Group of Seven Photography
Inspiration for a large timeless formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Toronto with gray walls, no fireplace and no tv

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset. The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu . Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home. The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south. Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape. The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature. Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design. Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view. Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Maison D’Artiste Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2023

This entry sequence is conceived as an architectural threshold. Horizontal shiplap cladding wraps the volume to reinforce a sense of continuity and scale, while crisp reveals and substantial trim articulate transitions between planes. The stair is treated as a crafted element rather than a utility, with paneled risers and warm wood treads. A restrained material palette—natural wood, painted millwork, and blackened metal—creates contrast without distraction, allowing light and shadow to animate the surfaces. Carefully framed views to the landscape and adjacent rooms establish a calm, circulation spine that balances precision with warmth.

A balanced, minimalist modern kitchen and dining space defined by clean lines, integrated storage, and a restrained material palette. Full-height white cabinetry conceals generous storage, while a wood-clad dining credenza adds warmth and continuity with the kitchen island beyond. A sculptural pendant anchors the dining table, and natural light from expansive glazing enhances the calm, uncluttered feel.

Set against a backdrop of mature trees in Atlanta’s prestigious Kingswood neighborhood, this completed Foxcroft residence presents a quiet yet commanding architectural presence. Clean lines, balanced proportions, and a restrained material palette give the home a timeless exterior that feels both classic and distinctly modern. The façade is defined by soft masonry tones, steep gabled rooflines, and thoughtfully placed steel windows that glow warmly at dusk, creating an inviting contrast against the surrounding landscape. Subtle exterior lighting highlights the home’s symmetry and depth, while the manicured grounds reinforce a sense of calm and order from the moment you arrive. Inside, the home was designed to prioritize comfort, flow, and intentional living. Spaces were carefully proportioned to feel open without sacrificing intimacy, allowing natural light to move effortlessly throughout the interior. The connection between indoors and out was thoughtfully considered, enhancing the way the home is experienced throughout the day and into the evening. This Foxcroft project reflects a modern interpretation of traditional architecture, elevated through performance focused planning and purposeful design decisions. A Kingswood home created to stand quietly among its surroundings while offering a refined, enduring place to live.

A contemporary renovation on the Atlantic, this oceanfront residence sits within The Carlton—an intimate beachfront enclave just down the road from John's Island on Vero Beach's barrier island. The interior was reworked from the original layout into a light, open plan that runs from the entry straight through to the water. Walls of glass frame the ocean from nearly every room. The living and dining spaces open across honed limestone floors beneath a recessed tray ceiling, with a private terrace—columned, candle-lit, and set directly above the surf—extending the living area into the sea air. The kitchen was taken fully modern: handleless white cabinetry, integrated appliances, a waterfall island, and brushed-brass hardware, all kept clean against the natural-fiber textures of the rooms around it. Guest and primary baths were rebuilt with custom vanities, frameless glass, and quartz surfaces. Throughout, a restrained coastal palette—ivory, driftwood, woven natural materials—lets the ocean stay the focal point.

Designed as a central gathering space within the Canopy Residence, the dining room embraces natural light, openness, and connection to the surrounding landscape. Floor-to-ceiling drapery softens the perimeter of the room while framing views of the garden beyond. A solid oak dining table and sculptural lighting anchor the space, creating a warm and welcoming environment for both everyday meals and entertaining. The restrained material palette reflects the project's nature-rooted approach to contemporary living.

Warm contemporary primary bedroom designed for comfort, relaxation, and everyday luxury. Layered bedding, custom window coverings, curated artwork, and soft neutral furnishings create a calm and restorative retreat within this luxury condominium in Thornhill, Ontario. Natural textures and a restrained palette contribute to the home's wellness-centred design approach.

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset. The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu . Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home. The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south. Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape. The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature. Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design. Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view. Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Maison D’Artiste Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2023

A bespoke ensuite featuring a custom vanity in natural marble and warm oak millwork. Clean lines, tactile materials, and carefully considered detailing come together to create a spa-like retreat that feels both luxurious and quietly restrained.

Framed desert imagery by Phoenix photographer Mark Klett is a highlight of the Arcade building of this contemporary estate. Rammed earth walls, dust on white concrete and warm woods—including limited-edition teak game tables—emphasize the home's restrained materials palette.

Poised within the exclusive Dancing Sun neighborhood of Tuhaye, Cloudveil is a 5,820-square-foot statement of elevated living — a refined mountain retreat where modern architecture, rich materiality, and natural serenity converge. With four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and a design that embraces both comfort and sophistication, Cloudveil delivers a deeply personal take on luxury. The interiors reflect a masculine, modern aesthetic, marked by clean lines, grounded textures, and a restrained elegance. Anchoring the home is a dramatic open-concept living area, where custom Burchette & Burchette wood flooring sets the tone for timeless quality underfoot. Expansive glazing brings in filtered mountain light, evoking the home's namesake — soft, shifting veils of cloud that dance across the landscape. Bespoke lighting and tailored finishes amplify the home’s curated ambiance. For the wellness-minded, Cloudveil features a private spa sanctuary, complete with a custom sauna designed to soothe and restore. A dedicated golf simulator suite offers both leisure and precision, while generous gathering spaces — both indoors and out — encourage year-round entertaining. Fire features, intimate lounges, and mountain views make every moment immersive. Thoughtful details include an integrated smart lighting system, luxurious bath fixtures, and handcrafted millwork throughout — all chosen to enhance both the daily rhythm and the visual serenity of the home. Cloudveil is more than a home. It is a high-altitude haven — a quiet, powerful presence nestled in the Wasatch, where every element is designed not just to impress, but to endure. Architecture: BERG Design Interior Architecture: BERG Design

This bedroom is designed as a calm, refined retreat with a focus on comfort and understated elegance. Soft layers of texture and a restrained material palette create a soothing atmosphere, while clean lines keep the space feeling modern and intentional. Subtle lighting enhances the mood, resulting in a serene, restful environment that feels both elevated and effortlessly livable.

Example of a tuscan dark wood floor and brown floor great room design in San Francisco with beige walls

For a family putting down lasting roots in Park City, this 10,000-square-foot estate within the gated enclave of Quarry Mountain Ranch is conceived as both sanctuary and legacy. Designed to evolve alongside its owners, the home balances permanence with a deep sensitivity to the land it inhabits. Thoughtfully positioned within an alpine meadow shaped by the gentle flow of McLeod Creek, the residence embraces its setting. The waterway threads through the property, sustaining native grasses and drawing elk, deer, and migratory birdlife, grounding daily life in the rhythms of season and landscape. Broad planes of glass and sheltering rooflines frame uninterrupted views of ski slopes and distant ridgelines, while long sightlines pull natural light deep into the interior. Terraces and covered outdoor rooms mediate between house and meadow, creating spaces for gathering, reflection, and year-round connection to the outdoors. A restrained palette of wood and stone echoes the textures of the terrain, lending warmth and durability to the home’s contemporary expression. A separate guest house extends the architectural language, forming a discreet compound that supports family life, hospitality, and the enduring cadence of alpine living. Architecture: Advanced Design Interior Design: Erin Brewer Design

Refined Continuity: Bridging Classical Architecture and Modern Living This comprehensive remodel of a grand Cow Hollow residence reimagines a historically expressive envelope through a lens of contemporary livability, precision detailing, and material restraint. The design approach carefully balances the home’s classical proportions and ornamental heritage with a refined, modern sensibility—evident in the disciplined palette of warm neutrals, soft plasters, pale oak flooring, and tailored millwork. Circulation has been clarified and subtly expanded to enhance spatial flow, while openings are leveraged to capture light, garden outlooks, and distant water views. Throughout, architectural interventions are executed with a high level of craft, ensuring that new insertions—whether cabinetry, railings, or apertures—read as seamless continuations of the original structure rather than applied elements. The kitchen serves as the operational and visual anchor of the home, conceived as a sculptural yet highly functional environment. Custom rift-cut cabinetry, softened through a desaturated finish, is paired with honed stone surfaces and integrated brass hardware to create a quiet, tactile richness. A monolithic island establishes a central gathering point, while perimeter work zones are carefully layered with concealed storage, integrated appliances, and open, backlit shelving that elevates everyday objects into curated displays. The adjacent bar and entertaining areas extend this language, reinforcing a cohesive hospitality-driven program. In parallel, the primary bathroom is designed as a serene, spa-like retreat, where bookmatched stone, frameless glass enclosures, and finely detailed metalwork converge. The composition prioritizes symmetry, clarity, and light—balancing generous volumes with intimate moments through integrated lighting, custom vanities, and a restrained material hierarchy. The library and ancillary living spaces introduce a more intimate scale, anchored by bespoke built-ins that combine closed storage with illuminated display niches, creating depth and rhythm along the walls. Here, material transitions and furniture integration are handled with particular nuance, allowing the architecture to support both quiet retreat and social gathering. A continuous language of custom railings—executed in refined metal profiles—threads through the interior and extends outward, where the exterior gate and garden elements have been reinterpreted to align with the home’s renewed identity. The entry sequence is now defined by a calibrated interplay of solidity and transparency, with sculptural metalwork and landscape integration establishing a sense of arrival that is both secure and elegant. Collectively, the project reflects a holistic transformation—one that elevates performance, livability, and aesthetic clarity while preserving the inherent dignity of the original architecture.

