Photo: Mariko Reed
Inspiration for a 1950s bathroom remodel in San Francisco

Inspiration for a mid-sized 1950s freestanding desk beige floor and wood ceiling study room remodel in Orange County with white walls

2008 kitchen and home remodel of 1964 Eichler "Double A" home. Columbia cabinets and Kitchen Aid appliances. Wenge finish on cabinets.
Kitchen - mid-sized mid-century modern galley porcelain tile kitchen idea in San Francisco with dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, brown backsplash, matchstick tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and white countertops

Klopf Architecture and Jesse Ososki Art remodeled an existing Eichler atrium home into a brighter, more open, and more functional version of its original self. The goals were to preserve the Eichler look and feel without the need to strictly adhere to it. The scope of work included re-configuring the master bedroom/bath, the kitchen, and the hall bath/laundry area, as well as updating interior finishes throughout to be more sophisticated. The owners are detail-oriented and were very involved in the design process, down to the selection of lighting controls and stainless steel faceplates.Their design aesthetic leans toward the Scandinavian — light and bright, with simple straight lines and pure geometric shapes. The finish flooring is large porcelain tile (24” x 24”) in a neutral grey tone, providing a uniform backdrop against which other materials can stand out. The same tile continues into the shower floor (with a different finish texture for slip-resistance) and up the shower/tub walls (in a smaller size). Heath Classic Field ceramic tile in Modern Blue was used sparingly, to add color at the hall bath vanity backsplash and at the shampoo niches in both bathrooms. Back-painted soda glass in pale blue to match the Heath tile was used at the kitchen backsplash. This same accent color was also used at the front entry atrium door. Kitchen cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and light fixtures are all white, making the kitchen feel more airy and light. Countertops are Caesarstone Blizzard. The owners chose to keep some of the original Eichler elements: the concrete masonry fireplace; the stained tongue-and-groove redwood ceiling decking; and the luan wall paneling. The luan paneling was lightly sanded, cleaned, and re-stained. The owners also kept an added element that was installed by a previous owner: sliding shoji panels at all bedroom windows and sliding glass doors, for both privacy and sun control. Grooves were cut into the new tile flooring for the shoji panels to slide in, creating a more integrated look. Walnut was used to add warmth and contrast at the kitchen bar top and niche, the bathroom vanities, and the window sill/ledge under the kitchen window. This Burlingame Eichler Remodel is a 2,121 sf, 4 bedroom/2 bath home located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane and Yegvenia Torres Zavala Contractor: Jesse Ososki Art Structural Engineer: Emmanuel Pun Photography ©2018 Mariko Reed Location: Burlingame, CA Year completed: 2017

Klopf Architecture and Jesse Ososki Art remodeled an existing Eichler atrium home into a brighter, more open, and more functional version of its original self. The goals were to preserve the Eichler look and feel without the need to strictly adhere to it. The scope of work included re-configuring the master bedroom/bath, the kitchen, and the hall bath/laundry area, as well as updating interior finishes throughout to be more sophisticated. The owners are detail-oriented and were very involved in the design process, down to the selection of lighting controls and stainless steel faceplates.Their design aesthetic leans toward the Scandinavian — light and bright, with simple straight lines and pure geometric shapes. The finish flooring is large porcelain tile (24” x 24”) in a neutral grey tone, providing a uniform backdrop against which other materials can stand out. The same tile continues into the shower floor (with a different finish texture for slip-resistance) and up the shower/tub walls (in a smaller size). Heath Classic Field ceramic tile in Modern Blue was used sparingly, to add color at the hall bath vanity backsplash and at the shampoo niches in both bathrooms. Back-painted soda glass in pale blue to match the Heath tile was used at the kitchen backsplash. This same accent color was also used at the front entry atrium door. Kitchen cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and light fixtures are all white, making the kitchen feel more airy and light. Countertops are Caesarstone Blizzard. The owners chose to keep some of the original Eichler elements: the concrete masonry fireplace; the stained tongue-and-groove redwood ceiling decking; and the luan wall paneling. The luan paneling was lightly sanded, cleaned, and re-stained. The owners also kept an added element that was installed by a previous owner: sliding shoji panels at all bedroom windows and sliding glass doors, for both privacy and sun control. Grooves were cut into the new tile flooring for the shoji panels to slide in, creating a more integrated look. Walnut was used to add warmth and contrast at the kitchen bar top and niche, the bathroom vanities, and the window sill/ledge under the kitchen window. This Burlingame Eichler Remodel is a 2,121 sf, 4 bedroom/2 bath home located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane and Yegvenia Torres Zavala Contractor: Jesse Ososki Art Structural Engineer: Emmanuel Pun Photography ©2018 Mariko Reed Location: Burlingame, CA Year completed: 2017

