Galley style laundry room with vintage laundry sink and work bench. Photography by Spacecrafting
Laundry room - large transitional l-shaped ceramic tile and gray floor laundry room idea in Minneapolis with an utility sink, open cabinets, gray cabinets, laminate countertops, gray walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer

Large master bath with custom floating cabinets, double undermount sinks, wall mounted faucets, recessed mirrors, limestone floors, large walk-in shower with glass doors opening into private patio. Photo by Robinette Architects, Inc.

This stunning foyer is part of a whole house design and renovation by Haven Design and Construction. The 22' ceilings feature a sparkling glass chandelier by Currey and Company. The custom drapery accents the dramatic height of the space and hangs gracefully on a custom curved drapery rod, a comfortable bench overlooks the stunning pool and lushly landscaped yard outside. Glass entry doors by La Cantina provide an impressive entrance, while custom shell and marble niches flank the entryway. Through the arched doorway to the left is the hallway to the study and master suite, while the right arch frames the entry to the luxurious dining room and bar area.

Island color was custom. Countertops are Princess White Quartzite. Light fixtures over island are from Rejuvenation (exact type has been discontinued) Photos by Holly Lepere

This stylish, family friendly kitchen is also an entertainer’s dream! This young family desired a bright, spacious kitchen that would function just as well for the family of 4 everyday, as it would for hosting large events (in a non-covid world). Apart from these programmatic goals, our aesthetic goal was to accommodate all the function and mess into the design so everything would be neatly hidden away behind beautiful cabinetry and panels. The navy, bifold buffet area serves as an everyday breakfast and coffee bar, and transforms into a beautiful buffet spread during parties (we’ve been there!). The fridge drawers are great for housing milk and everyday items during the week, and both kid and adult beverages during parties while keeping the guests out of the main cooking zone. Just around the corner you’ll find the high gloss navy bar offering additional beverages, ice machine, and barware storage – cheers! Super durable quartz with a marbled look keeps the kitchen looking neat and bright, while withstanding everyday wear and tear without a problem. The practical waterfall ends at the island offer additional damage control in bringing that hard surface all the way down to the beautiful white oak floors. Underneath three large window walls, a built-in banquette and custom table provide a comfortable, intimate dining nook for the family and a few guests while the stunning chandelier ties in nicely with the other brass accents in the kitchen. The thin black window mullions offer a sharp, clean contrast to the crisp white walls and coordinate well with the dark banquette. Thin, tall windows on either side of the range beautifully frame the stunningly simple, double curvature custom hood, and large windows in the bar/butler’s pantry allow additional light to really flood the space and keep and airy feel. The textured wallpaper in the bar area adds a touch of warmth, drama and interest while still keeping things simple.

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

This traditional white bathroom beautifully incorporates white subway tile and marble accents. The black and white marble floor compliments the black tiles used to frame the decorative marble shower accent tiles and mirror. Completed with chrome fixtures, this black and white bathroom is undoubtedly elegant. Learn more about Chris Ebert, the Normandy Remodeling Designer who created this space, and other projects that Chris has created: https://www.normandyremodeling.com/team/christopher-ebert Photo Credit: Normandy Remodeling

Randy Colwell
Transitional subway tile doorless shower photo with white walls

Example of a transitional carpeted bedroom design in Denver with gray walls

A great addition to a small Bay Ridge yard. We created a custom built-in seating area with usable storage space on top of Trex decking. Also in this project, we installed Smart LED Deck Lights.

Part of the former kitchen, the bay window created a cozy place for a built in custom settee and table. Upholstered in soft leather and surrounded by windows, the booth accommodates casual family meals, homework, or curling up with a book in a sunny corner. Hidden, motorized shades protect diners from low, afternoon sun. The table, fabricated from the wooden beams once used to support barrels in an old winery, were transformed into a rustic, kid-proof table

Custom cabinets - stained wood - cherry wood - modern Home office - LED strip lighting - wood desk - bookshelves - Architect - The MZO Group / Photographer - Greg Premru

Sean Litchfield
Example of a mid-sized beach style dark wood floor mudroom design in Boston with multicolored walls

The roman shades go up illuminating the space with natural daylight. The custom window seat bench is the perfect place to relax in this dream closet compete with a tufted cushion and plush custom pillows. Photo Credit: Ginna Gill Photography

Large tuscan master travertine floor and beige floor freestanding bathtub photo in San Diego with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white walls and dark wood cabinets

Pristine Acres (www.pristineacres.com) installed this Techo-Bloc Aberdeen patio with a custom Cedar bench and planter. We also installed a custom gas firepit, landscaping, and LED lighting.

Building Design, Plans, and Interior Finishes by: Fluidesign Studio I Builder: Anchor Builders I Photographer: sethbennphoto.com
Inspiration for a craftsman mudroom remodel in Minneapolis with yellow walls

Lydia Cutter
Mid-sized transitional light wood floor and brown floor entry hall photo in DC Metro with gray walls and a white front door

This custom playroom built-in cabinetry project was designed to create both organization and visual structure in a busy family space. The wall-to-wall built-ins feature open shelving for books and toys, closed cabinets for hidden storage, and a central vertical paneled wall that anchors the television. The integrated bench with deep drawers adds additional storage while creating a comfortable spot for reading or relaxing. By combining open shelving with concealed cabinetry, the design allows everyday playroom items to stay accessible while maintaining a clean and organized appearance. Every piece was custom built to fit the room perfectly, maximizing storage while creating a cohesive architectural feature that blends seamlessly with the home’s interior.