This designer’s ideal is homeowners with a clear vision, set priorities, and values that align seamlessly with ours. These clients, an accomplished artist and the owner of a generational hops growing farm, were collaborative and trusting from the start. They conscientiously selected a team of Architect (Green Hammer), General Contractor (Cellar Ridge) and ATIID for furnishings and finishing touches. Each firm was able to meticulously manage their leg of the project, while collaborating wholistically with each other and the homeowners. The family farmhouse, lovingly named “Westwood,” was showing the wear one expects after serving a growing family for decades. The owner’s dream was to revive, open up, and breathe modern life into each space, while respecting the home’s heritage. One of our first collaborations was the light fixture that would grace the main two-story entry hall. HiiH Lights in Astoria, Oregon, was commissioned to bring “the function of light, the craft of paper, and the art of sculpture” to the home. Visiting the maker’s space – a massive barn on his coastal property – was such an inspiring adventure! Original work by the resident artist sets an ethereal tone in the space, and an antique bench handsomely blends the old with the new. A wall that divided the home’s living room and kitchen was removed, and the breezy and bright gathering room was born. Light walls, warm wood tones, cozy upholstery, clean lines and heritage elements create a welcoming atmosphere and invite lounging and conversation. The sun-drenched nook is the home’s main indoor dining area, with an extension table and sculpted chairs that are just right for family gatherings or morning rituals with the Sunday paper. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with every modern amenity, but its casual attitude is “let’s make a mess and eat!” The owner’s artwork graces the mantel over the new fireplace that was carved from a tree felled on the property, illustrating the thoughtful consideration of each element. The muted wool area rugs in the entryways and great room are hard-wearing for farm life, and the furniture’s classic lines, bold contrasting colors, deep seating and soft textures encourage cozy conversations or large group gatherings. The library is undoubtedly our favorite space in this home. Tucked in “speakeasy style” behind a hidden (wallpapered!) door in the moody wet bar, and drenched in deep green, the room offers a quiet retreat that hugs you in an embrace of books and family photos. The cozy settee nestled between the bookcases sits opposite a custom pair of modern cognac leather wing chairs. The area rug continues the storied look without the antique price tag with a piece from Loloi’s “Heritage Collection.” A little va-va-voom was requested for the powder bath and boy did we deliver! Custom wallpaper plays over original wainscotting and ceilings wrapped in more glorious green. The space evokes joy every time you open the door! A primary suite that would “transport us to another world” and be “classic yet modern, peaceful, collected and uncluttered” was a tall order. Our new furniture layout takes full advantage of the view of wine country hills and the Willamette River, welcomes fireside lounging, and serves as a calm respite for the lovely owners. Westwood Farmhouse truly was inspired by family, genuine love for home and graciousness for all who enter. Finishing the job was emotional for all involved because we were truly made to feel like part of the family. Photography by George Barberis

Kitchen flows easily into breakfast area, den and outside patio. Cabinetry design includes Brookhaven frameless cabinetry in maple wood with an opaque finish. Appliances used in this space include (2) refrigerator/freezer units, 60" range, custom wood hood, microwave drawer, trash compactor, dishwasher, refrigerator drawers & wine refrigerator. (2) islands aid in separation of space and function. Countertops are Statuario White Extra Marble in a honed finish.

Example of a trendy kitchen design in DC Metro

From the reclaimed brick flooring to the butcher block countertop on the island, this remodeled kitchen has everything a farmhouse desires. The range wall was the main focal point in this updated kitchen design. Hand-painted Tabarka terra-cotta tile creates a patterned wall that contrasts the white walls and beige cabinetry. Copper wall sconces and a custom painted vent hood complete the look, connecting to the black granite countertop on the perimeter cabinets and the oil rubbed bronze hardware. To finish out the farmhouse look, a shiplapped ceiling was installed.

