Search results for "Master alongside" in Home Design Ideas
Klopf ArchitectureJoseph Eichler developed his moderately priced houses for the mass-market starting in 1949. His homes were designed using affordable materials and simple construction techniques. Nearly 70 years later these homes are in need of updating and remodeling an Eichler home today can become an imposing and costly project if you’re not careful. For this project the clients, who had undergone several previous house renovations, were determined to stick with an established budget from the beginning. Klopf Architecture helped them modernize their Eichler with a premium appearance on a reasonable budget.
The clients challenged the Klopf team to create a design that had a high-end feel and nicely done while adhering to their budget. That meant not all of the initial project scope could be built. Like many other Eichler homes, the original floor plan did not meet the family’s needs leaving them feeling disconnected from one room to another. While an early goal was to expand the house into a carport and create a larger garage, it did not survive the contractor pricing phase of the project.
The goals that did survive through to the end of the project included blurring some of the boundaries and opening up some of the spaces, making them more functional and creating a smoother flow in the house. The Klopf team joined the former separate kitchen and formal living room into one large space and shift the dining room where it is now connected to the kitchen. Klopf swapped the family room to the front alongside the living room, so the spaces feel more cohesive and are now better suited for family activities. The functional layout of the master bathroom was changed to include a large, curbless shower.
Installing a complete IKEA kitchen including cabinets, countertops, appliances, light fixtures, and furnishings was key to staying within budget. Bath fixtures in this house are also exclusively IKEA. Klopf Architecture has designed many homes using IKEA products, which are quite compatible offering an affordable, contemporary take on Eichler homes. The clients saved additional money from the simplicity and availability of IKEA products and by orchestrating the orders and purchases themselves. Following each construction meeting, the clients would make a run to IKEA and purchase items, pick up needed spare parts, and bring them back right away to stay ahead of the contractor’s schedule and minimize the chance of delays and bottlenecks.
Klopf balanced material selections by retaining some of the original woodwork and simply refinishing the mahogany paneling. They were able to retain the original windows and sliding doors which were still in good shape, avoiding some of the most costly replacement expenses. Additionally interior doors were simply refinished and the exterior siding cleaned up and repainted. Formerly dark interiors are now illuminated with new slimmer semi-recessed lighting eliminating the need for costly roof work.
Attention to design details allowed the Klopf team to ensure the house ended up with a high quality feel. Key visual elements were strictly aligned and Klopf worked with the clients to select a unified materials palette throughout the spaces so the house flows seamlessly together. Aligning the tile layout with the trusses and keeping it level with the concrete slab outside allowed them to achieve a level of quality that may otherwise be missed.
The clients were able to keep their budget on track by determining clear goals and making critical decisions upfront, choosing materials and furnishings wisely, working with the right design and construction teams in place and to a large part, their willingness to participate throughout the process. In the end the clients were much happier with their reconfigured Eichler home and Klopf Architecture managed to keep their remodeling costs to about $325/sf – a good amount below the average Bay Area Eichler remodel.
Project Team: John Klopf, Angela Todorova, Sherry Tan
Contractor: Keycon Construction
Structural Engineer: Sezen & Moon
Photography: Sabrina Huang
Year Completed: 2020
UserNestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, this quintessential beach house artfully blends exemplary lakefront architecture and refined design elements.
Spanning over 3,800 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, this home highlights plentiful windows and outdoor living areas within all three floors. Alongside unobstructed views of Lake Michigan that pull natural illumination into nearly every room, thoughtful interior design by Benchmark Design Studio bring forth sophisticated design details.
• Designed to withstand the lakeshore elements, an exterior consisting of durable fiber cement siding is showcased in a restful shade of gray and accented through natural stone columns.
• A soaring staircase open to above and below sets the tone for the bathed-in-sunlight main level featuring an open floor plan between the light and airy kitchen with Viking appliances, dining room, living room and beach deck.
• A harmonious blend of rustic and refined, a warm palette of natural materials and finishes like European white washed oak floors, sliding barn doors, and classic built-ins, create a relaxed space that never loses its polished sense of style.
• Often considered too special for a weekend home, sophisticated design elements including a mix of quartz and onyx countertops in the kitchen, metallic Thibaut ceiling inset in the dining room, and rustic sliding barn doors , makes this home simply special.
• Dedicated to private time, the upstairs master suite includes direct access to an open-air deck, two guest bedrooms, and a cozy sleeping loft with nine diligent bunk beds.
