The Julia Round Dining Table paired with the Rustic Windsor Chairs. The solid hardwood Julia Round Pedestal Dining Table is beautiful in a kitchen or dining room. The base borrows design elements from the many picturesque train trestle bridges in Northwest Arkansas and other parts of the country. The Rustic Windsor is one of our most popular chairs, and looks great painted or stained.

The forms of this house borrow from mining structures, as if an old mine had been converted into a house. There is an abandoned mine just a few yards away on this property. This house is designed to be near net zero in its energy consumption and also harvests rain water for irrigation.

There are many design details that go into making a porch feel like a tropical oasis. This home was already navy blue, so by using white for the main porch structure and rails, we were able to borrow from a nautical theme to enhance the tropical feel. With a neutral beige flooring and copper post caps on the vertical rails, relaxing on the porch almost feels like your relaxing on a sailboat. Can you smell the ocean breeze?

The before-during-after photos show how a deep built-in cabinet was created by “borrowing” some space from the master bedroom. A wide glass pocket door is installed in the adjacent wall.

We borrowed square footage from the bedroom to create a luxurious en suite bathroom. In order to make sure the bedroom didn't feel too small, we created a cathedral ceiling that soars all the way up to the underside of the roof. While we lost square footage on the ground, we added volume, and so the bedroom retained an airy feel. To support this airiness, we painted the entire room white. We also designed custom built-ins in lieu of dressers. These drawer/shelf combination units perfectly blend with the white walls and, when supplemented with closet storage, provide clothing storage that is visually quiet and well-composed. The comforter is white as well, but we added pops of hunter green and honey brown, which, when paired with the wood bedframe and rug, add warmth to the otherwise neutral space.

All aspects of the building are meticulously designed, specified, detailed, & crafted to be both stylistically appropriate and reflect building best practices. The materials palette of hand-molded brick, thick profile siding, exposed timber framing & rafters, double-hung windows, and operable louvered shutters is borrowed from the neighborhood's existing stock of mid-century craftsman ranch houses.

Living room detail: Womb chair and ottoman by Eero Saarinen. Photo by Kuba Pajewski

Eric Roth
Example of a mid-sized transitional multicolored tile and glass tile ceramic tile bathroom design in Boston with a vessel sink, raised-panel cabinets, glass countertops and gray walls

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today. A Remodel That Balances Past and Present What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form. Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner. A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it. Navigating Challenges With Precision The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved. Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly. Details That Respect the Eichler DNA The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness. At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence. The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving. Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process. The Value of Evolving Scope As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun. The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA. Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa. Contractor: Golden Cove Construction Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2024 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

This spacious home in the foothills of Northwest Corvallis is an absolute beauty! Remodeling the kitchen and laundry room greatly expanded the possibilities for storage and organization and created an entirely fresh appeal. The ceilings throughout the home had been paneled with warm, gorgeous wood. To build on that detail, we incorporated hints of wood in the new design at the range hood, sink cabinetry, desktop, and open shelving. There was also existing tile flooring that the homeowner wanted to keep, so light, neutral cabinetry was the perfect complement to the wood and tile, brightening the entire space. The two-tiered wrap around peninsula offers an abundance of room for guests to sit and eat or visit with those in the kitchen. It also serves to delineate the kitchen from the living area. Although the kitchen’s footprint wasn’t altered, we did move the stove to the back wall. This change optimized functionality and set a dramatic focal point. The professional-style, six-burner gas range is sure to be a high-performer when cooking any meal. On special occasions when numerous dishes are on the menu, the convection microwave will come in handy, operating as a second oven or a microwave. The under-counter dish drawers provide efficient storage and eliminate the need for pulling serving pieces down from an overhead cabinet. A custom pegboard organizer holds each dish securely in place to prevent shifting when the drawer is opened and closed. Conveniently located near the dishwasher, it makes unloading a breeze! Open shelving provides additional room to keep items close at hand and adds to the cottage feel. These homeowners have chosen to shelve small appliances in their newly remodeled laundry room that’s directly off the kitchen. In this way, it serves as a second “pantry.” Adjacent to the kitchen, there is now a beautiful workspace. Its glass upper cabinets are a fantastic place to display pottery, dishware, and cookbooks. We borrowed a few inches on the end of a bordering kitchen cabinet to construct a message center and mail sorting console. What a clever way to create a spot for pending paperwork while keeping it tucked behind the cabinet doors.

Kitchen cabinetry stands tall in the soaring spaces of the interior. Accents include mill-finish stainless counters and black i-beams borrowed from the language of the exterior.

Today’s kitchen is a place that offers not only food for your stomach, but also “food for your eyes”. The owners of this residence, are sensitive to both of these functions. After the client’s approval to “borrow” a little space (24”D) from their garage was obtained, they received a new Mud Room combined with a “Green lab” for their bonsai-hobby, new entrance to the back yard and a bigger updated kitchen. The small appliances here work like decorative details. The big ones (i.e. 48” refrigerator) are concealed with panels. The contrast cabinet finishes, tile floor, wood ceiling with flashed LED lights converted this kitchen to an enjoyable entertainment space. Guests can rotate here around a custom designed granite island-bar.

