Search results for "Briefing" in Home Design Ideas

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

Client: Private Residence In East London
Brief: To supply & install hardwood flooring to stairs
Staircase - mid-sized transitional wooden u-shaped staircase idea in London with wooden risers
Staircase - mid-sized transitional wooden u-shaped staircase idea in London with wooden risers

HAWTHORNE HAMPTONS The Hawthorne House is a fusion between the Classic Queenslander and Hampton style home. The Harmony between the 2-style work well together and we had to be sympathetic to the existing pre-1946 character home. The street scape had to be fused together between old and new so the house read as one and would stand the test of time. The clients brief was to make the house more functional for the family with more space and usable areas that connected all spaces to the outdoors. The lower rooms still had to capture natural light and breeze but have a connection to the outdoor courtyard area. The current house lacked views of the Brisbane city so the key for the design was to enhance the city views from the upstairs living areas with large doors and windows that framed the city. The client particular wanted WOW features in the house. Upon arriving at the entrance, a large void/Entrance carries your attention up through the house with the stunning coffered ceilings and wainscoting drawings your eyes to the upper floors. The 1st floor was all about connecting the living areas together while enjoying the amazing Brisbane city views. The heart of the house is the Kitchen that connects the indoors and outdoors together. Outdoors is where the family can enjoy their summer days around the pool area.Hawthorne House is a truly stunning house with Hampton details that make this house a truly enjoyable house to live in.
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This unique opportunity to design a new home in Millport was one which JAM Architects relished. The location of the site on a hill on the outskirts of the village presented an opportunity to design a new two bedroom home taking advantage of the views of the ocean. The unusual floorplan design with a ‘kink’ at the centre point of the building is as a result of this with the front of the home orientated to address the street and the rear half positioned to ensure the best views from the corner window in the livingroom and the master bedroom window.
As a result of a recent accident our client for this project was unfortunately left with some mobility issues and our brief was therefore to design a two bedroom home with all the primary accomodation on the ground floor, with a studio space, guest bedroom and guest shower room on the first floor. The ground floor consists of a open plan kitchen, dining and living room with direct access to a generous outside patio area. In addition to this living space there is also a utility room, w.c, master bedroom and ensuite bathroom.
On the first floor our client was also keen to take advantage of the sea views from this elevated position and a sheletered balcony area has been incorporated adjacent to the studio space.

The design brief was to build a full master ensuite that is contemporary, functional and relaxing.
Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Toronto
Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Toronto

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.

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 Fulham
Brief: To supply & install Amtico Form Rural Oak in parquet wood design to premises
Inspiration for a contemporary dining room remodel in London
Inspiration for a contemporary dining room remodel in London

Durable. Fresh. Inspiring.
The design brief for this property was specific - upscale student meets single professional. The space can be easily adapted and cleaned and included; low-pile, stain resistant carpet; scrubbable wall paint; low maintenance, aqua plank vinyl flooring and Scandinavian furnishing, encompassing classic plastic elements. Together, mixed with Mid-century modern decor, this property has become a pleasing space to both focus on studies and live with flexibility, allowing either students of professionals to add their personal style. Keeping within a specified budget, the house sparks interest by using mustard and grey colour blocking; LED pendants; a chalkboard painted wall; tan faux-leather stools; staggered Herringbone gloss tiles; a photography gallery wall, and brushed brass finishings on cupboards, handles and light fixtures. With my client, we have completely renovated this 4 bed, 3 bath from it’s studs to a fit-for-purpose investment.

This home evokes a sensuous St. Barth lifestyle on Lake Michigan, designed for globetrotting clients who wanted a weekend sanctuary near their primary residence in Chicago. The project brief included open plan living for entertaining, a family lounge, and bedroom suites for houseguests.
The first level is a glass rectangular volume that makes the second level appear to float over the dune and offers water views through the structure. Clad in Accoya, the upper level will gray with age and blend into the landscape. These two horizontal volumes are connected by a double-height glass entry space that reveals a floating staircase.
A contemporary beach aesthetic unifies the interior through an edited palette of materials, including white oak millwork, large-format porcelain tile, and a range of warm whites. Interior tile extends out to the pool terrace, uniting the spaces and amplifying the connection to the outdoors.
The landscape design enhances the experience. A courtyard with sculptural Ginkgo trees offers refuge from lake breezes. On the pool terrace, custom Cor-Ten planters overflow with Russian Sage, selected for graceful foliage that sways in the breeze and offers a relaxing herbal aroma.

Location: Denver, CO, USA
This 3,000 SF loft was in need of some serious renovation. Built and designed in the mid-80’s, this space required a full-scale renovation plan that integrated with the existing structure. The brief called for design solutions that appealed to the client’s eclectic taste, as well as a desire for a modern, clean aesthetic.
The name of the game - texture, then some more texture. Neutral colors and masculine materials were used throughout to bring it all together.
"I hired dado to do a complete redesign of my downtown Denver penthouse. Megan Moore was the lead designer who went out of her way to get to know my personality, tastes, lifestyle and what was important to me. The design was current but not trendy, on budget but not cheap, high style but not pretentious. I could not be more pleased with the process and outcome. When friends visit me they are amazed at the transformation of my home. If I had to do it all over again I'd hire dado and their design team--without a doubt!!"
Dado Interior Design

Special sliding Doors creating straight line of sight.
With a design brief to minimize clutter & maximize space, the flat is designed with clean lines and a simple colour palette.
N. Lehar

Built on a dune overlooking Lake Michigan, this residence appears to emerge from the landscape. The project brief called for an artful house that promotes wellness and outdoor living. Rugged beauty and four-season adventure drew the owners to the area but presented challenges, including wildfire risk. The site needed a durable shelter that responsibly integrates with the environment.
Clad in sand-colored stucco, the house will intentionally be obscured by grasses and junipers over time. Outdoor spaces are layered to match the undulating topography. A steel superstructure enables an ultra-thin roof with overhangs for passive solar design that withstand gale-force winds and heavy snow loads.
A crushed-granite courtyard offers refuge on windy days. This space is enclosed by operable Cor-Ten panels that rotate open to reveal dune views or close for a cloistered experience. The courtyard is further defined by a deconstructed roof with an aperture that frames sky views.
Expansive glazing and porcelain flooring unites interior and exterior, evoking a sense of inhabiting an infinity house. A screen porch, concealed by louvers, is a contemporary interpretation of a time-honored lake house vernacular. Layers of light and an edited palette of materials unify the interior and evoke a laid-back feeling of beach towns. On both levels, bronze glass walls artfully define rooms while preserving views.

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

Client: Private Residence In South London
Brief: To supply & install beige carpet to stairs
Mid-sized elegant carpeted curved staircase photo in London with carpeted risers
Mid-sized elegant carpeted curved staircase photo in London with carpeted risers

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.

Hardwood flooring
Client: Private Residence In East London
Brief: To supply & install black wood flooring to areas
Home design - victorian home design idea in London
Home design - victorian home design idea in London

This single family home that was once used as a rental for university students was completely renovated with a new addition and transformed into a highly optimized haven for a family of four. The brief was modern but colorful!

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