Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

We opened up that wall overlooking the family room during this kitchen remodel and added window treatments everywhere. The walls are painted green to accentuate the homeowners favorite cherry wood cabinetry. The granite is Honed Typhoon Bordeaux. The tumbled travertine back splash has a Bordeaux colored glass border. Notice the wine and coffee bars. The wall color in the kitchen is Sherwin Williams Contented 6191 and the family is Sherwin Williams Coastal Plain 6192.

Working within the existing footprint, we devised a plan to take down the wall and boxy staircase separating the kitchen from the living room and entry, maximizing, and drastically forming the open concept living space the client longed for. By removing a third unused patio door and adding a wall adjacent to the dining room, we gained a new kitchen layout, allowing for an oversized centered island, and an additional 14 feet of storage and counterspace, all visible from the front door. The grand vaulted ceilings and arched entry ways add definition and character to this large, airy space. Board and batten trim work, classic iron stair railing and Pastoral wood herringbone floors, prove that when walking into this French country designed home, you’ll immediately feel like you’re somewhere deep in the heart of Provence.

The Crestwood Second Floor Addition project was born from the need of a growing family residing in a 1928 traditional craftsman-style home. With five individuals confined within a 1600 SQFT space, the owners sought additional room without compromising the historical integrity of their beloved abode. Collaborating with a skilled remodeler and architect, the homeowners embarked on a journey to add a second story, seamlessly blending modern functionality with timeless charm. The addition encompasses three bedrooms, one bathroom, and a playroom, totaling 750 sq ft of new living space. To integrate the new level harmoniously with the existing structure, the architect devised a wedding cake base for the stairs and introduced a trayed ceiling above the dining area, enhancing the home's architectural continuity. Floating stairs, positioned strategically to offer picturesque views of the historic neighborhood, add an elegant touch to the dining room. Upstairs, the bathroom showcases a blend of durable and classic materials, featuring brass plumbing fixtures complemented by muted white subway tiles and Vadara Quartz Sereno Blanco counters. A contemporary blue vanity against a backdrop of white beadboard wainscot and diagonally laid black and white cement floor tiles exudes timeless sophistication. Every detail, including crystal door knobs, pays homage to the home's original charm.

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THE PROBLEM Our client had recently purchased a beautiful home on the Merrimack River with breathtaking views. Unfortunately the views did not extend to the primary bedroom which was on the front of the house. In addition, the second floor did not offer a secondary bathroom for guests or other family members. THE SOLUTION Relocating the primary bedroom with en suite bath to the front of the home introduced complex framing requirements, however we were able to devise a plan that met all the requirements that our client was seeking. In addition to a riverfront primary bedroom en suite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a new full bathroom, a small deck was built off the primary bedroom offering expansive views through the full height windows and doors. Updates from custom stained hardwood floors, paint throughout, updated lighting and more completed every room of the floor.

THE PROBLEM Our client had recently purchased a beautiful home on the Merrimack River with breathtaking views. Unfortunately the views did not extend to the primary bedroom which was on the front of the house. In addition, the second floor did not offer a secondary bathroom for guests or other family members. THE SOLUTION Relocating the primary bedroom with en suite bath to the front of the home introduced complex framing requirements, however we were able to devise a plan that met all the requirements that our client was seeking. In addition to a riverfront primary bedroom en suite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a new full bathroom, a small deck was built off the primary bedroom offering expansive views through the full height windows and doors. Updates from custom stained hardwood floors, paint throughout, updated lighting and more completed every room of the floor.

The couple desired to fully utilize their unused attic area in their house, which was built in the 1950’s with a story and a half layout. To make the most of the available square footage, they opted to construct a full shed dormer along the house’s rear side. They devised a detailed plan to transform this space into a functional area with different uses. This included an office for work-related tasks, a 3/4 bathroom for convenience, and a sizable family room. This room was designed to cater to their hobbies like listening to records and storage, indulging in good books, and unwinding in a relaxed setting. The space was also equipped with a gas stove, adding a cozy feel and a touch of vintage style. Being plant enthusiasts, the couple wanted to ensure enough sunlight to nourish their indoor greens. Hence, numerous windows and skylights were thoughtfully added to invite natural light. The new space is a true reflection of the couple’s personality, with its unique finishes and style that echo their fondness for mid-century designs. The outcome is a vibrant, neat, and entertaining area where the couple, along with their pets, can relish for many more years to come.

