The primary goal for this project was to craft a modernist derivation of pueblo architecture. Set into a heavily laden boulder hillside, the design also reflects the nature of the stacked boulder formations. The site, located near local landmark Pinnacle Peak, offered breathtaking views which were largely upward, making proximity an issue. Maintaining southwest fenestration protection and maximizing views created the primary design constraint. The views are maximized with careful orientation, exacting overhangs, and wing wall locations. The overhangs intertwine and undulate with alternating materials stacking to reinforce the boulder strewn backdrop. The elegant material palette and siting allow for great harmony with the native desert. The Elegant Modern at Estancia was the collaboration of many of the Valley's finest luxury home specialists. Interiors guru David Michael Miller contributed elegance and refinement in every detail. Landscape architect Russ Greey of Greey | Pickett contributed a landscape design that not only complimented the architecture, but nestled into the surrounding desert as if always a part of it. And contractor Manship Builders -- Jim Manship and project manager Mark Laidlaw -- brought precision and skill to the construction of what architect C.P. Drewett described as "a watch." Project Details | Elegant Modern at Estancia Architecture: CP Drewett, AIA, NCARB Builder: Manship Builders, Carefree, AZ Interiors: David Michael Miller, Scottsdale, AZ Landscape: Greey | Pickett, Scottsdale, AZ Photography: Dino Tonn, Scottsdale, AZ Publications: "On the Edge: The Rugged Desert Landscape Forms the Ideal Backdrop for an Estancia Home Distinguished by its Modernist Lines" Luxe Interiors + Design, Nov/Dec 2015. Awards: 2015 PCBC Grand Award: Best Custom Home over 8,000 sq. ft. 2015 PCBC Award of Merit: Best Custom Home over 8,000 sq. ft. The Nationals 2016 Silver Award: Best Architectural Design of a One of a Kind Home - Custom or Spec 2015 Excellence in Masonry Architectural Award - Merit Award Photography: Werner Segarra

Reka Ivany Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master white tile and subway tile porcelain tile and gray floor walk-in shower remodel in Vancouver with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops and a hinged shower door

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, glass countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

WATCH the time lapse video of this kitchen remodel: https://youtu.be/caemXXlauLU   Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This Glen Ellyn homeowner came to us, frustrated with the layout and size of their current kitchen, looking for help generating ideas for how to maximize functionality within the constraints of the space. After visiting with them and seeing the home’s layout, I realized that looking at the bigger picture of how they used the entire first floor might bring us some dramatic solutions. We ended up flipping the kitchen and family room and taking down the wall separating the two creating one big open floor plan for the family to enjoy. There is still a visual separation between the rooms because of their different lengths and the overall space now relates nicely to the dining room which was also opened up to both rooms. The new kitchen is an L-shaped space that is no longer cramped and small and is truly a cook’s dream. The fridge is on one end, a large cooktop and sink are located along the main perimeter and double ovens located at the end of the “L” complete the layout. Ample work surface along the perimeter and on the large island makes entertaining a breeze. An existing door to the patio remains, floods the room with light and provides easy access to the existing outdoor deck for entertaining and grilling. White cabinetry with quartz countertops, Carrera marble backsplash tile and a contrasting gray island give the space a clean and modern feel. The gray pendant lights and stainless appliances bring a slight industrial feel to the space letting you know that some serious cooking will take place here. Once we had their Dream Kitchen design completed, the homeowners decided to tackle another project at the same time. We made plans to create a master suite upstairs by combining two existing bedrooms into a larger bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet. The existing spaces were not overly large so getting everything on the wish list into the design was a challenge. In the end, we came up with a design that works. The two bedrooms were adjoined, one wall moved back slightly to make for a slightly larger bedroom, and the remaining space was allotted to the new bathroom and a walk in closet. The bathroom consists of a double vanity and a large shower with a barn door shower door. A skylight brings light into the space and helps make it feel larger and more open. The new walk-in closet is accessible through the bathroom, and we even managed to fit in a small entry vestibule that houses some additional storage and makes a nice transition from the hallway. A white vanity, Carrera tops and gray floor tile make for a serene space that feels just right for this home. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Over the years, we have created hundreds of dream homes for our clients. We make it our job to get inside the hearts and minds of our clients so we can fully understand their aesthetic preferences, project constraints, and – most importantly – lifestyles. Our portfolio includes a wide range of architectural styles including Neo-Colonial, Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, and the ever-popular New England Cape (just to name a few). Our creativity and breadth of experience open up a world of design and layout possibilities to our clientele. From single-story living to grand scale homes, historical preservation to modern interpretations, the big design concepts to the smallest details, everything we do is driven by one desire: to create a home that is even more perfect that you thought possible. Photo Credit: Cynthia August