• Downstairs, generous living area with causal furnishings, additional guest quarters with full beach bath and savvy kitchenette, enhances beach entertaining and all the simple pleasures of living on Lake Michigan.
Photography by Chuck Heiney
CRx ConstructionAbout This Project: This magnificent custom coastal style home sits alluringly situated alongside a wide winding river that offers views from every single vista. With two Tesla charging stations; Anderson A Series windows; pristine stained shake siding complete with IPE decking and V groove antique oak beams, this three-story marvel is nothing short of stupendous. The grand fireplaces in the living room, outdoor kitchen and third floor porch only enhance the breathtaking beauty of it all, while the interior decorative trusses adding to the rooms' vaulted ceilings offer countless ways to be creative in terms of design and décor. Not to mention that its reverse floor plan includes a private master suite featuring a second floor porch – oh what a spectacular layout! Wolf appliances and Sub Zero chillers complete this unique package that's sure to please those captivated by coastal luxury living.
CRx Construction is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network.
Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples.
As a Certified Luxury Builder, CRx Construction is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.
Find the right local pro for your project
BertazzoniA white Bertazzoni 30" Master Series Range stands out alongside green cabinetry and a black tile backsplash in this unique, modern kitchen. Brass accents and cabinet pulls round out the space for a contemporary look with a bold color scheme.
(Design: Ashley Gilbreath Design // Photo: Laurey Glenn)
Paul Langston InteriorsOur latest project, an elegant modernisation of a 1920s seafront detached Essex property, features in the February 2024 edition of 25 beautiful Homes. This enterprise grew from an initial entrance hall cabinetry commission into a much larger project, encompassing many aspects of interior design, including decorative schemes for colours and finishes, spatial planning and lighting design. We also produced a wide range of cabinetry designs throughout the property, including the wine wall, principle bed and headboard, his and hers dressing room wardrobes and bespoke 5m drop staircase lighting feature, which runs through the whole house. We were fortunate to be part of a great project team, working alongside talented builders Intelligent Building, joinery masters Nord Build and home automation wizards P&R Service.
Klopf ArchitectureJoseph Eichler developed his moderately priced houses for the mass-market starting in 1949. His homes were designed using affordable materials and simple construction techniques. Nearly 70 years later these homes are in need of updating and remodeling an Eichler home today can become an imposing and costly project if you’re not careful. For this project the clients, who had undergone several previous house renovations, were determined to stick with an established budget from the beginning. Klopf Architecture helped them modernize their Eichler with a premium appearance on a reasonable budget.
The clients challenged the Klopf team to create a design that had a high-end feel and nicely done while adhering to their budget. That meant not all of the initial project scope could be built. Like many other Eichler homes, the original floor plan did not meet the family’s needs leaving them feeling disconnected from one room to another. While an early goal was to expand the house into a carport and create a larger garage, it did not survive the contractor pricing phase of the project.
The goals that did survive through to the end of the project included blurring some of the boundaries and opening up some of the spaces, making them more functional and creating a smoother flow in the house. The Klopf team joined the former separate kitchen and formal living room into one large space and shift the dining room where it is now connected to the kitchen. Klopf swapped the family room to the front alongside the living room, so the spaces feel more cohesive and are now better suited for family activities. The functional layout of the master bathroom was changed to include a large, curbless shower.
Installing a complete IKEA kitchen including cabinets, countertops, appliances, light fixtures, and furnishings was key to staying within budget. Bath fixtures in this house are also exclusively IKEA. Klopf Architecture has designed many homes using IKEA products, which are quite compatible offering an affordable, contemporary take on Eichler homes. The clients saved additional money from the simplicity and availability of IKEA products and by orchestrating the orders and purchases themselves. Following each construction meeting, the clients would make a run to IKEA and purchase items, pick up needed spare parts, and bring them back right away to stay ahead of the contractor’s schedule and minimize the chance of delays and bottlenecks.
Klopf balanced material selections by retaining some of the original woodwork and simply refinishing the mahogany paneling. They were able to retain the original windows and sliding doors which were still in good shape, avoiding some of the most costly replacement expenses. Additionally interior doors were simply refinished and the exterior siding cleaned up and repainted. Formerly dark interiors are now illuminated with new slimmer semi-recessed lighting eliminating the need for costly roof work.
Attention to design details allowed the Klopf team to ensure the house ended up with a high quality feel. Key visual elements were strictly aligned and Klopf worked with the clients to select a unified materials palette throughout the spaces so the house flows seamlessly together. Aligning the tile layout with the trusses and keeping it level with the concrete slab outside allowed them to achieve a level of quality that may otherwise be missed.
