The owners of this property were avid entertainers who enjoy opening up their space for friends and family. The design's primary objective was to create an inviting space for mingling and socializing. Situated in Houston's West University area on a compact lot, our focus was on accommodating gatherings of varying sizes. The focal point of this design is a bubbling water feature, that enhances the space with a touch of color and soothing water sounds, complemented by a base of Mexican beach pebbles. Stamped and stained concrete compose the walkway and patio, purposefully designed to encourage conversation around the water feature and to provide a dedicated outdoor dining and gathering area. Understanding the owners' love for their canine companions, we integrated pet-friendly synthetic turf. This sustainable and low-maintenance choice offers a space where owners can enjoy quality moments with their beloved pets. We built a Western Red Cedar Fence around the property and installed Eagleston Holly trees at the perimeter for enhanced privacy. These trees will mature to an impressive 15 feet. Texas native plants, Loropetalum and Variegated Ginger, were thoughtfully incorporated throughout the design. In the evenings, carefully positioned soft LED lighting adds allure and highlights specific facets of the design. We obscured the A/C by installing an A/C screen that matches the Western Red Cedar Fence. The result of this design is an elevated space, ideal for hosting, while remaining low-maintenance and sustainable. This ensures that owners can fully embrace quality time with their family and pets, without the burden of extensive upkeep.

What began as a renovation project morphed into a new house, driven by the natural beauty of the site. The new structures are perfectly aligned with the coastline, and take full advantage of the views of ocean, islands, and shoals. The location is within walking distance of town and its amenities, yet miles away in the privacy it affords. The house is nestled on a nicely wooded lot, giving the residence screening from the street, with an open meadow leading to the ocean on the rear of the lot. The design concept was driven by the serenity of the site, enhanced by textures of trees, plantings, sand and shoreline. The newly constructed house sits quietly in a location advantageously positioned to take full advantage of natural light and solar orientations. The visual calm is enhanced by the natural material: stone, wood, and metal throughout the home. The main structures are comprised of traditional New England forms, with modern connectors serving to unify the structures. Each building is equally suited for single floor living, if that future needs is ever necessary. Unique too is an underground connection between main house and an outbuilding. With their flowing connections, no room is isolated or ignored; instead each reflects a different level of privacy and social interaction. Just as there are layers to the exterior in beach, field, forest and oceans, the inside has a layered approach. Textures in wood, stone, and neutral colors combine with the warmth of linens, wools, and metals. Personality and character of the interiors and its furnishings are tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Rooms are arranged and organized in an intersection of public and private spaces. The quiet palette within reflects the nature outside, enhanced with artwork and accessories.

"Dramatically positioned along Pelican Crest's prized front row, this Newport Coast House presents a refreshing modern aesthetic rarely available in the community. A comprehensive $6M renovation completed in December 2017 appointed the home with an assortment of sophisticated design elements, including white oak & travertine flooring, light fixtures & chandeliers by Apparatus & Ladies & Gentlemen, & SubZero appliances throughout. The home's unique orientation offers the region's best view perspective, encompassing the ocean, Catalina Island, Harbor, city lights, Palos Verdes, Pelican Hill Golf Course, & crashing waves. The eminently liveable floorplan spans 3 levels and is host to 5 bedroom suites, open social spaces, home office (possible 6th bedroom) with views & balcony, temperature-controlled wine and cigar room, home spa with heated floors, a steam room, and quick-fill tub, home gym, & chic master suite with frameless, stand-alone shower, his & hers closets, & sprawling ocean views. The rear yard is an entertainer's paradise with infinity-edge pool & spa, fireplace, built-in BBQ, putting green, lawn, and covered outdoor dining area. An 8-car subterranean garage & fully integrated Savant system complete this one of-a-kind residence. Residents of Pelican Crest enjoy 24/7 guard-gated patrolled security, swim, tennis & playground amenities of the Newport Coast Community Center & close proximity to the pristine beaches, world-class shopping & dining, & John Wayne Airport." via Cain Group / Pacific Sotheby's International Realty Photo: Chris Snitko

