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.

A repeat client of Battle Architects consisted of two unique projects. A Kitchen/Family Room remodel and a new Barn. The Kitchen/Family Room program was to relocate the kitchen and create a new family room in the old kitchen area. This repositioning created a more open floor plan between the kitchen and family room. Openings to the adjacent dining room and back hall were modified to enhance the new spaces. The new kitchen consists of custom made cabinets with beaded inset doors, beadboard ceiling and reused exposed beams to give the space a traditional feel. The Barn project was a new garage with a playroom above. The exterior palette and details were develop to create it own unique appearance but compliment and tie into the existing home.

This home had a 1970s original kitchen with great bones but really needed an update. We removed a wall separating the dining from the kitchen allowing for a large island and re-positioned the refrigerator and exterior door to give more counter space at the cook and prep area. These clients love to entertain during football season so this new open plan now allows the guests to move from the kitchen to the living to the outside pool area unobstructed.

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.

Before this bathroom was built we did a lot of remodel work in order to create the space required for all of the features wanted by our customer. All original work was removed. The remodeling included, removing a closet from the bedroom in order to open up more space, building a half-wall for the shower, removing previous exterior window, and reinstalling exterior window to a different position within the bathroom. As a result of the window repositioning, there was also exterior work done, which included siding. Additionally, new plumbing was put in, the electrical was updated, and an exhaust fan was installed. Once the space was ready we painted, installed new crown moulding, porcelain tile floor, bathroom vanity counter with undermount sink, pendant light fixtures, and toto toilet. For the shower, we designed the plan together with our customer and decided on porcelain tile with a mosaic border, and glass half-wall with glass hinged shower door. A floating corner seat was built, along with a malibu shelf. The shower fixtures are from the Moen Dryden Shower collection. The on/off shower knob was custom-installed with plumbing on the half-wall to ensure easy functional access while entering and leaving the shower.

LIVING ROOM - AFTER STAGING - Repositioning the furniture makes this Living Room seem more spacious and highlights the fireplace and windows.
Home design - transitional home design idea in Minneapolis

The existing excavated limestone boulders were strategically repositioned to not only serve as functional components but also as visually striking features to the modified design of the dry creek pathways and planted areas. The trees are viewed as an opportunity to utilize dark Whittlesey mulch to provide contrast, water retention, and tie in to other defined beds and oak clusters on the property. The front walk is comprised of sawn limestone pavers surrounded by crushed limestone rock mulch and accented by river rock dry creek bed that follows through to the backyard. The existing overwhelmed downspouts were replaced with rain chains, which not only effectively managed the water flow but also added a touch of elegance that matched the home's style. To work in tandem with the rain chains, 8” limestone block splash pads were installed beneath them to act as splash pads. The limestone block beautifully matches and enhances the existing architecture of the property, as well as the materials used throughout the landscaping. The splash pads are designed to help guide the runoff to a catch basin beneath the gravel two 12” box drains that pipe into the drain system behind the retaining wall.

We are thrilled to unveil our latest bathroom remodeling project, a seamless blend of modern design and functional elegance. Here's a glimpse into the transformation: 1. Contemporary Palette: The choice of a grey color tile sets a sophisticated and neutral backdrop, allowing the features of the bathroom to shine. This hue not only exudes a sense of calm but also complements the contemporary design elements we've incorporated. 2. Warmth Underfoot: One of the standout features of this remodel is the heated flooring that runs under all the tiled areas. This luxurious addition ensures that even on the coldest mornings, your feet are greeted with a warm embrace, elevating the comfort level of the bathroom. 3. Enhanced Layout: Recognizing the need for more convenience, we repositioned the shower and introduced a second toilet room. This not only maximizes the use of space but also ensures that the bathroom can cater to multiple users without any hassle. 4. Dual Shower Spaces: By eliminating two angles in the bathroom's corner, we've carved out space for two distinct shower areas. This design choice not only adds a touch of luxury but also offers a versatile bathing experience tailored to individual preferences. 5. Wet Room Wonder: The shower and tub area now reside within a waterproof wet room. This innovative design ensures that water stays where it's supposed to, eliminating the need for a curb and offering a sleek, uninterrupted flow to the space. 6. Floating Vanities: Our floating vanities are more than just a design statement. They create an illusion of space, making the bathroom appear larger and more open. Paired with a stunning stone backsplash, they offer a perfect blend of style and functionality. 7. Illuminated Elegance: The mirrors, with their integrated lights, are the pièce de résistance. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the bathroom but also ensure optimal lighting, making daily grooming tasks a breeze. This bathroom remodel is a testament to our commitment to marrying design with functionality. Every element, from the choice of tiles to the heated floors, has been thoughtfully chosen to create a space that is not just visually appealing but also supremely functional and comfortable. We invite you to step in and experience this modern oasis for yourself.

