Second Floor Landing - Residence along the Hudson - John B. Murray Architect - Interior Design by Sam Blount - Martha Baker Landscape Design - Photography by Durston Saylor

Regan Baker Design was hired in conjunction with John Lum Architects to update this beautiful edwardian in the Castro, San Francisco. The couple who work for both Pixar and Apple, enjoy color, something that Regan Baker Design really enjoys as well. The kitchen, once closed off by a peninsula island, was removed to open to the living room creating a more open floor plan. Open shelves help open up the room as well, while also creating architecture and interest to a rather tall kitchen. Once an under stair closet, the guest bathroom's custom walnut vanity provides storage for every day necessities, while the tiled walls bring interest to a rather small white bathroom. One accent glass tile wall continues the splash of blue color palette throughout the house. Finish and fixture selections were paired with a few statement pieces including the oversized Flos pendant over the island, the Roche Bobois sofa in multi-color and the client's existing teal round slipper chair, purchased from the ever famed Judge Judy. The nursery, designed around the client's grandmother's croched character stuffed animals and the ever so cute cloud smiley face rug, was completed just in time before the birth of their daughter. Key Contributors: Contractor: Ehline Construction Architect: John Lum Photographer: Sharon Risedorph

Architectural and landscape design by Bonin Architects & Associates. Photography by John W. Hession www.boninarchitects.com
Example of a classic dining room design in Boston

View of living room, with fireplace and window seat. Access to screen porch is through the glass door to the right of the fireplace, which is open to both living room and screen porch. The large driftwood sulpture above the fireplace was created by one of the owner's sons. The floor lamp visible in the left foreground was designed and built by the architect, John Whipple. Photo © John Whipple.

Architectural and Landscape Design by Bonin Architects & Associates www.boninarchitects.com. Photos by John W. Hession, Advanced Digital Photography
Inspiration for a rustic dining room remodel in Boston

South Elevation - Residence along the Hudson - John B. Murray Architect - Interior Design by Sam Blount - Martha Baker Landscape Design - Photography by Durston Saylor

Architectural and Landscape design by Bonin Architects, www.boninarchitects.com Photography by John W. Hession
Kitchen - rustic u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in Boston with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, green backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and green countertops

Dining Room - Residence along the Hudson - John B. Murray Architect - Interior Design by Sam Blount - Martha Baker Landscape Design - Photography by Durston Saylor

Regan Baker Design was hired in conjunction with John Lum Architects to update this beautiful edwardian in the Castro, San Francisco. The couple who work for both Pixar and Apple, enjoy color, something that Regan Baker Design really enjoys as well. The kitchen, once closed off by a peninsula island, was removed to open to the living room creating a more open floor plan. Open shelves help open up the room as well, while also creating architecture and interest to a rather tall kitchen. Once an under stair closet, the guest bathroom's custom walnut vanity provides storage for every day necessities, while the tiled walls bring interest to a rather small white bathroom. One accent glass tile wall continues the splash of blue color palette throughout the house. Finish and fixture selections were paired with a few statement pieces including the oversized Flos pendant over the island, the Roche Bobois sofa in multi-color and the client's existing teal round slipper chair, purchased from the ever famed Judge Judy. The nursery, designed around the client's grandmother's croched character stuffed animals and the ever so cute cloud smiley face rug, was completed just in time before the birth of their daughter. Key Contributors: Contractor: Ehline Construction Architect: John Lum Photographer: Sharon Risedorph

Hillside Snowcrest Residence by Locati Architects, Interior Design by John Vancheri, Photography by Audrey Hall
Open concept kitchen - rustic dark wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Other with a single-bowl sink, dark wood cabinets, white backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

Hillside Snowcrest Residence by Locati Architects, Interior Design by John Vancheri, Photography by Audrey Hall
Inspiration for a rustic foyer remodel in Other with a glass front door

Living Room Looking at Fireplace - New Apartment on Fifth Avenue - John B. Murray Architect - Interior Design by Stephen Sills - Photography by Durston Saylor

Regan Baker Design was hired in conjunction with John Lum Architects to update this beautiful edwardian in the Castro, San Francisco. The couple who work for both Pixar and Apple, enjoy color, something that Regan Baker Design really enjoys as well. The kitchen, once closed off by a peninsula island, was removed to open to the living room creating a more open floor plan. Open shelves help open up the room as well, while also creating architecture and interest to a rather tall kitchen. Once an under stair closet, the guest bathroom's custom walnut vanity provides storage for every day necessities, while the tiled walls bring interest to a rather small white bathroom. One accent glass tile wall continues the splash of blue color palette throughout the house. Finish and fixture selections were paired with a few statement pieces including the oversized Flos pendant over the island, the Roche Bobois sofa in multi-color and the client's existing teal round slipper chair, purchased from the ever famed Judge Judy. The nursery, designed around the client's grandmother's croched character stuffed animals and the ever so cute cloud smiley face rug, was completed just in time before the birth of their daughter. Key Contributors: Contractor: Ehline Construction Architect: John Lum Photographer: Sharon Risedorph

Master Bathroom - Residence along the Hudson - John B. Murray Architect - Interior Design by Sam Blount - Martha Baker Landscape Design - Photography by Durston Saylor

Hillside Snowcrest Residence by Locati Architects, Interior Design by John Vancheri, Photography by Audrey Hall
Bedroom - rustic bedroom idea in Other

Living Room - Residence along the Hudson - John B. Murray Architect - Interior Design by Sam Blount - Martha Baker Landscape Design - Photography by Durston Saylor

Architectural and Landscape Design by Bonin Architects & Associates www.boninarchitects.com. Photos by John W. Hession, Advanced Digital Photography
Inspiration for a rustic wine cellar remodel in Boston

Regan Baker Design was hired in conjunction with John Lum Architects to update this beautiful edwardian in the Castro, San Francisco. The couple who work for both Pixar and Apple, enjoy color, something that Regan Baker Design really enjoys as well. The kitchen, once closed off by a peninsula island, was removed to open to the living room creating a more open floor plan. Open shelves help open up the room as well, while also creating architecture and interest to a rather tall kitchen. Once an under stair closet, the guest bathroom's custom walnut vanity provides storage for every day necessities, while the tiled walls bring interest to a rather small white bathroom. One accent glass tile wall continues the splash of blue color palette throughout the house. Finish and fixture selections were paired with a few statement pieces including the oversized Flos pendant over the island, the Roche Bobois sofa in multi-color and the client's existing teal round slipper chair, purchased from the ever famed Judge Judy. The nursery, designed around the client's grandmother's croched character stuffed animals and the ever so cute cloud smiley face rug, was completed just in time before the birth of their daughter. Key Contributors: Contractor: Ehline Construction Architect: John Lum Photographer: Sharon Risedorph