Set on a narrow hillside lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Point Richmond, California, Bay Heirloom is a Mid-Century Modern family home restored, modernized and adapted for contemporary living. Oriented south-southwest toward the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the residence captures shifting Bay light throughout the day, from fog-muted mornings to vivid, glowing sunsets. The home was built by Karlyn Neel’s grandfather, the owner of the construction company Flo-Crete, one of the Bay Area’s early concrete pumping firms. Flo-Crete completed the foundation and structural concrete work, with family photographs documenting the original cinderblock walls and pours. The firm also contributed to major regional infrastructure projects, including the Transbay BART tube and Candlestick Park, situating the house within a broader legacy of Bay Area construction. Growing up, Neel spent considerable time in the home, developing an early appreciation for mid-century modern principles. Instead of parting with this family heirloom, she purchased the home from her grandfather’s estate. While her grandfather continued to live in the Point Richmond house, Neel purchased a Mid-Century Modern residence in Palm Desert. In contrast to the Bay Area’s cool temperatures, salt air, and persistent winds, the desert home is shaped by heat and sun and requires a different material response. A substantial renovation she led there emphasized thermal performance, filtered light, and restrained detailing. The experience later informed the restoration of her Bay Area family home. What began as a modest Mid-Century Modern update expanded when decades of exposure to marine conditions revealed leaks and significant structural and seismic deficiencies. Neel was determined to honor her grandfather’s perseverance and without hesitation pivoted to a much more intensive project. Addressing these challenges required close coordination between Neel, Klopf Architecture and Kasten Builders, with architectural restraint and construction precision guiding each intervention. Rather than alter the home’s defining features, the project focused on reinforcing the structure from within. Discreet beams were embedded along the rear facade and in an upstairs wall, strengthening the building while maximizing the wall of glass facing the Bay and opening the wall between the kitchen and the living space. These structural interventions allowed the space to open fully to the Bay without visual interruption, with the kitchen repositioned as the social and functional core of an open, continuous living space. The building envelope was updated using weather- and corrosion-resistant materials appropriate to the marine environment. The house unfolds vertically from the street, beginning with a modest garage level and workshop, with the main living spaces located below. Original slate flooring at the entry was preserved, along with select furnishings and artwork collected by Neel’s grandfather, anchoring the restored interior in its past. A restrained palette of black accents and pale, natural finishes replaces darker wood tones, reinforcing openness and calm. A naturally illuminated stair connects to the lowest level, where a former basement was transformed into a guest suite and family room opening onto a deck. From there, steps lead directly to a small concrete boat ramp at the water’s edge. Throughout the project, decisions were guided by continuity rather than transformation for its own sake. Lessons drawn from both desert and coastal climates informed a material strategy rooted in performance and restraint. Bay Heirloom stands as a measured evolution of a family house, structurally renewed and carefully modernized, grounded in the discipline and care that first shaped it. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova and Fernanda Bernardes Landscape Architect: Huettl Landscape Architecture General Contractor: Kasten Builders Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022 Location: Point Richmond, CA

Our clients came to us wanting to increase the size of the bathroom and reconfigure the closet to create a more functional space. We re-positioned the toilet, squared off the closet, and increased the overall size of the bathroom upon entry/ in front of the vanities. We removed the cultured marble tub and shower and created a zero-threshold, walk-in shower with a gorgeous Kohler “Veil” free standing tub paired with a floor mounted tub filler in a brushed nickel finish. The tile is a 12x24 cemento cassero bianco porceline on the walls and the floor to create seamless, spa-like escape. The focal point as you walk in is the 24-inch Deco column running vertical behind the tub. The vanity features an espresso cabinet with the Britannica Cambria Quartz countertop. This gorgeous Quartz features a waterfall edge and a show stopping 8-inch vanity backsplash with wall mounted vanity faucets.

