Our overall design concept for the renovation of this space was to optimize the functional space for a family of five and accentuate the existing window. In the renovation, we eliminated a huge centrally located kitchen island which acted as an obstacle to the feeling of the space and focused on creating an elegant and balanced plan promoting movement, simplicity and precisely executed details. We held strong to having the kitchen cabinets, wherever possible, float off the floor to give the subtle impression of lightness avoiding a bottom heavy look. The cabinets were painted a pale tinted green to reduce the empty effect of light flooding a white kitchen leaving a softness and complementing the gray tiles. To integrate the existing dining room with the kitchen, we simply added some classic dining chairs and a dynamic light fixture, juxtaposing the geometry of the boxy kitchen with organic curves and triangular lights to balance the clean design with an inviting warmth.

This new, custom home is designed to blend into the existing “Cottage City” neighborhood in Linden Hills. To accomplish this, we incorporated the “Gambrel” roof form, which is a barn-shaped roof that reduces the scale of a 2-story home to appear as a story-and-a-half. With a Gambrel home existing on either side, this is the New Gambrel on the Block. This home has a traditional--yet fresh--design. The columns, located on the front porch, are of the Ionic Classical Order, with authentic proportions incorporated. Next to the columns is a light, modern, metal railing that stands in counterpoint to the home’s classic frame. This balance of traditional and fresh design is found throughout the home.

This home doesn't just stand out—it stands for something. Chicago Contemporary Home 21 is a milestone in urban residential design: the first 100% sustainable greenhouse-inspired home built in Chicagoland, created by New Explode Construction. From its architectural silhouette to the materials that form its bones, every element was intentionally selected to promote energy efficiency, environmental harmony, and healthy living. The sharp, minimalist façade blends high-performance glass, recycled exterior cladding, and precision insulation to reduce heat loss and maximize daylight capture. The custom roofline allows passive solar benefits, while the elevated front porch invites natural air circulation and an open connection to the streetscape. Built to thrive in all seasons while dramatically reducing its carbon footprint, this home offers a blueprint for the future—where design meets responsibility, and where a home supports both the planet and the people living inside. At NEC, we don't just build beautiful spaces. We build what's next.

Xeric landscape designed and built by Southern Landscape. This Austin homeowner reduced their turf area by over 17,000 square feet, reducing water consumption and maintenance. The remaining turf areas were required for the septic leach field. Limestone retaining walls with leuders caps control erosion. The plant palette contains lantana, plumbago, various grasses, and yuccas, all chosen for their specific water usage appropriate to the area. Landscape lighting was also added to highlight the beauty of this large xeriscape.

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

Create your own look with decorative window film Sun Control of Minnesota is a family owned and operated business that offers Professional Window Tinting Services. We first started out in one office with two part time installers, and we have now grown our business with over 15 employees badge-1980and four different locations in the metro area. We continue to expand our relationships with customers, as well as our service and quality of work. We offer a complete line of Window Tinting services for Automotive, Commercial, Residential, & Marine applications. Our products include Decorative Frost Films, for glass enhancement; Safety/ Security Films, for Anti-Theft and Blast Protection; and 3M Paint Protection Film, for Automotive Rock Chip Prevention. We focus on helping our customers reduce damaging UV rays, excessive solar heat gain, and glare from their interior spaces. UV rays, solar heat, and visible light are the main contributors to fading concerns in homes. Window Film reduces these elements to provide a beautiful view without having to close out the natural sunlight with a shade or blind. We provide the quality that competitors can’t even touch. Our Mission is to Provide the Highest Quality Service, Products, and Installation in the Solar Energy Control Tint & Glass Film industry.

Kitchen - contemporary medium tone wood floor kitchen idea in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white backsplash and stainless steel appliances

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

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2016 Houzz
Mountain style garage photo in Portland

After a devastating flood for our clients we completely changed this kitchen from outdated and soggy to fabulous and ready for whatever life throws at it. Waterfall quartzite brings the island front and center - pre existing exposed beams were darkened to match the new barn door which hides the coffee bar if needed or just looks fabulous open or closed. As is our signature we love to make our perimeter cabinetry different to our islands as is the case with this black and white color palette. Oversized Gold leaf pendants complete the whole ensemble and we could not be more pleased!

Inspiration for a huge transitional open concept light wood floor, vaulted ceiling, exposed beam and beige floor living room remodel in Minneapolis with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

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This charming mudroom combines practical storage with a warm, tailored design. Soft sage-green cabinetry and vertical paneling create a fresh backdrop, accented beautifully by brass hooks and hardware. A built-in cushioned bench offers comfortable seating, while generous drawers and tall cabinets provide plenty of concealed storage. Layered pillows, framed artwork, and thoughtful accessories give this hardworking space a polished and inviting finish.

The Belfast Residence in Ohio is a new construction, custom modern house situated on a 150 acre farm. Panda solved the challenge of extending the intimate space of the kitchen into the expansiveness of the backyard by installing fully retractable TS.60 All Aluminum Thermally Broken Folding Door Systems. Custom designed for this space, this elegant and durable folding door system spans the entire wall of the kitchen. This door system uses cutting-edge aluminum extrusions with a polyamide bar to connect the frame together while reducing heat or cold transfer. When closed, this Bi-Fold door system provides a protective barrier that lowers u-factors, limits condensation, increases energy performance, and most of all reduces thermal conductivity. The architectural firm, Drawing Dept. designed a cantilevered roof reaching out over the pool on axis with a sunken fire pit, drawing the geometry of the house further out into the landscape. As a result, the heart of the home unrestrictedly extends toward the fire pit for optimal physical and visual connection. Impressive architectural design intertwined with Panda’s custom Bi-Fold doors can create unimaginable opportunities. No wonder this home was awarded the 2013 Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Cincinnati and the 2013 Honor Award from the CDA + Cincinnati Magazine for its exterior space! Panda’s custom designed Bi-Fold Doors ensure that a homeowner can equally and cohesively enjoy their interior and exterior spaces. Views from the house and views of the house should hold equal merit. To view more of Panda’s Bi-Fold Doors, please check out our gallery http://www.panda-windows.com/products/by-type/folding-doors. Architect: Drawing Dept. Contractor: Camery Hensley Construction Photography: Ross Van Pelt

Large open concept family room with fire place.
Inspiration for a large timeless open concept family room remodel in New York with gray walls and a wall-mounted tv

Danish kitchen photo in Minneapolis

After decades of drastic alterations, and demolition of the second and third story, this grand estate was reduced to a pink Bermuda style ranch house. The current owners returned it to a suggestion of its original state. Beamed ceilings, working fireplace, period woodwork and historic finishes draw out the dignity of its past, and make them part of life in his century. The main house overlooks terraced yards, stonewalls and a landscaped pool area. The formal interiors frame sweeping views of treetops and seascapes. Contractor: Precision Carpentry Photographer: Dan Gair/ Blind Dog Photo INC.

A dream come true for this family!!! Large granite island with lots of detail! Open concept brings everyone together!
Example of a classic dark wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Oklahoma City with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Robert Umenhofer, Photographer
Elegant u-shaped cork floor and brown floor kitchen photo in Boston with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, soapstone countertops, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island, black countertops and beige cabinets