Transitional dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Toronto with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Luxury Modern Farmhouse - Located on a sprawling four-acre site in the Village of Milford, this 2019, 5,000-square-foot modern farmhouse looks like it’s been there forever. In fact, one of the main design goals was to honor the original, century old home that once sat on this spot. White cement siding, black shingles and metal roof, black windows, and traditional red brick set the timeless tone. The front entrance completes the quintessential farmhouse feel with double, mullioned half glass front doors. A large front porch, gabled dormers and black, carriage style garage doors keep the theme intact. On the front elevation, faux carriage doors were built to add design integrity and charm. A few of the additional perks of this pretty property include a spacious covered patio, complete with a fireplace and a built-in barbecue, topped by a tongue-and-groove ceiling with open timbers. A carriage house set to become a future recreational space and a finished, walkout basement provide many options for family gatherings or entertaining. Thoughtful design carries through to the interior of this home as well. This home features a stunning, state of the art kitchen, first floor master, great room, and dining room, and separate library. Three additional bedroom suites, a dedicated playroom and a second laundry are located on the second floor. The basement was also finished with family fun and entertaining in mind. All three floors are tied together by 2 staircases. The staircase in the front foyer is a work of art with historic flair. Extended wainscoting, coffered ceilings, and custom built-ins are just a few of the authentic details added to this home. Warm knotty wood floors and brick fireplaces provide plenty of charm and country character.

This computer desk has an L-shaped design that fits into any corner, so it even works in small spaces. It's made from manufactured wood. This desk gives you lots of room for storing and organizing your office essentials: It has 3 soft-closing drawers on ball-bearing glides, as well as 3 open shelves, so all of your office supplies and study materials are close at hand. Plus, this desk is fully reversible, so you have the option to set it up in the way that works best for your space. Dimensions: Overall Length 47.2" Overall Width 31.5" Overall Height 30.1"

Warm ipe wood deck to the softly-lit second floor patio, surrounded by vines and greenery. Overlook at the juliet balcony.
Small minimalist privacy and wood railing balcony photo in Austin with an awning

Set in a quiet neighborhood and framed by mature trees, this residence presented a unique opportunity: to thoughtfully evolve a custom mid-century modern home into a space that supports the everyday rhythms of a growing family. With a deep respect for the home’s original architecture, Klopf Architecture reimagined the house to better meet the needs of its owners—introducing functional improvements while preserving the spirit and character of its mid-century roots. The clients approached Klopf Architecture with a clear vision: refresh their home while seamlessly integrating new programmatic elements. Key goals included clarifying and enhancing the entry sequence; connecting the detached garage to the main house with a practical yet architecturally intentional intervention; adding functional spaces such as a mudroom and laundry room; expanding and remodeling the primary suite’s bathroom and closet; and creating a more engaging outdoor space that capitalized on the site’s impressive views, featuring a fire pit and outdoor kitchen. As a couple with distinct yet complementary perspectives—one focused on modern functionality and technology, and the other dedicated to preserving the home’s architectural integrity—their collaboration with Klopf Architecture resulted in a solution that harmonized both ideals. Their shared commitment to improving the livability of their home led to a design dialogue rooted in balance. This dynamic partnership shaped the direction of the renovation, ensuring that every decision honored the spirit of the original home while aligning with the practical needs of their growing family. Designing within the constraints of the sloped site posed one of the project’s central challenges. The detached garage sat at a higher elevation than the main house, requiring a solution that ensured architectural and geometric compatibility between the two structures. Rather than create a purely utilitarian link, Klopf Architecture introduced an intentional connection that contributes to the overall architectural language. A notable pinch point in the plan—where differing geometries converged—was treated as a hinge point, turning a potentially awkward juncture into an architectural feature. This area now functions as both a transition and a moment of design interest that unifies the overall plan. The design also addressed the underutilized outdoor area, which was located in a shadowed portion of the site with geometrical limitations. A new connection to the rear deck was created in this same area, making the outdoor space more useful and inviting. Klopf Architecture introduced carefully positioned openings and spatial improvements that forged a strong visual and functional connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor area now reads as a deliberate extension of the home, embracing natural light and emphasizing the dramatic views. Working through multiple design iterations, Klopf Architecture crafted a solution that preserved the architectural language of the original home while supporting the functional needs of modern life. The garage-to-house connection became more than a passage—it evolved into an architectural moment of transition. A new mudroom and laundry space enhanced convenience without compromising the clean lines of the design. The primary suite was expanded to create a private, serene retreat. The reimagined backyard, complete with fire pit and kitchen, now plays a vital role in the family’s daily routine and social life. Outcomes and Lasting Impact The result is a home that balances heritage with contemporary design, technical precision with design sensibility. The redesign not only met the clients’ initial goals but also exceeded expectations in its ability to seamlessly blend past and present, function and beauty, making the outdoor kitchen a favorite gathering place. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation has significantly improved daily life for the family. The newly integrated garage connection has streamlined routines, providing a seamless transition between arriving home, storing belongings, and entering the main living spaces. The expanded primary suite offers a retreat-like atmosphere, creating a private space to unwind at the end of the day. The redesigned outdoor areas have also become an extension of their lifestyle—whether it's casual family dinners around the fire pit, entertaining friends in the outdoor kitchen, or simply enjoying the view from the reimagined backyard. Through a thoughtful and strategic approach, the house has been successfully evolved into a home that remains true to its mid-century modern roots while enhancing livability, functionality, and the overall quality of life for the modern-day owners. Klopf Architecture Team: Geoffrey Campen, Fernanda Bernardes Architectural Interior Design: Klopf Architecture Structural Engineer: Base Design Inc. Contractor: Golden Snail Builders Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed:2022

