Search results for "Start successful" in Home Design Ideas

This Award-winning kitchen proves vintage doesn't have to look old and tired. This previously dark kitchen was updated with white, gold, and wood in the historic district of Monte Vista. The challenge is making a new kitchen look and feel like it belongs in a charming older home. The highlight and starting point is the original hex tile flooring in white and gold. It was in excellent condition and merely needed a good cleaning. The addition of white calacatta marble, white subway tile, walnut wood counters, brass and gold accents keep the charm intact. Cabinet panels mimic original door panels found in other areas of the home. Custom coffee storage is a modern bonus! 30" Sub-Zero Refrig, Rohl sink.
Find the right local pro for your project

Following the immense success of the original EcoMod Home, EcoMod 2.0 takes modern urban construction to a whole new level. Featuring luxe outdoor spaces at every level, this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 2500 square foot home is redefining the way we live and entertain. The first floor is flooded with natural light and features a massive architectural beam which supports the 3 stories above and allows the first floor to be completely free of interior walls. An open switch back stair provides efficient movement between floors and offers unobstructed views throughout the house. The master suite opens to a generous private balcony, and the third floor wrap around deck features overhead doors which create an indoor outdoor connection that is second to none. Call 1-800-274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.

Every home improvement project can feel like going into battle, but the sweet taste of victory is enough to make it worthwhile. If you ever feel intimidated by homes and gardens in magazines, don’t fret – you can turn your home into a beautiful beacon with easy curb appeal updates! Kevin and Annette Klingel are some of our favorite weekend warriors, and their latest project proves that anything is possible when it comes to dressing up your front garden. The Klingels recently gave their home and front garden a major renovation and entered their photos in the Window Box Contest. When we saw the gorgeous before and after pictures, we knew we had to get the inside scoop on their process and uncover their best curb appeal ideas.
Curb Appeal – Before and After
Before the renovation, the Klingels had a charming South Bend, Indiana rambler that was tidy and traditional, if a little unassuming. Deciding it was time for a much-needed update, the Klingels replaced their old green roof with a black barrel roof to match the style of their home. They also made a needed replacement and changed out the sidewalk and front stoop to a new version in classic black.
After those dramatic changes, the Klingels just couldn’t stop! Loving the contrast between the new black roof and stoop and their cream house, they painted their shutters black. And here’s where we come in – Annette wanted to incorporate her love of flowers into the new home design and found the perfect planters and window boxes to match the shutters. They purchased ten black window boxes in a classic and chic design to put around their outside windows. The Klingels also used tall black planters around the entrance to the house. The window boxes and planters each received the same plant treatment – red, yellow, and orange impatiens with flowing ferns for a bright punch of color. Paired with hanging baskets and a few other accents, the Klingels house is now a masterpiece.
From Drab to Fab
The Klingels love their warm and inviting new front entrance, and the neighbors do too. Instead of getting overlooked, their house now stands out and is the star of their busy street, where it is seen by lots of people everyday. They have received tons of compliments about their new look – a crisp and clean front garden that stays true to the style of the home and neighborhood.
The Klingels’ curb appeal update wasn’t without its challenges, but the end product is amazing, and as Annette says, definitely worth the time. The Klingels recommend starting with the necessary replacements and finding beautiful matching pieces to add curb appeal. With a little patience, elbow grease, and the help of a great garden supply store like Hooks & Lattice, you too can have the home of your dreams.
Photos: Kevin & Annette Klingel

Jalapeño grown organically in a 7-gallon Smart Pot. This plant produced 69 jalapeños! Photo by Steve Masley
Example of an eclectic home design design in San Francisco
Example of an eclectic home design design in San Francisco

