Search results for "Practical choice" in Home Design Ideas

Revamping the laundry room brings a blend of functionality and style to an often-overlooked space. Upgrading appliances to energy-efficient models enhances efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
Custom cabinetry and shelving solutions maximize storage for detergents, cleaning supplies, and laundry essentials, promoting an organized and clutter-free environment. Consideration of ergonomic design, such as a folding counter or ironing station, streamlines tasks and adds a touch of convenience.
Thoughtful lighting choices, perhaps with LED fixtures or natural light sources, contribute to a bright and inviting atmosphere. Flooring upgrades for durability, such as water-resistant tiles or easy-to-clean materials, can withstand the demands of laundry tasks.
Ultimately, a remodeled laundry room not only elevates its practical functionality but also transforms it into a well-designed, efficient space that makes the often-dreaded chore of laundry a more pleasant experience.
Find the right local pro for your project

Gabion walls are versatile and aesthetically pleasing structures composed of wire mesh baskets filled with rocks or other durable materials. These walls serve both practical and decorative purposes in landscaping and construction. The interlocking wire cages create a permeable barrier that allows for natural drainage, erosion control, and effective soil retention. The choice of stones or other fill materials enables customization to match the surrounding environment, making gabion walls a popular choice for enhancing outdoor spaces with a unique blend of functionality and visual appeal.

Our barn doors are a perfect choice for those looking to add unique details to their home. All barn doors by Door Architects are custom designed and handmade with precise craftsmanship to perfectly suit your space. Whether you choose a modern look or a rustic one, our team will consult, measure, design, build and install your one-of-a-kind door!
Door Architects’ sliding barn doors are not only works of art, but they are incredibly practical. Our stylish doors offer a great way to increase usable space in a room and are exceptionally durable!
Take a look at some of our design options for inspiration to start creating your custom barn door...
http://doorarchitects.com/sliding-barn-door/

Are you looking for a beautiful open plan bathroom? The use of a wooden feature wall and no shower screen creates a design statement, and a sense of space. The bath is the centre of attention in this space and the use of the rain shower suggests luxury. The Urbane basin and toilet complement the entire look.

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

These seamed draperies are a great solution for two story windows. Adding fabric softens the space and having the second color on the bottom balances out the tall ceilings.
Layer the draperies with the woven wood roman shades for a gorgeous look.
**UPDATE** We also work with clients all over the country! Our virtual designers have experience as local and long distance design consultants. Our designers offer professional fabric and design recommendations, free estimates and have a great ability to communicate via email or phone to help conceptualize the project and see it through to the final stages. Fabric samples are mailed directly to you and we also provide easy installation guides.
For clients out of the Indiana area, we now have a professionally trained interior designer! Our "virtual designer" can help you with your project and ship your custom items directly to you at a fraction of the cost without compromising on quality! Let our design specialists help you today!
We're very excited to announce that we were featured on HOUZZ! Click the link below to check out the article!
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30722151/list/design-workshop-shutters-all-grown-up
Abda Window fashions of Indianapolis has custom curtains, drapes, valances, cornices, pillows and hardware in a variety of fabrics and finishes. Curtains and drapes are great alone or paired with a hard window treatment for the ultimate fashion statement. All of our curtains, drapes, valances, cornices and pillows are custom-made from our own workroom. We also make custom bedding and upholstery. We have a huge selection of fabrics that will match any style.
Our custom, affordable draperies, curtains and sheers are now available to anyone in the US. We make them in our own workroom and ship them anywhere in the US! Talk with our professional design specialists and let them help you transform your home! It’s simple and easy. This is a great solution for persons who live out of state or are too busy for a traditional home consultation. With our great reviews, solid company and company values- you know that you’re home is in great hands!
We also have ready-made curtains and bedding available too! And don’t forget our custom hardware! You can also check out our houzz.com store for great window fashion products, including our exclusive bendable rods!
To see our new line, contact Talitha at 317-273-8343 or email: talitha@abdawindowfashions.com or check out our houzz.com store!
For our local customers we offer, FREE In-home consultation or showroom appointment to meet your lifestyle and design needs. At Abda, we have the perfect blend of high-end and affordable solutions for every style and budget. Affordable doesn’t mean cheap! We pride ourselves on quality products with excellent service. We’re so confident of our products that we give our customers more than the manufacturers guarantee!
We give our customers an additional 2 year warranty on top of the manufacturers guarantee!
At Abda, you will find knowledgeable staff that will turn your visions into a reality. Stop in our showroom or schedule a Free In-home consultation today! We know you will be happy with the results but don’t take our word for it, check out what some of our customers say about us on Houzz and Angie’s List!
http://www.angieslist.com/companylist/us/in/indianapolis/abda-inc-custom-window-fashions-reviews-60394.htm?cid=ssabadge
Why Choose Us?
We have been in business since November 1998 and started in the window covering business by cleaning & repairing blinds. This gave us a unique perspective from most window covering dealers. We have always considered how well products hold up and which manufacturers stand behind their products the best. We let our clients know the benefits of more expensive products and give honest feedback. We take pride in showing alternative products to fit all budgets.
Our great testimonials on Angie’s List, Houzz.com and referrals have helped our company grow without the need for “conventional” advertising. Abda means ‘servant’. At Abda, we approach every customer with a servant’s attitude. This philosophy has helped our customers feel confident in their purchases and well-taken care of. Our number one focus is customer service and we believe in putting the customer’s needs first. We offer our clients an additional 2 year warranty on top of the manufacturer’s warranty and want each and every client to be completely happy with their purchase. We’ve been awarded the prestigious 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews. We’ve grown over the years and have added more team members to our company and we’re very excited at the direction our company is going.
Check out our website for more information: www.abdawindowfashions.com
Below is a list of styles and types of curtains and draperies that we can help you with. No worries if you do not find what you’re looking for below! Since we have our own workroom, the sky is the limit. There’s no project too small or large! Our design specialists are great at helping you with window treatment ideas. Stop in our showroom or call today for a FREE in-home consultation. If you’re out of state, no problem! We’re now making our custom treatments and shipping them to you!
Call today (317-273-8343) for more information or email:
talitha@abdawindowfashions.com
Some of the styles and types:
Modern curtains & draperies,
Contemporary curtains & draperies,
Traditional curtains & draperies,
Transitional curtains & draperies,
Beach Style curtains & draperies,
Asian Style curtains & draperies,
Eclectic curtains & draperies,
Midcentury curtains & draperies,
Mediterranean curtains & draperies,
Farmhouse Style curtains & draperies
Kitchen curtains,
Living room curtains,
Dining room curtians,
Master Bedroom curtains,
Nursery curtains,
Children’s room curtains,
Guest bedroom curtains,
Areas that we serve for installation for curtains & draperies are listed below. (But we ship to anywhere in the US!) If you don’t see your city on the list, just give us a call and we will see what we can do.
Indianapolis curtains and draperies & surrounding areas,
Carmel curtains and draperies & surrounding areas,
Zionsville curtains and draperies & surrounding areas
Westfield curtains and draperies & surrounding areas,
Avon curtains and draperies & surrounding areas,
Greenwood curtains and draperies & surrounding areas,

