. Expansive. Multi-functional. An extensive kitchen renovation was needed to modernize an original design from 1993. Our gut remodel established a seamless new floor plan with two large islands. We lined the perimeter with ample storage and carefully layered creative lighting throughout the space. Contrasting white and walnut cabinets and an oversized copper hood, paired beautifully with a herringbone backsplash and custom live-edge table.

New lower level living room furniture and layout, layered in color, texture and finishes, along with a custom built-in beverage center for family and friends movie and game nights, was just want this space needed for added comfort and functionality to this modern home. A new deck remodel and furnishings for a perfect set up to move your entertaining outdoors during the warm Minnesota days and nights was another needed space.
The sweet baby girl nursery was another space updated with all new furniture and beautiful wallpaper for the new addition to their family. This modern home just needed a little bit of color, art and accessories to finish out the spaces they can comfortably call home.

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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The Contemporary Retreat....This backyard retreat was designed with therapy in mind. Dancing water for tranquility. Walk-in spa & just the right size pool to cool off or work out. Plenty of places to relax & lounge in side the pool & spa or catching rays, sun bathing. The pool view from inside adds another element that can be used all year long. An automatic pool cover makes this space easy for maintenance & adds another barrier for safety. The green lawn accents softens every turn and allows for each space to be its own destination. Outdoor dining at the outdoor kitchen is made easy with a bar side & seating for four, however plenty of space in this plan to add tables & chairs to sit and relax anywhere. The landscape designed on purpose with layers of evergreen & deciduous plantings to ensure a good look during any season. As the plants mature they will create a barrier of oneness that surrounds our clients energy, of course. A raised garden bed creates a wind block for an additional destination space the was designed for a firepit or more lounge seating. Retreat or Entertainment mecca....

Living Room in Bronco | Key Feature: A Scottsdale new-build rooted in sculptural modernism, Bronco Revival balances bold black-and-white contrast with organic textures, natural wood elements, and statement lighting. As a groundbreaking “Live Lab” designer residence, it’s a first-of-its-kind space where luxury furnishings are tested in real-world conditions before being introduced into high-profile client homes.
Challenge: Because Bronco Revival was the designer’s personal residence, the project carried a unique level of pressure and intention. The challenge was creating a Scottsdale new-build that felt elevated and editorial while still functioning as a true family home. Every selection had to balance bold sculptural modernism (high contrast, statement lighting, architectural furnishings) with durability, comfort, and day-to-day livability. In addition, the home served as a “Live Lab,” meaning new vendors, materials, and luxury furnishings needed to be tested in real-life conditions before being trusted for future high-profile client projects.
Solution: We approached the project with a highly curated, test-and-refine design strategy, treating each space as both a finished interior and a real-world evaluation environment. Key furnishings, textiles, and materials were selected to support the modern organic vision while also standing up to the demands of everyday family life. We worked through selections intentionally, layering in bold contrast, natural woods, and sculptural statement pieces, while prioritizing performance materials, pet-friendly durability, and timeless foundational elements. By using the home as a lived-in showroom, we were able to validate what truly performs beautifully, refine our vendor relationships, and confidently carry those proven selections into future client designs.
Materials: MadeGoods: Sculptural Davion coffee tables |
Loloi: Custom performance rug collection |
Schumacher: Bespoke drapery fabrication |
Aesthetic Wall Coverings: Pioneering wallpaper application on ceiling beams |
Zac + Fox: Exclusive textile collaboration via Made Resource Group |
Budget ($ Range): $300K |
Timeline (Duration): 4 MONTHS

The earth-tone family room in the Scarsdale Family Room Project in Scarsdale, NY, designed by 7B Design, showcases a modern transitional living space with an oversized green sectional and patterned throw pillows for added texture and color. A custom dry bar in a medium wood tone, with mounted shelf unite adds sophistication to an otherwise underutilized wall. Contemporary accent chairs create additional seating, while a floating media console with mounted television provides a clean, streamlined focal point. Light gray textured wallpaper adds depth and architectural interest to the walls. A glass-top square coffee table and layered textured area rug anchor the space over dark hardwood floors, completing this comfortable yet sophisticated family room design.

This coastal kitchen was custom designed with rift cut white oak and painted white cabinetry. Oak beams were added to provoke a farmhouse look, while the hood is accented in the same oak trim. Sea Pearl natural quartzite countertops are warm and look like layers of sand, while Moroccan zellige tile glitters with a naturally variegated glaze on the backsplash. Ralph Lauren pendant lights steal the show, emulating the glass of a lighthouse. Functionally, refrigeration is hidden behind matching panels, a wine fridge and additional bar sink make this a kitchen suitable for all tasks.