The Setup For this primary bath, our clients—empty nesters who recently updated their entire first floor—wanted a fresh, sophisticated look that would harmonize with the rest of their home’s new design. The original space included a large corner tub and a layout that, while functional, felt outdated and oversized for their needs. The goal was to update the bathroom with a layout that suited them perfectly without moving walls or major fixtures. Design objectives: Remove the large, outdated corner tub and replace it with a freestanding tub Expand and modernize the shower while keeping privacy in mind Update cabinetry for more organized, efficient storage Improve lighting with stylish yet understated fixtures to brighten the room Create a cozy, timeless atmosphere in the large space, maintaining functionality The Remodel Design challenges to be solved: Striking Balance with Lighting – The clients wanted a statement fixture that could enhance the overall design without feeling overwhelming or taking away from the open, airy atmosphere. Maximizing Existing Footprint – The clients wanted to avoid altering the floor plan, meaning the layout remained mostly the same. The focus was on enhancing the room’s functionality within the existing footprint. Retaining Coziness – With the removal of the oversized tub deck, there was a need to keep the space from feeling too vast and empty, ensuring it felt cozy and inviting despite the open layout. Adding Hidden Storage – The master closet was not attached to the bathroom, and the clients wanted a discreet way to store a hamper within the bath area without cluttering the room. The Renewed Space Design solutions: Freestanding Tub on an Angle – Replacing the old corner tub with a sleek, freestanding tub allowed the space to feel open and modern. Positioned at an angle, the tub brings balance to the layout and provides an inviting focal point while still preserving walk-around space for added functionality. Expanded Shower with Privacy Enhancements – The original, smaller shower was transformed with a larger footprint, half-wall for privacy, and contemporary brushed nickel fixtures, adding both style and function. A herringbone marble accent tile halfway up the shower walls adds a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the space. Custom Vanity with Built-in Hamper – A small pull-out hamper was added to the corner of the vanity, providing discreet storage and eliminating the need for a standalone basket. The cabinetry was reconfigured to be more functional and organized for the couple’s daily routines. Lighting that Complements the Room – The lighting selection was central to the redesign, with the client gravitating toward a bubble chandelier she had admired. After exploring several options, they chose a smaller size to provide a soft accent without dominating the space, tying in with the bathroom’s overall light and airy feel. The newly remodeled primary bath exudes a classic, calm atmosphere with a carefully chosen mix of textures and materials. The large porcelain floor tiles mimic the look of wood, lending a warm, traditional touch. Lightly textured cream tiles and brushed nickel fixtures create a soft and cohesive look, while the subtle herringbone marble accent in the shower adds just the right amount of elegance. Round mirrors above the vanities complement the curves of the freestanding tub, softening the room’s overall look and adding a touch of femininity. The result is a bright, timeless space tailored perfectly for the homeowners’ lifestyle.

