Inspiration for a transitional bedroom remodel in DC Metro

Minimalist bathroom photo in Baltimore

Our client's Tudor-style home felt outdated. She was anxious to be rid of the warm antiquated tones and to introduce new elements of interest while keeping resale value in mind. It was at a Boys & Girls Club luncheon that she met Justin and Lori through a four-time repeat client sitting at the same table. For her, reputation was a key factor in choosing a design-build firm. She needed someone she could trust to help design her vision. Together, JRP and our client solidified a plan for a sweeping home remodel that included a bright palette of neutrals and knocking down walls to create an open-concept first floor. Now updated and expanded, the home has great circulation space for entertaining. The grand entryway, once partitioned by a wall, now bespeaks the spaciousness of the home. An eye catching chandelier floats above the spacious entryway. High ceilings and pale neutral colors make the home luminous. Medium oak hardwood floors throughout add a gentle warmth to the crisp palette. Originally U-shaped and closed, the kitchen is now as beautiful as it is functional. A grand island with luxurious Calacatta quartz spilling across the counter and twin candelabra pendants above the kitchen island bring the room to life. Frameless, two-tone cabinets set against ceramic rhomboid tiles convey effortless style. Just off the second-floor master bedroom is an elevated nook with soaring ceilings and a sunlit rotunda glowing in natural light. The redesigned master bath features a free-standing soaking tub offset by a striking statement wall. Marble-inspired quartz in the shower creates a sense of breezy movement and soften the space. Removing several walls, modern finishes, and the open concept creates a relaxing and timeless vibe. Each part of the house feels light as air. After a breathtaking renovation, this home reflects transitional design at its best. PROJECT DETAILS: •Style: Transitional •Countertops: Vadara Quartz, Calacatta Blanco •Cabinets: (Dewils) Frameless Recessed Panel Cabinets, Maple - Painted White / Kitchen Island: Stained Cacao •Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Polished Nickel, Chrome •Lighting Fixtures: Chandelier, Candelabra (in kitchen), Sconces •Flooring: oMedium Oak Hardwood Flooring with Oil Finish oBath #1, Floors / Master WC: 12x24 “marble inspired” Porcelain Tiles (color: Venato Gold Matte) oBath #2 & #3 Floors: Ceramic/Porcelain Woodgrain Tile •Tile/Backsplash: Ceramic Rhomboid Tiles – Finish: Crackle •Paint Colors: White/Light Grey neutrals •Other Details: (1) Freestanding Soaking Tub (2) Elevated Nook off Master Bedroom Photographer: J.R. Maddox

Set on a narrow hillside lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Point Richmond, California, Bay Heirloom is a Mid-Century Modern family home restored, modernized and adapted for contemporary living. Oriented south-southwest toward the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the residence captures shifting Bay light throughout the day, from fog-muted mornings to vivid, glowing sunsets. The home was built by Karlyn Neel’s grandfather, the owner of the construction company Flo-Crete, one of the Bay Area’s early concrete pumping firms. Flo-Crete completed the foundation and structural concrete work, with family photographs documenting the original cinderblock walls and pours. The firm also contributed to major regional infrastructure projects, including the Transbay BART tube and Candlestick Park, situating the house within a broader legacy of Bay Area construction. Growing up, Neel spent considerable time in the home, developing an early appreciation for mid-century modern principles. Instead of parting with this family heirloom, she purchased the home from her grandfather’s estate. While her grandfather continued to live in the Point Richmond house, Neel purchased a Mid-Century Modern residence in Palm Desert. In contrast to the Bay Area’s cool temperatures, salt air, and persistent winds, the desert home is shaped by heat and sun and requires a different material response. A substantial renovation she led there emphasized thermal performance, filtered light, and restrained detailing. The experience later informed the restoration of her Bay Area family home. What began as a modest Mid-Century Modern update expanded when decades of exposure to marine conditions revealed leaks and significant structural and seismic deficiencies. Neel was determined to honor her grandfather’s perseverance and without hesitation pivoted to a much more intensive project. Addressing these challenges required close coordination between Neel, Klopf Architecture and Kasten Builders, with architectural restraint and construction precision guiding each intervention. Rather than alter the home’s defining features, the project focused on reinforcing the structure from within. Discreet beams were embedded along the rear facade and in an upstairs wall, strengthening the building while maximizing the wall of glass facing the Bay and opening the wall between the kitchen and the living space. These structural interventions allowed the space to open fully to the Bay without visual interruption, with the kitchen repositioned as the social and functional core of an open, continuous living space. The building envelope was updated using weather- and corrosion-resistant materials appropriate to the marine environment. The house unfolds vertically from the street, beginning with a modest garage level and workshop, with the main living spaces located below. Original slate flooring at the entry was preserved, along with select furnishings and artwork collected by Neel’s grandfather, anchoring the restored interior in its past. A restrained palette of black accents and pale, natural finishes replaces darker wood tones, reinforcing openness and calm. A naturally illuminated stair connects to the lowest level, where a former basement was transformed into a guest suite and family room opening onto a deck. From there, steps lead directly to a small concrete boat ramp at the water’s edge. Throughout the project, decisions were guided by continuity rather than transformation for its own sake. Lessons drawn from both desert and coastal climates informed a material strategy rooted in performance and restraint. Bay Heirloom stands as a measured evolution of a family house, structurally renewed and carefully modernized, grounded in the discipline and care that first shaped it. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova and Fernanda Bernardes Landscape Architect: Huettl Landscape Architecture General Contractor: Kasten Builders Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022 Location: Point Richmond, CA

