THEME Every element of this room is tied to a traditional nursery rhyme. From the “Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe” to “Hickory Dickory Dock,” the Cobbler brings to life some of childhood’s most memorable and endearing rhymes. FOCUS To counter the room’s high ceiling, the design introduces elements with both comparable height and considerable warmth, making the room feel spacious, yet cozy. A large, shoe-shaped armoire pays homage to the “Old Woman” and is built in place from floor to ceiling. It features curtained doors and drawer fronts, a wooden shingle roof with a blue bird on top, and a clothesline for baby’s favorite wares. The mural over the crib, showing the Cow Jumping over the Moon and her counterpart, the Dish Running Away with the Spoon, adds fantasy and humor. Quaint, hand-painted stone walls that surround the shoe and hardwood flooring that partially replaces wall-to-wall carpeting help unify the room. An organic curve unites the wood and carpet gracefully, adding visual interest and organic beauty. STORAGE The shoe holds clothing and linens, while the changing table stores diapers and diaper accessories. Shelving installed above the changing table adds color and interest, while creating room for stuffed animals, pictures, toys and treasures. GROWTH The room’s childlike theme and magical giant shoe, although intended for young children, are sufficiently functional and artistic to remain an endearing attraction for the room’s occupant throughout childhood and adolescence. SAFETY Precautions are taken to secure power outlets, keep exposed shelving out of reach of little hands, and allow medicinal items to be secured in a safe, convenient location. The clothesline is suspended high above the room and is secured to stay out of reach.

Situated on a sloping site with a shared driveway and prescribed parking on the lower level, the home was designed to maximize daylight into the walk-out basement. In placing the parking in the center and wrapping the basement spaces around it, all rooms are afforded exterior views. By locating much of the home’s program below street level, the 3244 s.f. house is able to maintain a scale in keeping with the surrounding residences. The grade along the front of the site was pulled back from the home with stepped retaining walls revealing a sunken garden and above-ground basement walls. An entry bridge allows access to the front door above the sunken garden. UV-responsive, color-changing metal siding and cedar rainscreen clad the flat roof volumes of the home while fiber cement boards encase the shed roof volume. The shed was created to provide passive solar daylighting and conditioning in the vaulted living and dining rooms as well as an ideal surface for future solar panels. The home possesses a myriad of outdoor living spaces including a front balcony and sunken courtyard, side balcony terrace, and rear screened porch and deck above a covered patio. The south side balcony is wrapped with a metal and cedar clad bamboo planter which acts as a privacy screen and shading device. Accessibility was a strong consideration in the design as the homeowners were forward-thinking about aging in place. ADA-sized doorways and thresholds are provided as well as a shelled elevator shaft from the basement level.

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today. A Remodel That Balances Past and Present What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form. Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner. A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it. Navigating Challenges With Precision The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved. Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly. Details That Respect the Eichler DNA The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness. At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence. The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving. Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process. The Value of Evolving Scope As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun. The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA. Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa. Contractor: Golden Cove Construction Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2024 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

Kim Roberts, owner of Staging Beautifully, has a passion for creating beautiful spaces. From home staging to redecorating, Kim’s relaxed and friendly approach make even the most challenging project fun and enjoyable. For those interested in refreshing their space, Staging Beautifully can assist a homeowner in decorating their home with the items they already own and love. Like staging, redesign may include color selection, rearranging furniture, hanging art and placing accessories. It is a cost effective design alternative which will give your home a facelift without the cost of an Interior Designer. Utilizing your furnishings and treasures, we will shop your home to find new and creative ways to display your family’s possessions. This will result in a complete interior transformation which will reflect your personality, style, comfort and functionality to your living space without having to buy anything. Looking to sell your home, consider home staging to target a higher selling price. Home Staging aims to de-personalize your home and make it appealing to virtually all prospective buyers. The way you live in your home and the way you market your home are two very different things. Your home is competing with every other home on the market. A home that looks like it needs work or isn't move-in ready prompts buyers to low-ball their offers, or eliminate your home from consideration all together. Those homes that are staged to reflect current trends attract and appeal to more buyers, resulting in more offers, faster sales, and higher sale prices. Sometimes, an agent may even recommend your price be increased once your home is staged! A well-staged home can even start a bidding war with multiple offers!

