Nestled 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

Lori Dennis Interior Design SoCal Contractor Construction Erika Bierman Photography
Inspiration for a large timeless master marble floor freestanding bathtub remodel in San Diego with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

Large mountain style open concept medium tone wood floor family room photo in Other with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a tv stand

Ann Kenkel Interiors Russell Hirshon Photography Guest bedroom in 10,000 sq ft Manor House in St. Michael's Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay.Coastal Estate in St. Michael's Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay. House was designed after the original 1770's house on the property. Home was designed to be a formal house but was now being used as a weekend retreat. Ann Kenkel had to decorate the house in a manner which was coastal enough so owner's felt like they were on vacation yet formal enough for the style of the house. AK found the house filled with wallpaper from the 1980's. Wallpaper from every room was removed and all trim had to be painted a neutral color. The formal dining room only had one entry. AK opened up a second entry into the dining room which provided a view of the Chesapeake Bay. Keywords: coastal estate, bay estate, luxury estate on Chesapeake Bay, St. Michael's home, best designer in St. Michael's, best coastal designer, best Chesapeake bay designer, window treatments, window treatments for over transom windows, chenille sofas, silk pillows, TV over fireplace, blue and yellow bedroom, coral and beige bedroom, british plantation style, blue toile bedroom, blue and green bedroom, coral dining room, red dining room, hand planed table, neutral living room, neutral sunroom, blue and green kitchen, blue family room, cherry paneled library, Ralph Lauren leather chairs, yellow chinoiserie wallpaper, shell mirror, tole lamps, gated drive, pea gravel drive, circular drive, piano, zebra fabric, trim on pillows, trim on draperies, panels and valances, georgian house, sunburst mirror, glass coffee table, star lamps, red and yellow toile draperies, ivory painted chairs, white painted chairs, nautical accessories, coastal coral bedroom, coastal blue bedroom, coastal yellow bedroom, blue and green toile bedroom, stables, paddock, outdoor stainless kitchen, dock, tan draperies, neutral chenille sofas, blue sofas, blue chairs with white frame, needlepoint rug, shell plates, bamboo silverware, white bedroom furniture, dark wood bedroom furniture, plaid chairs, wilton carpet, bright sunroom, chairs and ottomans, regency valance, scarf swags, swags, red leopard pillows, toile bedding, game table, game table chairs on coaster, shells, hydrangeas, shell lamp, sailboat art, sailboat paintings, cane headboard, 4 poster bed.

Bilotta Senior Designer, Thomas Vecchio, and Patrick J. Hamilton of Patrick James Hamilton Designs, partnered on this Manhattan upper east side kitchen renovation. This nondescript ‘60’s co-op and galley kitchen were reimagined into a pre-war era gem by adding architectural details: paneling, coffers, and moldings. Widening the opening created an open vista. Upper panes of glass on the Bilotta Collection wall cabinets echo the apartment’s transoms and unite the two sections that are interrupted by the paneled structural column. To compensate for the shorter wall, storage is optimized with plentiful pullouts, dividers, and specialized organizers. The “dead end” under the window was eliminated by continuing cabinetry and countertop materials around the room. Countertop wall cabinets create a hutch in full view of the dining room. With dark gray paint, corner posts and furniture base molding, the peninsula reads like an island and bridges the two areas. Quartz countertops sport “lightning bolt” veins for pattern. Sophisticated on- trend brushed brass was employed on the cabinet pulls and knobs, faucet, sconces, and pendants. A gamechanger was extending the footprint of the kitchen into the hallway with two tall cabinets. One is allocated for cleaning supplies, bulk items, recycling, and the vacuum. The other conceals a built-in wine rack; glassware and bar items; a docking drawer for charging devices; and a Penda-flex rack for files. An absolutely stunning metamorphosis. Written by Paulette Gambacorta adapted for Houzz. Bilotta Designer: Tom Vecchio Interior Designer: Patrick J. Hamilton of Patrick James Hamilton Designs Photographer: John Bessler

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design | L. Cramer Builders + Remodelers, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography | Shannon Gale, Photo Styling Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Ryann Ford
Example of a country two-story mixed siding exterior home design in Austin with a metal roof