This homeowner wanted to increase the size of her kitchen and make it a family center during gatherings. The old dining room was brought into the kitchen, doubling the size and dining room moved to the old formal living area. Shaker Cabinets in a pale yellow were installed and the island was done with bead board highlighted to accent the exterior. A baking center on the right side was built lower to accommodate the owner who is an active bread maker. That counter was installed with Carrara Marble top. Glass subway tile was installed as the backsplash. The Island counter top is book matched walnut from Devos Woodworking in Dripping Springs Tx. It is an absolute show stopper when you enter the kitchen. Pendant lighting is a multipe light with the appearance of old insulators which the owner has collected over the years. Open Shelving, glass fronted cabinets and specialized drawers for trash, dishes and knives make this kitchen the owners wish list complete.

Example of a trendy home design design in Toronto

Our client's Tudor-style home felt outdated. She was anxious to be rid of the warm antiquated tones and to introduce new elements of interest while keeping resale value in mind. It was at a Boys & Girls Club luncheon that she met Justin and Lori through a four-time repeat client sitting at the same table. For her, reputation was a key factor in choosing a design-build firm. She needed someone she could trust to help design her vision. Together, JRP and our client solidified a plan for a sweeping home remodel that included a bright palette of neutrals and knocking down walls to create an open-concept first floor. Now updated and expanded, the home has great circulation space for entertaining. The grand entryway, once partitioned by a wall, now bespeaks the spaciousness of the home. An eye catching chandelier floats above the spacious entryway. High ceilings and pale neutral colors make the home luminous. Medium oak hardwood floors throughout add a gentle warmth to the crisp palette. Originally U-shaped and closed, the kitchen is now as beautiful as it is functional. A grand island with luxurious Calacatta quartz spilling across the counter and twin candelabra pendants above the kitchen island bring the room to life. Frameless, two-tone cabinets set against ceramic rhomboid tiles convey effortless style. Just off the second-floor master bedroom is an elevated nook with soaring ceilings and a sunlit rotunda glowing in natural light. The redesigned master bath features a free-standing soaking tub offset by a striking statement wall. Marble-inspired quartz in the shower creates a sense of breezy movement and soften the space. Removing several walls, modern finishes, and the open concept creates a relaxing and timeless vibe. Each part of the house feels light as air. After a breathtaking renovation, this home reflects transitional design at its best. PROJECT DETAILS: •Style: Transitional •Countertops: Vadara Quartz, Calacatta Blanco •Cabinets: (Dewils) Frameless Recessed Panel Cabinets, Maple - Painted White / Kitchen Island: Stained Cacao •Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Polished Nickel, Chrome •Lighting Fixtures: Chandelier, Candelabra (in kitchen), Sconces •Flooring: oMedium Oak Hardwood Flooring with Oil Finish oBath #1, Floors / Master WC: 12x24 “marble inspired” Porcelain Tiles (color: Venato Gold Matte) oBath #2 & #3 Floors: Ceramic/Porcelain Woodgrain Tile •Tile/Backsplash: Ceramic Rhomboid Tiles – Finish: Crackle •Paint Colors: White/Light Grey neutrals •Other Details: (1) Freestanding Soaking Tub (2) Elevated Nook off Master Bedroom Photographer: J.R. Maddox