When it was time to update their small and poorly functional master bath, these homeowners approached Renovisions for help. The small 5’x8’ size constraints was a challenge but ‘Team Renovisions’ was up for the task and came up with a beautiful creative use of space which incorporates a spacious walk-in shower, a curved furniture-styled vanity with porcelain lavatory top, a sleek and energy efficient luxury performance toilet, with faucet and shower fixtures in chrome finish. Safety is a must for our projects and this decorative grab bar that matches the towel holder accessories is evidence of that as it provides both functional and aesthetic attributes. 18”x18” porcelain tiles in a brown marble pattern was a great choice as these over-sized tiles increased the feeling of the room while the rich cherry finish of the vanity complimented the brown veining of the tile nicely. This newly remodeled master bath is clearly an example of making the most out of a small space. Beauty, functionality and style – it has it all!

This small bathroom maximizes storage. A medicine cabinet didn't work due to the width of the vanity below and the constraints on door width with factory cabinetry. The solution was a custom mirror frame to match the cabinetry and add a wall cabinet over the toilet. Drawers in the vanity maximize easy-access storage there as well. The result is a highly functional small bathroom with more storage than one person actually needs.

The renovation of Maison Gray was an ambitious project, marked by technical challenges to transform this 1960s residence into a modern and bright living space. Due to urban planning constraints, it was impossible to completely demolish the house. Therefore, a progressive approach was adopted, methodically deconstructing and rebuilding each wall while keeping the roof in place with temporary supports. This required rigorous coordination between the demolition and construction teams, who worked in parallel to successfully complete the large-scale project. Major structural and framing work allowed for the roof slopes to be redefined and the creation of a double-height space, a central feature of the house's new architecture. Despite the complexity of the project, the work was completed in a relatively short period, an impressive achievement for such a large-scale transformation. Thanks to meticulous execution, the house was practically rebuilt from scratch, with a mezzanine and new spaces arranged in half-levels within a generous volume. The tall arch on the façade marks the vaulted entrance leading to an open living space in double height, naturally lit by a skylight and large windows opening to the garden. Achieving these elements and alignments required great precision, with every architectural detail, from curves to openings, carefully executed to create a fluid and harmonious flow. Sangaré Studio designed the interior with natural materials in soft tones, creating intimate and fluid spaces. Built with care, Maison Gray offers a welcoming and soothing environment, allowing the family to enjoy spaces designed for comfort and tranquility.

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

Bedroom in The Gathering House | Room Type: Whole Home (Full Renovation + Furnishings) | Project Name: The Gathering House | Key Feature: A reimagined open-concept home centered around an oversized kitchen island that functions as the heart of the home, designed to support connection, entertaining, and everyday living. Challenge: The existing home had a dated, closed-off layout with poor flow, limited pantry space, and structural constraints that made the kitchen feel cramped and disconnected from the main living areas. Solution: The design team reworked the floor plan to open up the main living spaces, expanded the kitchen footprint, and introduced an oversized island to anchor the home. Thoughtful material selections, improved storage solutions, and layered lighting created a cohesive, modern environment that balances functionality with warmth and livability. Materials: Iron Adobe, Cactus Doors, Ferguson, My Knobs, Spellman hardware | Budget: $100K- $150K | Timeline: Approximately 6 months, completed January 2026.

