Perched in the foothills of Edna Valley, this single family residence was designed to fulfill the clients’ desire for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Much of the program and architectural forms were driven by the picturesque views of Edna Valley vineyards, visible from every room in the house. Ample amounts of glazing brighten the interior of the home, while framing the classic Central California landscape. Large pocketing sliding doors disappear when open, to effortlessly blend the main interior living spaces with the outdoor patios. The stone spine wall runs from the exterior through the home, housing two different fireplaces that can be enjoyed indoors and out. Because the clients work from home, the plan was outfitted with two offices that provide bright and calm work spaces separate from the main living area. The interior of the home features a floating glass stair, a glass entry tower and two master decks outfitted with a hot tub and outdoor shower. Through working closely with the landscape architect, this rather contemporary home blends into the site to maximize the beauty of the surrounding rural area.

The comfortable elegance of this French-Country inspired home belies the challenges faced during its conception. The beautiful, wooded site was steeply sloped requiring study of the location, grading, approach, yard and views from and to the rolling Pennsylvania countryside. The client desired an old world look and feel, requiring a sensitive approach to the extensive program. Large, modern spaces could not add bulk to the interior or exterior. Furthermore, it was critical to balance voluminous spaces designed for entertainment with more intimate settings for daily living while maintaining harmonic flow throughout. The result home is wide, approached by a winding drive terminating at a prominent facade embracing the motor court. Stone walls feather grade to the front façade, beginning the masonry theme dressing the structure. A second theme of true Pennsylvania timber-framing is also introduced on the exterior and is subsequently revealed in the formal Great and Dining rooms. Timber-framing adds drama, scales down volume, and adds the warmth of natural hand-wrought materials. The Great Room is literal and figurative center of this master down home, separating casual living areas from the elaborate master suite. The lower level accommodates casual entertaining and an office suite with compelling views. The rear yard, cut from the hillside, is a composition of natural and architectural elements with timber framed porches and terraces accessed from nearly every interior space flowing to a hillside of boulders and waterfalls. The result is a naturally set, livable, truly harmonious, new home radiating old world elegance. This home is powered by a geothermal heating and cooling system and state of the art electronic controls and monitoring systems. The roof is simulated slate made from recycled materials. The company for this home is no longer in business but today we specify Inspire by Boral https://www.boralroof.com/product-profile/composite/classic-slate/4IFUE5205/

The trellised terrace opens up to a quieter view of a magnificent existing redwood grove. A bluestone footbridge crosses a bioswale filled with clusters of ornamental grasses and perennials. In the distance, an existing below-grade greenhouse, renovated as part of the project program. Photography by Marion Brenner

Photo: Sarah M. Young | smyphoto
Family room library - mid-sized transitional open concept light wood floor and beige floor family room library idea in Boston with gray walls, no fireplace and a tv stand

Paul Johnson
Example of a country u-shaped medium tone wood floor and beige floor home bar design in New York with dark wood cabinets

Design ideas for a transitional partial sun landscaping in Boston with a pergola.

Example of a kitchen design in New York

Transitional light wood floor kitchen photo in Miami with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, beige backsplash and matchstick tile backsplash

Our clients wanted to create a backyard that would grow with their young family as well as with their extended family and friends. Entertaining was a huge priority! This family-focused backyard was designed to equally accommodate play and outdoor living/entertaining. The outdoor living spaces needed to accommodate a large number of people – adults and kids. Urban Oasis designed a deck off the back door so that the kitchen could be 36” height, with a bar along the outside edge at 42” for overflow seating. The interior space is approximate 600 sf and accommodates both a large dining table and a comfortable couch and chair set. The fire pit patio includes a seat wall for overflow seating around the fire feature (which doubles as a retaining wall) with ample room for chairs. The artificial turf lawn is spacious enough to accommodate a trampoline and other childhood favorites. Down the road, this area could be used for bocce or other lawn games. The concept is to leave all spaces large enough to be programmed in different ways as the family’s needs change. A steep slope presents itself to the yard and is a focal point. Planting a variety of colors and textures mixed among a few key existing trees changed this eyesore into a beautifully planted amenity for the property. Jimmy White Photography

Photo: HomeServices of Illinois, LLC
Kitchen/dining room combo - mid-sized contemporary light wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo idea in Chicago with gray walls and no fireplace

jody brown
Design ideas for a rustic landscaping in Indianapolis.