Floor to ceiling windows allow maximum light and a feeling of openness that brings the outside in. All new trims, baseboards and doors in the redone family room. All new, modern lighting was installed. Heated du chateau flooring was added. The fireplace was reconfigured to allow for a wide-screen TV on the family room side of this vaulted, open space. Bruce Damonte Photography

Living Room and Family Room are one large room with a vaulted ceiling separated by a brick fireplace pillar. The fireplace pillar was reconfigured to allow for a wide-screen TV on the family room side. All new trims, baseboards and doors in the redone living room. All new, modern lighting was installed. Heated du chateau flooring was added. Bruce Damonte Photography

Klopf Architecture and Jesse Ososki Art remodeled an existing Eichler atrium home into a brighter, more open, and more functional version of its original self. The goals were to preserve the Eichler look and feel without the need to strictly adhere to it. The scope of work included re-configuring the master bedroom/bath, the kitchen, and the hall bath/laundry area, as well as updating interior finishes throughout to be more sophisticated. The owners are detail-oriented and were very involved in the design process, down to the selection of lighting controls and stainless steel faceplates.Their design aesthetic leans toward the Scandinavian — light and bright, with simple straight lines and pure geometric shapes. The finish flooring is large porcelain tile (24” x 24”) in a neutral grey tone, providing a uniform backdrop against which other materials can stand out. The same tile continues into the shower floor (with a different finish texture for slip-resistance) and up the shower/tub walls (in a smaller size). Heath Classic Field ceramic tile in Modern Blue was used sparingly, to add color at the hall bath vanity backsplash and at the shampoo niches in both bathrooms. Back-painted soda glass in pale blue to match the Heath tile was used at the kitchen backsplash. This same accent color was also used at the front entry atrium door. Kitchen cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and light fixtures are all white, making the kitchen feel more airy and light. Countertops are Caesarstone Blizzard. The owners chose to keep some of the original Eichler elements: the concrete masonry fireplace; the stained tongue-and-groove redwood ceiling decking; and the luan wall paneling. The luan paneling was lightly sanded, cleaned, and re-stained. The owners also kept an added element that was installed by a previous owner: sliding shoji panels at all bedroom windows and sliding glass doors, for both privacy and sun control. Grooves were cut into the new tile flooring for the shoji panels to slide in, creating a more integrated look. Walnut was used to add warmth and contrast at the kitchen bar top and niche, the bathroom vanities, and the window sill/ledge under the kitchen window. This Burlingame Eichler Remodel is a 2,121 sf, 4 bedroom/2 bath home located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane and Yegvenia Torres Zavala Contractor: Jesse Ososki Art Structural Engineer: Emmanuel Pun Photography ©2018 Mariko Reed Location: Burlingame, CA Year completed: 2017

Klopf Architecture and Jesse Ososki Art remodeled an existing Eichler atrium home into a brighter, more open, and more functional version of its original self. The goals were to preserve the Eichler look and feel without the need to strictly adhere to it. The scope of work included re-configuring the master bedroom/bath, the kitchen, and the hall bath/laundry area, as well as updating interior finishes throughout to be more sophisticated. The owners are detail-oriented and were very involved in the design process, down to the selection of lighting controls and stainless steel faceplates.Their design aesthetic leans toward the Scandinavian — light and bright, with simple straight lines and pure geometric shapes. The finish flooring is large porcelain tile (24” x 24”) in a neutral grey tone, providing a uniform backdrop against which other materials can stand out. The same tile continues into the shower floor (with a different finish texture for slip-resistance) and up the shower/tub walls (in a smaller size). Heath Classic Field ceramic tile in Modern Blue was used sparingly, to add color at the hall bath vanity backsplash and at the shampoo niches in both bathrooms. Back-painted soda glass in pale blue to match the Heath tile was used at the kitchen backsplash. This same accent color was also used at the front entry atrium door. Kitchen cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and light fixtures are all white, making the kitchen feel more airy and light. Countertops are Caesarstone Blizzard. The owners chose to keep some of the original Eichler elements: the concrete masonry fireplace; the stained tongue-and-groove redwood ceiling decking; and the luan wall paneling. The luan paneling was lightly sanded, cleaned, and re-stained. The owners also kept an added element that was installed by a previous owner: sliding shoji panels at all bedroom windows and sliding glass doors, for both privacy and sun control. Grooves were cut into the new tile flooring for the shoji panels to slide in, creating a more integrated look. Walnut was used to add warmth and contrast at the kitchen bar top and niche, the bathroom vanities, and the window sill/ledge under the kitchen window. This Burlingame Eichler Remodel is a 2,121 sf, 4 bedroom/2 bath home located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane and Yegvenia Torres Zavala Contractor: Jesse Ososki Art Structural Engineer: Emmanuel Pun Photography ©2018 Mariko Reed Location: Burlingame, CA Year completed: 2017