The clients were able to keep their budget on track by determining clear goals and making critical decisions upfront, choosing materials and furnishings wisely, working with the right design and construction teams in place and to a large part, their willingness to participate throughout the process. In the end the clients were much happier with their reconfigured Eichler home and Klopf Architecture managed to keep their remodeling costs to about $325/sf – a good amount below the average Bay Area Eichler remodel.
Project Team: John Klopf, Angela Todorova, Sherry Tan
Contractor: Keycon Construction
Structural Engineer: Sezen & Moon
Photography: Sabrina Huang
Year Completed: 2020
Paul Langston InteriorsOur latest project, an elegant modernisation of a 1920s seafront detached Essex property, features in the February 2024 edition of 25 beautiful Homes. This enterprise grew from an initial entrance hall cabinetry commission into a much larger project, encompassing many aspects of interior design, including decorative schemes for colours and finishes, spatial planning and lighting design. We also produced a wide range of cabinetry designs throughout the property, including the wine wall, principle bed and headboard, his and hers dressing room wardrobes and bespoke 5m drop staircase lighting feature, which runs through the whole house. We were fortunate to be part of a great project team, working alongside talented builders Intelligent Building, joinery masters Nord Build and home automation wizards P&R Service.
Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21
Archimple LLC
The European house design shares similarities with Victorian architecture but exudes a distinct personality of its own. Functionally, it offers comparable features to Southern and Tudor homes. Guests are greeted by a spacious covered front porch upon entering, setting a grand tone. The master bedroom, adorned with essential amenities, is conveniently located on the main floor. A formal living room, modern and well-equipped, encourages quality time with loved ones, while dining options extend to the open patio area. Utility spaces, fireplace designs, a library, recreation room, powder room, and storage are all seamlessly integrated into the primary floor plan. Upstairs, two separate bedrooms boast decorative features, alongside a guest suite and a spacious attic. The emphasis on picturesque architecture adds to its allure, making it more than just a housing solution—it's the epitome of an ideal living space.
Paul Langston InteriorsOur latest project, an elegant modernisation of a 1920s seafront detached Essex property, features in the February 2024 edition of 25 beautiful Homes. This enterprise grew from an initial entrance hall cabinetry commission into a much larger project, encompassing many aspects of interior design, including decorative schemes for colours and finishes, spatial planning and lighting design. We also produced a wide range of cabinetry designs throughout the property, including the wine wall, principle bed and headboard, his and hers dressing room wardrobes and bespoke 5m drop staircase lighting feature, which runs through the whole house. We were fortunate to be part of a great project team, working alongside talented builders Intelligent Building, joinery masters Nord Build and home automation wizards P&R Service.
Charlie Allen Renovations, Inc.We recently enjoyed the opportunity to remodel three floors of a nineteenth-century Cambridge home with our project partners, architect Tom Downer and designer Jayme Kennerknecht/LDa Architects.
.
• The owners – a family of four that includes both a teenager and a toddler - wanted a house better suited to entertaining but also appropriate for family together time. Specific improvements on their wish list included a playroom that could handle differing family needs, a custom bar for entertaining, a new fireplace, and an inviting kitchen that would remain distinct but be better connected to adjoining rooms.
• Adding a fireplace to the living room involved rebuilding the entire back wall of the home. The fireplace mantel was custom designed to match an existing mantel in the nearby dining room, which is original to the home.
• In the playroom, care was taken to create zones for three members of the family: The mother enjoys crafting and now has a station directly below existing skylights, the teenager has a semi-private nook at the back of the space for relaxing, and the youngest in the family can enjoy toys and games placed along one wall alongside a rug for playing on the floor. On the same level, we created a separate guest bedroom with a new closet and a window designed to match other windows throughout the home.
• The kitchen is fully upgraded and custom designed to accommodate the mother’s cooking habits, with specific elements including a farmer’s sink in the island and a stainless steel counter with an integrated sink for food preparation placed behind it on the counter. To improve storage in the much-used room, corner drawer units were installed instead of lazy Susan cabinets. Also, the homeowners were not interested in an open floor plan, but did want to improve access to the living room and yard beyond. This was achieved by expanding the opening between the two rooms allowing the cook to engage with family and guests and have a clear view when children are playing in the yard.
