Windows make your Home Shine…. Besides offering loads of curb appeal, they provide your view to the world outside. Ameriside vinyl windows: Come with a lifetime warranty, and are super affordable! Are designed to suppress outdoor environmental noise. Now featuring LoĒ³-366® Energy Star rated glass for advanced thermal performance. Ask about Neat® naturally clean glass! Made of superior quality Polyvinyl chloride that’s guaranteed not to yellow or crack in our hot Southern California sun. Photo by Dave Palmer

Photo Credit: Brandi Image Photography Our Modern Farmhouse Style reflects in our own personal kitchen and working showroom. The warmth of the Walnut Butcher Block sets the scene for gathering and also for long baking sessions. The Silestone Quartz countertop around the perimeter makes it for easy clean up - especially around the range area. That heavy cooking zone features a custom PPKD built wood hood with all the detailing in the crown molding. The glass hutch serves as a perfect every day dish cabinet, while glass on the range wall also helps to lighten up the heavy load. The Farmhouse sink provides a beautiful clean-up station with the bridge faucet to add beauty and tradition. The purifier is strategically set up near the coffee station for early morning risers. The refrigerator is built into an old walkway that was under-used and it provides the perfect spot to house a hard working appliance. The dishwasher is paneled and tucked away beside the sink while the double pull-out trash is also camoflauged adjacent to the sink. We welcome you to make your Design Consult Appointment today so you can come and see the beauty, quality, and special touches we will put in your home, as we did with ours.

The Cape Cod™ is one of the cleanest burning and most efficient large cast iron wood stoves in the world! Revolutionary Hybrid-Fyre™ technology allows this stove to produce just 0.45 grams of emissions per hour and perform at over 80% efficiency, saving you fuel, money and trips to your wood pile. The Cape Cod features elevated craftsmanship, a massive 3 cubic foot firebox and a convection heat exchanger, all wrapped up and presented to you in an elegant package of cast iron beauty and durability. The Cape Cod features the optional GreenStart™ igniter. This push-button ignition system is great for the modern wood burner; just load your wood and push a button! We’ve completely eliminated slow, cracked open door startupsand laboring over fickle newspaper.

The Mt. Vernon Pellet Insert delivers more heat than any other cast iron pellet insert available. This eco-friendly insert is loaded with technology that’s good for your pocketbook, and great for Mother Nature.

Refurbished desk becomes vanity in high use family half bath off kitchen pantry area. The whole family painted the tiles and mom designed the countertop and desk to make the tile this bathroom's focal point. Contrasting bluegreen wall color just pops the oranges and reds even more don't you think? Loads of personality! Toilet is water saving dual flush by Toto.

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Example of an exterior home design in Chicago

This recent renovation project began with a desire to open up the kitchen to the family room. Today everyone seems to want the big island to live and entertain around, right? I always recommend taking your time during the planning phase—6 weeks at least! Kitchens and bathrooms are highly functional areas, so you want to give yourself time to think thoughts like, “where am I going to put all my plastic cups?” I ask my clients lots of questions during this phase to help them design a kitchen that truly has a place for everything. Appliances and plumbing are part of this phase as well. Once the cabinet design was finalized, the demo began! Because that troublesome wall was load bearing, so the GC, Miland Home Construction, had to install a beam to support the second floor. But once that was done, boy we had a lot of space to work with! Picking your countertops is a little like picking an ice cream flavor: you really want to see all your options! Not only is function important here, but your counter material is really a major element of the kitchen, so pick one you love! This client fell in love with Taj Mahal Quartzite. The backsplash was the next layer of fun. Now the mood of the kitchen becomes clear. Will it be elegant? Homey? Rustic? Picking the lighting then becomes like the fine tuner on a microscope, adjusting the view to its perfect clarity. With construction underway, and the mood of the new space established, soft furnishings become the focus. Layering in luxurious, yet durable fabrics are the name of the game for most families. We all want beautiful spaces that can stand up to spouses, kids, and pets! It’s always a lot fun to select a deep and comfy sofa and chairs! The finishing touches are what really give the project that designer look—so be sure to save room in the budget for art, window treatments, and accessories. In this home I wallpapered the wall behind the tv with a subtle grasscloth, selected a large abstract to center the room, and echoed its colors throughout the accessories. The result is eye-pleasing indeed: soft, textured, interesting and peaceful. This busy family was thrilled with the results.

This recent renovation project began with a desire to open up the kitchen to the family room. Today everyone seems to want the big island to live and entertain around, right? I always recommend taking your time during the planning phase—6 weeks at least! Kitchens and bathrooms are highly functional areas, so you want to give yourself time to think thoughts like, “where am I going to put all my plastic cups?” I ask my clients lots of questions during this phase to help them design a kitchen that truly has a place for everything. Appliances and plumbing are part of this phase as well. Once the cabinet design was finalized, the demo began! Because that troublesome wall was load bearing, so the GC, Miland Home Construction, had to install a beam to support the second floor. But once that was done, boy we had a lot of space to work with! Picking your countertops is a little like picking an ice cream flavor: you really want to see all your options! Not only is function important here, but your counter material is really a major element of the kitchen, so pick one you love! This client fell in love with Taj Mahal Quartzite. The backsplash was the next layer of fun. Now the mood of the kitchen becomes clear. Will it be elegant? Homey? Rustic? Picking the lighting then becomes like the fine tuner on a microscope, adjusting the view to its perfect clarity. With construction underway, and the mood of the new space established, soft furnishings become the focus. Layering in luxurious, yet durable fabrics are the name of the game for most families. We all want beautiful spaces that can stand up to spouses, kids, and pets! It’s always a lot fun to select a deep and comfy sofa and chairs! The finishing touches are what really give the project that designer look—so be sure to save room in the budget for art, window treatments, and accessories. In this home I wallpapered the wall behind the tv with a subtle grasscloth, selected a large abstract to center the room, and echoed its colors throughout the accessories. The result is eye-pleasing indeed: soft, textured, interesting and peaceful. This busy family was thrilled with the results.

