This Condo has been in the family since it was first built. And it was in desperate need of being renovated. The kitchen was isolated from the rest of the condo. The laundry space was an old pantry that was converted. We needed to open up the kitchen to living space to make the space feel larger. By changing the entrance to the first guest bedroom and turn in a den with a wonderful walk in owners closet. Then we removed the old owners closet, adding that space to the guest bath to allow us to make the shower bigger. In addition giving the vanity more space. The rest of the condo was updated. The master bath again was tight, but by removing walls and changing door swings we were able to make it functional and beautiful all that the same time.

Transitional l-shaped dark wood floor kitchen photo in Salt Lake City with white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Located in the highly sought-after Allwood neighborhood of Darien, this spec house is the fourth collaboration with a client who first began with a renovation of her own home. While architecturally it is a traditional home from the exterior, the interiors are more transitional in style. In order to compete in the speculative market, our client’s directive was clear – ‘differentiation the kitchen design from every other spec house’. So we incorporated painted cabinetry but highlighted with rift-cut white oak base cabinets. This contrast between these finishes influenced our decision to select a subtle white quartzite countertop to deliberately highlight the striking porcelain backsplash. The steel and glass partition frames the space – drawing the eye to the focal point of the kitchen, the custom stainless steel hood. Gold hardware adds a pop of flair to the space and warms the room. Walnut drawer inserts, stainless steel appliance garage, pull out trash drawers with compost bins and a stylish desk make this the Gold Standard of spec houses.

Klopf Architecture and Outer space Landscape Architects designed a new warm, modern, open, indoor-outdoor home in Los Altos, California. Inspired by mid-century modern homes but looking for something completely new and custom, the owners, a couple with two children, bought an older ranch style home with the intention of replacing it. Created on a grid, the house is designed to be at rest with differentiated spaces for activities; living, playing, cooking, dining and a piano space. The low-sloping gable roof over the great room brings a grand feeling to the space. The clerestory windows at the high sloping roof make the grand space light and airy. Upon entering the house, an open atrium entry in the middle of the house provides light and nature to the great room. The Heath tile wall at the back of the atrium blocks direct view of the rear yard from the entry door for privacy. The bedrooms, bathrooms, play room and the sitting room are under flat wing-like roofs that balance on either side of the low sloping gable roof of the main space. Large sliding glass panels and pocketing glass doors foster openness to the front and back yards. In the front there is a fenced-in play space connected to the play room, creating an indoor-outdoor play space that could change in use over the years. The play room can also be closed off from the great room with a large pocketing door. In the rear, everything opens up to a deck overlooking a pool where the family can come together outdoors. Wood siding travels from exterior to interior, accentuating the indoor-outdoor nature of the house. Where the exterior siding doesn’t come inside, a palette of white oak floors, white walls, walnut cabinetry, and dark window frames ties all the spaces together to create a uniform feeling and flow throughout the house. The custom cabinetry matches the minimal joinery of the rest of the house, a trim-less, minimal appearance. Wood siding was mitered in the corners, including where siding meets the interior drywall. Wall materials were held up off the floor with a minimal reveal. This tight detailing gives a sense of cleanliness to the house. The garage door of the house is completely flush and of the same material as the garage wall, de-emphasizing the garage door and making the street presentation of the house kinder to the neighborhood. The house is akin to a custom, modern-day Eichler home in many ways. Inspired by mid-century modern homes with today’s materials, approaches, standards, and technologies. The goals were to create an indoor-outdoor home that was energy-efficient, light and flexible for young children to grow. This 3,000 square foot, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom new house is located in Los Altos in the heart of the Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, and Chuang-Ming Liu 
Landscape Architect: Outer space Landscape Architects 
Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers 
Staging: Da Lusso Design 
Photography ©2018 Mariko Reed 
Location: Los Altos, CA
 Year completed: 2017

Cerno’s mission is to design and build original products in California. To make this possible we advocate for creativity and ingenuity in every step of the process. Our philosophy is grounded in the utmost respect for the materials, the craftsmanship and our entire team. The Plura is a simple, straight forward fixture that is excellently executed. With the Plura it was about resolving the seams and edges and their relationships to one another. The result is a scalable fixture that has a sharp, sophisticated feel. Features: Wood Grain Will Vary Energy Efficient LED Light Source Handmade Eco-Friendly Switch Location: Hardwired Damp Location rated to accommodate any room in the home including bathrooms, kitchens, covered patios, dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, entryways, foyers, and everything in between. Specifications: Included canopy measures as 5"" Width x 0.3"" Thick Voltage: 120-277V AC Requires 1 x 32.5-Watt LED Module (Integrated) 2815 Lumes, 90 CRI, 2700K (Warm) Color Temperature Compatible with TRIAC / ELV Dimmer / 0-10V Dimmers

Our clients owned a secondary home in Bellevue and decided to do a major renovation as the family wanted to make this their main residence. A decision was made to add 3 bedrooms and an expanded large kitchen to the property. The homeowners were in love with whites and grays, and their idea was to create a soft modern look with transitional elements. We designed the kitchen layout to capitalize on the view and to meet all of the homeowners requirements. Large open plan kitchen lets in plenty of natural light and lots of space for their 3 boys to run around. We redesigned all the bathrooms, helped the clients with selection of all the finishes, materials, and fixtures for their new home.

