Fun and Family Oriented Kitchen and Family Room Remodel...complete with wall removal
Open concept kitchen - large eclectic l-shaped limestone floor and beige floor open concept kitchen idea in Baltimore with a farmhouse sink, blue cabinets, wood countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, white appliances, an island, brown countertops and shaker cabinets

This photo was features in Florida Design Magazine. The living room features a deep-seated sofa and lounge chairs that center a Bernhardt’s glass-topped cocktail table. The Lee Jofa’s embroidered draperies are fitted into ceiling drapery pockets. The room also features recessed 12 foot ceilings with crown molding, 8 inch base boards, transom windows above the doors, 8 inch American Walnut wood flooring and an ocean view. On the right hand side of the photo is a French limestone mantel around the wood-clad fireplace.

James Hardie Siding in Ocean Blue w/ Arctic White Trim. James Hardie staggered shake in Light Mist! New columns! New metal roofing as well as GAF architectural roofing in Weathered Wood! New Gutters and Raindrop Gutter Guard. (Richardson)

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

Example of a transitional master medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in Los Angeles with white walls and no fireplace

Bedrooms were assigned to family members and designed to meet their big personalities. From the “twin room” layered in sunset shades to the daughter’s room in layers of natural fiber and deep ocean blue. A guest room pulls inspiration from the pines out the window and large artwork sets a calming tone in the son’s room. The primary bedroom’s dramatic artwork and homeowner’s favorite color, deep teal, inspired the palette for a luxurious retreat.

The cool and crisp breeze of the deep ocean air wisps around in your bedroom with our DaDa Bedding Collection Elegant Enchanted Breeze Thin & Lightweight Quilt Bedspread Set - Jacquard Damask Floral Light Blue & White Print - 2-3-Pieces High quality blankets, bedspreads and quilts to give this season as a beautiful gift for family and friends. This elegantly designed light weight quilt set is ideal for any home that wishes to be closer to the ocean breeze. To complete the look it is finished off with a floral-y leaves motif to give it an antique royal Victorian look. The backside includes the exact same pattern on the front of the quilt except the shade of blue is much bolder and brighter with an all white background! Made with polyester microfiber and contains 50% cotton and polyester filling created for your comfort for the softest and coziest material. Features: Available in Twin, Full, Queen, King & Cal King. Twin set includes One quilt set and One Standard Size Pillowcase/Sham Full/Queen/King/Cal King sets include One quilt set and Two Standard Pillow-Cases Ideal & perfect for the warmer spring, summer and even autumn seasons! Floral Victorian Print Light Blue & White Brand: DaDa Bedding Collection Dimensions: Twin Size Set - Quilt: 70” x 90” & 1PC Standard Pillow-Case 20” x 26” Full Size Set – Quilt: 86” x 90” & 2PC Standard Pillow-Case 20” x 26” Queen Size Set – Quilt: 95” x 95” & 2PC Standard Pillow-Case 20” x 26” King Size Set – Quilt: 106” x 98” & 2PC Standard Pillow-Case 20” x 26” Cal King Size Set – Quilt: 106” x 100” & 2PC Standard Pillow-Case 20” x 26” Material: Fabric – 70gsm, polyester microfiber. Filling – 200gsm, 50% cotton, 50% polyester. Washing Care Instructions: Machine Wash Cold, Do Not Bleach, Tumble Dry in Low Cycle & Remove Promptly.

Bedrooms were assigned to family members and designed to meet their big personalities. From the “twin room” layered in sunset shades to the daughter’s room in layers of natural fiber and deep ocean blue. A guest room pulls inspiration from the pines out the window and large artwork sets a calming tone in the son’s room. The primary bedroom’s dramatic artwork and homeowner’s favorite color, deep teal, inspired the palette for a luxurious retreat.

The deep ocean blue glass lamp body is understated but gorgeous. The texture on the lamp body is tender and atmospheric under the light. Bring a touch of elegance and classic with this ocean blue lamp.

