Living room - modern formal and open concept living room idea in Los Angeles

Photo by Adam Kane Macchia
Mid-sized transitional dark wood floor and brown floor great room photo in New York with a standard fireplace and white walls

When our clients purchased their Fairfax Station home at the beginning of the pandemic, the main living areas had already been updated. However, three bathrooms were still stuck in the1980s. We tackled the upstairs primary and hall bathrooms first to ensure our clients had a working bathroom while construction was underway. Once the upstairs renovations were completed, we moved on to the main level guest bathroom. Primary Bathroom Transformation: The old primary bathroom had a small dark shower stall, a basic alcove tub, and the original 40-year-old plumbing, vanities, and tile. We completely gutted the space and made some minor layout changes to maximize functionality and create a serene retreat complete with free-standing soaking tub and generous walk-in shower. Expanding the shower’s footprint and replacing the full-height walls with a glass surround opened up the space, making the entire bathroom feel larger and more airy. Marble shelves and a shaving ledge add convenience and style. A large double vanity provides ample storage and a full 7 feet of countertop space. Mixed metal finishes elevate the design, with soft gold accents and brushed nickel fixtures pairing perfectly with the classic gray vanity and muted marble tiles. We reconfigured the dressing area, added custom closet built-ins, and installed new carpet throughout to complete this tailored transformation. Hall Bathroom Update: The hall bathroom did not require any significant layout changes, but the dated fixtures and finishes all had to go. We wanted the new bathroom to feel both classic and fresh, so we opted for a polished finish palette, including sleek white subway tiles on the walls and marble-look hexagonal on the floor. A furniture-style vanity, in dark navy, was paired with a distinctive Carrara marble top and sleek chrome fixtures for a modern twist. The tub+shower combo features both a standard shower head and multi-function handheld for optimum flexibility – great for bathing children and pets alike. This renovation blended classic details with modern functionality, creating a bathroom that’s both timeless and fresh. Guest Bathroom Update: The home’s main level bathroom serves as both powder room and guest bathroom with 2 separate entrances. The in-swing door from the guest bedroom made the already narrow bathroom feel even more cramped. By installing a pocket door at the guest bedroom, we immediately improved the flow and usability of the space. The shower was upgraded with handcrafted white subway tile and contrasting grout, creating a clean, tailored look that elevates the room. Thoughtful details—like discreet grab bars and a handheld shower on a slide bar—make the space adaptable and comfortable for guests of all ages. A marble mosaic floor sets a refined backdrop for the freestanding black vanity, while the cross-bar handles offer a nod to the past on these modern-day fixtures.

So often our task as residential architects is not to create something out of nothing. Instead, it is to help evolve, or bring forward something that is already there; to see with new eyes the best of what exists and to clarify and expand it, so that the house supports and celebrates how the client lives, and hopes to live, in the home. So was the case with our House of Blues. The house was already wonderful. There was plenty of space, good views, a functioning floor plan, and the home was in overall good condition. The best features however, were embedded in the time it was built – mid 1960’s. The views were good, but too small. The kitchen location worked well, but is was closed off, cramped, and lacking counter space. The dining room was elegant, but too large and isolated. The graceful central hallway remained the homes most unique feature, but it was dark and the entry to the rooms on either side were accessed via small doorways. The bathrooms were large enough, and in the right locations, but they were tired and dated, and there was no mudroom. We created something out of something. Beautiful shades of blue permeated the owner’s things and became a central theme in new elements. Daylight was expanded and brought deeper into the space. Doorways were widened and walls removed. The central hallway was fully opened at the end with two-story glass to improve on an already good idea. The kitchen was wholly new and expanded by borrowing space from the dining room. A mudroom was carved out of the garage. All the bathrooms were remodeled with fresh materials and new features. The gracious concrete stoop was reclad in stone and the front door was changed out for a splash of color. Light now permeates all the rooms and spaces flow together without losing their identity or function. The owners no longer feel blue in their House of Blues! Location: St Paul, MN Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal- in -Charge Nate Dodge

