This 2022 project was a fully custom mix and writing suite designed for multi-Grammy and Dove Award–winning producer and songwriter Kyle Lee. The goal was to create an environment that mirrors his creative workflow—quiet, natural, highly accurate, and intentionally crafted for long sessions of collaboration and focused work. The layout is compact but feels open thanks to high ceilings, soft daylight from the surrounding windows, and a palette of warm textures and natural materials. The room maintains a clean, grounded aesthetic without sacrificing technical performance, balancing style and acoustical precision in a way that supports both creativity and accuracy. Acoustic isolation was a core priority. The suite is fully separated from the rest of the home using sound-reducing wall assemblies, custom bass management including a full soft-ceiling trap and a false rear wall trap, and full-lite doors designed for controlled leakage. The result is a private, self-contained environment that integrates seamlessly with the home’s flow yet transforms into a focused creative space the moment the doors close. Monitoring was built around Kyle’s preferred ATC SCM45A loudspeakers, paired with Dynaudio subwoofers and calibrated specifically to the room’s frequency response. Every treatment, material, and speaker position was selected to ensure what Kyle hears while mixing precisely translates to the final master. The finished suite delivers an effortless feel with professional-grade performance—an inspiring, accurate, and dependable space built to support Kyle’s work at the highest level.

This blackened Stainless Steel Pivot Door is a robust design of stainless steel finished in Brandner’s signature Weathered Black Dark stainless steel patina. A sleek curved pull inset into the door molds to your hand as you effortlessly open this 500lbs, 6′ x 8′ door on a precisely machined pivot.

The client purchased a mature, small, NAPA Valley vineyard to be their home and for personal enjoyment. Once they began converting their new "hobby" grapes into wine, they soon realized they needed a place to "age" their labors and a place to then enjoy them. They decided to design such a place within the confines of their home where they could entertain family and friends. The structure was modified to allow storage of more than 200 individual bottles, cases, and magnum size bottles. A cask room was added as was a well-appointed tasting room. The storage area is separated from the tasting and social area by a tempered glass doors and windows. The space to be converted was a challenge. No surface was plumb or level, therefore, the remodel involved interior walls, new floors and ceilings. Until these issues were addressed, the beautiful cabinet work, and a complete temperature and humidity control system to store, maintain, and enjoy the wine could not be started. The floors had to be floated out and chases with faux finishes provided for HVAC and electrical. Lighting in the tasting room is provided by a series of recessed and puck lights. The bar/counter area is highlighted by a custom, Tiffany style chandelier. Enough space was left in front of the bar to accommodate two serving tables for food and snacks, with plenty of room to move about the space. Discreetly hidden behind the bar is a large capacity cooler that can chill several bottles at once. The bar is capped with eight lineal feet of Calcutta Gold Marble and sports a brass foot rail. The bar has grape panels between Acanthus Corbels and the bottle storage cabinet areas are a unique blend of Acanthus overlays under precisely cut and mitered grape design crown molding over and around a cleverly designed bottle storage system. Traffic flow is achieved through the multiple points of entry through any of three pairs of 6' custom double doors which, when weather permitting, can remain open while entertaining. The host and hostess can attend food and beverage service from behind and around the bar through a separate doorway. The temperature controlled cask storage area is large enough for the clients' current needs, and can accommodate a larger number of casks should the need arise. The floor and walls of the cask room are designed for easy maintenance.. Both rooms are delightfully decorated with earthen tone faux finishes on walls, ceilings and floors reminiscent of a nonspecific European wine making region. This effect is extended to the soffits in the tasting room. A unique wine racking system is easily stored, providing even greater ability to maintain and move about the storage area.

This custom-built outdoor living pool deck features stamped concrete with precisely spaced square cuts, accented by turf inlays for a clean, modern aesthetic. The remaining yard is finished with turf, creating a low-maintenance and visually cohesive outdoor space. A gas fire pit anchors the seating area, offering a warm and inviting gathering spot with ample room to entertain friends and the entire family. The property is enclosed with a custom iron fence along the perimeter, thoughtfully designed to meet HOA requirements while maintaining open views along the shared golf course boundary. This outdoor retreat blends durability, style, and comfort—perfect for year-round enjoyment.

kitchenCRATE Custom Del Rio Drive This kitchenCRATE in Modesto features new MSI Cashmere Concerto quartz countertops, Bedrosians Grace Grigio 4”x12” tiles on the backsplash, Bedrosians GLS Tessuto Glass Blend Grey backsplash at cooktop, custom cabinets painted in Kelly-Moore Dura Poxy San francisco Fog and the island painted in Yin Mist, a new Blanco Precis sink in Cinder, a Kohler Simplice faucet in Vibrant Stainless, and much more. For the full project description visit: https://kbcrate.com/kitchencrate-custom-del-rio-drive-in-modesto-ca-complete/

