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.

We are delighted to have completed the radical transformation of a tired detached property in South Croydon. When they appointed Granit, our clients were living in the property which had previously been divided into a number of flats. The historic sub-division had resulted in an extremely poor use of space with redundant staircases, kitchens and bathrooms throughout. Our clients sought to reconfigure the property back into a single dwelling for his growing family. Our client had an eye for design and was keen to balance contemporary design whilst maintaining as much of the character of the original house. Maximising natural light, space and establishing a visual and physical connection were also key drivers for the design. Owing to the size of the property, it became apparent that reconfiguration rather than extension provided the solution to meet the brief. A metal clad ‘intervention’ was introduced to the rear facade. This created a strong horizontal element creating a visual balance with the vertical nature of the three storey gable. The metal cladding specified echoed the colour of the red brick string courses tying old with new. Slender frame sliding doors provide access and views of the large garden. The central circulation space was transformed by the introduction of a double height glazed slot wrapping up the rear facade and onto the roof. This allows daylight to permeate into the heart of the otherwise dark deep floor plan. The staircase was reconfigured into a series of landings looking down over the main void space below and out towards the tree canopies at the rear of the garden. The introduction of double pocket doors throughout the ground floor creates a series of interconnected spaces and the whitewashed Larch flooring flows seamlessly from room to room. A bold palette of colours and materials lends character and texture throughout the property. The end result is a spacious yet cosy environment for the family to inhabit for years to come.

Client: Private Residence In West London Brief: To supply & install carpet to stairs
Staircase - transitional carpeted curved staircase idea in London

The new Kinloch lodge stands proud, high on the hillside at the world class Jack Nicklaus Golf Resort. No doubt it is one of New Zealand's most iconic destinations, and possibly the most luxurious - Designed by multi-award winning Patterson Architects, with interior design by renowed lodge and hotel designer Virginia Fisher. The design brief was to create a uber-modern version of a Scottish castle to tie in with the Scottish heritage of the Kinloch name. Forte Flooring were selected to create the rough sawn Oak panelling (black and white), which was used on the walls ceilings to give a very-castle like feel. Set alongside lush velvet, fox fur, brass, copper, slate and wool the lodge perfectly achieves an air of modern royalty.

Client: Private Residence In East London Brief: To supply & install carpet to stairs
Example of a minimalist carpeted curved staircase design in London with carpeted risers

Our design team was tasked with remodelling a section of our client’s home to feature a bespoke boot room, walk-in pantry, utility, desk area and luxurious kitchen. Key to the brief was the joinery design to suit each area practically and visually, with a natural flow through to connect all the spaces. The kitchen, seen here is finished in a warm and muted pink Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster, combined with natural gentle finishes of antique brass on the island and tinted bronze mirror splashback

Client: Private Residence In North London Brief: To supply & install grey striped carpet to stairs
Transitional carpeted u-shaped staircase photo 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

Client: Private Residence In North London Brief: To supply & install Amtico Barrel Oak Smoke to premises
Example of a minimalist home design design in London

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

This project by ViviCore Interiors involved the complete interior design of a loft space. Initially, I was only provided with the basic shell of the loft, leaving me to create a functional and stylish design from scratch. I developed all interior elements, including the feature walls, a contemporary kitchen, and a multifunctional island that serves as both a dining and food preparation area. One of the key highlights of the design is the incorporation of a sliding window over the kitchen counter. This allows the island's counter space to remain functional for both indoor and outdoor use. The design brief specified a contemporary style with an "orange-inspired" theme. I translated this into soft, modern furniture with earthy orange accents, which complement the natural wood finishes and neutral tones of the space. Every element—from the layout to the decor—was chosen to create a balance between functionality, comfort, and visual appeal in this cozy yet stylish loft.

Location: Tavarua Island, Fiji The client brief on this project was for a super high performance decking that could with-stand the harsh environment of the Pacific Islands. The resort had previously used Merbau decking, but this had given less than 10 years durability, consequently the clients were seeking a durable product with similar weathering properties. The 30 year warranty offered by Elements Sand+ Decking along with the availability of fixed lengths and an aesthetically pleasing finish were key selling points.

Client: Office in London Brief: To supply & install Burmatex 440 Sherborne grey carpet tiles to stairs as a runner. To supply & install Colour Flooring vinyl in Concrete colour to a kitchen, all with Gradus nosings.

Like many projects, this one started with a simple wish from a client: turn an unused butler’s pantry between the dining room and kitchen into a fully functioning, climate-controlled wine room for his extensive collection of valuable vintages. But like many projects, the wine room is connected to the dining room which is connected to the sitting room which is connected to the entry. When you touch one room, it only makes sense to reinvigorate them all. We overhauled the entire ground floor of this lovely home. For the wine room, I worked with Vintage Cellars in Southern California to create custom wine storage embedded with LED lighting to spotlight very special bottles. The walls are in a burgundy tone and the floors are porcelain tiles that look as if they came from an old wine cave in Tuscany. A bubble light chandelier alludes to sparkling varietals. But as mentioned, the rest of the house came along for the ride. Since we were adding a climate-controlled wine room, the brief was to turn the rest of the house into a space that would rival any hot-spot winery in Napa. After choosing new flooring and a new hue for the walls, the entry became a destination in itself with a huge concave metal mirror and custom bench. We knocked out a half wall that awkwardly separated the sitting room from the dining room so that after-dinner drinks could flow to the fireplace surrounded by stainless steel pebbles; and we outfitted the dining room with a new chandelier. We chose all new furniture for all spaces. The kitchen received the least amount of work but ended up being completely transformed anyhow. At first our plan was to tear everything out, but we soon realized that the cabinetry was in good shape and only needed the dated honey pine color painted over with a cream white. We also played with the idea of changing the counter tops, but once the cabinetry changed color, the granite stood out beautifully. The final change was the removal of a pot rack over the island in favor of design-forward iron pendants. Photo by: Genia Barnes

Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Wellington

Imagine a barn that's also a home, overlooking Boulder's iconic Flatirons. The Boulder Barndominium mixes farm practicality with modern coziness, designed for efficiency and those stunning views that make every day feel special. Client and Brief The owners sought a simple, smart building that saves materials and energy. They wanted light-filled spaces, a west-facing unit for mountain sights, and a patio to relax outside. Problems Solved Energy costs and weather can add up, but solar roofs and clever orientation make it net-zero – using the sun for power and keeping things comfortable without extra bills. Design Concept and Form The concept is straightforward – a long rectangle with sloping roofs for panels, and high windows to bring in daylight. It feels balanced and connected to the land. Construction and Materials Wood framing provides strength and tradition, built to endure while staying budget-friendly. Energy Efficiency Solar arrays power everything, with radiant heating and east/west setup for natural warmth and light – sustainable living that's easy and effective. Interior Design Barn space for work and storage, dwelling with bedroom, bath, and open areas leading to the patio for seamless inside-out flow. Outcome Since 2020, this barndominium has been a functional, green haven. It blends utility with beauty, offering savings, views, and a sense of peace in Boulder's landscape.

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.

The Pastel colors are selected for the home because we had to fulfill the brief we were told; to give luxurious, soft and peaceful yet not boring space. So we created color palette with pastels and we’re loving it!! The curves are a signature element used to create a language.

This was a project at a beautiful home nestled in the woods of Toro Canyon. Our brief was to create integrate the design into the existing style of the home. The result: beautiful and super-functional primary bathroom with two water closets and a zero-entry shower perfect for our elderly client.