Custom built by DCAM HOMES, one of Oakville’s most reputable builders. South of Lakeshore and steps to the lake, this newly built modern custom home features over 3,200 square feet of stylish living space in a prime location! This stunning home provides large principal rooms that flow seamlessly from one another. The open concept design features soaring 24-foot ceilings with floor to ceiling windows flooding the space with natural light. A home office is located off the entrance foyer creating a private oasis away from the main living area. The double storey ceiling in the family room automatically draws your eyes towards the open riser wood staircase, an architectural delight. This space also features an extra wide, 74” fireplace for everyone to enjoy. The thoughtfully designed chef’s kitchen was imported from Italy. An oversized island is the center focus of this room. Other highlights include top of the line built-in Miele appliances and gorgeous two-toned touch latch custom cabinetry. With everyday convenience in mind - the mudroom, with access from the garage, is the perfect place for your family to “drop everything”. This space has built-in cabinets galore – providing endless storage. Upstairs the master bedroom features a modern layout with open concept spa-like master ensuite features shower with body jets and steam shower stand-alone tub and stunning master vanity. This master suite also features beautiful corner windows and custom built-in wardrobes. The second and third bedroom also feature custom wardrobes and share a convenient jack-and-jill bathroom. Laundry is also found on this level. Beautiful outdoor areas expand your living space – surrounded by mature trees and a private fence, this will be the perfect end of day retreat! This home was designed with both style and function in mind to create both a warm and inviting living space.

Custom built by DCAM HOMES, one of Oakville’s most reputable builders. South of Lakeshore and steps to the lake, this newly built modern custom home features over 3,200 square feet of stylish living space in a prime location! This stunning home provides large principal rooms that flow seamlessly from one another. The open concept design features soaring 24-foot ceilings with floor to ceiling windows flooding the space with natural light. A home office is located off the entrance foyer creating a private oasis away from the main living area. The double storey ceiling in the family room automatically draws your eyes towards the open riser wood staircase, an architectural delight. This space also features an extra wide, 74” fireplace for everyone to enjoy. The thoughtfully designed chef’s kitchen was imported from Italy. An oversized island is the center focus of this room. Other highlights include top of the line built-in Miele appliances and gorgeous two-toned touch latch custom cabinetry. With everyday convenience in mind - the mudroom, with access from the garage, is the perfect place for your family to “drop everything”. This space has built-in cabinets galore – providing endless storage. Upstairs the master bedroom features a modern layout with open concept spa-like master ensuite features shower with body jets and steam shower stand-alone tub and stunning master vanity. This master suite also features beautiful corner windows and custom built-in wardrobes. The second and third bedroom also feature custom wardrobes and share a convenient jack-and-jill bathroom. Laundry is also found on this level. Beautiful outdoor areas expand your living space – surrounded by mature trees and a private fence, this will be the perfect end of day retreat! This home was designed with both style and function in mind to create both a warm and inviting living space.

Dining room - transitional dark wood floor dining room idea in New York with beige walls

Lifestyle Kitchen Studio
Inspiration for a farmhouse kitchen remodel in Grand Rapids

Aptos Addition and Major Remodel. Our goal on this project was to provide the owners with the larger kitchen and additional bedrooms they needed for their growing family of five. The existing house was small, but they had a good sized lot in the Cliff Drive neighborhood along the ocean bluffs in Rio Del Mar which we were able to utilize.. Our team designed an extension of the existing house into the rear yard area, allowing for a new master suite and creating separate bedrooms for the children. The old kitchen was expanded and reconceived to create an inviting and open family room area with commercial appliances to support the client’s passion for great Italian cooking. Her decorating concept combining Modern Farmhouse themes with contemporary fixtures and finishes resulted in the beautiful, light, and comfortable home you see in these photographs.