Blair Jones from Reico Kitchen & Bath in Woodbridge, VA, designed a transitional kitchen featuring Masterpiece Cabinetry in the Rockwell door style. The perimeter cabinets are a Dove White finish, while the island cabinets are in Midnight, complemented by Cambria Travella quartz countertops. The clients shared, “Our main goals were to create a more usable space for gatherings and improve the flow between the kitchen and family room for entertaining. We achieved this by adding a large island with counter-level bar stools and widening the opening between the two rooms. We're thrilled with the results and love entertaining in our new kitchen. We had a very positive experience with Reico on our kitchen remodel and would highly recommend them for any project. The team was professional and a pleasure to work with throughout the entire renovation process. Any questions or concerns were addressed promptly.” Blair added, “The clients had a clear vision but faced a few challenges along the way. We worked together to find the perfect solution, resulting in a kitchen that meets all their needs for hosting, socializing and more.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images.

Nestled along the picturesque shoreline of Sagamore Creek, this property's new pool house features a weathered cedar shingle exterior complemented by crisp white trim, evoking the charm of traditional New England Seacoast homes. The pitched roof, adorned with an eyebrow window, not only enhances the building's visual appeal but also reflects the area's architecture. The open layout features a large bar with a polished granite countertop, providing an inviting space for socializing and taking in views of Sagamore Creek. A strategically positioned TV is integrated into the millwork, allowing for entertainment without compromising the picturesque waterfront ambiance. The changing area is designed with convenience in mind, featuring thoughtfully placed hooks and storage for towels and swimwear. Adjacent to this space, an outdoor shower adds a touch of luxury, allowing residents and guests to rinse off while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze after a day on the boat. Also added to the property is a stunning new detached 3-car garage. This multifaceted structure not only provides ample parking space but also incorporates a thoughtfully designed office space above, offering a versatile and inspiring work environment. The inclusion of a cupola enhances the architectural charm while allowing natural light to flood the interior.

Bar takes a central position and thus part of all socialization. The courtyard and front doors are visible on the right.
Inspiration for a contemporary home bar remodel in Las Vegas

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Featuring a sizeable seating and sleeping surface, Grand provides a design that is comfortable and impressive. It is fused with contemporary functionality as legs used to convert from sofa to bed have an ingenious lock mechanism and are neatly hidden under the seat when in sofa position. Reflecting the compact living trend, Grand’s multifunctional design easily accommodates three persons to sit, or two-person to rest. Its excess pocket spring comfort provides a pleasant comfort for sitting, resting and socializing. Fulfill the sofa arrangement with the D.E.L ottoman for a movable chaise lounge and temporary seat. The exquisite details of the stitched textile surfaces combined with the large padded armrests provide a design that combine modern elegance with contemporary functionality and longevity.

What had been the family summer “camp” on the lake for many years was to become a summer “home” for the owners in their retirement years. After meeting the requirements for rebuilding at waters edge, the couple focused on their next big requirement: a wonderful kitchen. This kitchen would be part of a single living space that combines the kitchen, dining and sitting areas. They wanted a beautiful, warm, inviting kitchen where they could enjoy their family, a kitchen that would take advantage of views of the lake, a kitchen that would be especially functional for one or more cooks and helpers -- and make it the perfect shade of yellow, please! While they thought they wanted a kitchen with an island that overlooked the rest of the living space, their designer suggested a U-shaped design. A peninsula would minimize the concern that someone would inadvertently miss the edge of the two steps down to the lower living/dining area. It would also give them a kitchen that would allow for things on their wish list: a mantle style hood, a large window at the back of the house, countertop seating and lots of storage. Placing the stove and mantle hood in the corner of the room created space for the large window, and opened up space for high quality storage with uninterrupted lengths of countertop. Rather than competing with the windows and the views, the high style of the mantle hood complements and balances the entire space. Glass was added to the upper section of the wall cabinets. They continue the effect of the transom windows and provide for display of pottery that had been collected over the years. The sink was strategically positioned on the peninsula so that during food preparation or clean up there are views to the lake -- and the opportunity to socialize with people gathered at the countertop or in the living/dining area! Countertop seating was created by angling the extended Shivakashi granite countertop back into the kitchen and away from the steps. A third chair pulls up to the end of the countertop. It’s the favorite seat in the house! The kitchen in this rebuilt lakeside home is being enjoyed and loved in its perfect shade of yellow – magically named “Full Moon”.

