Bilotta senior designer, Paula Greer, teamed up with architect, Robin Zahn to design this large gourmet kitchen for a family that does a lot of entertaining and cooking. While the wife was the decision maker for the overall aesthetics, the functionality of the space was driven by the husband, the aspiring chef. He had specific requests on how he wanted his “work area” set up. The team designed a cooking area featuring a 48” range across from a prep sink surrounded by 10 feet of work space. All the cooking essentials are at arm’s length – spice pull-out; interior knife block; baskets for root vegetables; cooking utensil drawers; and even a stainless-steel shelf above the range to keep plates warm before serving. Further down, away from the “chef”, is the “clean-up” area with a larger sink and the dishwasher. The microwave and the refrigerators/freezers are also at this opposite end, keeping the rest of the family out of his space when he’s cooking. This was his #1 request. The wet bar, just off of the kitchen, also houses a beverage unit and the coffee maker which keeps people out of the way during prep time. The kitchen was part of a larger addition which allowed them to incorporate the high ceiling, opening up the space to make room for the 6 feet worth of refrigeration and the large 10-foot island that works simultaneously for prep and eating. The Artistic Tile mosaic backsplash, where possible, starts at the countertop and continues all the way up to the molding at the ceiling emphasizing the height of the space, and the size of the room, even more.

Bilotta senior designer, Paula Greer, teamed up with architect, Robin Zahn to design this large gourmet kitchen for a family that does a lot of entertaining and cooking. While the wife was the decision maker for the overall aesthetics, the functionality of the space was driven by the husband, the aspiring chef. He had specific requests on how he wanted his “work area” set up. The team designed a cooking area featuring a 48” range across from a prep sink surrounded by 10 feet of work space. All the cooking essentials are at arm’s length – spice pull-out; interior knife block; baskets for root vegetables; cooking utensil drawers; and even a stainless-steel shelf above the range to keep plates warm before serving. Further down, away from the “chef”, is the “clean-up” area with a larger sink and the dishwasher. The microwave and the refrigerators/freezers are also at this opposite end, keeping the rest of the family out of his space when he’s cooking. This was his #1 request. The wet bar, just off of the kitchen, also houses a beverage unit and the coffee maker which keeps people out of the way during prep time. The kitchen was part of a larger addition which allowed them to incorporate the high ceiling, opening up the space to make room for the 6 feet worth of refrigeration and the large 10-foot island that works simultaneously for prep and eating. The Artistic Tile mosaic backsplash, where possible, starts at the countertop and continues all the way up to the molding at the ceiling emphasizing the height of the space, and the size of the room, even more.

Bilotta senior designer, Paula Greer, teamed up with architect, Robin Zahn to design this large gourmet kitchen for a family that does a lot of entertaining and cooking. While the wife was the decision maker for the overall aesthetics, the functionality of the space was driven by the husband, the aspiring chef. He had specific requests on how he wanted his “work area” set up. The team designed a cooking area featuring a 48” range across from a prep sink surrounded by 10 feet of work space. All the cooking essentials are at arm’s length – spice pull-out; interior knife block; baskets for root vegetables; cooking utensil drawers; and even a stainless-steel shelf above the range to keep plates warm before serving. Further down, away from the “chef”, is the “clean-up” area with a larger sink and the dishwasher. The microwave and the refrigerators/freezers are also at this opposite end, keeping the rest of the family out of his space when he’s cooking. This was his #1 request. The wet bar, just off of the kitchen, also houses a beverage unit and the coffee maker which keeps people out of the way during prep time. The kitchen was part of a larger addition which allowed them to incorporate the high ceiling, opening up the space to make room for the 6 feet worth of refrigeration and the large 10-foot island that works simultaneously for prep and eating. The Artistic Tile mosaic backsplash, where possible, starts at the countertop and continues all the way up to the molding at the ceiling emphasizing the height of the space, and the size of the room, even more.

Bilotta senior designer, Paula Greer, teamed up with architect, Robin Zahn to design this large gourmet kitchen for a family that does a lot of entertaining and cooking. While the wife was the decision maker for the overall aesthetics, the functionality of the space was driven by the husband, the aspiring chef. He had specific requests on how he wanted his “work area” set up. The team designed a cooking area featuring a 48” range across from a prep sink surrounded by 10 feet of work space. All the cooking essentials are at arm’s length – spice pull-out; interior knife block; baskets for root vegetables; cooking utensil drawers; and even a stainless-steel shelf above the range to keep plates warm before serving. Further down, away from the “chef”, is the “clean-up” area with a larger sink and the dishwasher. The microwave and the refrigerators/freezers are also at this opposite end, keeping the rest of the family out of his space when he’s cooking. This was his #1 request. The wet bar, just off of the kitchen, also houses a beverage unit and the coffee maker which keeps people out of the way during prep time. The kitchen was part of a larger addition which allowed them to incorporate the high ceiling, opening up the space to make room for the 6 feet worth of refrigeration and the large 10-foot island that works simultaneously for prep and eating. The Artistic Tile mosaic backsplash, where possible, starts at the countertop and continues all the way up to the molding at the ceiling emphasizing the height of the space, and the size of the room, even more.