Our clients came to us wanting to increase the size of the bathroom and reconfigure the closet to create a more functional space. We re-positioned the toilet, squared off the closet, and increased the overall size of the bathroom upon entry/ in front of the vanities. We removed the cultured marble tub and shower and created a zero-threshold, walk-in shower with a gorgeous Kohler “Veil” free standing tub paired with a floor mounted tub filler in a brushed nickel finish. The tile is a 12x24 cemento cassero bianco porceline on the walls and the floor to create seamless, spa-like escape. The focal point as you walk in is the 24-inch Deco column running vertical behind the tub. The vanity features an espresso cabinet with the Britannica Cambria Quartz countertop. This gorgeous Quartz features a waterfall edge and a show stopping 8-inch vanity backsplash with wall mounted vanity faucets.

Custom designed entry gates mounted on stone columns and covered by a beautifully lit pergola, open into the new, repositioned pool area.
Pool house - large traditional backyard stone and rectangular lap pool house idea in Other

Interior remodel to four 1,900sf penthouse apartments to re-position them in the market as boutique short-term rental units. Improvements include new kitchen and bathrooms and new finishes throughout. This project was published as the Kitchen of the Week in Remodelista June, 2016. Photography by Eric Staudenmaier.

Our clients came to us wanting to increase the size of the bathroom and reconfigure the closet to create a more functional space. We re-positioned the toilet, squared off the closet, and increased the overall size of the bathroom upon entry/ in front of the vanities. We removed the cultured marble tub and shower and created a zero-threshold, walk-in shower with a gorgeous Kohler “Veil” free standing tub paired with a floor mounted tub filler in a brushed nickel finish. The tile is a 12x24 cemento cassero bianco porceline on the walls and the floor to create seamless, spa-like escape. The focal point as you walk in is the 24-inch Deco column running vertical behind the tub. The vanity features an espresso cabinet with the Britannica Cambria Quartz countertop. This gorgeous Quartz features a waterfall edge and a show stopping 8-inch vanity backsplash with wall mounted vanity faucets.

Mark Boisclair Photography
Family room - huge contemporary open concept family room idea in Phoenix with a corner fireplace, a stone fireplace and a media wall

940sf interior and exterior remodel of the rear unit of a duplex. By reorganizing on-site parking and re-positioning openings a greater sense of privacy was created for both units. In addition it provided a new entryway for the rear unit. A modified first floor layout improves natural daylight and connections to new outdoor patios. (c) Eric Staudenmaier

940sf interior and exterior remodel of the rear unit of a duplex. By reorganizing on-site parking and re-positioning openings a greater sense of privacy was created for both units. In addition it provided a new entryway for the rear unit. A modified first floor layout improves natural daylight and connections to new outdoor patios. (c) Eric Staudenmaier

Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge, Bob Ganser AIA, Nate Dodge Photographer: Alyssa Lee www.alyssaleephotography.com
Example of a trendy kitchen design in Minneapolis

The Cherry Road project is a humble yet striking example of how small changes can have a big impact. A meaningful project as the final room to be renovated in this house, thus our completion aligned with the family’s move-in. The kitchen posed a number of problems the design worked to remedy. Such as an existing window oriented the room towards a neighboring driveway. The initial design move sought to reorganize the space internally, focusing the view from the sink back through the house to the pool and courtyard beyond. This simple repositioning allowed the range to center on the opposite wall, flanked by two windows that reduce direct views to the driveway while increasing the natural light of the space. Opposite that opening to the dining room, we created a new custom hutch that has the upper doors bypass doors incorporate an antique mirror, then led they magnified the light and view opposite side of the room. The ceilings we were confined to eight foot four, so we wanted to create as much verticality as possible. All the cabinetry was designed to go to the ceiling, incorporating a simple coat mold at the ceiling. The west wall of the kitchen is primarily floor-to-ceiling storage behind paneled doors. So the refrigeration and freezers are fully integrated. The island has a custom steel base with hammered legs, with a natural wax finish on it. The top is soapstone and incorporates an integral drain board in the kitchen sink. We did custom bar stools with steel bases and upholstered seats. At the range, we incorporated stainless steel countertops to integrate with the range itself, to make that more seamless flow. The edge detail is historic from the 1930s. There is a concealed sort of office for the homeowner behind custom, bi-folding panel doors. So it can be closed and totally concealed, or opened up and engaged with the kitchen. In the office area, which was a former pantry, we repurposed a granite marble top that was on the former island. Then the walls have a grass cloth wall covering, which is pinnable, so the homeowner can display photographs, calendars, and schedules.

