Perched on a ridge at the edge of a wooded expanse, this mid-century modern home was designed to embrace both the intimate connection to the forest and the expansive valley views beyond. The site—carefully chosen from the family’s 52-acre homestead in western Wisconsin—balances privacy and openness, placing the home at the meeting point of dense trees and rolling fields. The approach winds through the forest, offering only glimpses of the structure. Upon arrival, the parking area is subtly positioned below the main level, reinforcing the sense of discovery. As one ascends the entry walk, the house unfolds, revealing a dramatic view through the two-story living space, anchored by a brick fireplace that extends from floor to ceiling. The asymmetrical roofline lifts upward, accentuating the openness and maximizing natural light. Inside, warm materials define the interiors. Wood ceilings and floors, complemented by concrete-look tile, establish a natural, grounded aesthetic. Black wood-clad beams provide scale and structure, subtly delineating spaces within the open-plan layout. A wood lattice screen partially conceals the dining area from the foyer, offering both openness and privacy. The kitchen—designed for gathering—features a large island, a dedicated baking station, and a breakfast counter that catches morning light while serving as a pass-through to the adjacent patio. Two textured glass sliding panels allow the kitchen to be closed off when needed. Just beyond, a hidden gem: the home’s personal Tiki room, complete with a vintage mug collection and a full bar. To the east, the central fireplace marks the transition to more intimate spaces. A wide stair, integrated with the hearth, leads to the lower level, while a library with a corner window creates a quiet retreat, perfect for reading and taking in the valley beyond. The primary suite extends off this wing, featuring a spa-like bath with a textured tile walk-in shower, a soaking tub positioned for dramatic views, and a private balcony overlooking the landscape. The lower level is designed for family gatherings and extended stays. A secondary fireplace, echoing the materials of the main level, anchors a cozy living area with an adjacent kitchenette. Additional bedrooms and baths provide ample accommodations, while a hidden playhouse under the stair and a dedicated bunk room add playful touches for visiting grandchildren. The home is a balance of openness and enclosure, modernity and warmth—designed not only as a retreat but as a multigenerational gathering place, deeply connected to the land.

Example of an arts and crafts home design design in DC Metro

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

Elegant one-story exterior home photo in Other with a shingle roof

Example of an arts and crafts exterior home design in Salt Lake City

Design by Christina Marie
Inspiration for a modern home design remodel in Wichita

Elevate your living space with our handcrafted stone fireplace mantels, designed to create a timeless architectural focal point in any home. Our precast and cast stone fireplace surrounds combine classic European craftsmanship with modern durability, making them ideal for new construction, remodels, and multi-unit residential projects. Each mantel is carefully manufactured with clean lines, balanced proportions, and refined detailing such as pilasters, mantel shelves, and elegant inner reveals. Available in a variety of finishes including limestone, travertine, and marble-inspired textures, our fireplace surrounds complement traditional, transitional, Mediterranean, farmhouse, and contemporary interiors. Our mantels are engineered for consistency, structural integrity, and long-lasting beauty. Custom sizing options are available to ensure a perfect fit for your firebox opening and project specifications. Designers, builders, and homeowners appreciate the versatility, quality, and luxury appearance of our stone fireplace surrounds. Whether you are creating a statement fireplace for a living room or sourcing surrounds for a larger residential development, our mantels deliver sophistication, value, and architectural presence.

Example of a large classic u-shaped porcelain tile eat-in kitchen design in San Diego with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

I added additional cabinets, that match the white kitchen cabinets, in the corner of the dining area to provide better storage and to help visually expand the kitchen into the dining area. Lee Photography

Cottage home design photo in Las Vegas

Example of a classic patio design in Milwaukee

This kitchen has a similar style to a galley kitchen, with the cabinetry on two sides of a rectangular space, however the cabinets on one side continue into an open eating area and there was sufficient space to also add an island (not a typical galley feature). With custom shaker-style cabinets, quartz countertops and an elongated hexagonal tile backsplash, this kitchen is beautiful and functional.

We crafted this spacious two-story home in Flowery Branch, GA, featuring an attractive exterior with a mix of stone, brick, and siding. The outer facade boasts board and batten shutters, along with a stylish metal roof accentuating the extended front porch. The porch itself is adorned with flagstone flooring and a wood inlaid ceiling. Upon entering, you're welcomed by an elegant two-story foyer showcasing a curved open banister handrail leading to the upper floor. The open-concept floor plan seamlessly extends from the front to the back, where the dining room meets the family room. Hardwood floors grace the entire living space, and the family room is highlighted by a large stone fireplace and a curved set of windows overlooking the outdoor living area. The expansive kitchen and dining areas were thoughtfully designed with plenty of custom cabinets and countertop space, featuring brushed stainless steel appliances. Additionally, a secondary kitchen is included for food preparation. The delightful master bedroom boasts hardwood flooring and a spacious tray ceiling. The extensive master bath offers a soaking tub, a separate walk-in shower, and his and hers vanities. Notably, the home includes two master suites. Convenience is key with two laundry facilities located in different areas within the home. A bonus room with a kitchenette adds flexibility to the living space. The full daylight basement is roughed in for future expansion possibilities. Outside, the living space extends to a sizable covered patio with flagstone flooring and a wood inlaid ceiling.

Example of a patio design in Boston

Inspiration for a modern l-shaped vinyl floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Vancouver with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Chattanooga Exteriors
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard deck remodel in Nashville with a roof extension

Phillip and Marianne wanted an outdoor space extended from their inside living area. They had a great view onto the veld from their property. We decided to extend that view with Flagstones between ornamental gravel and created a rustic gumpole pergola structure with a fire pit in the centre and benches constructed with Wooden railway sleepers. The rest of the garden we opened up to the veld planting up a forest of Indigenous trees and allowing the veld grass to grow into their existing lawn. the result was a natural space extending the boundary of their inside space to the outside and giving them the feeling of living out into the veld.

Inspiration for a craftsman kitchen remodel in Atlanta

Large elegant stone porch photo in Boise with a roof extension