The Catskill Farms is proud to announce the sale of Barn 29 in Narrowsburg, NY – a pretty pairing of home and land in Sullivan County. This real estate offering featured 2,300 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, with a large open back deck. Familiar details include a wood burning fireplace, interesting and open floor plans, wide plank floors, fun plumbing and lighting fixtures throughout, and a kick your boots off mudroom. Industrial meets country in this beautiful home. Our homes provide genre-busting inspiration and comfort – life is cool in these superb specimens of Catskills real estate.

CHATHAM MARSHVIEW HOUSE This Cape Cod green home provides a destination for visiting family, support of a snowbird lifestyle, and an expression of the homeowner’s energy conscious values. Looking over the salt marsh with Nantucket Sound in the distance, this new home offers single level living to accommodate aging in place, and a strong connection to the outdoors. The homeowners can easily enjoy the deck, walk to the nearby beach, or spend time with family, while the house works to produce nearly all the energy it consumes. The exterior, clad in the Cape’s iconic Eastern white cedar shingles, is modern in detailing, yet recognizable and familiar in form. MORE: https://zeroenergy.com/chatham-marshview-house Architecture: ZeroEnergy Design Construction: Eastward Homes Photos: Eric Roth Photography

Open shelving keeps everyday objects visible and familiar - an intentional choice for aging clients navigating memory changes. The vertical green tile introduces texture and calm, while curated pottery, books, and framed art add gentle storytelling. Soft brass accents and a sculptural clay pendant complete the warm-modern palette.

A contemporary twist on dark wood kitchen cabinetry provides a rich and familiar gathering place in the heart of this Santa Cruz home
Inspiration for a large cottage u-shaped brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Francisco with recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

The kitchen was designed as a space for both function and nostalgia. The island takes centre stage, offering extra counter space without cluttering the room and allowing easy circulation. Bold green cabinets energize the kitchen, while earthy wooden tones add a sense of familiarity.

One of the most popular hardwood floor finishing which offers Tom & Peter Flooring is provided by WOCA. If you’ve decided that you want a natural looking wooden floor that is lacquer-free, then the likelihood is that you’ve chosen oil as your way of protecting your wood and making your floor look great at the same time. WOCA for wood flooring comes in various forms and is a great way of making sure that your wood is protected, but at the same time looks natural. A highly popular as well as effective way of treating wood floors, oils effectively penetrate into the wood and in some cases harden into the surface of the floor to stop damage and to maintain the wood in its optimum condition. WOCA Oil finish hardwood flooring has taken the United States market by in 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2016 and now. Here are some of the most common questions we have regarding this type of finish which we will I’m to answer in today’s my blog: Is oil finish as durable as traditional factory urethane finishes with aluminum oxide? When it comes to durability, oil finish flooring tackles the issue with a completely different method. The penetrating oil serves as protection from moisture and wear while allowing the user to feel the wood grains in their bare feet. If compared directly to factory finished aluminum oxide finish, the oil finish flooring will not perform as well to abrasion and impact. However, the beauty of this finish is the fact that it will camouflage any scratches which will inevitably accumulate over time. Will this finish evaporate over time and will this be harmful for indoor air quality? Another concern for oil finished floors its effect on indoor air quality. For on-site applications, some varieties suggest several coats which typically require the residents to be out of the home due to mild odors. However, there are factory finished UV-cured or single coat applications which lessen the downtime. Despite the odors produced during the drying process, oil finish floors rank amongst the lowest for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Certain brands even boast true zero VOC. This fact alone makes oil finished floors one of the best options for green building solutions. “WOCA products are certified by independent laboratories, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN–Norm 53–160. WOCA WoodCare Denmark products meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. standards for volatile organic compounds.” –WOCA Oil Finish Manufacture Does this type of finish require additional maintenance which I am not familiar with? For weekly cleaning, oiled floors use a special cleaner which contains an oil and soap mixture. After a period of 12-18 months some oil may evaporate causing the wood grains to appear dry. An additional layer of oil can be reapplied to keep the floor looking fresh. Although oil finished floors require more involvement in periodic maintenance in high traffic areas, this maintenance can be done much easier than the equivalent of an onsite sand and refinish. WOCA Master Color Oil contains pigment, which provides a single-step hardwood floor staining process. Laying down the stain and the finish in one step. This product comes 14 different colors, from Black to Extra White, and you can mix them freely to create various color palettes that will meet the demands of any job. Below are some pictures of the finished job…

Elegant, eclectic, timeless villa interior design for a family with two small children, in cozy - familiar style associations, with artful, contemporary touches and subtly integrated sophisticated details.

This beloved seaside home received a thoughtful, multi-phase expansion designed around one simple goal: more room for family. The project included a new attached 2-car garage with a finished suite above — featuring a kitchenette and in-unit laundry — plus a structural addition to the right side of the home that opened up the kitchen, dining, and living areas. Exterior decks were updated with modern materials, the landscaping was reimagined from the ground up, and the entire interior was remodeled and refreshed. The result is a home that feels both brand new and deeply familiar.

