Search results for "Human connection" in Home Design Ideas
Klopf ArchitectureNestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity.
The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions.
A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework.
The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old.
The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance.
While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance.
A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design.
Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction
Photography: Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022
UserFrom CDK Architects:
This is a new home that replaced an existing 1949 home in Rosedale. The design concept for the new house is “Mid Century Modern Meets Modern.” This is clearly a new home, but we wanted to give reverence to the neighborhood and its roots.
It was important to us to re-purpose the old home. Rather than demolishing it, we worked with our contractor to disassemble the house piece by piece, eventually donating about 80% of the home to Habitat for Humanity. The wood floors were salvaged and reused on the new fireplace wall.
The home contains 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, plus a home office and a music studio, totaling 2,650 square feet. One of the home’s most striking features is its large vaulted ceiling in the Living/Dining/Kitchen area. Substantial clerestory windows provide treetop views and bring dappled light into the space from high above. There’s natural light in every room in the house. Balancing the desire for natural light and privacy was very important, as was the connection to nature.
What we hoped to achieve was a fun, flexible home with beautiful light and a nice balance of public and private spaces. We also wanted a home that would adapt to a growing family but would still fit our needs far into the future. The end result is a home with a calming, organic feel to it.
Built by R Builders LLC (General Contractor)
Interior Design by Becca Stephens Interiors
Landscape Design by Seedlings Gardening
Photos by Reagen Taylor Photography
Boyenga Team / CompassAt 19 Irving Avenue, the family room unfolds as the emotional center of Joseph Eichler’s personal residence—a space where architecture, light, and daily life converge in a way that feels both effortless and intentional.
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From the moment you enter, the room reveals Eichler’s emerging vision of California Modern living. Walls dissolve into glass, pulling in views of the surrounding landscape and the geometric pool beyond, while natural light moves freely through the space from morning to evening. The effect is immersive—less like a room and more like a continuation of the outdoors.
The proportions are deliberate yet relaxed. Clean lines and an open layout allow the space to breathe, while subtle architectural cues—beam lines, ceiling planes, and sightlines—quietly guide movement and perspective. There’s no sense of confinement; instead, the room feels expansive, designed to flex with the rhythms of everyday life.
It’s easy to imagine how this space functioned for Eichler and his family—not as a formal living room, but as a place to gather, to connect, to live. That distinction matters. This wasn’t about showcasing design for its own sake; it was about redefining how a home could feel—casual, connected, and deeply human.
In many ways, the family room at 19 Irving is where Eichler’s philosophy comes into focus. The openness, the transparency, the seamless indoor-outdoor flow—it all begins here, in a space that quietly set the tone for an entirely new way of living in California.
Find the right local pro for your project
Clawson Architects, LLCIn a neighborhood of teardowns and oversized additions, this project proves
that good design is for everyone. By reimagining a modest suburban home
with clarity, restraint, and sustainability, the architects created a space that
elevates daily life without extravagance. The thoughtful transformation—
honoring context, engaging the community, and maximizing light and
connection to nature—has become a local landmark, showing that excellence
in design can be accessible, resilient, and deeply human.
Klopf ArchitectureNestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity.
The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions.
A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework.
The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old.
The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance.
While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance.
A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design.
Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction
Photography: Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022
UserFrom CDK Architects:
This is a new home that replaced an existing 1949 home in Rosedale. The design concept for the new house is “Mid Century Modern Meets Modern.” This is clearly a new home, but we wanted to give reverence to the neighborhood and its roots.
It was important to us to re-purpose the old home. Rather than demolishing it, we worked with our contractor to disassemble the house piece by piece, eventually donating about 80% of the home to Habitat for Humanity. The wood floors were salvaged and reused on the new fireplace wall.
The home contains 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, plus a home office and a music studio, totaling 2,650 square feet. One of the home’s most striking features is its large vaulted ceiling in the Living/Dining/Kitchen area. Substantial clerestory windows provide treetop views and bring dappled light into the space from high above. There’s natural light in every room in the house. Balancing the desire for natural light and privacy was very important, as was the connection to nature.
What we hoped to achieve was a fun, flexible home with beautiful light and a nice balance of public and private spaces. We also wanted a home that would adapt to a growing family but would still fit our needs far into the future. The end result is a home with a calming, organic feel to it.
Built by R Builders LLC (General Contractor)
Interior Design by Becca Stephens Interiors
Landscape Design by Seedlings Gardening
Photos by Reagen Taylor Photography
Boyenga Team / CompassEichler X-100 Bathroom: A Study in Efficiency, Light, and Modern Living
The bathrooms in the Eichler X-100 are a fascinating blend of innovation and restraint—spaces where efficiency, light, and thoughtful design come together in a way that feels both practical and ahead of its time. Designed by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons for Joseph Eichler, these rooms reflect a highly intentional approach to everyday living.