This project showcases a thoughtfully designed modern residential backyard that balances relaxation, functionality, and visual elegance. The layout is centered around a rectangular swimming pool, framed with clean paving edges and soft landscape planting to create a resort-style outdoor experience. A dedicated poolside lounge zone features sun loungers positioned for maximum comfort and views, making the space ideal for daytime relaxation. Adjacent to the pool, a circular fire pit seating area anchors the social zone of the backyard, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere for evening gatherings and outdoor entertainment. The landscape design uses a layered planting strategy, combining ornamental shrubs, flowering plants, and low-maintenance greenery to soften the hardscape while maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Strategic planting along the house and perimeter enhances privacy without blocking views of the surrounding open landscape.

When this Chester Springs family came to Craftsworth Construction, they had a vision: transform an unfinished basement into a true extension of their home — a space where they could entertain, relax, host game nights, and still have room for the kids. What we delivered exceeded every expectation. This full basement finish spans multiple defined zones, each with its own purpose and personality, yet all flowing seamlessly together in an open-concept layout. Every detail was intentional. Every material was selected for both beauty and durability. The result is one of the most complete and well-executed basement transformations we've built in Chester County. The Wet Bar & Kitchenette The centerpiece of the entertainment side of the basement is a fully custom wet bar and kitchenette that rivals an upstairs kitchen in both form and function. Dark charcoal shaker cabinets with brushed brass pulls line the walls, framing a dramatic white quartzite stone backsplash that runs full height. Live-edge floating shelves add warmth and texture against the stone. A stainless undermount sink sits beneath a matte black and gold pull-down faucet, and the countertops throughout are a gorgeous veined quartz. Appliances include a full-size stainless French door refrigerator, dishwasher, wine cooler, and a microwave drawer built into the island. A large waterfall island with seating for four anchors the space and separates the working kitchen from the entertainment area. A dramatic hand-hewn wood beam runs overhead, tying the rustic and modern elements together. The Dry Bar & TV Bar On the opposite side of the open space sits a sleek dry bar with a butcher block top and dark charcoal base, perfectly positioned in front of the media wall. Four swivel bar stools with wood backs face the TV, creating a natural watch-the-game setup that's as functional as it is good-looking. This bar serves as the connector between the lounge and the game room, keeping the flow of the space intuitive and social. The Media Lounge The living area features a custom slatted wood accent wall with a large wall-mounted TV, in-wall speakers, and a soundbar — all framed by the warm natural tone of the slat panels against the deep charcoal accent wall. Brass wall sconces flank the TV wall, and a large sectional with a round wood coffee table creates a cozy, cinema-quality hangout space. A black sliding barn door with frosted glass panels leads to the fitness room, adding an industrial-modern touch while keeping the space flexible. The Game Room Dedicated to fun, the game room features a full-size pool table, dart board cabinet, cue rack, and wall-to-wall sports memorabilia including a framed Eagles jersey. A corner L-shaped floating wood shelf wraps the back wall, perfect for drinks and gear during a game. The deep charcoal paint and recessed lighting keep the vibe right. The Bathroom The basement bathroom is a full showstopper. A dark wood vanity with quartz countertop and brass pulls sits beneath a gold-framed rectangular mirror flanked by brass sconces. The frameless glass walk-in shower is tiled floor to ceiling in vertical white subway tile with a built-in niche and a brass thermostatic valve. A vertical shiplap accent wall behind the toilet adds a designer touch that elevates the entire room. The Fitness Room Accessed through the barn door from the lounge, the fitness room is clean and bright with its own wall-mounted TV, recessed lighting, and egress window. It's private enough to feel like a dedicated gym but connected enough to stay part of the home. The Kids' Playroom No detail was overlooked — even the space beneath the stairs was converted into a functional kids' playroom with built-in shelving, a Lego table, and a chalkboard easel. A smart use of square footage that the whole family can enjoy. The Pantry A pair of oversized custom barn-style double doors in matte black open to reveal a full walk-in pantry with white built-in shelving. Closed, the doors look like a bold design feature. Open, they reveal serious organized storage.

