This modern outdoor kitchen in Houston pulls off the industrial look perfectly - especially with its I-beam metal roof design! This 400-square-foot, triple-ribbed, trapezoidal metal roof - and its grey, galvanized steel I-beam - proved to be the perfect outdoor living space idea. "I mean, what's more industrial than an I-beam?" asks Outdoor Homescapes of Houston's owner, Wayne Franks. "It also matched the metal roof on the existing house, and we always want to make our Houston outdoor living spaces look like an original part of the home." In addition to the metal roof, the use of concrete and stainless steel help complete the look of this modern outdoor kitchen. The table, floor and backsplash are concrete and the walls roof, and appliances steel. "An ultra-modern outdoor kitchen calls for ultra-modern appliances," says Franks. "So we outfitted it with a full line of stainless steel, commercial-grade Fire Magic amenities." In addition to an e790 Echelon Fire Magic grill, these components included a power burner, warming and trash drawers, a range hood, sink, icemaker, fridge and storage. Balancing out the ultra modern look, however, is a beautiful, rustic-looking pizza oven. "It's faced with a Mountain Valley natural stone," explains Franks. "The stone matches an exterior wall of the house." "The client is a prominent Houston homebuilder in the Memorial area of Houston," explains Franks. "They found us on the web, saw our projects and felt we could do the best job matching the ultra modern architecture of their house. I think it turned out pretty great, myself." The warm, red tones of western redwood balance out the cooler tones of the concrete and stainless steel, he continues. Stained with a clear polyurethane to show off the color, the wood can be seen in the tongue-and-groove boards on the 10-foot-high ceiling. Redwood boards serve as facing on the kitchen cabinets, too. This modern outdoor kitchen, of course, also includes a 55-inch flat-screen TV mounted to the pre-existing stainless steel wall with perfect sightlines to the concrete slab table. (Outdoor Homescapes is offering a special promotion right now: free TV installation when you have your outdoor kitchen, covered patio or other outdoor living space project designed and built by us. Interested? Just contact us!) "And since the house is on a hill above the outdoor kitchen, we're actually pumping the water from the sink back up into the house to the sewer," says Franks. "That's pretty neat."

Outdoor furniture from Restoration Hardware really made this Houston outdoor living space design project shine. “It really went well,” says Wayne Franks, owner of Outdoor Homescapes of Houston. “It's not a huge space, but moving the existing two columns about four feet and bringing the roof out only three feet made all the difference in the world.” “This particular client wanted a larger space to entertain,” says senior designer Lisha Maxey, who served as an outdoor furniture consultant while managing construction for the project. The original space, Lisha explains, had two oddly placed columns blocking a clear view of the beautiful pool area from inside the home. “We removed those columns and gave her three more feet of roof, which extended her living area while also giving her the view she wanted.” Since the client - a woman in her mid-50s with grown children who visit frequently - only wanted a small outdoor kitchen island with a 30-inch RCS grill Outdoor Homescapes closed up a French door that led from the master bedroom (which she never used) and created a new stucco wall for the kitchen. “I would definitely call the style of this space ‘transitional,” says Lisha. The client is a very eclectic world traveler and a collector of art, yet wanted her outdoor living space to feel like a warm, homey living room once we placed the furniture and décor. In the end, her finishes centered around rustic stone, detailed columns and furniture leaning towards the contemporary.” Much of the warmth in the space, she says, comes from the colors of the dry-stacked Sunset Canyon ledgestone. “It looks just like it sounds – like the sun setting in a deep canyon!” “The columns are unique – decorative and fluted,” adds Wayne. The client, who’d received five free hours of outdoor furniture consultation as part of an ongoing promotion, also wanted Lisha to help her select, buy and help place furnishings. “I believe that now - more than ever - consumers are looking for turn-key operations in any type of service industry - a ‘one-stop-shop,’ so to speak,” says Lisha. “It gives us a more personal touch with the client, as well as an edge in the industry in terms of selling our designs, as the client is reassured that we’ll work with them in every aspect to give them the outdoor living space of their dreams.” The client ended up choosing the Biscayne collection – including a chair that rocks and swivels - from Restoration Hardware. They also went with a lower, unique teak coffee table from the Belvedere collection. “We mixed wicker with teak for an equally soft and hard look and added pops of color to bring out the beautiful art collection inside,” says Lisha. “The neutral gray wicker, by the way, was the perfect match for the distressed teak coffee table and credenza. The grays of the Key West granite countertop also echoed this color palette.” For the fabric, Lisha helped keep it neutral with a Mocha linen and popped the color with royal blue throw pillows matching the area rug: “To make the space truly her own, we added some unique copper pots from her collection and a few items she's collected abroad.” Ready to let outdoor furniture transform your living space? Contact us, and we'll get your outdoor design project started!

