Claude Clémaron Bespoke Wood Interiors built this luxury bespoke fitted living room cabinets for our client’s residence in Guildford, Surrey. Expertly crafted and made to last in sustainable wood, the storage and display furniture brings unique character to the room. The style, dimensions and composition of the fitted furniture pieces was briefed by our client’s interior designer. The floor to ceiling and wall to wall bespoke cabinetry wraps around the doorway leading to the entrance hall. Other features include a custom-lit space to accommodate a piano, two fireside niches housing a pair of matching table lamps and tailored cubbyhole display boxes. Cubbies are more versatile than shelving in a unit, as they can display items such as ornaments and pictures and can be individually customised with lighting, doors or internal shelves. The result is a beautifully organised multipurpose media room and music lounge for relaxing, watching TV, entertaining and playing the piano. Classic shaker-style with contemporary features Handcrafted in a classic style in a deep grey green satin matt finish the cabinetry also incorporates contemporary features such as lighting and concealed cabling. To minimise disruption and speed installation, the cabinets were prefinished in Fallow & Ball Card Room Green before delivery. The lower cupboards feature shaker-style recessed flat panel doors. These are handle-free with concealed hinges to maintain the unit’s streamlined look; and the soft-closing doors are operated by an effortless push to open system. Integrated lighting with concealed wiring The made to measure fitted unit has been customised with integrated lighting. Lights include spotlights for the piano player, essential for reading sheet music, and flush built in mini-LED downlights in some of the display openings to highlight key items. Concealed sensors mean it only takes a wave of the hand to dim or switch the lights on or off. Both lighting and cabling were installed into the cabinets prior to installation with wiring concealed, yet accessible.

The brief was to update a tired kitchen, which doubled as a conference room, along with a waiting room, entrance hall, stairs and first floor landing. The beautiful Georgian building retained many of its original features. The scheme highlighted these where possible, using a Farrow and Ball palette. Modern door handles were replaced with authentic brass handles, and beading was added to modern doors to help blend them with original doors still in situ. Care had to be taken to balance the period details with the needs of a modern brand.

A new swimming pool, garden landscaping and planting have transformed the grounds of our client’s home in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. Artscape was appointed to work in partnership with the homeowner’s architect and building contractor to deliver this exciting garden refurbishment. The garden design brief was to replace the existing swimming pool and hard landscaping with a new lap pool, pool house, terrace with seating surrounded by new planting. A lap pool is defined by its long and narrow shape for a comfortable swimming length. The whole pool area was intended to become a stylish destination for swimming, entertaining and dining with friends and family. Creating the perfect poolscape Artscape was commissioned at early stage in the project to bring in our landscaping and planting expertise for the pool area. We discussed the architect’s initial plans and drawings and collaborated with the swimming pool company to design a pleasing layout that would work effectively for the pool area. To maximise efficiency, the building contractor, who had been hired for the bespoke pool house, installed the pool surround and hard landscaping to our specification. While the outdoor swimming pool surround is a functional area it also has a luxurious high-end look, and features a large, separate, yet connected seating area sited away from the splashes of pool users. The hard landscaping has a clean, light aesthetic with all the landscaping elements built in a pale palette. The sleek, but non-slip stone surface around the pool has a hardwearing water-resistant finish that will stay cool to walk on in the height of summer. Binding gravel was installed to give a natural and informal feel to the area in front of the pool.

We created this bespoke playroom for our client’s home in Claygate, Surrey. Our brief was to create a highly practical interior with lots of sturdy storage units tailored to accommodate a vast collection of Lego sets and models. We needed to design and build a bespoke storage system that would make it easy to sort and store the Lego, display the models, and allow plenty of space in the room for playing and building. Our playroom design was built-in, wall to wall, low-level bespoke wooden cabinetry featuring wicker painted storage baskets. The room has sloped ceilings which makes it ideal for a child’s playroom as everything feels closer to their level and toys and games can be stored at just the right height for them. The result is an attractive, streamlined, tidy, well-organised space that looks great, is clutter free and fun to use. Solid oak painted cabinets The handcrafted cabinetry in real oak wood has been spraypainted in Farrow & Ball Downpipe, a dark blue-grey shade which matches the interior doors of our client’s residence in Surrey. The versatile, wicker baskets have a contrasting warm white painted finish. The fitted cabinets have a countertop to display the children’s completed Lego model masterpieces. We also installed a matching fully upholstered built-in bench seat which fits neatly against the low angled ceiling. This creates a cosy reading spot with extra storage. Customised wicker baskets The children can pull out the lightweight baskets to play with the Lego in the middle of the room. Their sturdy construction and woven, durable material make them practically indestructible and adds a textural appeal to this fun games room. Each easy-to-carry basket contains removable, customised Lego trays. The trays allow the Lego and building manuals to be neatly sorted by colour, type or set. The whole design is child friendly and easy to maintain.