What began as a renovation project morphed into a new house, driven by the natural beauty of the site. The new structures are perfectly aligned with the coastline, and take full advantage of the views of ocean, islands, and shoals. The location is within walking distance of town and its amenities, yet miles away in the privacy it affords. The house is nestled on a nicely wooded lot, giving the residence screening from the street, with an open meadow leading to the ocean on the rear of the lot. The design concept was driven by the serenity of the site, enhanced by textures of trees, plantings, sand and shoreline. The newly constructed house sits quietly in a location advantageously positioned to take full advantage of natural light and solar orientations. The visual calm is enhanced by the natural material: stone, wood, and metal throughout the home. The main structures are comprised of traditional New England forms, with modern connectors serving to unify the structures. Each building is equally suited for single floor living, if that future needs is ever necessary. Unique too is an underground connection between main house and an outbuilding. With their flowing connections, no room is isolated or ignored; instead each reflects a different level of privacy and social interaction. Just as there are layers to the exterior in beach, field, forest and oceans, the inside has a layered approach. Textures in wood, stone, and neutral colors combine with the warmth of linens, wools, and metals. Personality and character of the interiors and its furnishings are tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Rooms are arranged and organized in an intersection of public and private spaces. The quiet palette within reflects the nature outside, enhanced with artwork and accessories.

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury. The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!) Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss. Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views: Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south. Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area… A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension: In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.) Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire. While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas. Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least… Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area. An Art-Infused Dining Area: The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar. On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm. Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state. A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture: This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance. Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug. A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna: For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston. This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over. Praise from Our Clients: This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it! “Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.” If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.

This perspective emphasizes the striking industrial pendant lighting that anchors the kitchen's open-concept design. Three oversized matte black dome pendants are perfectly positioned over the large navy kitchen island, providing focused task lighting and a bold visual contrast to the crisp white quartz countertop. The lighting choice ties together the home’s modern farmhouse aesthetic, echoing the matte black finishes of the faucet and hardware while illuminating the seamless transition between the culinary workspace and the social great room.

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Dublexo is a modular sofa with a dual split backrest and upholstered arm support allowing for comfortable seating and lounging. It easily converts from sofa to bed position while the possibility of providing the matching, reclinable chair completes the arrangement. Dublexo enables you to have guests, friends and family to lounge, socialize or staying over for the night. Dublexo is simply presenting a minimalistic designer sofa bed for the modern home that is short on space without compromising good interactions.

What began as a renovation project morphed into a new house, driven by the natural beauty of the site. The new structures are perfectly aligned with the coastline, and take full advantage of the views of ocean, islands, and shoals. The location is within walking distance of town and its amenities, yet miles away in the privacy it affords. The house is nestled on a nicely wooded lot, giving the residence screening from the street, with an open meadow leading to the ocean on the rear of the lot. The design concept was driven by the serenity of the site, enhanced by textures of trees, plantings, sand and shoreline. The newly constructed house sits quietly in a location advantageously positioned to take full advantage of natural light and solar orientations. The visual calm is enhanced by the natural material: stone, wood, and metal throughout the home. The main structures are comprised of traditional New England forms, with modern connectors serving to unify the structures. Each building is equally suited for single floor living, if that future needs is ever necessary. Unique too is an underground connection between main house and an outbuilding. With their flowing connections, no room is isolated or ignored; instead each reflects a different level of privacy and social interaction. Just as there are layers to the exterior in beach, field, forest and oceans, the inside has a layered approach. Textures in wood, stone, and neutral colors combine with the warmth of linens, wools, and metals. Personality and character of the interiors and its furnishings are tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Rooms are arranged and organized in an intersection of public and private spaces. The quiet palette within reflects the nature outside, enhanced with artwork and accessories.

When this Chester Springs family came to Craftsworth Construction, they had a vision: transform an unfinished basement into a true extension of their home — a space where they could entertain, relax, host game nights, and still have room for the kids. What we delivered exceeded every expectation. This full basement finish spans multiple defined zones, each with its own purpose and personality, yet all flowing seamlessly together in an open-concept layout. Every detail was intentional. Every material was selected for both beauty and durability. The result is one of the most complete and well-executed basement transformations we've built in Chester County. The Wet Bar & Kitchenette The centerpiece of the entertainment side of the basement is a fully custom wet bar and kitchenette that rivals an upstairs kitchen in both form and function. Dark charcoal shaker cabinets with brushed brass pulls line the walls, framing a dramatic white quartzite stone backsplash that runs full height. Live-edge floating shelves add warmth and texture against the stone. A stainless undermount sink sits beneath a matte black and gold pull-down faucet, and the countertops throughout are a gorgeous veined quartz. Appliances include a full-size stainless French door refrigerator, dishwasher, wine cooler, and a microwave drawer built into the island. A large waterfall island with seating for four anchors the space and separates the working kitchen from the entertainment area. A dramatic hand-hewn wood beam runs overhead, tying the rustic and modern elements together. The Dry Bar & TV Bar On the opposite side of the open space sits a sleek dry bar with a butcher block top and dark charcoal base, perfectly positioned in front of the media wall. Four swivel bar stools with wood backs face the TV, creating a natural watch-the-game setup that's as functional as it is good-looking. This bar serves as the connector between the lounge and the game room, keeping the flow of the space intuitive and social. The Media Lounge The living area features a custom slatted wood accent wall with a large wall-mounted TV, in-wall speakers, and a soundbar — all framed by the warm natural tone of the slat panels against the deep charcoal accent wall. Brass wall sconces flank the TV wall, and a large sectional with a round wood coffee table creates a cozy, cinema-quality hangout space. A black sliding barn door with frosted glass panels leads to the fitness room, adding an industrial-modern touch while keeping the space flexible. The Game Room Dedicated to fun, the game room features a full-size pool table, dart board cabinet, cue rack, and wall-to-wall sports memorabilia including a framed Eagles jersey. A corner L-shaped floating wood shelf wraps the back wall, perfect for drinks and gear during a game. The deep charcoal paint and recessed lighting keep the vibe right. The Bathroom The basement bathroom is a full showstopper. A dark wood vanity with quartz countertop and brass pulls sits beneath a gold-framed rectangular mirror flanked by brass sconces. The frameless glass walk-in shower is tiled floor to ceiling in vertical white subway tile with a built-in niche and a brass thermostatic valve. A vertical shiplap accent wall behind the toilet adds a designer touch that elevates the entire room. The Fitness Room Accessed through the barn door from the lounge, the fitness room is clean and bright with its own wall-mounted TV, recessed lighting, and egress window. It's private enough to feel like a dedicated gym but connected enough to stay part of the home. The Kids' Playroom No detail was overlooked — even the space beneath the stairs was converted into a functional kids' playroom with built-in shelving, a Lego table, and a chalkboard easel. A smart use of square footage that the whole family can enjoy. The Pantry A pair of oversized custom barn-style double doors in matte black open to reveal a full walk-in pantry with white built-in shelving. Closed, the doors look like a bold design feature. Open, they reveal serious organized storage.