Inspiration for a transitional dining room remodel in San Francisco

Refined Continuity: Bridging Classical Architecture and Modern Living This comprehensive remodel of a grand Cow Hollow residence reimagines a historically expressive envelope through a lens of contemporary livability, precision detailing, and material restraint. The design approach carefully balances the home’s classical proportions and ornamental heritage with a refined, modern sensibility—evident in the disciplined palette of warm neutrals, soft plasters, pale oak flooring, and tailored millwork. Circulation has been clarified and subtly expanded to enhance spatial flow, while openings are leveraged to capture light, garden outlooks, and distant water views. Throughout, architectural interventions are executed with a high level of craft, ensuring that new insertions—whether cabinetry, railings, or apertures—read as seamless continuations of the original structure rather than applied elements. The kitchen serves as the operational and visual anchor of the home, conceived as a sculptural yet highly functional environment. Custom rift-cut cabinetry, softened through a desaturated finish, is paired with honed stone surfaces and integrated brass hardware to create a quiet, tactile richness. A monolithic island establishes a central gathering point, while perimeter work zones are carefully layered with concealed storage, integrated appliances, and open, backlit shelving that elevates everyday objects into curated displays. The adjacent bar and entertaining areas extend this language, reinforcing a cohesive hospitality-driven program. In parallel, the primary bathroom is designed as a serene, spa-like retreat, where bookmatched stone, frameless glass enclosures, and finely detailed metalwork converge. The composition prioritizes symmetry, clarity, and light—balancing generous volumes with intimate moments through integrated lighting, custom vanities, and a restrained material hierarchy. The library and ancillary living spaces introduce a more intimate scale, anchored by bespoke built-ins that combine closed storage with illuminated display niches, creating depth and rhythm along the walls. Here, material transitions and furniture integration are handled with particular nuance, allowing the architecture to support both quiet retreat and social gathering. A continuous language of custom railings—executed in refined metal profiles—threads through the interior and extends outward, where the exterior gate and garden elements have been reinterpreted to align with the home’s renewed identity. The entry sequence is now defined by a calibrated interplay of solidity and transparency, with sculptural metalwork and landscape integration establishing a sense of arrival that is both secure and elegant. Collectively, the project reflects a holistic transformation—one that elevates performance, livability, and aesthetic clarity while preserving the inherent dignity of the original architecture.

A contemporary renovation on the Atlantic, this oceanfront residence sits within The Carlton—an intimate beachfront enclave just down the road from John's Island on Vero Beach's barrier island. The intA contemporary renovation on the Atlantic, this oceanfront residence sits within The Carlton—an intimate beachfront enclave just down the road from John's Island on Vero Beach's barrier island. The interior was reworked from the original layout into a light, open plan that runs from the entry straight through to the water. Walls of glass frame the ocean from nearly every room. The living and dining spaces open across honed limestone floors beneath a recessed tray ceiling, with a private terrace—columned, candle-lit, and set directly above the surf—extending the living area into the sea air. The kitchen was taken fully modern: handleless white cabinetry, integrated appliances, a waterfall island, and brushed-brass hardware, all kept clean against the natural-fiber textures of the rooms around it. Guest and primary baths were rebuilt with custom vanities, frameless glass, and quartz surfaces. Throughout, a restrained coastal palette—ivory, driftwood, woven natural materials—lets the ocean stay the focal point.