This was a small space to work with but we did not compromise on style or size. These clients are doctors and really needed their own space to relax in. It was a lot of fun to design with this family as they so embrace very good about life.

This ocean view bedroom takes full advantage of the view. By floating the bed in front of a custom made, colored glass panel wall, neither the flow or aesthetic is compromised.

Example of a transitional master carpeted and beige floor bedroom design in Seattle with beige walls

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset. The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu . Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home. The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south. Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape. The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature. Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design. Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view. Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Maison D’Artiste Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2023

Urbano Design and Build transformed this 1930’s Atlee B. Ayres home into a sleek modern design without compromising its Spanish flair. The home includes custom hardwood floors, one of a kind tiles, restored wood beams, antique fixtures, and high-end stainless steel appliances. A new addition master suite leads to an outdoor space complete with kitchen, pool, and fireplace to create a luxurious oasis.

This remodel and furnishing project was designed for a bachelor who wanted a space that reflected his love for Arizona’s canyon landscapes while feeling intimate, moody and refined. The ensuite became a key focal point, featuring deep, rich color drenching, mixed wood textures and a custom vanity. Warm and cool tones balance the space, while carefully integrated lighting enhances depth and atmosphere. Functionality was just as important as aesthetics. Custom-height vanities and mirrors were tailored for a more ergonomic fit, ensuring everyday comfort without compromising style. Thoughtful material choices—matte finishes, textured woods and natural stone—add a tactile, grounded quality to the space. The result is a sleek yet inviting retreat, designed for both relaxation and efficiency.

In this new construction home in Hinsdale, IL the design team at O’Brien Harris was brought in at the earliest stages of planning—allowing for seamless integration of cabinetry and architectural details. Early collaboration with the builder meant every functional need could be fully addressed, including custom framing for hidden lighting and other details that would have been difficult to retrofit. The kitchen features a unique layout that places the cook at the center of the space, facing the yard and natural light. This intentional orientation shaped the design from the start to create a layout that felt open, balanced, and multi-functional. Because the project was built from the ground up, O’Brien Harris was able to integrate downdraft ventilation systems that maintain sightlines allowing the range to face outward—achieving both form and function without compromise. Two kitchen islands define the space, though each serves a distinct purpose. The first island is centered around the cooktop and prep area, while the second acts more like a piece of freestanding furniture—with seating, storage, and a softer presence in the room. Four oversized pendant lanterns anchor the entire space, offering both visual weight and warm illumination. To support entertaining, a full back kitchen was added behind the main space, offering the same level of functionality with additional appliances and prep areas. A fully retractable pass-through window opens directly to the outdoor entertaining area, making the kitchen feel as expansive as the outdoors. O’Brien Harris also designed and fabricated the cabinetry in the primary bath.

Inspiration for a coastal pool remodel in Miami

This Lakeview renovation takes place in a mid-rise building with sweeping views of Lake Michigan. Designed for a couple who loves to entertain, the kitchen was reimagined to maximize storage and counterspace without compromising its airy feel. Custom inserts were used to organize utensils and dinnerware, while pocket doors conceal small appliances—keeping the compact layout clean and clutter-free. The cabinetry is painted in a crisp white, anchored by a stained London Oak island that adds warmth and contrast. To maintain a light, open atmosphere, the design team opted for open shelving with Parisian detailing in lieu of upper cabinetry. Hardwired tabletop lamps were chosen over decorative pendants, reinforcing O’Brien Harris’s philosophy of blending the kitchen seamlessly into the living space. The design strikes a balance between contemporary and traditional. Polished metal-banded drawers bring a modern edge, while the shelving and lamps introduce classic character. A peninsula provides visual separation from the dining area—serving as both a prep surface and a buffet when entertaining. This tailored, multi-functional kitchen reflects O’Brien Harris’s signature approach: timeless design, refined detail, and thoughtful living. Location: Lakeview, Chicago, IL | Custom Cabinetry: O’Brien Harris | Interior Designer: James Thomas Interiors | Builder: Bill Wangler | Photography: Ryan McDonald | Kitchen & Dining Room Cabinetry: Painted finish with natural walnut interiors. Island is white oak in London Oak finish. Door style is Refectory | Butler’s Pantry Cabinetry: Painted in a vintage wine finish using the Refectory door style with natural walnut interiors Featured Article: Luxe Interiors + Design

Beach style bathroom photo in Other

Framed by mature trees and nestled within Sarasota’s historic McClellan Park, Sunset Place is a home shaped by a deep understanding of, and sensibility for, its setting—reflecting the charm of the neighborhood, the rhythm of downtown living, and the client’s vision of entertaining, connection, and family life. Every decision—from site strategy to spatial flow—was made with intention: to support a lifestyle centered on warmth, community, and a strong sense of place. At its core, the project is a masterclass in leveraging zoning and code to unlock the full potential of a complex site. Though landlocked, the home lives like waterfront—offering openness, privacy, and expansive sunset views. Placing the pool in the front yard, within the 25-foot setback, redefines the entry experience. It captures the western light and sets a relaxed, resort-like tone from the very first step inside the gate. Paired with a rear-loaded garage, accessed discreetly via the side setback, the layout transforms the site’s limitations into its greatest assets. Architecture and landscape take center stage, while the full buildable envelope is maximized without compromise. A natural rise of eight feet from front to back—rare in Sarasota—was embraced as an opportunity. Site walls function as both retaining structures and architectural elements, elevating the pool terrace and entry by over four feet to align with the main interior floor level. The result is a fluid connection between indoors and out: kitchen, dining, and living spaces unfold onto the terrace, blurring boundaries and enhancing everyday rituals as well as social gatherings. Architecturally, the home is coastal contemporary: open yet composed, airy yet grounded. Clarity in the massing tells a story of the inhabitants from the first glance, while the interior planning offers spatial generosity and ease. The interiors echo this sensibility with a palette that is soft, natural, and tactile—serene without being neutral. The landscape design provides a lush tropical frame, softening edges and reinforcing privacy through layered plantings rather than enclosure. Ultimately, Sunset Place is not defined by any single gesture, but by the way the home reflects its owners. Their gracious, family-centered nature informed every layer of design—resulting in a space that feels deeply personal, tailored for connection and ease, and perfectly suited for gathering, unwinding, and watching the sun slip behind the trees from the comfort of home.

