Mid-sized transitional home design photo

Classic Home Improvements built this tile roof patio cover to extend the patio and outdoor living space. Adding an outdoor fan and new tile, these homeowners are able to fully enjoy the outdoors protected from the sun and in comfort. Photos by Preview First.

When the flooring was installed, they didn't finish off the stairs, so we capped them off and our customers were so happy!
Minimalist staircase photo in Toronto

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern gray two-story concrete fiberboard exterior home remodel in Vancouver

Inspiration for a timeless porch remodel in Boston

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 large contemporary backyard deck remodel in Atlanta with a roof extension

Previously a dark and dated kitchen our customers were embarking on a new extension for a fabulous new dining room and wanted a modern kitchen that would link the two spaces. Having browsed our showroom and been inspired by two key pieces, they asked for a contemporary new kitchen and for us to incorporate the architectural Falmec Prestige Cooker Hood and Neolith sintered stone worktop in the river-washed finish. We just love the fresh new feel to this space created through the use of high gloss, true handleless grey cabinetry combined with a pop of electric blue and open shelving. The open shelving, rather than a bank of wall units, really helps to frame the range and hood, but maintains a sense of space. Previously this kitchen had a peninsula design but we designed a statement island with breakfast bar to make use of this central area. Dressed with bar stools, pendant lighting and completed with the textured Neolith worktop, it is a stunning central feature for this family kitchen. The sink is another design feature all by itself, this is a Carron Phoenix stainless steel & black glass sink. We absolutely love it in this setting!

Example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped kitchen design in Houston with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, solid surface countertops, multicolored backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

This West Seattle basement bathroom remodel by Better Builders focuses on high-traffic functionality for a family of six. The long custom wood vanity is topped with a durable white quartz countertop, providing ample space for multiple users. A soft sage green accent wall adds a calming, organic feel to the lower-level space, complemented by a large privacy-glass window that brings in natural light. The layout flows into a dedicated toilet room featuring a space-saving wall-mounted toilet, ensuring a clean aesthetic and optimal plumbing drainage.

Home design - craftsman home design idea in DC Metro

Inspiration for a large craftsman brown two-story wood exterior home remodel in Other with a shingle roof

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

This is an example of a huge traditional shade front yard stone driveway in New York.

Example of a mid-sized minimalist side yard stone patio design in Vancouver with a fireplace and a roof extension

Sleek yet chic, dining table is strikingly simple with clean, contemporary lines made of a creative combination of materials. This table is highly suitable in a sophisticated contemporary space with users who appreciate the over all tone and appearence of this design.

Lynn Osborn
Home design - country home design idea in Boston

Example of a classic open concept carpeted and beige floor family room library design in Atlanta with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a tv stand

An expansive garage layout designed for both everyday functionality and flexibility, featuring durable epoxy flooring, oversized bays, and a unique rear garage connection that extends the full depth of the home with direct backyard access. The Brentwood plan offers a traditional 2-car front garage alongside an extended tandem-style rear bay capable of accommodating additional vehicles, storage, workshop space, or recreational equipment while maintaining a clean, modern exterior aesthetic.