Bedroom - coastal bedroom idea in Tampa

Remodel of a 1960's condominium to modernize and open up the space to the view. Ambrose Construction. Michael Dickter photography.
Inspiration for a small contemporary l-shaped concrete floor kitchen remodel in Seattle with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Living room - southwestern living room idea in Phoenix

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

Our goal with this project was to create a family friendly space that was still a calming master retreat. Light wood-look tile, laid in a herringbone pattern, allowed durability while not sacrificing style. Casual, low-maintenance bedding in a neutral palette accented with pops of natural wood, green, and brass create a muted coastal feel. Patterned runners on either side of the bed were a special request of the family. Small and lush washable rugs are a stylish alternative to a large, and hard to keep clean, area rug. Practical storage and seating created needed function on a previously blank tv wall.

Overview: -Young family with two small children wanted open, livable home, conducive to seeing everywhere and being together -The kitchen was isolated but was key to project’s success, as it is the central axis of the first level Solutions: -Remove one of the two staircases, plus the powder room, pantry, and remove or shorten walls to create the desired open floor plan -New configuration opens the kitchen to every room on lower level, except formal dining -New double islands triple previous counter space and doubles previous storage -Six bar stools offer ample seating for casual family meals and entertaining -With a nod to the children, all upholstery in the Kitchen/ Breakfast Room are indoor/outdoor fabrics -Removing & shortening walls between kitchen/family room/informal dining allows views, a total house connection, plus the architectural changes in these adjoining rooms enhances the kitchen experience -Cream cabinetry contrasts with dark stain accents on the island, hood & ceiling beams -Back splash is over-scaled subway tile; pewter cabinetry hardware -Fantasy Brown granite counters have a "leather-ed" finish -The focal point and center of activity now stems from the kitchen – it’s truly the Heart of this Home.

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Seattle

Photo: A Darling Felicity Photography © 2015 Houzz
Example of a mid-sized 1960s formal and enclosed brick floor living room design in Seattle with brown walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and no tv

Photo: A Darling Felicity Photography © 2015 Houzz
Mid-sized 1960s formal and enclosed terra-cotta tile living room photo in Seattle with brown walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and no tv

Ed Ritger Photography
Example of a transitional gray three-story exterior home design in San Francisco

A compact bathroom was updated with finishes honoring the historic home. Maximum storage is incorporated into the vanity. Inset mirrors help expand the brightness and feeling of space. Living un-lacquered brass fixtures are used through out the home to honor its vintage charm.

Sara Essex Bradley
Example of a small eclectic single-wall dark wood floor eat-in kitchen design in New Orleans with a farmhouse sink

Located steps from the waterways of Huntington Harbor, California, Phelps Residence is a remodel of a regional mid-century house, developed in the 1960s along with the rest of the Harbor neighborhood. The goal of the renovation was to honor the mid-century bones of the existing structure featuring full-height windows and open beam ceilings while infusing new life and detail via a ground-up renovation. The volume of the house is a two-story stucco façade structure with vertical cedar and black metal accents. The wall-to-wall, full-height sliding doors create an indoor-outdoor experience by extending the front yard fire pit and seating area through the living room to the backyard swimming pool and cabana beyond. The climate of the Harbor provides an ideal environment to open the space up to the yards year-round, thereby expanding the footprint of the house and allowing for an uninterrupted flow between rooms and indoor and outdoor areas. The entry foyer features a steel and terrazzo sculptural stair in a recessed bed of river rock. The lower level’s large-scale terrazzo tiles seamlessly join the living room, dining room, and kitchen. The upper level is reserved for the private bedrooms and a more intimate family room. Hardwood floors flow throughout while large-scale windows seek to capture the unique views offered from each room. Stack bond CMU garden walls in the front yard define the entry sequence, honoring the mid-century history of the residence.

Mid-sized transitional enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room photo in New York with gray walls, a wall-mounted tv, no fireplace and a plaster fireplace

Living room - traditional dark wood floor living room idea in Los Angeles with beige walls

We chose Island Stone glass tiles that give a subtle nod to the Capitola Beach vibe. We chose colors that perfectly match the Farrow & Ball Borrowed Light paint color. The Caesarstone countertops provide a durable, beautiful surface for the multitude of kitchen tasks. Kate Falconer Photography

Rikki Snyder © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a timeless exterior home remodel in New York

Pineapple House helped build and decorate this fabulous Atlanta River Club home in less than a year. It won the GOLD for Design Excellence by ASID and the project was named BEST of SHOW.

Photograph by Roy Sanborn
Inspiration for a cottage loft-style dark wood floor family room remodel in Boston with multicolored walls