This first floor owners suite bath included all new products and materials since the original space needed to be gutted and re-designed. By eliminating an old garden tub, a new walk-in shower and 8-feet of new vanity space was included in the new space layout. Wider shiplap is featured with triple sconce lights and a focal crystal light fixture was added in the ceiling. Navy blue custom cabinets anchors the new design and polished nickel plumbing fixtures add some glamor. Finish carpentry included a new custom closet with French doors and a repositioned toilet room. The marble hexagon shower floor accents the clean look or this bathroom.

This 1920s home had a small dated kitchen. We opened the wall between the kitchen and dining room, moving the main kitchen footprint into the former dining room to be opened to the living area. A large series of kitchen windows were added to highlight the view, with the gas cooktop looking out. The former kitchen space was converted a butler's pantry to include the main farm sink and dishwasher, thus allowing closing off messy dishes during a party. The pantry was built with extra-large shelves to accommodate bulky Costco items and a small area for a coffee bar. The bulk of the budget was used to replace and reposition two staircases. The project also included sistering sagging ceiling joists from the upstairs.

Featured in Dwell, Hacienda Granada is an eclectic modern residence designed by Working Holiday Studio that subtly combines the Spanish influences of a Mexican hacienda with Scandinavian minimalism and features All Weather Architectual Aluminun custom windows and doors. Carlos Nuade and Whitney Brown run Working Holiday, a multi disciplinary creative studio based in Los Angeles that boasts a portfolio of several renovation projects across Southern California. Originally built in 1962, the 2,762-square-foot residence with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths was not the couple’s dream home but they saw potential in its vaulted ceilings, ample-sized kitchen, backyard pool and large garage and more importantly, they found a space where they could infuse with their own personal history and distinct taste. "Our style is very modern and minimalist," Carlos explains. "But we still wanted to include some of the warmth, accents, and tones from traditional Spanish architecture." Carlos and Whitney chose All Weather Series 5000 casement and fixed windows with SDL's to infuse the home with the Hacienda vibe. They replaced the existing patio entry door with expansive Series 8100 Multi Slide Doors that connect to the living and dining room. The couple opened up the kitchen by adding an All Weather Series 7000 French Doors and repositioned the island so you can see into the house when they are cooking. They also reshaped most of the interior doorways, creating arches to enhance the Spanish-Mexican vibe. All Weather was honored to be selected for Hacienda Granada because Carlos and Whitney treat their projects like showrooms and they only bring on brands they like and curate the space accordingly.

This first floor owners suite bath included all new products and materials since the original space needed to be gutted and re-designed. By eliminating an old garden tub, a new walk-in shower and 8-feet of new vanity space was included in the new space layout. Wider shiplap is featured with triple sconce lights and a focal crystal light fixture was added in the ceiling. Navy blue custom cabinets anchors the new design and polished nickel plumbing fixtures add some glamor. Finish carpentry included a new custom closet with French doors and a repositioned toilet room. The marble hexagon shower floor accents the clean look or this bathroom.

Built in shelving was salvaged from original bath and repositioned over toilet. Shelving is too narrow to be very functional, but it provides a nice architectural detail that is consistent with the arches in the rest of the house. Previous location was on the opposite wall behind the bathroom door, which hid the shelving from view when the door was open.

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

A previous client (Big Wood Lane) reached out to us to help design a remodel of a recently purchased on the south shore of Lake Minnetonka. The home had grown organically since its original construction in 1945. It had evolved over time to accommodate the needs of its numerous owners. Our client brought a new set of needs to the home that included a desire to make the lake home a comfortable destination for family and friends. The project consisted of reconfiguring an outdated, inefficient kitchen, expansion of the bedroom wing to include individual bathrooms for bedrooms and redesign of the central stair guard rail. The redesign of the kitchen included repositioning major appliances for greater efficiency, more seating at an enlarged island, a new pantry, and expanded views to the lake. The expansion of the bedroom wing included eliminating a three-season porch on top of the garage on the inland side of the home. The space above the garage roof was enclosed and turned into dedicated bathrooms for each bedroom. These bathrooms are accessible only from the bathrooms which provide privacy and convenience to visitors.

