Layered faux finish made this home office cozy and rich.
Example of a small transitional home office design in Chicago with brown walls

Cypress Point with Light Gray mortar

Pattern carpet adds elegance to stairs in this Zionsville home.
Staircase - large traditional carpeted l-shaped wood railing staircase idea in Indianapolis with wooden risers

David Hemmeline
Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean powder room remodel in Houston with white walls

"Blinds for the stairwell! But these aren’t any blinds–those wouldn’t do–these are motorized shades and we’re more than a little excited about them." All photos and captions courtesy of blog:Chris loves Julia. See more of this modern space here: http://www.chrislovesjulia.com/2015/05/motorized-blinds-ftw.html Chris and Julia installed Deluxe Roman Shades, available here: http://blnds.cm/1DnvxTK

Joe's Pebblestone Installations is a new environmentally friendly product that is priced at less than half of most paving options. Comes with 5 year warranty. This is a seamless polymerized aggregate, stronger than concrete and flexible and installs over existing concrete, asphalt, wood, pavers and tile. Did we tell you, this product can be custom colored? Perfect For: New paving and resurfacing of driveways, walkways, patios Roof top courtyards, arenas and play areas Tennis courts and track fields Garage Interiors New and Resurfacing of Steps (non-slip) Parging on exposed perimeter walls, basements Specifics: - Installs over existing concrete, asphalt, wood, pavers and tile : No need for removal! - Attractive / Seamless / Durable - UV stable / impervious to salt & de-icer solutions / easy snow removal - Impact absorbing - Crack resistant and flexible to withstand minor ground movement - Skid & slip resistant in all weather conditions / withstands freeze & thaw cycles and climatic changes with ease. Chilliwack Paving

Inspiration for a contemporary pool remodel in New York

Richly textured charcoal grey linen
Trendy home design photo in Las Vegas

Example of a mid-sized minimalist 3/4 stone slab dark wood floor doorless shower design in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, beige walls, a drop-in sink and solid surface countertops

PrismMatrix Constellation
Mid-sized elegant backyard stone and custom-shaped natural pool photo in Raleigh

Inspiration for a shabby-chic style open concept living room remodel in St Louis with beige walls and no tv

Brenda Eckhardt Photography
Example of a mid-sized minimalist 3/4 beige tile and stone tile vinyl floor walk-in shower design with dark wood cabinets, solid surface countertops, raised-panel cabinets, a two-piece toilet, blue walls and an undermount sink

Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Milwaukee

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