2010 NATIONAL NARI REGIONAL AWARD WINNER Project Scope The owners of this 7,000 square foot colonial in Oakton, Virginia, were seeking a multi-level Mediterranean-style indoor/outdoor living space off the back of their home. They turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes for a design solution that would include a stone patio, a second-story deck, a screened-in porch and linking staircases. While the structure was designed primarily for family dining and entertaining, it also had to accommodate periodic social gatherings of one hundred guests or more. To meet these needs, the project would include a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, several serving counters with permanent refrigeration, and well-delineated socializing and dining zones. The existing home’s setting offered several impressive assets the new outdoor living area was designed to exploit. The sprawling acreage features old stand trees, wooded paths and a private lake. Beautifully landscaped, it unfolds as an idyllic panorama that naturally draws people to the outdoors. Challenges Since the rear elevation was situated on a slope that drops away from the house, the Michael Nash team had to raise the grade two feet within in a 2,000 square foot area extending out from the back of the house. Infrastructure plans also called for a sophisticated drainage system that had to accommodate a whole series of water “runoff” considerations to be integrated into the decking itself. Excavation included constructing retaining walls to bolster the elevated grade—which also had to support a concrete slab, the primary foundation for the entire complex. Solutions The ground level decking consists of a 2,000 square foot flagstone patio level with the home’s lower level doors. There is a decorative water fountain mid-patio—an ornate collectible acquired in Florida. Food preparation is concentrated within a specially designed semi-circular wall that creates an “outdoor kitchen” equipped with a 60” Viking barbecue grill, a prep sink, a warming drawer, refrigerator and appropriate storage. There is a granite surfaced dining counter with seating for eight. Wrought iron railing and approximately 20 decorative columns (some encasing steel vertical supports) are incorporated into the design scheme. Many of the columns house accent lights. The top level—supported by horizontal steel beams– is a 2,500 square foot deck constructed entirely of Trex decking. The open air decking is, again, directly accessible from rooms on the second level of the house including the kitchen, sunroom and family room. The platform’s most prominent feature is a U-shaped “kitchenette” with cedar shake shingle roofing. Like its counterpart one level below, the facility is equipped with grill, refrigerator and stainless steel cabinetry. One portion of the deck has been allocated for a 16’ x 16’ octagonal screened-in porch crowned by a pair of 2’ x 4’ skylights. The porch can be accessed from the home’s conservatory via a set of French doors. With its mosaic tile flooring, stained cedar panel ceiling and honed granite counters, the interior is elegant and calming. Hand-painted stenciling and a wall-mounted water feature provide distinctive detailing. Finally, the design introduced elements to highlight and reinforce an awareness of the lovely bucolic setting. Fountains and water features combined with textured surfaces and mosaic tiling and backsplashes to present a villa-like ambiance well-suited to the Virginia countryside.

In this image, we are presented with the exquisite kul grilles vent covers in Anodized Light Bronze. This vent cover are flawlessly integrated into the home's nature-inspired design, enhancing the overall aesthetic with their unique features. The Anodized Light Bronze vent covers showcase a soft, matte bronze-toned aluminum finish. This finish beautifully complements the home's nature-inspired design, harmonizing with the soft and textural palettes as well as warm features present in the space. The gentle bronze tones add a touch of warmth and elegance to the surrounding decor, seamlessly blending with the natural elements and creating a cohesive atmosphere. The Anodized Light Bronze finish from kul grilles have been thoughtfully selected to enhance the overall aesthetic of the home. They demonstrate the meticulous attention to detail and the desire to create a space where every element aligns with the natural-inspired design concept. The vent covers not only serve their functional purpose of allowing air circulation but also elevate the visual appeal, contributing to a cohesive and visually pleasing environment.

