Famurat Builders
Example of a minimalist living room design in New York

Jacuzzis were popular when this two-story 4-bedroom home was built in 1983. The owner was an architect who helped design this handicapped-accessible home with beautiful backyard views. But it was time for a master bath update. There were already beautiful skylights and big windows, but the shower was cramped and the Jacuzzi with its raised floor just wasn’t working. The project began with the removal of the Jacuzzi, the raised floor, and all the associated plumbing. Next, the old shower, vanity, and everything else was stripped right down to the studs. 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. Without the Jacuzzi this space has become a large, bright, warm place for long baths. Tall ceilings and skylights make this room big and bright. The floor features 12” x 24” stone tile and in-floor heating, with complimentary 2” X 2” tiles for the shower. The white free-standing tub looks great with polished chrome floor-mounted tub filler and hand shower. With several live plants, this room is often used as a comfortable space for relaxing soaks on cold winter days. (Photos taken on Dec. 22) On the other side of the room is a large walk-in shower. Additional shower space was gained by removing a built-in cabinet and relocating the plumbing. Glass doors and panels enclose the new shower, and white subway wall tile is the perfect choice. But the bath’s centerpiece could arguably be the beautifully crafted vanity. Solid walnut doors and drawers are constructed so that the grain matches and flows, like a work of art or piece of furniture. The vanity is finished with a white quartz countertop and two under-mounted sinks with polished chrome fixtures. Two big mirrors with three tall warm-colored lights make this both a functional and beautiful room. The result is amazing. A great combination of good ideas and thoughtful construction.

For a young family of four in Oakland’s Redwood Heights neighborhood we remodeled and enlarged one bathroom and created a second bathroom at the rear of the existing garage. This family of four was outgrowing their home but loved their neighborhood. They needed a larger bathroom and also needed a second bath on a different level to accommodate the fact that the mother gets ready for work hours before the others usually get out of bed. For the hard-working Mom, we created a new bathroom in the garage level, with luxurious finishes and fixtures to reward her for being the primary bread-winner in the family. Based on a circle/bubble theme we created a feature wall of circular tiles from Porcelanosa on the back wall of the shower and a used a round Electric Mirror at the vanity. Other luxury features of the downstairs bath include a Fanini MilanoSlim shower system, floating lacquer vanity and custom built in cabinets. For the upstairs bathroom, we enlarged the room by borrowing space from the adjacent closets. Features include a rectangular Electric Mirror, custom vanity and cabinets, wall-hung Duravit toilet and glass finger tiles.

Light and shade are crucial elements of landscape design, especially in winter when the distractions of texture and detail are no longer evident.
Photo of a traditional landscaping in DC Metro for winter.

Preservation of historic details like the tray ceiling and even leaded glass windows replicated by borrowing on designs from the George Maher archive.

When these Canton, MA homeowners desired to upgrade their childrens’ bathroom, they were referred to Renovisions who were grateful to accept the task. The clients were unhappy with the existing cramped floor plan, lack of storage, old and drafty windows, outdated fixtures and overall lackluster aesthetic. Renovisions designed the new room to not only meet the client’s goals, but exceeded them abundantly. Mobility in the space was limited due to the door swing into the room. Renovisions recommended replacing the currenmt door with a pocket door in an arch-top beaded design to match the nearby bedroom doors, while also upgrading the hallway linen closet with new shelving and same styled door. Renovisions also increased the layout by borrowing space from the adjacent dining room. There is now more room for the handsome, quartered-mahogany wall-hung vanity with linen tower. Since the homeowners requested a contemporary look, the design team focused on choosing more modern products including a soaking tub, minimalistic square designed shower heads, tub filler, single lever faucet and a large rectangular sink. The white quartz countertop with wide veining and waterfall edge, along with the striking larger format subway tile finished with square edge chrome profiles contribute to the clean aethetic and modern appeal. From the sleek porcelain plank floor tile, new double-mulled Marvin casement windows and recessed lighting that provides just the right amount of light, the end result: a one-of-a-kind bathroom, a unique and modern ‘Revitalized Room’.

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

The former primary bathroom consisted of two small rooms with doors everywhere—so chaotic and cramped that we removed everything and started over. This required relocating plumbing and HVAC returns as well. To expand the original shower stall, we borrowed a small closet from an adjacent bedroom, creating a much larger footprint.

Skip along the subdued grey shades of Harbour Oak which borrows its warming tones and dusky hues from the spirit of the seaside. Grains are gently brushed and whitened to bring oak’s naturally beautiful character to the fore of every board and the surface is matte lacquered for faithful durability and a subtle satin sheen.

We borrowed space from the playroom and added it to the kitchen. The increased dimensions of the kitchen, was enough to install a large free-standing island with a stove and to greatly extend the wall of cabinets. The only item that stayed in its original location is the sink installed beneath the kitchen window.

