Photo by Grey Crawford
Home design - coastal home design idea in Orange County

Inspiration for a contemporary patio remodel in Los Angeles with a roof extension and a fireplace

Klopf Architecture, Arterra Landscape Architects and Henry Calvert of Calvert Ventures Designed and built a new warm, modern, Eichler-inspired, open, indoor-outdoor home on a deeper-than-usual San Mateo Highlands property where an original Eichler house had burned to the ground. The owners wanted multi-generational living and larger spaces than the original home offered, but all parties agreed that the house should respect the neighborhood and blend in stylistically with the other Eichlers. At first the Klopf team considered re-using what little was left of the original home and expanding on it. But after discussions with the owner and builder, all parties agreed that the last few remaining elements of the house were not practical to re-use, so Klopf Architecture designed a new home that pushes the Eichler approach in new directions. One disadvantage of Eichler production homes is that the house designs were not optimized for each specific lot. A new custom home offered the team a chance to start over. In this case, a longer house that opens up sideways to the south fit the lot better than the original square-ish house that used to open to the rear (west). Accordingly, the Klopf team designed an L-shaped “bar” house with a large glass wall with large sliding glass doors that faces sideways instead of to the rear like a typical Eichler. This glass wall opens to a pool and landscaped yard designed by Arterra Landscape Architects. Driving by the house, one might assume at first glance it is an Eichler because of the horizontality, the overhanging flat roof eaves, the dark gray vertical siding, and orange solid panel front door, but the house is designed for the 21st Century and is not meant to be a “Likeler.” You won't see any posts and beams in this home. Instead, the ceiling decking is a western red cedar that covers over all the beams. Like Eichlers, this cedar runs continuously from inside to out, enhancing the indoor / outdoor feeling of the house, but unlike Eichlers it conceals a cavity for lighting, wiring, and insulation. Ceilings are higher, rooms are larger and more open, the master bathroom is light-filled and more generous, with a separate tub and shower and a separate toilet compartment, and there is plenty of storage. The garage even easily fits two of today's vehicles with room to spare. A massive 49-foot by 12-foot wall of glass and the continuity of materials from inside to outside enhance the inside-outside living concept, so the owners and their guests can flow freely from house to pool deck to BBQ to pool and back. During construction in the rough framing stage, Klopf thought the front of the house appeared too tall even though the house had looked right in the design renderings (probably because the house is uphill from the street). So Klopf Architecture paid the framer to change the roofline from how we had designed it to be lower along the front, allowing the home to blend in better with the neighborhood. One project goal was for people driving up the street to pass the home without immediately noticing there is an "imposter" on this lot, and making that change was essential to achieve that goal. This 2,606 square foot, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom Eichler-inspired new house is located in San Mateo in the heart of the Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane Landscape Architect: Arterra Landscape Architects Contractor: Henry Calvert of Calvert Ventures Photography ©2016 Mariko Reed Location: San Mateo, CA Year completed: 2016

An old stone mansion built in 1924 had seen a number of renovations over the decades and the time had finally come to address a growing list of issues. Rather than continue with a patchwork of fixes, the owners engaged us to conduct a full house renovation to bring this home back to its former glory and in line with its status as an international consulate residence where dignitaries are hosted on a regular basis. One of the biggest projects was remodeling the expansive 365 SF kitchen; the main kitchen needed to be both a workhorse for the weekly catered events as well as serve as the residents’ primary hub. We made adjustments to the kitchen layout to maximize countertop and storage space as well as enhance overall functionality, being mindful of the dual purposes this kitchen serves. To add visual interest to the large space we used two toned cabinets – classic white along the perimeter and a deep blue to distinguish the two islands and tall pantry. Brushed brass accents echo the original brass hardware and fixtures throughout the home. A kitchen this large needed a statement when it came to the countertops so we selected a stunning Nuvolato quartzite with distinctive veining that complements the blue cabinets. We restored and refinished the original Heart of Pine floors, letting the natural character of the wood shine through. A custom antique Heart of Pine wood top was commissioned for the fixed island – the warmth of wood was preferable to stone for the informal seating area. The second island serves as both prep area and staging space for dinners and events. This mobile island can be pushed flush with the stationary island to provide a generous area for the caterers to expedite service. Adjacent to the main kitchen, we added a second service kitchen for the live-in staff and their family. This room used to be a catch-all laundry/storage/mudroom so we had to get creative in order to incorporate all of those features while adding a fully functioning eat-in kitchen. Using smaller appliances allowed us to capture more space for cabinetry and by stacking the cabinets and washer/dryer (relocated to the rear service foyer) we managed to meet all the requirements. We installed salvaged Heart of Pine floors to match the originals in the adjacent kitchen and chose a neutral finish palette that will be easy to maintain. These kitchens weren’t the only projects we undertook in the historic stone mansion. Other renovations include 7 bathrooms, flooring throughout (hardwoods, custom carpets/runners/wall-to-wall), custom drapery and window treatments, new lighting/electric, as well as paint/trim and custom closet and cabinetry.