After building their first home this Bloomfield couple didn't have any immediate plans on building another until they saw this perfect property for sale. It didn't take them long to make the decision on purchasing it and moving forward with another building project. With the wife working from home it allowed them to become the general contractor for this project. It was a lot of work and a lot of decision making but they are absolutely in love with their new home. It is a dream come true for them and I am happy they chose me and Dillman & Upton to help them make it a reality. Photo By: Kate Benjamin

After building their first home this Bloomfield couple didn't have any immediate plans on building another until they saw this perfect property for sale. It didn't take them long to make the decision on purchasing it and moving forward with another building project. With the wife working from home it allowed them to become the general contractor for this project. It was a lot of work and a lot of decision making but they are absolutely in love with their new home. It is a dream come true for them and I am happy they chose me and Dillman & Upton to help them make it a reality. Cabinetry: Perimeter- Mid Continent, Thomas door, Maple, Antique White Island- Mid Continent, Thomas door, Cherry, Fireside Black Glaze Photo By: Kate Benjamin

Bathroom in Ironwood Drive | Warm Modern Home in Scottsdale, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Remodel and Furnishings | Project Name: Ironwood Drive Residence | Key Feature: A Tuscan home transformed into a warm modern interior through a full remodel and furnishings, highlighted by a custom hand-painted terracotta tile backsplash, custom cabinetry, and a new fireplace clad in basalt black stone that anchors the living space with drama and elegance. Challenge: Tuscan homes in Scottsdale are everywhere, and the design language that defined them, heavy wood, ornate details, dark iron, and rustic stone, does not transition gracefully on its own. The goal was to shed that Old World weight and move the home into something warmer and more current without losing the character that makes a remodeled home feel intentional rather than generic. Solution: Living with Lolo led the full remodel and furnishings as a single integrated project, which meant every decision from the custom cabinetry to the final throw pillow was made in service of the same design vision. The hand-painted terracotta tile backsplash brought artisan character into the kitchen in a way that felt fresh rather than Tuscan, and the basalt black stone fireplace gave the living space a bold focal point that reads as distinctly modern. Because Lauren holds both an interior design credential and an active Arizona ROC general contractor license, the construction and design were managed under one roof with no gap between the two. Materials: Custom hand-painted terracotta tile backsplash, custom cabinetry, basalt black stone fireplace, curated warm modern furnishings and textiles sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $250,000 to $550,000 | Timeline: Approximately 5 to 9 months from design through completion.

Modern living with ocean breezes __ This is another development project EdenLA assisted the client to finish quickly and for top dollar. The fun challenge of more contemporary spaces is how to make them warm and inviting while still maintaining the overall masculine appeal of their architecture. Water features, playful custom abstract art, unique furniture layouts, and warm stone and cabinetry decisions all helped to achieve that in this space. Beach Life Construction implemented the architect's indoor-outdoor flow on the top floor beautifully as well. __ Kim Pritchard Photography

Example of a transitional master dark wood floor bedroom design in Wichita with gray walls

Five stars isn’t enough! Our project was to reconfigure and update the main floor of a house we recently purchased that was built in 1961. We wanted to maintain some of the unique feeling it originally had but bring it up-to-date and eliminate the closed-in rooms and downright weird layout that was the result of multiple, partial remodeling projects. We began with a long wishlist of changes which also required replacement of very antiquated plumbing, electrical wiring and HVAC. We even found a fireplace that had been walled in and needed major re-construction. Many other aspects and details on this incredible list we made included an all new kitchen layout, converting a bedroom into a master closet, adding new half-bath, completely rebuilding the master bath, and adding stone, tile and custom built cabinetry. Our design plans included many fixtures and details that we specified and required professional installation and careful handling. Innovative helped us make reasonable decisions. Their skilled staff took us through a design process that made sense. There were many questions and all were answered with sincere conversation and positive – innovation – on how we could achieve our goals. Innovative provided us with professional consultants, who listened and were courteous and creative, with solid knowledge and informative judgement. When they didn’t have an answer, they did the research. They developed a comprehensive project plan that exceeded our expectations. Every item on our long list was checked-off. All agreed on work was fulfilled and they completed all this in just under four months. Innovative took care of putting together a team of skilled professional specialists who were all dedicated to make everything right. Engineering, construction, supervision, and I cannot even begin to describe how much thanks we have for the demolition crew! Our multiple, detailed project designs from Raul and professional design advice from Mindy and the connections she recommended are all of the best quality. Diego Jr., Trevor and his team kept everything on track and neat and tidy every single day and Diego Sr., Mark, Ismael, Albert, Santiago and team are true craftsmen who follow-up and make the most minuscule woodworking details perfect. The cabinets by Tim and electrical work and installation of fixtures by Kemchan Harrilal-BB and Navindra Doolratram, and Augustine and his crew on tile and stone work – all perfection. Aisling and the office crew were always responsive to our calls and requests. And of course Clark and Eric who oversaw everything and gave us the best of the best! Apologies if we didn’t get everyone on this list – you’re all great! Thank you for your hard work and dedication. We can’t thank you enough Innovative Construction – we kind of want to do it again! Dave Hallman & Matt DeGraffenreid