Woodneck Beach West Falmouth, MA On a clear day, this classic, shingle style home enjoys views of Cuttyhunk Island to the southwest and the Cape Cod Canal railroad bridge to the north. The widow’s walk, aptly named “The Sunset Deck”, was oriented precisely on the line of the setting sun on the summer solstice. An arched, drive-through portal bisects the garage, connects the formal driveway with the parking court and frames the view to the marsh beyond.

kitchenCRATE Lockeford Ranch Road | Lockeford, CA | Quartzite: Arizona Tile Taj Mahal | Backsplash: Bedrosians Torreon 3X6 Travertine Tiles | Cabinets: Kelly-Moore Bud’s Sail | Cabinet Hardware: Liberty Vine and Leaf | Sink: Blanco Precis Silgranit in Truffle | Faucet: Kohler Bellera in Oil-Rubbed Bronze

Every detail of this cool gray transitional kitchen design in Yardley, PA combines to create a stunning space, packed with stylish and practical features. The Dura Supreme stacked Avery style kitchen cabinets are painted zinc with a shadow glaze to add depth to the finish. The upper cabinets have a mullion style door, and the island is in a contrasting dark finish with glass front cabinets on one side. This is beautifully accented by Top Knobs bar pulls and a Dekton by Cosentino Entzo countertop with 2" mitered edge and a double waterfall countertop on the island. The cabinetry includes ample storage accessories, such as a tray divider, spice drawer, roll outs, and pull out base cabinet. The backsplash is random size mosaic Alabastro tile with Schluter strips to cap the edges. A Blanco Precis Siligranit sink combines with a Brizo Smart Touch on the perimeter of the kitchen. The appliances include Wolf ovens and a Sub Zero refrigerator, as well as a Wolf range in the island, perfect for cooking while talking to guests or keeping an eye on the kids. Power outlets in the island and angled power strips under the wall cabinets are ideal for plugging in small appliances or charging electronics. This open plan kitchen design is a functional, efficient space, as well as a style icon in the center of this home.

A luxurious en suite bath was created within this classic 1925 Portland bungalow by reconfiguring the second story’s original small bedrooms and tiny half bath. In this welcoming new urban boho space, eclectic finishes mingle harmoniously, integrated through subtle repetition of shapes and materials. A furniture-style vanity sets the tone for this luxurious space, introducing materials, colors, shapes, and textures that repeat throughout. Individual walnut hexagons join to create distinctive vanity doors, offset beautifully by horizontal-grain drawers. Topping the cabinetry is a simple concrete countertop with integral sinks. An expansive framed mirror above enlarges and brightens the room. Within the mirror, sconces float, their globes a nod to the hexagons below. Champagne bronze fixtures reflect the warm walnut glow. Nestled into the back corner, a stunning shower features waterjet tiles in a double herringbone pattern, each precisely cut and laid to maintain design integrity at every surface transition. Teak floor tiles and a pebbled niche hint at the classic spa experience. Across from the shower, a large hexagonal window provides a treetop view from the free-standing tub below. The gentle oval of the tub and the beaded chandelier above provide a pleasing contrast to the strong lines surrounding it, as do the softly-shaded pebbles in the full-length niche. Shiplap wainscotting wraps the room, creating an illusion of height in the compact space. Subtle flooring and soft green walls create an understated backdrop for the bold mix of materials, unifying them into a serene oasis. Asking a century-old home to accommodate a modern luxury bath is a tall order. Asbestos-laden plaster and flooring had to be abated. The subfloor had to be leveled and reinforced to increase strength and prevent deflection. Water lines and multiple electrical circuits had to be brought across and up without disturbing a beautifully-paneled ceiling, something we accomplished by firring out stair walls to hide the chases. Our client had visions of a leafy view from her tub, but the new layout eliminated existing windows. Placing a new window was complicated by deep eaves and flat soffits. By pushing the header into the roofline, however, we were able to accommodate a picture window. The flat soffit was replaced by an inverse hip lined with stained tongue and groove cedar, tying it to the bathroom finishes. Bringing materials up a narrow staircase became truly challenging when it was time to install the big items. However, strategic removal of drywall around the landing got the job done. Our attention to detail is showcased in the shower tile, where precise cuts were required at surface transitions to maintain the integrity of a complex double herringbone lay. The project was delivered on time. Savvy layout choices minimized spending on structural changes. Because we were dealing with dormer space, head height was an issue. Raising the ceiling would have been complex and expensive so our design accommodated the constraints – tub on the low outside wall, shower on the full-height interior wall. The vanity spanned the spread, accommodating our petite client on the exterior side and her taller husband on the interior side. An under-eave closet was closed off to create room for both a freestanding tub and a separate shower. Rather than building replacement storage elsewhere, we simply added a new door into the closet from the primary bedroom. This was made possible by absorbing the short hallway separating the existing bed and bathroom into the primary bedroom. This new layout also created an en suite relationship between the primary bedroom and the new bath. We saved additional dollars by selecting a furniture-style vanity rather than using custom cabinetry, and the countertop with integral sinks provided a cost savings over a more traditional quartz countertop with undermount sinks. Affordable shower tiles allowed us to put more money into a dynamic tile layout. The project was delivered within budget.