Santa Barbara lifestyle with this gated 5,200 square foot estate affords serenity and privacy while incorporating the finest materials and craftsmanship. Visually striking interiors are enhanced by a sparkling bay view and spectacular landscaping with heritage oaks, rose and dahlia gardens and a picturesque splash pool. Just two minutes to Marin’s finest private schools.

Enhanced curb appeal for the front and a face-lift for the pool, spa and outdoor patio space in the backyard; all result in tranquil outdoor living for these Dallas, TX home owners. We designed the custom patio to include unique, full-color plank Pennsylvania Bluestone on the deck that resembles a wood floor pattern. The patio deck leads out to an outdoor kitchen and bar covered by a custom pergola of smooth cedar finished in white matching the aesthetic of the home. Continuing the cohesiveness, we used the same full-color plank Bluestone for the small patio outside the outdoor pool house as well as smooth thermal Pennsylvania Bluestone for the spa, pool coping, and step pads around the pool. http://www.onespecialty.com/enduring-springs/

A staircase is so much more than circulation. It provides a space to create dramatic interior architecture, a place for design to carve into, where a staircase can either embrace or stand as its own design piece. In this custom stair and railing design, completed in January 2020, we wanted a grand statement for the two-story foyer. With walls wrapped in a modern wainscoting, the staircase is a sleek combination of black metal balusters and honey stained millwork. Open stair treads of white oak were custom stained to match the engineered wide plank floors. Each riser painted white, to offset and highlight the ascent to a U-shaped loft and hallway above. The black interior doors and white painted walls enhance the subtle color of the wood, and the oversized black metal chandelier lends a classic and modern feel. The staircase is created with several “zones”: from the second story, a panoramic view is offered from the second story loft and surrounding hallway. The full height of the home is revealed and the detail of our black metal pendant can be admired in close view. At the main level, our staircase lands facing the dining room entrance, and is flanked by wall sconces set within the wainscoting. It is a formal landing spot with views to the front entrance as well as the backyard patio and pool. And in the lower level, the open stair system creates continuity and elegance as the staircase ends at the custom home bar and wine storage. The view back up from the bottom reveals a comprehensive open system to delight its family, both young and old!

Inspiration for a contemporary master white tile and stone slab marble floor bathroom remodel in New York with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, marble countertops and white walls

This warm French Country design is enhanced by mulled double hung windows, both up and down. The rows of windows showcase the beauty of this home's idyllic setting.

Photography: Gerardine and Jude Vargas
Photo of a mid-sized mid-century modern drought-tolerant and full sun backyard gravel water fountain landscape in Phoenix for summer.

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

The challenge of merging contemporary design with a classic traditional interior is emblematic of the vitality experienced in the evolution of Philadelphia’s urban fabric. The design of this Center City apartment engages a rich discourse between the new and the existing, focusing on areas of the residence that contradicted the new owners’ aesthetic and lifestyle. The elevator opens to the center of the spacious living area that includes the foyer, kitchen and living room. The serene, geometric character of the foyer enhances the sense of arrival – offering a moment to contemplate the owners’ art, the interplay of the old and the new, and the subtleties of light. The kitchen, while fully functional, willingly and quietly participates in the composition. Symmetry and asymmetry are seamlessly woven. The depth and endurance of daily experiences are the ingredients that transform architecture into a vital framework for living. As it relates to a home, the framework requires a resonate balance of comfort and drama, achieved here with a cast of dynamic materials and details that subtly collaborate in simple composition. Barry Halkin and Todd Mason Photography

KuDa Photography
Trendy bathroom photo in Portland with flat-panel cabinets and dark wood cabinets

Sherri Johnson
Example of a cottage white tile and mosaic tile mosaic tile floor and white floor alcove shower design in Los Angeles with a trough sink and a hinged shower door

Living room - contemporary living room idea in Singapore

This is an example of a transitional landscaping in Los Angeles.

Transitional 3/4 white tile and porcelain tile marble floor and black floor walk-in shower photo in DC Metro with white walls and a trough sink

Inspiration for a transitional master beige tile and gray tile walk-in shower remodel in Denver with open cabinets, light wood cabinets, beige walls, an integrated sink and a hinged shower door

This contemporary living room features a striking marble slab fireplace and matching marble accent wall, complemented by built-in bookcases and shelving for a seamless, curated look. Floor-to-ceiling black-framed windows with ceiling-mounted white curtains fill the space with natural light, while a dark wood waterfall coffee table anchors the seating area. Upholstered armchairs with wood frames and leather armrests, along with a neutral beige area rug, create a balanced, comfortable environment. Flush trim and recessed baseboards enhance the clean, modern lines of the room. Photo by Thomas Kuoh.