A neglected en-suite bathroom was ready for a make over. We resisted the urge to change out the floor tiles since they were fairly neutral. Since we changed out the vanity with one that offered a fair amount of storage we eliminated an unsightly medicine cabinet.In its place, we hung a wonderful Mexican mirror and flanked it with two new vanity lights. The walls are covered with a vinyl grass cloth to withstand the humidity that builds up despite the window and fan. Accents of orange in the new Roman shade and towels along with a colorful Indoor/Outdoor rug as a bath mat created a dynamic new environment. Wallpaper: Phillip Jeffries Window treatment fabrication: Leatherwood Designs Co.

This American Foursquare built in the early 1900’s needed a complete restoration. The back two story porch was rotten from years of neglect and needed to be torn down and completely rebuilt. Inside, the kitchen and bathrooms needed full renovations, and the trunk room was turned into the master bath in order to create a true master suite. Piperbear also handled the staging and assisted with the marketing of the property.

Neglected Garden bed and pool area resurfaced, cleaned and painted.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard raised garden bed in Los Angeles for summer.

Neglected Garden bed and pool area resurfaced, cleaned and painted.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard raised garden bed in Los Angeles for summer.

Extensive or compact, no details will be neglected
Laminate floor, brown floor and wallpaper single front door photo in Los Angeles with gray walls and a white front door

This back yard had been neglected for a long time. With strategic changes, we manage to level the top part, create some visual interest with the frame and side plantings and develop a better garden in the lower level. Ready to grow and provide interest and color throughout the seasons.

This 1900's Victorian home was a huge undertaking! We took a dilapidated, neglected duplex and gave it a full make over. The exterior windows, doors, trim and siding were rebuilt in the areas where the wood rot or dry rot was extensive using the same materials and style as the original structure. The interior had been morphed into a duplex over the years, but the bones showed the truth of the original structure in the header for a single front door.

These brave customers had recently moved into a home that had been neglected for many years. In order to give them the 4,500 sq. ft. lawn they wanted, we first had to install a 2500 gallon water storage tank, an automatic irrigation system, a 200' retaining wall, and then we planted 2100 sq. ft. of meadow grass sod & 2400 sq. ft. of traditional turf grass.

VICTORIAN LAKEFRONT BEFORE & AFTER This neglected Victorian on the waterfront in Hudson was a perfect example of a diamond in the rough. But its new owners recognized its potential and (lucky for us) we were hired to redesign the main floor. Everything was replaced, from the uneven and mismatched floor boards, to the dilapidated, rickety old staircase. Not to mention, new windows, sexy new hot water heaters imported from England., a new kitchen and main floor bathroom. The entire house was painted Moonshine by Benjamin Moore - a watery blue-grey colour which works perfectly with all the wood and white trim. The kitchen was gutted and reconfigured to optimize the fantastic water views allowing the owners to relax at their new island (with soapstone counters). The beautiful blue backsplash tiles make this traditional white kitchen anything but boring. And we painted the adjacent dining room ceiling the same deep blue colour to add impact. Our clients had travelled all over the world for work before returning to Montreal, and their art collection, geological artifacts, wool rugs and assortment of wood furniture (collected in Chile, Mexico and Arizona to name a few places) give this updated Victorian a lived-in, eclectic look. We added some unexpected lighting with a nod to the Victorian age throughout and the back room, once the exterior porch, is now a the perfect retreat to relax, hold book club meetings or just enjoy the views from the elegant new furniture or the newly reupholstered family heirloom bench.

View from Living Room. Photography by Manolo Langis Located at the intersection where Sunset Boulevard meets the Pacific Ocean, this iconic board formed concrete structure was neglected for years. SUBU Design Architecture was brought in to reimagine the space along with a team of professionals. Through a collective effort, this unique structure has been reorganize to fit a variety of lifestyles and commercial needs.

Here's the after photo. A fresh coat of neutral-colored paint, a great deal of yardwork, and professional photography transformed this neglected little ranch into a prize to be won! As you can see, listings don't have to be perfect—but you do have to know which updates will make a difference.

This American Foursquare built in the early 1900’s needed a complete restoration. The back two story porch was rotten from years of neglect and needed to be torn down and completely rebuilt. Inside, the kitchen and bathrooms needed full renovations, and the trunk room was turned into the master bath in order to create a true master suite. Piperbear also handled the staging and assisted with the marketing of the property.

Another design project underway, is a complete renovation of a neglected estate, with so much potential. Located in a beautiful setting of vineyards and views. The exterior and interior will reflect my love of the French Provence style. A little French, a little chateau – with a casual, classic, elegant style.

This back yard had been neglected for a long time. With strategic changes, we manage to level the top part, create some visual interest with the frame and side plantings and develop a better garden in the lower level. Ready to grow and provide interest and color throughout the seasons.

Transitional spaces are often neglected areas in most homes. This cozy, bright reading corner was transformed with silk window treatments, pillows and a cushion for extra comfort. An antique chandelier was aded to complement the architectural drawing from the 1920’s. A Tibetan tiger skin trunk was added as a coffee table and a tibetan cabinet complements the colors of this inviting and exquisite area. Inna Spivakova

This house had been severely neglected and not maintained at all by past tenants. The homeowner asked if we could restore her house. this project was a complete refresh!

In the top floor of the Hopkinson House lived a neglected, dingy corner apartment facing Washington Square. The new owner purchased the unit and undertook a complete gut renovation of the space. With parallels to her own life, the owner craved a new, fresh, light filled, colorful space to call her own. The design centers around a retractable suede wall panel system which when open, draws in the western sun, creating a spacious living area. When closed, it allows for a guest bedroom complete with Murphy bed. Fine finishes accent the space throughout and wood shelving provide displays for an extensive teapot collection.

A neglected backyard in deep shade needed a redesign. Clean and usable garden was built full of shade tolerant perennials and shrubs. As this garden will mature in years to come it will provide owners with lush vegetation and plenty of room to entertain and play.

A family of passionate athletes and sports aficionados embarked on a remarkable endeavor alongside our team and Studio M Merge. Their vision? To breathe new life into their outdated mid-century modern home and neglected pool, resulting in the dramatic “Sports Enthusiasts’ Hideaway.” The transformative journey focused on opening the interior spaces out toward the beautiful gardens and amenities. The renewed house features expanded open-plan living areas, a new bedroom, and a reimagined primary bath. An attached ADU added a sports bar and a flexible office space that can double as a private guest bedroom. The outdoor spaces were brought to life with the addition of expansive decks, inviting patios, a horseshoe pit, a basketball half-court, refreshing plunge pools, and a lush sports lawn. A pool house artfully frames the view from the pool to the neighboring golf course. This family of five finds themselves immersed in their expanded home and experiential outdoor hideaway. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to cater to their favorite activities, providing a peaceful haven where they can fully indulge their shared passion for sports. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova, Geoff Campen
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Landscape Architect: Studio M Merge
Contractor: Flegels Construction
Landscape Contractor: Frank & Grossman (phase 1), Garden Group (phase 2)
Photography: ©2013-2023 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2012 through 2020 Location: Los Gatos, CA