The image captures the open-flow floorplan of the living room and kitchen, showcasing a functional and inviting space designed for gathering and socializing. The seamless integration of the two areas creates a sense of openness and connectivity, allowing for easy movement and interaction between the two spaces. Within this modern interior, kul grilles air vent covers are seamlessly incorporated, enhancing the overall aesthetic and contributing to a unified look. These vent covers, with their sleek and understated design, effortlessly blend into the surrounding decor, maintaining a cohesive and harmonious appearance. The focal point of the living room is the magnificent fireplace, which commands attention with its stylish and contemporary design. The fireplace serves as a centerpiece, radiating both warmth and visual appeal, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere within the space. Its sleek lines and modern aesthetic perfectly complement the overall design of the living room and kitchen area. Additionally, a five-light pendant adds a touch of elegance and illumination to the living room. Hanging from the ceiling, this pendant light fixture not only provides ample lighting but also adds a decorative element, further enhancing the ambiance of the room. The image showcases a well-designed living room with an open-flow floorplan. The inclusion of kul grilles air vent covers seamlessly integrates these functional elements into the modern interior, while the magnificent fireplace and the five-light pendant contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal. This space is both practical and visually captivating, offering a welcoming environment for gatherings and everyday activities. Photographer: Ozimek Photography

This modern bathroom is a true oasis of style and functionality. The design reflects a contemporary aesthetic with clean lines, sleek surfaces, and a harmonious color scheme. One of the bathroom's finishing features: Brushed Chrome air vent covers by kul grilles, which add a touch of elegance and refinement to the space. The bathroom exudes a sense of serenity and luxury, creating a spa-like atmosphere. The combination of neutral tones and textures contributes to a calming ambiance. The walls are adorned with large mirrors. The Brushed Chrome air vent covers, prominently displayed in the entryway, become an finishing feature in the space. Their metallic appearance brings a contemporary and upscale touch to the bathroom. The brushed finish adds a subtle texture that complements other fixtures and fittings, contributing to the cohesive design of the room. These vent covers not only serve a functional purpose by allowing proper airflow but also act as stylish accents that enhance the overall aesthetic. The bathroom layout is thoughtfully designed to maximize both functionality and comfort. The fixtures, such as the sleek freestanding bathtub and the modern vanity, are strategically placed to optimize space utilization and create a sense of balance. The use of high-quality materials, like marble countertops and polished chrome faucets, further adds to the luxurious feel of the room. Ample natural light floods the bathroom through large windows, emphasizing the clean and airy atmosphere. The lighting design is also well-considered, with a combination of recessed lights and contemporary fixtures that provide both ambient and task lighting. This modern bathroom exemplifies contemporary design principles with its clean lines, luxurious finishes, and attention to detail. The Brushed Chrome air vent covers by kul grilles add a touch of sophistication, while the overall layout and ambiance create a serene and inviting retreat within the home.

This zoomed-in image showcases a closer look at the exquisite vent cover in Glacier Frost from kul grilles, positioned within a front entrance. The attention to detail and craftsmanship of the cover are even more apparent in this close-up view. The vent cover’s linear and minimalist design is precisely crafted, reflecting a sense of refinement and sophistication. The glacier frost color, with its powder coated finish, adds a touch of elegance and tranquility to the space. The kul grilles vent cover enhances the visual appeal of the front entrance, adding a touch of luxury and style. The purposeful placement of the vent cover within the front entrance is evident in this image. Its integration into the architecture is seamless, aligning perfectly with the surrounding elements. This thoughtful design choice ensures that the vent cover not only serves its functional purpose but also becomes an integral part of the overall aesthetic of the space. The zoomed-in view highlights the minimalist design of the vent cover. This attention to detail ensures a harmonious balance between functionality and design, emphasizing the commitment to creating a visually pleasing and practical environment.

The living room has a combination of contrasting elements. The dark hardwood floor and paneled feature wall provide a striking contrast to the bright, white walls and large windows. This interplay of dark and light creates a visually appealing dynamic within the space. Adding to the overall aesthetic of the living room are the kul grilles vent covers. These vent covers are mentioned as providing an extra layer of clean sophistication to the room. They serve as a design element that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal and adds refinement. By mentioning that the vent covers complement the sleek lines of the furniture, it suggests that they harmonize with the modern and streamlined style of the furnishings in the room. This cohesiveness helps to create a unified and visually pleasing space. Architect Randy Buffie believes in striking a balance between artistry and solid construction methods in good home design. This philosophy is reflected in his choice of kul grilles vent covers for this particular design build. By selecting these vent covers, it implies that they not only contribute to the visual aspect of the living room but also meet the architect's standards for high-quality construction.