Inspiration for a mediterranean l-shaped beige floor, exposed beam, shiplap ceiling and vaulted ceiling open concept kitchen remodel in Other with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

This North Shore residence captures commanding views of the ocean, while maintaining a sense of privacy for the homeowners. Their priorities focused on thoughtful design, evolving from a restoration of a small summer cottage into a new home, well sited on a narrow lot. SV Design worked within the constraints of conservation and a flood zone to create a masterpiece of charm and appeal. The home reflects the tastes of the owners, who remained involved through every step of the process. Natural light is well utilized, the open layout provides ease in entertaining and in day to day living, and the views are captured from assorted vantage points. Personalized accents abound throughout the property--- warm wood flooring, stone accents--- both inside and outside of the home, a kitchen with clean lines and efficient storage space, and a butler’s pantry. The design of the property is aesthetically pleasing, creative, and functional; most of all, it fulfilled the visions of the clients.

Living Room in The Gathering House | Room Type: Whole Home (Full Renovation + Furnishings) | Project Name: The Gathering House | Key Feature: A reimagined open-concept home centered around an oversized kitchen island that functions as the heart of the home, designed to support connection, entertaining, and everyday living. Challenge: The existing home had a dated, closed-off layout with poor flow, limited pantry space, and structural constraints that made the kitchen feel cramped and disconnected from the main living areas. Solution: The design team reworked the floor plan to open up the main living spaces, expanded the kitchen footprint, and introduced an oversized island to anchor the home. Thoughtful material selections, improved storage solutions, and layered lighting created a cohesive, modern environment that balances functionality with warmth and livability. Materials: Iron Adobe, Cactus Doors, Ferguson, My Knobs, Spellman hardware | Budget: $100K- $150K | Timeline: Approximately 6 months, completed January 2026.

Kitchen in The Gathering House | Room Type: Whole Home (Full Renovation + Furnishings) | Project Name: The Gathering House | Key Feature: A reimagined open-concept home centered around an oversized kitchen island that functions as the heart of the home, designed to support connection, entertaining, and everyday living. Challenge: The existing home had a dated, closed-off layout with poor flow, limited pantry space, and structural constraints that made the kitchen feel cramped and disconnected from the main living areas. Solution: The design team reworked the floor plan to open up the main living spaces, expanded the kitchen footprint, and introduced an oversized island to anchor the home. Thoughtful material selections, improved storage solutions, and layered lighting created a cohesive, modern environment that balances functionality with warmth and livability. Materials: Iron Adobe, Cactus Doors, Ferguson, My Knobs, Spellman hardware | Budget: $100K- $150K | Timeline: Approximately 6 months, completed January 2026.

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

Built on a steep lakeside terrain, the Tsuga residence by Appareil Architecture is an ambitious project that required meticulous planning and flawless execution. Nestled within the rugged landscapes of Brownsburg-Chatham, Tsuga elevates a complex site to offer a seamless immersion in nature. Balancing the site’s constraints with a high level of finish, every phase of the project was designed to reconcile technical challenges with precision. Modulor expertly managed all collaborators, ensuring a level of detail that defines a project of this scale. On the exterior, the building envelope combines durability with refinement. Carefully selected natural wood cladding interacts with a perforated screen that filters light and adds depth to the façade. The integration of openings was strategically planned to maximize views while maintaining a cohesive architectural expression. Inside, the materials and finishes reflect the same commitment to quality. Wooden paneling wraps the spaces, creating visual continuity and a warm atmosphere. The stainless steel kitchen, with its clean lines and custom design, introduces a striking contrast between modernity and natural textures. Every junction, every material transition was meticulously crafted to ensure a flawless result, with no compromises on durability or functionality. Designed for an architectural historian and a musician and opera singer, Tsuga is the result of meticulous craftsmanship. A home built to stand the test of time, with an unwavering attention to detail.

Watermark Residence was conceived as a “downsizing” project for Owners looking to transition from the home where they raised their family to a simpler lifestyle. The footprint and exterior massing of the single family condo was prescribed, but MMA wove new details into these constraints and was urged by the Owner to completely reinvent the interior experience. From the exterior, the home sits subtly on a corner lot, referencing the neighborhood in its style, but with a warmth and crispness that speaks also to the interiors. The primary goal of the project was to provide an open, inviting atmosphere of connected spaces that allowed natural light into all areas of the home. Upon entry, there is an immediate involvement in the daily activities with the living and dining rooms being the focal point, and a more intimate kitchen slightly out of view. Throughout the home, the idea of privacy and transparency plays an important role in the organization of spaces and materials chosen. More private corridors lead to intimate bedroom spaces and functional laundry and mudrooms. A two-floor, semi-transparent slat wall shields direct visibility from the street, while also providing connection between the entertaining spaces of the home. Combined with the white oak, open staircase, the movement between levels feels intuitive and inviting. A simple palette of materials, understated in their appearance but detailed in their execution, are threaded throughout the home. Gathering spaces are represented with open slats, grounding brick, white oak, and bright walls. Movement deeper into the house brings refined slat panels with integrated hardware at kitchen millwork, softly painted cabinetry, and warm tones of walnut in furniture elements. The most private spaces of the home further extrude the slat element into fluted panels, painted in deeper colors.

