The homeowners loved the character of their 100-year-old home near Lake Harriet, but the original layout no longer supported their busy family’s modern lifestyle. When they contacted the architect, they had a simple request: remodel our master closet. This evolved into a complete home renovation that took three-years of meticulous planning and tactical construction. The completed home demonstrates the overall goal of the remodel: historic inspiration with modern luxuries.

At this turn of the 20th century, home badly needed a new kitchen. An old porch had been partially enclosed, and the old kitchen window opened onto that enclosure, a small stretch of hallway 6 feet wide. The room had little in the way of form or function. The appliances all needed to be replaced, the lighting and flooring were in bad repair and the kitchen itself lacked culinary inspiration. The client requested a kitchen with modern top-of-the-line cooking appliances, a well-thought-out plan which would include an island, a desk, eating for 6, custom storage, a "cat" corner for the family pet’s food and bowls as well as a drop-dead design aesthetic. Welcome to the Central Av Kitchen. The old exterior wall was removed and the 6’ hallway was incorporated into the kitchen area providing space for both a table as well as a generous island with seating for three. In lieu of pantry cabinets, a pantry closet was framed to the right of the refrigerator to account for a change in ceiling height. The closet conceals the slope of the old exterior wall. Additional space for the cooktop credenza was found by extending a wall concealing the basement stairs. Custom-screened marble tile covers the wall behind the induction cooktop. A pot filler faucet is an added convenience becoming very popular with clients who cook. The secondary cooking area adjacent to the cooktop has a single convection wall oven and one of my favorite appliances, a steam oven. This is the one appliance no kitchen should be without. An immovable corner chase became part of the design supporting a full counter-to-ceiling cabinet for glasses and cups. Dish drawer storage is located below this cabinet, perfect when unloading the dishwasher. Once again, my favorite culinary sink (Franke) and a professional-style faucet (Brizo) add to the chef’s table experience of the kitchen. The refrigerator is a gorgeous 42” french door-styled Sub Zero. Moving to the island, you will find an under-counter beverage refrigerator, additional storage, and a mixer lift to keep the stand mixer at ready but tucked away. Great for casual dining and ample space for preparing meals, the island is the perfect centerpiece for the kitchen design. A traditional ship lap wood detail was turned on its end to surround the island. The contrasting color and texture of the rustic oak give relief to the smooth painted finish of the kitchen cabinets. The stain color is repeated on the pantry door as well as the family room entrance door to the kitchen. Near the kitchen table, a desk is located for both recipe research as well as homework. The spare dining chair serves as a desk chair. Open shelves are simultaneously practical and decorative. Custom storage details include a spice drawer, pull-out pantry, dish drawer, garbage/recycling cabinet, vertical tray storage, utensil, and flatware drawers, and “cat corner” which holds all things kitty related, while keeping the cat dining area out of the main kitchen. Additional details about the space. The cabinets are a traditional plain inset construction but without visible hinges. Large format “concrete” porcelain floor tiles create a simple canvas for blue-painted cabinets with a black glazed finish. Contemporized matte black hardware provides a beautiful contrast to the cabinet color. The other splash areas are covered in a simple white mottled glazed porcelain subway tile. The “cat corner” which is not visible is realized in distressed black paint with a wood countertop to match the oak on the island. Another key point is the ceiling height. Taller ceilings allow for taller cabinets but need a strong molding detail to balance the tall cabinet doors. To demonstrate that detail, you will notice a combination of moldings (9” high) and double-paneled doors to overcome a “tower effect” in the space.

Interior detail from a custom luxury residence in San Jose Del Cabo, Baja California, by Hyde Evans Design, Seattle. This project — a full custom home in collaboration with local architect Arturo Ponce De Leon — demonstrates Hyde Evans Design's capacity for high-complexity international projects: sourcing from Mexican artisans, working across cultural and geographic contexts, and delivering the same standard of luxury and restraint the firm brings to its Pacific Northwest residential work. Interior Design: Hyde Evans Design, Seattle, WA. Verify: confirm this matches the actual photo before uploading.