Example of a trendy living room design in Houston

mix and match leathers and textiles for that feeling of familiarity and homeyness
Family room library - small mid-century modern enclosed medium tone wood floor family room library idea in Ottawa with gray walls, a two-sided fireplace, a brick fireplace and no tv

A transitional kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel countertops, and a black patterned backsplash. This type of kitchen design is perfect for those who want a modern look that still feels comfortable and familiar. Handcrafted in the USA. Amish made.

Outdoors living fabulously designer Michael Gotowala envisioned this outstanding two level outdoor kitchen, outdoor living space to be just the right recipe to order that much more than just grilling.Living beyond the walls of your home turned out to be quite fabulous for this Avon, Connecticut family thanks to the artistic envision of Michael Gotowala and his Preferred Properties crew. Outdoor Living designer and master builder of outdoor kitchens Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES reveals to us the insight of multi level outdoor living beyond the walls of your home outdoors. The secret to success for this trendy outdoor living lifestyle is to understand the family members lifestyle indoors and portray that familiar lifestyle outdoors. This equates to endless hours of quality time spent outdoors. Gotowala's artistic display of outdoor living fabulously can be for entertaining large catered gatherings or intimate outdoor kitchens for fun with family and friends. The Difference in Outdoor Living and Living outdoors fabulously begins with a fabulous design and ends with meticulous workmanship. For more outdoor kitchen inspiration see our website where Great Outdoor kitchen ideas begin. THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE at www.OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com

This beloved seaside home received a thoughtful, multi-phase expansion designed around one simple goal: more room for family. The project included a new attached 2-car garage with a finished suite above — featuring a kitchenette and in-unit laundry — plus a structural addition to the right side of the home that opened up the kitchen, dining, and living areas. Exterior decks were updated with modern materials, the landscaping was reimagined from the ground up, and the entire interior was remodeled and refreshed. The result is a home that feels both brand new and deeply familiar.

The empress tiles are made to the original designs and quite possibly using the same moulds. They offer a classic arts and crafts take on botanical themes in a relief pattern, and are available in hues that would have been familiar during the reign of queen Victoria.

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

Example of a small arts and crafts gray tile and subway tile medium tone wood floor powder room design in Other with a wall-mount toilet, gray walls and a wall-mount sink

This client grew up in this 1950’s family home and has now become owner in his adult life. Designing and remodeling this childhood home that the client was very bonded and familiar with was a tall order. This modern twist of original mid-century style combined with an eclectic fusion of modern day materials and concepts fills the room with a powerful presence while maintaining its clean lined austerity and elegance. As part of the full remodel of this Arden Park home, we modernized the facade with a horizontal Mahogany plank treatment. The outside corners of the facade were detailed by our fine craftsmen with interlocking dovetail joinery.

A lovely motif The decorative pattern of the floor-tile provides rhythm and naturality. That is a new era in the development of Gres Porcelain as own-element. The outline of a design that always modifies according to the laying side Whoever takes a look feel the power of something alive. The very first floor-tile styled by Petracer’s . An usual decorative theme. On fabrics, objects and structural home-ware such as banisters and window-sills, as well as building materials, iron, timber, fired-earth and aimed to decorative purposes like badges, frames or backgrounds, something very close and familiar for many cultures. Conceived as core of decoration, this outline had previously never been achieved on a floor. The development of this idea headed to creation of an innovative theme that let combine, while laying it down, a customized pattern free from pre-arranged schemes. In other words, all the tiles can be fixed to each other in any side without distinction and still providing the best coherence of the decorative pattern. Every laying-scheme gets therefore unique through the flexibility of its arrangements just like something alive. An important style concept that brings honour back to ceramic as ancient decorative element and Gres Porcelain that does not imitate any raw material but simply express itself through the harmony of style and shades.

Wanting some of the familiarity of British country living, we deliberately incorporated details that echoed homeland into the design such as a ceramic farm sink. Amy designed the cabinetry using Signature Custom Cabinets, the construction is inset with a recessed panel door style. The simple shaker style door she modified with fuller stiles and rails to provide that country look and by alternating flush toe kicks and furniture legs also helped to achieve details and the country look the client was after. Adding subzero drawers at the end of the island offers quick access to snacks and drinks for the boys! The pretty green island was a color the client identified with her British roots. Bringing memories together with color really connects the homeowner personally to the space. This distressed butternut island top with bread board ends is complete with natural wormholes, a true Raging River work of art. It really warms up the space and will patina further over time. The simplicity of the ultra modern Gaggenau induction cook top and sleek lines of the exhaust hood really allows that feature counter to take all the glory! Lastly, the backsplash is crafted with textured, hand-made ceramic tiles that add a subtle bit of charm along with the warm touch of the antiqued brass cabinet hardware! Leaving the client with a beautiful and functional new kitchen.