CLIENT GOALS True to San Francisco’s history of incubating trailblazers and entrepreneurs, this 1900 Pacific Heights home served as headquarters to some of the country’s most notable figures. Like many San Francisco homes, it has evolved to serve many families, including the original spice trading builders to an Academy Award-winning film director/producer/screenwriter and a revered fashion designer. Our client’s primary goal was to re-envision a one-of-a-kind room with a view, within this iconic and historic Victorian home, into a luxury spa. DESIGN SOLUTION Our client turned to Centoni for our deep knowledge of historic properties and our vast understanding of residential design and engineering to convert this spectacular home’s 12-foot diameter 4th-floor turret into a lux steam shower and spa. Structural steel was engineered to create an uninterrupted opening to the turret from the main bathroom. Sophisticated waterproofing, ventilation, and heating solutions were also engineered to ensure the view was not interrupted, no matter how much steam was generated. For design inspiration, we borrowed the opulent experience of ancient Roman bathing complexes to create a truly luxurious environment. Hand-cut mosaic tile from Italy and brilliant white Thassos marble add a refined and formal touch to the space, while dark cabinetry provides a contemporary touch. The hand-hammered steel sink basins replicate ancient singing bowls’ calm and meditative experience. At the same time, dimmable lights allow the rare opportunity to shower by the City’s light. On the shower floor, a compass rose pointing true north with 24-karat French fleur-de-lys tiles symbolizes the importance of following the right path and our client’s desire for meditative balance. The space is both unique and meaningful. Centoni created the ideal retreat for anyone who longs for a calm, quiet bathing experience with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Art, Alcatraz, the Presidio, and beyond.

Hive Modular
Kitchen/dining room combo - modern dark wood floor kitchen/dining room combo idea in Minneapolis with white walls

This project will be on the 2017 home tour- check it out in person, Sept 30th- Oct 1st!! Project Description: The goal of the homeowner was to modernize and expand the existing kitchen, and open up the space between the kitchen, dining room and living room. There was also a need for a large mudroom and a remodeled basement level. Castle was able to remove most of the walls separating the main floor living spaces and design a new contemporary kitchen that provided lots of added cabinet and countertop space. Walnut cabinetry with a painted pantry cabinet complement Caesarstone countertops and Italian backsplash tile. The entire main floor is open and inviting. Almost 60 sq. ft. was borrowed from the garage to create a spacious mudroom area. The mudroom floor is finished in large, beautiful slate tiles. A new bathroom and media area were added to the basement, along with several new windows that bring in wonderful, natural south and east-facing light. Designer: Mark Benzell Home Style: Rambler/Ranch Design Style: Mid-Century Modern Full details at: http://www.castlebri.com/kitchens/project-2966-1/

A homeowner who we’d worked with previously (a bathroom we’d remodeled for him was named ‘Bathroom of the Year’ by Boston Globe Magazine in 2007.) contacted us with a new project in mind. Following a divorce and second marriage, he and his family had moved into mid-sized home that felt too cramped for two adults and four children. Working within its existing frame, we set to work creating a more functional and pleasant living experience. The family’s main gathering area is the kitchen. We began improving the space by absorbing square footage from what had been a mudroom/laundry area behind the kitchen. This allowed us to introduce an island, creating a focal point for meal prep, cooking, and socializing. New custom cabinetry increased storage. We added a homework nook for the kids. Wider openings to the foyer and the dining room made flow between spaces easier. At the home’s entry, we re-treaded and re-finished the staircase, adding new railings and newell post. An orange fiberglass exterior door contrasts playfully with the home’s deep blue exterior. Finishing the basement allowed the introduction of a new laundry area, a cozy family room/kids play space, and a workshop. In this last space we reconfigured some kitchen items that had been ordered but were unusable due to a last-minute change in plans, including a cabinet now used for tool storage and a wall panel that became a workbench. On the home’s second floor, one bedroom had been accessible only by passing through another bedroom. The family’s two teenage children had been enduring this arrangement via solutions that included placing duct tape along the floor to mark passage boundaries. We were able to give each child much-desired private space by borrowing square-footage from a closet and carving out a hallway with separate entries for each room. Another bedroom on the second floor was refreshed with a new coat of paint. Photo by Shelly Harrison

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

Home staging for less than $2,500. This project repurposes and reuses mostly existing furniture, decor, and accessories. A minor amount are rented or borrowed from OVOLO's personal staging collection.

Large Master Bathroom designed to allow for an airy openess. Natural light is borrowed from rear windows in shower and toilet area over the feature vanity wall set down in the vaulted space. His and her vanities against the feature wall viewed upon entry.