The seating area in this home is a captivating space that exudes a cozy and inviting ambiance, rich with wooden accents and a touch of modern sophistication. As you enter the room, your eyes are immediately drawn to the prominent wooden ceiling beams that traverse the ceiling. These beams not only add a sense of architectural charm but also provide a rustic element that sets the tone for the entire space. Throughout the seating area, wooden accents are thoughtfully incorporated, further enhancing the warm and natural aesthetic. Wooden furniture pieces, such as the console, create a cohesive and harmonious look. The black trim in the room adds a striking contrast to the wooden elements, injecting a modern edge into the design. The black trim can be found around windows, door frames, and other architectural details, creating a bold visual frame that accentuates the space. In harmony with the black trim, black monolith kul grilles vent covers are seamlessly integrated throughout, adding a sleek and contemporary touch. These vent covers not only serve their functional purpose but also contribute to the overall aesthetic of the seating area. The seating itself is designed for comfort and style, with plush armchairs adorned with soft cushions. The seating arrangement is arranged to encourage relaxation, making it an ideal space for peaceful moments of solitude. The overall ambiance of the seating area is a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern sophistication. The wooden ceiling beams and accents exude warmth and a connection to nature, while the black trim and kul grilles vent covers add a contemporary flair. This combination creates a visually stunning and inviting space where one can relax, unwind, and appreciate the seamless integration of wooden elements and modern design touches. Photography: Nat Caron Photography

Feast your eyes on a striking modern kitchen featuring Kul Grilles' black Monolith vent covers. This open and spacious kitchen boasts sleek white cabinetry and a generously sized island that serves as the centerpiece of the room. The minimalist black Monolith vent covers are a standout feature, positioned on the floor to create a stunning contrast against the light-colored flooring and white cabinetry. The black finish of the vent covers complements other black elements in the space, including the pendant lights above the island and the cabinet hardware. The island exudes a modern vibe and is designed for functionality. One end of the island features bar stools, making it the ideal spot for casual dining or entertaining guests. Large windows on one side of the kitchen bring natural light into the space and offer a picturesque view of the outdoors. Overall, the kitchen's sleek and functional design creates a modern ambiance, with Kul Grilles' black Monolith vent covers adding a unique and stylish touch to the room.

In this image, we are introduced to a remarkable Base Camp Design build that has been thoughtfully crafted to optimize natural light and showcase the beauty of the outdoor landscape throughout every season. The residence stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of architecture and nature, offering breathtaking views of Lake Pend Oreille and the awe-inspiring snow-covered mountains in the distance. As we step inside, we immediately notice the abundance of natural light that fills each room, casting a warm and inviting glow. The design concept aims to create a serene and minimalistic atmosphere, allowing the surrounding scenery to take center stage. The interior is adorned with clean lines and a neutral color palette, providing a calm and uncluttered ambiance. Among the carefully selected design elements, the kul grilles vent covers make a subtle yet significant contribution to the overall aesthetic. With their sleek and refined appearance, these vent covers seamlessly blend into the space, maintaining the home's clean and tranquil environment. The kul grilles vent covers serve as functional elements, ensuring proper air circulation while adding a touch of sophistication to the interior design. The home strikes a perfect balance between form and function, where every detail has been carefully considered to create a space that is both visually stunning and supremely livable. As we gaze out the windows, we are treated to captivating vistas of the shimmering Lake Pend Oreille, framed by the majestic snow-capped mountains in the distance. This Base Camp Design build is a true sanctuary, where the beauty of nature and the elegance of architectural design come together in perfect harmony.

