A single-family home built on a lake in Columbia County, NY. Hugging the perimeter of an old-growth forest, this family home is situated so as to take full advantage of long valley views, passive heating and cooling, and the natural windbreak provided by the treeline. The house demonstrates the sustainable design dictum, "Don't build more house than you need," and the design incorporates many energy-saving features and materials. The project was featured in the New York Times as a model of sustainable design and is regularly included on the Columbia County sustainable home tour. The main house, guest house, pool and pool house were designed to be an unobtrusive living environment on the 100-acre site. Landscape Architect Jon Piasecki designed paths, plant arrangements and follies around the grounds.

USI Remodeling regularly demonstrates what it’s known for: creating residential lifestyle transformations. This project involved modifying the central kitchen and family room envelope manifest in recreating a space that entertains expansive features, owns a unique style and goes far beyond remodel to a statement. For nearly 30yrs USI Remodeling’s attention to detail and ability to both design and build has been documented in the Dallas–Fort Worth’s home market. Accomplishments include: 70+ Design awards and 4X Remodeler of the Year awards. Highly regarded and reviewed for major projects works. Over 500K Houzz saves and projects featured as most popular in Houzz stories.

Building the personal residence for any family is an honor. When the state’s premier custom home builder enlisted plan architecture as their architect - it’s a high stakes honor. For Mike and Nour of ECS Homes, luxury and livability had to go hand in hand. This 7,000sf estate delivers dynamic style amid an open floor plan. With a transitional inspired exterior that cannot be characterized as just a single style, the exterior forms demonstrate the depth of their construction abilities.

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

Refined simplicity defines this clean, contemporary staircase. Dark solid oak treads contrast beautifully with crisp white risers, square balusters, and newels, creating a striking visual rhythm. The design includes a thoughtful landing that doubles as a reading nook, transforming a transitional space into a destination. White railing runs the full length of the stairwell, maintaining the home's bright, minimalist aesthetic while providing safety and structure. Every element was precisely crafted to meet the architect and builder's exacting vision, demonstrating how attention to detail and modern machining capabilities can bring refined designs to life. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Experience the perfect harmony of nature and modern luxury in this full kitchen remodeling project in Washington DC. Designed for those who appreciate refined textures and timeless aesthetics, this kitchen showcases the warmth of custom walnut cabinetry paired with sophisticated, clean-lined design. The standout feature of this space is the stunning fluted stone backsplash, which adds a natural, tactile dimension that beautifully complements the modern organic theme. A spacious kitchen island, featuring a sleek, durable quartz countertop, serves as the heart of the home, providing both a culinary workspace and an inviting social hub. With custom-built pantry storage that reaches to the ceiling, high-end integrated appliances, and warm, minimalist pendant lighting, every square inch has been optimized for both form and function. This remodeling project demonstrates our ability to transform a traditional kitchen layout into a modern sanctuary where rich wood tones, organic textures, and precision craftsmanship meet to create an unforgettable culinary experience.

This thoughtfully designed luxury primary bedroom blends refined materials with calming tones to create a serene, elevated retreat. A custom statement wallpaper in soft blue and gray hues adds depth and visual interest, transforming the feature wall into a sophisticated focal point. The layered pattern introduces texture while maintaining a tranquil atmosphere—perfect for a restful master suite. An upholstered bed with plush, tailored bedding enhances comfort, while custom nightstands with sleek hardware provide both function and elegance. Integrated modern wall sconces offer ambient bedside lighting, ideal for reading and creating a warm, inviting glow. Carefully curated styling elements—including decorative accessories, layered textiles, and balanced proportions—reflect a cohesive, high-end interior design approach. From finish selections to lighting placement, every detail was thoughtfully considered to create a custom primary bedroom design that feels timeless, serene, and luxurious. Ideal for homeowners seeking primary suite renovations, custom bedroom interiors, or luxury home design, this space demonstrates how elevated materials, statement wallpaper, and tailored furnishings can transform a bedroom into a sophisticated personal retreat.

Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, Paradise Drive demonstrates how a series of intentional design decisions can completely transform a home. Rather than undertaking a full renovation, our clients wanted to elevate key spaces with architectural details, statement materials, and custom features that reflected their love of bold, collected design. The transformation began with a dramatic new foyer, where we extended the entry by using the Portico and introduced a custom 11-foot steel arched door, sculptural lighting, and Phillip Jeffries wallcoverings to create an unforgettable first impression. Throughout the home, carefully selected updates, from a reimagined primary shower and powder room to layered furnishings and ceiling treatments, brought warmth, personality, and a sense of luxury to every space. The result is a home that feels distinctive, sophisticated, and unapologetically personal.

This sleek staircase serves as both functional element and architectural centerpiece in this home. Black steel stringers create bold visual lines against crisp white walls, while thick red oak treads add natural warmth and texture. Minimalist metal vertical balusters open up the stair system. The clean lines and mixed materials complement the home's contemporary aesthetic, creating visual interest from every angle. The thoughtful integration of wood and steel demonstrates how contrasting materials can work in harmony to define a modern interior. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This stunning project by Casa Utopia Builders in Fremont, California showcases a full custom home remodel and addition, blending modern design with warm natural finishes to create a sophisticated and functional space. The transformation included a 530 sq. ft. home addition, expanded living areas, a new open-concept kitchen, and multiple modern bathroom remodels, as well as a full upgrade to the flooring, lighting, and finishes throughout the home. Key Highlights: Vaulted ceilings with LED recessed lighting and new skylights Contemporary floating staircase with glass railing and custom oak hardwood flooring Elegant floor-to-ceiling fireplace with tile surround and built-in lighting Chef-style kitchen with custom cabinetry, waterfall-edge island, and under-cabinet lighting Spa-like bathrooms with floating vanities, modern tilework, LED mirrors, and frameless glass showers Smart home upgrades including EV charging station and solar-ready panel Complete exterior stucco and paint, new doors/windows, and a custom outdoor gazebo rebuild This project demonstrates our full-scope capabilities—from foundation and framing to the final interior finishes. It reflects our commitment to design excellence, high-end craftsmanship, and client-focused project management. ? Project Location: Fremont, CA ? Scope: Full Home Remodel + 530 SQFT Addition ? Style Tags: Contemporary | Modern | Warm Minimalism | Luxury Remodel

A dramatic vertical backdrop of black marble with white inclusions frames this unique freestanding staircase in an open-concept home. As the staircase descends into the naturally lit area below, white oak treads appear to float against the striking marble wall. The handrail is crafted from the same black marble as the backdrop, demonstrating how thoughtful material choices create true luxury. A glass panel railing system completes the design, creating an unexpected focal point that pairs organic warmth with luxurious stone. The interplay between natural wood, transparent glass, and dramatic marble proves that a staircase can be both functional architecture and sculptural art. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This perspective captures the geometric rhythm of the oversized concrete paver walkway. By setting the smooth, light pavers in a bed of dark basalt gravel, our design+build team created a high-contrast entrance that guides the eye toward the front door. The precision of the hardscape installation is balanced by zones of decomposed granite and lush turf, demonstrating a versatile approach to modern landscape architecture. It’s a bold, architectural statement that redefines the standard for suburban curb appeal.

This sleek staircase serves as both functional element and architectural centerpiece in this home. Black steel stringers create bold visual lines against crisp white walls, while thick red oak treads add natural warmth and texture. Minimalist metal vertical balusters open up the stair system. The clean lines and mixed materials complement the home's contemporary aesthetic, creating visual interest from every angle. The thoughtful integration of wood and steel demonstrates how contrasting materials can work in harmony to define a modern interior. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Supported by double black-painted steel stringers, this dramatic three-level stair rises at the center of this Virginia home. Thick oak treads pair with vertical metal balusters, balancing organic warmth with precision engineering. An open-riser design enhances the contemporary feel as light moves freely through the stairwell. The interplay of industrial black steel and warm oak reflects the home’s open-concept architecture and modern interior finishes. The result is a stair that serves as both functional connection and sculptural element, demonstrating how structural honesty can achieve a refined sense of beauty. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional full sun courtyard formal garden in Denver.

