Study room - large transitional freestanding desk light wood floor and beige floor study room idea in Los Angeles with white walls

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

Master Bedroom
Huge trendy master carpeted, multicolored floor, tray ceiling and wood wall bedroom photo in Dallas with brown walls, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace

Experience the enchantment of our eclectic master bedroom, where a captivating fusion of styles awaits. Transitional furniture pieces harmoniously blend modern and traditional aesthetics, creating a unique and balanced ambiance. The room comes alive with the addition of moss green accent pieces, adding a touch of nature-inspired charm and a pop of color. Immerse yourself in this captivating space that celebrates individuality and showcases the art of combining diverse elements. Prepare to be captivated by the allure of our eclectic master bedroom, where style knows no bounds.

Inspiration for a modern guest bedroom remodel in Miami with white walls

The color palette includes blues, aquas and natural browns accented by metallic silvers and grays - soft, cool tones that subtly change from room to room just as the Gulf Coast waters change from morning to night.

Beach style master gray tile medium tone wood floor and beige floor bathroom photo in Miami with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink and a hinged shower door

A backsplash of opaque glass tile expands from floor to ceiling in a herringbone pattern, across the kitchen and wet bar walls.
Large beach style dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in Miami with beige cabinets, granite countertops, gray countertops, raised-panel cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, gray backsplash and a peninsula

Osprey Perspectives
Huge elegant master medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom photo in New York with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

Example of a 1960s kitchen design in Miami

Jean Allsopp ( http://www.jeanallsopp.com/)
Tuscan courtyard custom-shaped pool photo in Miami

Conceived as a remodel and addition, the final design iteration for this home is uniquely multifaceted. Structural considerations required a more extensive tear down, however the clients wanted the entire remodel design kept intact, essentially recreating much of the existing home. The overall floor plan design centers on maximizing the views, while extensive glazing is carefully placed to frame and enhance them. The residence opens up to the outdoor living and views from multiple spaces and visually connects interior spaces in the inner court. The client, who also specializes in residential interiors, had a vision of ‘transitional’ style for the home, marrying clean and contemporary elements with touches of antique charm. Energy efficient materials along with reclaimed architectural wood details were seamlessly integrated, adding sustainable design elements to this transitional design. The architect and client collaboration strived to achieve modern, clean spaces playfully interjecting rustic elements throughout the home. Greenbelt Homes Glynis Wood Interiors Photography by Bryant Hill

Clean and fresh white contemporary transitional kitchen dining area stands the test of time. The space features marble backsplash, solid surface white kitchen countertop, white painted shaker style cabinets, custom-made dining chairs with contrast color welt and adjustable solid maple wood table. Blue/gray furniture and trims keep the classic white space in balance.

A ‘great room’ houses the kitchen, dining room and living room with large, comfortable, built in sofas that double as twin beds for guests. Drawers under the sofas hold children’s toys and a wall of shelves houses books and more. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

Design ideas for a mid-sized southwestern drought-tolerant and partial sun side yard brick garden path in Phoenix.

Inspiration for a cottage white two-story exterior home remodel in Salt Lake City with a shingle roof

Before Siemasko + Verbridge got their hands on this house, it was a convoluted maze of small rooms and skinny hallways. The renovation made sense of the layout, and took full advantage of the captivating ocean views. The result is a harmonious blend of contemporary style with classic and sophisticated elements. The “empty nest” home is transformed into a welcoming sanctuary for the extended family of kids and grandkids. Photo Credit: Josh Kuchinsky

Gorgeous Living Room By 2id Interiors
Inspiration for a huge contemporary open concept beige floor and ceramic tile living room remodel in Miami with multicolored walls and a wall-mounted tv

The distressed painted cabinets work to compliment the Tabarka Studio tiles not only in a seemless color scheme but also with the "new but old" rustic style. This kitchen is made complete by the copper overhead hood and steel crown moulding.