After building their first home this Bloomfield couple didn't have any immediate plans on building another until they saw this perfect property for sale. It didn't take them long to make the decision on purchasing it and moving forward with another building project. With the wife working from home it allowed them to become the general contractor for this project. It was a lot of work and a lot of decision making but they are absolutely in love with their new home. It is a dream come true for them and I am happy they chose me and Dillman & Upton to help them make it a reality. Cabinetry: Mid Continent, Allen door, Maple, White paint Kate Benjamin

Thassos White Marble Waterjet Mosaic and Floor Tiles Thassos white marble has become prominent in modern interior revamping. It’s unique on the surface and pleasing to the eye in whichever area it carpets. Thasos also has quite a number of advantages to it which make it the ideal option when installing or replacing floor tiles in your home or office. Its white hue gives it a contemporary look which is fits in any kind of floor renovation arrangement. For quite some time now Thassos white marble waterjet mosaic tile has been used to accentuate other tile colors, especially the Carrara range, or can also be used as the main tile which then gets tweaks from glass mosaics or vinyl. The white color may also vary with some tiles have a creamy white look while others will have a snowy white surface. What is consistent in all Thassos stone tiles is the spotless look when shipped from their origin, Thassos Island in Greece. With technology advancing, today we can add a little bit of texture on Thassos marble or just give it a bit of polishing to give it a smooth look. The polishing style can be honed or thoroughly polished; when honed the stone surface gets mild polishing so it doesn’t reflect light on any floor it is used. On the other hand, heavily polished Thassos white marble has a slick shimmery look which makes it perfect for areas you want light illuminated. This makes the stone marble perfect for bathroom floor tiles where a bit of water accentuates the shine. Being in the range of natural stone, Thassos white marble also comes with the same advantages we find in all stone tiles. The surface is non porous which means water cannot seep through no matter how much splashing is made on the floor. Stone tiles are quite tough in nature as well which makes them. Marble is resistant to corrosive material like harsh chemical cleaners, bleaches or acidic drinks like Soda. This makes them ideal for use as kitchen floor tiles or industrial flooring. So the next time you are thinking of remodeling, Thassos white marble can be the best decision you make. Yes the tile is not expensive comparing to others; in fact the entire range of stone marble doesn’t come cheap. But if we look on the brighter side, Thassos floor tiles is a onetime investment that will last for years. Moreover, Thassos marble is exquisite and it brings up the value of any houses it is used in; even an old looking shack! http://AllMarbletiles.com

After building their first home this Bloomfield couple didn't have any immediate plans on building another until they saw this perfect property for sale. It didn't take them long to make the decision on purchasing it and moving forward with another building project. With the wife working from home it allowed them to become the general contractor for this project. It was a lot of work and a lot of decision making but they are absolutely in love with their new home. It is a dream come true for them and I am happy they chose me and Dillman & Upton to help them make it a reality. Cabinetry: Mid Continent, Allen door, Maple, White paint Photo By: Kate Benjamin

After building their first home this Bloomfield couple didn't have any immediate plans on building another until they saw this perfect property for sale. It didn't take them long to make the decision on purchasing it and moving forward with another building project. With the wife working from home it allowed them to become the general contractor for this project. It was a lot of work and a lot of decision making but they are absolutely in love with their new home. It is a dream come true for them and I am happy they chose me and Dillman & Upton to help them make it a reality. Cabinetry: Perimeter- Mid Continent, Thomas door, Maple, Antique White Island- Mid Continent, Thomas door, Cherry, Fireside Black Glaze Photo By: Kate Benjamin

Modern living with ocean breezes __ This is another development project EdenLA assisted the client to finish quickly and for top dollar. The fun challenge of more contemporary spaces is how to make them warm and inviting while still maintaining the overall masculine appeal of their architecture. Water features, playful custom abstract art, unique furniture layouts, and warm stone and cabinetry decisions all helped to achieve that in this space. Beach Life Construction implemented the architect's indoor-outdoor flow on the top floor beautifully as well. __ Kim Pritchard Photography

This Condo has been in the family since it was first built. And it was in desperate need of being renovated. The kitchen was isolated from the rest of the condo. The laundry space was an old pantry that was converted. We needed to open up the kitchen to living space to make the space feel larger. By changing the entrance to the first guest bedroom and turn in a den with a wonderful walk in owners closet. Then we removed the old owners closet, adding that space to the guest bath to allow us to make the shower bigger. In addition giving the vanity more space. The rest of the condo was updated. The master bath again was tight, but by removing walls and changing door swings we were able to make it functional and beautiful all that the same time.

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022