Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

Custom designed kitchen with stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry and tile work, contemporary lighting and cabinet hardware.
Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Portland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This extensive renovation designed by Eric Rawlings, AIA, LEED AP and built by Arlene Dean, completely transforms the look of the original structure. The main source of inspiration for the new design came from Greene & Greene’s Gamble House, which is considered by many as the pinnacle of the original turn of the century Craftsman Style Homes. Distinctive features from that style include the use of exposed timber framing, low pitched roof forms with large overhangs, gangs of windows, and extensive built-in furniture. The Master Bath has an exposed timber roof structure and well placed windows that invite natural daylighting while providing privacy from the close by neighbors. Photos by Eric Rawlings, AIA, LEEP AP.

From our first meeting with the client, the process focused on a design that was inspired by the Asian Garden Theory. The home is sited to overlook a tranquil saltwater lagoon to the south, which uses barrowed landscaping as a powerful element of design to draw you through the house. Visitors enter through a path of stones floating upon a reflecting pool that extends to the home’s foundations. The centralized entertaining area is flanked by family spaces to the east and private spaces to the west. Large spaces for social gathering are linked with intimate niches of reflection and retreat to create a home that is both spacious yet intimate. Transparent window walls provide expansive views of the garden spaces to create a sense of connectivity between the home and nature. This Asian contemporary home also contains the latest in green technology and design. Photovoltaic panels, LED lighting, VRF Air Conditioning, and a high-performance building envelope reduce the energy consumption. Strategically located loggias and garden elements provide additional protection from the direct heat of the South Florida sun, bringing natural diffused light to the interior and helping to reduce reliance on electric lighting and air conditioning. Low VOC substances and responsibly, locally, and sustainably sourced materials were also selected for both interior and exterior finishes. One of the challenging aspects of this home’s design was to make it appear as if it were floating on one continuous body of water. The reflecting pools and ponds located at the perimeter of the house were designed to be integrated into the foundation of the house. The result is a sanctuary from the hectic lifestyle of South Florida into a reflective and tranquil retreat within. Photography by Sargent Architectual Photography

Photo: Faith Towers Media © 2016 Houzz
Eclectic kids' room photo in New York

Photo: Janis Nicolay A partial renovation and complete furniture package for this home in Vancouver delivered modern and authentic spaces for a young family. The craftsman bones of the house were honoured and a 90’s fireplace was replaced with a modern version that blends into the wainscotting and allows the TV to be recessed above. Modern furniture and lighting were kept in a light neutral palette to emphasize the space and create a feeling of calm treasured after a busy day at the office. A mix of Italian and locally crafted pieces create a layered sense of home and a unique balance of sophistication and casualness. Falken Reynolds added a unique take on Holiday decorating for a feature in Western Living Magazine.

We love this great room for its daring use of color and careful application! While the main upholstered items and case pieces were kept minimal – the room comes to life with the repetitious use of turquoise to teal tones – from the area rug, to sofa pillows, to the cool wallpaper insert in the niche

Vervisch Homes
Transitional family room photo in Detroit

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

Cold Spring Kitchens
Mid-sized elegant porcelain tile kitchen photo in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Blue Bruin Photography
Example of a tuscan kitchen design in Austin

Example of a trendy kitchen design in Seattle

Revamping the laundry room brings a blend of functionality and style to an often-overlooked space. Upgrading appliances to energy-efficient models enhances efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Custom cabinetry and shelving solutions maximize storage for detergents, cleaning supplies, and laundry essentials, promoting an organized and clutter-free environment. Consideration of ergonomic design, such as a folding counter or ironing station, streamlines tasks and adds a touch of convenience. Thoughtful lighting choices, perhaps with LED fixtures or natural light sources, contribute to a bright and inviting atmosphere. Flooring upgrades for durability, such as water-resistant tiles or easy-to-clean materials, can withstand the demands of laundry tasks. Ultimately, a remodeled laundry room not only elevates its practical functionality but also transforms it into a well-designed, efficient space that makes the often-dreaded chore of laundry a more pleasant experience.

The Sleek Hermosa Beach Exterior Renovation was designed to give the homeowners a modern and durable update that could withstand the coastal weather. The project included installing new energy-efficient windows that not only improved the home's curb appeal but also helped with insulation and noise reduction. We applied smooth stucco to create a sleek, contemporary look while enhancing the property's overall resilience. To further protect the home, we implemented top-notch waterproofing techniques, crucial for the beachside location of Hermosa Beach, ensuring long-lasting durability against the ocean air and moisture. Throughout the project, the homeowners shared their vision of a stylish yet low-maintenance exterior. With that in mind, we sourced materials from local suppliers and utilized our extensive experience in coastal renovations to bring their dream to life. The end result is a stunning transformation that not only reflects the homeowner's style but also improves the home's structural integrity, making it a true standout in the neighborhood.

A Truth Window — a small door that reveals the elements behind the plaster — is a tradition in straw bale houses and serves a source of surprise and delight as guests get to see what the walls are made of. This Truth Window is made from an antique cabinet topped with a unique piece of weathered wood found on site. The knothole functions as a secondary Truth Window, showing the color of the structural plasters hidden behind the finish coat.

This beautiful home is an example of what can be achieved on a small lot. Interactive Construction was able to provide these homeowners with a Passive House that fit perfectly into their heritage neighbourhood, onto their narrow lot, and with their personalities. There are huge energy savings built into the design of this home. In keeping with Passive House principles, the house is insulated everywhere to minimize heat loss meaning this house doesn’t require a conventional heat source. There is an extremely efficient Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system that quietly manages airflow throughout the building and takes the heat from showers and cooking before expelling cool, filtered air. Triple glazed windows cut down on heat loss and are almost all openable to aid in cooling instead of a costly air conditioner. Environmental considerations in this build go beyond energy savings. The decision to use prefabricated wall panels and roof trusses to cut down on waste and aid in site storage of lumber. This house’s innovation comes from it being a modern design passive house that it somehow fits very well in a neighbourhood filled with heritage houses. We managed to squeeze a lot of house onto a postage sized lot and still have it feel roomy inside and in the yard. And check out those funky stairs! What the homeowners had to say: Despite the huge and unforeseen challenges of building safely and efficiently during the 2020 Covid pandemic, especially on a very narrow lot, Interactive's exceptional crew and their team of skilled subcontractors delivered our dream house.

Rodwin Architecture and Skycastle Homes Location: Boulder, CO, United States This contemporary mountain home features vaulted ceilings with expansive views and natural daylighting. This home was designed to provide super energy efficiency using technology such as ground source heat pump, passive solar as well as a Photo-voltaic and an energy recovery ventilation systems. All this efficiency along with the serene beauty of a zen garden off the master suite to relax and enjoy the quiet outdoors.

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

Build.com
Inspiration for a modern kitchen remodel in Other