Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic formal medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Los Angeles with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Backsplash - Lunada Bay Tile - Sumi-e 1 x 4 Mini Brick / Color - Izu Natural Michael Partenio
Eat-in kitchen - coastal eat-in kitchen idea in Boston with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, glass tile backsplash, granite countertops, blue backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Gibeon Photography. Troy Lighting Edison Pendants / Phillip Jeffries Faux Leather Wall covering
Alcove shower - rustic alcove shower idea in New York with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, beige walls, an integrated sink, concrete countertops and a hinged shower door

Built on Frank Sinatra’s estate, this custom home was designed to be a fun and relaxing weekend retreat for our clients who live full time in Orange County. As a second home and playing up the mid-century vibe ubiquitous in the desert, we departed from our clients’ more traditional style to create a modern and unique space with the feel of a boutique hotel. Classic mid-century materials were used for the architectural elements and hard surfaces of the home such as walnut flooring and cabinetry, terrazzo stone and straight set brick walls, while the furnishings are a more eclectic take on modern style. We paid homage to “Old Blue Eyes” by hanging a 6’ tall image of his mug shot in the entry.

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz
Example of a classic medium tone wood floor kitchen design in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and gray walls

Photography by Jeff Herr
Trendy l-shaped black floor eat-in kitchen photo in Atlanta with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, purple cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a transitional 3/4 white tile multicolored floor corner shower remodel in Los Angeles with recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Architectural advisement, Interior Design, Custom Furniture Design & Art Curation by Chango & Co. Architecture by Crisp Architects Construction by Structure Works Inc. Photography by Sarah Elliott See the feature in Domino Magazine

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

Photo by Christopher Stark.
Bedroom - mid-sized eclectic guest dark wood floor bedroom idea in San Francisco with blue walls

This darling young family of four recently moved to a beautiful home over looking La Jolla Shores. They wanted a home that represented their simple and sophisticated style that would still function as a livable space for their children. We incorporated a subtle nautical concept to blend with the location and dramatic color and texture contrasts to show off the architecture. Photo cred: Chipper Hatter: www.chipperhatter.com

Farmhouse light wood floor and beige floor bedroom photo in Seattle with gray walls

I custom designed this vanity out of zinc and wood. I wanted it to be space saving and float off of the floor. The tub and shower area are combined to create a wet room. the overhead rain shower and wall mounted fixtures provide a spa-like experience. Photo: Seth Caplan

Pinnacle Mountain Homes
Freestanding bathtub - rustic freestanding bathtub idea in Denver with a console sink

Example of a beach style concrete floor and gray floor mudroom design in Boston with white walls

Foto Adriano Escanhuela - São Paulo
Example of a small eclectic blue tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile bathroom design with white walls

zoonmedia
Mid-sized trendy u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Calgary with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and dark wood cabinets

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open concept medium tone wood floor, wood wall and brown floor living room remodel in Toronto with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace