Inspiration for an eclectic kitchen remodel in Phoenix

Automated screening
Inspiration for a porch remodel in Chicago

Inspiration for a coastal bedroom remodel in Boston

Raising three kids in Minnesota usually means hockey. Each winter the owners of this beautiful St. Louis Park home transformed their backyard into a lighted ice rink. Their kids and all their kid’s friends loved it – you could hear their laughter way down the block. And then something went very wrong. Instead of flooding the ice rink, a broken water pipe had been flooding the basement with several inches of water. The pipe was repaired, but all the flooring and carpeting, as well as the lowest two feet of sheetrock and insulation had to be taken out. Fortunately, there was no structural damage. The owners figured that this might be the best time for a total basement renovation. The flooring needed to be replaced. The four basement windows were small, dim, and worthless. The combined bathroom and laundry room had to go, as well as all non-supporting walls and the big bulky soffits. They talked with Rick Jacobson and together they worked out a design. Rick’s solution: Make the space big and bright and functional. Make it a good investment. Make it a good experience. The new design began with the windows. One window was simply eliminated, and three larger windows were installed, pouring light into the room light from the southern exterior and making the space feel lies like a basement. Each new window well features a retaining wall constructed with interlocking blocks. The biggest window was constructed using two side-by-side egress windows and features a permanent ladder in the well for an extra measure of safety while adding to the home’s value. High-quality vinyl interlocking flooring was used for this main room, with a large carpet to make it cozy. The use of clear White Oak for shelving (that looks and feels like furniture), for the gas fireplace framing and hearth, cabinet drawers, a countertop, even for the stair steps ties everything together. When you enter the new space, you’ll be surprised by how bright it is. The big egress window together with in-ceiling dimmable lights and light gray walls make this a bright, welcoming room. On your left you’ll see a gas fireplace with handmade white oak hearth, framed with white oak. The inset TV screen above makes this a great place for Saturday night movies and popcorn with the family. Looking to the right you’ll see a free-standing island designed for entertaining, with liquor drawer, beer and wine fridge below, and a granite countertop above. Running a support post through the countertop made the post blend into the design. Both support poles, the main beam, and all soffits were boxed in and painted light gray. The new three-quarter bath features a porcelain floor and bright porcelain tiled walk-in shower. The new laundry room and utility rooms are enclosed with matching white doors, the design makes this space bright and welcoming. An important part of good basement renovation. The result: A large, bright, open space for relaxing and entertaining. And a way to make the best of a flooded basement.

Photo Credit: SignOn San Diego
Inspiration for a contemporary deck remodel in San Diego

Hidden door
Example of a home office design in Chicago

Photo Credit: SignOn San Diego
Example of a trendy deck design in San Diego

Eat-in kitchen - large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen idea in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

Before and after. © Our Land Organics
Example of a farmhouse home design design in Cincinnati

1950s home design photo in Portland

St. James Plantation is the #1-selling community in the Coastal Carolinas, found in beautiful Southport, NC, 30 minutes south of historic Wilmington and an hour north of Myrtle Beach, SC. Offering completed first-class amenities and a variety of real estate opportunities. Every real estate opportunity is presented with the option to remodel the screened-in porch. This homeowner took advantage of the opportunity and remodeled his space into a four-season, glass sunroom.

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset. The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu . Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home. The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south. Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape. The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature. Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design. Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view. Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Maison D’Artiste Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2023

Originally built in 2007, the King Lake House was primarily used as a 3,720 SF family summer home. It was originally constructed utilizing modest materials such as vinyl windows and siding, basic cabinets and appliances, and faux stone veneers. After the completion of project, the home is now the owner’s primary residence and encompasses 4,216 SF of new or fully renovated space that is situated on a fairly level walkout lot that is within 100’ of the water's edge of Lake Harwell. The approaching the home from the existing loop driveway you are greeted with a covered natural stone entry with details of clearstory windows and corbels. This whole home addition and renovation allowed the opportunity to completely enhance the exterior with all new LP Smartside painted blue gray with white trim matching the new extruded aluminum windows and doors for a clean contrast. Original gable roofs were modified into hip roofs allowing the metal roofed entry to become the primary focus. Entering the home through the double iron & glass doors you immediately enjoy the more open floor plan. Direct views of the lake are made possible through the abundance of natural light flooding in from the lakeside windows utilized in the living and kitchen areas. The living area features 12’ ceilings, a 60” linier fireplace with flanking storage cabinets, tile backed floating display shelves and a fully upholstered window seat. The new expansive kitchen and location and size of the kitchen gives opportunities family members to help out or sit at he long brushed granite peninsula which also serves as a buffet line with large family gatherings. A hidden gem that is concealed behind matching cabinet doors features a very large prep pantry with an additional refrigerator and plenty of storage. The owner’s suite is situated separate to right side of the home allowing a private retreat for the homeowners. Details such as the sitting area with large triple windows ensure easy view of the water. Its bathroom was completely redesigned featuring clean white vanities with Quartzite counter top, a luxury steam shower with natural light, and a separate toilet room. The left side of the home received the largest addition, which included a new refurbished over-sized 3 bay garage with a dog washing sink, access to the new generator and mechanical systems. The focal point for lakeside entertaining is the lower level Activity Area with a Kitchenette/Bar. Stepping outside the on lower level addition features a screened area large enough for sitting and dining bug free. This elegant and timeless approach to this two level addition and renovation allowed the owner to rejuvenate and modernize while improving the quality and energy efficiency many components throughout the home both inside and out allowing the owners the opportunity to enjoy their lake front lot for years to come.

Inspiration for a 1950s home design remodel in Portland

Inspiration for an eclectic bedroom remodel in Phoenix

Golden Opportunity in Gunstock by Shaw Floors. The opportunity is here with Golden Opportunity 4S - featuring six stunning colors highlighting the beauty of the oak grain - from Natural or Butterscotch to the darker Saddle and Coffee Bean. Microbeveled edges and ends enhance each plank. This product features high color and character variation with distinguishable color variation within each box. It is imperative that hardwood planks from various cartons be continually blended during installation to insure optimum appearance.

It really doesn’t matter if your pool is gunite or vinyl, pool closing season is a great time to consider value-based ideas to spruce up the area “Consider changing your current one-speed filter pump to an energy efficient variable speed pump, for example” says Dave Stockwell, owner of Deck and Patio. “These pumps are so efficient that they can cut your energy costs to 1/6th of what they currently are. There are several manufactures that offer these pumps including Pentair, Sta-rite and Jandy. And the cost of the new pump is paid back quickly — often in three years or less.”. www.deckandpatio.com

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset. The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu . Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home. The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south. Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape. The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature. Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design. Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view. Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Maison D’Artiste Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2023

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset. The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu . Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home. The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south. Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape. The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature. Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design. Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view. Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Maison D’Artiste Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2023