Klopf Architecture and Outer space Landscape Architects designed a new warm, modern, open, indoor-outdoor home in Los Altos, California. Inspired by mid-century modern homes but looking for something completely new and custom, the owners, a couple with two children, bought an older ranch style home with the intention of replacing it. Created on a grid, the house is designed to be at rest with differentiated spaces for activities; living, playing, cooking, dining and a piano space. The low-sloping gable roof over the great room brings a grand feeling to the space. The clerestory windows at the high sloping roof make the grand space light and airy. Upon entering the house, an open atrium entry in the middle of the house provides light and nature to the great room. The Heath tile wall at the back of the atrium blocks direct view of the rear yard from the entry door for privacy. The bedrooms, bathrooms, play room and the sitting room are under flat wing-like roofs that balance on either side of the low sloping gable roof of the main space. Large sliding glass panels and pocketing glass doors foster openness to the front and back yards. In the front there is a fenced-in play space connected to the play room, creating an indoor-outdoor play space that could change in use over the years. The play room can also be closed off from the great room with a large pocketing door. In the rear, everything opens up to a deck overlooking a pool where the family can come together outdoors. Wood siding travels from exterior to interior, accentuating the indoor-outdoor nature of the house. Where the exterior siding doesn’t come inside, a palette of white oak floors, white walls, walnut cabinetry, and dark window frames ties all the spaces together to create a uniform feeling and flow throughout the house. The custom cabinetry matches the minimal joinery of the rest of the house, a trim-less, minimal appearance. Wood siding was mitered in the corners, including where siding meets the interior drywall. Wall materials were held up off the floor with a minimal reveal. This tight detailing gives a sense of cleanliness to the house. The garage door of the house is completely flush and of the same material as the garage wall, de-emphasizing the garage door and making the street presentation of the house kinder to the neighborhood. The house is akin to a custom, modern-day Eichler home in many ways. Inspired by mid-century modern homes with today’s materials, approaches, standards, and technologies. The goals were to create an indoor-outdoor home that was energy-efficient, light and flexible for young children to grow. This 3,000 square foot, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom new house is located in Los Altos in the heart of the Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, and Chuang-Ming Liu 
Landscape Architect: Outer space Landscape Architects 
Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers 
Staging: Da Lusso Design 
Photography ©2018 Mariko Reed 
Location: Los Altos, CA
 Year completed: 2017

Example of a transitional bedroom design in Denver

A 1950's orange peach brick ranch was updated by removing old overgrown shrubs and installing new landscape. A new roof and painted trim toned down the orange brick.

Freestanding bathtub - rustic freestanding bathtub idea in Dallas with brown walls

Bookshelves flank the recessed TV and display the clients art and artifacts. Custom upholstery pieces were made specifically for the space. A new stone fireplace adds charm to the cozy living room. A window seat looking out to the front yard brings in orange and rust colors. The cocktail table was made by the client’s son and refinished to work in the space. The ceiling was original to the home as are the wood floors. The wall between the kitchen and the living room was removed to open up the space for a more open floor plan. Lighting in the bookshelves and custom roman shades add softness and interest to the inviting living room. Photography by: Erika Bierman

Juxtaposing a Southern Colorado setting with a Moorish feel, North Star Ranch explores a distinctive Mediterranean architectural style in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The owner raises cutting horses, but has spent much of her free time traveling the world. She has brought art and artifacts from those journeys into her home, and they work in combination to establish an uncommon mood. The stone floor, stucco and plaster walls, troweled stucco exterior, and heavy beam and trussed ceilings welcome guests as they enter the home. Open spaces for socializing, both outdoor and in, are what those guests experience but to ensure the owner's privacy, certain spaces such as the master suite and office can be essentially 'locked off' from the rest of the home. Even in the context of the region's extraordinary rock formations, North Star Ranch conveys a strong sense of personality.

Freestanding bathtub - contemporary blue tile freestanding bathtub idea in Dallas with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white walls and a drop-in sink

The original ranch style home was built in 1962 by the homeowner’s father. She grew up in this home; now her and her husband are only the second owners of the home. The existing foundation and a few exterior walls were retained with approximately 800 square feet added to the footprint along with a single garage to the existing two-car garage. The footprint of the home is almost the same with every room expanded. All the rooms are in their original locations; the kitchen window is in the same spot just bigger as well. The homeowners wanted a more open, updated craftsman feel to this ranch style childhood home. The once 8-foot ceilings were made into 9-foot ceilings with a vaulted common area. The kitchen was opened up and there is now a gorgeous 5 foot by 9 and a half foot Cambria Brittanicca slab quartz island.