The kitchen is where you spend most of your time, shouldn’t it be the most inviting room in the house? That was the logic behind this South Shore of Boston Renovision. The owners entertained frequently but struggled with lack of organized storage space and poor flow for traffic in and out of their kitchen. Renovisions totally reorganized the way the kitchen worked. The wall between the family room and kitchen was re-built to accommodate bar stools and added countertop space. Considerations were given to the design layout for a separate beverage/wine refrigeration station, while making sure additional prep space was adequate. A better flow in the kitchen was created, eliminating the annoyance of the typical ‘bottle-neck’. Fine shaker cabinetry in a white painted finish with contrasting dark blue-grey island cabinets which boast large, deep drawers set the stage. A full gamut of appliances was provided including a 36” induction cooktop, convection microwave, double wall ovens, full size refrigerator and a bar refrigerator. The matching paneled dishwasher ensured an integrated look. The custom wood hood along with the unique shaped arabesque glass tile design frames a stunning focal point when entering this kitchen. Glass mullion doors flanking the hood with clear seeded glass created an upscale look and coordinated with the seeded glass shades of the island pendants. Renovisions custom fit red oak wood flooring to match the existing floor and then re-finished with a grey stain and 3 coats of poly to add durability while also providing a beautiful new look throughout the house. Good lighting is key especially when spending so much time in a space. LED under-cabinet lights, recessed ceiling lights and three separate pendant fixtures which all operate on dimmer switches created options for mood lighting, work lighting and everything in between. New double-hung windows with 6/1 grid configurations were added in just the right places – adding more essential natural light. In addition to the kitchen ‘Renovision’, two corner cabinets in a white painted finish were installed in the dining room to not only accommodate the clients fine china and glassware, but also to provide a more custom built-in look to the space with the interior of the cabinets matching the wall. Overall, our client could not have been happier with the completed project. Family, friends and guests were impressed with the design and fit and finish of every detail provided by Renovisions.

The kitchen is where you spend most of your time, shouldn’t it be the most inviting room in the house? That was the logic behind this South Shore of Boston Renovision. The owners entertained frequently but struggled with lack of organized storage space and poor flow for traffic in and out of their kitchen. Renovisions totally reorganized the way the kitchen worked. The wall between the family room and kitchen was re-built to accommodate bar stools and added countertop space. Considerations were given to the design layout for a separate beverage/wine refrigeration station, while making sure additional prep space was adequate. A better flow in the kitchen was created, eliminating the annoyance of the typical ‘bottle-neck’. Fine shaker cabinetry in a white painted finish with contrasting dark blue-grey island cabinets which boast large, deep drawers set the stage. A full gamut of appliances was provided including a 36” induction cooktop, convection microwave, double wall ovens, full size refrigerator and a bar refrigerator. The matching paneled dishwasher ensured an integrated look. The custom wood hood along with the unique shaped arabesque glass tile design frames a stunning focal point when entering this kitchen. Glass mullion doors flanking the hood with clear seeded glass created an upscale look and coordinated with the seeded glass shades of the island pendants. Renovisions custom fit red oak wood flooring to match the existing floor and then re-finished with a grey stain and 3 coats of poly to add durability while also providing a beautiful new look throughout the house. Good lighting is key especially when spending so much time in a space. LED under-cabinet lights, recessed ceiling lights and three separate pendant fixtures which all operate on dimmer switches created options for mood lighting, work lighting and everything in between. New double-hung windows with 6/1 grid configurations were added in just the right places – adding more essential natural light. In addition to the kitchen ‘Renovision’, two corner cabinets in a white painted finish were installed in the dining room to not only accommodate the clients fine china and glassware, but also to provide a more custom built-in look to the space with the interior of the cabinets matching the wall. Overall, our client could not have been happier with the completed project. Family, friends and guests were impressed with the design and fit and finish of every detail provided by Renovisions.