A love of bread making in this family meant they needed multiple prep areas and better storage solutions.
Eat-in kitchen - small coastal galley light wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Detroit with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and gray countertops
Eat-in kitchen - small coastal galley light wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Detroit with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and gray countertops

This kitchen remodel was designed to combine functionality, style, and bold material choices within an open-concept layout. At the heart of the space, a custom kitchen island provides ample prep space, seating, and storage, creating a natural gathering point for family and guests.
Custom cabinetry offers both organization and aesthetic appeal, blending seamlessly with mixed materials such as natural stone countertops and sleek finishes. Every element was carefully selected to create a kitchen that is both practical for everyday use and visually striking, with design details that elevate the space into a true centerpiece of the home.

In the embrace of Hudson, a family of five embarked on a transformative journey within their cherished abode. Their aspirations were clear: an island, double ovens, and an open concept seamlessly merging the living area with the deck. The addition of much-needed pantry storage expanded both practicality and aesthetics. During festive seasons, the extended seating area welcomed company, fostering warmth and camaraderie. In this cozy haven, where hues whisper comfort and memories linger, evenings unfolded—a symphony of shared stories, laughter, and nourishment. Our cabinet choices for the colors chosen on this job was Fabuwood stock line and Bridgewood semi custom.

The Rancho Estate provides a level of luxury that sets it apart from any residence in Los Angeles, breaking the record for the most expensive home ever sold in the Encino area. The Eden Group worked with the client to achieve all their development goals by providing integrated design and engineering services which developed concurrently achieving project milestones while staying within the construction budget. Our residential design team used modern aesthetics which entailed of design elements tailored to provide spacious and unparalleled views of the San Fernando Valley. Attracting a dream buyer is the most important aspect in the eyes of any real estate developer and that is why we chose two words to describe the amenities we incorporated into the design: Vast & Spectacular. The estate allows you to swim with infinite views, get your work out on at the indoor gym, shoot hoops with your friends in the indoor basketball court, go for a round of bowling with your child, chomp on popcorn in your theater, get a massage after the steam room at your private spa, putt a couple hole-in-ones, and if you get bored you can always choose to go for a ride from the collection inside your 16-car garage. Majestic high ceilings mixed wide span openings created a challenge for our engineers given the strict rules in the Baseline Hillside Ordinance and the California Building Code. Our structural engineers prepared innovative design plans which entailed of 150 deep pile foundations mixed with steel and laminated timber framing members. We also used permanent shoring techniques to reduce construction cost by eliminating the need for temporary shoring plans for both the structure foundation and on-site retaining walls. Given that California has some of the strictest stormwater management requirements and the total amount of non-permeable areas on this project, the client was required to construct a 35,000-gallon rain harvesting tank per the Low Impact Development Plan Best Management Practice (BMP’s) standards. Our specialized drainage design team captured all on-site stormwater through trench drains, area drains, and downspouts which routed water to a mechanical sump pump that connected to the storage tank for irrigation use later. Innovative design engineering techniques used on this project allowed for increased safety and sustainability making the Rancho Estate a masterpiece of contemporary construction.

