Inspiration for a coastal entryway remodel in Boston

Photo: Le Michelle Nguyen © 2015 Houzz
Example of an eclectic living room design in San Francisco

We started by levelling the top area into two terraced lawns of low water Kurapia and more than doubling the space on the lower level with retaining walls. We built a striking new pergola with a graphic steel-patterned roof to make a covered seating area. Along with creating shade, the roof casts a movie reel of shade patterns throughout the day. Now there is ample space to kick back and relax, watching the sun spread its glow on the surrounding hillside as it makes its slow journey down the horizon towards sunset. An aerodynamic fan keeps the air pleasantly cool and refreshing. At night the backyard comes alive with an ethereal lighting scheme illuminating the space and making it a place you can enjoy well into the night. It’s the perfect place to end the day.

The Roger Lee designed house from 1962 was purchased by the current homeowners in almost original condition, as the previous owners elected to defer most maintenance projects over the years. The clients were able to see beyond the dated materials and finishes, single-paned glass and uninsulated walls and they approached Klopf Architecture to help them expand and update the entire home, one the family could settle into and enjoy for years to come. It was important that the new designs were aligned with Lee's original intent not only because of the client's appreciation for mid-century modern architecture, but also because the house was deemed historical. The Stanford Real Estate Office requires a stringent design review which safeguards the integrity of the community, which Klopf Architecture was happy to oblige going into their updated designs. As with many original mid-century modern homes, the house was scaled to the 1960s lifestyle where rooms were smaller and openings to views were limited and tightly framed. The original conditions defined the direction the family of four would take in updating the house and making it comfortable for their modern lifestyle. Klopf designed a full gut remodel and major addition to bring the house into the 21st century and provide the living area needed for the client's family. The newly expanded house added just about 1,100 sf to create an airy, comfortable and family friendly house, taking full advantage of the beautiful southwestern views that extend out to the hills beyond. The enclosed garage created an additional 240 sf of covered space for long-term storage. A cracked swimming pool created an eyesore taking up a majority of the backyard landscape, so it was one of the first elements to go during the transformation. Working with Outer Space Landscape Architects, the family asked for a mix of relaxing outdoor patio spaces that eventually blend into the native landscaping, extending their views outward toward the natural greenery of the trees beyond their property. Filling in the old pool was a smart way to expand the living spaces outward. The orientation of the house was designed to enjoy the views, but the original architecture provided the first homeowners with mere glimpses of the landscape outside. Klopf was able to broaden those views, continuing and extending on the original architecture to take full advantage of the unobstructed natural views across the rear facade of the house. Small horizontal openings in the primary bedroom and office were replaced with much taller windows that now follow the angled roof line upward, extending across almost all of the facade. We worked with Western Windows, whose designs included an oblique-shaped, operable casement that allowed our design to rise with the slope. A new corner office added to the primary suite, offers a bright and functional work-from-home solution that looks out at the distant views and added natural light from the expanded window configuration that now wraps around the corner. The existing lower level was designed by Lee as a utilitarian space, serving as a wet pool room with a drain in the center of the floor, bathroom, laundry and storage areas. Without the need for a pool room, Klopf was able to convert the area into a much more comfortable and functional living space with a new family room and guest suite. The new spaces enjoy easy access to a new outdoor patio through floor to ceiling, full-width glass sliders. Continuing along the rear facade, a previously exposed deck extending from the living room and hallway provided access to the backyard through a single set of stairs leading toward the side of the house which made sense when the pool was in place. The new deck was re-envisioned as an extension of the main living room and now serves as a second outdoor living room. A new slatted pergola above provides the homeowners welcome relief from the hot afternoon sun. A second set of stairs now creates a better connection to the redesigned lower level. Klopf was able to reconfigure the spaces, extending the living room outward toward the views, where the family now claims it as the heart of the home, spending a large majority of their time outdoors. Back inside, the original wood-burning Malm fireplace was beautifully restored and a gas burner installed to comply with California's strict air standards. It now rests in front of a wall of Heath accent tiles where a dated red brick wall used to stand. A new taller window brings more light and views into the refreshed interior living room. The original glass doors opposite the fireplace were replaced by larger sliders that when fully opened, create a seamless transition to the new outdoor living area so the two spaces feel like one connected space. The original utilitarian kitchen was needlessly tucked into the far back corner and closed-off, out of sight from the living room, so the clients asked Klopf to open it up and expand the kitchen forward so it felt more connected. Today the much larger kitchen is connected to the living area where a short wall with a cutout offers a visual glimpse into the kitchen and a handy pass-through counter for serving guests. A new breakfast nook was also added to create another spot where the family can gather for casual meals. Just outside, a new built-in outdoor grill and prep area extends the kitchen outside and connects to a new outdoor dining spot nestled amongst the trees, taking advantage of the views out back. Klopf was able to expand the other two bedrooms, add a new laundry room and half-bath and convert the carport to an enclosed garage to add more storage areas which was lost when the pool house was converted to the family and guest room. To maintain a historical connection to the original designs, the exterior siding was repeated on all exterior walls, a full-height stained glass window at the front entryway restored, and an interior slatted screen element repeated outside at the exterior entry courtyard and over the new outdoor living room to create a shade trellis. The new house stands proudly and shines against it's new landscaping features, while respecting and expanding on the original intent of Roger Lee's designs epitomizing the comforts of indoor-outdoor living in Northern California. Completion year: 2020 Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane, Noel Andrade Contractor: ORB Construction, Brendan O'Reilly Structural engineer: Sezen and Moon Landscape architect: Outer space Furnishings and decoration: Urbanism Designs Photographer: Mariko Reed