Thompson Remodeling really enjoyed working with this Grand Rapids family to remodel their basement into a family space where they could showcase their favorite sports memorabilia and other memories from their home state of Maryland. After remodeling their previous home just 6 months earlier, circumstances required the family to move. One day upon returning to their new home, they found their basement flooded! Realizing they needed to act fast to repair the damage they contacted Thompson Remodeling to help. When discussing the design for the project, our clients told us how much they had loved the updates they made to their last home and were hoping to use similar warm tones and rustic materials. We looked at photos of that home for inspiration and developed a design that would serve as an entertaining and gathering space that would allow their fantastic collection of Maryland sports memorabilia to shine. Careful consideration was given on how to use every nook and cranny of space, as was the selection process for specific rustic materials that would contribute warmth and visual interest. We used Ghost Wood to create a rich accent wall in the tv viewing area. The fireplace is made of stacked tile that looks like stone and the mantel is a handpicked, old barn beam. The clients told our designer that they wanted to hang a Maryland flag in the basement so she found this fantastic flag made of distressed wood which was hung above the mantel. For the flooring, we selected a gorgeous vinyl plank for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Situated on a sloping site with a shared driveway and prescribed parking on the lower level, the home was designed to maximize daylight into the walk-out basement. In placing the parking in the center and wrapping the basement spaces around it, all rooms are afforded exterior views. By locating much of the home’s program below street level, the 3244 s.f. house is able to maintain a scale in keeping with the surrounding residences. The grade along the front of the site was pulled back from the home with stepped retaining walls revealing a sunken garden and above-ground basement walls. An entry bridge allows access to the front door above the sunken garden. UV-responsive, color-changing metal siding and cedar rainscreen clad the flat roof volumes of the home while fiber cement boards encase the shed roof volume. The shed was created to provide passive solar daylighting and conditioning in the vaulted living and dining rooms as well as an ideal surface for future solar panels. The home possesses a myriad of outdoor living spaces including a front balcony and sunken courtyard, side balcony terrace, and rear screened porch and deck above a covered patio. The south side balcony is wrapped with a metal and cedar clad bamboo planter which acts as a privacy screen and shading device. Accessibility was a strong consideration in the design as the homeowners were forward-thinking about aging in place. ADA-sized doorways and thresholds are provided as well as a shelled elevator shaft from the basement level.

The kitchen is where you spend most of your time, shouldn’t it be the most inviting room in the house? That was the logic behind this South Shore of Boston Renovision. The owners entertained frequently but struggled with lack of organized storage space and poor flow for traffic in and out of their kitchen. Renovisions totally reorganized the way the kitchen worked. The wall between the family room and kitchen was re-built to accommodate bar stools and added countertop space. Considerations were given to the design layout for a separate beverage/wine refrigeration station, while making sure additional prep space was adequate. A better flow in the kitchen was created, eliminating the annoyance of the typical ‘bottle-neck’. Fine shaker cabinetry in a white painted finish with contrasting dark blue-grey island cabinets which boast large, deep drawers set the stage. A full gamut of appliances was provided including a 36” induction cooktop, convection microwave, double wall ovens, full size refrigerator and a bar refrigerator. The matching paneled dishwasher ensured an integrated look. The custom wood hood along with the unique shaped arabesque glass tile design frames a stunning focal point when entering this kitchen. Glass mullion doors flanking the hood with clear seeded glass created an upscale look and coordinated with the seeded glass shades of the island pendants. Renovisions custom fit red oak wood flooring to match the existing floor and then re-finished with a grey stain and 3 coats of poly to add durability while also providing a beautiful new look throughout the house. Good lighting is key especially when spending so much time in a space. LED under-cabinet lights, recessed ceiling lights and three separate pendant fixtures which all operate on dimmer switches created options for mood lighting, work lighting and everything in between. New double-hung windows with 6/1 grid configurations were added in just the right places – adding more essential natural light. In addition to the kitchen ‘Renovision’, two corner cabinets in a white painted finish were installed in the dining room to not only accommodate the clients fine china and glassware, but also to provide a more custom built-in look to the space with the interior of the cabinets matching the wall. Overall, our client could not have been happier with the completed project. Family, friends and guests were impressed with the design and fit and finish of every detail provided by Renovisions.

