Formal Dining room, featuring wicker-backed rounded dining chairs as well as a pictograph buffet beneath a beautiful afro-inspired art piece flanked by a spotted table lamp and metal sculptures. Scrolling up to the hero image of this blog post, you were greeted with another view of this stunning formal dining room. The wood dining table is framed by merlot velvet drapery and orange pampas grass in wicker floor vases atop an exquisitely textured area rug. This home exudes a style that truly needs to be seen to be appreciated.

Dan Cutrona Photography
Family room - transitional open concept family room idea in Miami with gray walls, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Trendy freestanding desk light wood floor study room photo in New York with white walls

http://www.nicelydonekitchens.com Photo credit: Chipper Hatter

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

Powder room - mid-sized modern gray tile and porcelain tile light wood floor powder room idea in Chicago with gray walls and an integrated sink

This colorful kitchen included custom Decor painted maple shaker doors in Bella Pink (SW6596). The remodel incorporated removal of load bearing walls, New steal beam wrapped with walnut veneer, Live edge style walnut open shelves. Hand made, green glazed terracotta tile. Red oak hardwood floors. Kitchen Aid appliances (including matching pink mixer). Ruvati apron fronted fireclay sink. MSI Statuary Classique Quartz surfaces. This kitchen brings a cheerful vibe to any gathering.

This was a complete interior renovation project of a client’s second home. DEANE collaborated with the client on the design of 5 bathrooms and all the built-ins in addition to the kitchen. The home had an open floor plan with wide pine, bleached flooring throughout but was a challenge because of the various ceiling heights and support beams that needed to be accommodated.The homeowner wanted to able to casually host large gatherings without worrying about maintenance or upkeep. The kitchen cabinetry, featuring chamfer style doors, is painted a pale grey, with a darker, charcoal grey selected for the center island to accent the space. All appliances are stainless steel, with the dishwasher and trash/recycling drawers faced in the same material to mimic the dishwasher. The countertops are an engineered quartz in white, while the cooktop backsplash is a white ceramic tile in a soothing herringbone pattern. The counter cabinet with its glass front for dish storage and floating shelves that anchor two corners of the room are the designer’s favorite things about the space. Photographer – Kit Noble Photography Builder – Todd Burns Building and Restoration Inc. Nantucket, MA

Bathroom - mid-sized transitional master blue tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile, gray floor, single-sink and wainscoting bathroom idea in Chicago with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Here is an architecturally built house from the early 1970's which was brought into the new century during this complete home remodel by opening up the main living space with two small additions off the back of the house creating a seamless exterior wall, dropping the floor to one level throughout, exposing the post an beam supports, creating main level on-suite, den/office space, refurbishing the existing powder room, adding a butlers pantry, creating an over sized kitchen with 17' island, refurbishing the existing bedrooms and creating a new master bedroom floor plan with walk in closet, adding an upstairs bonus room off an existing porch, remodeling the existing guest bathroom, and creating an in-law suite out of the existing workshop and garden tool room.

Trendy living room photo in San Francisco

We created this beautiful accessible bathroom in Carlsbad to give our client a more functional space. We designed this unique bath, specific to the client's specifications to make it more wheel chair accessible. Features such as the roll in shower, roll up vanity and the ability to use her chair for flexibility over the fixed wall mounted seat allow her to be more independent in this bathroom. Safety was another significant factor for the room. We added support bars in all areas and with maximum flexibility to allow the client to perform all bathing functions independently, and all were positioned after carefully recreating her movements. We met the objectives of functionality and safety without compromising beauty in this aging in place bathroom. Travertine-look porcelain tile was used in a large format on the shower walls to minimize grout lines and maximize ease of maintenance. A crema marfil marble mosaic in an elongated hex pattern was used in the shower room for it’s beauty and flexibility in sloped shower. A custom cabinet was made to the height ideal for our client’s use of the sink and a protective panel placed over the pea trap.

Southwest kitchen photo in Phoenix

Screened, covered porch with eating area and gathering space
Large transitional porch idea in Charlotte

Kitchen - transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in Charlotte with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

This custom lighted panel brings together the client’s love of eye-catching light fixtures, captivating artwork, and modern sophistication with a bit of edge to create a dramatic focal point for the Master Bedroom. This designer created the pattern for this laser cut wood panel, slightly evocative of an Asian floral motif, which was inspired by the client’s cultural heritage. A pop-out wall and niche were purposefully created and positioned directly above the crisp headboard. Mock-ups ensured the depth of the niche would accommodate the panel support, as well as space to allow the LED light source to bounce off the strips of aluminum at the side walls. A small border frames the decorative panel, which allows the support and strips of LED tape lighting to be subtly concealed while still casting a strong glow into the center of the panel. The result is a stunning feature of light and art.

Large transitional single-wall light wood floor and exposed beam eat-in kitchen photo in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Transitional master multicolored floor bathroom photo in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and gray countertops

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.