Client: Private Residence In West London Brief: To supply & install grey carpet to stairs
Staircase - traditional carpeted u-shaped wood railing staircase idea in London with carpeted risers

Small trendy built-in desk laminate floor and brown floor study room photo in Vancouver with brown walls

Client: Private Residence In South London Brief: To supply & install brown carpet to stairs
Staircase - mid-sized traditional carpeted u-shaped staircase idea in London with carpeted risers

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

Our job was to enhance the character and comfort of this communal space, where our vibrant village residents come together for a diverse range of activities throughout the week. From spirited games of darts and cozy movie nights to lively coffee group gatherings and the eagerly anticipated Friday happy hour, our design aimed to create a welcoming haven for this active and sociable group of retirees. Wainuiomata has a strong sense of community in which the locals take great pride in being a part of. Responding to this was essential to the brief by paying close attention to the geographic features, history and cultural significance of Wainuiomata as a place. To complement these features, the interior design works as an extension of the outside; the palette is inspired by the raw materials, colours and robust forms seen in the nearby natural environment. Moments of forest greens are featured in the joinery and wall colours, paired with warm timber accents and stony textures on the servery benchtops and fireplace surrounds. Grooved details on the wall panelling and intricately woven textures in the furniture upholstery further add to the refined rustic feel.

Client: Private Residence In North London Brief: To supply & install grey carpet to stairs
Mid-sized transitional carpeted u-shaped wood railing staircase photo in London with carpeted risers

Location: Situated on Bunurong country near the town of Sorrento, the site was uniquely positioned between the back beach and the footy oval. The broad wedge-shaped site featured a steep vegetated dune climbing 6 meters to the rear and remnant coastal Moonah trees at the front, providing a distinctive natural context. Design Brief: The objective was to create an enduring 4-bedroom holiday house that harmonized with its coastal environment. The design was intended to be both stylish and robust, offering high amenity and serviceability. This house was envisioned as a long-term investment, serving the dual purpose of accommodating a growing family and functioning as a part-time rental property. Architectural Features: Contextual Integration: The architectural response meticulously respected and enhanced the site's natural features, seamlessly integrating the vegetated dune and preserving the Moonah trees within the landscape strategy. Materiality and Aesthetics: The material palette was selected for its durability and ability to withstand the harsh coastal conditions while maintaining a refined and stylish appearance. This included the use of resilient, high-quality materials that age gracefully over time. Spatial Versatility: The spatial configuration was designed to adapt to the evolving needs of a growing family and the demands of a rental property. Flexible spaces were created to provide a balance between communal living areas and private retreats. Indoor-Outdoor Connectivity: Emphasizing seamless indoor-outdoor connections, the design featured expansive glazing, outdoor terraces, and integrated landscaping to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. High Amenity and Comfort: The house boasted a laminate black-butt chef's kitchen, stone and tile surfaces, and state-of-the-art climate control systems, including integrated heating and cooling, to ensure year-round comfort and ease of maintenance. The architectural vision aimed to create a timeless residence that would serve as a cherished family retreat and a sought-after rental property, responding elegantly to its coastal context and the demands of modern living.

Client: Private Residence In South London Brief: To supply & install brown carpet to stairs
Staircase - mid-sized traditional carpeted u-shaped staircase idea in London with carpeted risers

Client: Private Residence In North London Brief: To supply & install carpet to living areas
Inspiration for a timeless hallway remodel in London

The BG winery was the subject of a renovation in order to improve for the needs of its visitors. The famous and delicious wine presentations and tastings are the main attractions at this fabulous place. Therefore, we placed the bar in front of the entrance to be directly seen when entering. As a decorative element it is featuring displays of soils. Because the groups of visitor vary in size, but also because the space is used as an exquisite breakfast area for the guests of the nearby inn, we came up with a new idea: The division of the space by a glass wall. Consequently, this results in an event space or a private dining room. The convertible approach adds flexibility and dynamic to the whole place. Furthermore, we enabled the large hallway of the winery going towards the restrooms to be used as a wardrobe for larger gatherings. Meanwhile, the additional room serves as a VIP lounge for only the finest guests. The design team took everything into consideration while preparing layouts, developing individual objects and finetuning details: clients’ needs, the nice location and the usage of the attractive space. We designed in detail all furniture elements, while using reclaimed wood from old wine barrels for table tops and accent walls. In this regard the winery as a location of joy and community feels and breathes authentic. The whole interior design is rustic with fine touches of modern, resulting in a suiting atmosphere. As for the color scheme, we proposed a pastel blue as a contrast to the reclaimed wood. Touches of color in the Patchwork tiles around the bar area and a mixture of hand-made lamps mix to roud up the rustic vibe. Share your ideas for your location with us in a brief introductory call, free of charge.