Set on a narrow hillside lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Point Richmond, California, Bay Heirloom is a Mid-Century Modern family home restored, modernized and adapted for contemporary living. Oriented south-southwest toward the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the residence captures shifting Bay light throughout the day, from fog-muted mornings to vivid, glowing sunsets. The home was built by Karlyn Neel’s grandfather, the owner of the construction company Flo-Crete, one of the Bay Area’s early concrete pumping firms. Flo-Crete completed the foundation and structural concrete work, with family photographs documenting the original cinderblock walls and pours. The firm also contributed to major regional infrastructure projects, including the Transbay BART tube and Candlestick Park, situating the house within a broader legacy of Bay Area construction. Growing up, Neel spent considerable time in the home, developing an early appreciation for mid-century modern principles. Instead of parting with this family heirloom, she purchased the home from her grandfather’s estate. While her grandfather continued to live in the Point Richmond house, Neel purchased a Mid-Century Modern residence in Palm Desert. In contrast to the Bay Area’s cool temperatures, salt air, and persistent winds, the desert home is shaped by heat and sun and requires a different material response. A substantial renovation she led there emphasized thermal performance, filtered light, and restrained detailing. The experience later informed the restoration of her Bay Area family home. What began as a modest Mid-Century Modern update expanded when decades of exposure to marine conditions revealed leaks and significant structural and seismic deficiencies. Neel was determined to honor her grandfather’s perseverance and without hesitation pivoted to a much more intensive project. Addressing these challenges required close coordination between Neel, Klopf Architecture and Kasten Builders, with architectural restraint and construction precision guiding each intervention. Rather than alter the home’s defining features, the project focused on reinforcing the structure from within. Discreet beams were embedded along the rear facade and in an upstairs wall, strengthening the building while maximizing the wall of glass facing the Bay and opening the wall between the kitchen and the living space. These structural interventions allowed the space to open fully to the Bay without visual interruption, with the kitchen repositioned as the social and functional core of an open, continuous living space. The building envelope was updated using weather- and corrosion-resistant materials appropriate to the marine environment. The house unfolds vertically from the street, beginning with a modest garage level and workshop, with the main living spaces located below. Original slate flooring at the entry was preserved, along with select furnishings and artwork collected by Neel’s grandfather, anchoring the restored interior in its past. A restrained palette of black accents and pale, natural finishes replaces darker wood tones, reinforcing openness and calm. A naturally illuminated stair connects to the lowest level, where a former basement was transformed into a guest suite and family room opening onto a deck. From there, steps lead directly to a small concrete boat ramp at the water’s edge. Throughout the project, decisions were guided by continuity rather than transformation for its own sake. Lessons drawn from both desert and coastal climates informed a material strategy rooted in performance and restraint. Bay Heirloom stands as a measured evolution of a family house, structurally renewed and carefully modernized, grounded in the discipline and care that first shaped it. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova and Fernanda Bernardes Landscape Architect: Huettl Landscape Architecture General Contractor: Kasten Builders Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022 Location: Point Richmond, CA

luxury kitchen
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Originally built in 1970, this later-model Eichler—designed by architect Claude Oakland—features a distinctive “Model 14” roofline with a clipped gable, a subtle nod to the charm of English thatch-roof cottages. Acquired from the original owner, the home remained in untouched, original condition—offering a rare opportunity for restoration, but also presenting an urgent need for updates. Our approach was grounded in respect for Oakland’s original design intent, while thoughtfully incorporating essential upgrades to meet modern building codes and today’s lifestyle expectations. Eichler homes were originally built using modest, cost-effective materials to make modern architecture accessible to the growing mid-century middle class. While iconic, elements like laminate countertops, particle board cabinetry, and vinyl composition tile flooring haven’t stood the test of time. We carefully replaced these with more durable, high-quality alternatives—granite countertops, maple-ply cabinets, and luxury vinyl tile—ensuring the home remains true to its spirit while standing strong for decades to come. All images © Ken Gutmaker

This much-beloved home had been lived in for decades, and had seen its family grow and children leave. The now empty-nester homeowners decided it was time for a change. The floor plan was updated to prioritize a larger family room and more efficient use of space for the back-of-house functions. The family room is now large enough for the whole extended family to visit, while the re-invented study is graced with custom built-ins. The first floor has a comfortable back entry with a large mudroom and laundry room that can be closed off, and the hall bathroom has been re-arranged for a more comfortable guest experience. Circulation spaces have been reworked for greater efficiency and ease of movement. High quality materials and custom detailing have been used throughout, and the best elements have been enhanced. A new, timeless aesthetic reigns supreme, both polished and comfortable. This once tired home is now ready to be loved for years to come.

