Reading Experience - Photos & Ideas

This residence was a complete gut renovation of a 4-story row house in Park Slope, and included a new rear extension and penthouse addition. The owners wished to create a warm, family home using a modern language that would act as a clean canvas to feature rich textiles and items from their world travels. As with most Brooklyn row houses, the existing house suffered from a lack of natural light and connection to exterior spaces, an issue that Principal Brendan Coburn is acutely aware of from his experience re-imagining historic structures in the New York area. The resulting architecture is designed around moments featuring natural light and views to the exterior, of both the private garden and the sky, throughout the house, and a stripped-down language of detailing and finishes allows for the concept of the modern-natural to shine. Upon entering the home, the kitchen and dining space draw you in with views beyond through the large glazed opening at the rear of the house. An extension was built to allow for a large sunken living room that provides a family gathering space connected to the kitchen and dining room, but remains distinctly separate, with a strong visual connection to the rear garden. The open sculptural stair tower was designed to function like that of a traditional row house stair, but with a smaller footprint. By extending it up past the original roof level into the new penthouse, the stair becomes an atmospheric shaft for the spaces surrounding the core. All types of weather – sunshine, rain, lightning, can be sensed throughout the home through this unifying vertical environment. The stair space also strives to foster family communication, making open living spaces visible between floors. At the upper-most level, a free-form bench sits suspended over the stair, just by the new roof deck, which provides at-ease entertaining. Oak was used throughout the home as a unifying material element. As one travels upwards within the house, the oak finishes are bleached to further degrees as a nod to how light enters the home. The owners worked with CWB to add their own personality to the project. The meter of a white oak and blackened steel stair screen was designed by the family to read “I love you” in Morse Code, and tile was selected throughout to reference places that hold special significance to the family. To support the owners’ comfort, the architectural design engages passive house technologies to reduce energy use, while increasing air quality within the home – a strategy which aims to respect the environment while providing a refuge from the harsh elements of urban living. This project was published by Wendy Goodman as her Space of the Week, part of New York Magazine’s Design Hunting on The Cut. Photography by Kevin Kunstadt

Interior Remodel: Arizona cat chair

ColorWhiz Architectural Color Consulting

Color-coordinated cat blanket helps protect against overuse of this cat's favorite chair, and helps hide cat hair. Tactile and visual experience is rich with a mix of patterns and textures in this intimate conversation or reading corner.

Luxe Glam Primary Bath

Drury Design

THE SETUP Located in a luxury high rise in Chicago’s Gold Coast Neighborhood, the condo’s existing primary bath was “fine,” but a bit underwhelming. It was a sea of beige, with very little personality or drama. The client is very well traveled, and wanted the space to feel luxe and glamorous, like a bath in a fine European hotel. Design objectives: - Add loads of beautiful high end finishes - Create drama and contrast - Create luxe showering and bathing experiences - Improve storage for toiletries and essentials THE REMODEL Design challenges: - Unable to reconfigure layout due to location in the high rise - Seek out unique, dramatic tile materials - Introduce “BLING” - Find glamorous lighting Design solutions: - Keep existing layout, with change from built in to free-standing tub - Gorgeous Calacatta gold marble was our inspiration - Ornate Art deco marble mosaic to be the focal point, with satin gold accents to create shimmer - Glass and crystal light fixtures add the needed sparkle THE RENEWED SPACE After the remodel began, our client’s vision for her bath took a turn that was inspired by a trip to Paris. Initially, the plan was a modest design to allocate resources for her kitchen’s marble slabs… but then she had a vision while admiring the marble bathroom of her Parisian hotel. She was determined to infuse her bathroom with the same sense of luxury. They went back to the drawing board and started over with all-marble. Her new stunning bath space radiates glamour and sophistication. The “bling” flows to her bedroom where we matched the gorgeous custom wall treatment that mimics grasscloth on an accent wall. With its marble landscape, shimmering tile and walls, the primary bath’s ambiance creates a swanky hotel feel that our client adores and considers her sanctuary.

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From Mid-Century Classic to the Present

Klopf Architecture

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

Missouri-P. Residence

Timberland Design

From this dining vantage point you get a partial view of activity in the kitchen. To the right of the fireplace mass the space opens to the Great Rm. & large window wall. The quaint fireplace is to your right to warm the dining experience while being surrounded by a library of your favorite reading.

My Work

Design Fusion

This playroom was designed to stimulate a child's creativity, organization and learning experience.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional gender-neutral medium tone wood floor kids' room remodel in Phoenix with beige walls

A Vertical Urban Sanctuary Near Dolores Park

EAG Studio

On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views. The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private. Reimagining the Urban Envelope The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression. Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views. At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides. Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors. Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow. Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways. A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space. A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls. Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere. Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas. Kitchen as Architectural Furniture The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich. Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash. Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface. A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette. Dining With a Living Backdrop Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset. A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience. Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation. The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop. The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space. Bathing Above the City In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops. The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials. Entertaining Above the Park Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art. Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline. Cinema and Retreat The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing. Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above. Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth. Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth. The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human. A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living. It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky. What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.

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Driftwood Haven | Frankfort, IL

Charles Vincent George Architects, Inc.

This 6,200-square-foot Shingle Style home seamlessly blends traditional architectural elements with a fresh, modern aesthetic. The heart of the home is the family room, boasting soaring cathedral ceilings with custom stained trusses, a striking contemporary stone fireplace, and transom windows mirroring the dormers above. Adjacent to the family room, a reading niche featuring a café-style banquet seat and bistro table. A custom wine cellar provides both functionality and visual appeal. The theater evokes a classic cinema experience. The master bath offers a spa-like retreat with stained wood cabinetry, chevron floor tile, and warm tones. The kitchen, a true focal point, showcases dramatic stone patterns, globe light fixtures, and full-height wall cabinetry.

