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

Nat Rea
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Providence with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Architect: Swan Architecture | Interiors: Katie Redpath Constable | Landscaping: Bechler Landscapes | Photography: Landmark Photography

Bathroom - transitional bathroom idea in Las Vegas

This bathroom upgrade features a neutral palate of textural whites and gray/black. The deep soaking tub adds a touch of luxury and the patterned inlay mirror pulls the finishes together nicely.

Location: Nantucket, MA, USA A gorgeous New England beach compound which features a tranquil, sophisticated kitchen. The blue backsplash is the perfect backdrop to a sunny breakfast at the island or a glamorous dinner party in the paneled banquet. The cabinets are accented with hand-made European hardware that enhances the bespoke nature of the kitchen. The children's bathroom has a fun penny tile on the floor juxtaposed against the over-sized subway wall tile. The master bath features crystal fixtures and fittings imported from France. threshold interiors loves working with our clients to produce the perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication in your beach home! Photographed by: Michael Partenio

The homeowner's wide range of tastes coalesces in this lovely kitchen and mudroom. Vintage, modern, English, and mid-century styles form one eclectic and alluring space. Rift-sawn white oak cabinets in warm almond, textured white subway tile, white island top, and a custom white range hood lend lots of brightness while black perimeter countertops and a Laurel Woods deep green finish on the island and beverage bar balance the palette with a unique twist on farmhouse style.

Example of a mid-sized cottage master white tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile and brown floor bathroom design in Raleigh with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Dallas

Powder room - transitional powder room idea in Birmingham

Bedroom - large industrial master concrete floor and beige floor bedroom idea in Calgary with gray walls and no fireplace

Modern Platform Bed / Bedroom Set Linea by Huppe Up Line Made in Canada Linea by Up Huppe is a new modern bedroom set with up-to-date European design and finest made in Canada quality. The Linea Bed is entirely upholstered in Fabric, Leatherette or genuine Leather available in a variety of colors. The Headboard is a bit curved, providing not only a superb look, but also extra comfort. The whole bed is supported by tubular steel legs lacquered in a matt color up to your choice. The Linea Bed as well as the optional casegoods are completely finished from all sides, allowing to place any piece of this bedroom set even in the center of your room. All the pieces within the Linea collection are made of wood veneer and solid Walnut, that can be ordered according to your choice in one of six available wood stain finishes. The interiors of the bedroom case goods are made of Birch that is also finished to protect your even the most delicate clothes. Moreover, the drawers are equipped with soft-closing hardware. Optional Nightstands, Dressers and Chests can be ordered either on short wooden legs or same as bed high steel metal legs. Features: Designed by Up Huppe Bed is upholstered in fabric, eco-leather or leather of different colors Metal legs available in a variety of matt lacquered colors Case-goods structure is available in six walnut finishes Case-goods are finished all around and equipped with self-clothing slow motion slides Bed only requires a mattress that sits on a wooden platform with slats or panels The starting price is for the Linea Queen size bed in Light Natural Walnut finish, Black #324 Lacquer and PL #060 Fabric Upholstery. Dimensions: Queen Size Bed: W67.5" x D94.8" x H40" King Size Bed: W85" x D94.8" x H40" 1-Drawer Nightstand: W24" x D19" x H18" 2-Drawer Nightstand (wooden legs): W24" x D19" x H19" 2-Drawer Nightstand (metal base): W24" x D19" x H23.5" 6-Drawer Dresser (wooden legs): W70" x D19" x H24" 6-Drawer Dresser (metal base): W70" x D19" x H31" 3-Drawer Chest (wooden legs): W36" x D19" x H29" 3-Drawer Chest (metal base): W36" x D19" x H36.3" 5-Drawer Chest (wooden legs): W36" x D19" x H45.5" 5-Drawer Chest (metal base): W36" x D19" x H52.5" Horizontal Mirror: W48" x D1.5" x H23" Floor Mirror: W25" x D1.5" x H77"

Photography by Jared Kuzia
Farmhouse home design photo in Boston

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in New York

Form meets function with versatile pieces that transition from clean-lined seating for stylish entertaining to a comfortable trundle bed.
Living room - transitional living room idea in Houston

Great room looking into kitchen and dining room
Living room - mid-sized craftsman open concept living room idea in Seattle with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

www.LeichtCA.com MODO | DESIGN OPTIONS A functional vision for the backsplash. The house of LEICHT has designed the MODO system, focusing on the exciting contrast of metal and natural wood. It will enhance every modern kitchen with it's clear lines and puristic form language. It provides easy access to the required cooking utensils and eases the straight lined kitchen architecture at the same time. A horizontal square railing of stainless steel colored aluminium screwed directly onto the niche back wall, provides the basic support element. Several function elements in lacquered solid oak are suspended here in various positions. The choice of instruments: shelves, paper roll holders, hook rail, utensil holder and a knife block. Separate function items can also be used as a shelf for smaller items. All lighting developed and designed by LEICHT demonstrates energy efficiency class A+ UL listed and is thus highly efficient. premium LED light with 4100 K (Kelvin) luminous color.

Custom Red Oak wide plank flooring from Hull Forest Products, site finished with Rubio Monocoat. Call 1-800-928-9602 to order a sample. We ship mill-direct nationwide from our sawmill. www.hullforest.com

Open shelves over the side wall bar, offer a perfect place to store those special items.
Kitchen pantry - large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen pantry idea in Calgary with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and subway tile backsplash