A Unique Shared-Core Concept
At the heart of the design is the X-100’s central utility core, where the bathrooms are arranged in a paired configuration. This innovative layout allows for:
Efficient use of space
Shared plumbing systems
Simultaneous use by multiple occupants
The result is a plan that minimizes wasted space while maximizing functionality—a hallmark of mid-century modern thinking.
Light from Above
Rather than relying on traditional windows, the bathrooms are illuminated by overhead skylights, bringing in soft, diffused natural light while maintaining complete privacy.
This creates an atmosphere that feels:
Bright, yet secluded
Open, yet intimate
Calm, yet visually engaging
Light becomes the defining feature—transforming a functional space into something experiential.
Clean Lines, Minimal Distraction
The material palette is simple and intentional, emphasizing:
Smooth, easy-to-maintain surfaces
Clean geometric forms
A lack of unnecessary ornamentation
This minimalism allows the architecture—and the experience of the space—to take center stage.
Thoughtful, Human-Centered Design
Even the details reflect a deeper level of consideration. Features such as varied control placements and efficient layouts demonstrate a focus on usability and comfort, anticipating the needs of daily routines.
Everything is designed to make life easier.
Private, Yet Connected
Though located within the central core, the bathrooms remain visually and experientially connected to the rest of the home through light and spatial flow. They feel integrated, not isolated.
This continuity reinforces the X-100’s overarching philosophy:
every space is part of a larger system.
A Modern Approach—Decades Ahead
What makes the X-100 bathrooms so compelling is how forward-thinking they remain. Concepts like efficient layouts, shared functionality, and natural-light-driven design are widely embraced today—but were radical in 1956.
The bathrooms of the Eichler X-100 prove that even the most utilitarian spaces can be elevated through thoughtful design—where simplicity, innovation, and light create an experience that is both functional and refined.
UserFrom CDK Architects:
This is a new home that replaced an existing 1949 home in Rosedale. The design concept for the new house is “Mid Century Modern Meets Modern.” This is clearly a new home, but we wanted to give reverence to the neighborhood and its roots.
It was important to us to re-purpose the old home. Rather than demolishing it, we worked with our contractor to disassemble the house piece by piece, eventually donating about 80% of the home to Habitat for Humanity. The wood floors were salvaged and reused on the new fireplace wall.
The home contains 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, plus a home office and a music studio, totaling 2,650 square feet. One of the home’s most striking features is its large vaulted ceiling in the Living/Dining/Kitchen area. Substantial clerestory windows provide treetop views and bring dappled light into the space from high above. There’s natural light in every room in the house. Balancing the desire for natural light and privacy was very important, as was the connection to nature.
What we hoped to achieve was a fun, flexible home with beautiful light and a nice balance of public and private spaces. We also wanted a home that would adapt to a growing family but would still fit our needs far into the future. The end result is a home with a calming, organic feel to it.
Built by R Builders LLC (General Contractor)
Interior Design by Becca Stephens Interiors
Landscape Design by Seedlings Gardening
Photos by Reagen Taylor Photography
Top Design RenovationComplete House built and designed by us.
Each space oriented to the flexible design between the human being and nature.
House with open spaces and connection with nature.
Top Design RenovationComplete House built and designed by us.
Each space oriented to the flexible design between the human being and nature.
House with open spaces and connection with nature.
UserFrom CDK Architects:
This is a new home that replaced an existing 1949 home in Rosedale. The design concept for the new house is “Mid Century Modern Meets Modern.” This is clearly a new home, but we wanted to give reverence to the neighborhood and its roots.
It was important to us to re-purpose the old home. Rather than demolishing it, we worked with our contractor to disassemble the house piece by piece, eventually donating about 80% of the home to Habitat for Humanity. The wood floors were salvaged and reused on the new fireplace wall.
The home contains 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, plus a home office and a music studio, totaling 2,650 square feet. One of the home’s most striking features is its large vaulted ceiling in the Living/Dining/Kitchen area. Substantial clerestory windows provide treetop views and bring dappled light into the space from high above. There’s natural light in every room in the house. Balancing the desire for natural light and privacy was very important, as was the connection to nature.
What we hoped to achieve was a fun, flexible home with beautiful light and a nice balance of public and private spaces. We also wanted a home that would adapt to a growing family but would still fit our needs far into the future. The end result is a home with a calming, organic feel to it.
Built by R Builders LLC (General Contractor)
Interior Design by Becca Stephens Interiors
Landscape Design by Seedlings Gardening
Photos by Reagen Taylor Photography
McCall Design & PlanningThis home sits on the edge of Payette River wetland area with sweeping southern views down the river corridor. The mandate from our client was to make it “cozy” and so we worked to create an open floor plan with a flat 10’ ceiling that would maintain a human scale. Multiple windows and doors in the great room area create a sense of connection to the outside while a wood burning fireplace gives the interior space a place to focus. The upper level is very cozy, being framed within the roof so the side walls are low. The bedrooms are just big enough, sharing a bathroom and featuring south facing window seats that draw your eye outside. One of our favorite features is the three season screened porch off the great room, which the owners promptly hung a hammock in.