The Roger Lee designed house from 1962 was purchased by the current homeowners in almost original condition, as the previous owners elected to defer most maintenance projects over the years. The clients were able to see beyond the dated materials and finishes, single-paned glass and uninsulated walls and they approached Klopf Architecture to help them expand and update the entire home, one the family could settle into and enjoy for years to come. It was important that the new designs were aligned with Lee's original intent not only because of the client's appreciation for mid-century modern architecture, but also because the house was deemed historical. The Stanford Real Estate Office requires a stringent design review which safeguards the integrity of the community, which Klopf Architecture was happy to oblige going into their updated designs. As with many original mid-century modern homes, the house was scaled to the 1960s lifestyle where rooms were smaller and openings to views were limited and tightly framed. The original conditions defined the direction the family of four would take in updating the house and making it comfortable for their modern lifestyle. Klopf designed a full gut remodel and major addition to bring the house into the 21st century and provide the living area needed for the client's family. The newly expanded house added just about 1,100 sf to create an airy, comfortable and family friendly house, taking full advantage of the beautiful southwestern views that extend out to the hills beyond. The enclosed garage created an additional 240 sf of covered space for long-term storage. A cracked swimming pool created an eyesore taking up a majority of the backyard landscape, so it was one of the first elements to go during the transformation. Working with Outer Space Landscape Architects, the family asked for a mix of relaxing outdoor patio spaces that eventually blend into the native landscaping, extending their views outward toward the natural greenery of the trees beyond their property. Filling in the old pool was a smart way to expand the living spaces outward. The orientation of the house was designed to enjoy the views, but the original architecture provided the first homeowners with mere glimpses of the landscape outside. Klopf was able to broaden those views, continuing and extending on the original architecture to take full advantage of the unobstructed natural views across the rear facade of the house. Small horizontal openings in the primary bedroom and office were replaced with much taller windows that now follow the angled roof line upward, extending across almost all of the facade. We worked with Western Windows, whose designs included an oblique-shaped, operable casement that allowed our design to rise with the slope. A new corner office added to the primary suite, offers a bright and functional work-from-home solution that looks out at the distant views and added natural light from the expanded window configuration that now wraps around the corner. The existing lower level was designed by Lee as a utilitarian space, serving as a wet pool room with a drain in the center of the floor, bathroom, laundry and storage areas. Without the need for a pool room, Klopf was able to convert the area into a much more comfortable and functional living space with a new family room and guest suite. The new spaces enjoy easy access to a new outdoor patio through floor to ceiling, full-width glass sliders. Continuing along the rear facade, a previously exposed deck extending from the living room and hallway provided access to the backyard through a single set of stairs leading toward the side of the house which made sense when the pool was in place. The new deck was re-envisioned as an extension of the main living room and now serves as a second outdoor living room. A new slatted pergola above provides the homeowners welcome relief from the hot afternoon sun. A second set of stairs now creates a better connection to the redesigned lower level. Klopf was able to reconfigure the spaces, extending the living room outward toward the views, where the family now claims it as the heart of the home, spending a large majority of their time outdoors. Back inside, the original wood-burning Malm fireplace was beautifully restored and a gas burner installed to comply with California's strict air standards. It now rests in front of a wall of Heath accent tiles where a dated red brick wall used to stand. A new taller window brings more light and views into the refreshed interior living room. The original glass doors opposite the fireplace were replaced by larger sliders that when fully opened, create a seamless transition to the new outdoor living area so the two spaces feel like one connected space. The original utilitarian kitchen was needlessly tucked into the far back corner and closed-off, out of sight from the living room, so the clients asked Klopf to open it up and expand the kitchen forward so it felt more connected. Today the much larger kitchen is connected to the living area where a short wall with a cutout offers a visual glimpse into the kitchen and a handy pass-through counter for serving guests. A new breakfast nook was also added to create another spot where the family can gather for casual meals. Just outside, a new built-in outdoor grill and prep area extends the kitchen outside and connects to a new outdoor dining spot nestled amongst the trees, taking advantage of the views out back. Klopf was able to expand the other two bedrooms, add a new laundry room and half-bath and convert the carport to an enclosed garage to add more storage areas which was lost when the pool house was converted to the family and guest room. To maintain a historical connection to the original designs, the exterior siding was repeated on all exterior walls, a full-height stained glass window at the front entryway restored, and an interior slatted screen element repeated outside at the exterior entry courtyard and over the new outdoor living room to create a shade trellis. The new house stands proudly and shines against it's new landscaping features, while respecting and expanding on the original intent of Roger Lee's designs epitomizing the comforts of indoor-outdoor living in Northern California. Completion year: 2020 Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane, Noel Andrade Contractor: ORB Construction, Brendan O'Reilly Structural engineer: Sezen and Moon Landscape architect: Outer space Furnishings and decoration: Urbanism Designs Photographer: Mariko Reed

Inspiration for a coastal enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room remodel in Miami with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

Example of a large 1950s wooden u-shaped cable railing staircase design in San Francisco with wooden risers

This custom IKEA kitchen remodel was designed by removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room expanding the space creating a larger kitchen with eat-in island. The custom IKEA cabinet fronts and walnut cabinets were built by Dendra Doors. We created a custom exhaust hood for under $1,800 using the IKEA DATID fan insert and building a custom surround painted white with walnut trim providing a minimalistic appearance at an affordable price. The tile on the back of the island was hand painted and imported to us finishing off this quirky one of a kind kitchen.