THEME Every element of this room is tied to a traditional nursery rhyme. From the “Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe” to “Hickory Dickory Dock,” the Cobbler brings to life some of childhood’s most memorable and endearing rhymes. FOCUS To counter the room’s high ceiling, the design introduces elements with both comparable height and considerable warmth, making the room feel spacious, yet cozy. A large, shoe-shaped armoire pays homage to the “Old Woman” and is built in place from floor to ceiling. It features curtained doors and drawer fronts, a wooden shingle roof with a blue bird on top, and a clothesline for baby’s favorite wares. The mural over the crib, showing the Cow Jumping over the Moon and her counterpart, the Dish Running Away with the Spoon, adds fantasy and humor. Quaint, hand-painted stone walls that surround the shoe and hardwood flooring that partially replaces wall-to-wall carpeting help unify the room. An organic curve unites the wood and carpet gracefully, adding visual interest and organic beauty. STORAGE The shoe holds clothing and linens, while the changing table stores diapers and diaper accessories. Shelving installed above the changing table adds color and interest, while creating room for stuffed animals, pictures, toys and treasures. GROWTH The room’s childlike theme and magical giant shoe, although intended for young children, are sufficiently functional and artistic to remain an endearing attraction for the room’s occupant throughout childhood and adolescence. SAFETY Precautions are taken to secure power outlets, keep exposed shelving out of reach of little hands, and allow medicinal items to be secured in a safe, convenient location. The clothesline is suspended high above the room and is secured to stay out of reach.

Staircase Wallpaper Installation in San Rafael, CA Transform your staircase into a stunning focal point with our custom wallpaper installation services in San Rafael. We specialize in high-impact wallcoverings that turn ordinary stairwells into extraordinary design statements, perfect for Marin County homes. Why Wallpaper Your San Rafael Staircase? ✔ Dramatic Visual Impact – Create a breathtaking first impression ✔ Space-Enhancing Designs – Vertical patterns that elevate ceilings ✔ Marin County Style – Luxe textures and nature-inspired motifs ✔ Durable Finishes – Scratch-resistant materials for high-traffic areas Popular Staircase Styles in San Rafael: ? Wine Country Elegance – Vineyard landscapes or olive branch patterns ? Modern Bay Area – Architectural lines or concrete-look textures ? Redwood Inspired – Organic wood grains and forest elements ? Art Gallery – Overscale florals or abstract watercolors Our Staircase-Specific Services: ✅ Precision Alignment – Flawless pattern flow on angled walls ✅ Extra-Durable Vinyls – Withstands handrail contact ✅ Lighting Considerations – Reflective finishes for dark stairwells ✅ Safety-First Installation – Secure scaffolding for tricky heights The San Rafael Advantage: • Local Design Expertise – Familiar with Marin County aesthetics • Historic Home Experience – Gentle techniques for older properties • 3D Visualization – Preview your design before installation