kitchenCRATE River Park Circle| Stockton, CA | Granite: Arizona Tile Bianco Typhoon | Backsplash: Arizona Tile Salem Grey Tile | Cabinets: Kelly-Moore Brown Bear |Sink: Blanco Precis in Cafe Brown| Faucet: Kohler Bellera faucet in Oil Rubbed Bronze|

Carrara White Marble Fluted Wall-Mount Sink (28") A masterful translation of geology into built form. This 28" wall-mount basin pairs the characteristic grey veining of premium Carrara marble with a precisely executed fluted exterior profile. The vertical ribbing generates a rhythm of light and shadow, giving the solid stone volume a striking geometric presence against a flat wall plane. Finished with a honed surface to temper reflectivity and engineered with a solid deck for wall-mount faucet configurations, it acts as a fully resolved architectural element rather than a simple replicated object. For current availability, technical specifications, and direct ordering of this 28" fluted model, visit our LUCE SPACES official website

Statuario marble took center stage in this lovely master ensuite, highlighting it's timeless beauty. Each detail was carefully planned out to create a functional & relaxing environment for this lovely couple to enjoy. The custom vanity was inspired by an elegant furniture piece, infusing an 'old meets new' design flare. The large shower showcases a unique cantilevered bench, delicately suspended from the wall. The free standing bath tub was precisely selected to emphasize the importance of a little R&R.

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

kitchenCRATE Custom Ramsey Drive | Cabinets by Falton Custom Cabinets | Countertop: Polarstone Quartz in Polarstone | Backsplash: MSI Subway Tile in Whisper White | Sink: Blanco Siligranit Precis Equal Double Bowl in Metallic Gray | Faucet: Kohler Simplice in Vibrant Stainless | Cabinet Paint (Uppers): Kelly-Moore Silver Strand Beach in Satin | Cabinet Paint (Lowers): Kelly-Moore Silver Oyster Bay in Satin | Wall Paint: Kelly-Moore Swiss Coffee in Eggshell | Flooring: Bedrosians Floor Tile in Clive | For More Visit: https://kbcrate.com/kitchencrate-custom-ramsey-drive-in-modesto-ca-is-complete/

A luxurious en suite bath was created within this classic 1925 Portland bungalow by reconfiguring the second story’s original small bedrooms and tiny half bath. In this welcoming new urban boho space, eclectic finishes mingle harmoniously, integrated through subtle repetition of shapes and materials. A furniture-style vanity sets the tone for this luxurious space, introducing materials, colors, shapes, and textures that repeat throughout. Individual walnut hexagons join to create distinctive vanity doors, offset beautifully by horizontal-grain drawers. Topping the cabinetry is a simple concrete countertop with integral sinks. An expansive framed mirror above enlarges and brightens the room. Within the mirror, sconces float, their globes a nod to the hexagons below. Champagne bronze fixtures reflect the warm walnut glow. Nestled into the back corner, a stunning shower features waterjet tiles in a double herringbone pattern, each precisely cut and laid to maintain design integrity at every surface transition. Teak floor tiles and a pebbled niche hint at the classic spa experience. Across from the shower, a large hexagonal window provides a treetop view from the free-standing tub below. The gentle oval of the tub and the beaded chandelier above provide a pleasing contrast to the strong lines surrounding it, as do the softly-shaded pebbles in the full-length niche. Shiplap wainscotting wraps the room, creating an illusion of height in the compact space. Subtle flooring and soft green walls create an understated backdrop for the bold mix of materials, unifying them into a serene oasis. Asking a century-old home to accommodate a modern luxury bath is a tall order. Asbestos-laden plaster and flooring had to be abated. The subfloor had to be leveled and reinforced to increase strength and prevent deflection. Water lines and multiple electrical circuits had to be brought across and up without disturbing a beautifully-paneled ceiling, something we accomplished by firring out stair walls to hide the chases. Our client had visions of a leafy view from her tub, but the new layout eliminated existing windows. Placing a new window was complicated by deep eaves and flat soffits. By pushing the header into the roofline, however, we were able to accommodate a picture window. The flat soffit was replaced by an inverse hip lined with stained tongue and groove cedar, tying it to the bathroom finishes. Bringing materials up a narrow staircase became truly challenging when it was time to install the big items. However, strategic removal of drywall around the landing got the job done. Our attention to detail is showcased in the shower tile, where precise cuts were required at surface transitions to maintain the integrity of a complex double herringbone lay. The project was delivered on time. Savvy layout choices minimized spending on structural changes. Because we were dealing with dormer space, head height was an issue. Raising the ceiling would have been complex and expensive so our design accommodated the constraints – tub on the low outside wall, shower on the full-height interior wall. The vanity spanned the spread, accommodating our petite client on the exterior side and her taller husband on the interior side. An under-eave closet was closed off to create room for both a freestanding tub and a separate shower. Rather than building replacement storage elsewhere, we simply added a new door into the closet from the primary bedroom. This was made possible by absorbing the short hallway separating the existing bed and bathroom into the primary bedroom. This new layout also created an en suite relationship between the primary bedroom and the new bath. We saved additional dollars by selecting a furniture-style vanity rather than using custom cabinetry, and the countertop with integral sinks provided a cost savings over a more traditional quartz countertop with undermount sinks. Affordable shower tiles allowed us to put more money into a dynamic tile layout. The project was delivered within budget.