Photo by Shelly Harrison
Klopf ArchitectureJoseph Eichler developed his moderately priced houses for the mass-market starting in 1949. His homes were designed using affordable materials and simple construction techniques. Nearly 70 years later these homes are in need of updating and remodeling an Eichler home today can become an imposing and costly project if you’re not careful. For this project the clients, who had undergone several previous house renovations, were determined to stick with an established budget from the beginning. Klopf Architecture helped them modernize their Eichler with a premium appearance on a reasonable budget.
The clients challenged the Klopf team to create a design that had a high-end feel and nicely done while adhering to their budget. That meant not all of the initial project scope could be built. Like many other Eichler homes, the original floor plan did not meet the family’s needs leaving them feeling disconnected from one room to another. While an early goal was to expand the house into a carport and create a larger garage, it did not survive the contractor pricing phase of the project.
The goals that did survive through to the end of the project included blurring some of the boundaries and opening up some of the spaces, making them more functional and creating a smoother flow in the house. The Klopf team joined the former separate kitchen and formal living room into one large space and shift the dining room where it is now connected to the kitchen. Klopf swapped the family room to the front alongside the living room, so the spaces feel more cohesive and are now better suited for family activities. The functional layout of the master bathroom was changed to include a large, curbless shower.
Installing a complete IKEA kitchen including cabinets, countertops, appliances, light fixtures, and furnishings was key to staying within budget. Bath fixtures in this house are also exclusively IKEA. Klopf Architecture has designed many homes using IKEA products, which are quite compatible offering an affordable, contemporary take on Eichler homes. The clients saved additional money from the simplicity and availability of IKEA products and by orchestrating the orders and purchases themselves. Following each construction meeting, the clients would make a run to IKEA and purchase items, pick up needed spare parts, and bring them back right away to stay ahead of the contractor’s schedule and minimize the chance of delays and bottlenecks.
Klopf balanced material selections by retaining some of the original woodwork and simply refinishing the mahogany paneling. They were able to retain the original windows and sliding doors which were still in good shape, avoiding some of the most costly replacement expenses. Additionally interior doors were simply refinished and the exterior siding cleaned up and repainted. Formerly dark interiors are now illuminated with new slimmer semi-recessed lighting eliminating the need for costly roof work.
Attention to design details allowed the Klopf team to ensure the house ended up with a high quality feel. Key visual elements were strictly aligned and Klopf worked with the clients to select a unified materials palette throughout the spaces so the house flows seamlessly together. Aligning the tile layout with the trusses and keeping it level with the concrete slab outside allowed them to achieve a level of quality that may otherwise be missed.
The clients were able to keep their budget on track by determining clear goals and making critical decisions upfront, choosing materials and furnishings wisely, working with the right design and construction teams in place and to a large part, their willingness to participate throughout the process. In the end the clients were much happier with their reconfigured Eichler home and Klopf Architecture managed to keep their remodeling costs to about $325/sf – a good amount below the average Bay Area Eichler remodel.
Project Team: John Klopf, Angela Todorova, Sherry Tan
Contractor: Keycon Construction
Structural Engineer: Sezen & Moon
Photography: Sabrina Huang
Year Completed: 2020
NILESThis 2022 project for Sovereign Grace Music was a full-scale, purpose-built recording and production facility designed to support songwriting, live tracking, mixing, and video content creation. Working alongside the extraordinary Sovereign Grace team—and in collaboration with Authentic Carpentry—NILES handled sound reduction, audio integration, and all acoustic treatment design and installation.
The facility features a full Control Room, a spacious Live Room, and a large Isolation Booth engineered for dry drum capture or vocal tracking during full-band sessions. Each space was crafted for accuracy, clarity, and intuitive workflow, ensuring that engineers and artists can move seamlessly between rooms without breaking creative momentum.
Clear sightlines, generous lighting, and intentional layout choices make the studio equally suited for recording and video production. Every room is wired for a plug-and-play workflow, supporting multi-camera shoots, ensemble tracking, and efficient session flow.
Behind the aesthetic, the acoustic infrastructure is highly robust. The Control Room, Live Room, and ISO Booth sit on independent floor systems with tailored sound-reducing wall assemblies and strategic treatments throughout. No suite is mechanically bonded, allowing simultaneous use of all rooms with minimal sound transmission.
Monitoring in the Control Room centers around PMC 6-2 loudspeakers, precisely tuned to ensure accurate translation from mix position to the final master.
The result is a balanced, inviting, and technically exact environment—built to serve the diverse creative needs of Sovereign Grace Music for years to come.