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Columbus, OH
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For this commission the client hired us to do the interiors of their new home which was under construction. The style of the house was very traditional however the client wanted the interiors to be transitional, a mixture of contemporary with more classic design. We assisted the client in all of the material, fixture, lighting, cabinetry and built-in selections for the home. The floors throughout the first floor of the home are a creme marble in different patterns to suit the particular room; the dining room has a marble mosaic inlay in the tradition of an oriental rug. The ground and second floors are hardwood flooring with a herringbone pattern in the bedrooms. Each of the seven bedrooms has a custom ensuite bathroom with a unique design. The master bathroom features a white and gray marble custom inlay around the wood paneled tub which rests below a venetian plaster domes and custom glass pendant light. We also selected all of the furnishings, wall coverings, window treatments, and accessories for the home. Custom draperies were fabricated for the sitting room, dining room, guest bedroom, master bedroom, and for the double height great room. The client wanted a neutral color scheme throughout the ground floor; fabrics were selected in creams and beiges in many different patterns and textures. One of the favorite rooms is the sitting room with the sculptural white tete a tete chairs. The master bedroom also maintains a neutral palette of creams and silver including a venetian mirror and a silver leafed folding screen. Additional unique features in the home are the layered capiz shell walls at the rear of the great room open bar, the double height limestone fireplace surround carved in a woven pattern, and the stained glass dome at the top of the vaulted ceilings in the great room.

"About this Home: Welcome to a masterpiece of architectural transformation, where timeless elegance meets contemporary luxury. The Spanish-inspired design is meticulously crafted to redefine the concept of sophisticated living. Beyond its private gates lies a 5.41-acre estate that effortlessly marries traditional charm with modern amenities. The crowning jewel of this remodel is the glass-ceiling room, a stunning addition that transforms the exterior patio into an enchanting space for al fresco dining and entertaining. Bathed in natural light, this room becomes a seamless extension of the living space, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. Picture languid summer evenings spent surrounded by the beauty of nature, enveloped in the warmth of meticulously designed spaces. Boasting a total of 6 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, this residence offers an abundance of space for both privacy and communal gatherings. The sprawling grounds include a pool, tennis court, and a greenhouse, adding layers of leisure and recreation to the lifestyle this home affords. Each corner of the property has been thoughtfully curated to evoke a sense of tranquility and sophistication, creating an oasis where one can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
CRx Construction is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network.
Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples.
As a Certified Luxury Builder, CRx Construction is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information."

"About this Home: Welcome to a masterpiece of architectural transformation, where timeless elegance meets contemporary luxury. The Spanish-inspired design is meticulously crafted to redefine the concept of sophisticated living. Beyond its private gates lies a 5.41-acre estate that effortlessly marries traditional charm with modern amenities. The crowning jewel of this remodel is the glass-ceiling room, a stunning addition that transforms the exterior patio into an enchanting space for al fresco dining and entertaining. Bathed in natural light, this room becomes a seamless extension of the living space, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. Picture languid summer evenings spent surrounded by the beauty of nature, enveloped in the warmth of meticulously designed spaces. Boasting a total of 6 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, this residence offers an abundance of space for both privacy and communal gatherings. The sprawling grounds include a pool, tennis court, and a greenhouse, adding layers of leisure and recreation to the lifestyle this home affords. Each corner of the property has been thoughtfully curated to evoke a sense of tranquility and sophistication, creating an oasis where one can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
MMD is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network.
Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples.
As a Certified Luxury Builder, MMD is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information."

Throughout the project, every design decision was guided by balance—honoring the home’s history while subtly layering in modern comfort and livability. The result is a house that feels cohesive, welcoming, and deeply rooted in its past, yet fully equipped for the way the homeowners live and entertain today.

Set high in the Hollywood Hills, this historic mid-century modern home marks the first commissioned residential project by acclaimed California architect A. Quincy Jones. Thoughtfully reimagined, the remodel honors the home’s architectural legacy while introducing a refined, contemporary sensibility. Our approach focused on preserving the original design, including clean lines, indoor-outdoor flow, and natural materials, while elevating each space through layered textures, custom millwork, and curated finishes. Color and quirk create additional charm in the home, while warm wood tones and sculptural elements preserve the interiors. The result is a home that feels both iconic and livable.