Located in Burgh Castle West of Great Yarmouth, this Travertine stone floor was a classic example of an incomplete installation. By incomplete I mean the tiler had done a fine job of laying and grouting the tiles but had left it at that and not sealed the stone. Natural stone like Travertine is porous and needs a sealer to stop dirt becoming ingrained in its pores, a sealer will also improve its appearance. Without a sealer this floor now looked very dull, pale, rather damaged with pitting and heavily soiled with ingrained dirt. Pitting in stone like this is a natural feature of Travertine however it can be exacerbated with the use of acid cleaning products. This was a floor in urgent need of a face lift, and I was confident it could be transformed into a very beautiful floor. I think it is true to say that most tilers will skilfully lay a floor for you but usually don’t have the knowledge, experience or equipment to finish the surface properly and when it comes to sealing many will recommend a product and suggest you take care of it yourself. Naturally if your find yourself in that position don’t insist the tiler does it, better to give us a call and have it done properly. Our first job was to backfill the larger pits in the stone which as I mentioned are a natural feature of travertine material, but they can trap dirt and so its best if they are plugged with a suitably rigid filler. Also, if left alone the larger holes can quickly become larger as their edges crumble and break up leading to the entire tile becoming unstable. Replacing a tile in a floor like this is possible however its an extremely awkward job to do and it can be difficult to find an exact match for replacement. Filling was done using a two-part, neutral cream-coloured polyester compound which gels in about fifteen minutes after addition of the catalyst. After this initial period, the excess product is trimmed off level with the surface of the tile before it sets harder than the stone itself in around sixty minutes. The fully cured compound can then be cut and machined as though it were part of the stone structure. Our second job was to remove deep scratches caused by the unprotected feet of workmen’s ladders. This was done using Tile Doctor 50-grit and 100-grit diamond hand burnishing pads with a little water as a cutting medium. Shallower scratching present across the rest of the floor was removed using a Tile Doctor 200-grit soft milling pad driven by our Klindex 17″ rotary machine. This abrasive action produces a fine slurry which was then rinsed with water and extracted using our 400psi Ninja machine in preparation for the next stage of the refinishing process. These machines were an expensive investment for our business however they are very robust and effective producing a good result that saves time. Next task was to restore the polished appearance of the Travertine which was done using the application of a set of Tile Doctor burnishing pads. The process starts by applying a coarse 400-grit diamond pad, again fitted to the Klindex rotary machine. This cleans the tile and improves the matt finish left by the milling pad; again, the slurry was rinse-extracted before moving on to the next pad in the set. Next came the finer diamond polishing stages of 800 grit and 1500 grit, slurry being removed as before between the grades. By this time, all the scratches had been removed and the Travertine floor had visually pleasing even sheen across the whole surface. The last pad in the set is applied dry with a little water sprayed onto the tile so we left the area to dry out thoroughly overnight with the assistance of our large capacity dehumidifier. Returning the following morning, we found that the floor had dried out perfectly and was ready to be vacuumed and spray burnished with the last pad in the set which is a 3000-grit very fine pad applied using a small amount of water sprayed from a trigger bottle resulting in a deep, rich shine across the floor surface. Last step in the face lift was to seal the floor with a generous coat of Tile Doctor Ultra-Seal, a premium grade penetrating sealer recommended for use in Kitchens and food preparation areas. Having left the floor to soak up as much of the Tile Doctor Ultra-Seal as it could, the excess product was removed and the whole area allowed to dry completely with the assistance of our industrial air moving fan. Finally, the floor was spray buffed to a deep shine using a white maintenance pad. The client was extremely pleased with our results and was amazed at the variation of colours within the stone which had never been visible previously. Nick White Norfolk Tile Doctor

