Oakley Home Builders is a custom home builder and remodeling company in the Chicago suburbs that has integrated distinctive home designs into surrounding communities, neighborhoods and coveted residential landscapes. Positioned as a flourishing Chicago western suburbs home builder, Oakley Home Builders demonstrates a passionate pursuit of detail-rich, value-driven design and efficient construction that provides homebuyers with a masterfully planned and executed living environment. Whether building on your site or one of our many available lots, Oakley Home Builders is recognized among Chicago western suburbs home builders for its excellent build-to-suit program. Guiding homebuyers through a simple, step-by-step process, we enhance the building experience by providing practical advice, flexible accommodations, and educational insight. But while we are mainly a home builder in Chicago suburbs, we also build luxurious beach homes in Naples, FL and along the shores of Lake Michigan in Indiana and Michigan's Harbor Country. In addition we serve as an expert suburban Chicago remodeling company catering to the communities of Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Naperville, Glen Ellyn, LaGrange, Western Springs, Elmhurst, and other west suburban locations.

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

This Scandinavian living room project was created for a private client in Finland, focusing on a warm, modern and inviting atmosphere through carefully curated soft furnishings. The design centers around a sculptural lounge chair inspired by the iconic Little Petra style, paired with a large neutral sectional sofa to create a comfortable and cohesive seating arrangement. The combination of soft textures, organic shapes and muted tones enhances the sense of calm and balance within the space. A set of minimalist nesting coffee tables and a geometric rug introduce subtle contrast and visual rhythm, while maintaining a clean and contemporary aesthetic. Natural light from the large windows, together with indoor plants, reinforces the connection to nature — a key element in Nordic interior design. This project demonstrates how thoughtful furniture selection and styling alone can transform a living space without structural changes, achieving a refined yet cozy Scandinavian interior.

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

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 piece showcases the seamless integration of a modern pink kitchen with custom-built, matching pink shelving unit. Expanding beyond the countertops and cabinets, this design demonstrates a creative approach to utilizing space and color within a home. The light pink cabinetry and gray countertops from the kitchen area extend into the pantry, creating a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic. The custom shelving adds a unique functional element to the kitchen space. This design highlights the potential for extending kitchen design beyond traditional boundaries creating a personalized and stylish living area.

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

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.

This bright and inviting breakfast nook is the perfect complement to the remodeled kitchen, creating a cozy yet sophisticated space for casual meals and morning gatherings. Large windows fill the nook with natural light, highlighting the soft, neutral color palette and carefully selected finishes that make the space feel open and airy. Custom seating and a bespoke table provide a warm, functional gathering area, while subtle architectural details — including trim, built-in storage, and thoughtfully chosen lighting — add depth and elegance without overwhelming the space. The breakfast nook seamlessly connects to the kitchen, offering a practical layout for daily living while maintaining a stylish, comfortable atmosphere. Whether it’s a quiet morning coffee or family brunch, this area demonstrates how luxury materials, natural light, and custom design can transform a simple dining spot into a standout feature of the home.

For the 331 Park Ave South project, Build-Ops played a pivotal role in providing an exceptional turnkey solution. Our mastery extended to every aspect of the project, from floors, walls, and ceilings to custom-built furniture and amenity space decorations. We demonstrated our expertise in various elements, including CNC Panels/Wall Panels, Custom Furniture, Custom Screen Wall, Veneer, Aluminum Structure, Corian Tops, Acoustical Panels, Custom Metal, Aluminum Inserts, Tables, Built-ins, and Custom Reception Panels. Each task was approached with precision and dedication, resulting in a seamless integration of design elements.

This beautiful self-supported curved staircase welcomes you the moment you step through the front door. Warm oak treads, handrails, and posts create an inviting presence, while crisp white risers and stringers keep the design feeling bright and spacious. A thick starting newel anchors the curve at its base, adding visual weight to the graceful ascent. Thin vertical metal bar railings maintain openness as the staircase sweeps upward to a circular second-floor overlook. From above, the balcony provides the perfect vantage point to appreciate the full curved form below, demonstrating how a well-designed staircase can be admired from every angle. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

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.

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

Showcasing the custom detail of the exposed beams demonstrating collar ties, king post, and faux decorative beams. Photos by Imagesmith Photo
Family room - mid-sized cottage loft-style family room idea in Albuquerque with a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

For this East Nashville renovation, we updated a classic home to meet modern standards by opening up the floor plan and refreshing nearly every room. We added a home office with custom cabinetry, built-in shelving, and a walk-in closet to maximize storage solutions while maintaining clean lines. The homeowner, interior designer and owner of Kevin Corn Design, curated all design elements for this unique renovation. This project showcases our expertise in renovation, custom cabinetry design, and modern storage solutions, blending the charm of a traditional home with contemporary elements. From creating a functional home office to incorporating sleek finishes, our work demonstrates high-quality custom millwork and thoughtful architectural planning. As trusted East Nashville general contractors, we specialize in projects ranging from kitchen and bath remodels to design-build renovations and high-end home upgrades. Interior Design: Kevin Corn Design Photography: www.fenwickhome.com

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

The next two views portray the same closet, demonstrating the size of the closet and the many wrap around hanging areas, shelves, storage cabinets, and drawers. All four walls were filled with these features. The closet also has a pull-down ironing board, allowing for quick refreshing of creases in trousers or straightening of dresses.