Complete custom millwork package for a premium medical clinic, designed to deliver a five-star hospitality experience within a healthcare environment. Scope included: geometric wood lattice corridor with oval backlit mirror frames, full wood grid ceiling panels in the waiting area with integrated LED, marble-clad executive suite with floating gold-accented shelving, completely wood-paneled consultation rooms with architectural LED coves, and a custom children's waiting area with carved wood tree structures and cloud-shaped ceiling panels. This project demonstrates K2K's ability to execute complex, multi-environment commercial millwork packages with consistent quality across every space. Project type: Healthcare / Commercial Services: Custom wood paneling, ceiling systems, built-in cabinetry, LED integration, full installation

Designed for both everyday family meals and elegant entertaining, this dining room blends timeless architecture with refined contemporary furnishings. Floor-to-ceiling windows surround the space, filling it with natural light and creating a seamless connection to the landscape beyond. The soft neutral palette allows the home's architectural details to shine while creating a calm, welcoming atmosphere. A sculptural glass chandelier serves as the room's centerpiece, adding artistic character and visual interest above the custom dining table. Warm white oak finishes, comfortable upholstered dining chairs, and thoughtfully layered accessories create an inviting setting that encourages gathering and conversation. Fresh florals and natural textures complete the space, demonstrating how carefully curated details can elevate everyday living. This dining room reflects our philosophy of designing spaces that are timeless, functional, and effortlessly elegant—where beautiful materials, quality craftsmanship, and thoughtful planning come together to create memorable moments around the table.

This thoughtfully designed living room demonstrates how smart furniture placement can enhance both style and functionality. Positioned behind the loveseat, the Parker Sofa Table adds a practical surface for lighting, décor, and everyday essentials while helping define the open-concept layout. Its warm wood finish complements the room's earthy palette, creating visual continuity between the living and dining spaces. Paired with rich brown seating, layered textures, and organic modern accents, the Parker Sofa Table transforms an often-overlooked area into a purposeful design feature that balances beauty and everyday livability.

Mid-century meets modern – this project demonstrates the potential of a heritage renovation that builds upon the past. The major renovations and extension encourage a strong relationship between the landscape, as part of daily life, and cater to a large family passionate about their neighbourhood and entertaining.

This was one of our most unique staircase projects to date. The natural oak balustrade screen had to all be hand fabricated on site, which truly demonstrates the emphasis Stairworks has on attention to detail. The challenge wasn’t just to get all the timber perfectly straight, but it was doing this with all the normal site challenges as well. The oak treads are glued on to the solid steel staircase with an adhesive to hide any potential fixings. This has become a very popular option at the moment with our floating stairs, fitting into the modern contemporary interior home design.

Designed and built by Living Stone Design + Build in 2022, the Scanlon Residence's transitional deck creates a sophisticated outdoor living space that harmonizes with Western North Carolina's mountain setting. This premium outdoor extension demonstrates the builder's expertise in crafting high-performance luxury homes with seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity.

A workshop view of the custom wine hutch before the staining process. This shot highlights the raw construction and high-grade wood quality used in our custom cabinetry builds. By showcasing the piece in its unfinished state, we demonstrate the precision of the joinery and the architectural integrity of the design before it is hand-finished to match the home's existing kitchen and built-in elements.

