We were tasked with transforming a modest ranch home into a house full of personality that reflected the owner's Asian roots and Hawaiian upbringing.

Remodeled home with contemporary, clean lines. Italian laminate cabinetry, high-end finishes.
Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Once the carriage house to the neighboring Weibolt mansion (Northwestern University President's Home), Robbins Architecture designed a drastic interior reconfiguration and renovation that restored the building to its early 1900s glory. This exciting project for Northwestern University consists of a 3,400 square foot renovation and 1,000 square foot addition that will transform and modernize the existing structure while preserving the integrity of the original architecture and includes a new kitchen, living room, and family room on the first floor. Two new staircases connect to the second floor which is being reconfigured from four bedrooms into a grand master bedroom suite, additional bedroom and bathroom, study, and library tower. Architect:Robbins Architecture Designer: Thea Home, Inc. Lighting Designer: Anne Kustner Lighting Design Photography: Kendall McCaugherty @ Hall+Merrick

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

Remodel of Primary Bathroom consisting of new space plan to accommodate modern life.
Inspiration for a coastal marble floor, white floor and double-sink bathroom remodel in Los Angeles with gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, an undermount sink, marble countertops, white countertops, a built-in vanity, recessed-panel cabinets and beige walls

The floating winged pendants were a nod to the homeowner’s love of aerobatic formation flying. In order to unify the interior and exterior cooking spaces we kept consistent heights for similar elements like hoods and soffits, but made shifts in materials and color to add graphic interest.

Completed in 2015, this project incorporates a Scandinavian vibe to enhance the modern architecture and farmhouse details. The vision was to create a balanced and consistent design to reflect clean lines and subtle rustic details, which creates a calm sanctuary.

The defining move in this remodel was closing off an existing doorway that opened from a hallway directly into the kitchen. That single change unlocked one continuous run of cabinetry along the full perimeter wall, something the previous layout made impossible. The sink and dishwasher were relocated to a new island, which also houses an under-counter ice maker and provides seating at its capped ends. A pot filler was added above the range, and a dedicated appliance garage was framed behind shiplap panels on one end of the kitchen. The original ceiling beams were preserved and re-stained in Minwax Espresso to match the stain-grade island. Shiplap paneling runs the upper wall as a backsplash across the perimeter, stepping aside only at the range, where Tuscan Dream quartz rises to meet the custom vent hood shell. The island is topped in Ethereal Amber quartz with a 2.5" mitered edge. Perimeter counters and the appliance garage are leathered Vincent Black granite. The cabinetry throughout is painted inset, flat panel with profile, in Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter. Wave glass fronts the upper cabinets flanking the range. Champagne bronze runs consistently through the hardware, faucet, pot filler, and air switch. The flooring in the kitchen and breakfast room was replaced to match the existing wood plank porcelain tile in the adjoining spaces, keeping the transition seamless.

Trendy patio photo in New York

Nestled against the backdrop of the Worcester Mountain Range lies this timeless Modern Farmhouse. This project consisted of a full gut to most of the interior as well as new windows, doors, siding, decks, and trim. Part of the project involved building an addition to join the detached garage to the main house as well as redefining the entry with a beautiful and functional mudroom and powder room. We also built out a new dining room with a ton of glass which helped to connect the interior with the lush gardens outside. Custom cabinetry, millwork, and builtins throughout. Doug Fir Timbers were used to support the load above while also providing a warm and handsome ascetic value throughout the downstairs as we opened the floorpan up. It is always refreshing to breath new life into an outdated structure.

The original dining room was more like a small breakfast area than the formal dining room desired by the owners, who love to entertain. The original wall between the entry and dining area consisted of two smaller arches which blocked views of the Pacific Ocean beyond. The remodel not only pushed this wall back 18 inches to create more space but opened it into one large archway allowing for ocean views from the front door. The original French doors leading from the dining room to the back patio had numerous small divided light panes that further blocked ocean views. The new doors have larger panes, span the entire wall, and retract to create an indoor-outdoor feel. Architect: Becker Henson Niksto Photographer: Jim Bartsch

​XID's approach for the interior design of this home consisted of high end finishes and porcelain tiles imported from Spain. The design of the floating fireplaces, kitchen, bathrooms and exterior landscape were aimed at bringing warm tones to the modern house while maintaining a minimalist approach.

With an original intention of just swapping out countertops, our client opted to completely renovate their kitchen with a goal to brighten and lighten up the space. To achieve a weightless look, we used our WAY style with the integrated channel and free of applied handles. This style allowed for a cleaner aesthetic while providing a streamlined consistent cabinet line.

For this project in Alamo, we shepherded the transition of a traditional California Ranch house into a clean modern home for our clients, empty nesters who love to entertain. Within an interior envelope of all-white walls and newly-elevated ceilings, a limited palette of materials consisting of warm oak floors and cabinetry combined with warm neutrals and soft grays, feels like a breath of fresh air and allows the greenery outside the many windows to play a leading role in the color scheme. The furnishings, including custom upholstered furnishings by Hardesty Dwyer, are comfortable and “bulletproof” to accommodate the couple’s six lively grandchildren. In the vaulted great-room, a large family table is the heart of the home. It is here that the couple regularly hosts Sunday dinners with their children and grandchildren.

It was an honor to be selected to work on this new build home in downtown St Petersburg. Our client wanted a crisp and consistent look throughout their home, and during their in home consultation selected plantation shutters and cordless lift roller shades. We have hundreds of samples for you to view from the comfort of your home, and you can rest assured knowing your products are backed by the best warranty in the industry. Contact Budget Blinds today to learn more.

Drawn to a subtle coastal vibe, a Shingle Style design was selected, which is consistent with an informal yet elegant style offering an open airy feel. The coffered beamed ceiling, white trim and casework are detailed yet casual in nature to carry the style throughout the home.

Buckeye Basements with Team Member Columbus Custom Cabinets Delaware, Ohio The clients requested not only a remodeled basement featuring a guest bedroom and bathroom but, more importantly, a superb, temperature-controlled wine cellar to safely store 900 bottles. Every detail was meticulously planned, as maintaining a consistent temperature was essential for proper wine aging. The instrumental cooling system played a crucial role in the project’s design, ensuring optimal storage conditions. Each element was carefully considered to protect the integrity of the clients’ prized wine collection. Ultimately, the result was a spectacular space that not only preserves the collection but also serves as a celebration of fine wine.

Selected with care, wood offers clarity, consistency, and range to contemporary spaces. Our job is to support that process with products that meet the standard.

The Dining Room flanks the stair 'landing' consisting of steel plate acting as a rail and fireplace underneath
Great room - mid-sized modern concrete floor and gray floor great room idea in Houston with white walls and a ribbon fireplace