Digital Homes Photography Marsh Development
Kitchen - large traditional dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in New York with an island, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances and white countertops

This project showcases the transformation of a modest family cottage into a highly-functional, year-round waterfront retreat. Through a thoughtfully-designed addition and careful reorganization of interior space, the home now seamlessly combines the charm of its original structure with modern comforts and expanded living spaces, all while preserving views of the stunning riverfront setting. Key Features: 1. Expanded Entry and Primary Suite: The newly created entryway offers a spacious and functional welcome to the home, featuring a practical laundry room and ample storage space. The private primary bedroom suite, complete with a modern ensuite bathroom, provides a peaceful sanctuary. 2. Sunroom for Year-Round Enjoyment: A light-filled sunroom extends the home’s outdoor living season by offering protection from the elements, allowing the family to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views throughout the year. The room features warm pine finishes on the walls and ceiling, with timber accents that complement the natural surroundings. 3. New River-Facing Deck: The large deck offers a perfect spot for family gatherings and relaxation, with unimpeded views of the water thanks to the use of a glass railing. Designed for both entertaining and quiet reflection, it’s a key feature that strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor living. 4. Exterior Renovation: The exterior has been fully updated, blending the old cottage’s character with the new additions. A new roof and siding unify the entire structure, giving it a refreshed, cohesive. 5. Reconfigured Interior Spaces: The renovation reorganized key interior spaces, including the relocation of the basement stairs to allow for an expanded completely renovated kitchen and large, open eating area adjacent to the sunroom. This successful renovation enhances both the functionality and aesthetic of the cottage, transforming it into a beautiful, all-season home that meets the evolving needs of its owners while maintaining a strong connection to the waterfront environment.

This project showcases the transformation of a modest family cottage into a highly-functional, year-round waterfront retreat. Through a thoughtfully-designed addition and careful reorganization of interior space, the home now seamlessly combines the charm of its original structure with modern comforts and expanded living spaces, all while preserving views of the stunning riverfront setting. Key Features: 1. Expanded Entry and Primary Suite: The newly created entryway offers a spacious and functional welcome to the home, featuring a practical laundry room and ample storage space. The private primary bedroom suite, complete with a modern ensuite bathroom, provides a peaceful sanctuary. 2. Sunroom for Year-Round Enjoyment: A light-filled sunroom extends the home’s outdoor living season by offering protection from the elements, allowing the family to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views throughout the year. The room features warm pine finishes on the walls and ceiling, with timber accents that complement the natural surroundings. 3. New River-Facing Deck: The large deck offers a perfect spot for family gatherings and relaxation, with unimpeded views of the water thanks to the use of a glass railing. Designed for both entertaining and quiet reflection, it’s a key feature that strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor living. 4. Exterior Renovation: The exterior has been fully updated, blending the old cottage’s character with the new additions. A new roof and siding unify the entire structure, giving it a refreshed, cohesive. 5. Reconfigured Interior Spaces: The renovation reorganized key interior spaces, including the relocation of the basement stairs to allow for an expanded completely renovated kitchen and large, open eating area adjacent to the sunroom. This successful renovation enhances both the functionality and aesthetic of the cottage, transforming it into a beautiful, all-season home that meets the evolving needs of its owners while maintaining a strong connection to the waterfront environment.