Introducing our handcrafted Olive Wood Epoxy River Table, where vibrant wood grain flows seamlessly into deep ocean-blue resin, edged with wave-like accents that bring the seascape indoors. Perfect as a statement dining table, this piece blends organic elegance with modern craftsmanship — every inch is customizable, from the wood species to epoxy color and table size. ✨ Want your own dining table or custom epoxy masterpiece? visit www.seawavetable.com to start your design journey.

Bedrooms were assigned to family members and designed to meet their big personalities. From the “twin room” layered in sunset shades to the daughter’s room in layers of natural fiber and deep ocean blue. A guest room pulls inspiration from the pines out the window and large artwork sets a calming tone in the son’s room. The primary bedroom’s dramatic artwork and homeowner’s favorite color, deep teal, inspired the palette for a luxurious retreat.

Bedrooms were assigned to family members and designed to meet their big personalities. From the “twin room” layered in sunset shades to the daughter’s room in layers of natural fiber and deep ocean blue. A guest room pulls inspiration from the pines out the window and large artwork sets a calming tone in the son’s room. The primary bedroom’s dramatic artwork and homeowner’s favorite color, deep teal, inspired the palette for a luxurious retreat.

The Makai restroom features a sophisticated balance of function and visual impact, anchored by a dramatic custom walk-in shower with vertically stacked glass mosaic tiles in deep ocean tones. The design includes a floating bench, a built-in shower niche, and a linear drain finished in Labradorite, blending subtle shimmer with natural depth. A frameless frosted glass partition provides privacy while preserving openness, and the shower floor is laid with natural tile, offering texture underfoot. The double-sink vanity features warm African mahogany cabinetry topped with stunning Labradorite stone, complemented by matte black plumbing fixtures and globe-style vanity lighting. Every detail is crafted for elevated, spa-like comfort with a coastal aesthetic.

Scott J. Newland, AIA
Example of a mid-sized country blue two-story concrete fiberboard exterior home design in Minneapolis with a metal roof

Bedrooms were assigned to family members and designed to meet their big personalities. From the “twin room” layered in sunset shades to the daughter’s room in layers of natural fiber and deep ocean blue. A guest room pulls inspiration from the pines out the window and large artwork sets a calming tone in the son’s room. The primary bedroom’s dramatic artwork and homeowner’s favorite color, deep teal, inspired the palette for a luxurious retreat.

Bedrooms were assigned to family members and designed to meet their big personalities. From the “twin room” layered in sunset shades to the daughter’s room in layers of natural fiber and deep ocean blue. A guest room pulls inspiration from the pines out the window and large artwork sets a calming tone in the son’s room. The primary bedroom’s dramatic artwork and homeowner’s favorite color, deep teal, inspired the palette for a luxurious retreat.

Bedrooms were assigned to family members and designed to meet their big personalities. From the “twin room” layered in sunset shades to the daughter’s room in layers of natural fiber and deep ocean blue. A guest room pulls inspiration from the pines out the window and large artwork sets a calming tone in the son’s room. The primary bedroom’s dramatic artwork and homeowner’s favorite color, deep teal, inspired the palette for a luxurious retreat.

Small space living solutions are used throughout this contemporary 596 square foot tiny house. Adjustable height table in the entry area serves as both a coffee table for socializing and as a dining table for eating. Curved banquette is upholstered in outdoor fabric for durability and maximizes space with hidden storage underneath the seat. Kitchen island has a retractable countertop for additional seating while the living area conceals a work desk and media center behind sliding shoji screens. Calming tones of sand and deep ocean blue fill the tiny bedroom downstairs. Glowing bedside sconces utilize wall-mounting and swing arms to conserve bedside space and maximize flexibility.

Small space living solutions are used throughout this contemporary 596 square foot tiny house. Adjustable height table in the entry area serves as both a coffee table for socializing and as a dining table for eating. Curved banquette is upholstered in outdoor fabric for durability and maximizes space with hidden storage underneath the seat. Kitchen island has a retractable countertop for additional seating while the living area conceals a work desk and media center behind sliding shoji screens. Calming tones of sand and deep ocean blue fill the tiny bedroom downstairs. Glowing bedside sconces utilize wall-mounting and swing arms to conserve bedside space and maximize flexibility.