Highly edited and livable, this Dallas mid-century residence is both bright and airy. The layered neutrals are brightened with carefully placed pops of color, creating a simultaneously welcoming and relaxing space. The home is a perfect spot for both entertaining large groups and enjoying family time -- exactly what the clients were looking for.

A smart and stylish way to spruce up an old light is to add a drum shade. This wonderful Retrofit by Elk provides a taupe drum shade that easily fits over an existing chandelier. Other drum shade finishes include beige and silver.

The Pennsylvania flagstone inlay among tumbled concrete pavers is a beautiful match to the exterior of the residence. It is a creative way of clarifying a transition from parking space to the entrance of the home.

kitchenCRATE Canyon Green Way | San Ramon | Quartz: MSI Arctic White | Backsplash: MSI Arabescato Carrara 3 x 6 Marble Tiles | Cabinets: Kelly-Moore Swiss Coffee | Sink: Blanco Precis Cascade in Metallic Gray | Faucet: Pfister Clarify | Soap Dispenser: Kohler Transitional | Cabinet Pulls: Liberty 3” Nautical in Satin Nickel For the full project description visit: http://pleasanton.kbcrate.com/kitchencrate-canyon-green-way-san-ramon-complete/.

Inspiration for a contemporary laundry room remodel in Portland

This mid-century masterpiece showcases simple, fuss-free design with modern elements and hints of retro-glam. The clean, simple lines and minimalist inspiration are a nod to the timelessness of the era and each room is bright with windows that all open to marry the outdoors and indoors. Natural light together with unique design elements achieve a relationship between privacy and transparency from the moment you walk into this home without sacrificing functionality. Organic and quirky details are the perfect finishing touches reflecting a sense of nostalgia and modern individuality that this home deserves. Photo Credit: Clarified Studios

Set in a quiet neighborhood and framed by mature trees, this residence presented a unique opportunity: to thoughtfully evolve a custom mid-century modern home into a space that supports the everyday rhythms of a growing family. With a deep respect for the home’s original architecture, Klopf Architecture reimagined the house to better meet the needs of its owners—introducing functional improvements while preserving the spirit and character of its mid-century roots. The clients approached Klopf Architecture with a clear vision: refresh their home while seamlessly integrating new programmatic elements. Key goals included clarifying and enhancing the entry sequence; connecting the detached garage to the main house with a practical yet architecturally intentional intervention; adding functional spaces such as a mudroom and laundry room; expanding and remodeling the primary suite’s bathroom and closet; and creating a more engaging outdoor space that capitalized on the site’s impressive views, featuring a fire pit and outdoor kitchen. As a couple with distinct yet complementary perspectives—one focused on modern functionality and technology, and the other dedicated to preserving the home’s architectural integrity—their collaboration with Klopf Architecture resulted in a solution that harmonized both ideals. Their shared commitment to improving the livability of their home led to a design dialogue rooted in balance. This dynamic partnership shaped the direction of the renovation, ensuring that every decision honored the spirit of the original home while aligning with the practical needs of their growing family. Designing within the constraints of the sloped site posed one of the project’s central challenges. The detached garage sat at a higher elevation than the main house, requiring a solution that ensured architectural and geometric compatibility between the two structures. Rather than create a purely utilitarian link, Klopf Architecture introduced an intentional connection that contributes to the overall architectural language. A notable pinch point in the plan—where differing geometries converged—was treated as a hinge point, turning a potentially awkward juncture into an architectural feature. This area now functions as both a transition and a moment of design interest that unifies the overall plan. The design also addressed the underutilized outdoor area, which was located in a shadowed portion of the site with geometrical limitations. A new connection to the rear deck was created in this same area, making the outdoor space more useful and inviting. Klopf Architecture introduced carefully positioned openings and spatial improvements that forged a strong visual and functional connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor area now reads as a deliberate extension of the home, embracing natural light and emphasizing the dramatic views. Working through multiple design iterations, Klopf Architecture crafted a solution that preserved the architectural language of the original home while supporting the functional needs of modern life. The garage-to-house connection became more than a passage—it evolved into an architectural moment of transition. A new mudroom and laundry space enhanced convenience without compromising the clean lines of the design. The primary suite was expanded to create a private, serene retreat. The reimagined backyard, complete with fire pit and kitchen, now plays a vital role in the family’s daily routine and social life. Outcomes and Lasting Impact The result is a home that balances heritage with contemporary design, technical precision with design sensibility. The redesign not only met the clients’ initial goals but also exceeded expectations in its ability to seamlessly blend past and present, function and beauty, making the outdoor kitchen a favorite gathering place. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation has significantly improved daily life for the family. The newly integrated garage connection has streamlined routines, providing a seamless transition between arriving home, storing belongings, and entering the main living spaces. The expanded primary suite offers a retreat-like atmosphere, creating a private space to unwind at the end of the day. The redesigned outdoor areas have also become an extension of their lifestyle—whether it's casual family dinners around the fire pit, entertaining friends in the outdoor kitchen, or simply enjoying the view from the reimagined backyard. Through a thoughtful and strategic approach, the house has been successfully evolved into a home that remains true to its mid-century modern roots while enhancing livability, functionality, and the overall quality of life for the modern-day owners. Klopf Architecture Team: Geoffrey Campen, Fernanda Bernardes Architectural Interior Design: Klopf Architecture Structural Engineer: Base Design Inc. Contractor: Golden Snail Builders Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed:2022