This project showcases the transformation of a modest family cottage into a highly-functional, year-round waterfront retreat. Through a thoughtfully-designed addition and careful reorganization of interior space, the home now seamlessly combines the charm of its original structure with modern comforts and expanded living spaces, all while preserving views of the stunning riverfront setting. Key Features: 1. Expanded Entry and Primary Suite: The newly created entryway offers a spacious and functional welcome to the home, featuring a practical laundry room and ample storage space. The private primary bedroom suite, complete with a modern ensuite bathroom, provides a peaceful sanctuary. 2. Sunroom for Year-Round Enjoyment: A light-filled sunroom extends the home’s outdoor living season by offering protection from the elements, allowing the family to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views throughout the year. The room features warm pine finishes on the walls and ceiling, with timber accents that complement the natural surroundings. 3. New River-Facing Deck: The large deck offers a perfect spot for family gatherings and relaxation, with unimpeded views of the water thanks to the use of a glass railing. Designed for both entertaining and quiet reflection, it’s a key feature that strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor living. 4. Exterior Renovation: The exterior has been fully updated, blending the old cottage’s character with the new additions. A new roof and siding unify the entire structure, giving it a refreshed, cohesive. 5. Reconfigured Interior Spaces: The renovation reorganized key interior spaces, including the relocation of the basement stairs to allow for an expanded completely renovated kitchen and large, open eating area adjacent to the sunroom. This successful renovation enhances both the functionality and aesthetic of the cottage, transforming it into a beautiful, all-season home that meets the evolving needs of its owners while maintaining a strong connection to the waterfront environment.

This project showcases the transformation of a modest family cottage into a highly-functional, year-round waterfront retreat. Through a thoughtfully-designed addition and careful reorganization of interior space, the home now seamlessly combines the charm of its original structure with modern comforts and expanded living spaces, all while preserving views of the stunning riverfront setting. Key Features: 1. Expanded Entry and Primary Suite: The newly created entryway offers a spacious and functional welcome to the home, featuring a practical laundry room and ample storage space. The private primary bedroom suite, complete with a modern ensuite bathroom, provides a peaceful sanctuary. 2. Sunroom for Year-Round Enjoyment: A light-filled sunroom extends the home’s outdoor living season by offering protection from the elements, allowing the family to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views throughout the year. The room features warm pine finishes on the walls and ceiling, with timber accents that complement the natural surroundings. 3. New River-Facing Deck: The large deck offers a perfect spot for family gatherings and relaxation, with unimpeded views of the water thanks to the use of a glass railing. Designed for both entertaining and quiet reflection, it’s a key feature that strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor living. 4. Exterior Renovation: The exterior has been fully updated, blending the old cottage’s character with the new additions. A new roof and siding unify the entire structure, giving it a refreshed, cohesive. 5. Reconfigured Interior Spaces: The renovation reorganized key interior spaces, including the relocation of the basement stairs to allow for an expanded completely renovated kitchen and large, open eating area adjacent to the sunroom. This successful renovation enhances both the functionality and aesthetic of the cottage, transforming it into a beautiful, all-season home that meets the evolving needs of its owners while maintaining a strong connection to the waterfront environment.

This project showcases the transformation of a modest family cottage into a highly-functional, year-round waterfront retreat. Through a thoughtfully-designed addition and careful reorganization of interior space, the home now seamlessly combines the charm of its original structure with modern comforts and expanded living spaces, all while preserving views of the stunning riverfront setting. Key Features: 1. Expanded Entry and Primary Suite: The newly created entryway offers a spacious and functional welcome to the home, featuring a practical laundry room and ample storage space. The private primary bedroom suite, complete with a modern ensuite bathroom, provides a peaceful sanctuary. 2. Sunroom for Year-Round Enjoyment: A light-filled sunroom extends the home’s outdoor living season by offering protection from the elements, allowing the family to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views throughout the year. The room features warm pine finishes on the walls and ceiling, with timber accents that complement the natural surroundings. 3. New River-Facing Deck: The large deck offers a perfect spot for family gatherings and relaxation, with unimpeded views of the water thanks to the use of a glass railing. Designed for both entertaining and quiet reflection, it’s a key feature that strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor living. 4. Exterior Renovation: The exterior has been fully updated, blending the old cottage’s character with the new additions. A new roof and siding unify the entire structure, giving it a refreshed, cohesive. 5. Reconfigured Interior Spaces: The renovation reorganized key interior spaces, including the relocation of the basement stairs to allow for an expanded completely renovated kitchen and large, open eating area adjacent to the sunroom. This successful renovation enhances both the functionality and aesthetic of the cottage, transforming it into a beautiful, all-season home that meets the evolving needs of its owners while maintaining a strong connection to the waterfront environment.