During a recent remodel, these homeowners in North Oaks left their master bath for last. And when it was time to update, they listened to the recommendation of their trusted contractor. “Our contractor said that LiLu really gets what their clients are looking for,” Angi said. “I totally agree.” During the planning stages LiLu determined the footprint didn’t need to change. With those parameters in place, LiLu was free to significantly alter the space plan overall. After gutting everything, they moved walls and rerouted plumbing to make the flow more efficient. By relocating the vanities, and then shifting and enclosing the shower in glass, LiLu dramatically improved the vista from the bedroom. Aesthetically, LiLu combined dark wood with gray lacquered cabinets, they painted the room in lighter gray tones to brighten up the space, and they created a sense of verticality. Above all, the homeowners wanted her master bathroom to feel luxurious. So LiLu included several up-scale details and custom amenities in their design—a towel warmer, a built-in hamper, and a built-in hairdryer all make her dream a reality. Now whether it’s the beginning of a new day or the end of a long one, this space makes family life feel a bit more relaxing. ------- Project designed by Minneapolis interior design studio LiLu Interiors. They serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area including Wayzata, Edina, and Rochester, and they travel to the far-flung destinations that their upscale clientele own second homes in. -------- For more about LiLu Interiors, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/ ---- To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/blog/portfolio-items/blissful-master-bath/

During a recent remodel, these homeowners in North Oaks left their master bath for last. And when it was time to update, they listened to the recommendation of their trusted contractor. “Our contractor said that LiLu really gets what their clients are looking for,” Angi said. “I totally agree.” During the planning stages LiLu determined the footprint didn’t need to change. With those parameters in place, LiLu was free to significantly alter the space plan overall. After gutting everything, they moved walls and rerouted plumbing to make the flow more efficient. By relocating the vanities, and then shifting and enclosing the shower in glass, LiLu dramatically improved the vista from the bedroom. Aesthetically, LiLu combined dark wood with gray lacquered cabinets, they painted the room in lighter gray tones to brighten up the space, and they created a sense of verticality. Above all, the homeowners wanted her master bathroom to feel luxurious. So LiLu included several up-scale details and custom amenities in their design—a towel warmer, a built-in hamper, and a built-in hairdryer all make her dream a reality. Now whether it’s the beginning of a new day or the end of a long one, this space makes family life feel a bit more relaxing. ------- Project designed by Minneapolis interior design studio LiLu Interiors. They serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area including Wayzata, Edina, and Rochester, and they travel to the far-flung destinations that their upscale clientele own second homes in. -------- For more about LiLu Interiors, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/ ---- To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/blog/portfolio-items/blissful-master-bath/

Quite possibly the modish mudroom of them all thanks to sleek built-ins, fine furnishings and finishing touches, like our sexy Alvorada wallpaper. Bravo Brooklyn-based Delson or Sherman Architects! Photography by: Jason Schmidt Designed by Kravitz Design, Alvorada is a super-sized geometric that is big in scale and style. This pattern can be installed straight across for a capsule shape or as a shifted half drop for a sexy brazilian rhythm that Lenny Kravitz and his team work so well. If you are looking for a large scale dramatic addition to your space, this one really rocks out.

A minimal insertion into a densely wooded landscape, the Collector’s Pavilion provides the owners with an 8,000 sf private fitness space and vintage automobile gallery. On a gently sloping site in amongst a grove of trees, the pavilion slides into the topography - mimicking and contrasting the surrounding landscape with a folded roof plane that hovers over a board formed concrete base. The clients’ requirement for a nearby room to display a growing car collection as well as provide a remote area for personal fitness carries with it a series of challenges related to privacy and security. The pavilion nestles into the wooded site - finding a home in a small clearing - and merges with the sloping landscape. The building has dual personalities, serving as a private and secure bunker from the exterior, while transforming into a warm and inviting space on the interior. The use of indirect light and the need to obscure direct views from the public right away provides the client with adequate day light for day-to-day use while ensuring that strict privacy is maintained. This shifting personality is also dramatically affected by the seasons - contrasting and merging with the surrounding environment depending on the time of year. The Collector’s Pavilion employs meticulous detailing of its concrete to steel to wood connections, exploring the grounded nature of poured concrete in conjunction with a delicate wood roof system that floats above a grid of steel. Above all, the Pavilion harmonizes with it’s natural surroundings through it’s materiality, formal language, and siting. Overview Chenequa, WI Size 8,000 sf Completion Date May 2013 Services Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design

A small courtyard garden in San Francisco. • Creative use of space in the dense, urban fabric of hilly SF. • For the last several years the clients had carved out a make shift courtyard garden at the top of their driveway. It was one of the few flat spaces in their yard where they could sit in the sun and enjoy a cup of coffee. We turned the top of a steep driveway into a courtyard garden. • The actual courtyard design was planned for the maximum dimensions possible to host a dining table and a seating area. The space is conveniently located outside their kitchen and home offices. However we needed to save driveway space for parking the cars and getting in and out. • The design, fabrication and installation team was comprised of people we knew. I was an acquaintance to the clients having met them through good friends. The landscape contractor, Boaz Mor, http://www.boazmor.com/, is their neighbor and someone I worked with before. The metal fabricator is Murray Sandford of Moz Designs, https://mozdesigns.com/, https://www.instagram.com/moz_designs/ . Both contractors have long histories of working in the Bay Area on a variety of complex designs. • The size of this garden belies the complexity of the design. We did not want to remove any of the concrete driveway which was 12” or more in thickness, except for the area where the large planter was going. The driveway sloped in two directions. In order to get a “level”, properly, draining patio, we had to start it at around 21” tall at the outside and end it flush by the garage doors. • The fence is the artful element in the garden. It is made of power-coated aluminum. The panels match the house color; and posts match the house trim. The effect is quiet, blending into the overall property. The panels are dramatic. Each fence panel is a different size with a unique pattern. • The exterior panels that you see from the street are an abstract riff on the seasons of the Persian walnut tree in their front yard. The cut-outs illustrate spring bloom when the walnut leafs out to autumn when the nuts drop to the ground and the squirrels eats them, leaving a mess of shells everywhere. Even the pesky squirrel appears on one of the panels. • The interior panels, lining the entry into the courtyard, are an abstraction of the entire walnut tree. • Although the panel design is made of perforations, the openings are designed to retain privacy when you are inside the courtyard. • There is a large planter on one side of the courtyard, big enough for a tree to soften a harsh expanse of a neighboring wall. Light through the branches cast playful shadows on the wall behind. • The lighting, mounted on the house is a nod to the client’s love of New Orleans gas lights. • The paving is black stone from India, dark enough to absorb the warmth of the sun on a cool, summer San Francisco day.

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

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

This stunning primary bedroom remodel delivers a refined, masculine aesthetic that feels equal parts luxury hotel and personal sanctuary. The transformation centers around a rich, moody palette anchored by a custom periwinkle-blue wall color that shifts beautifully from cool gray to soft lavender depending on the light — creating an atmosphere that is both energizing and deeply restful. The room's focal point is a king-sized upholstered platform bed featuring a wide, channel-tufted headboard in warm taupe velvet, dressed with layered indigo linen bedding, oversized quilted shams in dusty mauve, and a classic windowpane throw blanket. Flanking the bed are sleek black oval nightstands — each topped with a marble-column lamp, silver starburst sculptures, and carefully curated personal accessories that nod to the homeowner's passions for horology and classic automobiles. A full wall of fluted black wood dressers provides generous storage while doubling as a dramatic display surface beneath a large-scale framed photograph of a luxury watch movement — a conversation piece that elevates the space into gallery territory. The sitting area features a channel-tufted slate leather armchair paired with a minimalist pedestal side table, positioned beside a grand bay window with an arched transom and custom woven valance. Personal touches throughout — a vintage car model, A Man & His Car coffee table book, watch displays, and framed automotive photography — give this retreat a deeply personal character without sacrificing sophistication. A cognac leather oval bench at the foot of the bed introduces warmth and a subtle vintage nod that ties the entire palette together beautifully. The second bedroom refreshes a guest suite with a softer, transitional sensibility: warm greige walls, a linen platform bed, crisp white bedding with charcoal velvet accent pillows, and a triptych of terracotta-framed abstract art above the headboard.

