Search results for "Precedent" in Home Design Ideas

In this newly constructed Westminster home, the kitchen was designed to complement the home’s traditional architectural framework while elevating the material story through thoughtful, layered additions.
Rather than altering the original cabinetry, we worked with the existing warm oak millwork as the foundation, introducing custom lighting and handcrafted seating to bring depth, texture, and refinement to the space. Sculptural glass pendants provide soft scale and glow above the island, while tailored leather and wood bar seating adds a furniture-quality layer that balances the cabinetry’s warmth.
Natural stone countertops and backsplash surfaces carry subtle movement and tonal variation, grounding the room in organic texture. Brass plumbing and hardware introduce a polished contrast, tying into the metal finishes used throughout the residence and reinforcing material continuity from space to space.
The result is a kitchen that feels integrated and architectural rather than decorative — refined, grounded, and aligned with the home’s classic layout, where craftsmanship and material integrity take precedence over statement.

A beautful soaker tub separated from the main bathroom space. This tub really gives you the feeling of oasis. A unique light fixture sits over head accompanied by the continued asian precedents.

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present
An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today.
A Remodel That Balances Past and Present
What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form.
Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility
Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner.
A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it.
Navigating Challenges With Precision
The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved.
Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly.
Details That Respect the Eichler DNA
The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness.
At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence.
The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving.
Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process.
The Value of Evolving Scope
As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun.
The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA.
Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa.
Contractor: Golden Cove Construction
Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2024
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
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Example of a classic formal and open concept carpeted living room design in Detroit with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and no tv

This new home is inspired by the Colonial architecture found in the region. Situated on a stunning site bordering wooded conservation land with towering oak and beech trees, the connection to nature is of paramount importance. While the main body of the house adheres to historical precedent, the rear of the house and the various wings open up to the surrounding landscape with multi-purpose spaces and monumental windows. A geothermal system provides the hot water, heating and cooling.

Nestled next to a mountain side and backing up to a creek, this home encompasses the mountain feel. With its neutral yet rich exterior colors and textures, the architecture is simply picturesque. A custom Knotty Alder entry door is preceded by an arched stone column entry porch. White Oak flooring is featured throughout and accentuates the home’s stained beam and ceiling accents. Custom cabinetry in the Kitchen and Great Room create a personal touch unique to only this residence. The Master Bathroom features a free-standing tub and all-tiled shower. Upstairs, the game room boasts a large custom reclaimed barn wood sliding door. The Juliette balcony gracefully over looks the handsome Great Room. Downstairs the screen porch is cozy with a fireplace and wood accents. Sitting perpendicular to the home, the detached three-car garage mirrors the feel of the main house by staying with the same paint colors, and features an all metal roof. The spacious area above the garage is perfect for a future living or storage area.

Nestled next to a mountain side and backing up to a creek, this home encompasses the mountain feel. With its neutral yet rich exterior colors and textures, the architecture is simply picturesque. A custom Knotty Alder entry door is preceded by an arched stone column entry porch. White Oak flooring is featured throughout and accentuates the home’s stained beam and ceiling accents. Custom cabinetry in the Kitchen and Great Room create a personal touch unique to only this residence. The Master Bathroom features a free-standing tub and all-tiled shower. Upstairs, the game room boasts a large custom reclaimed barn wood sliding door. The Juliette balcony gracefully over looks the handsome Great Room. Downstairs the screen porch is cozy with a fireplace and wood accents. Sitting perpendicular to the home, the detached three-car garage mirrors the feel of the main house by staying with the same paint colors, and features an all metal roof. The spacious area above the garage is perfect for a future living or storage area.

Bedroom - large transitional master carpeted bedroom idea in Other with gray walls and no fireplace

To achieve the beauty found in natural slate, Auburn Tile and Auburn Lite concrete roofing tile are flat and authentically smaller in size with a natural "broken leading edge", a product of a refined manufacturing process, each tile has a slightly different break than the preceding one. Get the old world look with Auburn Tile.

Interior Design: Vision Interiors by Visbeen
Builder: Mosaic Properties
Photographer: Mike Buck Photography
This three-story live/work building accommodates a business and a private residence. The front showroom and reception area features a stair with a custom handrail and veneer brick wall. Moving through the main hall you will find a coffee bar and conference room that precedes a workroom with dark green cabinetry, masonry fireplace, and oversized pub-height work tables. The residence can be accessed on all levels and maintains privacy through the stairwell and elevator shaft. The second level is home to a design studio, private office and large conference room that opens up to a deep balcony with retractable screens. On the residence side, above the garage is a flex space, which is used as a guest apartment for out of town guests and includes a murphy bed, kitchenette and access to a private bath. The third level is the private residence. At the front you will find a balcony, living room with linear fireplace, dining room with banquette seating and kitchen with a custom island and pullout table. Private spaces include a full bathroom and kids room featuring train car inspired bunks and ample storage. The master suite is tucked away to the rear and features dual bathroom vanities, dressing space, a drop down TV in the bedroom ceiling and a closet wall that opens up to an 8x12, his and hers closet. The lower level is part of the private residence and features a home gym and recreation spaces.