VPC’s featured Custom Home Project of the Month for March is the spectacular Mountain Modern Lodge. With six bedrooms, six full baths, and two half baths, this custom built 11,200 square foot timber frame residence exemplifies breathtaking mountain luxury. The home borrows inspiration from its surroundings with smooth, thoughtful exteriors that harmonize with nature and create the ultimate getaway. A deck constructed with Brazilian hardwood runs the entire length of the house. Other exterior design elements include both copper and Douglas Fir beams, stone, standing seam metal roofing, and custom wire hand railing. Upon entry, visitors are introduced to an impressively sized great room ornamented with tall, shiplap ceilings and a patina copper cantilever fireplace. The open floor plan includes Kolbe windows that welcome the sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The great room also includes access to the vast kitchen and dining area that features cabinets adorned with valances as well as double-swinging pantry doors. The kitchen countertops exhibit beautifully crafted granite with double waterfall edges and continuous grains. VPC’s Modern Mountain Lodge is the very essence of sophistication and relaxation. Each step of this contemporary design was created in collaboration with the homeowners. VPC Builders could not be more pleased with the results of this custom-built residence.

With borrowing some space from the adjacent family room, we were able to expand the kitchen footprint enough to have an island for workspace and seating, provide enough counter and storage space and a much more open feeling.

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY FINALIST AWARD WINNER The homeowners purchased this 6,000 square foot Mount Vernon home as they were about to retire. While spacious, it was in desperate need of renovating. High on their list of goals for the project was having a large, contemporary master bathroom. To get extra space for the new bathroom, the designer borrowed some space from an existing closet. Eliminating the tub—the owners preferred a larger shower—also provided some “added” space. The new bathroom consists of a very large walk-in shower with double entry, built-in benches, multiple shower heads and a dramatic curved glass block partition wall. His and her vanities have been created for each client’s individual needs. Marble and tile used on the floors and walls features very specific handpicked glass tile inserts & designs. The use of colorful marble counter tops and open vanity cabinetry is part of contemporary look of this project. A mixture of hand selected commode and faucets, rain showers, beveled mirrors, and custom lighting are all part of the detailed craftsmanship that went into this project.

Lowell Custom Homes, Lake Geneva, WI. Master Bath After Full remodel of Master Bath with with space borrowed from unused small hall bath. Plank tile floors and shower walls with glass shower door and surround. CB Wilson Interiors Bella Tile & Stone Victoria McHugh Photography

This kitchen renovation began with the clients questioning whether an addition was needed to meet their wishlist. By carefully rethinking the layout, the design team showed that everything could be accomplished within the existing footprint, maximizing function, storage, and flow while keeping the home’s balance intact. Small but strategic moves, like borrowing a touch of space from the laundry room and resizing a dining room window, opened the door to a larger island, improved circulation, and better placement for the range and sink. The result is a kitchen that feels expansive and beautifully composed. Thoughtful adjustments to the structure created just enough breathing room for a layout that now supports daily life. A natural marble braided mosaic backsplash, soft and organic in texture, carries gracefully to the ceiling as a focal point, complemented by classic subway tile on adjacent wall. Every detail was executed with craftsmanship in mind, from the refined cabinetry to the layered finishes that give the space its timeless character. Blending problem-solving with design, this kitchen delivers everything the homeowners envisioned, a bright, functional centerpiece that enhances both everyday living and special occasions alike.

Reading nook fits nicely in Master Bedroom Suite adjacent to new stair. Guardrail wall openings sheathed in translucent acrylic borrow light into nook. 8-foot tall French door accesses bridge/balcony to detached studio structure - Architecture: HAUS | Architecture - Construction Management: WERK | Build - Photography: HAUS | Architecture

The existing master bath was cramped and uninspiring with a single vanity and small shower stall. By borrowing some space from an adjacent hall bath and by creatively rearranging the cabinetry and fixtures, we were able to create an open, fresh, bright bathroom with large tile shower and dual master vanities. The frameless shower enclosure, recessed tile niches, built-in corner bench, marble counters and polished chrome hardware transforms the new bath into a bright, fresh, spa like space. Full overlay, flat panel cabinetry with a crisp white finish coordinate beautifully with the traditional hex tile floor with contrasting grey grout. Polished chrome faucets, wall sconces and cabinet hardware provide just the right amount sparkle and shimmer. Pale green gray wall are soothing and relaxing. Custom bathroom designs by Kimberly Kerl of Kustom Home Design in Greer, South Carolina. Photos by Kimberly Kerl, Greenville county.

Land Studio C
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary full sun backyard gravel landscaping in San Francisco with a fire pit.

The owners of this 1958 mid-century modern home desired a refreshing new master bathroom that was open and bright. The previous bathroom felt dark and cramped, with dated fixtures. A new bathroom was designed, borrowing much needed space from the neighboring garage, and allowing for a larger shower, a generous vanity with integrated trough sink and a soaking tub.