Search results for "Avoiding costly" in Home Design Ideas

This home had dated and falling apart finishes, an insignificant fireplace in a giant living room, and a poor layout in the family room. Not to mention the primary bath covered in bamboo wallpaper.
The clients wanted a functional, updated and good-looking kitchen, a more adult family room, an updated serene primary bath. The remaining baths to be updated and modern. And, to make it feel like a holistic update, they wanted a welcoming staircase/entry.
As with most clients, stretching their dollar as far as possible was important. They didn't want to enlarge any footprint or move walls - we had to stay within existing bounds. With a whole home remodel costs can add up quickly depending on where we start & stop. For this family it made sense to do all the work at once to avoid repeat remodels. It was either buy new and still have to customize, or remodel to their exact needs and wants. The remodel was more affordable and made just for them.
Many finishes are clean, simple, and modern. A window was removed! in the family room to allow for a symmetrical entertainment center. A dramatic floor to ceiling fireplace surround was created in the Living room. The staircase was totally redone in both shape and style! The primary bath was reworked to get a two-person shower, and soaking tub. Serene /quiet finishes in the primary helped achieve a mellow /calming atmosphere. All new doors and trim throughout.

Almost five years ago, we completed this shower remodel using the Schluter waterproofing system and our full transparency approach.
From day one, our client knew every detail — every step, every deadline, and every material. No surprises. No delays. Just clear communication and results that stand the test of time.
Today, this shower still looks as beautiful and solid as the day it was finished. That same client continues to recommend us to friends and neighbors — and thanks to our Referral Program, he earns rewards for every new project that comes from his recommendation.
From that one neighborhood alone, we’ve completed four more full remodels, each one built on trust, craftsmanship, and proven results.
We take pride in knowing that our clients are not only satisfied — they’re proud to show their homes to others.
You can visit any of our past projects in person and see the same precision, durability, and beauty that define every Mi Tile Installation Experts project.
? Mikhailbelov37@gmail.com
? https://micatile.com
?️ Free Remodel Audit
Want to avoid hidden issues, costly delays, and budget surprises?
Comment “AUDIT” and we’ll provide a free expert review of your remodel — whether you’re just starting, already in progress, or recently completed.
We’ll help you:
✔️ Plan your project efficiently
✔️ Know what to expect
✔️ Identify common contractor shortcuts
✔️ Protect your investment from day one
? Exclusive Client Benefits
✨ Bonus Program — earn up to 15% back in bonus points to use toward your next project or gift to family/friends.
✨ Referral Program — get 10% cash back from every direct referral project, plus 3% from their referrals.
✨ Returning Client Discount — receive 10% off per sq ft on your second project.
Want the full details? Comment BONUS and we’ll send you the complete guide.
#longlastingquality #showerremodel #schlutersystem #trustworthycontractor #tileinstallation #referralprogram #customremodel #waterproofing #qualitycraftsmanship #loomis #granitebay #eldoradohills #mitileinstallationexperts #miauditmyremodel #beforeandafter #remodeljourney

Our efficient process for kitchen remodeling in Los Angeles begins by removing the old materials and fixtures and replaces them with beautiful options in a wide variety of colors and styles. A new kitchen from Sartori Renovation adds comfort, style and value to your home. With Sartori Renovation in Los Angeles, you avoid issues of dealing with unreliable general contractors, constantly changing timeliness and unexpected costs.
Kitchen Remodeling Experts in Los Angeles, CA - https://www.sartorirenovation.com/
Find the right local pro for your project

