The client came to us to assist with transforming their small family cabin into a year-round residence that would continue the family legacy. The home was originally built by our client’s grandfather so keeping much of the existing interior woodwork and stone masonry fireplace was a must. They did not want to lose the rustic look and the warmth of the pine paneling. The view of Lake Michigan was also to be maintained. It was important to keep the home nestled within its surroundings. There was a need to update the kitchen, add a laundry & mud room, install insulation, add a heating & cooling system, provide additional bedrooms and more bathrooms. The addition to the home needed to look intentional and provide plenty of room for the entire family to be together. Low maintenance exterior finish materials were used for the siding and trims as well as natural field stones at the base to match the original cabin’s charm.

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

Imagine a lazy morning in this casually elegant kitchen, sipping your freshly brewed coffee as natural light pours through floor to ceiling windows. Then imagine being in this kitchen sipping your morning coffee and gazing out at the beautiful rolling landscape of one of New England’s prestigious golf clubs. Imagine . . . The owner of this beautiful contemporary kitchen with its idyllic setting imagined ! And her kitchen designer captured her imagination and brought this inspired space to life in both style and function. Columns of stainless steel are balanced by columns with the warmth of birch wood with just a hint of stain. On an adjacent wall one more wood column rises from floor to ceiling. A strong horizontal line of cabinetry seemingly intersects the vertical columns. While contemporary in design, the cabinetry in this kitchen found its beginnings with the Shakers and the designers of the Craftsman period. Increasing the size of the framing on the doors, accenting the cabinet shapes with square-edged trim and blocks of wood at varying depths, thinly slicing and randomly sizing the natural stone on the accent wall, and choosing oversized stainless steel handles definitively bring this kitchen forward in time. Recycled glass countertops in a soft, quiet color continue to help this kitchen live so harmoniously with its surroundings. As the day unfolds and the lazy morning turns into ambitious meal preparation, it is clear that this kitchen is a chef’s delight. The stainless steel columns incorporate double ovens, a microwave and a steam oven. Two wood columns house a refrigerator and a freezer. The separate wood column reveals pantry storage, and a TV is hidden behind a lift-up door. On the island with its clean, rectangular shape two dishwashers flank the sink. Imagine ! how much more pleasant the task of clean-up is when you overlook the family living space and vista beyond. In the cook center, a complement of drawers provides excellent storage for pots and pans, utensils, spices and herbs around the 5-burner cooktop. A powerful vent with a rear exhaust maintains the horizontal design of the space. And the freshly-brewed coffee in the morning ? It comes from a built-in coffee maker that’s just around the corner from the refrigerator. Along with a wine refrigerator, it creates a beverage and serving center between the kitchen and the dining room. The homeowner envisioned a kitchen that is as beautiful as its surroundings. Her kitchen designer wanted her kitchen to be as functional as it is beautiful. Both agree that this kitchen lives up to their expectations!

Since the completion of the home our company has maintained this property. Originally built by a local builder as a speculation home, it was purchased by two busy professionals. Why is this important? Let's just say the clients are particular and like it when things aren't just so. Both have high level careers, travel often and expect their landscape to be pristine. Year after year our company rises to this challenge. When originally installed, the builder wanted larger plant material to provide a full and mature look. The continued growth provides a pruning challenge, especially when the client prefers a clean, neat and "compact" landscape. We continually monitor growth and hand prune accordingly, including yearly winter pruning. The backyard is particularly difficult due to the shade, moisture run-off from neighboring properties. The turf requires constant monitoring and adjustment to the irrigation system. The trees create a mess requiring clean up along with yearly power washing of the stone. While the challenges are many, the fine maintenance has led to happy clients and numerous referrals.

Karen Palmer Photography
Mid-sized trendy master blue tile and porcelain tile bathroom photo in St Louis with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, onyx countertops and multicolored countertops

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

The rear wall in this living room spanned almost 20 feet. The owner wanted a sense of privacy during the day but the ability to still see through the sheer drapery to the lovely view outdoors during the day. The drapery is actually comprised of three panels. When closed, as seen here, it appears as one continuous drapery. They all have the ability to be stacked to the left if desired when the sliding door is open and stacked to the left. However, when a more open view is desired, a left panel traverses to the left, the center panel stacks in the center of the slider at the divider rails of the slider, and a small right panel stacks to the right,. This option maintains a sense of warmth in the room, distributing the panels along the slider, suggesting multiple openings rather that exposing one large expanse of sliding glass door.

The client came to us to assist with transforming their small family cabin into a year-round residence that would continue the family legacy. The home was originally built by our client’s grandfather so keeping much of the existing interior woodwork and stone masonry fireplace was a must. They did not want to lose the rustic look and the warmth of the pine paneling. The view of Lake Michigan was also to be maintained. It was important to keep the home nestled within its surroundings. There was a need to update the kitchen, add a laundry & mud room, install insulation, add a heating & cooling system, provide additional bedrooms and more bathrooms. The addition to the home needed to look intentional and provide plenty of room for the entire family to be together. Low maintenance exterior finish materials were used for the siding and trims as well as natural field stones at the base to match the original cabin’s charm.