A grand entrance begins with this sweeping curved staircase that commands attention the moment you step inside. Rich oak treads and a flowing handrail trace an elegant arc through the multi-level space, while metal balusters with intricate gothic knuckle details add a touch of refined craftsmanship. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the stairway with natural light, creating dramatic shadows that shift throughout the day and emphasize the sculptural beauty of the curve. Working closely with the owner, a hands-on engineer, our design and manufacturing teams rose to the challenge of this custom home. Every detail was carefully calibrated: precise dimensions, optimal clearances, flawless finishes, and installation specifications that honored both the architectural vision and structural requirements. The result is a staircase that's not just functional, but a true centerpiece that celebrates the marriage of wood, metal, and light. 1976-2025 © Century Stair Company

A grand entrance begins with this sweeping curved staircase that commands attention the moment you step inside. Rich oak treads and a flowing handrail trace an elegant arc through the multi-level space, while metal balusters with intricate gothic knuckle details add a touch of refined craftsmanship. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the stairway with natural light, creating dramatic shadows that shift throughout the day and emphasize the sculptural beauty of the curve. Working closely with the owner, a hands-on engineer, our design and manufacturing teams rose to the challenge of this custom home. Every detail was carefully calibrated: precise dimensions, optimal clearances, flawless finishes, and installation specifications that honored both the architectural vision and structural requirements. The result is a staircase that's not just functional, but a true centerpiece that celebrates the marriage of wood, metal, and light. 1976-2025 © Century Stair Company

A grand entrance begins with this sweeping curved staircase that commands attention the moment you step inside. Rich oak treads and a flowing handrail trace an elegant arc through the multi-level space, while metal balusters with intricate gothic knuckle details add a touch of refined craftsmanship. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the stairway with natural light, creating dramatic shadows that shift throughout the day and emphasize the sculptural beauty of the curve. Working closely with the owner, a hands-on engineer, our design and manufacturing teams rose to the challenge of this custom home. Every detail was carefully calibrated: precise dimensions, optimal clearances, flawless finishes, and installation specifications that honored both the architectural vision and structural requirements. The result is a staircase that's not just functional, but a true centerpiece that celebrates the marriage of wood, metal, and light. 1976-2025 © Century Stair Company

A grand entrance begins with this sweeping curved staircase that commands attention the moment you step inside. Rich oak treads and a flowing handrail trace an elegant arc through the multi-level space, while metal balusters with intricate gothic knuckle details add a touch of refined craftsmanship. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the stairway with natural light, creating dramatic shadows that shift throughout the day and emphasize the sculptural beauty of the curve. Working closely with the owner, a hands-on engineer, our design and manufacturing teams rose to the challenge of this custom home. Every detail was carefully calibrated: precise dimensions, optimal clearances, flawless finishes, and installation specifications that honored both the architectural vision and structural requirements. The result is a staircase that's not just functional, but a true centerpiece that celebrates the marriage of wood, metal, and light. 1976-2025 © Century Stair Company

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

This kitchen went from darker wood, perfectly functional and nice - to open and light and contemporary. The whole kitchen shifted to one side with the island providing the sink and a new sliding door (not seen in photos) leading to the outside. The change is so dramatic - it's hard to see the original kitchen at all in the new kitchen!

If “desert retro” could be translated as a design style, this MCM-inspired kitchen would be it. Our goal for these clients — a young couple who recently relocated to the Pittsburgh-area from Phoenix, AZ — was to bring a touch of the sunny Sonoran into their new home. This subdued, sun-bleached palette feels both vibrant and earthy. A dramatic, shifting landscape that comes alive with the day’s changing light. Large format terrazzo tiles ground the space with muted, dusty green, ochre and amber. A nod to the tough skins of cacti, agave, and creosote bushes. A mixed finish glass tile backsplash adds pale yellow accents found in parched sand dunes. Three different cabinet finishes form our rocky canyons. Deep brown and clay purple hues like ancient cliff faces stained by manganese and iron oxide. Washed out skies reflecting warm white light. Golden brass details throughout gleam like the desert sun. By removing a wall in between the kitchen and dining room, we were able to add a working peninsula and pull the range out of the corner. This change opened up the space, solving layout and storage puzzles for our clients — without making the kitchen feel cold or contemporary. Smooth, slab-style cabinet faces paired with streamlined appliances and fixtures keep things low maintenance.

A grand entrance begins with this sweeping curved staircase that commands attention the moment you step inside. Rich oak treads and a flowing handrail trace an elegant arc through the multi-level space, while metal balusters with intricate gothic knuckle details add a touch of refined craftsmanship. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the stairway with natural light, creating dramatic shadows that shift throughout the day and emphasize the sculptural beauty of the curve. Working closely with the owner, a hands-on engineer, our design and manufacturing teams rose to the challenge of this custom home. Every detail was carefully calibrated: precise dimensions, optimal clearances, flawless finishes, and installation specifications that honored both the architectural vision and structural requirements. The result is a staircase that's not just functional, but a true centerpiece that celebrates the marriage of wood, metal, and light. 1976-2025 © Century Stair Company

Challenge: Three strikes and you’re out of this world! Solved: Overlooking the golf course, this property’s third remodel features a dramatically cantilevered, floating Ipe wood deck. With completely re-engineered plumbing, beautifully resurfaced pool, and attention-grabbing flourishes that include custom helix torches, color-shifting smart-phone-controlled LED lighting in pool and sauna, and a gorgeous hand-crafted fire pit—we’d say the axiom, “third time’s a charm,” proves true again.

This kitchen remodel was a complete transformation, taken down to the studs to allow for a bold redesign that blends functionality with striking mid-century modern style. Every surface and element was refreshed to bring new life to this previously traditional space. We installed all-new custom cabinetry and high-performance appliances, tailored to modern cooking and entertaining needs. The floors were upgraded with warm-toned hardwood throughout the main areas, and a stunning handmade tile from Fireclay was selected for the kitchen—adding rich texture, craftsmanship, and personality. The green tile backsplash serves as a dramatic focal point, accented by vibrant pops of yellow in the light fixtures that inject energy and playfulness into the design. A new back door was also installed, allowing significantly more natural light to flood into the space. This renovation showcases how thoughtful material selection and bold color choices can completely reimagine a space. The finished kitchen is a confident shift from traditional to a fresh, mid-century modern aesthetic—inviting, functional, and full of character.

A family cottage in the Gatineau hills infused with Canadiana shifts its way over the edge of a cliff to command views of the adjacent lake. The retreat is gently embedded in the Canadian Shield; the sleeping quarters firmly set in the rock while the cantilevered family room dramatically emerges from this stone base. The modest entry visible from the road leads to an orchestrated, tranquil path entering from the forest-side of the house and moving through the space as it opens up onto the lakeside. The house illustrates a warm approach to modernism; white oak boards wrap from wall to floor enhancing the elongated shape of the house and slabs of silver maple create the bathroom vanity. On the exterior, the main volume is wrapped with open-joint eastern white cedar while the stairwell is encased in steel; both are left unfinished to age with the elements. On the lower level, the dormitory style sleeping quarters are again embedded into the rock. Access to the exterior is provided by a walkout from the lower level recreation room, allowing the family to easily explore nature. Natural cooling is provided by cool air rising from the lake, passing in through the lakeside openings and out through the clerestory windows on the forest elevation. The expanse of windows engages the ephemeral foliage from the treetops to the forest floor. The softness and shadows of the filtered forest light fosters an intimate relationship between the exterior and the interior.