Set on a narrow hillside lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Point Richmond, California, Bay Heirloom is a Mid-Century Modern family home restored, modernized and adapted for contemporary living. Oriented south-southwest toward the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the residence captures shifting Bay light throughout the day, from fog-muted mornings to vivid, glowing sunsets. The home was built by Karlyn Neel’s grandfather, the owner of the construction company Flo-Crete, one of the Bay Area’s early concrete pumping firms. Flo-Crete completed the foundation and structural concrete work, with family photographs documenting the original cinderblock walls and pours. The firm also contributed to major regional infrastructure projects, including the Transbay BART tube and Candlestick Park, situating the house within a broader legacy of Bay Area construction. Growing up, Neel spent considerable time in the home, developing an early appreciation for mid-century modern principles. Instead of parting with this family heirloom, she purchased the home from her grandfather’s estate. While her grandfather continued to live in the Point Richmond house, Neel purchased a Mid-Century Modern residence in Palm Desert. In contrast to the Bay Area’s cool temperatures, salt air, and persistent winds, the desert home is shaped by heat and sun and requires a different material response. A substantial renovation she led there emphasized thermal performance, filtered light, and restrained detailing. The experience later informed the restoration of her Bay Area family home. What began as a modest Mid-Century Modern update expanded when decades of exposure to marine conditions revealed leaks and significant structural and seismic deficiencies. Neel was determined to honor her grandfather’s perseverance and without hesitation pivoted to a much more intensive project. Addressing these challenges required close coordination between Neel, Klopf Architecture and Kasten Builders, with architectural restraint and construction precision guiding each intervention. Rather than alter the home’s defining features, the project focused on reinforcing the structure from within. Discreet beams were embedded along the rear facade and in an upstairs wall, strengthening the building while maximizing the wall of glass facing the Bay and opening the wall between the kitchen and the living space. These structural interventions allowed the space to open fully to the Bay without visual interruption, with the kitchen repositioned as the social and functional core of an open, continuous living space. The building envelope was updated using weather- and corrosion-resistant materials appropriate to the marine environment. The house unfolds vertically from the street, beginning with a modest garage level and workshop, with the main living spaces located below. Original slate flooring at the entry was preserved, along with select furnishings and artwork collected by Neel’s grandfather, anchoring the restored interior in its past. A restrained palette of black accents and pale, natural finishes replaces darker wood tones, reinforcing openness and calm. A naturally illuminated stair connects to the lowest level, where a former basement was transformed into a guest suite and family room opening onto a deck. From there, steps lead directly to a small concrete boat ramp at the water’s edge. Throughout the project, decisions were guided by continuity rather than transformation for its own sake. Lessons drawn from both desert and coastal climates informed a material strategy rooted in performance and restraint. Bay Heirloom stands as a measured evolution of a family house, structurally renewed and carefully modernized, grounded in the discipline and care that first shaped it. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova and Fernanda Bernardes Landscape Architect: Huettl Landscape Architecture General Contractor: Kasten Builders Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022 Location: Point Richmond, CA