Staircase Wallpaper Installation in San Rafael, CA Transform your staircase into a stunning focal point with our custom wallpaper installation services in San Rafael. We specialize in high-impact wallcoverings that turn ordinary stairwells into extraordinary design statements, perfect for Marin County homes. Why Wallpaper Your San Rafael Staircase? ✔ Dramatic Visual Impact – Create a breathtaking first impression ✔ Space-Enhancing Designs – Vertical patterns that elevate ceilings ✔ Marin County Style – Luxe textures and nature-inspired motifs ✔ Durable Finishes – Scratch-resistant materials for high-traffic areas Popular Staircase Styles in San Rafael: ? Wine Country Elegance – Vineyard landscapes or olive branch patterns ? Modern Bay Area – Architectural lines or concrete-look textures ? Redwood Inspired – Organic wood grains and forest elements ? Art Gallery – Overscale florals or abstract watercolors Our Staircase-Specific Services: ✅ Precision Alignment – Flawless pattern flow on angled walls ✅ Extra-Durable Vinyls – Withstands handrail contact ✅ Lighting Considerations – Reflective finishes for dark stairwells ✅ Safety-First Installation – Secure scaffolding for tricky heights The San Rafael Advantage: • Local Design Expertise – Familiar with Marin County aesthetics • Historic Home Experience – Gentle techniques for older properties • 3D Visualization – Preview your design before installation

THEME Every element of this room is tied to a traditional nursery rhyme. From the “Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe” to “Hickory Dickory Dock,” the Cobbler brings to life some of childhood’s most memorable and endearing rhymes. FOCUS To counter the room’s high ceiling, the design introduces elements with both comparable height and considerable warmth, making the room feel spacious, yet cozy. A large, shoe-shaped armoire pays homage to the “Old Woman” and is built in place from floor to ceiling. It features curtained doors and drawer fronts, a wooden shingle roof with a blue bird on top, and a clothesline for baby’s favorite wares. The mural over the crib, showing the Cow Jumping over the Moon and her counterpart, the Dish Running Away with the Spoon, adds fantasy and humor. Quaint, hand-painted stone walls that surround the shoe and hardwood flooring that partially replaces wall-to-wall carpeting help unify the room. An organic curve unites the wood and carpet gracefully, adding visual interest and organic beauty. STORAGE The shoe holds clothing and linens, while the changing table stores diapers and diaper accessories. Shelving installed above the changing table adds color and interest, while creating room for stuffed animals, pictures, toys and treasures. GROWTH The room’s childlike theme and magical giant shoe, although intended for young children, are sufficiently functional and artistic to remain an endearing attraction for the room’s occupant throughout childhood and adolescence. SAFETY Precautions are taken to secure power outlets, keep exposed shelving out of reach of little hands, and allow medicinal items to be secured in a safe, convenient location. The clothesline is suspended high above the room and is secured to stay out of reach.

Staircase Wallpaper Installation in San Rafael, CA Transform your staircase into a stunning focal point with our custom wallpaper installation services in San Rafael. We specialize in high-impact wallcoverings that turn ordinary stairwells into extraordinary design statements, perfect for Marin County homes. Why Wallpaper Your San Rafael Staircase? ✔ Dramatic Visual Impact – Create a breathtaking first impression ✔ Space-Enhancing Designs – Vertical patterns that elevate ceilings ✔ Marin County Style – Luxe textures and nature-inspired motifs ✔ Durable Finishes – Scratch-resistant materials for high-traffic areas Popular Staircase Styles in San Rafael: ? Wine Country Elegance – Vineyard landscapes or olive branch patterns ? Modern Bay Area – Architectural lines or concrete-look textures ? Redwood Inspired – Organic wood grains and forest elements ? Art Gallery – Overscale florals or abstract watercolors Our Staircase-Specific Services: ✅ Precision Alignment – Flawless pattern flow on angled walls ✅ Extra-Durable Vinyls – Withstands handrail contact ✅ Lighting Considerations – Reflective finishes for dark stairwells ✅ Safety-First Installation – Secure scaffolding for tricky heights The San Rafael Advantage: • Local Design Expertise – Familiar with Marin County aesthetics • Historic Home Experience – Gentle techniques for older properties • 3D Visualization – Preview your design before installation

