Modern backyard retreat with minimalist elements. A concrete patio with square modular pavers leads up to a raised Ipe wood deck. The spa is raised with a concrete coping seat bench and an infinity edge glass spillway. The pool has a concrete coping and white plaster. The main concrete area is accented by charcoal beach pebble. The retaining wall is constructed of Angelus Glacier White precision block with a sandblasted finish. The tight geometry is balanced by vibrant succulents on the adjacent slope. The BBQ station is faced with smooth white plaster and a gray colored Dekton countertop. The property is surrounded by lush green bamboo and other greenery.

Photo of a traditional landscaping in San Francisco.

A show-stopping view is tucked above this mountain home’s living room. The elegant geometry and richness of the walnut-stained beams in the vaulted ceiling contrast with smooth, ivory plaster walls. Between the beams hangs a two-tiered bronze chandelier, marrying the ceiling with the traditional seating group below.

The various pillow sizes, shapes and fabrics combined with various bedding textures, create visual interest and character without being busy. The design is polished, masculine and modern. Photo: Virtual 360 NY

The ShopBoxes grew from a homeowner’s wish to craft a small complex of living spaces on a large wooded lot. Smash designed two structures for living and working, each built by the crafty, hands-on homeowner. Balancing a need for modern quality with a human touch, the sharp geometry of the structures contrasts with warmer and handmade materials and finishes, applied directly by the homeowner/builder. The result blends two aesthetics into very dynamic spaces, staked out as individual sculptures in a private park.⁠ Design by Smash Design Build and Owner (private) Construction by Owner (private)

Set in a quiet neighborhood and framed by mature trees, this residence presented a unique opportunity: to thoughtfully evolve a custom mid-century modern home into a space that supports the everyday rhythms of a growing family. With a deep respect for the home’s original architecture, Klopf Architecture reimagined the house to better meet the needs of its owners—introducing functional improvements while preserving the spirit and character of its mid-century roots. The clients approached Klopf Architecture with a clear vision: refresh their home while seamlessly integrating new programmatic elements. Key goals included clarifying and enhancing the entry sequence; connecting the detached garage to the main house with a practical yet architecturally intentional intervention; adding functional spaces such as a mudroom and laundry room; expanding and remodeling the primary suite’s bathroom and closet; and creating a more engaging outdoor space that capitalized on the site’s impressive views, featuring a fire pit and outdoor kitchen. As a couple with distinct yet complementary perspectives—one focused on modern functionality and technology, and the other dedicated to preserving the home’s architectural integrity—their collaboration with Klopf Architecture resulted in a solution that harmonized both ideals. Their shared commitment to improving the livability of their home led to a design dialogue rooted in balance. This dynamic partnership shaped the direction of the renovation, ensuring that every decision honored the spirit of the original home while aligning with the practical needs of their growing family. Designing within the constraints of the sloped site posed one of the project’s central challenges. The detached garage sat at a higher elevation than the main house, requiring a solution that ensured architectural and geometric compatibility between the two structures. Rather than create a purely utilitarian link, Klopf Architecture introduced an intentional connection that contributes to the overall architectural language. A notable pinch point in the plan—where differing geometries converged—was treated as a hinge point, turning a potentially awkward juncture into an architectural feature. This area now functions as both a transition and a moment of design interest that unifies the overall plan. The design also addressed the underutilized outdoor area, which was located in a shadowed portion of the site with geometrical limitations. A new connection to the rear deck was created in this same area, making the outdoor space more useful and inviting. Klopf Architecture introduced carefully positioned openings and spatial improvements that forged a strong visual and functional connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor area now reads as a deliberate extension of the home, embracing natural light and emphasizing the dramatic views. Working through multiple design iterations, Klopf Architecture crafted a solution that preserved the architectural language of the original home while supporting the functional needs of modern life. The garage-to-house connection became more than a passage—it evolved into an architectural moment of transition. A new mudroom and laundry space enhanced convenience without compromising the clean lines of the design. The primary suite was expanded to create a private, serene retreat. The reimagined backyard, complete with fire pit and kitchen, now plays a vital role in the family’s daily routine and social life. Outcomes and Lasting Impact The result is a home that balances heritage with contemporary design, technical precision with design sensibility. The redesign not only met the clients’ initial goals but also exceeded expectations in its ability to seamlessly blend past and present, function and beauty, making the outdoor kitchen a favorite gathering place. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation has significantly improved daily life for the family. The newly integrated garage connection has streamlined routines, providing a seamless transition between arriving home, storing belongings, and entering the main living spaces. The expanded primary suite offers a retreat-like atmosphere, creating a private space to unwind at the end of the day. The redesigned outdoor areas have also become an extension of their lifestyle—whether it's casual family dinners around the fire pit, entertaining friends in the outdoor kitchen, or simply enjoying the view from the reimagined backyard. Through a thoughtful and strategic approach, the house has been successfully evolved into a home that remains true to its mid-century modern roots while enhancing livability, functionality, and the overall quality of life for the modern-day owners. Klopf Architecture Team: Geoffrey Campen, Fernanda Bernardes Architectural Interior Design: Klopf Architecture Structural Engineer: Base Design Inc. Contractor: Golden Snail Builders Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed:2022