Bathroom in The Gathering House | Room Type: Whole Home (Full Renovation + Furnishings) | Project Name: The Gathering House | Key Feature: A reimagined open-concept home centered around an oversized kitchen island that functions as the heart of the home, designed to support connection, entertaining, and everyday living. Challenge: The existing home had a dated, closed-off layout with poor flow, limited pantry space, and structural constraints that made the kitchen feel cramped and disconnected from the main living areas. Solution: The design team reworked the floor plan to open up the main living spaces, expanded the kitchen footprint, and introduced an oversized island to anchor the home. Thoughtful material selections, improved storage solutions, and layered lighting created a cohesive, modern environment that balances functionality with warmth and livability. Materials: Iron Adobe, Cactus Doors, Ferguson, My Knobs, Spellman hardware | Budget: $100K- $150K | Timeline: Approximately 6 months, completed January 2026.

This gorgeous, nature-inspired Great Room—comprised of the kitchen, dining area, and sitting room—was reimagined for some wonderful repeat clients, beginning with a small, treasured piece of art. Their large 1950s ranch house nestled into a gentle hill surrounded by orchards of fragrant orange, lemon, and cherry trees initially featured a too-small kitchen adjacent to a warren of small spaces with low ceilings serving as a dining and sitting area. They dreamed of a more spacious, light-filled layout. A complete redesign of the home not only resolved spatial constraints but also embraced the beauty of the home’s natural surroundings. By removing walls and creating an open-plan layout, we enhanced the flow and connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas, seamlessly integrating the outdoors with the indoors. The relocated kitchen now faces the backyard, to facilitate outdoor entertaining and features a large island, serving as a welcoming focal point for both cooking and socializing. I designed a distinctive ceiling feature above the island, crafted from planks of the adjacent vaulted ceiling, mirroring the shape of the island below. This feature adds architectural interest and visually connects the flat kitchen plane with the vaulted plank ceiling of the sitting area, creating a harmonious sense of continuity and warmth. A beautiful, prized painting of a bird on a branch created the direction for the color and texture palette. An intriguing yellow-green-tan background in the art guided my choices for the backsplash tile (an iridescent version mimics light glinting on water) and countertops. The kitchen's soothing color palette features various shades of natural green, while the dining area introduces feather-blue tones through chair upholstery and rug. Just steps away, the inviting sitting area features a rebuilt fireplace clad in cut, polished Haisa marble tiles in a vertical pattern. The soft, generous seating creates a comfortable spot for movie nights or cozying up by the fire on a cold winter evening. The elegant, simple silhouettes of the furniture enhance the serene and calming atmosphere of the space. After photos: Bernardo Grijalva and Fiorito Interior Design Cabinetry: custom by Schmitz Woodwork Countertops: Primordia and Calcatta Maximus by Caesarstone Backsplash: Elements in Miami Sand Pearl by Lunada Bay Island pendants: Simple Sanders by Shades of Light Stools: Essex by Lazar in Brisa fabric by Ultrafabrics Dining table: Emerson Wave by Saloom Dining chairs: Essex by Lazar Dining lighting: Triad chandelier by Kichler Dining rug: Soho Smoke by Jaunty Inc. Sitting area sofa and ottoman: Corvo by Lazar Sitting area swivel chair: Noah by Lazar Sitting area rug: Soho Stone by Jaunty Inc. Motorized shades: Hunter Douglas Entry console: Reed by Uttermost Entry light: Re by Visual Comfort Fireplace: Haisa cut and polished marble by Icontile Wall paint: Mascarpone by Benjamin Moore