UserFrom CDK Architects:
This is a new home that replaced an existing 1949 home in Rosedale. The design concept for the new house is “Mid Century Modern Meets Modern.” This is clearly a new home, but we wanted to give reverence to the neighborhood and its roots.
It was important to us to re-purpose the old home. Rather than demolishing it, we worked with our contractor to disassemble the house piece by piece, eventually donating about 80% of the home to Habitat for Humanity. The wood floors were salvaged and reused on the new fireplace wall.
The home contains 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, plus a home office and a music studio, totaling 2,650 square feet. One of the home’s most striking features is its large vaulted ceiling in the Living/Dining/Kitchen area. Substantial clerestory windows provide treetop views and bring dappled light into the space from high above. There’s natural light in every room in the house. Balancing the desire for natural light and privacy was very important, as was the connection to nature.
What we hoped to achieve was a fun, flexible home with beautiful light and a nice balance of public and private spaces. We also wanted a home that would adapt to a growing family but would still fit our needs far into the future. The end result is a home with a calming, organic feel to it.
Built by R Builders LLC (General Contractor)
Interior Design by Becca Stephens Interiors
Landscape Design by Seedlings Gardening
Photos by Reagen Taylor Photography
Top Design RenovationComplete House built and designed by us.
Each space oriented to the flexible design between the human being and nature.
House with open spaces and connection with nature.
Top Design RenovationComplete House built and designed by us.
Each space oriented to the flexible design between the human being and nature.
House with open spaces and connection with nature.
Top Design RenovationComplete House built and designed by us.
Each space oriented to the flexible design between the human being and nature.
House with open spaces and connection with nature.
McCall Design & PlanningThis home sits on the edge of Payette River wetland area with sweeping southern views down the river corridor. The mandate from our client was to make it “cozy” and so we worked to create an open floor plan with a flat 10’ ceiling that would maintain a human scale. Multiple windows and doors in the great room area create a sense of connection to the outside while a wood burning fireplace gives the interior space a place to focus. The upper level is very cozy, being framed within the roof so the side walls are low. The bedrooms are just big enough, sharing a bathroom and featuring south facing window seats that draw your eye outside. One of our favorite features is the three season screened porch off the great room, which the owners promptly hung a hammock in.
UserFrom CDK Architects:
This is a new home that replaced an existing 1949 home in Rosedale. The design concept for the new house is “Mid Century Modern Meets Modern.” This is clearly a new home, but we wanted to give reverence to the neighborhood and its roots.
It was important to us to re-purpose the old home. Rather than demolishing it, we worked with our contractor to disassemble the house piece by piece, eventually donating about 80% of the home to Habitat for Humanity. The wood floors were salvaged and reused on the new fireplace wall.
The home contains 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, plus a home office and a music studio, totaling 2,650 square feet. One of the home’s most striking features is its large vaulted ceiling in the Living/Dining/Kitchen area. Substantial clerestory windows provide treetop views and bring dappled light into the space from high above. There’s natural light in every room in the house. Balancing the desire for natural light and privacy was very important, as was the connection to nature.
What we hoped to achieve was a fun, flexible home with beautiful light and a nice balance of public and private spaces. We also wanted a home that would adapt to a growing family but would still fit our needs far into the future. The end result is a home with a calming, organic feel to it.
Built by R Builders LLC (General Contractor)
Interior Design by Becca Stephens Interiors
Landscape Design by Seedlings Gardening
Photos by Reagen Taylor Photography
Colin Healy Design LLCThe custom-made wings on the ends of the desk from HumanScale allow for 2 to 4 additional chairs for meetings. All of the countertops and table tops are custom-made.
Byggmeister IncPhoto by Mike Casey
Cramped, uncomfortable, and out of date: when the owners of this home approached us about renovating their kitchen and adjoining sunroom, these were high on their list of complaints.
OPENING UP THE KITCHEN
Our plan kept the kitchen in the same location but took down the walls between both the dining room and the sunroom to create an expansive multi-purpose space with spectacular views to conservation land along the back of the property. We removed the powder room and in its place created a window-lined hallway to the living room—opening up direct access between these two previously disconnected spaces. We then built a new half bath between these two rooms, with a door along the back hallway. The result is a more private powder room that is easier to access than before.
Significantly improved cabinetry provides ample storage for both human and canine needs. An island countertop is functional and pleasant, enabling the owners to prep for and clean up from dinner all while enjoying the view of the woods behind their house.
CREATING COMFORT
We also completely rebuilt the sunroom, thickening the framing to allow for extra insulation and raising the roof to accommodate a higher ceiling and tall windows that let in as much natural light as the skylights they replaced, but much less of the solar gain that had made the room so intolerable in the summer.
We improved visual connections between spaces and admitted more natural light by converting the framing of the main stairway from full to half walls. We also insulated the attic and replaced an aging, inefficient central air conditioning system with ductless minisplit heat pumps, which can also be used as supplemental heat.
All in all, this was our kind of project: we made the home more attractive, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient—all over the course of a single, well-integrated project.
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