Set in a quiet neighborhood and framed by mature trees, this residence presented a unique opportunity: to thoughtfully evolve a custom mid-century modern home into a space that supports the everyday rhythms of a growing family. With a deep respect for the home’s original architecture, Klopf Architecture reimagined the house to better meet the needs of its owners—introducing functional improvements while preserving the spirit and character of its mid-century roots. The clients approached Klopf Architecture with a clear vision: refresh their home while seamlessly integrating new programmatic elements. Key goals included clarifying and enhancing the entry sequence; connecting the detached garage to the main house with a practical yet architecturally intentional intervention; adding functional spaces such as a mudroom and laundry room; expanding and remodeling the primary suite’s bathroom and closet; and creating a more engaging outdoor space that capitalized on the site’s impressive views, featuring a fire pit and outdoor kitchen. As a couple with distinct yet complementary perspectives—one focused on modern functionality and technology, and the other dedicated to preserving the home’s architectural integrity—their collaboration with Klopf Architecture resulted in a solution that harmonized both ideals. Their shared commitment to improving the livability of their home led to a design dialogue rooted in balance. This dynamic partnership shaped the direction of the renovation, ensuring that every decision honored the spirit of the original home while aligning with the practical needs of their growing family. Designing within the constraints of the sloped site posed one of the project’s central challenges. The detached garage sat at a higher elevation than the main house, requiring a solution that ensured architectural and geometric compatibility between the two structures. Rather than create a purely utilitarian link, Klopf Architecture introduced an intentional connection that contributes to the overall architectural language. A notable pinch point in the plan—where differing geometries converged—was treated as a hinge point, turning a potentially awkward juncture into an architectural feature. This area now functions as both a transition and a moment of design interest that unifies the overall plan. The design also addressed the underutilized outdoor area, which was located in a shadowed portion of the site with geometrical limitations. A new connection to the rear deck was created in this same area, making the outdoor space more useful and inviting. Klopf Architecture introduced carefully positioned openings and spatial improvements that forged a strong visual and functional connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor area now reads as a deliberate extension of the home, embracing natural light and emphasizing the dramatic views. Working through multiple design iterations, Klopf Architecture crafted a solution that preserved the architectural language of the original home while supporting the functional needs of modern life. The garage-to-house connection became more than a passage—it evolved into an architectural moment of transition. A new mudroom and laundry space enhanced convenience without compromising the clean lines of the design. The primary suite was expanded to create a private, serene retreat. The reimagined backyard, complete with fire pit and kitchen, now plays a vital role in the family’s daily routine and social life. Outcomes and Lasting Impact The result is a home that balances heritage with contemporary design, technical precision with design sensibility. The redesign not only met the clients’ initial goals but also exceeded expectations in its ability to seamlessly blend past and present, function and beauty, making the outdoor kitchen a favorite gathering place. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation has significantly improved daily life for the family. The newly integrated garage connection has streamlined routines, providing a seamless transition between arriving home, storing belongings, and entering the main living spaces. The expanded primary suite offers a retreat-like atmosphere, creating a private space to unwind at the end of the day. The redesigned outdoor areas have also become an extension of their lifestyle—whether it's casual family dinners around the fire pit, entertaining friends in the outdoor kitchen, or simply enjoying the view from the reimagined backyard. Through a thoughtful and strategic approach, the house has been successfully evolved into a home that remains true to its mid-century modern roots while enhancing livability, functionality, and the overall quality of life for the modern-day owners. Klopf Architecture Team: Geoffrey Campen, Fernanda Bernardes Architectural Interior Design: Klopf Architecture Structural Engineer: Base Design Inc. Contractor: Golden Snail Builders Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed:2022