Inspiration for a modern bathroom remodel in Baltimore

Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Toronto

Inspiration for a modern bathroom remodel in Baltimore

Inspiration for a modern bedroom remodel in Baltimore

Bedroom - modern bedroom idea in Baltimore

Our client's Tudor-style home felt outdated. She was anxious to be rid of the warm antiquated tones and to introduce new elements of interest while keeping resale value in mind. It was at a Boys & Girls Club luncheon that she met Justin and Lori through a four-time repeat client sitting at the same table. For her, reputation was a key factor in choosing a design-build firm. She needed someone she could trust to help design her vision. Together, JRP and our client solidified a plan for a sweeping home remodel that included a bright palette of neutrals and knocking down walls to create an open-concept first floor. Now updated and expanded, the home has great circulation space for entertaining. The grand entryway, once partitioned by a wall, now bespeaks the spaciousness of the home. An eye catching chandelier floats above the spacious entryway. High ceilings and pale neutral colors make the home luminous. Medium oak hardwood floors throughout add a gentle warmth to the crisp palette. Originally U-shaped and closed, the kitchen is now as beautiful as it is functional. A grand island with luxurious Calacatta quartz spilling across the counter and twin candelabra pendants above the kitchen island bring the room to life. Frameless, two-tone cabinets set against ceramic rhomboid tiles convey effortless style. Just off the second-floor master bedroom is an elevated nook with soaring ceilings and a sunlit rotunda glowing in natural light. The redesigned master bath features a free-standing soaking tub offset by a striking statement wall. Marble-inspired quartz in the shower creates a sense of breezy movement and soften the space. Removing several walls, modern finishes, and the open concept creates a relaxing and timeless vibe. Each part of the house feels light as air. After a breathtaking renovation, this home reflects transitional design at its best. PROJECT DETAILS: •Style: Transitional •Countertops: Vadara Quartz, Calacatta Blanco •Cabinets: (Dewils) Frameless Recessed Panel Cabinets, Maple - Painted White / Kitchen Island: Stained Cacao •Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Polished Nickel, Chrome •Lighting Fixtures: Chandelier, Candelabra (in kitchen), Sconces •Flooring: oMedium Oak Hardwood Flooring with Oil Finish oBath #1, Floors / Master WC: 12x24 “marble inspired” Porcelain Tiles (color: Venato Gold Matte) oBath #2 & #3 Floors: Ceramic/Porcelain Woodgrain Tile •Tile/Backsplash: Ceramic Rhomboid Tiles – Finish: Crackle •Paint Colors: White/Light Grey neutrals •Other Details: (1) Freestanding Soaking Tub (2) Elevated Nook off Master Bedroom Photographer: J.R. Maddox

What had once been a purely utilitarian bathroom — all bland white fixtures and little sense of personality — became an opportunity to embrace the carefree spirit of a second home by the Pacific. Rather than treating the space with the restraint of a primary residence, we leaned into something more playful and transportive, drawing from the colors and textures of the coastline just beyond the windows. A wallcovering patterned with oversized seashells in soft blue and white wraps the room like a seaside interpretation of a French toile, giving the space a sense of whimsy without losing its sophistication. The palette throughout echoes sea glass, salt air, and sun-faded driftwood, creating a room that feels equal parts breezy retreat and quiet escape. At the center of the design, a light wood vanity with fluted doors introduces warmth and subtle texture, balancing the cool tones that flow through the room. Inside the shower, a back wall of pale blue fan tile unfurls like scales or waves, catching the light with a softness that feels almost aquatic. Overhead, a sculptural light fixture woven from natural fibers brings an unexpected touch of humor and movement — reminiscent of the swaying fringe of a hula dancer’s grass skirt. The result is a bathroom that no longer feels anonymous or obligatory, but instead captures the relaxed, slightly nostalgic joy of life lived near the ocean. Photos: Bernardo Grijalva

Example of a minimalist bathroom design in Baltimore

What had once been a purely utilitarian bathroom — all bland white fixtures and little sense of personality — became an opportunity to embrace the carefree spirit of a second home by the Pacific. Rather than treating the space with the restraint of a primary residence, we leaned into something more playful and transportive, drawing from the colors and textures of the coastline just beyond the windows. A wallcovering patterned with oversized seashells in soft blue and white wraps the room like a seaside interpretation of a French toile, giving the space a sense of whimsy without losing its sophistication. The palette throughout echoes sea glass, salt air, and sun-faded driftwood, creating a room that feels equal parts breezy retreat and quiet escape. At the center of the design, a light wood vanity with fluted doors introduces warmth and subtle texture, balancing the cool tones that flow through the room. Inside the shower, a back wall of pale blue fan tile unfurls like scales or waves, catching the light with a softness that feels almost aquatic. Overhead, a sculptural light fixture woven from natural fibers brings an unexpected touch of humor and movement — reminiscent of the swaying fringe of a hula dancer’s grass skirt. The result is a bathroom that no longer feels anonymous or obligatory, but instead captures the relaxed, slightly nostalgic joy of life lived near the ocean. Photos: Bernardo Grijalva

Example of a minimalist bathroom design in Baltimore