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

This elegant, curved staircase creates a striking first impression in a Classic Homes model home. Black-painted red oak treads pair seamlessly with black metal balusters, creating dramatic monochromatic appeal that commands attention. A custom-designed curved handrail follows the graceful arc of the staircase with precision, flowing smoothly all the way to the upper overlook. The result is a cohesive design that demonstrates how bold color choices and expert craftsmanship can transform a traditional curved form into a contemporary statement piece. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Pond, garden water features, Kansas City Fountain Design Group , the Fountain Builders in Kansas City, is an innovative firm of fountain restoration Kansas City, fountain installation Kansas City, historic fountain repair Kansas City with specific skills in fountain design, pond, garden water features Kansas City, strategic and open space planning, open space master planning, urban and environmental design and community consultation with high standards of graphic and technical outputs. We pride ourselves on the development of aquascape and hardscape design ,site responsive and implementable concept, with demonstrated technical and project skills to ensure the successful translation of innovative designs to high quality constructed works. Fountain builders Kansas City, Masonry Contractors Kansas City, Landscaping pond, garden water features Kansas City and Fountain designing water falls Kansas City for nearly 30 years of experience in Kansas City Mo, St Louis MO and entire Midwest region. Over the years that we have been in business, Kansas City Fountain Design Group , the City of Fountain Builders Kansas City / Landscape Architect Kansas City, have generated an excellent reputation, as one of the leading premiere fountain builder Kansas City within the Midwest.

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

The balance of form and function is the hallmark of modern design. This staircase is a perfect example of that elegant simplicity. The dark-stained treads, newels, and smooth wood handrail create a rich foundation, while the parallel horizontal stainless steel rods add a sleek touch. With a beautiful overlook from the second floor, the staircase serves as a stunning focal point for the home. However, it's the interplay between the dark wood and gleaming steel elements that truly sets this project apart, demonstrating how material contrast can elevate a straightforward design into something memorable. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This 18th-century French-inspired mansion features three magnificent, curved staircases that complement the home's luxurious character. Each staircase blends forged iron railings with contemporary white oak components, creating a transitional aesthetic that bridges classical elegance and modern refinement. The staircases rise through grand spaces adorned with custom crystal chandeliers and surrounded by exceptional architectural finishes. Large windows frame outdoor views, while the curved forms of the stairs add graceful movement to the grand interiors. Together, these three staircases demonstrate how thoughtful craftsmanship can enhance rather than compete with a home's opulent surroundings. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

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

This graceful, curved staircase sets the tone for this elegant residence. White oak curved treads flow upward, guided by precision-crafted custom handrails. Vertical black metal balusters add contemporary detail while maintaining the traditional curved form's timeless appeal. During the holidays, the staircase becomes even more spectacular, adorned with festive pine garland and twinkling lights that follow the graceful curve. The decoration demonstrates how a well-designed staircase provides the perfect backdrop for seasonal celebrations, transforming from everyday elegance to holiday showpiece. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Imbued with color inspiration from the 1930’s, the massive style capacity of this home is demonstrated over 15 years of artful adaptation in the living and dining rooms. An analogous color scheme with prominent aqua and green tones popular in the 1930’s first graces the living room to creatively infuse a traditional French style. Bergère chairs flank the large focal fireplace with its classical use of stone and versatile dentil trim molding. Coordinating colors in boldly-striped silk shantung bring the acanthus leaf chandelier comfortably into the 20thcentury; only to be jettisoned even further with the room’s next iteration. Still with a nod to the 1930’s color palette, bolder tones of orange and rose with smaller stripes later reinvent the saber legged dining room chairs to skillfully incorporate smoky hues on the walls. Sketchy floral print drapery revises the room by bringing a joyful eclecticism, ever expanding the potential of the space to bring in new influences. A curved back chair reminiscent of the 1930’s set beneath decidedly 20th century artwork; further showcasing the room’s latest use of more streamlined forms. The more transitional upholstered chairs and ottoman craftily unify a more diverse portfolio of furnishings and artwork, as does the continuation of deep tones in thought both spaces. Invigorated once again with a third look, the living and dining areas are dramatically transformed with a backdrop of soft neutral punctuated by juicy pops of color introduce a new sense of depth and character to the space. Articulated beautifully in the artwork, colors keep the eyes dancing and creativity flowing yet they allow the space to also nurture relaxation and calm. A bold statement on the windows maintains the necessary balance in the dining room for its chandelier; miraculously staying right at home with each redesign. The familiar is successfully re-imagined to prove once again that the perennial beauty of a well-crafted home, furnishings and accessories can be made to embody our unique sense of style at every stage of our lives.