Minimalist exterior home photo in Burlington

Photo of a mid-sized traditional front yard concrete paver landscaping in Other.

Inspiration for a contemporary entryway remodel in Denver

Marion Brenner Photography
Design ideas for a large modern drought-tolerant and full sun front yard concrete paver garden path in San Francisco.

This large kitchen was updated with natural wood cabinetry, offset with a painted blue oversized island, and quartz countertops with integrated sinks. The bronze plumbing fixtures and hardware contribute to the warm and inviting mood of the space. Zellige wall tile and terra cotta floor tile add a handmade and old world feel to this new space. A coffee station is hidden behind bifold doors to keep the space clean and tidy.

Large transitional screened-in back porch photo in DC Metro with decking and a roof extension

Photo by Helen Norman
Traditional white two-story wood gable roof idea in Atlanta

Inspiration for a country kitchen remodel in Dallas

The client derived inspiration for her new shower from a photo featuring a multi-colored tile floor. Using this photo, Gayler Design Build custom-designed a shower pan that incorporated six different colors of 4-inch hexagon tiles by Lunada Bay. These tiles were beautifully combined and laid in a “dark to light” pattern effectively transforming the shower into a work of art. Contributing to the room’s classic and timeless bathroom design was the shower walls that were designed in cotton white 3x6 subway tiles with grey grout. An elongated, oversized shower niche completed the look providing just the right space for necessary soap and shampoo bottles.

Welcome to a newly built home in Redwood City, crafted from the ground up with over 25 years of skilled construction expertise. Original home was demolished. Every detail was thoughtfully designed to meet city standards, limitations, and requirements—resulting in a residence that feels light, crisp, and deeply connected to nature. Wood floors run throughout the home, creating warmth and continuity from the moment you step inside. *Entry & Living Spaces* As you enter through the clean, modern 8-foot door—perfectly aligned with the 9-foot ceiling—you’re greeted by a bright, open feel. The living room centers around a custom fireplace clad in artistic tile, paired with a built-in TV stand. Directly across, double sliding doors invite natural light and seamless indoor-outdoor living. The entire home enjoys a ceiling of 9' with a combination of vaulted ceiling in the primary bedroom. *Kitchen – The Heart of the Home* The kitchen is the true centerpiece. Designed with an open concept and surrounded by generous windows, it features quartz on both the countertops and full-height walls for a luxurious, cohesive aesthetic. A large island—topped with a full slab of quartz—anchors the room, offering extra space between the island and main counters for comfortable movement and entertainment. Two elegant clear pendant lights highlight its presence. Outfitted with top-tier luxury appliances designed for both performance and visual refinement. White cabinetry keeps the look clean and minimalist, while oversized drawers provide functional storage for cooking utensils. The induction cooktop, paired with a pot filler, reinforces the modern and streamlined design. A double oven and an almost-hidden pantry maintain the sleek look, keeping the focus on the kitchen’s architecture and flow. Mudroom & Dining Area Adjacent to the kitchen is a mudroom with a charming barn door leading toward the garage. A half-wall accent features eccentric black-and-white tile, complemented by bold black fixtures. A small custom hidden closet maximizes storage while maintaining a refined appearance. The dining room, open and airy, continues the wood flooring and is adorned with stylish pendant lighting—perfect for gatherings and everyday meals. The wide, open staircase is fully exposed to the dining area and first floor, creating a striking architectural feature that visually connects the spaces. Its modern wood-and-metal design contributes to the home’s open flow while serving as a sculptural centerpiece within the main living level. *Bedrooms & Laundry* Guest and secondary bedrooms are bright and inviting, each with multiple windows framed in sleek black for a modern edge. Every bedroom enjoys its own bathroom, offering comfort and privacy. A compact but well-designed laundry room includes a sink and drying rack, making smart use of space. The second story features an open layout with wide hallways, enhancing the sense of space and natural flow. This home also includes an office and one of the bedrooms is used for a workout space. *Primary Suite* Set apart from the other bedrooms for privacy, the primary suite is a luxurious retreat. An accent wall adds character, while a large walk-in closet offers abundant storage. A skylight fills the room with natural light, enhancing the open, breathable atmosphere. *Bathrooms* Each bathroom was thoughtfully designed with its own personality: - Primary bathroom: The primary bathroom embraces a concrete-inspired look, featuring dual sinks and a spacious shower with double-sided niches—one for each person. An LED makeup mirror adds functional elegance. - Second bathroom: Gray cabinet, tile wall, black fixtures, frameless shower door, and a striking floral tile accent. - Third bathroom: White cabinets, gold fixtures, white tile floors, a shower stall, and a bold green tile feature wall with a large niche. - Fourth bathroom: Blue cabinet, gray tile floors, a tub with frameless shower door, and gray wall tiles paired with sleek chrome fixtures. - Powder Room: Half wall crown molding with black tile design and fixtures. *Exterior & Landscape* The planning process also emphasized low-maintenance landscape design, using easy-care plants that enhance the home’s natural feel without demanding constant upkeep. The home is also equipped with a dedicated EV charging station and solar panels, supporting energy efficiency and modern sustainable living.

