We planned to stain it red, but the natural wood color tempted us to just let it weather naturally. Lynn Osborn
Example of a farmhouse home design design in Boston

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless u-shaped light wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Example of a large classic gender-neutral light wood floor and brown floor dressing room design in Atlanta with raised-panel cabinets and dark wood cabinets

Susan Owens
Inspiration for a timeless bathroom remodel in Los Angeles

Dining room - traditional dining room idea in Other

Mid-sized minimalist backyard ground level privacy and mixed material railing deck photo in New York with a pergola

Large arts and crafts open concept dark wood floor and brown floor family room photo in Other with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Example of a classic home office design in Jacksonville

This young family began working with us after struggling with their previous contractor. They were over budget and not achieving what they really needed with the addition they were proposing. Rather than extend the existing footprint of their house as had been suggested, we proposed completely changing the orientation of their separate kitchen, living room, dining room, and sunroom and opening it all up to an open floor plan. By changing the configuration of doors and windows to better suit the new layout and sight lines, we were able to improve the views of their beautiful backyard and increase the natural light allowed into the spaces. We raised the floor in the sunroom to allow for a level cohesive floor throughout the areas. Their extended kitchen now has a nice sitting area within the kitchen to allow for conversation with friends and family during meal prep and entertaining. The sitting area opens to a full dining room with built in buffet and hutch that functions as a serving station. Conscious thought was given that all “permanent” selections such as cabinetry and countertops were designed to suit the masses, with a splash of this homeowner’s individual style in the double herringbone soft gray tile of the backsplash, the mitred edge of the island countertop, and the mixture of metals in the plumbing and lighting fixtures. Careful consideration was given to the function of each cabinet and organization and storage was maximized. This family is now able to entertain their extended family with seating for 18 and not only enjoy entertaining in a space that feels open and inviting, but also enjoy sitting down as a family for the simple pleasure of supper together.

"Welcome to the epitome of culinary luxury and family togetherness - a meticulously crafted high-end kitchen that is truly the heart of this home. Designed with the needs of a family that cherishes cooking and dining experiences with loved ones in mind, this kitchen is both a chef's paradise and a social hub. Equipped with six state-of-the-art ovens, this kitchen allows for simultaneous cooking of multiple dishes, catering effortlessly to the culinary ambitions of its occupants. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked goods mingling with savory roasts, all prepared with precision and care in this culinary haven. The multiple refrigeration units ensure that fresh ingredients are always at hand, ready to be transformed into delectable meals that bring joy and satisfaction to every dining occasion. With an emphasis on quality and convenience, this kitchen seamlessly combines functionality with elegance, offering a sophisticated setting for culinary creativity. At the center of it all stands a magnificent 6-foot Galley sink, a masterful centerpiece that facilitates efficient meal preparation and cleanup while fostering interaction among family members and guests. This spacious and versatile sink becomes a focal point for collaborative cooking sessions, lively conversations, and shared moments that create lasting memories. In this kitchen, every detail has been meticulously thought out to enhance the experience of both cooking enthusiasts and those who appreciate the pleasure of gathering around a beautifully set table. It is a space where culinary artistry meets familial warmth, where the love of food and the joy of togetherness meld seamlessly to create a truly exceptional dining experience for all who enter its inviting domain."

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.

Inspiration for a contemporary bedroom remodel in Toronto

A multi-level outdoor retreat in Central Park was designed for family entertaining, dining, and play. Concrete pavers paired with Mexican beach pebble channels lead to a cozy steel gas firepit surrounded by Adirondack seating. Above, additional lounge space overlooks a private dining area tucked behind art deco-style panels. Natural turf, crushed granite, and patina steel planters bring softness and texture throughout.

Driveway done in ORCO Antique Cobble in a blend of Tuscany and Chateau
Design ideas for a large traditional partial sun front yard brick landscaping in Orange County.

This luxury suite offers a spin on timeless mid-century design. Organic influences are expressed through clean lines that can be seen in the tulip cocktail table, locally sourced art, and other features that each tell their own story. Unconventional wallpaper and color saturation provide playful juxtaposition within the space, in addition to the contrasting materials and colors that fashion themselves into accordance. In the master bedroom stretches a mystical mountain mural that contrasts Florida's warm weather while, in the adjacent guest bedroom, a deep sea scene complete with fish are a nod to Florida beaches!

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

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

Susan Owens
Home design - traditional home design idea in Los Angeles

This young family began working with us after struggling with their previous contractor. They were over budget and not achieving what they really needed with the addition they were proposing. Rather than extend the existing footprint of their house as had been suggested, we proposed completely changing the orientation of their separate kitchen, living room, dining room, and sunroom and opening it all up to an open floor plan. By changing the configuration of doors and windows to better suit the new layout and sight lines, we were able to improve the views of their beautiful backyard and increase the natural light allowed into the spaces. We raised the floor in the sunroom to allow for a level cohesive floor throughout the areas. Their extended kitchen now has a nice sitting area within the kitchen to allow for conversation with friends and family during meal prep and entertaining. The sitting area opens to a full dining room with built in buffet and hutch that functions as a serving station. Conscious thought was given that all “permanent” selections such as cabinetry and countertops were designed to suit the masses, with a splash of this homeowner’s individual style in the double herringbone soft gray tile of the backsplash, the mitred edge of the island countertop, and the mixture of metals in the plumbing and lighting fixtures. Careful consideration was given to the function of each cabinet and organization and storage was maximized. This family is now able to entertain their extended family with seating for 18 and not only enjoy entertaining in a space that feels open and inviting, but also enjoy sitting down as a family for the simple pleasure of supper together.