By adding on space to three levels of this North Arlington home, within which MOSS completely transformed the interior, including the kitchen, and reconfigured the original footprint as well as fully utilized the additional square footage, our customers are now able to enjoy a fully functional, open floor plan design on their home’s main level, giving them the freedom of movement, modernized look and feel, and design style that fits to their busy lifestyle. The addition of a true master suite and a family-friendly basement makes this remodel a perfect example of fulfilling all the needs of our customers.

Photography Peter Rymwid, Design: VHZ Ginny Zonfrilli

Inspiration for a transitional bathroom remodel in Toronto

Example of a cottage staircase design in Detroit

The existing kitchen wasn’t cutting it anymore. The homeowners designed and built this home about 20 years ago, but since then, their taste and needs changed. The outdated finishes felt outdated. There weren’t enough work areas. Some counterspace stations were just awkward due to the layout. Adjoining spaces around the kitchen were also in need of an update, but it was decided that the kitchen would undergo a transformation first. Design Objectives -Rework the overall layout (kitchen, laundry and butler’s pantry) to have a better flow and utilize the space better -Incorporate materials with wow and pizzazz to reflect the homeowner’s style -Design large work areas for cooking with two or more people at a time -Provide seating at an island in addition to table seating -Update surrounding spaces since the kitchen is open to the rest of the home Design Challenges: -Include a vast array of cooking appliances while having enough of cabinet storage -Adjacent rooms need to feel updated and flow with new Kitchen -Having multiple focal points with different materials but not have the space feel like a hodge podge -Provide different task, accent and overall lighting to brighten up space Design Solutions: -The homeowner loves to cook and wanted to maximize her abilities. We incorporated a 48” rangetop with a griddle, a single oven, steam oven, microwave drawer and 15” induction cooktop next to a 48” Galley Ideal Workstation with two faucets. In order to have room for all of these appliances, the floor plan needed to accommodate more cabinetry. Both dining room entrances were closed off and the laundry room entrance were moved to the opposite end of the wall to allow two long walls for additional cabinets. -The existing round columns throughout the first floor were outdated. To keep the architectural element of the columns, we wrapped the new columns to have a square shape with a flat panel on all four sides. Then, we painted them black (to tie in with the kitchen tops and curved hood surround) and added simple crown molding. For the flow of the space, closing up the odd corner that connected the laundry and dining room and relocating both room entrances allowed the space to actually feel larger and more continuous. --Adding the same square columns to the main dining room entrance, by the front door, also tied in the front of the house with the kitchen. -The homeowner loves unique and bold materials. The main focal point of the kitchen is definitely the custom metal hood that incorporates two finishes and is set on a Lumix quartzite full-high back and side splashes. To make this area even more pronounced, a hearth-like drywall arch encloses the space. Once your eye moves off the hood, you start to notice the mirrored refrigerator panels, high gloss island cabinets, mirrored metal backsplash tile, delicate pendant island lights and the stunning island countertop material! There is a good mix of materials that make every space shine. The blacks, golds and pewter finishes help tie everything together. -Lighting in a large kitchen is important. This space, besides getting a lot of natural light, needed lots of additional lighting due to the dark finishes. For overall lighting we have plenty of can lights in addition to lighting at the tops of the wall cabinets (that shine on the ceiling), undercabinet task lighting to make the tops sparkle and provide abundant lighting while prepping, pendant accent lighting over the island and a fandolier to add a little sparkle over the pub table. Voila!

Chula- cool modern, glass blue and gray back splash (FB & Houzz) This galley style San Diego kitchen is located in Chula Vista, California. The kitchen was designed with a modern theme. The cappuccino finish Starmark cabinets compliments the white granite countertops with a smooth waterfall edge that wraps around the kitchen. Also, the cappuccino finish, floor-to-ceiling cabinets provide abundant storage space above the counter and surrounding the refrigerator, microwave, and oven. Additionally, the blue/gray toned brick pattern backsplash behind the hood range and stove provides a beautiful accent for the floating shelves. Overall, this kitchen remodel was designed to update and provide an exquisite place for the homeowners to cook their meals in. Employee of the Week This intrinsic master suite remodel is located in Scripps Ranch, California. The bathroom designed followed a contemporary style. The StarMark maple ridgeville caramel chocolate vanity pairs well with the gorgeous granite countertop and backsplash. Also, the amazing biscuit soaking tub is designed to sit side by side with a beautiful walk-in shower. The existing travertine floor is integrated beautifully into the design that it makes it seem like they are brand new. Overall, this splendid bathroom remodel showcases what we can turn any bathroom to a dream oasis. This L-shaped style kitchen with an island is located in Scripps Ranch, California. The kitchen was designed with a modern theme. The kitchen features marshmallow cream colored StarMark cabinets with a bronze glaze. The StarMark cabinets are made from maple wood and they compliment the quartz countertops nicely. Also, the cabinets have a bit in variation such as the clear glass panel doors and the amazing area for the homeowners to store their wine collection. The 4"x4" travertine tile backsplash provides an additional aesthetic appeal to the entire kitchen. Overall, this kitchen was designed to not only update and provide the homeowners with a dream kitchen, but also a place to call the heart of the home. Photos by Scott Basile.