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY FINALIST AWARD WINNER Project Scope-- The owners of this 1990’s colonial home were seeking to convert the existing space-constricted builder-grade kitchen into a generously-apportioned Tuscan-style country kitchen with lots of natural light, high-end appointments and a warmly textured interior design concept. Among other features they sought a mid-room island that would house critical appliances, complete the work triangle and provide dining counter space for three. They also wanted to include a professional-grade gas range. Challenges-- Situated between dining room and family room, the existing kitchen was small and poorly planned. The sink faced a blank wall and the appliances were inadequate for the owner’s gourmet cooking ambitions. To create the desired footprint, the contractor, Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, created a plan that called for consolidating square footage in several rooms adjacent to the kitchen. This entailed removing two load bearing walls– one between the kitchen and dining room, a second separating the kitchen and family room– and shifting loads to newly installed structural supports carefully concealed within the resultant “open” floor plan. To accommodate new appliances (and work efficiencies) called for by this radically altered space plan, the design located the new professional gas range and other key features in the footprint formerly occupied by the breakfast room, a change that takes advantage of opportunities for a higher cathedral ceiling, better natural lighting and greater space. Solutions-- With this space plan resolved, the design team could now eliminate a picture window on the west elevation, designing a new elevation to accommodate a stucco cooktop flanked by a pair of custom Palladium windows. A side elevation slider was replaced with a French door. Infrastructure considerations included introducing gas lines needed for the 48” Viking cooktop range and re-routing plumbing. The 5’ x 9’ granite-surfaced custom designed island includes the primary kitchen sink, a dishwasher, microwave and dining overhang that provided seating for up to four. On another wall, the design called for installing ceiling flush “beaded” display pantries with open bookcases, and routed-in plumbing for a water fountain, a faucet and an ice-making machine. Glazed maple and cherry cabinetry increased available storage by over 50%. A recessed space was also created for a built-in vertical wine rack. Style-appropriate terra cotta tiling with mosaic bordering detailing extends into the home’s foyer. Other finishing work elements include crown molding with rounded turn posts and corbels.

Kim Roberts, owner of Staging Beautifully, has a passion for creating beautiful spaces. From home staging to redecorating, Kim’s relaxed and friendly approach make even the most challenging project fun and enjoyable. For those interested in refreshing their space, Staging Beautifully can assist a homeowner in decorating their home with the items they already own and love. Like staging, redesign may include color selection, rearranging furniture, hanging art and placing accessories. It is a cost effective design alternative which will give your home a facelift without the cost of an Interior Designer. Utilizing your furnishings and treasures, we will shop your home to find new and creative ways to display your family’s possessions. This will result in a complete interior transformation which will reflect your personality, style, comfort and functionality to your living space without having to buy anything. Looking to sell your home, consider home staging to target a higher selling price. Home Staging aims to de-personalize your home and make it appealing to virtually all prospective buyers. The way you live in your home and the way you market your home are two very different things. Your home is competing with every other home on the market. A home that looks like it needs work or isn't move-in ready prompts buyers to low-ball their offers, or eliminate your home from consideration all together. Those homes that are staged to reflect current trends attract and appeal to more buyers, resulting in more offers, faster sales, and higher sale prices. Sometimes, an agent may even recommend your price be increased once your home is staged! A well-staged home can even start a bidding war with multiple offers!