Christophe Testi
Example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash, paneled appliances and a peninsula

Maged Samuel - Versed Vision, Caldwell, NJ versedvision@gmail.com
Large transitional u-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in New York with white cabinets, white backsplash, an island, a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, subway tile backsplash and paneled appliances

Cabinets were updated with an amazing green paint color, the layout was reconfigured, and beautiful nature-themed textures were added throughout. The bold cabinet color, rich wood finishes, and warm metal tones featured in this kitchen are second to none! Cabinetry Color: Rainy Afternoon by Benjamin Moore Walls: Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore Island and shelves: Knotty Alder in "Winter" stain Photo credit: Picture Perfect House

Transitional kitchen photo in Los Angeles

Feiler Photography
Example of a large transitional enclosed carpeted home theater design in Oklahoma City with blue walls and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped ceramic tile eat-in kitchen remodel in Toronto with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

David Frechette
Transitional underground vinyl floor and brown floor basement photo in Detroit with gray walls

This beautiful kitchen showcases hte latest in design with its gold chandelier and drawer pulls, blue and white cabinets with stainless steel appliances and bright white slab counters.

This East Coast shingle style traditional home encapsulates many design details and state-of-the-art technology. Mingle's custom designed cabinetry is on display throughout Stonewood’s 2018 Artisan Tour home. In addition to the kitchen and baths, our beautiful built-in cabinetry enhances the master bedroom, library, office, and even the porch. The Studio M Interiors team worked closely with the client to design, furnish and accessorize spaces inspired by east coast charm. The clean, traditional white kitchen features Dura Supreme inset cabinetry with a variety of storage drawer and cabinet accessories including fully integrated refrigerator and freezer and dishwasher doors and wine refrigerator. The scullery is right off the kitchen featuring inset glass door cabinetry and stacked appliances. The master suite displays a beautiful custom wall entertainment center and the master bath features two custom matching vanities and a freestanding bathtub and walk-in steam shower. The main level laundry room has an abundance of cabinetry for storage space and two custom drying nooks as well. The outdoor space off the main level highlights NatureKast outdoor cabinetry and is the perfect gathering space to entertain and take in the outstanding views of Lake Minnetonka. The upstairs showcases two stunning ½ bath vanities, a double his/hers office, and an exquisite library. The lower level features a bar area, two ½ baths, in home movie theatre with custom seating, a reading nook with surrounding bookshelves, and custom wine cellar. Two additional mentions are the large garage space and dog wash station and lower level work room, both with sleek, built-to-last custom cabinetry. Scott Amundson Photography, LLC

This brick and limestone, 6,000-square-foot residence exemplifies understated elegance. Located in the award-wining Blaine School District and within close proximity to the Southport Corridor, this is city living at its finest! The foyer, with herringbone wood floors, leads to a dramatic, hand-milled oval staircase; an architectural element that allows sunlight to cascade down from skylights and to filter throughout the house. The floor plan has stately-proportioned rooms and includes formal Living and Dining Rooms; an expansive, eat-in, gourmet Kitchen/Great Room; four bedrooms on the second level with three additional bedrooms and a Family Room on the lower level; a Penthouse Playroom leading to a roof-top deck and green roof; and an attached, heated 3-car garage. Additional features include hardwood flooring throughout the main level and upper two floors; sophisticated architectural detailing throughout the house including coffered ceiling details, barrel and groin vaulted ceilings; painted, glazed and wood paneling; laundry rooms on the bedroom level and on the lower level; five fireplaces, including one outdoors; and HD Video, Audio and Surround Sound pre-wire distribution through the house and grounds. The home also features extensively landscaped exterior spaces, designed by Prassas Landscape Studio. This home went under contract within 90 days during the Great Recession. Featured in Chicago Magazine: http://goo.gl/Gl8lRm Jim Yochum

Example of a transitional patio design in Dallas

Tash Hopkins
Trendy two-story wood exterior home photo in Auckland

Mid-sized elegant backyard deck photo in Toronto with no cover

Jack Michaud Photography
Inspiration for a transitional exterior home remodel in Portland Maine

Travis Wayne Baker
Inspiration for a country kitchen remodel in Austin