Set on a narrow hillside lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Point Richmond, California, Bay Heirloom is a Mid-Century Modern family home restored, modernized and adapted for contemporary living. Oriented south-southwest toward the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the residence captures shifting Bay light throughout the day, from fog-muted mornings to vivid, glowing sunsets. The home was built by Karlyn Neel’s grandfather, the owner of the construction company Flo-Crete, one of the Bay Area’s early concrete pumping firms. Flo-Crete completed the foundation and structural concrete work, with family photographs documenting the original cinderblock walls and pours. The firm also contributed to major regional infrastructure projects, including the Transbay BART tube and Candlestick Park, situating the house within a broader legacy of Bay Area construction. Growing up, Neel spent considerable time in the home, developing an early appreciation for mid-century modern principles. Instead of parting with this family heirloom, she purchased the home from her grandfather’s estate. While her grandfather continued to live in the Point Richmond house, Neel purchased a Mid-Century Modern residence in Palm Desert. In contrast to the Bay Area’s cool temperatures, salt air, and persistent winds, the desert home is shaped by heat and sun and requires a different material response. A substantial renovation she led there emphasized thermal performance, filtered light, and restrained detailing. The experience later informed the restoration of her Bay Area family home. What began as a modest Mid-Century Modern update expanded when decades of exposure to marine conditions revealed leaks and significant structural and seismic deficiencies. Neel was determined to honor her grandfather’s perseverance and without hesitation pivoted to a much more intensive project. Addressing these challenges required close coordination between Neel, Klopf Architecture and Kasten Builders, with architectural restraint and construction precision guiding each intervention. Rather than alter the home’s defining features, the project focused on reinforcing the structure from within. Discreet beams were embedded along the rear facade and in an upstairs wall, strengthening the building while maximizing the wall of glass facing the Bay and opening the wall between the kitchen and the living space. These structural interventions allowed the space to open fully to the Bay without visual interruption, with the kitchen repositioned as the social and functional core of an open, continuous living space. The building envelope was updated using weather- and corrosion-resistant materials appropriate to the marine environment. The house unfolds vertically from the street, beginning with a modest garage level and workshop, with the main living spaces located below. Original slate flooring at the entry was preserved, along with select furnishings and artwork collected by Neel’s grandfather, anchoring the restored interior in its past. A restrained palette of black accents and pale, natural finishes replaces darker wood tones, reinforcing openness and calm. A naturally illuminated stair connects to the lowest level, where a former basement was transformed into a guest suite and family room opening onto a deck. From there, steps lead directly to a small concrete boat ramp at the water’s edge. Throughout the project, decisions were guided by continuity rather than transformation for its own sake. Lessons drawn from both desert and coastal climates informed a material strategy rooted in performance and restraint. Bay Heirloom stands as a measured evolution of a family house, structurally renewed and carefully modernized, grounded in the discipline and care that first shaped it. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova and Fernanda Bernardes Landscape Architect: Huettl Landscape Architecture General Contractor: Kasten Builders Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022 Location: Point Richmond, CA

This much-beloved home had been lived in for decades, and had seen its family grow and children leave. The now empty-nester homeowners decided it was time for a change. The floor plan was updated to prioritize a larger family room and more efficient use of space for the back-of-house functions. The family room is now large enough for the whole extended family to visit, while the re-invented study is graced with custom built-ins. The first floor has a comfortable back entry with a large mudroom and laundry room that can be closed off, and the hall bathroom has been re-arranged for a more comfortable guest experience. Circulation spaces have been reworked for greater efficiency and ease of movement. High quality materials and custom detailing have been used throughout, and the best elements have been enhanced. A new, timeless aesthetic reigns supreme, both polished and comfortable. This once tired home is now ready to be loved for years to come.

After nearly two decades, the homeowners of this Lakeville, MN kitchen remodel were ready to breathe new life into their space. They debated between making small aesthetic updates or going all-in on a full kitchen remodel. In the end, they chose a complete transformation. The new kitchen now reaches to the 10-foot ceilings, with custom cabinetry that ties in with the home’s original cherry woodwork. A blend of existing and new appliances allowed us to rethink the layout for better flow and functionality. The redesigned island now features a larger prep surface, an integrated sink, and generous seating, perfect for casual meals and conversation. We also carved out a charming beverage station for morning coffee and easy grab-and-go drinks. By relocating the dining table to the sunroom and extending the wood flooring into the great room, the entire main level feels more open and connected. Striking quartzite countertops with ocean-blue accents, a show-stopping herringbone backsplash, and subtle reeded details on the island and hood bring texture and depth. Painted in rich charcoal, the coffee bar and island base offer bold contrast to the natural cherry cabinetry, adding just the right balance of warmth and sophistication. The result is a stunning, reimagined kitchen that truly reflects how the homeowners live today.

Pool - mid-sized 1950s kidney-shaped pool idea in San Francisco

This much-beloved home had been lived in for decades, and had seen its family grow and children leave. The now empty-nester homeowners decided it was time for a change. The floor plan was updated to prioritize a larger family room and more efficient use of space for the back-of-house functions. The family room is now large enough for the whole extended family to visit, while the re-invented study is graced with custom built-ins. The first floor has a comfortable back entry with a large mudroom and laundry room that can be closed off, and the hall bathroom has been re-arranged for a more comfortable guest experience. Circulation spaces have been reworked for greater efficiency and ease of movement. High quality materials and custom detailing have been used throughout, and the best elements have been enhanced. A new, timeless aesthetic reigns supreme, both polished and comfortable. This once tired home is now ready to be loved for years to come.

At golden hour, this sprawling Minnesota barnhouse shows off the full range of its reclaimed wood exterior, Weathered Gray Barnwood Paneling on the main house and Antique Red Barnwood Paneling on the connected barn structure, unified by a base of natural granite stone. Multiple gabled rooflines, weathervanes, and cupolas nod to the simple farm buildings that inspired this design, while the contrast between the two reclaimed wood tones captures the eclectic, evolved character the homeowners set out to create. Weathered Gray Barnwood Paneling is milled from a mix of softwoods, hemlock to pine, salvaged from joists, roof boards, decking, and walls of late 19th and early 20th century structures, carrying a naturally aged patina that grows richer with time. Antique Red Barnwood Paneling is sourced from the quintessential red barns of the American Midwest, its faded crimson boards weathered by decades of sun, snow, and rain into a rustic rust color naturally resistant to warping and shrinkage. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner envisioning a true barnhouse exterior on a grand scale, Manomin Resawn Timbers can help bring this reclaimed wood look to your own home. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message.

Decadent powder room adorned with scenic wallpaper and charming details. The floating sink is made of green cipollino marble with a green and white striped sink skirt. A vintage brass mirror hangs over antiqued wall mirror and is flanked with two sconces from Soane.

These bespoke fitted alcove TV, display and storage cabinets were handcrafted by Claude Clémaron for a period property in southwest London. The green-painted oak cabinetry provides a variety of open and concealed storage. Tall bifold doors are designed to hide the large black TV screen when it’s not in use and maintain the aesthetic of the living space. The made to measure, floor to ceiling cabinets have been made in natural oak and painted green, in a deep, heritage shade. The spray painted matt finish retains the beautiful appearance of the oak wood’s grain and texture. The painted finish is Green Smoke no 47 by Farrow and Ball, a smoky green, popular in late 19th century interiors. LED lights enhance the units with a subtle glow, while also illuminating the items on display. Timeless craftsmanship for classic interiors The classic bespoke built-in cabinetry features fluted pilasters, decorative elements resembling a column and the mark of fine craftsmanship. Flutes are vertical concave grooves carved into the surface of the pilaster, adding texture and visual interest to the pilaster and bringing a luxuriously elegant look to the cabinetry. The lower cupboards feature soft closing, push to open doors, handle-free doors. This has the effect of a panelled look without the distraction of extra hardware. Bespoke solid oak library ladder The beautifully crafted library ladder enables the user to reach the upper shelves of the cabinets. The ladder hooks on to the handmade aged black steel rails incorporated onto the cabinets. Made in solid oak for strength, stability and style, the ladder will last for decades. Built in fire surround with mantle We created a simple built in integrated fire surround with a shallow decorative mantle for the existing wood burner stove. The fake chimneybreast for the fireplace has a distinctive panel design and visually connects the two alcove cabinets to appear as one continuous wall fitment.

Transforming this long-standing home on Bradgate Rd required more than a simple update—it called for a careful balance between renewal, structure, and respect for what was already there. The existing brick bungalow had strong bones, but the exterior was deteriorating, the carport was underutilized, and key interior spaces no longer supported the homeowners’ needs. Having lived in the home for decades, the goal wasn’t to start over—it was to rework the home into a more functional, comfortable space that could support the years ahead. The scope included a full exterior masonry refresh, where the front layer of brick was removed and replaced while maintaining the integrity of the original structure. The carport was fully enclosed and integrated into the home as a garage, and a new roof tied everything together with consistent detailing and long-term performance in mind. Inside, the layout was carefully reworked to introduce a new primary ensuite and completely renovate the main bathroom. Plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems were updated throughout, with a focus on accessibility, ease of use, and everyday comfort. The result is a home that feels both familiar and elevated—where thoughtful construction and refined design come together to support long-term living without compromising character.

Leslie Goodwin Photography, Interior Design by Dell'Osso Interiors
Living room - eclectic formal medium tone wood floor living room idea in Toronto with beige walls

After nearly a decade of embracing the laid-back, outdoor-friendly lifestyle of sunny California, a family of British Columbia natives decided to make a move back to their roots. Settling on a property in Sentinel Hill, with promising potential and alluring views of West Vancouver, the Burrard Inlet, and surrounding mountains, the homeowners were eager to make it their own. Key to their vision was replicating the abundant, bright, and airy feel of California living alongside the vibrant indoor/outdoor living experience. They enlisted the expertise of the design-build firm Upward Construction and the visionary interior design of Sarah Gallop to create a contemporary abode of timber, stone, and glass complete with large opening glass walls and sustainable design elements on every floor.