The kitchen at Southlake Manor underwent a full transformation, drawing inspiration from the charm of the South of France while incorporating the Denningtons' personal tastes. A major design feature is the stunning barrelled ceiling, which adds a sense of grandeur and architectural interest. This beautiful ceiling design enhances the space by creating visual height, drawing the eye upward and contributing to the kitchen’s airy and open feel. The Denningtons’ love for the color blue is woven throughout the kitchen, with custom accents in a rich, deep shade that adds warmth and personality to the space. The cabinetry features a mix of finishes that complement the color palette, creating a balanced, sophisticated look. At the heart of the kitchen sits a custom, round island—a standout piece designed to be both functional and visually striking. The island, with its unique shape and built-in drawers, provides ample storage while maintaining a sleek, clean aesthetic. It’s an ideal gathering spot for the family and offers a beautiful contrast to the surrounding cabinetry. The layers of texture throughout the kitchen—from the smooth cabinetry finishes to the intricate details of the island and the natural warmth of the new barrelled ceiling—add depth and dimension. Every element is carefully crafted to elevate the design to the next level, blending style with practicality in a way that reflects the Denningtons' love for sophisticated, yet welcoming spaces.

On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views. The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private. Reimagining the Urban Envelope The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression. Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views. At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides. Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors. Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow. Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways. A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space. A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls. Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere. Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas. Kitchen as Architectural Furniture The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich. Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash. Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface. A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette. Dining With a Living Backdrop Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset. A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience. Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation. The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop. The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space. Bathing Above the City In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops. The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials. Entertaining Above the Park Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art. Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline. Cinema and Retreat The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing. Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above. Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth. Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth. The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human. A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living. It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky. What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.

Warm contemporary primary bedroom designed for comfort, relaxation, and everyday luxury. Layered bedding, custom window coverings, curated artwork, and soft neutral furnishings create a calm and restorative retreat within this luxury condominium in Thornhill, Ontario. Natural textures and a restrained palette contribute to the home's wellness-centred design approach.

Our King City client came to us seeking a home that embodied quiet luxury—a space that felt refined, calm, and effortlessly pulled together. With three teenage daughters, a family business, and a lively Yorkie, life was wonderfully full but undeniably busy. Having recently moved into their new home, the family wanted to furnish and personalize it to reflect their style and create a true sense of belonging. Working closely with both homeowners, we designed a serene, sophisticated environment that balances elegance with comfort. Lumar Interiors guided the selection of furniture, drapery, area rugs, wallcoverings, lighting, and wall décor, ensuring every detail contributed to a cohesive and timeless look. The finished home exudes understated beauty and tranquility—a calm haven perfectly suited to a dynamic family and their busy lifestyle.

