Tired of doing laundry in an unfinished rugged basement? The owners of this 1922 Seward Minneapolis home were as well! They contacted Castle to help them with their basement planning and build for a finished laundry space and new bathroom with shower. Changes were first made to improve the health of the home. Asbestos tile flooring/glue was abated and the following items were added: a sump pump and drain tile, spray foam insulation, a glass block window, and a Panasonic bathroom fan. After the designer and client walked through ideas to improve flow of the space, we decided to eliminate the existing 1/2 bath in the family room and build the new 3/4 bathroom within the existing laundry room. This allowed the family room to be enlarged. Plumbing fixtures in the bathroom include a Kohler, Memoirs® Stately 24″ pedestal bathroom sink, Kohler, Archer® sink faucet and showerhead in polished chrome, and a Kohler, Highline® Comfort Height® toilet with Class Five® flush technology. American Olean 1″ hex tile was installed in the shower’s floor, and subway tile on shower walls all the way up to the ceiling. A custom frameless glass shower enclosure finishes the sleek, open design. Highly wear-resistant Adura luxury vinyl tile flooring runs throughout the entire bathroom and laundry room areas. The full laundry room was finished to include new walls and ceilings. Beautiful shaker-style cabinetry with beadboard panels in white linen was chosen, along with glossy white cultured marble countertops from Central Marble, a Blanco, Precis 27″ single bowl granite composite sink in cafe brown, and a Kohler, Bellera® sink faucet. We also decided to save and restore some original pieces in the home, like their existing 5-panel doors; one of which was repurposed into a pocket door for the new bathroom. The homeowners completed the basement finish with new carpeting in the family room. The whole basement feels fresh, new, and has a great flow. They will enjoy their healthy, happy home for years to come. Designed by: Emily Blonigen See full details, including before photos at https://www.castlebri.com/basements/project-3378-1/

A refined balance of clean lines and inviting materials. Painted micro-shaker cabinetry establishes a timeless foundation, complemented by a built-in wood-burning oven and a sit-in island designed for everyday gathering. Walnut accents introduce warmth and contrast, softening the stainless elements and bringing depth to the space. Thoughtfully designed and precisely executed—this kitchen is built to be lived in. Photo Credit: PDET Photography, Pawel Dmytrow

Approaching this beautiful mountain home is a feast for the eyes. The allure and stunning beauty not only comes from the minute details of the home and landscaping but from the grand vistas that encompass it. Be prepared ….the moment one steps over the threshold all perception of what a typical mountain home can be changes in an instant. A perfect explanation of what is presented is modern meets mountain. The elegant, simply unique home features a fresh approach to mountain living. Consistency and continuity are the fundamental features of this special home. Certain elements run throughout the interior; engineered wide oak flooring, white horizontal plank paneling, and gray fresh split stone adorn the walls and limestone countertops in various rooms. However, as your eye follows the quiet, clean lines they are intermittently interrupted with a dash of splash here and a pop of color there that are placed precisely in the right spots. Photography: Rodger Wade

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|

Featuring clean, crisp lines and a minimalist yet contemporary exterior; the EcoMod 2.0 offers 3 - 5 spacious bedrooms, and 2-4 modern bathrooms all within a modest 1,900-2,460 sq. ft. Designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings and truly connect you to the outdoors, the EcoRanch is redefining prefabricated, contemporary architecture. With a unique cantilevered deck, expansive glazing, flexible open layout, and unique outdoor spaces, this home will leave you speechless. Precisely engineering to pushing the boundaries of timber construction our team has crafted a home that is distinctive, environmentally friendly, and quite simply, a work of art.

kitchenCRATE Newbury Street | Livermore, CA |Quartz: Bedrosians Sequel Charcoal | Backsplash: Elume Heather Grey Mosaic Tile | Cabinets: Kelly-Moore Cloud White and Harrow’s Gate |Sink: Blanco Precis in Metallic Gray| Faucet: Kohler Simplice faucet in Vibrant Stainless|

kitchenCRATE Crown Valley Way | Modesto, CA | Quartz: Silestone Coral Clay | Backsplash: Bedrosians Glass Manhattan Cashmere 4x16 Glass Tiles | Cabinets: Kelly-Moore Paw Print | Island Cabinets: Kelly-Moore Balsamic Reduction | Cabinet Pulls: Amerock 3” Candler | Sink: Blanco Precis Silgranit in Truffle | Faucet: Kohler Bellera in Vibrant Stainless

