With a little bit of love, you can transform your kitchen into a space you love to spend time in! Many people are so used to their surroundings that we don’t realize what a little bit of paint and new finishes can do to change a room. That’s exactly the case of this kitchen. Actually, the cabinetry was already refinished prior to us coming into the picture, our clients couldn’t wait! So, we had the opportunity to incorporate those finishing touches to really seal the deal of this space. Today, this kitchen is up-to-date and classic. It really will stand the test of time! To learn more about this space, continue reading below: Cabinets The cabinetry was already refinished prior to us doing our magic. But we love how the crisp and clean finishes of the cabinetry pairs so well with the new finishes and materials we incorporated. To elevate the cabinetry, we embellished the doors and drawers with 5 inch “Emerald” hardware from Top Knobs (TK288BSN). Countertops At first glance, you may have noticed we incorporated beautiful marble countertops to this space. So, what if we told you those countertops are not made of marble? Actually, not even close! These countertops are a beautiful 3cm Cambria quartz in the finish “Ironsbridge”. The specs of grey and veining in the countertops might have fooled you! We love the way it looks in this space. Backsplash Subway tiles have been around a long time. Still, we love the classic look of subway tile and our clients are always requesting it! A simple way to add interested to subway tile is to utilize tile with beveling, create a contrasting pattern, and add contrasting grout color, as we have done here. Here we have utilized a 3×6 Daltile Rittenhouse Square with beveled edges as the main tile. Then, over the range, we have framed the tile and changed the pattern to herringbone to add some pop! Fixtures The fixtures of this space are classically styled as well. From Blanco, we have the main sink in a Precis Super Single Bowl in White paired with an Atura kitchen faucet with pull-down spray in stainless steel. Then on the island, we have a Precis Medium Bowl in White and an Atura Pulldown bar faucet in stainless steel, also from Blanco.

Spacecrafting
Open concept kitchen - farmhouse l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen idea in Minneapolis with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Bringing the outdoors in and letting ample light flood the room, this window back splash was the perfect opportunity to do so. Stainless Steel undermounted sinks allow a clean look next to the white easy to clean quartz counter top. A built up flamed black absolute granite adds texture and creates an informal eat-in kitchen space.

Photographer: Alex Hayden
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary gray two-story mixed siding flat roof remodel in Seattle

Designed in sharp contrast to the glass walled living room above, this space sits partially underground. Precisely comfy for movie night.
Example of a large mountain style enclosed slate floor, black floor, wood ceiling and wood wall living room design in Chicago with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Photographer: Isabelle Eubanks Interiors: Modern Organic Interiors, Architect: Simpson Design Group, Builder: Milne Design and Build
Bedroom - cottage carpeted bedroom idea in San Francisco

© Vance Fox Photography
Example of a large mountain style formal and enclosed dark wood floor living room design in Sacramento with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Example of a trendy patio design in New York with a bbq area

This wine room is decorated with fully stocked wine racks, cozy fireplace, comfy seating, and a central table so that the homeowners can not only enjoy their wine collection but also invite friends around for tasting sessions. The faux wood paint on the walls and antler sconce provide a rustic charm, while complementing the dark ornate custom chilled wine storage, mantle, and entertainment panel. All while providing a beautifully functional space to enjoy their collection of wine, unwind and converse. For more information about this project please visit: www.gryphonbuilders.com. Or contact Allen Griffin, President of Gryphon Builders, at 713-939-8005 cell or email him at allen@gryphonbuilders.com

A rocker's paradise in the Gallery District of Chelsea, this gem serves as the East Coast residence for a musician artist couple. Taking a modern interpretation of Hollywood Regency style, every elegant detail is thoughtfully and precisely executed. The European Kitchen is appointed with white lacquer and wood veneer custom cabinetry, Miele and Sub-Zero appliances, hand-rubbed brass backsplash, and knife-edge Portoro marble counter tops. Made A Mano custom floor tile, tailor-made sink with African Saint Laurent marble, and Waterworks brass fixtures adorn the Bath. Throughout the residence, LV bespoke wood flooring, custom-fitted millwork, cove lighting, automated shades, and hand-crafted wallcovering are masterfully placed. Photos, Mike Van Tassel

Ryann Ford
Bedroom - farmhouse bedroom idea in Austin with white walls

Gordon Gregory
Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic gender-neutral dark wood floor and brown floor kids' bedroom remodel in New York

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional guest beige floor and carpeted bedroom remodel in Tampa with gray walls and no fireplace

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

1950s bathroom photo in San Francisco

Modern farmhouse describes this open concept, light and airy ranch home with modern and rustic touches. Precisely positioned on a large lot the owners enjoy gorgeous sunrises from the back left corner of the property with no direct sunlight entering the 14’x7’ window in the front of the home. After living in a dark home for many years, large windows were definitely on their wish list. Three generous sliding glass doors encompass the kitchen, living and great room overlooking the adjacent horse farm and backyard pond. A rustic hickory mantle from an old Ohio barn graces the fireplace with grey stone and a limestone hearth. Rustic brick with scraped mortar adds an unpolished feel to a beautiful built-in buffet.

Example of a large trendy u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen design in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, white appliances and an island

This home was a sweet 30's bungalow in the West Hollywood area. We flipped the kitchen and the dining room to allow access to the ample backyard. The design of the space was inspired by Manhattan's pre war apartments, refined and elegant. The back splash is a striped marble tile and the rounded open shelving softens the edge and is what you would find in a 30's style home.

Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in DC Metro with shaker cabinets, green cabinets, stainless steel appliances, white countertops, a farmhouse sink and white backsplash