These photos were taken while we were wrapping up this basement renovation; just a few finishing touches to complete. The client now has so much more livable space in their home – perfect for entertaining guests. The once unfinished basement now features a large rec/theater room with projector, mini kitchen, bedroom, full bathroom and bonus room. Checkout the floor lighting on the stairs to increase visibility. We’re confident they’ll enjoy this basement for many years to come.

Set in a quiet neighborhood and framed by mature trees, this residence presented a unique opportunity: to thoughtfully evolve a custom mid-century modern home into a space that supports the everyday rhythms of a growing family. With a deep respect for the home’s original architecture, Klopf Architecture reimagined the house to better meet the needs of its owners—introducing functional improvements while preserving the spirit and character of its mid-century roots. The clients approached Klopf Architecture with a clear vision: refresh their home while seamlessly integrating new programmatic elements. Key goals included clarifying and enhancing the entry sequence; connecting the detached garage to the main house with a practical yet architecturally intentional intervention; adding functional spaces such as a mudroom and laundry room; expanding and remodeling the primary suite’s bathroom and closet; and creating a more engaging outdoor space that capitalized on the site’s impressive views, featuring a fire pit and outdoor kitchen. As a couple with distinct yet complementary perspectives—one focused on modern functionality and technology, and the other dedicated to preserving the home’s architectural integrity—their collaboration with Klopf Architecture resulted in a solution that harmonized both ideals. Their shared commitment to improving the livability of their home led to a design dialogue rooted in balance. This dynamic partnership shaped the direction of the renovation, ensuring that every decision honored the spirit of the original home while aligning with the practical needs of their growing family. Designing within the constraints of the sloped site posed one of the project’s central challenges. The detached garage sat at a higher elevation than the main house, requiring a solution that ensured architectural and geometric compatibility between the two structures. Rather than create a purely utilitarian link, Klopf Architecture introduced an intentional connection that contributes to the overall architectural language. A notable pinch point in the plan—where differing geometries converged—was treated as a hinge point, turning a potentially awkward juncture into an architectural feature. This area now functions as both a transition and a moment of design interest that unifies the overall plan. The design also addressed the underutilized outdoor area, which was located in a shadowed portion of the site with geometrical limitations. A new connection to the rear deck was created in this same area, making the outdoor space more useful and inviting. Klopf Architecture introduced carefully positioned openings and spatial improvements that forged a strong visual and functional connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor area now reads as a deliberate extension of the home, embracing natural light and emphasizing the dramatic views. Working through multiple design iterations, Klopf Architecture crafted a solution that preserved the architectural language of the original home while supporting the functional needs of modern life. The garage-to-house connection became more than a passage—it evolved into an architectural moment of transition. A new mudroom and laundry space enhanced convenience without compromising the clean lines of the design. The primary suite was expanded to create a private, serene retreat. The reimagined backyard, complete with fire pit and kitchen, now plays a vital role in the family’s daily routine and social life. Outcomes and Lasting Impact The result is a home that balances heritage with contemporary design, technical precision with design sensibility. The redesign not only met the clients’ initial goals but also exceeded expectations in its ability to seamlessly blend past and present, function and beauty, making the outdoor kitchen a favorite gathering place. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation has significantly improved daily life for the family. The newly integrated garage connection has streamlined routines, providing a seamless transition between arriving home, storing belongings, and entering the main living spaces. The expanded primary suite offers a retreat-like atmosphere, creating a private space to unwind at the end of the day. The redesigned outdoor areas have also become an extension of their lifestyle—whether it's casual family dinners around the fire pit, entertaining friends in the outdoor kitchen, or simply enjoying the view from the reimagined backyard. Through a thoughtful and strategic approach, the house has been successfully evolved into a home that remains true to its mid-century modern roots while enhancing livability, functionality, and the overall quality of life for the modern-day owners. Klopf Architecture Team: Geoffrey Campen, Fernanda Bernardes Architectural Interior Design: Klopf Architecture Structural Engineer: Base Design Inc. Contractor: Golden Snail Builders Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed:2022

Just 10 days after moving in, our clients reached out to bring their dream kitchen to life. We opened the space into the dining area, reworked the island for better flow, added a beverage bar, extended the upper cabinets to the ceiling with glass fronts, and transformed the pantry for improved function. The result is a warm, inviting kitchen designed for cooking, gathering, and entertaining.

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This Leawood, Kansas primary bathroom remodel was designed to support a growing family's changing needs while creating a more functional and timeless retreat. The existing layout was reimagined to improve daily routines, replacing an underutilized bathtub with a spacious walk-in shower featuring dual showerheads and a transom window that fills the space with natural light while maintaining privacy. The renovation extended beyond the bathroom to enhance the adjoining closet. By reclaiming square footage from the former shower location, the design created additional storage and incorporated a dedicated washer and dryer for greater everyday convenience. Thoughtful planning and purposeful design decisions helped maximize functionality without sacrificing style. Completed just before the homeowners welcomed their new baby, this remodel was designed to simplify daily life while providing a beautiful and enduring space that will serve the family for years to come.

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The owners of this beautiful St. Louis Park home are savvy designers, my longest-term client, and good friends. Years ago, they decided to make this house their “forever” home. They imagined how to expand their home over time to meet the needs of a growing family. My work on this home began in 2008. Our first project added a comfortable second-floor master suite with full bath. We also updated the exterior from dark brown to grey with white accents to enhance curb appeal. In 2012 we remodeled the basement with a big, warm family room and fireplace, updated laundry and utility room, and a custom wet bar. An open staircase invites traffic into the family room, while a child-proof gate to keep the 3-year-old twins safe. More In 2019 we added a two-story addition by extending the first floor into the backyard, creating a large, open kitchen/dining/family space. We reconfigured the existing main floor bath to a roomy ¾ bath with shower, and removed the existing tub. Two existing first-floor bedrooms were updated as well. The second floor was expanded toward the back yard, creating a larger master suite featuring two large 10′ X 10′ custom closets. The second floor was also expanded over a new garage to make room for another new bedroom with a 100 sq. ft. closet. All this transformed their home into a comfortable, full featured four-bedroom home. With all this construction over the years the backyard was in dire need of landscaping. And as before, the owners wanted to do this in phases. The fourth phase has just been completed, and the results are amazing. Like an arboretum, the backyard features mature trees with abundant shade for Minnesota’s hot and humid summers. The patio is perfect for barbecue entertaining. Naturally stained cedar fencing surrounds the yard, and a small utility shed looks mimics the home’s exterior. Notice the second-floor dormer and window on the front of the house, and the first-floor expansion on the back of the house (+ 25 feet) with windows looking into the family room and kitchen. Imagine the view of this backyard from the kitchen table, where owners often work from home. As plants grow over the years and it will only get better. The result: A forever home that grows with this family.

This project showcases the transformation of a modest family cottage into a highly-functional, year-round waterfront retreat. Through a thoughtfully-designed addition and careful reorganization of interior space, the home now seamlessly combines the charm of its original structure with modern comforts and expanded living spaces, all while preserving views of the stunning riverfront setting. Key Features: 1. Expanded Entry and Primary Suite: The newly created entryway offers a spacious and functional welcome to the home, featuring a practical laundry room and ample storage space. The private primary bedroom suite, complete with a modern ensuite bathroom, provides a peaceful sanctuary. 2. Sunroom for Year-Round Enjoyment: A light-filled sunroom extends the home’s outdoor living season by offering protection from the elements, allowing the family to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views throughout the year. The room features warm pine finishes on the walls and ceiling, with timber accents that complement the natural surroundings. 3. New River-Facing Deck: The large deck offers a perfect spot for family gatherings and relaxation, with unimpeded views of the water thanks to the use of a glass railing. Designed for both entertaining and quiet reflection, it’s a key feature that strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor living. 4. Exterior Renovation: The exterior has been fully updated, blending the old cottage’s character with the new additions. A new roof and siding unify the entire structure, giving it a refreshed, cohesive. 5. Reconfigured Interior Spaces: The renovation reorganized key interior spaces, including the relocation of the basement stairs to allow for an expanded completely renovated kitchen and large, open eating area adjacent to the sunroom. This successful renovation enhances both the functionality and aesthetic of the cottage, transforming it into a beautiful, all-season home that meets the evolving needs of its owners while maintaining a strong connection to the waterfront environment.

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This Leawood, Kansas primary bathroom remodel was designed to support a growing family's changing needs while creating a more functional and timeless retreat. The existing layout was reimagined to improve daily routines, replacing an underutilized bathtub with a spacious walk-in shower featuring dual showerheads and a transom window that fills the space with natural light while maintaining privacy. The renovation extended beyond the bathroom to enhance the adjoining closet. By reclaiming square footage from the former shower location, the design created additional storage and incorporated a dedicated washer and dryer for greater everyday convenience. Thoughtful planning and purposeful design decisions helped maximize functionality without sacrificing style. Completed just before the homeowners welcomed their new baby, this remodel was designed to simplify daily life while providing a beautiful and enduring space that will serve the family for years to come.

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