A little about Finglas Painting, Inc. Luckily, I also had the ability to convey my enthusiasm to customers, to help them understand the difference between a “paint” job and a “refine your home” job. As president of Finglas Painting, I run the day-to-day operations of the company. Yet I also feel an obligation to train and mentor the next generation of painting professionals. I believe the art of fine details in painting must be preserved, as it makes a difference that goes beyond work for individual clients. Even so, my clients inevitably become my friends, and they remain so long after we are through with their projects. I am so proud to be able to say that. Thank you to my friends for helping me add quality, preserve craftsmanship, and make a difference. Finglas Painting, Inc. brings European elegance and craftsmanship to every home. Jody Finglas, owner of Finglas Painting, is the mentor to a team of highly skilled painters that continue a tradition of artisanship. Jody honed his skills under just such an artisan and then took over the business to carry on the tradition. European painters are known for this philosophy: A “good job” isn’t enough. An “excellent job” is what we strive for in a project. We do Interior and exterior painting for the fine homes of Westchester, Fairfield & Rockland Counties. Standard paints in great trending colors to contrast walls excellently taped for perfection, along with oil based gloss crown moulding and trims really add luster to any room. We also do wall paper removal & installation with some of the finest designer’s picks. Did you know that the color of your house can raise the value when you are selling it? We know this and also do ‘selling your house’ light carpentry and painting. Learn more: Services page: http://finglaspainting.com/ About us page: http://finglaspainting.com/ Portfolio page: http://finglaspainting.com/ Home page: http://finglaspainting.com/ Contact page: http://finglaspainting.com/ Reviews: http://finglaspainting.com/ Why us: http://finglaspainting.com/greenwich-westchester-manhattan-quality-paint-professionals/ Client case studies: http://finglaspainting.com/case_studies/ Contractor Looking to hire a painter: http://finglaspainting.com/contractors/ Interior Designer looking to hire a good painter: http://finglaspainting.com/house-painting-interior-design-architects/ How owner looking for painter: http://finglaspainting.com/residential-painting-westchester-nyc-ct/ Realtors looking for painter for selling homes: http://finglaspainting.com/house-painting-realtors/ Paints and refinishing: http://finglaspainting.com/newyorks_best_painters/ Lead Paint removal: http://finglaspainting.com/newyorks_best_painters/ Repaint or Restore?: http://finglaspainting.com/repaint-or-restore-home/ Apprentice program: http://finglaspainting.com/apprentice-program/ Victorian Home painting: http://finglaspainting.com/residential-painting-westchester-nyc-ct/

The goal of this project was to upgrade the builder grade finishes and create an ergonomic space that had a contemporary feel. This bathroom transformed from a standard, builder grade bathroom to a contemporary urban oasis. This was one of my favorite projects, I know I say that about most of my projects but this one really took an amazing transformation. By removing the walls surrounding the shower and relocating the toilet it visually opened up the space. Creating a deeper shower allowed for the tub to be incorporated into the wet area. Adding a LED panel in the back of the shower gave the illusion of a depth and created a unique storage ledge. A custom vanity keeps a clean front with different storage options and linear limestone draws the eye towards the stacked stone accent wall. Houzz Write Up: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/inside-houzz-a-chopped-up-bathroom-goes-streamlined-and-swank-stsetivw-vs~27263720 The layout of this bathroom was opened up to get rid of the hallway effect, being only 7 foot wide, this bathroom needed all the width it could muster. Using light flooring in the form of natural lime stone 12x24 tiles with a linear pattern, it really draws the eye down the length of the room which is what we needed. Then, breaking up the space a little with the stone pebble flooring in the shower, this client enjoyed his time living in Japan and wanted to incorporate some of the elements that he appreciated while living there. The dark stacked stone feature wall behind the tub is the perfect backdrop for the LED panel, giving the illusion of a window and also creates a cool storage shelf for the tub. A narrow, but tasteful, oval freestanding tub fit effortlessly in the back of the shower. With a sloped floor, ensuring no standing water either in the shower floor or behind the tub, every thought went into engineering this Atlanta bathroom to last the test of time. With now adequate space in the shower, there was space for adjacent shower heads controlled by Kohler digital valves. A hand wand was added for use and convenience of cleaning as well. On the vanity are semi-vessel sinks which give the appearance of vessel sinks, but with the added benefit of a deeper, rounded basin to avoid splashing. Wall mounted faucets add sophistication as well as less cleaning maintenance over time. The custom vanity is streamlined with drawers, doors and a pull out for a can or hamper. A wonderful project and equally wonderful client. I really enjoyed working with this client and the creative direction of this project. Brushed nickel shower head with digital shower valve, freestanding bathtub, curbless shower with hidden shower drain, flat pebble shower floor, shelf over tub with LED lighting, gray vanity with drawer fronts, white square ceramic sinks, wall mount faucets and lighting under vanity. Hidden Drain shower system. Atlanta Bathroom.

