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

Example of a beach style living room design in Tampa

Loft
Example of a classic gender-neutral medium tone wood floor kids' room design in Detroit with blue walls

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

Inspiration for a large coastal open concept light wood floor living room remodel in Boston with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Photo: A Darling Felicity Photography © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a small 1950s galley enclosed kitchen remodel in Seattle with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, laminate countertops, metallic backsplash, metal backsplash and stainless steel appliances

A wallpapered ceiling, black walls and high chair rail add contrast and personality to this dramatic dining room. Dark upholstered club chairs and dark wood floors bring the needed weight from the walls to the interior of the room.

Vision for Renewal: Embracing Modernity While Honoring History Built in the heart of a community renowned for its dedication to Mid-Century Modern architecture, this home has stood the test of time. Its original design, characterized by open spaces, flat planes, and vast use of single-paned glass, aimed to merge indoor and outdoor living. However, decades had taken their toll. The home featured inefficient materials and outdated layouts that no longer met the needs of modern homeownership. The renovation aimed to preserve the home’s unique architectural features but update its functionality for modern living. The homeowner, Stacy Kosis of Nook Design Collective, is a seasoned designer with over 19 years in the industry. She deeply appreciates Mid-Century Modern aesthetics and served as Director of Design with a Colorado custom home builder before branching out on her own two years ago. Kosis embarked on this ambitious project to breathe new life into a structure many saw beyond repair. The complete gut renovation was done in 8 months which is a huge testament to the Kosis’ skill and knowledge in design and construction. Her background experience and knowledge of NanaWall systems reliability and performance in previous projects were instrumental in her approach.

To update this traditional Atlanta home, Pineapple House designers bring harmony to the interior architecture with color. They renovate the residence so it is more conducive to comfort, entertaining and their pets. In the keeping room, they replaced the vaulted ceiling with a 13’ high coffered ceiling. They pay special attention to the clients two dogs, and integrate them into the living situation with a number of elements, like the dog kennel that they incorporate under the banquette on the right side of the room. Scott Moore Photography

Photo: Parisi Images © 2019 Houzz
Example of an eclectic staircase design in Cincinnati

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

Photo: A Darling Felicity Photography © 2015 Houzz
Small mid-century modern galley eat-in kitchen photo in Seattle with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, laminate countertops, metallic backsplash, metal backsplash and no island

Andy Frame Photography
Mid-sized beach style open concept beige floor, wood wall and exposed beam family room photo in Atlanta with a bar, beige walls and a wall-mounted tv

Our client wanted to convert her craft room into a luxurious, private lounge that would isolate her from the noise and activity of her house. The 9 x 11 space needed to be conducive to relaxing, reading and watching television. Pineapple House mirrors an entire wall to expand the feeling in the room and help distribute the natural light. On that wall, they add a custom, shallow cabinet and house a flatscreen TV in the upper portion. Its lower portion looks like a fireplace, but it is not a working element -- only electronic candles provide illumination. Its purpose is to be an interesting and attractive focal point in the cozy space. @ Daniel Newcomb Photography

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.

Our client wanted their dream home to be an informal place where they could easily entertain and enjoy themselves. We were awarded the interior design and architectural specification package, which allowed us to recommend substantial alterations prior to construction, including raising the ceiling height, removing walls, reconfiguring rooms and entrances, and specifying appealing ceiling, wall and flooring treatments. In this dining room, we added a partial wall and a dark, wood stained transition arch. The partial wall increases the feel of privacy in the room. We cut wallpaper into squares and turned each square when hanging it, to create a subtle, textured visual effect. Each corner has nail head accents. We added a gothic-inspired valance to the window treatments and integrated the drapery cornices into crown molding. This creates crown molding along the room's perimeter with a flowing, seamless appearance. Chris Little Photography

ArcherShot Photography
Inspiration for a 1950s one-story wood gable roof remodel in Austin

The terrace was an unfinished space with load-bearing columns in traffic areas. We add eight “faux” columns and beams to compliment and balance necessary existing ones. The new columns and beams hide structural necessities, and as shown with this bar, they help define different areas. This is needed so they help deliver the needed symmetry. The columns are wrapped in mitered, reclaimed wood and accented with steel collars around their crowns, thus becoming architectural elements.

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