A reimagined laundry room is just what this stately home needed. A generous 110 square feet, the space housed only a washer, dryer and some basic wire shelving and wasn’t living up to its full potential. To maximize functionality, we repositioned appliances away from the wall and placed them on pedestals for improved ergonomics and accessibility. A tall storage cabinet was added to the left along with deep upper cabinets above – perfect for keeping essentials organized and within reach. The transformation continued with the addition of custom cabinetry, a deep utility sink, and a striking quartzite countertop that ties the whole space together. Rich green cabinetry is the true showstopper with custom touches such as crown molding and fully finished undersides. We replaced the dark, dated floor tiles with light, durable porcelain and introduced a beautiful hexagon tile backsplash for a refined yet hard-wearing finish. Two large windows flood the space with natural light, turning this once-forgotten utility space into a bright, welcoming hub you actually want to spend time in.

We are thrilled to unveil our latest bathroom remodeling project, a seamless blend of modern design and functional elegance. Here's a glimpse into the transformation: 1. Contemporary Palette: The choice of a grey color tile sets a sophisticated and neutral backdrop, allowing the features of the bathroom to shine. This hue not only exudes a sense of calm but also complements the contemporary design elements we've incorporated. 2. Warmth Underfoot: One of the standout features of this remodel is the heated flooring that runs under all the tiled areas. This luxurious addition ensures that even on the coldest mornings, your feet are greeted with a warm embrace, elevating the comfort level of the bathroom. 3. Enhanced Layout: Recognizing the need for more convenience, we repositioned the shower and introduced a second toilet room. This not only maximizes the use of space but also ensures that the bathroom can cater to multiple users without any hassle. 4. Dual Shower Spaces: By eliminating two angles in the bathroom's corner, we've carved out space for two distinct shower areas. This design choice not only adds a touch of luxury but also offers a versatile bathing experience tailored to individual preferences. 5. Wet Room Wonder: The shower and tub area now reside within a waterproof wet room. This innovative design ensures that water stays where it's supposed to, eliminating the need for a curb and offering a sleek, uninterrupted flow to the space. 6. Floating Vanities: Our floating vanities are more than just a design statement. They create an illusion of space, making the bathroom appear larger and more open. Paired with a stunning stone backsplash, they offer a perfect blend of style and functionality. 7. Illuminated Elegance: The mirrors, with their integrated lights, are the pièce de résistance. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the bathroom but also ensure optimal lighting, making daily grooming tasks a breeze. This bathroom remodel is a testament to our commitment to marrying design with functionality. Every element, from the choice of tiles to the heated floors, has been thoughtfully chosen to create a space that is not just visually appealing but also supremely functional and comfortable. We invite you to step in and experience this modern oasis for yourself.

Believe it or not, this beautiful Roncesvalles home was once carved into three separate apartments. As a result, central to this renovation was the need to create a floor plan with a staircase to access all floors, space for a master bedroom and spacious ensuite on the second floor. The kitchen was also repositioned from the back of the house to the front. It features a curved leather banquette nestled in the bay window, floor to ceiling millwork with a full pantry, integrated appliances, panel ready Sub Zero and expansive storage. Custom fir windows and an oversized lift and slide glass door were used across the back of the house to bring in the light, call attention to the lush surroundings and provide access to the massive deck clad in thermally modified ash. Now reclaimed as a single family home, the dwelling includes 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a main floor mud room and an open, airy yoga retreat on the third floor with walkout deck and sweeping views of the backyard.

For the second phase, we moved down to the Basement. We kept the friendly sloth – what better way to invite folks on down? Again we lightened up the walls and created different sections in the large open area. We were able to display some wonderful antiques and art pieces in this Landing. The antique dresser is the perfect for the sloped ceiling and a great source for storage. We repositioned the loveseat along the longest wall and created a built-in effect with the homeowner’s bookcases. The homeowners are avid readers so we organized their book collection and mixed in found objects like an old radio and typewriter to keep the shelving interesting. The homeowners told me that they rarely used their Basement prior to the redesign, and now it is one of their favorite spots in the home. That’s definitely what we like to hear! Enjoy!