Guadalajara, San Clemente Coastal Modern Remodel
This major remodel and addition set out to take full advantage of the incredible view and create a clear connection to both the front and rear yards. The clients really wanted a pool and a home that they could enjoy with their kids and take full advantage of the beautiful climate that Southern California has to offer. The existing front yard was completely given to the street, so privatizing the front yard with new landscaping and a low wall created an opportunity to connect the home to a private front yard. Upon entering the home a large staircase blocked the view through to the ocean so removing that space blocker opened up the view and created a large great room.
Indoor outdoor living was achieved through the usage of large sliding doors which allow that seamless connection to the patio space that overlooks a new pool and view to the ocean. A large garden is rare so a new pool and bocce ball court were integrated to encourage the outdoor active lifestyle that the clients love.
The clients love to travel and wanted display shelving and wall space to display the art they had collected all around the world. A natural material palette gives a warmth and texture to the modern design that creates a feeling that the home is lived in. Though a subtle change from the street, upon entering the front door the home opens up through the layers of space to a new lease on life with this remodel.

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Columbus, OH
Structural Remodeling
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Our game plan going in was to use both modern and traditional elements, blending together eclectic patterns and textures, to create a visually layered room.
One of the first decisions we made was to divide the room into four quadrants. Why? Two reasons. First, usability. In a big open room filled with long tables, there is no way to create a defined space for conferences, group meetings, or casual conversation. With the room pieced into sections, the areas for talking are more intimate, and the sofas and chairs are triangulated in a way that facilitates conversation. Additionally, you can have four separate meetings or conversations occurring simultaneously without one group disrupting another, so it’s just practical. The second reason for the quadrants was design cohesion. It’s difficult to construct an eclectic look in a large room that is also cohesive. But by breaking the room up, we were able to design four parts that each have their own tone and personality, and then each of the four sections play off one another to work as a unified whole.

This kitchen renovation in Central Texas focused on creating a more custom, cohesive look through upgraded cabinetry, integrated lighting, and modern finishes. Bespoke Builders TX completed the project with a combination of black and warm wood-tone shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, a dark subway tile backsplash, and built-in stainless steel appliances.
A major feature of the remodel is the layered LED lighting throughout the kitchen. Under-cabinet lighting brightens the work surfaces, while toe-kick lighting adds warm ambient illumination along the base cabinets. Additional accent lighting above the cabinetry helps emphasize the height of the room and gives the kitchen a more finished, high-end appearance.
The finished space combines modern design with practical storage and everyday functionality. Bespoke Builders TX provides kitchen remodeling, custom cabinetry, appliance integration, lighting upgrades, and general contracting services throughout Central Texas. We work on both full kitchen renovations and targeted upgrades designed to improve the look, function, and value of an existing home.

Primary bathroom renovation. Navy, gray, and black are balanced by crisp whites and light wood tones. Eclectic mix of geometric shapes and organic patterns. Featuring 3D porcelain tile from Italy, hand-carved geometric tribal pattern in vanity's cabinet doors, hand-finished industrial-style navy/charcoal 24x24" wall tiles, and oversized 24x48" porcelain HD printed marble patterned wall tiles. Flooring in waterproof LVP, continued from bedroom into bathroom and closet. Brushed gold faucets and shower fixtures. Authentic, hand-pierced Moroccan globe light over tub for beautiful shadows for relaxing and romantic soaks in the tub. Vanity pendant lights with handmade glass, hand-finished gold and silver tones layers organic design over geometric tile backdrop. Open, glass panel all-tile shower with 48x48" window (glass frosted after photos were taken). Shower pan tile pattern matches 3D tile pattern. Arched medicine cabinet from West Elm. Separate toilet room with sound dampening built-in wall treatment for enhanced privacy. Frosted glass doors throughout. Vent fan with integrated heat option. Tall storage cabinet for additional space to store body care products and other bathroom essentials. Original bathroom plumbed for two sinks, but current homeowner has only one user for this bathroom, so we capped one side, which can easily be reopened in future if homeowner wants to return to a double-sink setup.
Expanded closet size and completely redesigned closet built-in storage. Please see separate album of closet photos for more photos and details on this.