Client: Private Residence In West London Brief: To supply & install grey carpet to stairs
Inspiration for a transitional carpeted u-shaped wood railing staircase remodel in London with carpeted risers

Eagerly awaiting retirement, a New England-based client acquired a property in a former office building in central Lisbon. Artfully refurbished by Frederico Valsassina Arquitectos, the façade is composed of geometric strata of medium-gray panels alternating with weathered vertical staves. Our studio’s brief was to furnish and equip the interior of the vacation home to converse with the architecture, so family and friends visiting Lisbon would stay in an elegant, private setting, filled with locally-made and designer items. Upon entering, a small shelf and mirror function as a welcome valet. The corridor opens to a cozy living room with lambent afternoon light let in by large sliding doors. Just outside, the balcony sports a café table and chairs set for an aperitivo. An enveloping sofa, produced in Portugal, and an organic recliner, create an intimate lounge area facing a classic, modular media cabinet. An artisan-made wool ottoman adds a beat of color; the lights speak in plump opaline glass and thin black metal rods. The glass top of the dining table fades into the space, leaving its sculptural, marine blue base; in a play of textures, the upholstery of the dining chairs coordinates elegantly with the smoked glass. Tile, oak, and stainless steel come together in a custom kitchen island, with additional counter space and convenient storage. As the interior is replete with oiled oak in the floors, baseboards, doors, and cabinetry, matching wood furniture warms the bedrooms. The vertical spindles of the beds recall the pattern of the exterior façade. Laptop work is accommodated by a small console desk with a chair clothed in burgundy. Acorn-shaped pendants, inviting bed linens and rugs, and undulating curtains, all in the warm white of the walls, form a nest for relaxation.

It’s rare when a client comes to me with a brief for a complete home from scratch, but that is exactly what happened here. My client, a professional musician and singer, was having a luxury three-story condo built and wanted help choosing not only all the hardscape materials like tile, flooring, carpet, and cabinetry, but also all furniture and furnishings. I even outfitted his new home with plates, flatware, pots and pans, towels, sheets, and window coverings. Like I said, this was from scratch! We defined his style direction for the new home including dark colors, minimalistic furniture, and a modern industrial sensibility, and I set about creating a fluid expression of that style. The tone is set at the entry where a custom laser-cut industrial steel sign requests visitors be shoeless. We deliberately limited the color palette for the entire house to black, grey, and deep blue, with grey-washed or dark stained neutral woods. The navy zellige tiles on the backsplash in the kitchen add depth between the cement-textured quartz counters and cerused cabinetry. The island is painted in a coordinating navy and features hand-forged iron stools. In the dining room, horizontal and vertical lines play with each other in the form of an angular linear chandelier, lighted acrylic light columns, and a dining table with a special faceted wave edge. Chair backs echo the shape of the art maps on the wall. We chose a unique, three dimensional wall treatment for the living room where a plush sectional and LED tunable lights set the stage for comfy movie nights. Walls with a repeating whimsical black and white whale skeleton named Bruce adorn the walls of the powder room. The adjacent patio boasts a resort-like feeling with a cozy fire table, a wall of up-lit boxwoods, and a black sofa and chairs for star gazing. A gallery wall featuring a roster of some of my client’s favorite rock, punk, and jazz musicians adorns the stairwell. On the third floor, the primary and guest bathrooms continue with the cement-textured quartz counters and same cerused cabinetry. We completed this well-appointed home with a serene guest room in the established limited color palette and a lounge/office/recording room. All photos by Bernardo Grijalva

THE BRIEF Lengthy consultations with the client and her family over an 18 month period (during which a well was discovered underneath the foundations) revealed their relaxed approach to living and desire for a modern-classic look. The shape of the room and the request for 5 domino hobs determined the need for a large and sociable island. It was also important to provide the perfect place for the family to gather whilst mum cooks. A large kitchen sink was particularly desired by the owners who wanted to be able to use this area as a wet zone work station. THE CHALLENGE With such a large number of cabinets within this kitchen we created diversity and interest by introducing three harmonising finishes; sterling grey, walnut and truffle grey; each defining their own zones. Onto these we added 4 different handle types to accent the different areas and create interest and individuality. Integrating a Kohler Stages sink into a Stainless steel work top provided the perfect wet zone area, whereas on the island the Blanco Rivers Silestone offers a more classic and homely appeal without compromising practicality. THE OUTCOME This new kitchen is a world apart from the clients original wooden in-frame kitchen. Its understated style is innately calming whilst the careful space planning means that it is fantastically practical and a joy to use. In the main kitchen galley area the user has easy access to sink, cooking and refrigeration within a few steps. The perimeter areas of the kitchen house the ovens and the display storage and allow for easy passage way to the living/dining area without interrupting the working area.

Architectural visualization for a large-scale residential development located in the suburban area of Almaty, Kazakhstan, surrounded by forest and natural landscape. The complex consists of 39 residential blocks designed as a family retreat — a quiet, green community away from the city, yet with all modern amenities. The visualization brief required conveying the lifestyle of the development — families with children, natural greenery, warm evening light in windows, landscaped courtyards with wooden play structures. Multiple views were rendered: street-facing facade in daylight, sunset/evening facade, and courtyard perspective from the playground level. Rendered in 3ds Max and Corona Renderer