In the heart of Chicago's vibrant West Loop, this transformative renovation reimagined the main level of a distinguished home, meticulously enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal. The project ambitiously relocated the laundry facilities to the basement and removed the existing pantry, strategically reclaiming valuable square footage to expand the kitchen area. This thoughtful redesign paved the way for a more expansive, state-of-the-art culinary space. Central to the kitchen's allure is a striking aged brass chandelier, suspended with precision above the island. This elegant fixture not only serves as a luminous focal point but also embodies the sleek and sophisticated design ethos that permeates the entire renovation. The primary aim of this project was to elevate the home's guest entertaining capabilities, a goal achieved with remarkable success. The guest bathroom received a significant upgrade, adorned with the distinctive charm of Harlequin, a British brand wallpaper, known for its bold and whimsical designs. This choice adds a layer of refined eccentricity and texture to the space, enhancing the guest experience. Furthering the enhancements, the entryway to the house was also updated, setting a welcoming tone that harmonizes with the overall design narrative. These alterations collectively contribute to a more inviting and functional environment, perfectly suited for hosting and entertaining. This comprehensive renovation, encompassing design, labor, and materials, represented an investment of just over $160,000. The result is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and strategic planning, culminating in a space that not only meets the contemporary needs of its inhabitants but does so with unmatched elegance and style. Project designed by Chi Renovation & Design, a renowned renovation firm based in Skokie. We specialize in general contracting, kitchen and bath remodeling, and design & build services. We cater to the entire Chicago area and its surrounding suburbs, with emphasis on the North Side and North Shore regions. You'll find our work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest. For more info about Chi Renovation & Design, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in New Orleans

https://www.beangroup.com/homes/45-E-Andover-Road-Andover/ME/04216/AGT-2261431456-942410/index.html Merrill House is a gracious, Early American Country Estate located in the picturesque Androscoggin River Valley, about a half hour northeast of Sunday River Ski Resort, Maine. This baronial estate, once a trophy of successful American frontier family and railroads industry publisher, Henry Varnum Poor, founder of Standard & Poor’s Corp., is comprised of a grand main house, caretaker’s house, and several barns. Entrance is through a Gothic great hall standing 30’ x 60’ and another 30’ high in the apex of its cathedral ceiling and showcases a granite hearth and mantel 12’ wide. Owned by the same family for over 225 years, it is currently a family retreat and is available for seasonal weddings and events with the capacity to accommodate 32 overnight guests and 200 outdoor guests. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and heralding contributions from Frederick Law Olmsted and Stanford White, the beautiful, legacy property sits on 110 acres of fields and forest with expansive views of the scenic Ellis River Valley and Mahoosuc mountains, offering more than a half-mile of pristine river-front, private spring-fed pond and beach, and 5 acres of manicured lawns and gardens. The historic property can be envisioned as a magnificent private residence, ski lodge, corporate retreat, hunting and fishing lodge, potential bed and breakfast, farm - with options for organic farming, commercial solar, storage or subdivision. Showings offered by appointment.

This space showcases a timeless, craftsman-inspired kitchen and dining area that blends classic detailing with modern functionality. The open-plan layout is anchored by a central island with a marble countertop and flanked by custom cabinetry finished in a muted sage green. Vertical shaker-style panels and integrated appliances contribute to a clean, cohesive aesthetic. Overhead, exposed ceiling beams in a warm, contrasting tone add architectural character while three pendant fixtures provide focused illumination above the island. A soft, neutral subway tile backsplash wraps the room, tying together the cabinetry and the light-filled windows framed in matching green millwork. The dining area features a mid-century–influenced wooden table surrounded by upholstered chairs, adding warmth and texture to the space. Natural light from multiple windows enhances the organic palette of natural wood, brushed metal accents, and soft white walls, creating a harmonious balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary comfort.

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