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

MODERN MID-CENTURY FOR MARTIN more photos at http://www.kylacoburndesigns.com/martin-short-personal-nbc-jimmy-fallon-dressing-room Only the hippest hang here. Created with a swanky yet playful collector in mind, this mid-century design is full of luxe patterns and finishes and an ultra cool vibe. Masculine and sexy, it’s a perfect place for a sharp-dressed Hollywood icon to entertain with a vintage 70’s two-toned couch set, gold moroccan ottoman, and a mod writing desk with an early acrylic chair. “My favorite things are the collection of textile art... the woven geometric lion painting is amazing and the trippy string art is just right on… I was also in love with the sexy renaissance man we imagined would would inhabit this style room…” - Kyla Design Deep Dive Mid-century modern swing-out coffee table, vintage 1950’s headboard upcycled into the mirror frame, room designed expressly for Martin Short

Jen Brooker Photography
Inspiration for a coastal two-story mixed siding exterior home remodel in Atlanta with a shingle roof

Mid-sized elegant blue two-story concrete fiberboard gable roof photo in Chicago

Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in Denver

Whitewater Imagery
Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stone and rectangular lap hot tub remodel in New York

Marina Storm
Inspiration for a transitional brown tile, gray tile and mosaic tile beige floor bathroom remodel in Chicago with gray walls

“Tropical. Victorian. Gothic.” This is the vibe my client wanted for the living room in their 1800’s farmhouse, and this is what I delivered. Admittedly though, I had to do a deep dive into inspiration pictures for a general direction, because, what an unusual ask in terms of concept! Ultimately, my goal for this project was a very moody, overly saturated space that evoked emotion and started a conversation. To start, I specified a heavily textured grasscloth wallcovering in teal and contrasted that with high gloss fuchsia and teal paint to trim out the entire room. This included the doors, fireplace, all window and door casings, and the wall area below the chair rail. Covering the shelter-armed, dramatic tufted sofa in a matching shade of fuchsia velvet is the centerpiece of the whole room and a true “wow” feature. The two French-inspired chairs are covered in a “drippy” teal damask with a contrasting black painted frame, giving a gothic vibe, while the crock embossed leather on the bench is exotic, playing to the tropical element of the space. Finishing off the space is the eclectic mix of lighting, pillows, and decorative accents used throughout. Although all elements seem to be pulled from different eras and genres, they all speak to each other through finish and scale, adding to the Victorian, eclectic, and collected design of the room. The color-drenched walls, lush textures, and eclectic accents are dramatic and a little over the top… but what else would you expect in a project that is tropical, Victorian, and gothic?

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

GET YOUR GAME ON... more photos at http://www.kylacoburndesigns.com/80s-play-nbc-jimmy-fallon-dressing-room Jump back in time to the 80’s and hang out in the coolest basement playroom in town. The color red dominates shelves full of authentic, vintage toys - Gumby, boxing gloves, ViewMaster, Etch-a-Sketch, Pin-Ball, kaleidoscopes… impossible to resist. Turn on the black lights, play pop art golf darts, and see the neon tracks that glow-in-the-dark Tron Bikes have left across the ceiling. “So much to touch and feel and play with… my favorite detail is that Tonight Show guests can use the Light Bright to leave a message for the next guest who visits the room…” - Kyla Deep Dive Design Notes Vintage Danish Pop Art Shag Rug, Custom “Pin Ball” Wall Paper, Vintage Orange Couch, Classic Pin Art Face, “Vinyl” Drink Coasters, designer Dressing Table & Mirror