Jody Finglas. High Gloss painting with HollandLac Brilliant Fine Paints of Europe a little on us: Luckily, I also had the ability to convey my enthusiasm to customers, to help them understand the difference between a “paint” job and a “refine your home” job. As president of Finglas Painting, I run the day-to-day operations of the company. Yet I also feel an obligation to train and mentor the next generation of painting professionals. I believe the art of fine details in painting must be preserved, as it makes a difference that goes beyond work for individual clients. Even so, my clients inevitably become my friends, and they remain so long after we are through with their projects. I am so proud to be able to say that. Thank you to my friends for helping me add quality, preserve craftsmanship, and make a difference. Finglas Painting, Inc. brings European elegance and craftsmanship to every home. Jody Finglas, owner of Finglas Painting, is the mentor to a team of highly skilled painters that continue a tradition of artisanship. Jody honed his skills under just such an artisan and then took over the business to carry on the tradition. European painters are known for this philosophy: A “good job” isn’t enough. An “excellent job” is what we strive for in a project. We do Interior and exterior painting for the fine homes of Westchester, Fairfield & Rockland Counties. Standard paints in great trending colors to contrast walls excellently taped for perfection, along with oil based gloss crown moulding and trims really add luster to any room. We also do wall paper removal & installation with some of the finest designer’s picks. Did you know that the color of your house can raise the value when you are selling it? We know this and also do ‘selling your house’ light carpentry and painting. Learn more: Services page: http://finglaspainting.com/ About us page: http://finglaspainting.com/ Portfolio page: http://finglaspainting.com/ Home page: http://finglaspainting.com/ Contact page: http://finglaspainting.com/ Reviews: http://finglaspainting.com/ Why us: http://finglaspainting.com/greenwich-westchester-manhattan-quality-paint-professionals/ Client case studies: http://finglaspainting.com/case_studies/ Contractor Looking to hire a painter: http://finglaspainting.com/contractors/ Interior Designer looking to hire a good painter: http://finglaspainting.com/house-painting-interior-design-architects/ How owner looking for painter: http://finglaspainting.com/residential-painting-westchester-nyc-ct/ Realtors looking for painter for selling homes: http://finglaspainting.com/house-painting-realtors/ Paints and refinishing: http://finglaspainting.com/newyorks_best_painters/ Lead Paint removal: http://finglaspainting.com/newyorks_best_painters/ Repaint or Restore?: http://finglaspainting.com/repaint-or-restore-home/ Apprentice program: http://finglaspainting.com/apprentice-program/ Victorian Home painting: http://finglaspainting.com/residential-painting-westchester-nyc-ct/

This three-story vacation home for a family of ski enthusiasts features 5 bedrooms and a six-bed bunk room, 5 1/2 bathrooms, kitchen, dining room, great room, 2 wet bars, great room, exercise room, basement game room, office, mud room, ski work room, decks, stone patio with sunken hot tub, garage, and elevator. The home sits into an extremely steep, half-acre lot that shares a property line with a ski resort and allows for ski-in, ski-out access to the mountain’s 61 trails. This unique location and challenging terrain informed the home’s siting, footprint, program, design, interior design, finishes, and custom made furniture. Credit: Samyn-D'Elia Architects

This 1826 Beacon Hill single-family townhouse received upgrades that were seamlessly integrated into the reproduction Georgian-period interior. feature ceiling exposing the existing rough-hewn timbers of the floor above, and custom-sawn black walnut flooring. Circulation for the new master suite was created by a rotunda element, incorporating arched openings through curving walls to access the different program areas. The client’s antique Chinese screen panels were incorporated into new custom closet casework doors, and all new partitions and casework were blended expertly into the existing wainscot and moldings.

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset. The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu . Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home. The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south. Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape. The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature. Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design. Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view. Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Maison D’Artiste Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2023

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset. The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu . Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home. The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south. Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape. The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature. Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design. Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view. Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Maison D’Artiste Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2023

This project combines two existing studio apartments into a compact 800 sqft. live/work space for a young professional couple in the heart of Chelsea, New York. The design required some creative space planning to meet the Owner’s requested program for an open plan solution with a private master bedroom suite and separate study that also allowed for entertaining small parties, including the ability to provide a sleeping space for guests. The solution was to identify areas of overlap within the program that could be addressed with dual-function custom millwork pieces. A bar-stool counter at the open kitchen folds out to become a bench and dining table for formal entertaining. A custom desk folds down with a murphy bed to convert a private study into a guest bedroom area. A series of pocket door connecting the spaces provide both privacy to the master bedroom area when closed, and the option for a completely open layout when opened. A carefully selected material palette brings a warm, tranquil feel to the space. Reclaimed teak floors run seamlessly through the main spaces to accentuate the open layout. Warm gray lacquered millwork, Centaurus granite slabs, and custom oxidized stainless steel details, give an elegant counterpoint to the natural teak floors. The master bedroom suite and study feature custom Afromosia millwork. The bathrooms are finished with cool toned ceramic tile, custom Afromosia vanities, and minimalist chrome fixtures. Custom LED lighting provides dynamic, energy efficient illumination throughout. Photography: Mikiko Kikuyama