I think that many carpenters today consider nails and screws to be what holds a structure together. As a result, I think that many structures today are held together by little more than nails and screws. I often see knee braces bolted to the side of a post for a pergola when they should be positioned between the post and beam to take the load directly. Fasteners should not be load-bearing! They should be used to pin a piece of lumber into a position that allows it to shoulder the load directly.
Nails and screws are fast. When used appropriately, they can keep costs down by reducing the time it takes to build something. But they are not the answer to everything. Joist hangars do little to stop a deck from pulling away from a house, just as nailing from the side is not a replacement for putting a post directly under a beam.
On more than one occasion I've solved a challenging framing problem by employing lap-joints. I've used lap-jointed framing to build curves without having to bend wood, and in the example shown I've used them simply to avoid having to look at an unsightly beam underneath a raised section of deck.
I cut notches half way through my beam where the joists will go, then I cut a corresponding notch into each joist that allows it to fit into the notch in the beam. This allows the joists to cantilever 'through' the beam, which gives me a number of advantages. Using this technique, I can build deck frames tight to the ground without having to rim the structure with joist-hangared beams. I can also use the cantilever to sculpt the edge of the deck into nearly any shape.
As the lumber is locked in from every direction, it is also a far stronger joint than a joist-hangared butt-end, as it resists pulling away, and it is stronger than joist-on-beam because it does not allow for any twisting or 'flopping' of the joists. The beam and joist are locked together, and they each replace the missing pieces of one another, so there is no strength lost in either member.
-Tyler Collins, Operations Manager

Decorative Concrete Walkways for Great Curb Appeal
When navigating around a property and creating a pathway, a concrete walk will do a great job. Concrete is often used for walkways as it is the perfect solution to provide a contoured, conforming surface to the ground while blending in with it’s surroundings. Concrete walkways are a popular choice when a solid consistent surface is desired. Concrete will help to avoid weeds growth as well as offer a smooth surface without any trip hazards that are common with shifting concrete pavers or brick walkways. Concrete is also ideal if you want to include concrete steps, curves or ramps as it can be formed and poured into any shape or curvature.
Decorative concrete can blend seamlessly into the surroundings as it has limitless design possibilities, options and color choices. Concrete walks can be customized to suit your needs and landscape decor. Stamped concrete is an ideal way to add a textured pattern or design to a freshly placed concrete slab walkway.
Concrete can add a lot of curb appeal to your Denver home and the best part is that concrete walkways can be a cost effective solutions when compared to other hard surface materials, while providing a long lasting solution.
Even though concrete is recognized as a grey boring surface, Colored Concrete will add the much needed flare that makes your concrete walkway or pathway stand out from the rest while offering a great way to get wherever it is you’re going around your property.

CONTACT CONSTRUCTIVE ALTERNATIVES WHEN YOU’RE READY TO BUILD BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS!
This one-of-a-kind custom luxury mountain residence applied a high performance green building envelope, and other smart and renewable technologies. In addition to ample living space, the residence includes exquisite car rebuilding and show room facilities. We cut into the top of a mountain side to offer the homeowners 360 degree panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder and Denver. We used 12”- 22” R-40+ battered foundation walls, 8” engineered LSL FSC lumber throughout, and an elliptical and radial building design.
We also installed a 12 kW solar PV power system with a battery back-up. While the homeowners remain connected to the grid, their meter has yet to move forward.
We used ICF forms for fire and wind resistance while taking advantage of their incredible insulating and customizing properties. ICFs are the perfect choice when avoiding square corners is desired at all costs. The solar thermal collectors you see out front were integrated with geothermal and HRV/ERV ventilation and environmental control systems. By designing this kind of in-floor heating and cooling system it keeps the ambient temperatures inside this stunning home comfortable and healthy year round.
Check out some of the images we captured during the beginning, middle, and completion of this unique and eclectic Sunshine Canyon 8,000 square foot Net-Zero Luxury Home.