Indoor-outdoor Living: dining area opens out to the sunlit patio, pendants by Poulsen.
building Lab is a design build firm specialized in modern architecture.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
It’s not uncommon to buy a new home and want to make it your own. But that doesn’t always mean starting from scratch – because when something works, it works. At TKS Design Group, we believe in intentional design, not change for the sake of change. Especially when it comes to quality kitchen cabinets. Lead designer, Jennifer, was able to make the most of what worked in this space, while elevating the aesthetic to make the kitchen feel brand new.
This kitchen is an example of just that. When the homeowners purchased the home in 2016, they made some initial updates. From painting to refinishing the floors, they began the process of making this house their own. When the time came to update the kitchen, they wanted to work with what they had to elevate the space, while also adding in the design details that were missing for them.
Not every space or kitchen requires starting from scratch to make new. Sometimes the layout is just right, and the cabinets are in great shape. Instead, you can prioritize the aesthetic you seek within the scope of what you already have. That is exactly what this kitchen called for.
The new statement island in slate was added to make space for the microwave drawer which wasn’t a part of the original layout. The bold tone of the island adds contrast against light perimeter cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove. A custom hood accommodates a new blower for an upgraded cooking experience. Quartz countertops paired with a marble backsplash pull everything together. Elevated plumbing fixtures in a polished nickel finish add a subtle sheen and loads of elegance.
This client cared a lot about the details of the design, but especially the light fixtures. When we understand what matters to our client, we can prioritize it as a part of our design and process.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
It’s not uncommon to buy a new home and want to make it your own. But that doesn’t always mean starting from scratch – because when something works, it works. At TKS Design Group, we believe in intentional design, not change for the sake of change. Especially when it comes to quality kitchen cabinets. Lead designer, Jennifer, was able to make the most of what worked in this space, while elevating the aesthetic to make the kitchen feel brand new.
This kitchen is an example of just that. When the homeowners purchased the home in 2016, they made some initial updates. From painting to refinishing the floors, they began the process of making this house their own. When the time came to update the kitchen, they wanted to work with what they had to elevate the space, while also adding in the design details that were missing for them.
Not every space or kitchen requires starting from scratch to make new. Sometimes the layout is just right, and the cabinets are in great shape. Instead, you can prioritize the aesthetic you seek within the scope of what you already have. That is exactly what this kitchen called for.
The new statement island in slate was added to make space for the microwave drawer which wasn’t a part of the original layout. The bold tone of the island adds contrast against light perimeter cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove. A custom hood accommodates a new blower for an upgraded cooking experience. Quartz countertops paired with a marble backsplash pull everything together. Elevated plumbing fixtures in a polished nickel finish add a subtle sheen and loads of elegance.
This client cared a lot about the details of the design, but especially the light fixtures. When we understand what matters to our client, we can prioritize it as a part of our design and process.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
It’s not uncommon to buy a new home and want to make it your own. But that doesn’t always mean starting from scratch – because when something works, it works. At TKS Design Group, we believe in intentional design, not change for the sake of change. Especially when it comes to quality kitchen cabinets. Lead designer, Jennifer, was able to make the most of what worked in this space, while elevating the aesthetic to make the kitchen feel brand new.
This kitchen is an example of just that. When the homeowners purchased the home in 2016, they made some initial updates. From painting to refinishing the floors, they began the process of making this house their own. When the time came to update the kitchen, they wanted to work with what they had to elevate the space, while also adding in the design details that were missing for them.
Not every space or kitchen requires starting from scratch to make new. Sometimes the layout is just right, and the cabinets are in great shape. Instead, you can prioritize the aesthetic you seek within the scope of what you already have. That is exactly what this kitchen called for.
The new statement island in slate was added to make space for the microwave drawer which wasn’t a part of the original layout. The bold tone of the island adds contrast against light perimeter cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove. A custom hood accommodates a new blower for an upgraded cooking experience. Quartz countertops paired with a marble backsplash pull everything together. Elevated plumbing fixtures in a polished nickel finish add a subtle sheen and loads of elegance.
This client cared a lot about the details of the design, but especially the light fixtures. When we understand what matters to our client, we can prioritize it as a part of our design and process.