CRx ConstructionAbout This Project: This magnificent custom coastal style home sits alluringly situated alongside a wide winding river that offers views from every single vista. With two Tesla charging stations; Anderson A Series windows; pristine stained shake siding complete with IPE decking and V groove antique oak beams, this three-story marvel is nothing short of stupendous. The grand fireplaces in the living room, outdoor kitchen and third floor porch only enhance the breathtaking beauty of it all, while the interior decorative trusses adding to the rooms' vaulted ceilings offer countless ways to be creative in terms of design and décor. Not to mention that its reverse floor plan includes a private master suite featuring a second floor porch – oh what a spectacular layout! Wolf appliances and Sub Zero chillers complete this unique package that's sure to please those captivated by coastal luxury living.
CRx Construction is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network.
Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples.
As a Certified Luxury Builder, CRx Construction is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.
Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations
Campagna HomesAbout This Project: This magnificent custom coastal style home sits alluringly situated alongside a wide winding river that offers views from every single vista. With two Tesla charging stations; Anderson A Series windows; pristine stained shake siding complete with IPE decking and V groove antique oak beams, this three-story marvel is nothing short of stupendous. The grand fireplaces in the living room, outdoor kitchen and third floor porch only enhance the breathtaking beauty of it all, while the interior decorative trusses adding to the rooms' vaulted ceilings offer countless ways to be creative in terms of design and décor. Not to mention that its reverse floor plan includes a private master suite featuring a second floor porch – oh what a spectacular layout! Wolf appliances and Sub Zero chillers complete this unique package that's sure to please those captivated by coastal luxury living.
Campagna Homes is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network.
Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples.
As a Certified Luxury Builder, Campagna Homes is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.
Distinctive DomainAbout This Project: This magnificent custom coastal style home sits alluringly situated alongside a wide winding river that offers views from every single vista. With two Tesla charging stations; Anderson A Series windows; pristine stained shake siding complete with IPE decking and V groove antique oak beams, this three-story marvel is nothing short of stupendous. The grand fireplaces in the living room, outdoor kitchen and third floor porch only enhance the breathtaking beauty of it all, while the interior decorative trusses adding to the rooms' vaulted ceilings offer countless ways to be creative in terms of design and décor. Not to mention that its reverse floor plan includes a private master suite featuring a second floor porch – oh what a spectacular layout! Wolf appliances and Sub Zero chillers complete this unique package that's sure to please those captivated by coastal luxury living.
Distinctive Domain is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network.
Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples.
As a Certified Luxury Builder, Distinctive Domain is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.
Level Custom BuildIn 2025, we completed a full bathroom remodel in this Toronto home, fully gutting the space and reimagining it with a walk-in shower, custom cabinetry, gold finishes, and refined tile details. Sliding pocket doors were added for easy, discreet access to the laundry area. We returned in 2026 to carry the transformation through the main and upper floors, updating the guest bathroom and main floor powder room. The entire staircase was redone, alongside all new flooring, custom mudroom cabinetry, and updated tiling throughout. A standout feature wall under the stairs incorporates hidden doors leading to the basement and powder room, blending function seamlessly into the design.
Campagna HomesAbout This Project: This magnificent custom coastal style home sits alluringly situated alongside a wide winding river that offers views from every single vista. With two Tesla charging stations; Anderson A Series windows; pristine stained shake siding complete with IPE decking and V groove antique oak beams, this three-story marvel is nothing short of stupendous. The grand fireplaces in the living room, outdoor kitchen and third floor porch only enhance the breathtaking beauty of it all, while the interior decorative trusses adding to the rooms' vaulted ceilings offer countless ways to be creative in terms of design and décor. Not to mention that its reverse floor plan includes a private master suite featuring a second floor porch – oh what a spectacular layout! Wolf appliances and Sub Zero chillers complete this unique package that's sure to please those captivated by coastal luxury living.
Campagna Homes is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network.
Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples.
As a Certified Luxury Builder, Campagna Homes is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.
Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!
Rivetti CompanyRivetti Company offers expert custom deck and siding services. While adhering to industry quality standards, we work diligently to meet the needs of our customers. Our staff is committed to performing fine craftsmanship with cost efficiency and exceptional attention to detail.