Danny Piassick
Huge 1960s u-shaped porcelain tile eat-in kitchen photo in Austin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, glass countertops, beige backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and blue countertops

Photos by Charlie Halsell
Example of a large country backyard concrete patio design in San Francisco with a roof extension

The 2021 Southern Living Idea House is inspiring on multiple levels—from the stunning location in Louisville, Kentucky overlooking the Ohio river, to the design-driven home that marries European countryside vibes with a timeless aesthetic. Dubbed the “forever home,” the concept was to design for all stages of life, with thoughtful spaces that meet the ever-evolving needs of families today. The 5,545-square-foot, Colonial Greek Revival Cottage-style home is located in The Breakers at Prospect community and is the collective effort of many. While it may have formerly been a trend to embrace open layout living spaces, following the pandemic families are seeking spaces in the home that feel separated, to allow for privacy. Rooms with clear intentions allow more options for areas in which to spend time, depending on your mood, and this home perfectly balances livable and lively ideas. Marvin products were chosen for this project to maximize the use of natural light, allow airflow from outdoors to indoors, and provide expansive views that overlook the Ohio River. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Awaken Skylight Marvin Ultimate Casement Window Marvin Ultimate Double Hung G2 Window Marvin Ultimate Picture Window Marvin Ultimate Direct Glaze Round Top Window Marvin Ultimate Swinging French Door G2 BUILDER: Jason Black and Jimmy King of Artisan Signature Homes ARCHITECT: Brandon Ingram of C. Brandon Ingram Design INTERIOR DESIGNER: Sarah Bartholomew, Sarah Bartholomew Design LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Josh Myers of Myers & Co. Landscape Architecture PHOTOGRAPHY: Laurey W. Glenn, Marta Xochilt Perez, and Kriech-Higdon Photography for Southern Living

Juxtaposing a Southern Colorado setting with a Moorish feel, North Star Ranch explores a distinctive Mediterranean architectural style in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The owner raises cutting horses, but has spent much of her free time traveling the world. She has brought art and artifacts from those journeys into her home, and they work in combination to establish an uncommon mood. The stone floor, stucco and plaster walls, troweled stucco exterior, and heavy beam and trussed ceilings welcome guests as they enter the home. Open spaces for socializing, both outdoor and in, are what those guests experience but to ensure the owner's privacy, certain spaces such as the master suite and office can be essentially 'locked off' from the rest of the home. Even in the context of the region's extraordinary rock formations, North Star Ranch conveys a strong sense of personality.

Photographer: Paul Dyer
Inspiration for a 1950s dining room remodel in San Francisco with blue walls and no fireplace

Stone: Foxwood - Vintage Ranch Enjoy the warmth and inviting texture of Vintage Ranch, our authentic interpretation of reclaimed barn wood. This American classic is composed of hand-selected boards culled for their celebrated patina and timeless beauty. Milled to 2″, 4″ and 6″ heights with subtle depth variations, Vintage Ranch has been designed as a panelized system for a quick installation process. Get a Vintage Ranch Sample: https://shop.eldoradostone.com/products/vintage-ranch-sample

Large mountain style ceramic tile foyer photo in Denver with beige walls and a glass front door

Photographer: Paul Dyer
Front door - contemporary ceramic tile front door idea in San Francisco with a blue front door

Open concept home built for entertaining, Spanish inspired colors & details, known as the Hacienda Chic style from Interior Designer Ashley Astleford, ASID, TBAE, BPN Photography: Dan Piassick of PiassickPhoto

White faux wood blinds in this kitchen window array allows a variety of light filtering options throughout the day and privacy into the evening hours. Faux wood blinds can take a wide range of temperature and humidity changes that might ordinarily affect a natural wood blind. This kitchen design has a triple kitchen sink - something you don't see often. Windows Dressed Up window treatment store featuring custom blinds, shutters, shades, drapes, curtains, valances and bedding in Denver services the metro area, including Parker, Castle Rock, Boulder, Evergreen, Broomfield, Lakewood, Aurora, Thornton, Centennial, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Arvada, Golden, Westminster, Lone Tree, Greenwood Village, Wheat Ridge. Come in and talk to a Certified Interior Designer and select from over 3,000 designer fabrics in every color, style, texture and pattern. See more custom window treatment ideas on our website. www.windowsdressedup.com. Photo: Graber faux wood blinds - Kitchen Ideas and Designs.