Builder: Mike Schaap Builders Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Both chic and sleek, this streamlined Art Modern-influenced home is the equivalent of a work of contemporary sculpture and includes many of the features of this cutting-edge style, including a smooth wall surface, horizontal lines, a flat roof and an enduring asymmetrical appeal. Updated amenities include large windows on both stories with expansive views that make it perfect for lakefront lots, with stone accents, floor plan and overall design that are anything but traditional. Inside, the floor plan is spacious and airy. The 2,200-square foot first level features an open plan kitchen and dining area, a large living room with two story windows, a convenient laundry room and powder room and an inviting screened in porch that measures almost 400 square feet perfect for reading or relaxing. The three-car garage is also oversized, with almost 1,000 square feet of storage space. The other levels are equally roomy, with almost 2,000 square feet of living space in the lower level, where a family room with 10-foot ceilings, guest bedroom and bath, game room with shuffleboard and billiards are perfect for entertaining. Upstairs, the second level has more than 2,100 square feet and includes a large master bedroom suite complete with a spa-like bath with double vanity, a playroom and two additional family bedrooms with baths.

Tuscan exterior home photo in Los Angeles

1x6 T&G (Tongue & Groove) (V2E) CEDAR-WRC (Western Red Cedar) SIDING, AYE&BTR (BL Grade Equivalent CLEAR), KD, (Kiln Dried) StainEXT, Cabot's "Bleaching Oil" S1S,(Smooth 1 Side) Smooth Use.

Style of the chairs and carved details affect overall comfort of the room. The top of the line Italian chairs are the equivalent of tailored couture clothes. Regency style carved wood chairs in black finish with antique gold-leaf trim. Chairs have striped ivory upholstery. These upholstered chairs are hand-crafted in Italy

Because of innovative designers, track lighting has come so far in the decorating world. Gone are the days where you want it to be hidden - let's bring on the light! Versatility is the name of the game and Globe Electric is doing it right. Globe Electric’s Grayson 6-Light Adjustable S-Shape Track Lighting has a brushed steel finish and a unique s-shape that brings a new look to a classic design. Each of the six track heads are independently adjustable so you can direct and focus your light where you need it the most. Ideal for use in kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, dining rooms, this fixture allows you to point light exactly where needed without multiple light fixtures. Make your home feel like a swanky loft or an art gallery in one easy step. Includes all mounting hardware for quick and easy installation and six 50W equivalent MR16 halogen light bulbs.

Style of the chairs and carved details affect overall comfort of the room. The top of the line Italian chairs are the equivalent of tailored couture clothes. Louis XVI style beech wood chairs with hand-caned backs, hand-rubbed antiqued walnut finish, antiqued silver leaf accents. Chairs have black muslin upholstery. These carved wood chairs are hand-crafted in Italy

1x6 T&G (Tongue & Groove) (V2E) CEDAR-WRC (Western Red Cedar) SIDING, AYE&BTR (BL Grade Equivalent CLEAR), KD, (Kiln Dried) StainEXT, Cabot's "Bleaching Oil" S1S,(Smooth 1 Side) Smooth Use.

An aerial video & photography is the way to show your development project. This unique service demonstrates a standard spin view from any altitude up to 400 feet. This service is great for developers who are building high rises condominiums that are still under construction or yet to be constructed and want to sell "The View" units not yet complete. Creating a 360 Panorama from the equivalent altitude of lets say every 5-10 floors can help buyers decide what floor they want to purchase and help sellers decided how much to charge. Altitude is measured by onboard GPS in meters and is accurate to within about six feet. Some clients want to show future views from various future floors of a building soon to be constructed to sell apartments or condos at according to their view.

1x4 CUSTOM SIZE (Custom Milled Shadow Gap 1/4 inch Reveal) CEDAR-IRC SIDING, D&BTR (BL Grade Equivalent NEAR CLEAR), KD, Stained S1S, Smooth Use. Cabot's 3000 Transparent Oil Based Stain

1x6 T&G (V2E) CEDAR-WRC SIDING, AYE&BTR (BL Grade Equivalent CLEAR), KD, StainEXT, S1S, Smooth Use. Stained to Match Olympic 717 "Redwood" Semi-transparent Oil Based- Smooth Face

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

Inspiration for a huge transitional backyard stone and custom-shaped infinity hot tub remodel

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

1x6 T&G (V2E) CEDAR-WRC SIDING, AYE&BTR (BL Grade Equivalent CLEAR), KD, StainEXT, S1S, Smooth Use. Stained to Match Olympic 717 "Redwood" Semi-transparent Oil Based- Smooth Face

1x6 T&G (Tongue&Groove) (V4E) CEDAR-WRC (Western Red Cedar) SIDING, AYE&BTR (BL Grade Equivalent CLEAR), KD, (Kiln Dried) StainEXT, TWP- 1501 Cedartone Semi-transparent Oil Based, RESAWN, Rough Use.

Photos: Gordon King, Design: Judy Sabourin
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Ottawa

office staged LaurieB
Inspiration for a large transitional freestanding desk light wood floor home design remodel in Vancouver with green walls

Inspiration for a large farmhouse open concept marble floor living room remodel in Mumbai with multicolored walls

This project was commissioned by one of our regular tradesmen - a huge vote of confidence when our builders want these houses for themselves! One of the least expensive houses we’ve built to date, proving that near-passive house efficiency can be coupled with construction costs equivalent to code-built custom costs. This project was designed to eventually be net-zero, and the solar array necessary to provide all energy to this house was priced under $20,000 installed.