This contemporary kitchen remodel in Foster City features a two tone finish with the dark, hermosa finish on alder, and a natural finish on maple. The contrast is just right in providing a dark, elegant look without sucking up all the light in the room. This kitchen is fully loaded with storage accessories, providing space saving and convenient storage options. This 36" lazy susan handily stores a wide range of small appliances. Cabinets designed by Eric & Steven Au from MTKC. Cabinet manufacturer is Sollera Fine Cabinetry. More info at: www.mtkc.net

This contemporary kitchen remodel in Foster City features a two tone finish with the dark, hermosa finish on alder, and a natural finish on maple. The contrast is just right in providing a dark, elegant look without sucking up all the light in the room. This kitchen is fully loaded with storage accessories, providing space saving and convenient storage options. Cabinets designed by Eric & Steven Au from MTKC. Cabinet manufacturer is Sollera Fine Cabinetry. More info at: www.mtkc.net

What was once a makeshift storage room off the garage is now a bright, large laundry room, with loads of storage, place for a stool for crafts or as a home office, a handy sink for washing delicates, and lots of natural light.

This recent renovation project began with a desire to open up the kitchen to the family room. Today everyone seems to want the big island to live and entertain around, right? I always recommend taking your time during the planning phase—6 weeks at least! Kitchens and bathrooms are highly functional areas, so you want to give yourself time to think thoughts like, “where am I going to put all my plastic cups?” I ask my clients lots of questions during this phase to help them design a kitchen that truly has a place for everything. Appliances and plumbing are part of this phase as well. Once the cabinet design was finalized, the demo began! Because that troublesome wall was load bearing, so the GC, Miland Home Construction, had to install a beam to support the second floor. But once that was done, boy we had a lot of space to work with! Picking your countertops is a little like picking an ice cream flavor: you really want to see all your options! Not only is function important here, but your counter material is really a major element of the kitchen, so pick one you love! This client fell in love with Taj Mahal Quartzite. The backsplash was the next layer of fun. Now the mood of the kitchen becomes clear. Will it be elegant? Homey? Rustic? Picking the lighting then becomes like the fine tuner on a microscope, adjusting the view to its perfect clarity. With construction underway, and the mood of the new space established, soft furnishings become the focus. Layering in luxurious, yet durable fabrics are the name of the game for most families. We all want beautiful spaces that can stand up to spouses, kids, and pets! It’s always a lot fun to select a deep and comfy sofa and chairs! The finishing touches are what really give the project that designer look—so be sure to save room in the budget for art, window treatments, and accessories. In this home I wallpapered the wall behind the tv with a subtle grasscloth, selected a large abstract to center the room, and echoed its colors throughout the accessories. The result is eye-pleasing indeed: soft, textured, interesting and peaceful. This busy family was thrilled with the results.

This compact DC kitchen was in dire need of space saving tricks and we used several. The kitchen features two tip-on toe kick drawers, sink tilt out, lazy susan, blind corner cabinet and custom vertical wood dividers over the frig. The original kitchen layout was L shaped because space did not allow for full depth base cabinets on the right wall. Problem solved -- we simply built cabinets that were 18" deep which still provide loads of storage as well as much needed counter top space.

This contemporary kitchen remodel in Foster City features a two tone finish with the dark, hermosa finish on alder, and a natural finish on maple. The contrast is just right in providing a dark, elegant look without sucking up all the light in the room. This kitchen is fully loaded with storage accessories, providing space saving and convenient storage options. Tray dividers above the oven cabinet, keeping all the trays handy and organized for when you need it. Trays are installed higher to keep the appliance aligned together. Cabinets designed by Eric & Steven Au from MTKC. Cabinet manufacturer is Sollera Fine Cabinetry. More info at: www.mtkc.net

Hand assembled in the USA from beautiful European castings, the Rockport™ Hybrid-Fyre® is one of the cleanest burning and most efficient wood stoves in the world! Hybrid-Fyre® is an award winning technology designed by Lopi® to use less wood, burn hotter fires for longer periods of time, and reduce emissions. In the end, you save money while also minimizing your environmental impact. Features you’re going to LOVE! Cleverly concealed Bypass Damper for smoke free startups and reloading A single easy-to-use Air Operating Control gives you full command over your burn The large standard Ash Pan makes cleanup effortless Full cast iron convection chamber 400 CFM Fan expedites heated air into your home The Rockport™ is also compatible with GreenStart™ – a Lopi exclusive and a must for the modern wood burner. Simply load your wood and push a button! Be sure to ask your Lopi® dealer for a demo.

The Explorer II delivers beautiful, powerful performance you can see. Get maximum heat and a clean burn with the Quadra-Fire four point burn system delivering up to 65,800 BTU's. Save time with Quadra-Fire's exclusive Automatic Combustion Control (ACC). Simply load the wood, light the fire and walk away. Quadra-Fire's ash removal system (ARS) makes cleaning quick and easy. Enjoy the looks and performance of cast iron with a solid steel welded firebox - proving it's built to last.

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