Bathroom - mediterranean bathroom idea in Other

A two-sided fireplace between the kitchen and living room is repositioned to anchor the new space, while new ceiling treatments help distinguish various living areas and ensure a cohesive flow. Photo Credit: Ashley Avila

Photography: Tiffany Ringwald Builder: Ekren Construction
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Charlotte with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

We designed this lovely, private dining area with custom wood-slat screens and a concrete kitchen complete with seating, grilling, counters and wood storage. Climbing hydrangea vines are being trained to extend over the custom window arbor.

2011 NATIONAL NARI COTY SOUTHEAST REGIONAL AWARD This family of four living in a 1987 brick colonial had to make dramatic changes now that their 85 years old grandmother was about to move in. They needed a mother-in-law suite complete with bathroom facilities to meet her needs. Because they were remodeling anyway, they decided to overhaul the rest of the home to create the house they have always dreamed about, including a grand two-story entry. Starting in the basement, the homeowner added a home theatre room, added storage and a larger bathroom. Hard wood floors and a new stairway were also added. The main level boasts the new two-story entry foyer. To its left is the mother-in-law suite with a large front bay window and its own walk-in closet and private bath. The bath is furnished with a walk-in jetted tub and aging-in-place accessories. Other first floor highlights include a music room and gourmet kitchen. Kitchen amenities the client always wanted were added, including a large center island, extended cabinets, double layered crown molding, exotic granite top and wide board mahogany floors throughout entire first floor. The entire second floor and stairs going up were reconfigured too. The master bedroom is larger with a new tray ceiling and recess lights. The new walk- in closet is now adjacent to the master bath instead of being across the room. The master bathroom was totally gutted and re-positioned. It includes an enlarged shower with bench and frameless shower door, toilet hidden behind a closet and new whirlpool surround with beautiful travertine tile and long double vanity space. This new renovation is truly a testament to the possibilities of aging-in-place remodeling strategies. Three generations are now living comfortably in this home.

2011 NATIONAL NARI COTY SOUTHEAST REGIONAL AWARD This family of four living in a 1987 brick colonial had to make dramatic changes now that their 85 years old grandmother was about to move in. They needed a mother-in-law suite complete with bathroom facilities to meet her needs. Because they were remodeling anyway, they decided to overhaul the rest of the home to create the house they have always dreamed about, including a grand two-story entry. Starting in the basement, the homeowner added a home theatre room, added storage and a larger bathroom. Hard wood floors and a new stairway were also added. The main level boasts the new two-story entry foyer. To its left is the mother-in-law suite with a large front bay window and its own walk-in closet and private bath. The bath is furnished with a walk-in jetted tub and aging-in-place accessories. Other first floor highlights include a music room and gourmet kitchen. Kitchen amenities the client always wanted were added, including a large center island, extended cabinets, double layered crown molding, exotic granite top and wide board mahogany floors throughout entire first floor. The entire second floor and stairs going up were reconfigured too. The master bedroom is larger with a new tray ceiling and recess lights. The new walk- in closet is now adjacent to the master bath instead of being across the room. The master bathroom was totally gutted and re-positioned. It includes an enlarged shower with bench and frameless shower door, toilet hidden behind a closet and new whirlpool surround with beautiful travertine tile and long double vanity space. This new renovation is truly a testament to the possibilities of aging-in-place remodeling strategies. Three generations are now living comfortably in this home.

Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Custom Millwork Design, Furniture Design, Art Curation, & AV Design by Chango & Co. Photography by Sean Litchfield See the feature in Domino Magazine

Dan Cutrona
Bathroom - traditional bathroom idea in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet and gray walls