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

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

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

Surprise 2 Bedroom Makeover In A Day!!
Parents wanted to surprise their kids with a remodeled room as a Christmas gift.
Their parents asked for some specific:
· It had to be a surprise—we just have one day to keep them out of the house,
· Stay on low budget—under $1,000 for each room,
· Provide enough space for their trophies,
· Have a “homework” area,
· Each room should not be too different from the other to avoid conflict between them,
· Fix the poor illumination on the rooms,
Our young clients Santiago (13 yrs.) and Matias (10 yrs.) are two vibrant and close brothers, who love red color and taekwondo.
Our solution:
Maximize space, making storage more efficient, while brightening the room with color, and keeping it versatile so over time our young clients could include their own taste and personality on the rooms.
#kidsroom #organikasmartdesign #roommakeover #designonabudget

This picture shows an all tile spa with a vanishing edge.
Example of a large tuscan pool design in San Francisco
Example of a large tuscan pool design in San Francisco

Our efficient process for general remodeling, kitchen and bathroom remodeling in Los Angeles begins by removing the old materials and fixtures and replaces them with beautiful options in a wide variety of colors and styles. A new kitchen and bathroom from Parisi Remodeling adds comfort, style and value to your home. With Parisi Remodeling in Los Angeles, you avoid issues of dealing with unreliable general contractors, constantly changing timeliness and unexpected costs.
General Contractors, Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Service in Los Angeles, CA - https://www.parisiremodeling.com/

When your drains get clogged, they become less efficient. If left unchecked, dirty drains can disrupt your daily routine. Avoid time-wasting and costly drain problems by choosing our quick and efficient drain cleaning services from a plumber near you.

360° Fireplace Installation — Precision From Every Angle ?
Location: Bethel Island, CA
After completing a monumental 20-foot fireplace in this exclusive island community, another homeowner reached out to Mi Tile Installation Experts for an even more ambitious challenge — a four-sided fireplace with perfect symmetry and alignment from every angle.
This project required absolute precision — every corner, joint, and plane had to meet flawlessly across 360 degrees.
✨ Project Highlights:
? Custom geometric design for a striking centerpiece in the living area
? Tiling wrapped seamlessly around all four sides of the fireplace
? Floors fully protected with durable cardboard to prevent damage during setup and ladder work
? Perfect wall leveling before installation — ensuring clean lines and seamless joints
? High-grade stone-look tile for an elegant and timeless finish
The result: a fireplace that became the true focal point of the home — better than the design render itself — and a statement piece that leaves every guest speechless.
? Mikhailbelov37@gmail.com
? https://micatile.info
?️ Free Remodel Audit
Want to avoid hidden issues, costly delays, and budget surprises?
Comment “AUDIT” and we’ll provide a free expert review of your remodel — whether you’re just starting, already in progress, or recently completed.
We’ll help you:
✔️ Plan your project efficiently
✔️ Know what to expect
✔️ Identify common contractor shortcuts
✔️ Protect your investment from day one
? Exclusive Client Benefits
✨ Bonus Program — earn up to 15% back in bonus points to use toward your next project or gift to family/friends.
✨ Referral Program — get 10% cash back from every direct referral project, plus 3% from their referrals.
✨ Returning Client Discount — receive 10% off per sq ft on your second project.
Want full details? Comment BONUS and we’ll send you the complete guide.
#fireplacedesign #customtile #stonelooktile #luxuryremodel #mitileinstallationexperts #miauditmyremodel #bethelisland #oceanviewhome #homerenovation #contractor #precisioncraftsmanship #tiling #interiordesign #modernfireplace #beforeandafter #luxuryhomes #tileinstallation #tileinstallationexperts #tileexperts

As general contractors in Mountain View, our efficient process for kitchen and bathroom remodeling in Mountain View begins by removing the old materials and fixtures and replaces them with beautiful options in a wide variety of colors and styles. A new kitchen and bathroom from Simpson Remodeling adds comfort, style and value to your home. With Simpson Remodeling in Mountain View, you avoid issues of dealing with unreliable general contractors, constantly changing timeliness and unexpected costs.
General Contractors, Bathroom and Kitchen Remodeling Service in Mountain View, CA - http://www.simpsonremodeling.com/