Cabinetry: Showplace Framed Style: Pendleton SP275 w/ Five Piece Drawers Species/Finish: Maple Cashew Countertops: (Redemption Stone Craft) Calacatta Ocellio Quartz Plumbing: Blanco Precis in Truffle & Delta Lenta Faucet in Stainless Lighting: (Customer’s Own) Hardware: (Hardware Resources) Sullivan Pulls in Stai Backsplash Tile: (Virginia Tile) Teramoda Bamboo 3x12 Glossy with Tozen Strontium Natural Glass Mosaic Flooring: (Redemption Floor Craft) Antiquity Kosmos Designer: Devon Moore Contractor: Pete Markoff

Upper Valley Estate Curb Appeal – El Paso, Texas This curb appeal transformation was conceived as a deliberate sequence—an arrival experience where architecture, landscape, and lighting work together as one. Every element was designed to honor the home’s stone construction, turreted forms, and Old World character while responding precisely to the Upper Valley climate and lifestyle. By day, the experience is grounded and composed. Brick-edged concrete drives establish order and permanence, guiding movement through the property with clarity and intention. Natural stone walls and columns anchor the architecture, while layered gravel beds, drought-tolerant plantings, and manicured turf soften transitions and connect the home to its desert setting. Mature trees were preserved and carefully integrated, providing scale, shade, and a sense of continuity. As afternoon shifts toward sunset, the materials begin to speak differently. Stone warms, textures deepen, and sightlines subtly draw the eye toward the front entry. The landscape narrows the focus, creating a moment of pause before arrival—calm, quiet, and refined. At night, the design reveals its final layer. Low-voltage lighting is integrated with precision, washing stone surfaces, tracing architectural curves, and uplighting specimen trees to create depth without glare. The drive, walkways, and entry feel safe, legible, and inviting, while the home itself glows with a restrained elegance. Coming home after dark feels intentional—protected, welcoming, and unmistakably yours. What was created is more than curb appeal. It is a cohesive design-build solution where nothing is ornamental without purpose and nothing is built without intention. A daily experience of arrival that reflects craftsmanship, care, and the enduring character of the Upper Valley.

Scott & Catherine Buley, HTT&T. High Tech Turf & Trees, LandscapeMakeover.biz, Rain Garden Nursery. This very savvy couple planned this new home literally from the ground up. They contacted us thru Houzz.com, impressed by our photos of country landscapes with our High Tech Turf & Trees. Working with qualified, experienced landscape design-build contractors makes all the difference. They wanted us to bring our golf course grow-in experience to this special site. We love that we were able to help them thru challenging conditions, to create precisely what they desired. The Don Egolf flowering Redbud to the right, has wonderful compact form and lush leaves all season long.

Cabinetry: Starmark Style: Ridgeville w/ Five Piece Drawers Finish: Maple in Macadamia Countertops: (Solid Surfaces Unlimited) Desert Breeze Quartz Plumbing: (Progressive Plumbing) Delta Mateo Touchless Faucet in Stainless; Blanco Precis in White Hardware: (Hardware Resources) Audrey Pull in Satin Nickel Backsplash Tile: (Virginia Tile) 3” X 12” Grace in Sand Matte Flooring: (Krauseneck) Shaw Atlantic Towers – Polar Bear Glass Shelving: Mt. Clemens Glass Interior Designer: Devon Moore Contractor: LVE