Dean J. Birinyi
Trendy patio photo in San Francisco with no cover

Example of a 1960s concrete patio kitchen design in Los Angeles with a roof extension

Klopf Architecture and Jesse Ososki Art remodeled an existing Eichler atrium home into a brighter, more open, and more functional version of its original self. The goals were to preserve the Eichler look and feel without the need to strictly adhere to it. The scope of work included re-configuring the master bedroom/bath, the kitchen, and the hall bath/laundry area, as well as updating interior finishes throughout to be more sophisticated. The owners are detail-oriented and were very involved in the design process, down to the selection of lighting controls and stainless steel faceplates.Their design aesthetic leans toward the Scandinavian — light and bright, with simple straight lines and pure geometric shapes. The finish flooring is large porcelain tile (24” x 24”) in a neutral grey tone, providing a uniform backdrop against which other materials can stand out. The same tile continues into the shower floor (with a different finish texture for slip-resistance) and up the shower/tub walls (in a smaller size). Heath Classic Field ceramic tile in Modern Blue was used sparingly, to add color at the hall bath vanity backsplash and at the shampoo niches in both bathrooms. Back-painted soda glass in pale blue to match the Heath tile was used at the kitchen backsplash. This same accent color was also used at the front entry atrium door. Kitchen cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and light fixtures are all white, making the kitchen feel more airy and light. Countertops are Caesarstone Blizzard. The owners chose to keep some of the original Eichler elements: the concrete masonry fireplace; the stained tongue-and-groove redwood ceiling decking; and the luan wall paneling. The luan paneling was lightly sanded, cleaned, and re-stained. The owners also kept an added element that was installed by a previous owner: sliding shoji panels at all bedroom windows and sliding glass doors, for both privacy and sun control. Grooves were cut into the new tile flooring for the shoji panels to slide in, creating a more integrated look. Walnut was used to add warmth and contrast at the kitchen bar top and niche, the bathroom vanities, and the window sill/ledge under the kitchen window. This Burlingame Eichler Remodel is a 2,121 sf, 4 bedroom/2 bath home located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane and Yegvenia Torres Zavala Contractor: Jesse Ososki Art Structural Engineer: Emmanuel Pun Photography ©2018 Mariko Reed Location: Burlingame, CA Year completed: 2017

Klopf Architecture and Jesse Ososki Art remodeled an existing Eichler atrium home into a brighter, more open, and more functional version of its original self. The goals were to preserve the Eichler look and feel without the need to strictly adhere to it. The scope of work included re-configuring the master bedroom/bath, the kitchen, and the hall bath/laundry area, as well as updating interior finishes throughout to be more sophisticated. The owners are detail-oriented and were very involved in the design process, down to the selection of lighting controls and stainless steel faceplates.Their design aesthetic leans toward the Scandinavian — light and bright, with simple straight lines and pure geometric shapes. The finish flooring is large porcelain tile (24” x 24”) in a neutral grey tone, providing a uniform backdrop against which other materials can stand out. The same tile continues into the shower floor (with a different finish texture for slip-resistance) and up the shower/tub walls (in a smaller size). Heath Classic Field ceramic tile in Modern Blue was used sparingly, to add color at the hall bath vanity backsplash and at the shampoo niches in both bathrooms. Back-painted soda glass in pale blue to match the Heath tile was used at the kitchen backsplash. This same accent color was also used at the front entry atrium door. Kitchen cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and light fixtures are all white, making the kitchen feel more airy and light. Countertops are Caesarstone Blizzard. The owners chose to keep some of the original Eichler elements: the concrete masonry fireplace; the stained tongue-and-groove redwood ceiling decking; and the luan wall paneling. The luan paneling was lightly sanded, cleaned, and re-stained. The owners also kept an added element that was installed by a previous owner: sliding shoji panels at all bedroom windows and sliding glass doors, for both privacy and sun control. Grooves were cut into the new tile flooring for the shoji panels to slide in, creating a more integrated look. Walnut was used to add warmth and contrast at the kitchen bar top and niche, the bathroom vanities, and the window sill/ledge under the kitchen window. This Burlingame Eichler Remodel is a 2,121 sf, 4 bedroom/2 bath home located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane and Yegvenia Torres Zavala Contractor: Jesse Ososki Art Structural Engineer: Emmanuel Pun Photography ©2018 Mariko Reed Location: Burlingame, CA Year completed: 2017