clarified studios
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal open concept travertine floor and beige floor family room remodel in Los Angeles with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Design ideas for a modern landscaping in San Francisco.

The top pond is fed via two diffusers on the left side and a Bio Fall on the right hand side. Feed is via two (2) pumps 13,500 & 17,500 GPH were one is on all the time and the second is on a timer for full flow. The pumps and their skimmer boxes are located in the lower pond. The lower pond is accessible via a stone staircase and a beach front located on the right side of the pond. Seating is provided along the edge of the pond. A UV clarifier is provided for the water garden.

In the living room in combination with the accent orange color of furnishings, the color takes on a sophisticated aura as it makes for a befitting partner for the warmth of wood. This home is not a design of the excess. The design fabric is extremely simple and minimal. But we'd like to clarify one thing here. Simple, in no way means or translates into being uninteresting or less intriguing. It's easy to create a layered space when take the maximalist route. But to ensure that a minimalist, almost bare is space is equally layered and intriguing is the real challenge .

How cute is this eclectic beach-style kitchen with New Super White Quartzite counters, reclaimed wood on the island, and brick accents? Eased edge, exposed brick, copper farm sink, teal glass subway tile, blue glass subway tile, bay window, historic house, pantry, open pantry, copper pulls, copper hardware, kitchen island, white kitchen.

So often our task as residential architects is not to create something out of nothing. Instead, it is to help evolve, or bring forward something that is already there; to see with new eyes the best of what exists and to clarify and expand it, so that the house supports and celebrates how the client lives, and hopes to live, in the home. So was the case with our House of Blues. The house was already wonderful. There was plenty of space, good views, a functioning floor plan, and the home was in overall good condition. The best features however, were embedded in the time it was built – mid 1960’s. The views were good, but too small. The kitchen location worked well, but is was closed off, cramped, and lacking counter space. The dining room was elegant, but too large and isolated. The graceful central hallway remained the homes most unique feature, but it was dark and the entry to the rooms on either side were accessed via small doorways. The bathrooms were large enough, and in the right locations, but they were tired and dated, and there was no mudroom. We created something out of something. Beautiful shades of blue permeated the owner’s things and became a central theme in new elements. Daylight was expanded and brought deeper into the space. Doorways were widened and walls removed. The central hallway was fully opened at the end with two-story glass to improve on an already good idea. The kitchen was wholly new and expanded by borrowing space from the dining room. A mudroom was carved out of the garage. All the bathrooms were remodeled with fresh materials and new features. The gracious concrete stoop was reclad in stone and the front door was changed out for a splash of color. Light now permeates all the rooms and spaces flow together without losing their identity or function. The owners no longer feel blue in their House of Blues! Location: St Paul, MN Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal- in -Charge Nate Dodge

Originally built in 1902 for a local judge, this is one of the oldest houses in Seattle’s Denny Blaine neighborhood. When our clients purchased it, the house had suffered from years of deferred maintenance. Our challenge was to transform an awkward and outdated floor plan into one that flowed smoothly in support of the owner’s lifestyle, while bringing clarify and enhanced detail to what was an eclectic architectural composition. Existing windows were restored and new ones carefully scaled to harmonize with the originals; new finishes and systems were installed throughout. On the east side of the house, new porches now connect the main rooms to the steep site and provide outdoor living spaces overlooking Lake Washington. Photo by Ben Benschneider