The design of this remodel of a small two-level residence in Noe Valley reflects the owner's passion for Japanese architecture. Having decided to completely gut the interior partitions, we devised a better-arranged floor plan with traditional Japanese features, including a sunken floor pit for dining and a vocabulary of natural wood trim and casework. Vertical grain Douglas Fir takes the place of Hinoki wood traditionally used in Japan. Natural wood flooring, soft green granite and green glass backsplashes in the kitchen further develop the desired Zen aesthetic. A wall to wall window above the sunken bath/shower creates a connection to the outdoors. Privacy is provided through the use of switchable glass, which goes from opaque to clear with a flick of a switch. We used in-floor heating to eliminate the noise associated with forced-air systems.

Bruno - Designed by Mauro Lipparini A line of sophisticated armchairs with characteristics. Suitable for imposing living rooms, were devised to furnish elegantly and comfortably offices, meeting rooms and all those areas of public settings intended for welcoming. Available in different geometric forms, they share a quality bespoke cut. Bruno, which is distinguished by the curved backrest and contrasting leather insert detailing, has simple painted metal legs available in different colors.

Design trends come and go, but some classic elements never go out of style. Consider this elegant all-white kitchen space - the centerpiece of our clients' sophisticated Upper East Side apartment. Aptly dubbed the "Park Avenue Classic", this u-shaped compact kitchen features our Watermark style custom inset cabinetry, Carrara marble countertops and backsplash, a farmhouse sink, and gorgeous wood floors. In addition to the kitchen space and coordinating rail & stile wainscoting along the hallway, Bakes & Kropp devised a custom plan to outfit the living, dining, and bedroom areas with cleverly designed radiator covers. These concealed storage units beautifully camouflage the homeowner's unsightly HVAC system, but feature removable front panels for easy access and venting for proper air flow.

Robin Stancliff photo credits. My goal for this project was to create a modern, minimalist kitchen that isn’t cold or industrial. The original kitchen was very dark and enclosed, so the first step to enhancing this kitchen was to open it up and create a sense of light and space in the room. By raising the soffit, removing the built-in cabinets, and changing the position of the ovens, microwave, and refrigerator, I was able to create a better layout that maximizes every inch of the kitchen as useful space. I removed the divider wall, tripling the size of the opening from the dining room to the kitchen, and I added natural clear Alder cabinets. My client envisioned a kitchen with two-toned cabinets, so I paired the locally crafted Alder with grey upper cabinets and grey Shaker style cabinets on the island to make it stand out more. I also added wood-look LVT for a stylish yet highly durable kitchen floor. The countertops are Della Terra quartz with a matte finish for a more natural feeling texture that cuts down on glare, and I paired the counters with a grey porcelain subway tile backsplash for easy-cleaning. A unique feature of this kitchen is that the outlets are barely visible, as I hid them underneath the cabinets. I added under-cabinet lighting, and converted the kitchen lights to LED, aside from the Edison lightbulbs in the hanging pendants. The biggest challenge for this project was devising a way to heat and cool the kitchen while working with minimal structural elements. However, by moving the HVAC above the refrigerator the kitchen now has more cooling than it did previously, while having a more modern aesthetic. With natural lighting and abundant storage options, this kitchen is now bright, clean, and de-cluttered.

Cantoni designers Elizabeth Lewis Schramme and Josh Delafuente devise a durable yet sleek white and bright kitchen for a family of six and their new contemporary home. Photos by Michael Hunter.