Joseph Eichler developed his moderately priced houses for the mass-market starting in 1949. His homes were designed using affordable materials and simple construction techniques. Nearly 70 years later these homes are in need of updating and remodeling an Eichler home today can become an imposing and costly project if you’re not careful. For this project the clients, who had undergone several previous house renovations, were determined to stick with an established budget from the beginning. Klopf Architecture helped them modernize their Eichler with a premium appearance on a reasonable budget. The clients challenged the Klopf team to create a design that had a high-end feel and nicely done while adhering to their budget. That meant not all of the initial project scope could be built. Like many other Eichler homes, the original floor plan did not meet the family’s needs leaving them feeling disconnected from one room to another. While an early goal was to expand the house into a carport and create a larger garage, it did not survive the contractor pricing phase of the project. The goals that did survive through to the end of the project included blurring some of the boundaries and opening up some of the spaces, making them more functional and creating a smoother flow in the house. The Klopf team joined the former separate kitchen and formal living room into one large space and shift the dining room where it is now connected to the kitchen. Klopf swapped the family room to the front alongside the living room, so the spaces feel more cohesive and are now better suited for family activities. The functional layout of the master bathroom was changed to include a large, curbless shower. Installing a complete IKEA kitchen including cabinets, countertops, appliances, light fixtures, and furnishings was key to staying within budget. Bath fixtures in this house are also exclusively IKEA. Klopf Architecture has designed many homes using IKEA products, which are quite compatible offering an affordable, contemporary take on Eichler homes. The clients saved additional money from the simplicity and availability of IKEA products and by orchestrating the orders and purchases themselves. Following each construction meeting, the clients would make a run to IKEA and purchase items, pick up needed spare parts, and bring them back right away to stay ahead of the contractor’s schedule and minimize the chance of delays and bottlenecks. Klopf balanced material selections by retaining some of the original woodwork and simply refinishing the mahogany paneling. They were able to retain the original windows and sliding doors which were still in good shape, avoiding some of the most costly replacement expenses. Additionally interior doors were simply refinished and the exterior siding cleaned up and repainted. Formerly dark interiors are now illuminated with new slimmer semi-recessed lighting eliminating the need for costly roof work. Attention to design details allowed the Klopf team to ensure the house ended up with a high quality feel. Key visual elements were strictly aligned and Klopf worked with the clients to select a unified materials palette throughout the spaces so the house flows seamlessly together. Aligning the tile layout with the trusses and keeping it level with the concrete slab outside allowed them to achieve a level of quality that may otherwise be missed. The clients were able to keep their budget on track by determining clear goals and making critical decisions upfront, choosing materials and furnishings wisely, working with the right design and construction teams in place and to a large part, their willingness to participate throughout the process. In the end the clients were much happier with their reconfigured Eichler home and Klopf Architecture managed to keep their remodeling costs to about $325/sf – a good amount below the average Bay Area Eichler remodel. Project Team: John Klopf, Angela Todorova, Sherry Tan Contractor: Keycon Construction Structural Engineer: Sezen & Moon Photography: Sabrina Huang Year Completed: 2020

Kitchen - 1950s kitchen idea in San Francisco

This powder room is part of the conversion of a wine room in the garage. That room was remodeled and rebuilt into a laundry room and a powder room. Dubbed "the disco bathroom" its fuchsia and silver wall covering has outlines of rainbows, stars, private airplanes and muscle cars. Bruce Damonte Photography