The client came to us to assist with transforming their small family cabin into a year-round residence that would continue the family legacy. The home was originally built by our client’s grandfather so keeping much of the existing interior woodwork and stone masonry fireplace was a must. They did not want to lose the rustic look and the warmth of the pine paneling. The view of Lake Michigan was also to be maintained. It was important to keep the home nestled within its surroundings. There was a need to update the kitchen, add a laundry & mud room, install insulation, add a heating & cooling system, provide additional bedrooms and more bathrooms. The addition to the home needed to look intentional and provide plenty of room for the entire family to be together. Low maintenance exterior finish materials were used for the siding and trims as well as natural field stones at the base to match the original cabin’s charm.

The client came to us to assist with transforming their small family cabin into a year-round residence that would continue the family legacy. The home was originally built by our client’s grandfather so keeping much of the existing interior woodwork and stone masonry fireplace was a must. They did not want to lose the rustic look and the warmth of the pine paneling. The view of Lake Michigan was also to be maintained. It was important to keep the home nestled within its surroundings. There was a need to update the kitchen, add a laundry & mud room, install insulation, add a heating & cooling system, provide additional bedrooms and more bathrooms. The addition to the home needed to look intentional and provide plenty of room for the entire family to be together. Low maintenance exterior finish materials were used for the siding and trims as well as natural field stones at the base to match the original cabin’s charm.

Complete renovation of a brownstone in a landmark district, including the recreation of the original stoop. Kate Glicksberg Photography
Example of a transitional bathroom design in New York

With the goal of privacy while maintaining the sense of openness. the siding at the entry continues out to a tube steel column, creating a slatted entry allowing light and defining the entry while obscuring views from the road above. The high windows visible above the entry and hint at the floor to ceiling windows one experiences as they enter the home.

This graceful curved staircase follows the elegant arc of the entry foyer wall, creating a seamless and sophisticated transition from the lower to upper levels. Rich dark-stained treads and risers provide a warm, luxurious foundation beneath an intricately patterned wrought iron railing, full of ornate swirls and curls that define the French Provincial aesthetic. Balcony railing continues the intricate ironwork pattern across the second level, maintaining visual continuity throughout the home's grand entrance. Every refined detail, from the metal handrail's graceful final curve to the flared starting step, speaks to the craftsmanship woven throughout this design. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This graceful curved staircase follows the elegant arc of the entry foyer wall, creating a seamless and sophisticated transition from the lower to upper levels. Rich dark-stained treads and risers provide a warm, luxurious foundation beneath an intricately patterned wrought iron railing, full of ornate swirls and curls that define the French Provincial aesthetic. Balcony railing continues the intricate ironwork pattern across the second level, maintaining visual continuity throughout the home's grand entrance. Every refined detail, from the metal handrail's graceful final curve to the flared starting step, speaks to the craftsmanship woven throughout this design. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This graceful curved staircase follows the elegant arc of the entry foyer wall, creating a seamless and sophisticated transition from the lower to upper levels. Rich dark-stained treads and risers provide a warm, luxurious foundation beneath an intricately patterned wrought iron railing, full of ornate swirls and curls that define the French Provincial aesthetic. Balcony railing continues the intricate ironwork pattern across the second level, maintaining visual continuity throughout the home's grand entrance. Every refined detail, from the metal handrail's graceful final curve to the flared starting step, speaks to the craftsmanship woven throughout this design. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

The client came to us to assist with transforming their small family cabin into a year-round residence that would continue the family legacy. The home was originally built by our client’s grandfather so keeping much of the existing interior woodwork and stone masonry fireplace was a must. They did not want to lose the rustic look and the warmth of the pine paneling. The view of Lake Michigan was also to be maintained. It was important to keep the home nestled within its surroundings. There was a need to update the kitchen, add a laundry & mud room, install insulation, add a heating & cooling system, provide additional bedrooms and more bathrooms. The addition to the home needed to look intentional and provide plenty of room for the entire family to be together. Low maintenance exterior finish materials were used for the siding and trims as well as natural field stones at the base to match the original cabin’s charm.

This graceful curved staircase follows the elegant arc of the entry foyer wall, creating a seamless and sophisticated transition from the lower to upper levels. Rich dark-stained treads and risers provide a warm, luxurious foundation beneath an intricately patterned wrought iron railing, full of ornate swirls and curls that define the French Provincial aesthetic. Balcony railing continues the intricate ironwork pattern across the second level, maintaining visual continuity throughout the home's grand entrance. Every refined detail, from the metal handrail's graceful final curve to the flared starting step, speaks to the craftsmanship woven throughout this design. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This graceful curved staircase follows the elegant arc of the entry foyer wall, creating a seamless and sophisticated transition from the lower to upper levels. Rich dark-stained treads and risers provide a warm, luxurious foundation beneath an intricately patterned wrought iron railing, full of ornate swirls and curls that define the French Provincial aesthetic. Balcony railing continues the intricate ironwork pattern across the second level, maintaining visual continuity throughout the home's grand entrance. Every refined detail, from the metal handrail's graceful final curve to the flared starting step, speaks to the craftsmanship woven throughout this design. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This graceful curved staircase follows the elegant arc of the entry foyer wall, creating a seamless and sophisticated transition from the lower to upper levels. Rich dark-stained treads and risers provide a warm, luxurious foundation beneath an intricately patterned wrought iron railing, full of ornate swirls and curls that define the French Provincial aesthetic. Balcony railing continues the intricate ironwork pattern across the second level, maintaining visual continuity throughout the home's grand entrance. Every refined detail, from the metal handrail's graceful final curve to the flared starting step, speaks to the craftsmanship woven throughout this design. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company