A spacious, light-filled bedroom with blue accents opens on to a small terrace. Michael Moran Otto
Mid-sized trendy master light wood floor bedroom photo in New York with white walls and no fireplace

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

Best of Houzz Design & Service 2014. --Photography by Paul Dyer.
Eat-in kitchen - large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in San Francisco with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a classic sunroom design in Portland Maine

Photo courtesy of August Interiors. To view more photos of this project, visit https://www.augustinteriorsnc.com/portfolio/rustic-and-refined-at-bearwallow-mountain/

Shawnee homeowners contacted Arlene Ladegaard of Design Connection, Inc. to update their family room which featured all golden oak cabinetry and trim. The furnishings represented the mid-century with well-worn furniture and outdated colors. The homeowners treasured a few wood pieces that they had artfully chosen for their interest. They wanted to keep these and incorporate them into the new look. These pieces anchored the selection of the new furniture and the design of the remodeled family room. Because the family room was part of a first floor remodel and the space flowed from one room to the next, the colors in each room needed to blend together. The paint colors tied the rooms together seamlessly. The wood trim was sprayed white and the walls painted a warm soothing gray. The fireplace was painted a darker gray. A floor plan was created for all the furnishings to meet the homeowners’ preference for comfortable chairs that would focus on the fireplace and television. The design team placed the TV above the mantel for easy viewing from all angles of the room. The team also chose upholstered pieces for their comfort and well-wearing fabrics while ensuring that the older traditional pieces mingled well with the contemporary lamps and new end tables. An area rug anchored the room and gold and warm gray tones add richness and warmth to the new color scheme. Hunter Douglas wood blinds finished in white to blend with the trim color completed the remodel of this beautiful and updated transitional room. Design Connection Inc. of Overland Park provided space planning, remodeling, painting, furniture, area rugs, accessories, project management and paint and stain colors.

Example of a transitional l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen design in DC Metro with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and gray countertops

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

This residence was a complete gut renovation of a 4-story row house in Park Slope, and included a new rear extension and penthouse addition. The owners wished to create a warm, family home using a modern language that would act as a clean canvas to feature rich textiles and items from their world travels. As with most Brooklyn row houses, the existing house suffered from a lack of natural light and connection to exterior spaces, an issue that Principal Brendan Coburn is acutely aware of from his experience re-imagining historic structures in the New York area. The resulting architecture is designed around moments featuring natural light and views to the exterior, of both the private garden and the sky, throughout the house, and a stripped-down language of detailing and finishes allows for the concept of the modern-natural to shine. Upon entering the home, the kitchen and dining space draw you in with views beyond through the large glazed opening at the rear of the house. An extension was built to allow for a large sunken living room that provides a family gathering space connected to the kitchen and dining room, but remains distinctly separate, with a strong visual connection to the rear garden. The open sculptural stair tower was designed to function like that of a traditional row house stair, but with a smaller footprint. By extending it up past the original roof level into the new penthouse, the stair becomes an atmospheric shaft for the spaces surrounding the core. All types of weather – sunshine, rain, lightning, can be sensed throughout the home through this unifying vertical environment. The stair space also strives to foster family communication, making open living spaces visible between floors. At the upper-most level, a free-form bench sits suspended over the stair, just by the new roof deck, which provides at-ease entertaining. Oak was used throughout the home as a unifying material element. As one travels upwards within the house, the oak finishes are bleached to further degrees as a nod to how light enters the home. The owners worked with CWB to add their own personality to the project. The meter of a white oak and blackened steel stair screen was designed by the family to read “I love you” in Morse Code, and tile was selected throughout to reference places that hold special significance to the family. To support the owners’ comfort, the architectural design engages passive house technologies to reduce energy use, while increasing air quality within the home – a strategy which aims to respect the environment while providing a refuge from the harsh elements of urban living. This project was published by Wendy Goodman as her Space of the Week, part of New York Magazine’s Design Hunting on The Cut. Photography by Kevin Kunstadt