Reimagining an Urban Classic Perched high above San Francisco’s Cow Hollow neighborhood, this meticulously reimagined residence represents a thoughtful transformation of a classic urban home into a contemporary, light-filled sanctuary. The project involved a comprehensive renovation paired with both vertical and horizontal expansion, dramatically increasing the home’s footprint while enhancing its relationship to sweeping views of the Bay, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the surrounding hillside neighborhoods. The design strategy focused on opening the home to light, air, and vistas—elements often constrained in the dense urban fabric of San Francisco. By extending the structure upward and outward, the architects created a dynamic four-level residence that unfolds gradually, culminating in expansive living spaces and rooftop terraces oriented toward panoramic city and water views. Architecture that Frames the View At the heart of the design is a careful orchestration of sightlines and natural light. Large black-framed windows punctuate the façade and interior spaces, deliberately positioned to capture iconic San Francisco vistas while flooding the home with daylight. The architecture prioritizes openness, allowing rooms to flow seamlessly while maintaining a strong visual connection to the surrounding landscape. A dramatic skylight above the central stairwell anchors the vertical circulation of the home. This architectural gesture not only brings daylight deep into the interior but also reinforces the sense of spatial continuity between floors. Warm Modern Interiors Inside, the home balances architectural clarity with warm materiality. Wide-plank oak floors run throughout the residence, creating visual cohesion and grounding the interiors with natural warmth. Custom walnut millwork—integrated shelving, cabinetry, and wall panels—introduces depth and texture while complementing the clean lines of the architecture. The interiors are intentionally restrained yet richly layered. Contemporary furnishings, sculptural lighting, and curated artwork add personality while maintaining the calm, sophisticated palette that defines the home. The Social Heart of the Home The main living level serves as the social centerpiece of the residence. An open-plan kitchen, dining area, and lounge space unfold toward the view, creating an environment that feels both expansive and intimate. A sculptural marble island anchors the kitchen, functioning as both workspace and gathering hub. Surrounded by walnut cabinetry and professional-grade appliances, the kitchen merges elegance with functionality. Above, a cascading chandelier introduces a sense of vertical movement, reflecting the home’s emphasis on light and architectural rhythm. Living areas are arranged to encourage conversation and connection. Generous seating, layered rugs, and thoughtful lighting define distinct zones within the open plan while maintaining uninterrupted sightlines toward the cityscape beyond. Private Retreats Above the City Upper levels of the home are dedicated to quieter, more intimate spaces. The primary suite is conceived as a private retreat, where expansive windows frame treetop views and invite natural light throughout the day. The accompanying bathroom continues the home’s refined material palette. Marble surfaces, warm wood cabinetry, and brushed brass fixtures create a spa-like environment that balances luxury with tranquility. Additional bedrooms and flexible living spaces offer comfort for family and guests, each designed with the same attention to light, proportion, and material richness. Spaces for Entertaining Lower levels provide additional areas for gathering and entertaining. A lounge and bar area offer a relaxed setting for hosting, while custom wine storage adds a sophisticated touch for collectors and enthusiasts. These spaces transition easily to outdoor areas, reinforcing the home’s emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. A Rooftop Above the Neighborhood The transformation extends beyond the interior to include thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. A landscaped rear yard introduces greenery and privacy at ground level, offering a serene urban escape. Above it all, the rooftop terrace becomes the crown jewel of the residence. Elevated above the neighborhood, it provides sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and the Palace of Fine Arts. Comfortable seating areas, lush planters, and open sky create an ideal setting for outdoor entertaining, sunset gatherings, or quiet moments overlooking the city. A Contemporary Urban Sanctuary The completed residence demonstrates the power of thoughtful renovation and expansion within a historic urban neighborhood. By combining contemporary architecture, warm materiality, and an intentional relationship to the surrounding landscape, the project transforms a traditional San Francisco home into a modern sanctuary above the city.

Saturday July 18, Time TBD | Boston The Macallen Building and Court Square Press Courtyard by Michael Blier, RLA, ASLA of Landworks Studio, Inc., with architect Nader Tehrani of NADAAA Located in a rapidly evolving area on the outskirts of South Boston, the Macallen Building condominium community features an award-winning landscape that evokes the neighborhood’s industrial heritage while demonstrating modern principles of sustainable development. Awarded LEED Gold certification in 2008, the project’s attention to sustainability permeates all aspects the three-tiered landscape. Paving materials, tree plantings, and lighting adorn an entry-level courtyard on the ground floor, known as “Macallen Way.” The second level landscape covers the roof of the parking garage, providing recreational space for building residents as well as a graphic garden designed to be viewed from the condominiums above. The third level—including a sloping green roof and terrace garden—is integral to the building’s achievement of LEED certification as the green space is specifically designed to improve stormwater management, ameliorate the urban heat island effect, and provide additional insulation to the building. Through use of these design elements, the landscape greatly diminishes the ecological impact of development and serves as a model for sustainable development throughout the evolving region. In addition to the Macallen Building attendees will also get to visit the adjacent Court Square Press Courtyard which won the American Society of Landscape Architect's 2006 Award of Excellence in the General Design category. The project, which was conceived as a series of fragmented views, is equally compelling both while in the space, and when viewed from above. Photo courtesy Landworks Studio