Joseph Eichler developed his moderately priced houses for the mass-market starting in 1949. His homes were designed using affordable materials and simple construction techniques. Nearly 70 years later these homes are in need of updating and remodeling an Eichler home today can become an imposing and costly project if you’re not careful. For this project the clients, who had undergone several previous house renovations, were determined to stick with an established budget from the beginning. Klopf Architecture helped them modernize their Eichler with a premium appearance on a reasonable budget. The clients challenged the Klopf team to create a design that had a high-end feel and nicely done while adhering to their budget. That meant not all of the initial project scope could be built. Like many other Eichler homes, the original floor plan did not meet the family’s needs leaving them feeling disconnected from one room to another. While an early goal was to expand the house into a carport and create a larger garage, it did not survive the contractor pricing phase of the project. The goals that did survive through to the end of the project included blurring some of the boundaries and opening up some of the spaces, making them more functional and creating a smoother flow in the house. The Klopf team joined the former separate kitchen and formal living room into one large space and shift the dining room where it is now connected to the kitchen. Klopf swapped the family room to the front alongside the living room, so the spaces feel more cohesive and are now better suited for family activities. The functional layout of the master bathroom was changed to include a large, curbless shower. Installing a complete IKEA kitchen including cabinets, countertops, appliances, light fixtures, and furnishings was key to staying within budget. Bath fixtures in this house are also exclusively IKEA. Klopf Architecture has designed many homes using IKEA products, which are quite compatible offering an affordable, contemporary take on Eichler homes. The clients saved additional money from the simplicity and availability of IKEA products and by orchestrating the orders and purchases themselves. Following each construction meeting, the clients would make a run to IKEA and purchase items, pick up needed spare parts, and bring them back right away to stay ahead of the contractor’s schedule and minimize the chance of delays and bottlenecks. Klopf balanced material selections by retaining some of the original woodwork and simply refinishing the mahogany paneling. They were able to retain the original windows and sliding doors which were still in good shape, avoiding some of the most costly replacement expenses. Additionally interior doors were simply refinished and the exterior siding cleaned up and repainted. Formerly dark interiors are now illuminated with new slimmer semi-recessed lighting eliminating the need for costly roof work. Attention to design details allowed the Klopf team to ensure the house ended up with a high quality feel. Key visual elements were strictly aligned and Klopf worked with the clients to select a unified materials palette throughout the spaces so the house flows seamlessly together. Aligning the tile layout with the trusses and keeping it level with the concrete slab outside allowed them to achieve a level of quality that may otherwise be missed. The clients were able to keep their budget on track by determining clear goals and making critical decisions upfront, choosing materials and furnishings wisely, working with the right design and construction teams in place and to a large part, their willingness to participate throughout the process. In the end the clients were much happier with their reconfigured Eichler home and Klopf Architecture managed to keep their remodeling costs to about $325/sf – a good amount below the average Bay Area Eichler remodel. Project Team: John Klopf, Angela Todorova, Sherry Tan Contractor: Keycon Construction Structural Engineer: Sezen & Moon Photography: Sabrina Huang Year Completed: 2020

Klopf Architecture completely remodeled this once dark Eichler house in Palo Alto creating a more open, bright and functional family home. The reconfigured great room with new full height windows and sliding glass doors blends the indoors with the newly landscaped patio and seating areas outside. The former galley kitchen was relocated and was opened up to have clear sight lines through the great room and out to the patios and yard, including a large island and a beautiful walnut bar countertop with seating. An integrated small front addition was added allowing for a more spacious master bath and hall bath layouts. With the removal of the old brick fireplace, larger sliding glass doors and multiple skylights now flood the home with natural light. The goals were to work within the Eichler style while creating a more open, indoor-outdoor flow and functional spaces, as well as a more efficient building envelope including a well insulated roof, providing solutions that many Eichler homeowners appreciate. The original entryway lacked unique details; the clients desired a more gracious front approach. The historic Eichler color palette was used to create a modern updated front facade. Durable grey porcelain floor tiles unify the entire home, creating a continuous flow. They, along with white walls, provide a backdrop for the unique elements and materials to stand on their own, such as the brightly colored mosaic tiles, the walnut bar and furniture, and stained ceiling boards. A secondary living space was extended out to the patio with the addition of a bench and additional seating. This Single family Eichler 4 bedroom 2 bath remodel is located in the heart of the Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane, and Ethan Taylor Contractor: Coast to Coast Construction Landscape Contractor: Discelli Structural Engineer: Brian Dotson Consulting Engineer Photography ©2018 Mariko Reed Location: Palo Alto, CA Year completed: 2017

Kitchen and dining form a continuous social space.
Example of a large 1960s l-shaped porcelain tile, gray floor and wood ceiling open concept kitchen design in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops