This stylish above ground family plunge pool is the highlight of this beautiful Balinese-styled backyard. Fully lined with deep-blue glass mosaic tiles and incorporating a wet-edge spill-over wall, the overall look and finish is a wonderful balance of clean lines and complimentary aesthetics. A play ledge for the kids runs the length of the pool, and the ascending steps are finished in Travertine tiles. Unobtrusive glass fencing and Asian-inspired garden plants enhance the visual appeal. This wonderful family plunge pool is very low maintenance, incorporating the convenience of a jet back pool cleaner, as well as the comfort of gas heating for year-round enjoyment. Mini excavators were used to ensure minimal disruption to this small and difficult-to-access site. Construction was also challenging, with a lot of rain during excavation. However, the result has thrilled this family and transformed the backyard into a focal point of relaxation and enjoyment.

When our landscape and design team first visited this property, we were immediately struck by the potential for transformation. Though the land was a blank slate at the time, our experienced eyes knew that this site could be something truly extraordinary. We saw a chance to craft an outdoor oasis, one that would be carefully tailored to the tastes of its owners and one that would stand out from any other in the neighborhood. Our team recognized that they could create a unique, inviting space where family and friends could come together to relax. With each passing thought, we felt more inspired to bring this project to life — there was no limit as to what we could create! From deciding on which plants, hardscapes and lighting features should go where, this job offered us an opportunity for true landscape magic.

In our Malvern project, we tackled flooring issues by installing new red oak hardwood floors in the kitchen to address water damage and refinishing the entire first floor, excluding the kitchen area. We also repainted the baseboards and shoe molding for a polished look. The kitchen underwent a significant transformation, with the removal of lower cabinets, relocation of the stove, and installation of new white shaker cabinets and handles. Existing countertops, sink, faucet, and stove were seamlessly reinstalled, and a new Bosch 800 series dishwasher was added. This comprehensive update ensured a refreshed and functional kitchen space for our client.

Nestled into a steep hill on an urban-sized lot, N44° 58' 34" is a creative response to a set of unique site conditions. The house is terraced up the hill, providing multiple connections to the large urban lot. This allows the main living spaces to wrap around the greenspace, providing numerous visual and physical relationships to the backyard. With a direct connection to the largest public park in Minneapolis, the backyard transforms seasonally to support the families active, outdoor lifestyle. A grand, central staircase functions as a statement of modern design while windows simultaneously flood all three levels with light. The towering stair is framed by two distinct wings of the home, creating secluded, yet connected moments on each level.

This town home job was a complete transformation from an old, dirty, insignificant front and back yard to living in luxury with the space provided. This job required for us to do a bit of demo, including cutting, and ripping out the sidewalk in the front yard, all pavement and old decking in the backyard, and replacing it with appealing, level pavers all the way around. Along with this beautiful change, we also replaced the fence in the backyard, and put in a nice decorative fence in the front yard. In addition to these adjustments, we provided 4 large very nice pots in the front yard, filled and placed them. Added top soil, sod, river rock, and planted some plants in the front yard. Made sure all pavers were retaining their positioning, and waited time for client to get other renovations, when finished we anchored and placed a pergola between the garage and home and stained it. In short: Demoed job site by removing all concrete, ordered fountain, leveled terrain, created customer-selected custom arbor, placed liner where necessary, built fence in front yard, added mulch, added sand, additional leveling, and pavers in front and back, added metal edging, planted plants, brought in various pots and placed them, added sod, added river rock, received fountain and put it in place, removed and redid fence in backyard, built and stained pergola.

This traditional 4,000 square-foot home is located on a quiet cul de sac in Alamo, California. It served as a family home for San Francisco city professionals, but it was due for a remodel following a change in the lives of the owners. The homeowners are now empty nesters and came to Yoko Oda Interior Design to update their home. Our aim was to create a sophisticated timeless modern environment for this large estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We were excited to take on the challenge and give the home a new lease of life now their children have grown up and left home. Our sophisticated clients were drawn to traditional architectural details, global influences (i.e., Yoko’s Japanese modern aesthetics), contemporary clean lines, and neutral sophisticated color palettes. We have incorporated these interior design elements throughout the home, helping to maximize the space and features available to them while creating a more adult-friendly space to live. Neutral colors allow our clients to continue adding to the home in the future without committing to any colors that they may get tired of after some time. They are a classy option to add to any space and act as the backdrop for any artwork or home accessories that may be added later on. Yoko’s design inspiration came from the clients’ personalities and the color palettes in their wardrobe. Our wardrobes say so much about us, and it’s a great way to learn more about the clients we are working with. A home needs to reflect the personalities of those living there, giving them a space to come back and relax in Alamo after a busy day. We utilized the architectural features in their home such as a 22’ high ceiling, the large windows with natural light and the beautiful gardens outside. We incorporated each of these elements in an intentional way, with the goal of creating a home that was distinctive, layered and that felt collected over time. Yoko created a calm, global, understated city vibe in this family home, which is something that can be a challenge to cultivate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We hope the family will enjoy many more years of living in this beautiful property during this new stage in their lives. Make sure you check out the other remodel projects we’ve completed on our site, to give you more inspiration for how we could help transform your home in the future.

Completed a stunning full home remodel in a modern farmhouse style, inspired by our Clients, designers and our project manager. From design to build, we transformed the space into a beautifully functional home with high-end finishes and thoughtful details.

What a joy to bring this exciting renovation to a loyal client: a family of 6 that has called this Highland Park house, “home” for over 25 years. This relationship began in 2017 when we designed their living room, girls’ bedrooms, powder room, and in-home office. We were thrilled when they entrusted us again with their kitchen, family room, dining room, and laundry area design. Their first floor became our JSDG playground… Our priority was to bring fresh, flowing energy to the family’s first floor. We started by removing partial walls to create a more open floor plan and transformed a once huge fireplace into a modern bar set up. We reconfigured a stunning, ventless fireplace and oriented it floor to ceiling tile in the family room. Our second priority was to create an outdoor space for safe socializing during the pandemic, as we executed this project during the thick of it. We designed the entire outdoor area with the utmost intention and consulted on the gorgeous outdoor paint selections. Stay tuned for photos of this outdoors space on the site soon! Overall, this project was a true labor of love. We are grateful to again bring beauty, flow and function to this beloved client’s warm home.

Nestled into a steep hill on an urban-sized lot, N44° 58' 34" is a creative response to a set of unique site conditions. The house is terraced up the hill, providing multiple connections to the large urban lot. This allows the main living spaces to wrap around the greenspace, providing numerous visual and physical relationships to the backyard. With a direct connection to the largest public park in Minneapolis, the backyard transforms seasonally to support the families active, outdoor lifestyle. A grand, central staircase functions as a statement of modern design while windows simultaneously flood all three levels with light. The towering stair is framed by two distinct wings of the home, creating secluded, yet connected moments on each level.

Contractor: Dan Upton Landscape Architect: everGreen Landscape Photographer: Jim Bartsch
Mid-sized trendy concrete paver patio kitchen photo in Santa Barbara with a pergola

This project was a beautiful collaboration between J.Montgomery Landscape Architects and the Architect remodeling the house and cabana structure. The original 1928 Art Deco home underwent its own transformation, while we designed the landscape to perfectly match. The clients wanted a style reminiscent of a Country Club experience, with an expansive pool, outdoor kitchen with a shade structure, and a custom play area for the kids. Bluestone paving really shines in this setting, offsetting the classic Sonoma-style architecture and framing the contemporary gas fire pit with its blue accents. Landscape lighting enhances the site by night for evening gatherings or a late-night swim. In front, a bluestone entrance leads out to paver driveway and styled front gate. Plantings throughout are Water Efficiency Landscape certified, accenting the front hardscape and back terraces with beautiful low-water color.

Summer will soon be knocking at your door, begging you to come outside and spend time in its warm sunshine. The nicer weather means hosting family barbecues and parties, kicking back in the shade with a good book or floating around in the pool, allowing the stresses of everyday life to slowly drift away. Outdoor Seating - Sectional Is your back yard ready for all of the summertime fun? More specifically, take a good look at your patio furniture. Perhaps certain pieces should be spruced up or repurposed, while others may need to be replaced altogether. Whether you’re dealing with a big or small project, don’t let the details intimidate you. With the right preparation and planning, you can transform your outdoor living space into an oasis where everyone can relax and enjoy themselves. Choose Your Aesthetic Before you dive into an outdoor renovation and end up feeling like you’re drowning in all of the possibilities and decisions, take some time to think about how you envision your new space. How will you be using it? Do you spend more time entertaining or relaxing? What kind of seating do you need? Does it need to be kid- and/or pet-friendly? Do you prefer clean, modern lines or playful, colorful textures? Do you like harder surfaces, such as wood, or softer ones, like cushions? Addressing these questions should help you narrow down the outdoor seating options that work best for your family. Get Trendy Once you’ve honed in on your desired aesthetic, start putting your ideas into action. Looking at this year’s trends can help. For instance, the biggest trend of 2017 is bringing the indoor look outdoors. This theme incorporates plush sofas made from durable fabrics, side tables, ottomans, vibrant-colored throw pillows and outdoor rugs. To protect their outdoor living room, many homeowners also opt for a patio cover, which can be either a hard cover or soft awning. Outdoor Seating - Benches This year’s outdoor furniture also blends wood-grain finishes with worn surface textures and pairs neutral colors with pastels for a washed-out effect. When it comes to dining tables and chairs, classic wrought-iron tea garden furniture is always in style. Go Green Adding a new chair or replacing an entire outdoor living room can be a great opportunity to bring in materials that look great and are also good for the environment. You can make your own (try these ideas from WooHome) or purchase eco-friendly furniture from shops such as Breezesta and Viesso, which offer “green” seating options in a variety of styles and colors. Create A Warm Front While you’ll probably focus on furnishing your back yard, don’t forget to pay some attention to the front of your house, too. Curb appeal counts – it’s the first thing your friends and neighbors see, so making a good impression is a must. Be sure to keep the area clean. As for décor, don’t over-decorate. A simple rocking chair or swing can generate a warm, welcoming feeling for all. Stay On Budget Outdoor Seating - Wicker Whether money is no object or you follow a strict budget, options are available for every wallet. High-end luxury furniture sites such as Frontgate, offer posh designer couches, mosaic dining tables, cushioned hammocks and even a hanging daybed. However, affordable, luxurious-looking options are available, too — especially if you’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves and do some of the work yourself. Pinterest provides countless design inspirations for do-it-yourselfers, such as repurposing an old tire into a cushioned seat and building a lawn chair using wood pallets, among others. Plus, check out money-saving suggestions from Better Homes and Gardens’ Budget-Friendly Ideas for Outdoor Rooms, DIY Network’s 10 Outdoor Rooms on a Budget and HGTV’s 25 Budget-Friendly Ideas for Small Outdoor Spaces. Remember, you don’t have to do everything at once. Concentrate on small areas and budget your time and money for the items that will best fit each space. Have you recently redone your outdoor living space? We’d love to see photos! Post them in the comments below.

This project was a beautiful collaboration between J.Montgomery Landscape Architects and the Architect remodeling the house and cabana structure. The original 1928 Art Deco home underwent its own transformation, while we designed the landscape to perfectly match. The clients wanted a style reminiscent of a Country Club experience, with an expansive pool, outdoor kitchen with a shade structure, and a custom play area for the kids. Bluestone paving really shines in this setting, offsetting the classic Sonoma-style architecture and framing the contemporary gas fire pit with its blue accents. Landscape lighting enhances the site by night for evening gatherings or a late-night swim. In front, a bluestone entrance leads out to paver driveway and styled front gate. Plantings throughout are Water Efficiency Landscape certified, accenting the front hardscape and back terraces with beautiful low-water color.

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

A transformation of a modest raised ranch into a modern oasis. I was the interior designer and general contractor from mechanicals to finishing. It’s also my personal home. The interior design style is that of modern minimalist meets organic modern. I wanted a space that reduced distractions and let the eyes, head, and soul rest. Where everything inside the home has a specific use and purpose. The objects in our home are fewer but each hold a great personal value. You might expect to see this airy aesthetic, with its gallery white walls, in California or New York. Not nestled in a modest 50 year old neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska. Creating a minimal aesthetic is one of the trickiest design styles to pull off. It is more than just less stuff and lots of white. It means sticking to these design principals: -weaving in an abundance of textures -incorporating natural finishes -keenly curating art -giving extra attention to scale -limiting purely decorative items -maximizing natural light This style is not to be confused with the frugality of reductive design. I have incorporated many elevated basics that create an aesthetic of quiet luxury: -architectural bead for trim-less doors -first-of-its kind interior door hardware made of terrazzo -historical marble found in landmark interiors like the NY Public Library -premium flush air vents that disappear out of site -luxury appliances from GE Café and Signature -elegant and resilient terrazzo field tiles Ours was not a simple interior remodel and addition: -gutted and remodeled the existing 2,000 SF -added on approximately another 1,000 SF -moved and installed all new major mechanicals i.e. heating, plumbing and electrical. -knocked through foundation walls to extend the space back -dug down and built up

A tea pot, being a vessel, is defined by the space it contains, it is not the tea pot that is important, but the space. Crispin Sartwell Located on a lake outside of Milwaukee, the Vessel House is the culmination of an intense 5 year collaboration with our client and multiple local craftsmen focused on the creation of a modern analogue to the Usonian Home. As with most residential work, this home is a direct reflection of it’s owner, a highly educated art collector with a passion for music, fine furniture, and architecture. His interest in authenticity drove the material selections such as masonry, copper, and white oak, as well as the need for traditional methods of construction. The initial diagram of the house involved a collection of embedded walls that emerge from the site and create spaces between them, which are covered with a series of floating rooves. The windows provide natural light on three sides of the house as a band of clerestories, transforming to a floor to ceiling ribbon of glass on the lakeside. The Vessel House functions as a gallery for the owner’s art, motorcycles, Tiffany lamps, and vintage musical instruments – offering spaces to exhibit, store, and listen. These gallery nodes overlap with the typical house program of kitchen, dining, living, and bedroom, creating dynamic zones of transition and rooms that serve dual purposes allowing guests to relax in a museum setting. Through it’s materiality, connection to nature, and open planning, the Vessel House continues many of the Usonian principles Wright advocated for. Overview Oconomowoc, WI Completion Date August 2015 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

A tea pot, being a vessel, is defined by the space it contains, it is not the tea pot that is important, but the space. Crispin Sartwell Located on a lake outside of Milwaukee, the Vessel House is the culmination of an intense 5 year collaboration with our client and multiple local craftsmen focused on the creation of a modern analogue to the Usonian Home. As with most residential work, this home is a direct reflection of it’s owner, a highly educated art collector with a passion for music, fine furniture, and architecture. His interest in authenticity drove the material selections such as masonry, copper, and white oak, as well as the need for traditional methods of construction. The initial diagram of the house involved a collection of embedded walls that emerge from the site and create spaces between them, which are covered with a series of floating rooves. The windows provide natural light on three sides of the house as a band of clerestories, transforming to a floor to ceiling ribbon of glass on the lakeside. The Vessel House functions as a gallery for the owner’s art, motorcycles, Tiffany lamps, and vintage musical instruments – offering spaces to exhibit, store, and listen. These gallery nodes overlap with the typical house program of kitchen, dining, living, and bedroom, creating dynamic zones of transition and rooms that serve dual purposes allowing guests to relax in a museum setting. Through it’s materiality, connection to nature, and open planning, the Vessel House continues many of the Usonian principles Wright advocated for. Overview Oconomowoc, WI Completion Date August 2015 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

The Stern Residence ‘Nautilus House’ is Michigan’s second USGBC LEED for Homes Platinum level certified whole house remodel. This ambitious project took a modest, unas- suming Cape Cod and completely transformed the home adding a new second floor and a dramatic curved roof above. The arced roof, besides being sculpturally striking, was intentionally designed to use the largest dimension of SIP panels manufactured, eliminating waste and maximizing utility, and provided an armature for mounting solar panels in the optimal location on the heavily wooded site. -James Haefner Photography

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.