Inspiration for a contemporary bedroom remodel in Los Angeles

Example of a classic home design design in Wichita

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

Elegant hallway photo in New York

An alcove dining area feels intimate while still being connected to this open floor plan home. The sliding glass doors on either side allow ingress and egress to the deck, BBQ and more. The beautiful view is captured at all times of the day and seasons.

Beth Skogen Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional indoor tile and rectangular lap pool house remodel in Other

Inspiration for a small living room remodel in Los Angeles

Bedroom photo

Custom walnut butcher block counters, farmhouse apron front sink, classic farmhouse faucet and finishes
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These original owners have lived in this home since 2005. They wanted to finish their unused 3rd floor and add value to their home. They are an active family so it seemed fitting to create an in-home gym with a sauna! We also wanted to incorporate a storage closet for Christmas decorations and such. To make this space as energy efficient as possible we added spray foam. Their current HVAC could not handle the extra load, so we installed a mini-split system. There is a large unfinished storage closet as well as a knee wall storage access compartment. The 451 sqft attic now has Rosemary 9” width Ridge Core Waterproof planks on the main floor with a custom carpeted staircase. After a long workout, these homeowners are happy to take a break in their new built-in sauna. Who could blame them!? Even their kids partake in the exercise space and sauna. We are thankful to be able to serve this amazing family.

Pool - contemporary pool idea in Wichita

Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Wichita

A mixture of dual gray board and baton and lap siding, vertical cedar siding and soffits along with black windows and dark brown metal roof gives the exterior of the house texture and character will reducing maintenance needs.

Garage - garage idea in Wichita

This sunroom addition was designed and built to create additional conditioned space for the owner's children to play in. The original screened-in porch and concrete slab were completely removed while the roof was kept in place and structurally supported during construction. A new slab was poured underneath, and Greenleaf craftsmen framed new walls and rebuilt the roof deck over a new flat roof membrane.Complete walls of Marvin casement windows create a light-filled and thermally tight space. Minimal composite trim details create a clean frame and panel design around the windows, and a new mini-split heating and cooling system keep the space comfortable in all seasons.

Nova Virtual Tours
Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in DC Metro

A design build sunroom addition looking over Lake Linganore in New Market Maryland would be a great way to enjoy the beautiful views and natural light. Talon Construction is the right contractor who can design and build the perfect sunroom for your needs. Here are some things to consider when designing your sunroom: The size of the sunroom. You'll need to decide how much space you need and what you want to use the sunroom for. The materials you want to use. Sunrooms can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, and aluminum. The style of the sunroom. You can choose a traditional or modern style, or something in between like transitional. The features you want. Sunrooms can have a variety of features, such as skylights, ceiling fans, and a fireplace Here are some of the benefits of having a design build sunroom addition looking over Lake Linganore in New Market Maryland: Increased living space. A sunroom can add valuable living space to your home. Enjoyable views. A sunroom is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the views of Lake Linganore. Natural light. A sunroom will bring in natural light, which can help to improve the mood and energy levels of the people who use it. Increased home value. A sunroom can increase the value of your home. If you're interested in having a design build sunroom addition looking over Lake Linganore in New Market Maryland, give Talon Construction a call and they can help you through the design and construction process.

Danish staircase photo in Salt Lake City

Zachary Tyson
Inspiration for a farmhouse family room remodel in New Orleans