The Roger Lee designed house from 1962 was purchased by the current homeowners in almost original condition, as the previous owners elected to defer most maintenance projects over the years. The clients were able to see beyond the dated materials and finishes, single-paned glass and uninsulated walls and they approached Klopf Architecture to help them expand and update the entire home, one the family could settle into and enjoy for years to come. It was important that the new designs were aligned with Lee's original intent not only because of the client's appreciation for mid-century modern architecture, but also because the house was deemed historical. The Stanford Real Estate Office requires a stringent design review which safeguards the integrity of the community, which Klopf Architecture was happy to oblige going into their updated designs. As with many original mid-century modern homes, the house was scaled to the 1960s lifestyle where rooms were smaller and openings to views were limited and tightly framed. The original conditions defined the direction the family of four would take in updating the house and making it comfortable for their modern lifestyle. Klopf designed a full gut remodel and major addition to bring the house into the 21st century and provide the living area needed for the client's family. The newly expanded house added just about 1,100 sf to create an airy, comfortable and family friendly house, taking full advantage of the beautiful southwestern views that extend out to the hills beyond. The enclosed garage created an additional 240 sf of covered space for long-term storage. A cracked swimming pool created an eyesore taking up a majority of the backyard landscape, so it was one of the first elements to go during the transformation. Working with Outer Space Landscape Architects, the family asked for a mix of relaxing outdoor patio spaces that eventually blend into the native landscaping, extending their views outward toward the natural greenery of the trees beyond their property. Filling in the old pool was a smart way to expand the living spaces outward. The orientation of the house was designed to enjoy the views, but the original architecture provided the first homeowners with mere glimpses of the landscape outside. Klopf was able to broaden those views, continuing and extending on the original architecture to take full advantage of the unobstructed natural views across the rear facade of the house. Small horizontal openings in the primary bedroom and office were replaced with much taller windows that now follow the angled roof line upward, extending across almost all of the facade. We worked with Western Windows, whose designs included an oblique-shaped, operable casement that allowed our design to rise with the slope. A new corner office added to the primary suite, offers a bright and functional work-from-home solution that looks out at the distant views and added natural light from the expanded window configuration that now wraps around the corner. The existing lower level was designed by Lee as a utilitarian space, serving as a wet pool room with a drain in the center of the floor, bathroom, laundry and storage areas. Without the need for a pool room, Klopf was able to convert the area into a much more comfortable and functional living space with a new family room and guest suite. The new spaces enjoy easy access to a new outdoor patio through floor to ceiling, full-width glass sliders. Continuing along the rear facade, a previously exposed deck extending from the living room and hallway provided access to the backyard through a single set of stairs leading toward the side of the house which made sense when the pool was in place. The new deck was re-envisioned as an extension of the main living room and now serves as a second outdoor living room. A new slatted pergola above provides the homeowners welcome relief from the hot afternoon sun. A second set of stairs now creates a better connection to the redesigned lower level. Klopf was able to reconfigure the spaces, extending the living room outward toward the views, where the family now claims it as the heart of the home, spending a large majority of their time outdoors. Back inside, the original wood-burning Malm fireplace was beautifully restored and a gas burner installed to comply with California's strict air standards. It now rests in front of a wall of Heath accent tiles where a dated red brick wall used to stand. A new taller window brings more light and views into the refreshed interior living room. The original glass doors opposite the fireplace were replaced by larger sliders that when fully opened, create a seamless transition to the new outdoor living area so the two spaces feel like one connected space. The original utilitarian kitchen was needlessly tucked into the far back corner and closed-off, out of sight from the living room, so the clients asked Klopf to open it up and expand the kitchen forward so it felt more connected. Today the much larger kitchen is connected to the living area where a short wall with a cutout offers a visual glimpse into the kitchen and a handy pass-through counter for serving guests. A new breakfast nook was also added to create another spot where the family can gather for casual meals. Just outside, a new built-in outdoor grill and prep area extends the kitchen outside and connects to a new outdoor dining spot nestled amongst the trees, taking advantage of the views out back. Klopf was able to expand the other two bedrooms, add a new laundry room and half-bath and convert the carport to an enclosed garage to add more storage areas which was lost when the pool house was converted to the family and guest room. To maintain a historical connection to the original designs, the exterior siding was repeated on all exterior walls, a full-height stained glass window at the front entryway restored, and an interior slatted screen element repeated outside at the exterior entry courtyard and over the new outdoor living room to create a shade trellis. The new house stands proudly and shines against it's new landscaping features, while respecting and expanding on the original intent of Roger Lee's designs epitomizing the comforts of indoor-outdoor living in Northern California. Completion year: 2020 Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane, Noel Andrade Contractor: ORB Construction, Brendan O'Reilly Structural engineer: Sezen and Moon Landscape architect: Outer space Furnishings and decoration: Urbanism Designs Photographer: Mariko Reed