IF YOU CAN MAKE IT HERE... more photos at http://www.kylacoburndesigns.com/uptown-downtown-nbc-jimmy-fallon-dressing-room A nostalgic visit to NBC’s home in New York that captures both the luxury of the Upper East Side and the scrappier, edgier feel of downtown. A vintage vinyl collection is the soundtrack for putting your feet up on deep blue velvet couches surrounded by images of NBC icons, while graffiti, rock show posters, and custom steel shelves (made from salvaged street signs) remind you of the years you spent couch-surfing and hitting clubs downtown. “My favorite things are the clock with numbers that flip like the train schedule boards at Grand Central Station, casting Lorne Michaels as Picasso’s 'Art Dealer',…and tagging the graffiti wall with ‘Gary’ - the name of Jimmy’s dog” - Kyla Deep Dive Design Notes Lorne Michaels as Picasso’s “Portrait of An Art Dealer”; Steve Higgins “Pageboy” photo; Jimmy Fallon’s dog “Gary” graffiti tag; Barry Manilow Vintage Vinyl, Stieve Martin as seated wise-guy, & original paintings by Kyla Coburn

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

Inspiration for a large rustic backyard stone and custom-shaped natural pool fountain remodel in Dallas

Poolhouse - Highland Park, Illinois Architecture and Design by Randall Architects Photo Courtesy of FX Luminaire
Example of a classic rectangular pool design in Chicago

Photo of a traditional full sun front yard river rock water fountain landscape in Other.

Iba Design Associates David Lauer Photography
Study room - small transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor study room idea in Denver with blue walls

A COLLECTED CONSCIOUSNESS more photos at http://www.kylacoburndesigns.com/mysterioso-nbc-jimmy-fallon-dressing-room Visit the private hideaway of an eclectic renaissance man - a room inspired by a small, dark, antique-store-found oil painting of John Lennon. His friends’ portraits are on the wall - Jimmy as ‘Lord Fallon’, Bob Dylan, Christopher Walkin, Iggy Pop, Alan Rickman and Frank Zappa - ironically reimagined as military leaders. More portraits of his gypsie and snake charmer lovers rest on his desk. Enter Mysterioso and you’re surrounded by a collection that reveals humility and a contemplative nature… touched by dark humor. Collected beetles, miniature operettas, rescued theater seats, sculptural taxidermy forms, vintage science journals and masonic nods, a nutcracker crafted in the shape of a woman’s legs… all with Joan Baez playing on the gramophone. “This room has so many favorite details - I am in love with Mysterioso. I gave this room my WWI bud vase made from bullet casings, and a niche shelf I carried home from Morocco. We filled that shelf with miniature 3D-printed busts we made of The Roots.” - Kyla Deep Dive Design Notes Vintage cookbook collection

A SOULFUL TRIBUTE more photos at http://www.kylacoburndesigns.com/questlove-personal-nbc-jimmy-fallon-dressing-room Step into an immersive exploration of Questlove’s career, influences, and contributions to art and music that is filled with significance and detail. A stunning piece of salvaged church architecture frames saintly images of people who influenced and inspired Questlove. J Dilla, who Questlove has called “the greatest rap producer of all time,” is the saint of Mixology. Odetta is the saint of Spirituals. Amiri Baraka is the saint of Poetry. Late Roots manager, Richard Nichols, is the saint of Ecology and Growth, and Fela Kuti - the Godfather of Afro-Beat, is the saint of Musicianship. Each detail in the room was selected for both it’s significance and aesthetics. A vintage optometrist machine reminds us to maintain our clarity and vision, player piano scrolls become inspirational wallpaper, and a KISS coffee mug nods to Questlove’s admitted childhood “obsession” with the band, and his controversial vote for them to be admitted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “The opportunity to do a personal space for Questlove was a chance to pay tribute someone who has shaped generations of music. I spent weeks researching Questlove’s career and influences - pouring over old interviews, watching and listening to performances… in the hope I would get close to ‘the roots’ of his personal journey and create something that he would love.” - Kyla Design Deep Dive King of Hearts pillow, custom sign created from Detroit road signs, gallery wall of Roots albums, vintage optometrist machine, wallpaper made from piano scrolls with poetic lyrics, travelling trunk, jazz-age violin case that holds a whiskey bottle, collection of Kiss memorabilia

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops