Example of a huge classic underground carpeted basement design in Denver with beige walls

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

Staircase - transitional staircase idea in Other

Kids' room - transitional kids' room idea in DC Metro

Example of a transitional dining room design in DC Metro

Transitional exterior home photo in DC Metro

Homeowner Services of Michigan is thrilled to present our latest project: a stunning two-story home addition designed to elevate both functionality and aesthetics for our client. This comprehensive renovation includes a home gym, utility room, home office, and an expanded four seasons room, all crafted with meticulous attention to detail and quality. Formally a three-season room, the homeowners loved this area of their home -spending most of their free time enjoying the scenic beauty of the rural Chelsea, Michigan landscape. Home Gym and Utility Room: The ground floor features a state-of-the-art home gym, providing a dedicated space for fitness and well-being. Adjacent to the gym is a spacious utility room, designed for maximum efficiency and convenience. Home Office: On the upper level, we've created a serene home office. This space is thoughtfully designed to foster productivity and comfort, offering a quiet retreat for work or study. Expanded Four Seasons Room: The centerpiece of this addition is the expanded four seasons room. With French doors, a vaulted ceiling, and custom windows, this space is bathed in natural light and offers breathtaking views of the outdoors. The room opens onto a new TREX composite deck, featuring the elegant Westbury aluminum railing system. This seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces creates a perfect environment for relaxation and entertaining. This two-story home addition by Homeowner Services of Michigan not only enhances the home's functionality but also significantly increases its aesthetic appeal and value. Each element of this project was executed with precision, ensuring a flawless integration with the existing structure and an exceptional living experience for our client. Now, they can enjoy the vaulted ceilings and expansive view of this beautiful room all year.

Transitional home design photo in DC Metro

A family in McLean VA decided to remodel two levels of their home. There was wasted floor space and disconnections throughout the living room and dining room area. The family room was very small and had a closet as washer and dryer closet. Two walls separating kitchen from adjacent dining room and family room. After several design meetings, the final blue print went into construction phase, gutting entire kitchen, family room, laundry room, open balcony. We built a seamless main level floor. The laundry room was relocated and we built a new space on the second floor for their convenience. The family room was expanded into the laundry room space, the kitchen expanded its wing into the adjacent family room and dining room, with a large middle Island that made it all stand tall. The use of extended lighting throughout the two levels has made this project brighter than ever. A walk -in pantry with pocket doors was added in hallway. We deleted two structure columns by the way of using large span beams, opening up the space. The open foyer was floored in and expanded the dining room over it. All new porcelain tile was installed in main level, a floor to ceiling fireplace(two story brick fireplace) was faced with highly decorative stone. The second floor was open to the two story living room, we replaced all handrails and spindles with Rod iron and stained handrails to match new floors. A new butler area with under cabinet beverage center was added in the living room area. The den was torn up and given stain grade paneling and molding to give a deep and mysterious look to the new library. The powder room was gutted, redefined, one doorway to the den was closed up and converted into a vanity space with glass accent background and built in niche. Upscale appliances and decorative mosaic back splash, fancy lighting fixtures and farm sink are all signature marks of the kitchen remodel portion of this amazing project. I don't think there is only one thing to define the interior remodeling of this revamped home, the transformation has been so grand.

Planting on either side of the path creates more of an invitation to the yard beyond.
Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in Columbus.

A mocha granite composite sink coordinates with the bronze hardware and creates consistency with the rustic style
Kitchen - large rustic kitchen idea in Other with granite countertops and stone tile backsplash

Example of a transitional family room design in DC Metro

These Hanover, MA clients came to Renovisions as they wanted a local design-build company to rework and expand their small and outdated 1980’s colonial kitchen. We collaborated and created an expanded 12’x15’ addition space to accommodate a newly designed kitchen which is now 21’x15’. Before we began with the construction process, proper structural engineering presented a challenge as the property was built on ledge. As expected, we determined that several concrete supports were necessary and needed to be built to support the expanded structure. Our plan included both creative aesthetic and functional layout modifications to transform this ordinary kitchen into a spacious, well-lit, highly functional, stylish and welcoming space to cook, gather and entertain. The bump-out allowed for more functional cabinetry and a dining table which before was placed in a corner of the previous cramped kitchen. Now, there is a wide open space from the adjacent living room and a clear path to a 5’ French door opening to the pool deck. The homeowners also elected for us to extend a new roof over their existing deck creating a nice shaded space to entertain guests. The island, which serves as the central gathering spot. is eye catching with contrasting dark cocoa colored cabinets and stunning natural looking Cambria quartz countertops. Large, easily accessible deep drawers provide much needed storage for pots, pans and lids as well as expansive countertop space for everyday prep and family get-togethers. Overall, the clients were thrilled with their Renovision and cannot wait to throw a party to show off their stunning kitchen. “There is not a single choice we aren’t happy with; it is so us! I love all of the storage and I have a feeling we are going to do a lot of entertaining this summer.” “Dear Cathy and Ed, We are abundantly grateful for the entire Renovisions Team that have provided us with a beautiful kitchen and porch to enjoy. We will continue to make family memories for many years to come with this new addition. From the first time we met with you at the showroom, we were confident that high quality workmanship would go into our new construction. Mike, Brad, and Tom were very trustworthy and worked very hard every day they were on the job site. They were very flexible and always put the homeowners safety first. They even offered a bit of comic relief! Every night the site was cleaned meticulously, never leaving tools or sharp edges of any sort in the open space. We were also very pleased with the help offered when designing and choosing cabinets, tile and other finishes. Liz was always very helpful and patient to answer questions when we came by the showroom. We are extremely pleased with all the choices and on a daily basis we enjoy the warmth and amazing space it provides. We recently hosted a retirement party for 70 people and it never felt crowed! We relax under the covered porch in the morning for coffee, the afternoon for lunch and to watch the grandkids in the pool. And of course in the evening while we read or catch up on emails. It is an amazing space! Thank you all again, for your hard work and passion for your craftsmanship. We will be in touch soon to set up a date for you all to drop by to see the finishing touches and to enjoy refreshments.” - Paul & Beth H. (Hanover)

Exterior home idea in DC Metro

Transitional bathroom photo in DC Metro

Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in San Diego.

It's a little difficult to label this a "mud room" with the beautiful finishes and generous shelving and closet space.
Example of a large transitional travertine floor entryway design in Denver with beige walls and a dark wood front door

Arts and crafts exterior home photo in DC Metro