The Plumrose at Inglenook’s Pocket Neighborhoods is a three- or four-bedroom Cottage-style Home that possesses a feeling of spaciousness driven by beautiful vaulted ceilings, numerous big windows, and smart, flexible design. A key element of cottage-style living is individuality. Each home is unique, inside and out. Focused on expanding the homeowner’s choices, the Plumrose takes individuality all the way to the number and design of the rooms. The second “bedroom” upstairs offers one such opportunity to customize the home to fit life’s needs. Make it a spacious, quiet master retreat and master bath, or a bright and cheery child’s bedroom and playroom, or a guest bedroom and office – the possibilities are endless and the decision is yours. The customization in the Plumrose continues in the creative and purposeful storage options. Each room and stairway landing provides an opportunity for a built-in bookshelf, reading nook, or trellis. All of these built-ins can serve as thoughtful places to showcase photos, treasured travel souvineers, books, and more! After all, a good storage option should be both decorative and useful. Bringing the home’s utility outdoors, the front porch and private bedroom patio serve as extensions of the main living space. The front porch provides a private yet public space to enjoy the community greens and neighbors. The private patio is a great spot to read the newspaper over a morning cup of coffee. These spaces balance the personal and social aspects of cottage living, bringing community without sacrificing privacy.

Bilotta senior designer, Paula Greer, teamed up with architect, Robin Zahn to design this large gourmet kitchen for a family that does a lot of entertaining and cooking. While the wife was the decision maker for the overall aesthetics, the functionality of the space was driven by the husband, the aspiring chef. He had specific requests on how he wanted his “work area” set up. The team designed a cooking area featuring a 48” range across from a prep sink surrounded by 10 feet of work space. All the cooking essentials are at arm’s length – spice pull-out; interior knife block; baskets for root vegetables; cooking utensil drawers; and even a stainless-steel shelf above the range to keep plates warm before serving. Further down, away from the “chef”, is the “clean-up” area with a larger sink and the dishwasher. The microwave and the refrigerators/freezers are also at this opposite end, keeping the rest of the family out of his space when he’s cooking. This was his #1 request. The wet bar, just off of the kitchen, also houses a beverage unit and the coffee maker which keeps people out of the way during prep time. The kitchen was part of a larger addition which allowed them to incorporate the high ceiling, opening up the space to make room for the 6 feet worth of refrigeration and the large 10-foot island that works simultaneously for prep and eating. The Artistic Tile mosaic backsplash, where possible, starts at the countertop and continues all the way up to the molding at the ceiling emphasizing the height of the space, and the size of the room, even more.

The Plumrose at Inglenook’s Pocket Neighborhoods is a three- or four-bedroom Cottage-style Home that possesses a feeling of spaciousness driven by beautiful vaulted ceilings, numerous big windows, and smart, flexible design. A key element of cottage-style living is individuality. Each home is unique, inside and out. Focused on expanding the homeowner’s choices, the Plumrose takes individuality all the way to the number and design of the rooms. The second “bedroom” upstairs offers one such opportunity to customize the home to fit life’s needs. Make it a spacious, quiet master retreat and master bath, or a bright and cheery child’s bedroom and playroom, or a guest bedroom and office – the possibilities are endless and the decision is yours. The customization in the Plumrose continues in the creative and purposeful storage options. Each room and stairway landing provides an opportunity for a built-in bookshelf, reading nook, or trellis. All of these built-ins can serve as thoughtful places to showcase photos, treasured travel souvineers, books, and more! After all, a good storage option should be both decorative and useful. Bringing the home’s utility outdoors, the front porch and private bedroom patio serve as extensions of the main living space. The front porch provides a private yet public space to enjoy the community greens and neighbors. The private patio is a great spot to read the newspaper over a morning cup of coffee. These spaces balance the personal and social aspects of cottage living, bringing community without sacrificing privacy.

Bilotta senior designer, Paula Greer, teamed up with architect, Robin Zahn to design this large gourmet kitchen for a family that does a lot of entertaining and cooking. While the wife was the decision maker for the overall aesthetics, the functionality of the space was driven by the husband, the aspiring chef. He had specific requests on how he wanted his “work area” set up. The team designed a cooking area featuring a 48” range across from a prep sink surrounded by 10 feet of work space. All the cooking essentials are at arm’s length – spice pull-out; interior knife block; baskets for root vegetables; cooking utensil drawers; and even a stainless-steel shelf above the range to keep plates warm before serving. Further down, away from the “chef”, is the “clean-up” area with a larger sink and the dishwasher. The microwave and the refrigerators/freezers are also at this opposite end, keeping the rest of the family out of his space when he’s cooking. This was his #1 request. The wet bar, just off of the kitchen, also houses a beverage unit and the coffee maker which keeps people out of the way during prep time. The kitchen was part of a larger addition which allowed them to incorporate the high ceiling, opening up the space to make room for the 6 feet worth of refrigeration and the large 10-foot island that works simultaneously for prep and eating. The Artistic Tile mosaic backsplash, where possible, starts at the countertop and continues all the way up to the molding at the ceiling emphasizing the height of the space, and the size of the room, even more.