Normally tenons are hidden in mortises, but when the tenon passes entirely through the piece it is joining, it is called a through tenon. Through tenons are more time-consuming to cut, and are one of the characteristics of Arts & Crafts and Mission style furniture. We like to think of through tenons as "visible joinery" and a demonstration of the craftsperson's skill. © Carolina Timberworks

Hygge – pronounced "hoo-ga" – is coziness. A way of living that emphasizes the importance of simplicity and unwinding. It's hospitality and warmth. But at DIRTT, it also means a living lab. The home of co-founder and DIRTT CEO, Mogens Smed, is a giant test subject for the possibilities of prefabricated construction. The home demonstrates what's possible when traditional craftsmanship and modern technology combine. Complex angles and curves become a possibility. Exquisite finishes become reality when labor costs are flipped on their head. The home has become what it was meant to be all along; a place to gather with colleagues, Clients, family and friends to break bread and get to know one another.

The “man cave” has become the ultimate entertaining space for watching the big game or playing some pool, but that doesn’t mean it can’t have some upscale class. This bar demonstrates how an elegant, yet manly space can be created using the right elements. There is something for everyone in this space, wine racks, a beer fridge and the liquor cabinets, all tastefully displayed and presented.

This Victorian floor in Twickenham, Middlesex was in good physical condition for its age but needed a good deep clean. Our customer had informed us that they had never cleaned or sealed the floor in the sixteen years that they had lived there so it was well overdue. I went over to survey the floor and completed a test clean on a small section of tiling to see which products/techniques would work best. I like to do this as it demonstrates to the client what can be done, and it allows me to come up with an accurate price for doing the work. As you can see from the pictures, there was quite a difference in the test patch compared to the rest of the floor. Years of foot traffic from the street had taken its’ toll and the floor was very dirty. Luckily, the floor was in very good condition and had not worn too badly. Once they had seen the test patch, they were confident that it would be worth go ahead with my quote. It would ensure that the period feature was retained for many years to come. The colours on the floor were quite faded so it would be nice to get it restored. I started the cleaning process by first taping up the surrounding skirting boards and doors to ensure they were protected from potential splashing. Cleaning involved spraying the Victorian tiles with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which is a dedicated Tile and Grout cleaning product. This was left to soak in for about ten minutes and then scrubbed in using a black pad fitted to a heavy-duty rotary scrubber. This gives the floor a good mechanical scrub and works wonders releasing the ground-in dirt and soil from the tiles. The strong dilution of Pro-Clean will also remove any remaining sealers from the tile, however after sixteen years I doubted there would much trace of sealer left. Once done the floor was rinsed with water and all the soils removed with a wet vacuum. Following the initial clean the colours were already much stronger. Next step however was to improve on that by giving the floor an acid rinse using Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up. This removes mineral deposits and generally brightens up the appearance of the tile. After another round of scrubbing the floor was rinsed with our high-pressure washer and then vacuumed, extracting all of the dirty water and dirt away in one go. The floor was looking a lot better and was left to dry overnight. After allowing the floor to dry overnight, we returned the next day to seal the floor. First, checking the floor was dry using the damp meter. Floors of this age can take a little longer to dry as there is no damp-proof membrane so it’s always worth checking as applying a sealer to damp tiles is not a good idea. Once I was satisfied it was dry eight coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go sheen finish sealer were applied. This takes a while to do as each coat needs to dry before applying the next. The sealer will protect the Victorian tiles for dirt and stains, it also enhanced the colours in the tile and will make it easier to keep the floor clean going forward. My client was very pleased with the floor and mentioned that they should have called me in sooner! For aftercare cleaning I recommended Tile Doctor Neutral Clean which is an effective cleaner with a neutral pH, its designed for cleaning tiles without degrading the sealer. Jonathan Oldham South Middlesex Tile Doctor