The clients enjoy entertaining guests in their home. They enjoy sports events, but don't necessarily enjoy the hustle 'n bustle of going to the stadium, finding a place to park, and in the case of football, freezing to death. They much prefer sharing the ambiance of their comfortable home, offering snacks and drinks from the bar, and enjoying a round of pool during intermissions and halftime, or watching halftime shows on a state-of-the-art home theater. These clients were so committed to this enterprise, they dedicated their 3,000 sq’ basement, except those areas already used for utility, storage, and mechanical needs, the renovation.To make sure the clients' every wish was met, a complete entertainment area was designed and constructed with ease of movement, lighting, and safety in mind. The area would include a home theater with totally wireless controls, a pool room, and a social area replete with a commercial-grade wet bar. The home theater consists of a screen within a custom cabinet system that also houses the complete audio-visual equipment center. Speakers are nestled in custom benches with the sound cones discretely hidden behind fabric panels. The motor for the panel that hides the screen when not in use is behind a similar fabric panel.The furniture style cabinet has Shaker style doors with walnut peg inlays and leaded glass panels. There are multiple lighting "scenes" for ambiance; low-voltage lighting inside the crown molding, and recessed can lights are discretely placed so that they can provide an extra level of illumination when required.The pool room was walled with a custom wainscot paneling with clear cherry stiles and rails finished with a clear satin lacquer. The panels are of Madagascar ebony with a light satin stain and a clear lacquer finish. A custom cue rack was constructed from clear cherry and backed with the Madagascar ebony panel.Drink rails were custom fabricated from cherry and custom crown molding was fabricated to match the rest of the house. The space is lit with a combination of recessed lights and a series of hidden lights behind crown molding for dramatic effect. The bar area is topped with a custom crown detail to contain the lighting. The bar is constructed in the same manner and fashion as the theater and pool rooms with Shaker style cabinetry with square walnut peg in the door corners and decorative leaded glass door fronts with more than enough front and back bar space to serve and enjoy drinks and snacks. Entry behind the bar is through custom, bi-directional butler doors. A custom bottle display and storage area takes up the bottom half of the bar's back wall. And, for the sake of convenience, a full size automatic dishwasher is installed under the bar for cleaning glasses and stemware. The bar is also tricked out with an espresso machine, its own flat screen TV and AmX video controller. The bar is lit with puck lights in the upper cabinets that illuminate downward through glass shelves, and low-voltage lighting is used behind the bottle display. The bar itself is lit by a series of earthen tone pendant lights.All three areas complement each other and are in total harmony with the remainder of the house. Moldings were matched, carpeting styles were chosen to complement rather than compromise, and muted, natural colors and textures were chosen that complement the surroundings. There is a seamless transition between the newer areas of the home and those already in everyday use. The entire area is a nebula of electrons operating servos, quietly opening and closing hidden switches, mysteriously dimming and brightening lights, and not only creating an alluring atmosphere, but one that is programmable, available at the touch of a finger to a heat sensitive screen, for an individual, or a group. At a single touch the lights in the theater and bar areas dim as the theater screen lowers into viewing position. Not only does the AMX controller open and close shades and window treatments to facilitate better viewing, but on an entirely different level it controls the very access to the property. It opens and closes entryways, external doors and gates as well.None of this magic came easily. Electrical circuits were at a premium. Over heating plagued the AV rack, and pesky rays of light seemed to creep in where and when they were least welcome. An exhaust fan was installed in the AV cabinet to dissipate the heat. New electrical outlets were scheduled and placed while others were moved. The bar area received custom wire chases hidden within the cabinetry. Exterior roll-a-way shutters, all controlled from the AMX controller, were installed and programmed as the answer to those pesky light rays.

Blair Jones from Reico Kitchen & Bath in Woodbridge, VA, designed a transitional kitchen featuring Masterpiece Cabinetry in the Rockwell door style. The perimeter cabinets are a Dove White finish, while the island cabinets are in Midnight, complemented by Cambria Travella quartz countertops. The clients shared, “Our main goals were to create a more usable space for gatherings and improve the flow between the kitchen and family room for entertaining. We achieved this by adding a large island with counter-level bar stools and widening the opening between the two rooms. We're thrilled with the results and love entertaining in our new kitchen. We had a very positive experience with Reico on our kitchen remodel and would highly recommend them for any project. The team was professional and a pleasure to work with throughout the entire renovation process. Any questions or concerns were addressed promptly.” Blair added, “The clients had a clear vision but faced a few challenges along the way. We worked together to find the perfect solution, resulting in a kitchen that meets all their needs for hosting, socializing and more.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images.