David Homansky
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional shade backyard garden path in Atlanta.

Mid-sized transitional freestanding desk medium tone wood floor, brown floor, exposed beam and wainscoting study room photo in Other with gray walls

A secondary seating area nestled in green provides an opportunity for further seclusion. Photo credit: George Dzahristos
This is an example of a large transitional hillside water fountain landscape in Detroit.

This computer desk has an L-shaped design that fits into any corner, so it even works in small spaces. It's made from manufactured wood. This desk gives you lots of room for storing and organizing your office essentials: It has 3 soft-closing drawers on ball-bearing glides, as well as 3 open shelves, so all of your office supplies and study materials are close at hand. Plus, this desk is fully reversible, so you have the option to set it up in the way that works best for your space. Dimensions: Overall Length 47.2" Overall Width 31.5" Overall Height 30.1"

Custom Made Shower Designed and Built by Ginger at Ginger Rabe Designs, LLC. Wood is petrified from all over the world with a door feature from India and a custom-made copper shower head and pipes. There is even a secret door to look at the garden. The transformation of this ranch-style home in Carlsbad, CA, exemplifies a perfect blend of preserving the charm of its 1940s origins while infusing modern elements to create a unique and inviting space. By incorporating the clients' love for pottery and natural woods, the redesign pays homage to these preferences while enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of the home. From building new decks and railings, surf showers, a reface of the home, custom light up address signs from GR Designs Line, and more custom elements to make this charming home pop. The redesign carefully retains the distinctive characteristics of the 1940s style, such as architectural elements, layout, and overall ambiance. This preservation ensures that the home maintains its historical charm and authenticity while undergoing a modern transformation. To infuse a contemporary flair into the design, modern elements are strategically introduced. These modern twists add freshness and relevance to the space while complementing the existing architectural features. This balanced approach creates a harmonious blend of old and new, offering a timeless appeal. The design concept revolves around the clients' passion for pottery and natural woods. These elements serve as focal points throughout the home, lending a sense of warmth, texture, and earthiness to the interior spaces. By integrating pottery-inspired accents and showcasing the beauty of natural wood grains, the design celebrates the clients' interests and preferences. A key highlight of the redesign is the use of custom-made tile from Japan, reminiscent of beautifully glazed pottery. This bespoke tile adds a touch of artistry and craftsmanship to the home, elevating its visual appeal and creating a unique focal point. Additionally, fabrics that evoke the elements of the ocean further enhance the connection with the surrounding natural environment, fostering a serene and tranquil atmosphere indoors. The overall design concept aims to evoke a warm, lived-in feeling, inviting occupants and guests to relax and unwind. By incorporating elements that resonate with the clients' personal tastes and preferences, the home becomes more than just a living space—it becomes a reflection of their lifestyle, interests, and identity. In summary, the redesign of this ranch-style home in Carlsbad, CA, successfully merges the charm of its 1940s origins with modern elements, creating a space that is both timeless and distinctive. Through careful attention to detail, thoughtful selection of materials, rebuilding of elements outside to add character, and a focus on personalization, the home embodies a warm, inviting atmosphere that celebrates the clients' passions and enhances their everyday living experience. This project is on the same property as the Carlsbad Cottage and is a great journey of new and old. Redesign of the kitchen, bedrooms, and common spaces, custom-made tile, appliances from GE Monogram Cafe, bedroom window treatments custom from GR Designs Line, Lighting and Custom Address Signs from GR Designs Line, Custom Surf Shower, and more.

Photography Peter Rymwid, Design: Vicente Wolf