I think that many carpenters today consider nails and screws to be what holds a structure together. As a result, I think that many structures today are held together by little more than nails and screws. I often see knee braces bolted to the side of a post for a pergola when they should be positioned between the post and beam to take the load directly. Fasteners should not be load-bearing! They should be used to pin a piece of lumber into a position that allows it to shoulder the load directly.
Nails and screws are fast. When used appropriately, they can keep costs down by reducing the time it takes to build something. But they are not the answer to everything. Joist hangars do little to stop a deck from pulling away from a house, just as nailing from the side is not a replacement for putting a post directly under a beam.
On more than one occasion I've solved a challenging framing problem by employing lap-joints. I've used lap-jointed framing to build curves without having to bend wood, and in the example shown I've used them simply to avoid having to look at an unsightly beam underneath a raised section of deck.
I cut notches half way through my beam where the joists will go, then I cut a corresponding notch into each joist that allows it to fit into the notch in the beam. This allows the joists to cantilever 'through' the beam, which gives me a number of advantages. Using this technique, I can build deck frames tight to the ground without having to rim the structure with joist-hangared beams. I can also use the cantilever to sculpt the edge of the deck into nearly any shape.
As the lumber is locked in from every direction, it is also a far stronger joint than a joist-hangared butt-end, as it resists pulling away, and it is stronger than joist-on-beam because it does not allow for any twisting or 'flopping' of the joists. The beam and joist are locked together, and they each replace the missing pieces of one another, so there is no strength lost in either member.
-Tyler Collins, Operations Manager

This home had dated and falling apart finishes, an insignificant fireplace in a giant living room, and a poor layout in the family room. Not to mention the primary bath covered in bamboo wallpaper.
The clients wanted a functional, updated and good-looking kitchen, a more adult family room, an updated serene primary bath. The remaining baths to be updated and modern. And, to make it feel like a holistic update, they wanted a welcoming staircase/entry.
As with most clients, stretching their dollar as far as possible was important. They didn't want to enlarge any footprint or move walls - we had to stay within existing bounds. With a whole home remodel costs can add up quickly depending on where we start & stop. For this family it made sense to do all the work at once to avoid repeat remodels. It was either buy new and still have to customize, or remodel to their exact needs and wants. The remodel was more affordable and made just for them.
Many finishes are clean, simple, and modern. A window was removed! in the family room to allow for a symmetrical entertainment center. A dramatic floor to ceiling fireplace surround was created in the Living room. The staircase was totally redone in both shape and style! The primary bath was reworked to get a two-person shower, and soaking tub. Serene /quiet finishes in the primary helped achieve a mellow /calming atmosphere. All new doors and trim throughout.

1.Stable performance with advanced PLC and conveying preforms automatically with conveyor.
2.Strong penetrability and good and swift distribution of the heat by letting the bottles rotate by itself and revolute in the rails simultaneously in the infrared preheater.
3.High adjustability to enable the preheater to preheat preforms in shapes by adjusting the light tube and the length of the reflecting board in the preheating area and eternal temperature in the preheater with an automatic thermostatic apparatus.
4.High safeties with security automatic-locking apparatus in each mechanical action,which will make the procedures turn into a state of safety in case of a breakdown in certain procedure.
5.No contamination and low noise with the air cylinder to drive the action instead of the oil pump.
6.Satisfaction with different atmospheric pressure for blowing and mechanical action by dividing the blowing and action into three parts in the air pressure diagram of the machine.
7.Strong clamping force with high pressure and double crank links to lock the mold.
8.Two ways of operating: Automatic and manual.
9.Safe,reliable and unique design of the position of valve to make the air pressure diagram of the machine easier to understand.
10.Low cost,high efficiency,easy operation,easy maintenance,etc.
11.Contamination is avoided for the bottle body.
12.Ideal effect of the chilling with the chilling system for the bottle mould.

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

Stegmann
Inspiration for a large timeless galley porcelain tile eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula
Inspiration for a large timeless galley porcelain tile eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Example of a mid-sized transitional open concept ceramic tile family room design in Phoenix with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a media wall
31