Photo: Carolyn Reyes Photography © 2017 Houzz Design: franklinAve
Living room - transitional living room idea in Los Angeles

You'll notice the influence of New England style and rustic Shaker elements throughout the home, contemporized with the use of durable modern materials and chic bronze hardware.

Bob Greenspan
Inspiration for a small modern galley light wood floor kitchen pantry remodel in Kansas City with no island, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an undermount sink

Our clients were ready to take their 20+ year old home and give the design a refresh, and make their space a lot more functional for their needs. The areas in their first floor they wanted to improve were the kitchen, mudroom and pantry, dining room, living room, stairway and powder room. They wanted their space to match their fun mid-century modern style. Our design team and our clients dreamed up a plan that not only solves all of the functional issues they were dealing with, it’s also a stunning and unique space. We removed the wall in between the kitchen and dining room. We created a center island that extends and lowers to include an eat-in area. The cabinetry plan in the kitchen changed to suit their needs. We re-did the flooring throughout the first floor and installed a new fireplace. The existing laundry room got moved to the basement, making way for a mudroom and pantry space. We installed a new railing on the staircase and an art niche in the living room. The powder room got a refresh with statement wallpaper and vanity.

Bob Greenspan
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master dark wood floor bedroom remodel in Kansas City with gray walls

Bob Greenspan
Example of a mid-sized transitional master dark wood floor bedroom design in Kansas City with gray walls

We love this peaceful bathroom and how light it is even though it's in the basement. The light wooden vanity goes perfectly with the Island Stone Linear Breeze shower tile from Virginia Tile. The walls are painted Alabaster 7008 from Sherwin-Williams.

Example of a classic mudroom design in Detroit

Basement - modern concrete floor basement idea in Kansas City with white walls

Bob Greenspan
Kitchen pantry - small modern galley light wood floor kitchen pantry idea in Kansas City with no island, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an undermount sink

Dare we say it? A sexy master bath filed with high-end finishes and a custom concrete countertop.
Alcove shower - mid-sized eclectic master gray tile marble floor and gray floor alcove shower idea in Detroit with recessed-panel cabinets, white walls, a hinged shower door, gray countertops, blue cabinets, a drop-in sink and concrete countertops

"Looking Forward" - Abstract Metal Garden Sculpture by Jon Allen This free-standing and contemporary three-dimensional metal art sculpture reaches upward, but it also looks back at the ground as it rises. The bare metal ribbon rises up off its base, its bottom end hanging down toward the earth, and then it reaches upward with a serpentine undulation. Midway in its ascension, a spiral curls back, suggesting that there's more to this piece's motion than simply striving skyward. Dimensions: - Approximately 62"H x 12"L x 7"D including the 14" artistically textured wooden base. - Ready to secure to a patio, deck or garden stone with the included pre-drilled mounting plate for easy installation.(Screws not included) Color: All Natural Silver Please note: custom pieces are available for your size and color specifications.

Come on in and have a glass of wine! This frameless glass enclosure houses an exquisite custom wine racking system complete with cork forward, label forward and case storage. A combination of wood and metal elements suits the modern aesthetic of the home. The angled display rows with high density LED lighting showcase favorite vintages and the custom cabinets are designed specifically for the homeowner's glassware collection.

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

A young family moving from NYC tackled a lightning fast makeover of their new colonial revival home before the arrival of their second child. The kitchen area was quite spacious but needed a facelift and new layout. Painted cabinetry matched to Benjamin Moore’s Light Pewter is balanced by grey glazed rift oak cabinetry on the island. Shiplap paneling on the island and cabinet lend a slightly contemporary edge. White bronze hardware by Schaub & Co. in a contemporary bar shape offer clean lines with some texture in a warm metallic tone. White Marble countertops in “Alpine Mist” create a harmonious color palette while the pale blue/grey Waterworks backsplash adds a touch of color. Kitchen design and custom cabinetry by Studio Dearborn. Countertops by Rye Marble. Refrigerator, freezer and wine refrigerator--Subzero; Ovens--Wolf. Cooktop--Gaggenau. Hardware--Schaub & Company. Sink--Kohler Strive. Sink faucet--Rohl. Tile- Waterworks Architectonics 3x6 in the dust pressed line, Icewater color.. Stools--Palacek. Flooring—Sota Floors. Window treatments: www.horizonshades.com in “Northbrook Birch.” Photography Adam Kane Macchia.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   We went with a minimalist, clean, industrial look that feels light, bright and airy. The island is a dark charcoal with cool undertones that coordinates with the cabinetry and transom work in both the neighboring mudroom and breakfast area. White subway tile, quartz countertops, white enamel pendants and gold fixtures complete the update. The ends of the island are shiplap material that is also used on the fireplace in the next room. In the new mudroom, we used a fun porcelain tile on the floor to get a pop of pattern, and walnut accents add some warmth. Each child has their own cubby, and there is a spot for shoes below a long bench. Open shelving with spots for baskets provides additional storage for the room. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

"Kerry Taylor was professional and courteous from our first meeting forwards. We took a long time to decide on our final design but Kerry and his design team were patient and respectful and waited until we were ready to move forward. There was never a sense of being pushed into anything we didn’t like. They listened, carefully considered our requests and delivered an awesome plan for our new bathroom. Kerry also broke down everything so that we could consider several alternatives for features and finishes and was mindful to stay within our budget. He accommodated some on-the-fly changes, after construction was underway and suggested effective solutions for any unforeseen problems that arose. Having construction done in close proximity to our master bedroom was a challenge but the excellent crew TaylorPro had on our job made it relatively painless: courteous and polite, arrived on time daily, worked hard, pretty much nonstop and cleaned up every day before leaving. If there were any delays, Kerry made sure to communicate with us quickly and was always available to talk when we had concerns or questions." This Carlsbad couple yearned for a generous master bath that included a big soaking tub, double vanity, water closet, large walk-in shower, and walk in closet. Unfortunately, their current master bathroom was only 6'x12'. Our design team went to work and came up with a solution to push the back wall into an unused 2nd floor vaulted space in the garage, and further expand the new master bath footprint into two existing closet areas. These inventive expansions made it possible for their luxurious master bath dreams to come true. Just goes to show that, with TaylorPro Design & Remodeling, fitting a square peg in a round hole could be possible! Photos by: Jon Upson

Kitchen Photography: Stacy Zarin Goldberg Photography; Interior Design: Kristin Try Interiors; Builder: Harry Braswell, Inc.
Beach style kitchen photo in DC Metro

Transitional kitchen photo in Sydney