Brentwood Renovation

Morris Lare

Amidst the literary treasures and bespoke furnishings, your eyes catch sight of a beautifully crafted game table nestled in the room. The table holds a marble chess board which invites friendly competition or leisurely games of chess on lazy afternoons. Perched atop the table are fresh flowers in a beautiful ceramic vase, their vibrant colors adding a pop of natural beauty to the space. The delicate fragrance of the blooms mingles with the scent of old books, creating a sensory experience that is both refreshing and nostalgic. In addition to the flowers, a lush green fern is strategically placed in the room, their verdant foliage adding a touch of life and vitality to the elegant surroundings. The potted fern gracefully in its ornate planter, it's presence bringing a sense of tranquility and connection to the natural world. As you take in the sight of the game table, adorned with fresh blooms and surrounded by verdant greenery, you can't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over you. This library room isn't just a place for reading and reflection; it's a sanctuary of comfort and beauty, where every detail has been carefully considered to create an atmosphere of luxury and relaxation.

Luxury Waterfront Condo Remodel

Signal House

A Luxury Condo Renovation In Pelican Bay, Naples, FL Nestled in the heart of beautiful Pelican Bay in Naples, Florida, a luxury condo renovation is underway. This multi-phase renovation project will bring a unique and luxurious living experience to its future inhabitants. Let's take a look at some of the special features that will make this condo stand out from the rest. Custom Ceiling Design The main feature of this renovation is the custom ceiling design. This one-of-a-kind design includes an intricate pattern with recessed lighting that creates a unique atmosphere to match the condo’s luxurious vibe. Not only does the custom ceiling add visual appeal to the space, but it also illuminates light throughout the entire room creating an inviting and warm ambiance for all to enjoy. Custom Lighting The custom lighting in this luxury condo renovation creates a cozy and inviting feel for those who enter. With soft yet bright surrounds that illuminate every corner of each room, visitors will feel like they are home as soon as they set foot inside. Along with providing ample lighting for activities such as reading or cooking, these lights can also be adjusted to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere when needed. Open Kitchen For those who love to cook and entertain, the open kitchen is perfect for hosting friends and family gatherings alike. The layout features top-of-the-line appliances along with plenty of countertop space for meal preparation or baking projects. To complete this kitchen oasis is an eat-in island equipped with plush seating for four making it easy to enjoy meals together while overlooking stunning views of Pelican Bay outside the window. Custom Sliding Doors If you love outdoor living then you will appreciate these custom sliding doors that open up onto your own private balcony overlooking Naples’ breathtaking shoreline. Whether you choose to sit outside and relax or entertain guests under the stars, these sliding doors are designed to maximize your views while still providing maximum privacy when closed and locked securely shut when not in use. Walk-In Tub Shower Combo Last but certainly not least is this spa-inspired walk-in tub shower combo featuring a built-in steam system perfect for relaxing after long days spent exploring all that Naples has to offer. From its adjustable jets to its marble accents, this modern bathtub offers everything you need to escape from reality in style! All in all, this multi-phased luxury condo renovation in Pelican Bay promises something special for anyone looking for their dream home within Naples' finest neighborhood. From its custom ceiling design and custom lighting options down to its walk-in tub shower combo—every aspect has been carefully crafted with one goal in mind—to provide luxury living like no other! So if you're looking for an exquisite place where you can relax and unwind surrounded by beauty, then look no further than here! About Pelican Bay Pelican Bay, located in Naples, Florida, is an upscale planned community and country club. Spanning three miles of pristine shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico, Pelican Bay offers its residents and visitors a stunning selection of amenities. Residents have access to shopping and dining at the impressive Waterside shops as well as enjoying one of two premier luxury golf courses within the development. The beachfront location allows for sunbathing on some of the prettiest beaches in Florida. Away from the ocean waters, visitors can explore the two parks that are situated within the community or take advantage of kayaking or canoeing around its coves. Pelican Bay is a perfect destination for those looking for a luxurious escape to paradise combined with natural beauty and convenience. Award-Winning House Builders in Florida For Florida homeowners looking for award-winning house builders to build their dream home, look no further than Signal House. Boasting a long track record of best-in-class construction services, our dedicated professionals have gone above and beyond to earn the trust of homeowners throughout the region. Taking pride in our work, we make sure that every project is completed with precision and efficiency and meets the highest industry standards. Offering consultation, design, planning and execution services, we are ready and willing to take on any challenge. Whether it’s upgrading an existing property or creating something entirely new from scratch, you can be sure that your home project won’t just meet expectations but exceed them. With experienced teams of talented interior designers, architects and construction experts, you’re guaranteed a project that stands apart from the crowd and brings out the best in your home.

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present

Klopf Architecture

Gray Cotton&Linen Accent Chair Metal Modern Upholstered Arm Chair

User

Featuring the ergonomic backrest design, this accent chair encourages extra comfort as you kick back with your latest read or sit and chat with friends. Upholstered in sofe cotton&linen and filled with elastic foam, this arm chair offers you great seating experience.

Randy McDaniel Plaza | Topping System

Florida Bomanite

At Randy McDaniel Plaza, alloy bands and red Revealed detailing give the surface its rhythm. From above, the layout reads almost like a graphic, guiding movement through the plaza while turning the concrete itself into part of the experience.