Design Statement: My design challenge was to create and build a new ultra modern kitchen with a futuristic flare. This state of the art kitchen was to be equipped with an ample amount of usable storage and a better view of the outside while balancing design and function. Some of the project goals were to include the following; a multi-level island with seating for four people, dramatic use of lighting, state of the art appliances, a generous view of the outside and last but not least, to create a kitchen space that looks like no other...”The WOW Factor”. This challenging project was a completely new design and full renovation. The existing kitchen was outdated and in desperate need help. My new design required me to remove existing walls, cabinetry, flooring, plumbing, electric…a complete demolition. My job functions were to be the interior designer, GC, electrician and a laborer. Construction and Design The existing kitchen had one small window in it like many kitchens. The main difficulty was…how to create more windows while gaining more cabinet storage. As a designer, our clients require us to think out of the box and give them something that they may have never dreamed of. I did just that. I created two 8’ glass backsplashes (with no visible supports) on the corner of the house. This was not easy task, engineering of massive blind headers and lam beams were used to support the load of the new floating walls. A generous amount of 48” high wall cabinets flank the new walls and appear floating in air seamlessly above the glass backsplash. Technology and Design The dramatic use of the latest in LED lighting was used. From color changing accent lights, high powered multi-directional spot lights, decorative soffit lights, under cabinet and above cabinet LED tape lights…all to be controlled from wall panels or mobile devises. A built-in ipad also controls not only the lighting, but a climate controlled thermostat, house wide music streaming with individually controlled zones, alarm system, video surveillance system and door bell. Materials and design Large amounts of glass and gloss; glass backsplash, iridescent glass tiles, raised glass island counter top, Quartz counter top with iridescent glass chips infused in it. 24” x 24” high polished porcelain tile flooring to give the appearance of water or glass. The custom cabinets are high gloss lacquer with a metallic fleck. All doors and drawers are Blum soft-close. The result is an ultra sleek and highly sophisticated design. Appliances and design All appliances were chosen for the ultimate in sleekness. These appliances include: a 48” built-in custom paneled subzero refrigerator/freezer, a built-in Miele dishwasher that is so quiet that it shoots a red led light on the floor to let you know that its on., a 36” Miele induction cook top and a built-in 200 bottle wine cooler. Some other cool features are the led kitchen faucet that changes color based on the water temperature. A stainless and glass wall hood with led lights. All duct work was built into the stainless steel toe kicks and grooves were cut into it to release airflow. Photography by Mark Oser

Exterior view of custom home showing Andersen 100 Series windows & La Cantina Bi-Folding doors. ******************** Contractor: Devise Development ********************* Photos taken by a Professional Photographer for builder

The original kitchen layout was dark and closed, obscuring the incredible landscape and views of Seattle’s Hood Canal and Olympic Mountains. The plans devised by the local interior designer and contractor called to open the space, with new windows to showcase the view. The homeowner worked with a CliqStudios.com designer online and over the phone to arrive at a kitchen layout to fit the new open floor plan. A large stainless steel hood over a modern chef's table cooktop is the epicenter for gathering, featuring white quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and the Dayton Cherry Russet cabinet door style from CliqStudios.

The distinguishing feature of the Alvar bed lies in the possibility of plying the bed to every specific need, thanks to the combination of padded platforms devised to create the headboard, the bed surround and the footboard, choosing from various shapes and compositions. The bed can also be ordered with a matching bedside table. The superior level of customization also concerns the type of quilting, the upholstery cover and the color. In the single bed version, Alvar can become a versatile sofa-bed when required, providing a practical interior design solution for various occasions.

Location was a key factor for the developer of these 72 luxury beachfront condominiums in New Rochelle, NY, offering prime real estate with spectacular water views, all within a short commute to New York City. An unusual aspect of this project was the developer’s commitment to offer prospective buyers completely customizable interior buildouts. The architect and developer teamed with Bilotta to devise a program offering 17 stains, 17 paint finishes and a variety of door styles, giving homeowners total control of their kitchen and bathroom details and accessories, a significant and successful selling point. In this particular unit, sand, surf, and sunshine are transported indoors with light-reflecting white cabinetry atop natural oak flooring, punctuated by a slate blue island that seats five. Practical blue-gray quartz countertops are a complementary echo of the island’s hue. A generous molding treatment emphasizes the tall ceiling height. There’s plenty of room for two pantry cabinets, as well as a wine refrigerator in the island. “Flying Saucer” island pendants and a cubist dining chandelier add contemporary flair. The stunning highlight of each residence is a 30-foot-long wall of glass facing the water. With 2,400- 2,700 square feet apiece, the proportions of the open plan kitchen, dining and family room live like a gracious freestanding home. Written by Paulette Gambacorta, adapted for Houzz WatermarkPointe was the vision of National Realty & Development, a Westchester-based real estate owner and developer. Bilotta Designer: Paula Greer Builder: National Realty & Development National Realty & Development

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022