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

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
It’s not uncommon to buy a new home and want to make it your own. But that doesn’t always mean starting from scratch – because when something works, it works. At TKS Design Group, we believe in intentional design, not change for the sake of change. Especially when it comes to quality kitchen cabinets. Lead designer, Jennifer, was able to make the most of what worked in this space, while elevating the aesthetic to make the kitchen feel brand new.
This kitchen is an example of just that. When the homeowners purchased the home in 2016, they made some initial updates. From painting to refinishing the floors, they began the process of making this house their own. When the time came to update the kitchen, they wanted to work with what they had to elevate the space, while also adding in the design details that were missing for them.
Not every space or kitchen requires starting from scratch to make new. Sometimes the layout is just right, and the cabinets are in great shape. Instead, you can prioritize the aesthetic you seek within the scope of what you already have. That is exactly what this kitchen called for.
The new statement island in slate was added to make space for the microwave drawer which wasn’t a part of the original layout. The bold tone of the island adds contrast against light perimeter cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove. A custom hood accommodates a new blower for an upgraded cooking experience. Quartz countertops paired with a marble backsplash pull everything together. Elevated plumbing fixtures in a polished nickel finish add a subtle sheen and loads of elegance.
This client cared a lot about the details of the design, but especially the light fixtures. When we understand what matters to our client, we can prioritize it as a part of our design and process.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
It’s not uncommon to buy a new home and want to make it your own. But that doesn’t always mean starting from scratch – because when something works, it works. At TKS Design Group, we believe in intentional design, not change for the sake of change. Especially when it comes to quality kitchen cabinets. Lead designer, Jennifer, was able to make the most of what worked in this space, while elevating the aesthetic to make the kitchen feel brand new.
This kitchen is an example of just that. When the homeowners purchased the home in 2016, they made some initial updates. From painting to refinishing the floors, they began the process of making this house their own. When the time came to update the kitchen, they wanted to work with what they had to elevate the space, while also adding in the design details that were missing for them.
Not every space or kitchen requires starting from scratch to make new. Sometimes the layout is just right, and the cabinets are in great shape. Instead, you can prioritize the aesthetic you seek within the scope of what you already have. That is exactly what this kitchen called for.
The new statement island in slate was added to make space for the microwave drawer which wasn’t a part of the original layout. The bold tone of the island adds contrast against light perimeter cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove. A custom hood accommodates a new blower for an upgraded cooking experience. Quartz countertops paired with a marble backsplash pull everything together. Elevated plumbing fixtures in a polished nickel finish add a subtle sheen and loads of elegance.
This client cared a lot about the details of the design, but especially the light fixtures. When we understand what matters to our client, we can prioritize it as a part of our design and process.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
It’s not uncommon to buy a new home and want to make it your own. But that doesn’t always mean starting from scratch – because when something works, it works. At TKS Design Group, we believe in intentional design, not change for the sake of change. Especially when it comes to quality kitchen cabinets. Lead designer, Jennifer, was able to make the most of what worked in this space, while elevating the aesthetic to make the kitchen feel brand new.
This kitchen is an example of just that. When the homeowners purchased the home in 2016, they made some initial updates. From painting to refinishing the floors, they began the process of making this house their own. When the time came to update the kitchen, they wanted to work with what they had to elevate the space, while also adding in the design details that were missing for them.
Not every space or kitchen requires starting from scratch to make new. Sometimes the layout is just right, and the cabinets are in great shape. Instead, you can prioritize the aesthetic you seek within the scope of what you already have. That is exactly what this kitchen called for.
The new statement island in slate was added to make space for the microwave drawer which wasn’t a part of the original layout. The bold tone of the island adds contrast against light perimeter cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove. A custom hood accommodates a new blower for an upgraded cooking experience. Quartz countertops paired with a marble backsplash pull everything together. Elevated plumbing fixtures in a polished nickel finish add a subtle sheen and loads of elegance.
This client cared a lot about the details of the design, but especially the light fixtures. When we understand what matters to our client, we can prioritize it as a part of our design and process.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
It’s not uncommon to buy a new home and want to make it your own. But that doesn’t always mean starting from scratch – because when something works, it works. At TKS Design Group, we believe in intentional design, not change for the sake of change. Especially when it comes to quality kitchen cabinets. Lead designer, Jennifer, was able to make the most of what worked in this space, while elevating the aesthetic to make the kitchen feel brand new.
This kitchen is an example of just that. When the homeowners purchased the home in 2016, they made some initial updates. From painting to refinishing the floors, they began the process of making this house their own. When the time came to update the kitchen, they wanted to work with what they had to elevate the space, while also adding in the design details that were missing for them.
Not every space or kitchen requires starting from scratch to make new. Sometimes the layout is just right, and the cabinets are in great shape. Instead, you can prioritize the aesthetic you seek within the scope of what you already have. That is exactly what this kitchen called for.
The new statement island in slate was added to make space for the microwave drawer which wasn’t a part of the original layout. The bold tone of the island adds contrast against light perimeter cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove. A custom hood accommodates a new blower for an upgraded cooking experience. Quartz countertops paired with a marble backsplash pull everything together. Elevated plumbing fixtures in a polished nickel finish add a subtle sheen and loads of elegance.
This client cared a lot about the details of the design, but especially the light fixtures. When we understand what matters to our client, we can prioritize it as a part of our design and process.

Aimee Mazzenga Photography
Design: Mitzi Maynard and Clare Kennedy
Bedroom - coastal master light wood floor bedroom idea in Nashville with white walls
Bedroom - coastal master light wood floor bedroom idea in Nashville with white walls

Private home office with blue accent wall and window with lots of natural light.
Home office - small coastal built-in desk brown floor home office idea in Charlotte with blue walls and no fireplace
Home office - small coastal built-in desk brown floor home office idea in Charlotte with blue walls and no fireplace

Brick & Siding Façade
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary blue two-story concrete fiberboard and shingle landscaping in Houston with a hip roof, a mixed material roof and a brown roof.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary blue two-story concrete fiberboard and shingle landscaping in Houston with a hip roof, a mixed material roof and a brown roof.

Inspiration for a huge transitional formal and open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Calgary with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv
5