Huppe Connection Modern Glass Dining Table Made in Canada Connection by Huppe is a new luxury dining table from the Dining Furniture Up Line. The table is a real masterpiece created in Canada by real professionals from the hand-selected materials. Dining Table Connection features a real Scandinavian European design, that is remarkable by simple design, but astonishing uniqueness. The top of the dining table is made of 12mm (0.5") thick clear tempered glass. The legs are made of 100% solid White Oak or Walnut, that is stain finished up to your choice. The legs are supported with steel beams that carry not only a supporting function but also highlight the design, making the dining table a vivid spot in any interior. Connection glass top dining table is available in three sizes: 84", 98" and 108", so you could find the right size for your modern home. Connection Dining Table by Huppe is also available with Wooden Top - Click here to View. Features: Designed by Up Huppe Clear thick and durable tempered glass top Solid oak or walnut legs available in a variety of finishes Rectangular tabletop shape Base feature steel beams available in different matt lacquered colors Available in three different sizes The starting price is for the Connection Glass Dining Table W84" with the base in Natural Oak Finish / Matt White Lacquer. Dimensions: Dining Table: W84" x D40" x H30" Dining Table: W98" x D40" x H30" Dining Table: W108" x D40" x H30"

Brad Montgomery tym Homes
Living room - large transitional open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Salt Lake City with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and white walls

The homeowner of this new build came to us for help with the design of their new home. They wanted a more contemporary look than what they're used to. The large island is a great gathering point with in the open concept of the dining/kitchen/living space. Using two different colors of quartz countertops added contrast that highlights the marble backsplash. The backsplash adds texture and richness to the space. Shaker style cabinets help modernize the space with the clean lines. Function was key to this kitchen working with utensil pullouts, spice racks, rollouts, hidden storage and a knife block. Design Connection, Inc. Kansas City interior designer provided space planning, architectural drawings, barstools, tile, plumbing fixtures, countertops, cabinets and hardware, lighting, paint colors, coordination with the builder and project management to ensure that the high standards of Design Connection, Inc. were maintained.

Laminate cabinet fronts and Corian were the rage when this Overland Park home was built. With an out dated kitchen this beautiful California styled home required a gut and redo in the main kitchen area. The decision making process was extensive, but the client felt like she achieved a beautiful new kitchen with the guidance and hard work of Arlene Ladegaard and the Design Connection, Inc. team. From the beautiful white inset cabinet doors to the seamless look of the built in refrigerator to the antique brass faucets and pulls this kitchen is complete. Arlene and her team worked hard from the designing phase to the project management to the completion of new kitchen remodel. The client says” Thank you and I love it!” Design Connection, Inc. provided- Kitchen design, space planning, elevations, tile, plumbing, cabinet design, counter top selections, bar stools, and installation of all products including project management. The newly remodeled white kitchen is on trend in the world of design. A point of emphasis was designed by Design Connection, Inc. through cross glass front cabinets that were extended all the way to the ceiling and lowered a little towards the counter top. Design Connection, Inc. provided- Kitchen design, space planning, elevations, tile, plumbing, cabinet design, counter top selections, bar stools, and installation of all products including project management. The custom cabinetry for the client was important to update the space. Beautifully designed cabinets with inset doors and a custom finish hardware to match the faucet the client loved. Design Connection, Inc. provided- Kitchen design, space planning, elevations, tile, plumbing, cabinet design, counter top selections, bar stools, and installation of all products including project management. The backsplash was extended all the way up to the ceiling creating a point of emphasis for the kitchen. Design Connection, Inc. provided- Kitchen design, space planning, elevations, tile, plumbing, cabinet design, counter top selections, bar stools, and installation of all products including project management.

Inspiration for a small 1950s single-wall black floor dedicated laundry room remodel in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and gray countertops

Photography By: Eric Taylor
Arts and crafts brown tile and subway tile ceramic tile and brown floor corner shower photo in DC Metro with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and a wall-mount toilet

Jackson Design & Remodeling, San Diego, California, Entire House $750,001 to $1,000,000
Large country open concept light wood floor and exposed beam living room photo in San Diego with white walls

Casey Dunn
Corner shower - mid-sized contemporary master gray tile and mosaic tile ceramic tile corner shower idea in Austin with dark wood cabinets, an undermount tub, flat-panel cabinets, gray walls, a trough sink, quartz countertops and gray countertops

Black Stainless Steel Appliances – know the newest and sleeker trend in kitchen appliance industry.
Example of a minimalist kitchen design in New York with stainless steel appliances

Joe Fletcher
Example of a mid-sized minimalist brown one-story wood flat roof design in San Francisco