In this captivating kitchen and dining room design by Buffie Architect, the space showcases a harmonious blend of modern elegance and functional aesthetics. The kitchen area features sleek cabinetry that seamlessly integrates into the overall design, creating a clean and contemporary look. The countertops, clad in a luxurious marble, add a touch of opulence and timeless beauty to the space. The subtle veining of the marble adds texture and visual interest. A central island, adorned with the same elegant marble countertop, stands as a focal point in the room. Its expansive surface provides ample space for food preparation and casual dining, making it a versatile hub for culinary activities and social gatherings. The dining area, adjacent to the kitchen, boasts a stunning table that exudes elegance and sophistication. Its design features clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, allowing it to seamlessly blend with the overall modern theme of the space. The table is accompanied by a set of chic dining chairs, providing comfort without compromising on style. One notable element in the design is the kul grilles vent covers, which are subtly integrated into the space. These vent covers serve a dual purpose of ensuring efficient air circulation while adding a touch of refinement to the room. Their sleek and understated design complements the overall aesthetic, seamlessly blending into the surrounding surfaces. Overall, this kitchen and dining room design by Buffie Architect embodies a sense of modern elegance and functionality. The combination of clean lines, luxurious materials, and thoughtful details creates a space that is visually captivating and inviting. It showcases the architect's skill in balancing artistry with practicality, resulting in a harmonious and sophisticated environment for culinary delights and memorable dining experiences.

kül grilles vent covers in Glacier White serve their purpose amidst the natural elements of the house, but also make a bold design statement. This thoughtful choice reflects the idea that the functional aspects of a home can also contribute to its overall design concept.

This image depicts a charming kids' bedroom with a delightful design that exudes playfulness and creativity. The room features pink bedding, adding a vibrant and youthful touch to the overall aesthetic. The bedding's soft and inviting hue creates a warm and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a child's haven. The walls of the kids' bedroom are adorned with bright and cheerful artwork, adding a burst of color and visual interest to the space. These lively artworks not only serve as decorative elements but also stimulate the imagination and creativity of the child. The combination of vibrant colors and playful imagery creates a stimulating environment that fosters a sense of wonder and exploration. To complete the design, the room features minimalist Glacier Frost ceiling vent covers from kul grilles. These vent covers blend seamlessly with the room's design, maintaining a clean and streamlined appearance while providing essential functionality. The Glacier Frost finish adds a touch of sophistication to the ceiling, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space. The kids' bedroom design strikes a balance between vibrant elements and minimalist style, offering a visually pleasing and comfortable environment for a child to relax and play. The pink bedding and bright artwork contribute to a cheerful and lively atmosphere, stimulating the child's imagination. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Glacier Frost ceiling vent covers ensures both practicality and a cohesive design aesthetic. This image showcases a kids' bedroom with a captivating design. The room's pink bedding, bright artwork, and Glacier Frost ceiling vent covers create a visually appealing and child-friendly space that inspires imagination and provides a cozy retreat for young ones. Photographer: Ozimek Photography

Step into a room that seamlessly blends spaciousness, modern design, and comfort. The open-concept living space features a striking L-shaped sectional sofa in a light gray hue, serving as the room's focal point. Positioned facing a wall-mounted TV, this comfortable seating arrangement encourages relaxation. A wooden coffee table and a patterned area rug sit behind the sofa, adding warmth and texture to the room. The light-colored hardwood flooring and white walls create a bright and airy atmosphere, enhanced by large windows on one side of the space that allow natural light to flood in and provide a stunning view of the outdoors. In the open-concept kitchen, kul grilles' Black Monolith floor vent covers were carefully selected to complement the kitchen hardware perfectly, showcasing the attention to detail in this design. Overall, the space is thoughtfully designed for both comfort and style, with a functional layout and carefully chosen decor.