San Diego-born Gianni Rivetti founded his company with the vision of continuing a family tradition passed down from his grandfather to his own father, a master woodworker. During his adolescence, Gianni developed a passion for carpentry learning alongside his father. He was then hired at 18 by a design build company and began honing both his rough and finish carpentry skills. Rivetti went on to gain over a decade of experience through his collaboration with the finest construction companies in Coastal California from Malibu, Santa Barbara, Carmel, Pebble Beach, and San Diego. Throughout his partnerships with the leading craftsmen in the industry, he cultivated a strong command of various tasks ranging from framing luxury homes to installing crown molding. Since then, Rivetti has acquired a specialized knowledge of custom decks, finish carpentry, siding, and general maintenance services. His background in executing projects from the ground up to their completion inspired the creation of Rivetti Company. Rivetti has now settled in San Diego to raise his son, Joseph, and pursue his craft.
Cordeiro Construction, IncIn this project in Chadds Ford, we provided a comprehensive renovation service, addressing framing, drywalling, and fireblocking as per code requirements. The master and second-floor bathrooms were overhauled with new fixtures, including vanities, toilets, and showers, alongside meticulous tile installations and lighting upgrades. Plumbing and electrical systems were updated throughout, while new trims and moldings were installed for a refreshed look. Windows and doors were replaced, and a new kitchen layout was implemented with updated cabinets, countertops, and fixtures, in line with the owner's preferences. Flooring and painting works were carried out across the property, while HVAC, roofing, and siding received necessary attention to ensure a complete transformation.
Klopf ArchitectureJoseph Eichler developed his moderately priced houses for the mass-market starting in 1949. His homes were designed using affordable materials and simple construction techniques. Nearly 70 years later these homes are in need of updating and remodeling an Eichler home today can become an imposing and costly project if you’re not careful. For this project the clients, who had undergone several previous house renovations, were determined to stick with an established budget from the beginning. Klopf Architecture helped them modernize their Eichler with a premium appearance on a reasonable budget.
The clients challenged the Klopf team to create a design that had a high-end feel and nicely done while adhering to their budget. That meant not all of the initial project scope could be built. Like many other Eichler homes, the original floor plan did not meet the family’s needs leaving them feeling disconnected from one room to another. While an early goal was to expand the house into a carport and create a larger garage, it did not survive the contractor pricing phase of the project.
The goals that did survive through to the end of the project included blurring some of the boundaries and opening up some of the spaces, making them more functional and creating a smoother flow in the house. The Klopf team joined the former separate kitchen and formal living room into one large space and shift the dining room where it is now connected to the kitchen. Klopf swapped the family room to the front alongside the living room, so the spaces feel more cohesive and are now better suited for family activities. The functional layout of the master bathroom was changed to include a large, curbless shower.
Installing a complete IKEA kitchen including cabinets, countertops, appliances, light fixtures, and furnishings was key to staying within budget. Bath fixtures in this house are also exclusively IKEA. Klopf Architecture has designed many homes using IKEA products, which are quite compatible offering an affordable, contemporary take on Eichler homes. The clients saved additional money from the simplicity and availability of IKEA products and by orchestrating the orders and purchases themselves. Following each construction meeting, the clients would make a run to IKEA and purchase items, pick up needed spare parts, and bring them back right away to stay ahead of the contractor’s schedule and minimize the chance of delays and bottlenecks.
Klopf balanced material selections by retaining some of the original woodwork and simply refinishing the mahogany paneling. They were able to retain the original windows and sliding doors which were still in good shape, avoiding some of the most costly replacement expenses. Additionally interior doors were simply refinished and the exterior siding cleaned up and repainted. Formerly dark interiors are now illuminated with new slimmer semi-recessed lighting eliminating the need for costly roof work.
Attention to design details allowed the Klopf team to ensure the house ended up with a high quality feel. Key visual elements were strictly aligned and Klopf worked with the clients to select a unified materials palette throughout the spaces so the house flows seamlessly together. Aligning the tile layout with the trusses and keeping it level with the concrete slab outside allowed them to achieve a level of quality that may otherwise be missed.
The clients were able to keep their budget on track by determining clear goals and making critical decisions upfront, choosing materials and furnishings wisely, working with the right design and construction teams in place and to a large part, their willingness to participate throughout the process. In the end the clients were much happier with their reconfigured Eichler home and Klopf Architecture managed to keep their remodeling costs to about $325/sf – a good amount below the average Bay Area Eichler remodel.
Project Team: John Klopf, Angela Todorova, Sherry Tan
Contractor: Keycon Construction
Structural Engineer: Sezen & Moon
Photography: Sabrina Huang
Year Completed: 2020
32