Sponsored
Westerville, OH
Custom Home Works
Franklin County's Award-Winning Design, Build and Remodeling Expert

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

This perspective highlights the seamless integration of a high-end culinary workspace within a classic Craftsman aesthetic. The expansive kitchen island, featuring a granite countertop with a built-in range, serves as the centerpiece of the room, perfectly positioned under a custom-framed art glass chandelier. This architectural light fixture acts as a jewelry piece for the kitchen, echoing the geometric precision found in traditional Mission-style design while casting a warm, ambient glow across the entire space.
The view showcases the impressive depth of the custom-stained cabinetry, which extends to the ceiling with elegant crown molding. To the right, professional-grade stainless steel appliances, including double wall ovens, are sleekly integrated into the woodwork, offering a modern contrast to the rustic textures of the red brick backsplash and hexagonal tiled flooring. The inclusion of a light sage green pantry door adds a subtle pop of color, softening the rich wood tones and bringing a fresh, nature-inspired element to the palette.
Every architectural choice, from the recessed lighting to the thoughtfully placed casement window over the sink, emphasizes a balance of practicality and style. The layout is designed for effortless flow, providing ample prep space on the island while keeping essential tools and high-performance appliances within easy reach. This kitchen successfully creates a sophisticated yet homey environment that is ideal for both quiet family meals and large-scale entertaining.

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

Completed in collaboration with Katie Emmons Design, this Fall 2024 renovation in Myers Park focused on transforming two of the home's most frequently used spaces: the primary bathroom and laundry room.
The primary bathroom was reimagined as a relaxing retreat, featuring elegant finishes, improved functionality, and a layout designed to enhance everyday comfort. Thoughtful design choices created a bright, inviting atmosphere while maximizing storage and usability.
The laundry room received a complete makeover with custom storage solutions, upgraded finishes, and a more efficient layout. By combining practicality with beautiful design, the space now supports daily routines while complementing the overall aesthetic of the home.
This renovation demonstrates how thoughtful planning and quality craftsmanship can elevate both form and function. The result is a pair of beautifully updated spaces that bring comfort, organization, and timeless style to everyday living.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

The Slow Spin reflects our belief that every space — no matter how utilitarian — deserves intention and a sense of intrigue. Our concept was rooted in contrast: concealment and reveal, historic architecture layered with modern restraint, and function elevated through materiality. The Calacatta Oyster marble was our jumping-off point—we sourced the stone first and let its movement, warmth, and quiet drama set the tone for everything that followed. Staying true to our intuitive approach and refined aesthetic, we were inspired to reframe daily rituals as moments of pause, designing a room that feels thoughtfully explored, curated, and discovered rather than purely installed. Meticulous detailing, disciplined material choices, and close collaboration with our partners allowed us to create a space that is highly functional and emotionally resonant—proving that even the most practical rooms can carry beauty, depth, and personality.

This bold kitchen remodel embraces layered materials, custom metalwork, and statement design to create a space that is both striking and highly functional. Designed to stand out, the kitchen blends contrasting textures and finishes to achieve a look that feels curated, elevated, and completely unique.
At the center of the space, a custom kitchen island anchors the design, surrounded by rich material contrasts—from natural stone surfaces to warm wood tones and sleek metal accents. The use of custom metalwork, including architectural details and specialty elements, adds depth and a refined industrial edge that elevates the entire room.
Custom cabinetry provides both structure and storage, while thoughtfully integrated features ensure the kitchen remains as practical as it is visually impactful. Layered finishes and bold combinations of materials create dimension throughout, proving that mixing textures can result in a cohesive and sophisticated design when done intentionally.
Strategic lighting and an open layout enhance the overall feel, allowing each material and detail to shine while maintaining flow into adjacent living spaces.
This kitchen is a perfect example of how bold design choices, mixed materials, and custom craftsmanship can come together to create a one-of-a-kind space that reflects both personality and luxury.

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
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