The exterior is is a low-maintenance, yet modern looking, metal with timberframe accents, black trim and simple window geometries.
Large minimalist two-story mixed siding exterior home photo in Other

Our studio gave this home a fresh, inviting remodel. In the kitchen, we combined modern appliances and clean lines with a rustic touch using bright wood, burnished bronze fittings, and geometric tiles. A unique extension on one end of the kitchen island adds extra space for cooking and dining. The living room fireplace got a stunning art deco makeover with deep wood trim, Rookwood-style tilework, and vintage decor. In the bathroom, intriguing geometry, a light palette, and a shaded window create a luxe vibe, while the double sink and plentiful storage make it incredibly functional. ---Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/smart-craftsman-remodel/

Located on the south side of Dune Road, facing the beach and the Atlantic Ocean, this existing house required a complete exterior re-design in addition to partial interior renovation work. The original structure was a somewhat complex composition of volumes that stepped in and out, vertically and horizontally, combined with sloped glass roofs in several locations. All exterior walls were clad in white composite paneling, which gave the house a massive appearance divorced from its context. It was clear that mere cosmetic improvements would not suffice, so the new design stripped the entire exterior down to the structure. The house was then reshaped and reformed to simplify the overall geometry, while expressing the key volumes in the parti. Within the newly articulated massing, windows are either cut or chiseled into the elevations to create relief. From the street the house is three stories high, including the basement, whereas from the beach it has only two stories. Sapele hardwood siding was selected for it’s durability and weathering characteristics. All the cladding is vertically oriented, with an open slat format for the upper two levels and a closed joint board format for the lower level. The open wood slats allow light to filter through the façade, especially at the large sloped skylight over the double height entry where a slatted screen provides privacy at night and solar control during the day.

Example of a mid-sized trendy master gray tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and gray floor bathroom design in Other with gray walls, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, a trough sink, quartz countertops and white countertops

Detail of the structural geometry and integral geometric ornament.
Mid-sized trendy gray two-story gable roof photo in Other

This curbless walk-in shower was completed in 7 working days and built with long-term reliability in mind. The subfloor was recessed to achieve a true barrier-free entry, and the plumbing system was reworked so the shower head, valve, and faucet align perfectly on a single vertical axis. Large-Format Tile Installation The walls are finished with 24x48 porcelain tiles. Before installation, all surfaces were flattened and corrected for plumb to ensure accurate geometry and clean lines across the entire shower. Mitered Niche & Window The shampoo niche and window detail feature 45° mitered edges with continuous pattern flow, creating a seamless, built-in look without metal trims. Full Waterproofing System A combined Schluter + GoBoard waterproofing system was applied across all wet zones, including corners, penetrations, and transitions. Every layer was documented to guarantee code-level protection. Additional Work The remodel also included new glass installation, vanity, mirror, updated lighting, and full electrical improvements with new switches for safer and more convenient operation. This project demonstrates what careful planning, proper preparation, and precision tile work can achieve — a clean, durable, and cohesive shower space built to last.

Pavers laid with perfect geometry !
Example of a mountain style patio design in Houston

Steel and wood arranged in modern geometries create privacy screens, sun shades and contemporary trellises. Photo: Ryan Farnau
Inspiration for a large contemporary white two-story stucco exterior home remodel in Austin

Set on Camelback Country Club with sweeping views to the golf course and surrounding peaks—Camelback, Piestewa, and Mummy Mountain—this Paradise Valley estate was designed with one clear priority: make the view the main event. Every line of the pool and landscape plan was meticulously composed to pull your eye outward, enhance the architecture, and create an atmosphere that feels singular to this property. The backyard is anchored by a custom resort-style pool and spa composition that reads like a modern water courtyard—clean geometry, natural stone surfaces, and layered water movement. Bubblers and deck jets add sound and sparkle without interrupting sightlines, while a low-profile fire element and lawn panels soften the hardscape and keep the space feeling livable, not just a showpiece. Beyond the resort core, the property expands into an estate-scale recreation zone, including a full sport court framed in stone paving, structured planting beds, and evening lighting that keeps the grounds active after sunset. The perimeter is finished with privacy hedging and layered plantings—lush, controlled, and intentionally quiet—so the mountains and fairways remain the star. This home set a record-breaking sale, closing $1M higher than any home north of DoubleTree, and it sold in a single day. The developer, builder, and buyer all echoed the same thing: the pool and landscape sold the home, and then the record number followed. It’s the kind of project that proves what we believe: when outdoor living is designed at the highest level, it doesn’t just complement a home—it defines it.

Example of a deck design in Other

Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Other

Tuscan exterior home photo in Los Angeles