The ambitious reconfiguration of the first floor brought forth a remarkable transformation, shaping a space that seamlessly blends convenience and modern aesthetics. Walls were expertly repurposed to carve out a generous, open kitchen adorned with a sprawling island, becoming the vibrant heart of the home. This culinary haven, complete with ample seating, serves as a gathering point for cherished moments. Adjacent stands a walk-in pantry and a thoughtfully integrated laundry room, offering practicality without compromising elegance. Abundant shelving adorns the walls and island, creating a sanctuary for books and treasured items, while cleverly concealed storage solutions ensure a clutter-free environment. An expanded powder bath with the addition of a shower and tub is now conveniently connected to the guest room with a hallway entrance as well for easy access. This reimagined layout not only maximizes functionality but also breathes new life into the home, fostering an inviting and harmonious living space for both relaxation and entertainment.

Transforming this long-standing home on Bradgate Rd required more than a simple update—it called for a careful balance between renewal, structure, and respect for what was already there. The existing brick bungalow had strong bones, but the exterior was deteriorating, the carport was underutilized, and key interior spaces no longer supported the homeowners’ needs. Having lived in the home for decades, the goal wasn’t to start over—it was to rework the home into a more functional, comfortable space that could support the years ahead. The scope included a full exterior masonry refresh, where the front layer of brick was removed and replaced while maintaining the integrity of the original structure. The carport was fully enclosed and integrated into the home as a garage, and a new roof tied everything together with consistent detailing and long-term performance in mind. Inside, the layout was carefully reworked to introduce a new primary ensuite and completely renovate the main bathroom. Plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems were updated throughout, with a focus on accessibility, ease of use, and everyday comfort. The result is a home that feels both familiar and elevated—where thoughtful construction and refined design come together to support long-term living without compromising character.

Large transitional concrete paver porch photo in New York

At the heart of 3Walls, the kitchen was conceived as both a social anchor and functional workspace. The homeowners passion for cooking plays a central role in the spatial organization of the house which required a layout that would support professional-level cooking and entertaining, and to do so without compromising accessibility.

A serene, light-filled bathroom wrapped in forest-green handmade tile sets the tone for Forest Haven. The curbless, roll-in shower and freestanding soaking tub create a space that is both fully accessible and deeply calming - designed to support aging-in-place with elegance and ease. The double vanity features white oak cabinetry, matte brass fixtures, and soft clay sconces that cast a gentle glow. Wider spacing around the vanity and future-proofing within the wall framing ensure that accessibility never compromises beauty.

This main floor remodel in Lenexa, Kansas, was the third phase of a full-home transformation for our longtime clients. After previously renovating their basement and primary bathroom, they invited us back to reimagine the heart of their home with fresh perspective and elevated function. The entryway was completely transformed from a builder-basic pass-through into a bright, welcoming focal point that sets the tone for the entire main floor. In the kitchen, we reworked the layout to improve flow and maximize storage, while introducing timeless finishes and thoughtful details that now carry throughout the home. The family room was redesigned to feel warm, cohesive, and connected—complete with custom built-ins and a refreshed fireplace. We also converted the former laundry room into a fully functional prep kitchen, and redesigned the mudroom to meet the demands of daily life without compromising style. This project reflects a balance of beauty, utility, and personal expression, with every space tailored to support how this family lives and gathers in their home.

Some projects arrive with pages of references, mood boards, and carefully curated inspiration folders. This wasn't one of them. The clients — a young, dynamic couple with a growing family — handed over their trust and asked for the best work possible. It's the kind of brief that raises the stakes and frees the thinking at the same time. The design is organised around the views to the west — ocean, city, and the long light of the evening sky — with the upper floor pulled into an L-shape that bridges across two lower volumes below. That move creates something most homes don't have: a generous covered entry and breezeway at ground level, a moment of arrival that feels architectural rather than incidental. Above it, the upper floor cantilevers out and frames the western outlook from the principal living spaces. Wellness was woven into the brief from the start. A hot yoga studio opens directly onto a large patio with a pool and hot tub, creating a private outdoor sanctuary that functions as a genuine extension of that space. At the rear of the property, a separate crossfit gym gives the clients a serious training facility without compromising the living areas of the home. The result is a home that reflects what's possible when a client extends full trust and a designer meets it. Of all the projects in this portfolio, this is one that stands out — not just for what it contains, but for how completely it came together.

The kids’ bathroom embraces playful colour in a way that feels youthful and fresh. Low maintenance and durable materials are used throughout to minimize wear and tear, without compromising style.