The clients were familiar with remodeling, friendly, clear about what they wanted for the home and how much they wanted to spend. We were selected from among three other Contractors who were bidding on the project. Within a few weeks of that decision, the permit was ready and we had clarified all of the clients interior finishes and selections. The home addition design required the removal of a large portion of the roof, concrete porches, a fair amount of siding, some windows, plus demolition of the kitchen and existing bathroom. New foundations and framing were installed to accommodate higher ceilings, the enlarged kitchen, new master bathroom and bedroom, larger front porch, and interior wall changes. The home's exterior was updated with new gable and wall siding, new roof and gutters, new energy efficient windows, and trim. Inside, the electrical system was updated, new plumbing services and furnace were installed along with all new wood flooring. The existing bathroom was completely remodeled, and the new master bathroom was outfitted with new cabinetry, plumbing fixtures and tile surfacing. The new open kitchen was finished with custom hardwood cabinetry, high end appliances, and stone countertops. Throughout the interior, walls were finished with wood paneling and trim to fit the cottage architecture. A full interior and exterior paint job completed the project with charming results. http://santaellamedia.com/

The clients were familiar with remodeling, friendly, clear about what they wanted for the home and how much they wanted to spend. We were selected from among three other Contractors who were bidding on the project. Within a few weeks of that decision, the permit was ready and we had clarified all of the clients interior finishes and selections. The home addition design required the removal of a large portion of the roof, concrete porches, a fair amount of siding, some windows, plus demolition of the kitchen and existing bathroom. New foundations and framing were installed to accommodate higher ceilings, the enlarged kitchen, new master bathroom and bedroom, larger front porch, and interior wall changes. The home's exterior was updated with new gable and wall siding, new roof and gutters, new energy efficient windows, and trim. Inside, the electrical system was updated, new plumbing services and furnace were installed along with all new wood flooring. The existing bathroom was completely remodeled, and the new master bathroom was outfitted with new cabinetry, plumbing fixtures and tile surfacing. The new open kitchen was finished with custom hardwood cabinetry, high end appliances, and stone countertops. Throughout the interior, walls were finished with wood paneling and trim to fit the cottage architecture. A full interior and exterior paint job completed the project with charming results. http://santaellamedia.com/

Built in 1949, this Edina home had a strong horizontal presence on the site, but through subsequent renovations the overall massing was lacking clarity and refinement and the entry was diminutive and uninviting. The roof and siding materials were aging, and important interior spaces were cramped and closed in. The house needed better light, better connection internally and out, and exterior updates to clarify and enhance the strengths of the home. The primary design evolved out of a celebration of the existing horizontality of the home and a recognition that a bigger home was not needed. By layering materiality and color, a new identity was created. A new cedar entry canopy slips out from under the previous roof line, extending further towards the street. This added warmth at the entry is echoed along the facade, creating a graceful rhythm and texture. The previous additions were re-clad with a darker material palette in order to anchor and unify the ends of the home. As the grade slopes down towards the back yard, horizontal bands are exposed, revealing the layering top to bottom. Combined, these few shifts in color and materiality allowed for a complete transformation of the home. The interior is reflective of the material and color palette used outside. The main living spaces are opened up and connected while strengthening the original symmetry of the more formal linear alignment of rooms. A whole new kitchen relocates the center of the home and makes more fluid the daily life of this young family. The house is fully transformed inside and out, all without adding more square feet. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-in-Charge Nate Dodge

MODERN ITALIAN BEAUTY Periwinkle Blue was the inspiration behind the transformation of this space. This clarified many of the design choices.
Inspiration for a large contemporary dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and multicolored countertops

In the living room in combination with the accent orange color of furnishings, the color takes on a sophisticated aura as it makes for a befitting partner for the warmth of wood. This home is not a design of the excess. The design fabric is extremely simple and minimal. But we'd like to clarify one thing here. Simple, in no way means or translates into being uninteresting or less intriguing. It's easy to create a layered space when take the maximalist route. But to ensure that a minimalist, almost bare is space is equally layered and intriguing is the real challenge .