In July 2017, Belz was contacted by the property owner to create a home that met their specific requirements. This included the following items: ​ An open concept/loft design that takes advantage of the views to the south and west. Separate areas within this open plan are defined by furnishings. Master Suite on the main level. Bathroom with views. Large shower with rain head and wall shower system. Large walk-in closet with built-ins. Study/office area with an abundance of built-in bookshelves. Study to be “separate” but somehow connected to main living area. 2 additional bedrooms, each with their own bath. Extra wide garage that can fit 2 cars side x side with the doors open and extra deep with room for a workbench. Mud room/laundry room that could include a shower. Radiant in-floor heat system and air conditioning. Outdoor living space/courtyard with firepit, water feature, pizza oven, and sunken jetted tub. Environmentally responsible design alternatives, such as material choices and building orientation, together with other considerations based on requirements and aesthetics were used to develop a design that was consistent with the owner’s vision. Belz and the owner worked together to choose all materials and finishes and colors. The green stucco picked up on the native grasses on the property. The stone was chosen to contrast with the green stucco and “plant” the house to the ground. The owner wanted to take advantage of the views as much as possible. Instead of siting the house along north/south/east/west axes, Belz canted the floorplan to a southwest axis for better “head-on” views from the home. The owner requested an interesting roof/ceiling. Thus, Belz chose an arched ceiling which she found more embracing than an angled vaulted or shed roof.

Dura Supreme’s Personal Paint Match Program offers the entire Sherwin-William’s paint palette, over 1500 paint colors, for your new cabinets. Painted cabinetry is more popular than ever before and the color you select for your home should be a reflection of your personal taste and style. Color is a highly personal preference for most people and although there are specific colors that are considered “on trend” or fashionable, color choices should ultimately be based on what appeals to you personally. Kitchen & Bath Designers are often asked about color trends and how to incorporate them into newly designed or renovated interiors. And although trends in fashion should be taken into consideration, that should not be the only deciding factor. For example, if you love a specific shade of green, look at selecting complementing neutrals and coordinating colors to bring the entire palette together beautifully.” It could be something as simple as being able to select the perfect shade of white that complements the countertop and tile and works well in a specific lighting situation. Our new Personal Paint Match system makes the process so much easier. Dura Supreme's new "Personal Paint Match Program" provides the entire Sherwin Williams paint palette of over 1,500 colors to select from. The Sherwin Williams paint color simply needs to be specified and Dura Supreme will then create a color chip for the designer and homeowner to review. Once that color is approved by the homeowner, Dura Supreme then builds and finishes the cabinetry to match. The new Personal Paint Match program is available for all product lines. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Cabinetry Brochure Packet at: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure

Our introduction to the Tahoe site was in late winter, on a clear sunny day with filtered light and long shadows through snow-laden fir and pine bows. It made a strong impression, stored for future consideration but the impetus for the design came soon after the spring snow melt. A powerful sense of horizontal layering of vegetation and various stages of decomposing downed timber on the two-acre site, juxtaposed with pine and fir trees and the dense canopy of the surrounding forest. The site is located near the historic 1960 Olympic Nordic track, situated on the edge of wetlands and seasonal streams. The homeowners were previous clients and dreamt of having a retreat in the Sierras away from their home base in Berkeley, CA. Among skiers, bike riders, hikers, and boaters, they found the ideal central location for their home base near Lake Tahoe. The home is organized as a series of linked spaces, each providing a unique sensory experience and connection to different parts of the site, both vertically and horizontally. The design includes extensive use of glass to create a true indoor/outdoor connection and maximize natural light. At the center of the site are two large fir trees, which the building respectfully wraps around in an L shape to create a focal point in the landscaped courtyard. A refined, context-driven palette of natural materials including cedar, oak, fir, and steel is used to harmoniously blend in among the surroundings. The construction includes advanced details such as thermally broken steel beams supporting layered roof planes engineered to hold snow rather than shed it. Designed to resist significant load, we exposed the steel structure as a recurring element in the interior spaces. The resulting columns and support beams contribute to the familiar design aspects of each room and provide a better understanding of how the building was constructed. The second floor features cantilevered volumes that reach out into the nearby evergreen limbs, likening the experience to being in a tree house. The house incorporates features such as radiant heating, solar panels, and operable windows for passive cooling. Fire safety measures include the use of naturally fire-resistant materials, a Class A roof construction, sprinklers, and drought-tolerant landscaping beyond the defensible space.