The Roger Lee designed house from 1962 was purchased by the current homeowners in almost original condition, as the previous owners elected to defer most maintenance projects over the years. The clients were able to see beyond the dated materials and finishes, single-paned glass and uninsulated walls and they approached Klopf Architecture to help them expand and update the entire home, one the family could settle into and enjoy for years to come. It was important that the new designs were aligned with Lee's original intent not only because of the client's appreciation for mid-century modern architecture, but also because the house was deemed historical. The Stanford Real Estate Office requires a stringent design review which safeguards the integrity of the community, which Klopf Architecture was happy to oblige going into their updated designs. As with many original mid-century modern homes, the house was scaled to the 1960s lifestyle where rooms were smaller and openings to views were limited and tightly framed. The original conditions defined the direction the family of four would take in updating the house and making it comfortable for their modern lifestyle. Klopf designed a full gut remodel and major addition to bring the house into the 21st century and provide the living area needed for the client's family. The newly expanded house added just about 1,100 sf to create an airy, comfortable and family friendly house, taking full advantage of the beautiful southwestern views that extend out to the hills beyond. The enclosed garage created an additional 240 sf of covered space for long-term storage. A cracked swimming pool created an eyesore taking up a majority of the backyard landscape, so it was one of the first elements to go during the transformation. Working with Outer Space Landscape Architects, the family asked for a mix of relaxing outdoor patio spaces that eventually blend into the native landscaping, extending their views outward toward the natural greenery of the trees beyond their property. Filling in the old pool was a smart way to expand the living spaces outward. The orientation of the house was designed to enjoy the views, but the original architecture provided the first homeowners with mere glimpses of the landscape outside. Klopf was able to broaden those views, continuing and extending on the original architecture to take full advantage of the unobstructed natural views across the rear facade of the house. Small horizontal openings in the primary bedroom and office were replaced with much taller windows that now follow the angled roof line upward, extending across almost all of the facade. We worked with Western Windows, whose designs included an oblique-shaped, operable casement that allowed our design to rise with the slope. A new corner office added to the primary suite, offers a bright and functional work-from-home solution that looks out at the distant views and added natural light from the expanded window configuration that now wraps around the corner. The existing lower level was designed by Lee as a utilitarian space, serving as a wet pool room with a drain in the center of the floor, bathroom, laundry and storage areas. Without the need for a pool room, Klopf was able to convert the area into a much more comfortable and functional living space with a new family room and guest suite. The new spaces enjoy easy access to a new outdoor patio through floor to ceiling, full-width glass sliders. Continuing along the rear facade, a previously exposed deck extending from the living room and hallway provided access to the backyard through a single set of stairs leading toward the side of the house which made sense when the pool was in place. The new deck was re-envisioned as an extension of the main living room and now serves as a second outdoor living room. A new slatted pergola above provides the homeowners welcome relief from the hot afternoon sun. A second set of stairs now creates a better connection to the redesigned lower level. Klopf was able to reconfigure the spaces, extending the living room outward toward the views, where the family now claims it as the heart of the home, spending a large majority of their time outdoors. Back inside, the original wood-burning Malm fireplace was beautifully restored and a gas burner installed to comply with California's strict air standards. It now rests in front of a wall of Heath accent tiles where a dated red brick wall used to stand. A new taller window brings more light and views into the refreshed interior living room. The original glass doors opposite the fireplace were replaced by larger sliders that when fully opened, create a seamless transition to the new outdoor living area so the two spaces feel like one connected space. The original utilitarian kitchen was needlessly tucked into the far back corner and closed-off, out of sight from the living room, so the clients asked Klopf to open it up and expand the kitchen forward so it felt more connected. Today the much larger kitchen is connected to the living area where a short wall with a cutout offers a visual glimpse into the kitchen and a handy pass-through counter for serving guests. A new breakfast nook was also added to create another spot where the family can gather for casual meals. Just outside, a new built-in outdoor grill and prep area extends the kitchen outside and connects to a new outdoor dining spot nestled amongst the trees, taking advantage of the views out back. Klopf was able to expand the other two bedrooms, add a new laundry room and half-bath and convert the carport to an enclosed garage to add more storage areas which was lost when the pool house was converted to the family and guest room. To maintain a historical connection to the original designs, the exterior siding was repeated on all exterior walls, a full-height stained glass window at the front entryway restored, and an interior slatted screen element repeated outside at the exterior entry courtyard and over the new outdoor living room to create a shade trellis. The new house stands proudly and shines against it's new landscaping features, while respecting and expanding on the original intent of Roger Lee's designs epitomizing the comforts of indoor-outdoor living in Northern California. Completion year: 2020 Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane, Noel Andrade Contractor: ORB Construction, Brendan O'Reilly Structural engineer: Sezen and Moon Landscape architect: Outer space Furnishings and decoration: Urbanism Designs Photographer: Mariko Reed

Rosa Maiolica white cook stove in a kitchen. Note the stone hearth pad. This is an excellent location for a wood cook stove: close enough to the kitchen to serve as a secondary cooking area and on the other hand right in the middle of a large air space between the kitchen and other rooms. Wood stoves are primarily space heaters and the larger the airspace around the stove the more effective it will be.

Matt Steeves
Example of a large transitional backyard stone patio kitchen design in Other with a roof extension