Cambria's quartz countertop and full height backsplash in Berhsire Brass Satin Ridge.
Enclosed kitchen - small traditional galley porcelain tile and multicolored floor enclosed kitchen idea in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and white countertops

Cabinetry: Showplace EVO Style: Philip w/ FPH Finish: Maple Sparrow Countertop: Solid Surfaces Unlimited- Snowbank Plumbing: Blanco Precis 30 Sink in Truffle, Delta Coranto Faucet in Stainless Steel Hardware: Hardware Resources Sullivan Pull in Brushed Pewter Tile: Virginia Tile- Debut 2" x 6" Brick Mosaic in Foundation Flooring: Krauseneck Carpet One- Conquista Flusso 12" x 24" Vinyl Designer: Alex Tooma Contractor: Paul Carson of Carson's Installations & Erik Bradley of The Bradley Tile Co. LLC

Our timeless Portica outdoor dining table features a stainless steel base crafted in Wisconsin. Lasers precisely cut the lengths of stainless steel, then artisans hand-weld and hand-sand the mitered corners to create a smooth finish with a subtle, brushed grain pattern. This exclusive table has slim legs set at the corners to maximize seating. Design the table that works best for you by choosing from a wide range of weather-resistant top options. Please note: overall height may vary slightly depending on the top material you select.

Vanity in custom-quarried quartzite with honed finish. The countertop stone and backsplash stone were cut to custom thicknesses in order to achieve precisely aligned surfaces throughout the project.

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 Carousel Drive | Countertop: Bedrosians Galaxy White Granite | Backsplash: Bedrosians Grace Tile in Sabbia | Sink: Blanco Icon Apron Front Sink in Metallic Gray | Island Sink: Blanco Precis Sink in Concrete Gray | Faucets: Kohler Simplice Faucet in Matte Black | Cabinet Paint: Sherwin-Williams Loggia in Semi-Gloss | For more visit: https://kbcrate.com/kitchencrate-carousel-drive-in-modesto-ca-is-complete/

Here is the master ensuite with some decorative river rock inlaid into the wall tile and spilling into the curbless shower and out into the bathroom. The stones had to be laid out on the floor in the master bedroom over top of the wall and floor tile and then traced onto the tiles. Once that was done each tile had to be digitized so that the tiles could be precisely cut with a water jet.

kitchenCRATE Countryvale Court | Countertop: Caesarstone Quartz in Raven | Countertop at Island: Spectrum Quartz in Simplicity | Backsplash: Bedrosians Cloe Wall Tile in White | Mosaic at Cooktop: Bedrosians Enchante Wall Tile in Charm | Sink: Blanco Precis Super Single Bowl Color in Concrete Gray | Faucet: Kohler Simplice Faucet in Vibrant Stainless | Flooring: Medallion Aquarius Flooring in Sahara Sands | Cabinet Paint (Outer): Kelly-Moore Whitecap Foam in Semi-Gloss | Cabinet Paint (Island): Kelly-Moore Lily Pond Blue in Semi-Gloss | Wall Paint: Kelly-Moore Featherstone in Satin Enamel | For More Visit: https://kbcrate.com/kitchencrate-countryvale-court-in-salida-ca-is-complete/

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

Crystal Cabinet Works - Keyline Wall and Base cabinets in Denim Matte. Door Style is French Vanilla Square.
Example of a small classic galley porcelain tile and multicolored floor enclosed kitchen design in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and white countertops

Scott Buley, HTT&T, High Tech Turf & Trees, Rain Garden Nursery, LandscapeMakeover.biz. Seeded lawns grew in rapidly. We used an outstanding 4-way soil mix to improve the existing on site soils, and mixed it homogenously with an "eggbeater" style cultivator (a hard to find Lely Roterra). We also rain soil tests to determine the necessary amount of lime, and other soil amendments. Precisely overlapping irrigation heads also worked wonders. These are photos of an amazingly mature Young seeded lawn.

kitchenCRATE Greengate Drive | Modesto, CA | Quartz: MSI Iced White | Backsplash: Bedrosians Grace Grigio 4X12 Tiles | Cabinets: Kelly-Moore Hush Grey | Sink: Blanco Precis Sink in Metallic Gray | Faucet: Kohler Simplice in Vibrant Stainless | Soap Dispenser: Kohler Contemporary