The Plumrose at Inglenook’s Pocket Neighborhoods is a three- or four-bedroom Cottage-style Home that possesses a feeling of spaciousness driven by beautiful vaulted ceilings, numerous big windows, and smart, flexible design. A key element of cottage-style living is individuality. Each home is unique, inside and out. Focused on expanding the homeowner’s choices, the Plumrose takes individuality all the way to the number and design of the rooms. The second “bedroom” upstairs offers one such opportunity to customize the home to fit life’s needs. Make it a spacious, quiet master retreat and master bath, or a bright and cheery child’s bedroom and playroom, or a guest bedroom and office – the possibilities are endless and the decision is yours. The customization in the Plumrose continues in the creative and purposeful storage options. Each room and stairway landing provides an opportunity for a built-in bookshelf, reading nook, or trellis. All of these built-ins can serve as thoughtful places to showcase photos, treasured travel souvineers, books, and more! After all, a good storage option should be both decorative and useful. Bringing the home’s utility outdoors, the front porch and private bedroom patio serve as extensions of the main living space. The front porch provides a private yet public space to enjoy the community greens and neighbors. The private patio is a great spot to read the newspaper over a morning cup of coffee. These spaces balance the personal and social aspects of cottage living, bringing community without sacrificing privacy.

Bilotta senior designer, Paula Greer, teamed up with architect, Robin Zahn to design this large gourmet kitchen for a family that does a lot of entertaining and cooking. While the wife was the decision maker for the overall aesthetics, the functionality of the space was driven by the husband, the aspiring chef. He had specific requests on how he wanted his “work area” set up. The team designed a cooking area featuring a 48” range across from a prep sink surrounded by 10 feet of work space. All the cooking essentials are at arm’s length – spice pull-out; interior knife block; baskets for root vegetables; cooking utensil drawers; and even a stainless-steel shelf above the range to keep plates warm before serving. Further down, away from the “chef”, is the “clean-up” area with a larger sink and the dishwasher. The microwave and the refrigerators/freezers are also at this opposite end, keeping the rest of the family out of his space when he’s cooking. This was his #1 request. The wet bar, just off of the kitchen, also houses a beverage unit and the coffee maker which keeps people out of the way during prep time. The kitchen was part of a larger addition which allowed them to incorporate the high ceiling, opening up the space to make room for the 6 feet worth of refrigeration and the large 10-foot island that works simultaneously for prep and eating. The Artistic Tile mosaic backsplash, where possible, starts at the countertop and continues all the way up to the molding at the ceiling emphasizing the height of the space, and the size of the room, even more.

Ashley Batz
Inspiration for a mid-sized industrial metal straight open staircase remodel in San Francisco

This Point Loma custom home is a complete ground-up design-build by Murray Lampert with more than 51 years of residential craftsmanship. The project blends California contemporary architecture with warm, organic materials to create a home that feels both striking and deeply livable. From the street, the home makes an immediate statement. The white stucco facade is broken by vertical cedar siding panels that frame bold black casement windows, giving the exterior a layered, textural quality. The centerpiece of the entry is a set of hand-carved arched double doors in natural wood, fitted with a geometric diamond pattern that announces the home's design sensibility before you even step inside. The interior is anchored by a dramatic double-height great room where craftsmanship details stack on one another: a two-tiered glass rod chandelier suspended over a curved honey leather sectional, a custom geometric iron staircase railing that doubles as art, and a glass-enclosed wine cellar tucked beneath the stair, functional, architectural, and luminous all at once. The fireplace wall is a study in warmth white penny tile surround, a hand-hewn white oak beam mantel, and flanking built-in cabinetry and shelving that frame the space without overpowering it. The kitchen carries the same commitment to quality: white shaker cabinetry, a fully panel-front built-in refrigerator, and brushed brass hardware throughout. Every finish decision reinforces the same palette, white, warm wood, and brass. Clean and considered. This home reflects what Murray Lampert does best: integrating design and construction under one roof so that every detail is resolved before the first nail is driven, and the finished result looks exactly like the vision.

.Mid-century custom cabinets wall to ceiling with 42 inch double door refrigerator with beautiful natural walnut matching pattern door panels, pull out pantry for extra storage

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

This backsplash tile from Pratt & Larson was custom made for this kitchen. The client wanted something unique and traditional, but with a contemporary twist. The countertops are made of engineered quartz. Photo Credit: Jeff Freeman Photography (See his full gallery on Houzz.com)

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

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

Latch hardware in upper cabinets.
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, green backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

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