Native Trails Farmhouse 30 Copper Kitchen Sink
The distinctive texture and warm glow of hand hammered copper appeals to the senses, while the simple maintenance makes Native Trails recycled copper kitchen sinks and range hoods refreshingly practical. Part of our Farmhouse Series, Farmhouse 30 sets a precedent for popularity. Its 30" width offers a desirable size option, while its undermount installation allows for maximized counter and workspace. Add in the distinctive texture and coloration of its hammered copper apron front, and there’s just no telling how far this sink will go!Farmhouse 30 is an artisan crafted apron front kitchen sink, forged of high-quality recycled copper. Copper has been used for centuries in kitchens and baths throughout the world; Farmhouse 30 brings modern functionality to a classic material.

This project is best described in one word: Fun – Oh wait, and bold! This homes mid-century modern construction style was inspiration that married nicely to our clients request to also have a home with a glamorous and lux vibe. We have a long history of working together and the couple was very open to concepts but she had one request: she loved blue, in any and all forms, and wanted it to be used liberally throughout the house. This new-to-them home was an original 1966 ranch in the Calvert area of Lincoln, Nebraska and was begging for a new and more open floor plan to accommodate large family gatherings. The house had been so loved at one time but was tired and showing her age and an allover change in lighting, flooring, moldings as well as development of a new and more open floor plan, lighting and furniture and space planning were on our agenda. This album is a progression room to room of the house and the changes we made. We hope you enjoy it! This was such a fun and rewarding project and In the end, our Musician husband and glamorous wife had their forever dream home nestled in the heart of the city.

Gray toned microfiber upholstered king size headboard and rails. Two stunning textured ceramic lamps atop two stone colored night stands.
Example of a transitional bedroom design in Denver
Example of a transitional bedroom design in Denver

Interior Design: Vision Interiors by Visbeen
Builder: Mosaic Properties
Photographer: Mike Buck Photography
This three-story live/work building accommodates a business and a private residence. The front showroom and reception area features a stair with a custom handrail and veneer brick wall. Moving through the main hall you will find a coffee bar and conference room that precedes a workroom with dark green cabinetry, masonry fireplace, and oversized pub-height work tables. The residence can be accessed on all levels and maintains privacy through the stairwell and elevator shaft. The second level is home to a design studio, private office and large conference room that opens up to a deep balcony with retractable screens. On the residence side, above the garage is a flex space, which is used as a guest apartment for out of town guests and includes a murphy bed, kitchenette and access to a private bath. The third level is the private residence. At the front you will find a balcony, living room with linear fireplace, dining room with banquette seating and kitchen with a custom island and pullout table. Private spaces include a full bathroom and kids room featuring train car inspired bunks and ample storage. The master suite is tucked away to the rear and features dual bathroom vanities, dressing space, a drop down TV in the bedroom ceiling and a closet wall that opens up to an 8x12, his and hers closet. The lower level is part of the private residence and features a home gym and recreation spaces.

This urban townhouse took on new life when it was renovated for a couple relocating from New York City. The owner’s sophisticated taste, cultivated from world travels, paired with the character of the existing home and resulted in a fresh and colorful gem in the heart of the historic downtown.
Extensive approvals from the local Historic District Commission preceded an addition on the rear of the time-honored building and a complete restoration of the exterior. The addition encompasses a first-floor, finished garage with arch doors that open to the gardens, ideal for entertaining. Above the garage accommodates the master bedroom, walk-in closets and a bathroom suite. The exterior restoration allowed the addition of window pediments, shutters with authentic hardware and gaslight features. Pocket gardens surround the townhouse and boast multiple plantings that complement a historic environment.
The interior of the home was restructured to allow for reworking of the main stair. The reconfigured flight can now carry the weight of books and art alongside ascending residents and guests. Amid construction, two previously hidden fireplaces were uncovered. By the end of the renovation, four fireplaces were entirely refurbished and now lend immense aesthetic to interior design.
The interior finishes within the home keep visitors engaged and impressed. From imported Italian tile to contextually historic light switches, the colorful décor is appealing to all senses. Specially painted walls coordinate with furnishings, bookcases and art.
Photos: Greg West Photography

This 6000 square foot home was designed in conjunction with Castle Homes with House Beautiful Magazine for the Whole Home Concept House show house benefiting the Nashville Symphony. The home is in the beautiful Belle Meade area of Nashville Tennessee and takes its cues from local traditions as well as English Arts and Crafts precedents.

The temple design depicted is a striking example of sculptural architecture, where the form takes precedence, creating an impactful visual statement. The spherical structures are both bold and enigmatic, suggesting a modern interpretation of sacred spaces. The use of monolithic shapes and the seamless flow between the elements conveys a sense of unity and continuity, which may symbolize wholeness and eternity in a spiritual context
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