Whistle Hill Lot 2 residence stands as one of the most architecturally ambitious homes in the development, a striking example of RWH Architect’s commitment to elevating modern design. Defined by its dramatic butterfly roof and a façade composed of clean horizontal cladding, vertical accents, and expansive window groupings, the home captures a sculptural presence rarely seen in the region. This is a residence designed to open itself to its surroundings, embracing light, volume, and long views in a way that signals a new era of contemporary architecture.
The home features an attached three-car garage with an adjacent storage area, creating a practical yet visually streamlined entry sequence. Inside, the first floor is designed around livability and connection to the landscape. The foyer opens into a private office and then flows toward the main living areas. The master suite is intentionally tucked into a quiet corner on the first floor, positioned to overlook the backyard and shaped to allow morning light to filter softly into the space. Adjacent to the master suite is the laundry room, placed strategically for convenience. A secondary bedroom on the first floor includes a walk-in closet, and a nearby three-quarter bath offers flexibility for guests or extended family.
The kitchen serves as the central gathering point of the home, anchored by a large island and complemented by a walk-in pantry. It overlooks an expansive wraparound deck that transitions seamlessly to a lower patio, creating layered outdoor living spaces. Both the dining room and the great room open directly to the deck, enhancing the indoor-outdoor connection. The sunken great room is one of the home’s signature moments, featuring a floating fireplace that appears to hover within the space and accentuates the dramatic ceiling height created by the butterfly roof. The result is a room filled with daylight and volume, a contemporary living environment with an architectural presence that feels both bold and welcoming.
Upstairs, the second floor includes two additional bedrooms, each with walk-in closets, and a full bathroom designed with modern simplicity. From the upper level, the design allows for open views extending back toward the dining room, creating visual connectivity between floors and emphasizing the vertical openness of the home. This intentional play of volume heightens the spatial experience and enhances the sense of modern airiness throughout the interior.
This residence presented several unique design challenges that ultimately helped refine and elevate the final architectural expression. The sweeping butterfly roof created structural complexities due to its dramatic angles and its role in defining the home’s entire visual identity. RWH addressed this by carefully coordinating structural supports and framing patterns that allowed the roof to appear effortless while maintaining its sculptural form. Another significant challenge was balancing the extensive glazing with the need to preserve privacy and energy performance. RWH solved this by thoughtfully arranging high windows, angled openings, and varied window groupings that capture natural light without compromising comfort. Integrating a sunken great room with a floating fireplace required a precise approach to grading, floor transitions, and structural anchoring. Through detailed modeling and coordination, RWH ensured that the fireplace would appear weightless while remaining fully functional and safe. Creating uninterrupted views from the second floor to the dining room also required creative alignment of floor systems and rail detailing, which RWH resolved by designing sleek, integrated guardrails that preserve openness while meeting safety requirements.
Whistle Hill Lot 2 stands as a bold architectural statement and a defining example of the evolving design language within the development. Through innovative forms, expansive volumes, and carefully orchestrated transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, RWH Architect has created a home that reflects the future of contemporary living in the area—forward-thinking, refined, and undeniably modern.

What an honor it was to be part of this Classic California Ranch remodel! Originally built in 1940 with the architectural influence of the iconic William Wurster, this beautiful home had a small, dated kitchen that didn't do it justice. The floor plan had become rather compartmentalized due to remodels and additions by the previous homeowners, and the current homeowners wanted to thoughtfully re-design the kitchen paying tribute to its roots, while also gaining more open and functional space. Ultimately, we relocated the kitchen from it's original location to what was an informal dining space. We reconfigured the mud/laundry room, as well as the space adjacent to it and the kitchen, to allow for a more natural flow between kitchen, dining, and living. The space that previously housed the kitchen was turned into a gallery, where the homeowners can sit and enjoy their morning coffee while viewing the golf course. In the gallery, the original brick from the exterior patio was uncovered under many layers of flooring, and the contractor was able to restore the brick and re-install it for the gallery floor, creating a space that truly emphasizes the leisurely, laid back California lifestyle that blends the indoor and outdoor spaces that the architecture of William Wurster so beautifully emphasizes.

We were very blessed to work with these clients who came to us with a wooded lot in North Saanich and wanted to create a home for themselves that worked with their lifestyle and aesthetic. Both clients are avid bikers and kayakers and wanted to be able to get out and enjoy the outdoors and be able to feel like they lived in the wilderness of B.C. We completed as little tree removal as necessary, including putting effort into maintaining the fern and salal landscape that encompassed the woodlands surrounding the project. Staging area for construction and material storage were also limited, and scheduling the subtrades for their work was tight, but with competent site management, we left the site in a natural state. The energy efficiency was close to net zero, but the solar component and the proximity of the many trees made it difficult to attain a complete net zero level. We included a 6” rock wool exterior insulation layer around the entire home, under-slab insulation and other key items to maximize the efficiency of the living areas. Additional seismic components were also included to increase the longevity of the home and protection of the occupants should a seismic event occur.

This modern kitchen remodel by JWD Contractors brings together timeless style and everyday functionality. The new layout features white cabinets that brighten the entire space and a center island that provides additional storage, prep space, and a comfortable gathering spot.
Elegant quartz countertops add a touch of sophistication, perfectly complemented by stainless steel appliances for a clean, cohesive finish. The hardwood flooring adds warmth and contrast, tying all elements of the design together.
Lighting was carefully layered throughout the kitchen — dangling pendant lights above the island for visual focus, under-cabinet lighting to brighten work areas, and recessed high-hat lighting above the upper cabinets to enhance depth and create an inviting glow.
The final result is a bright, open, and functional kitchen that blends modern materials with classic design details — a perfect space for cooking, entertaining, and everyday family living.
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