Photography by Laura Hull.
Entryway - large traditional ceramic tile and multicolored floor entryway idea in San Francisco with gray walls and a white front door

Designing the Master Suite custom furnishings, bedding, window coverings and artwork to compliment the modern architecture while offering an elegant, serene environment for peaceful reflection were the chief objectives. The color scheme remains a warm neutral, like the limestone walls, along with soft accents of subdued greens, sage and silvered blues to bring the colors of the magnificent, long Hill country views into the space. Special effort was spent designing custom window coverings that wouldn't compete with the architecture, but appear integrated and operate easily to open wide the prized view fully and provide privacy when needed. To achieve an understated elegance, the textures are rich and refined with a glazed linen headboard fabric, plush wool and viscose rug, soft leather bench, velvet pillow, satin accents to custom bedding and an ultra fine linen for the drapery with accents of natural wood mixed with warm bronze and aged brass metal finishes. The original oil painting curated for this room sets a calming and serene tone for the space with an ever important focus on the beauty of nature. The original fine art landscape painting for this room was created by Christa Brothers, of Brothers Fine Art Marfa.

This cozy and inviting Family room is comfortable and more importantly functional. Any guest will feel comfortable and have access to any table for their drinks. Functional design is so important yet beautiful. The calming cream colored walls make everything else bounce perfectly in colors making a soothing and welcoming space. The seating is quality made to sit comfortably. The custom window treatments open up these large windows for beautiful views. Keeps this space airy and open. Lighting is equally balanced also giving enough lighting needed, yet pretty. The mixing of patterned fabrics along with the rug show you it can be done in keeping a good balance. This Family room is warm, cozy, and so pretty!

Photography: Garett + Carrie Buell of Studiobuell/ studiobuell.com
Double front door - large french country medium tone wood floor and brown floor double front door idea in Nashville with white walls and a black front door

The soaring living room ceilings in this Omaha home showcase custom designed bookcases, while a comfortable modern sectional sofa provides ample space for seating. The expansive windows highlight the beautiful rolling hills and greenery of the exterior. The grid design of the large windows is repeated again in the coffered ceiling design. Wood look tile provides a durable surface for kids and pets and also allows for radiant heat flooring to be installed underneath the tile. The custom designed marble fireplace completes the sophisticated look.

This 264 square foot prefab home was packaged and brought to the client’s property as just 64 flatpacked components, and assembled from start to finish in six weeks. AVAVA believes that beautiful design and a commitment to sustainability can work together with the efficiency of prefab to deliver the highest quality housing that the average citizen can afford. This project is intended as a future retirement retreat for a professional couple currently living in San Francisco. It was permitted as a residential secondary dwelling unit according to the planning code in the city of Livermore. Named Britespace, our prefab models feature a 12’x16’ window wall, and a 14’ ceiling that fills the home with natural light. The interior can be fitted with a full kitchen or simple counter and wetbar, and a full or half bath – or left open for office or guest bedroom use. The Britespace is available in 264, 352, and 480 square foot sizes, and comes in a limited number of design options for interior and exterior finishes. AVAVA Systems is a full-service prefab flatpack home provider specializing in Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) products, and delivering projects from planning and permitting through construction.

Martha O’Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | John Kraemer & Sons, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography | Ben Nelson, Designer | Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For info about our work: design@oharainteriors.com

Windows: Pella's Architect Series Bar Stools: Lawson-Fenning | Elysian Barstool TEAM Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors Interior Design: LDa Architecture & Interiors Builder: F.H. Perry Builder Cabinetry: Jewett Farms Photographer: Sean Litchfield Photography

Photos by Giovanni Photography
Example of a mid-sized transitional master gray tile bathroom design in Miami with gray walls and a hinged shower door

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Troy Thies, Photography | TreHus Architects + Interior Designers + Builders, Remodeler Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Serene master bedroom nestled in the South Carolina mountains in the Cliffs Valley. Peaceful wall color Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray (SW6205) with a cedar clad ceiling.

Jaclyn Tyler Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional gender-neutral carpeted and gray floor nursery remodel in Other with gray walls