Allie’s newly renovated kitchen proves that even in a vacation rental, thoughtful design makes all the difference. This stylish, guest-ready space is the result of strategic planning, timeless materials, and a hands-on approach that elevated the entire property. The goal? A kitchen that photographs beautifully, functions seamlessly, and enhances every guest’s stay

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset. The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu . Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home. The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south. Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape. The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature. Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design. Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view. Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Maison D’Artiste Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2023

This new Lake Minnetonka custom home was designed for a young growing family that decided to trade uptown Minneapolis condo life for lake living. Located on a narrow 40-foot-wide lot, this 2,850sf modern home provides a strong connection to the lake while also balancing privacy from the neighbors. The main level comprises a three-car tandem garage and public living spaces, the upper level consists of private spaces while the finished basement serves as a flexible space. High performance triple pane European windows were strategically placed to frame views of the lake while interior facing windows were placed to frame tree and sky views. A stone clad fireplace acts as a spatial anchor that helps define the interior spaces as well as encourages the transition from interior to exterior spaces. Future solar panel conduits to the roof were installed as were EV charging stations in the garage and at the dock for future EV boat charging. Site water runoff is managed through an underground retention system. The exterior cement board siding is painted black to recede into the landscape while accents of thermally modified wood, custom steel slats and stone add visual interest at the street and lake facing sides. The interior material palette is purposefully simple and consists of stained white oak flooring, ebony stained white oak cabinetry and millwork, white quartz counters, powder coated steel railings and stone veneer. The final result is a vibrant home for this young family that infuses warmth with a modern aesthetic.

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset. The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu . Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home. The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south. Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape. The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature. Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design. Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view. Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Maison D’Artiste Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2023

Designed and constructed by Los Angeles architect, John Southern and his firm Urban Operations, the Slice and Fold House is a contemporary hillside home in the cosmopolitan neighborhood of Highland Park. Nestling into its steep hillside site, the house steps gracefully up the sloping topography, and provides outdoor space for every room without additional sitework. The first floor is conceived as an open plan, and features strategically located light-wells that flood the home with sunlight from above. On the second floor, each bedroom has access to outdoor space, decks and an at-grade patio, which opens onto a landscaped backyard. The home also features a roof deck inspired by Le Corbusier’s early villas, and where one can see Griffith Park and the San Gabriel Mountains in the distance.

This home offers the perfect blend of sleek and modern elements. The open concept and bright white palette are inviting (and pet-friendly) from the moment you enter. A stunning open tread staircase draws the eyes up to the family room's high ceilings, creating an elevated look. The home has a marble fireplace as another main focal point; a modern kitchen with flat-panel cabinets, built-in appliances and waterfall marble island; a luxurious main floor master bedroom and ensuite with walkout access to the back patio and pool area; two second-floor bedrooms each with ensuites, and in the basement there is a bar, media room and exercise room. The family wanted a home that has both style and inspiration on the inside and the outside—and this home delivered. The design embraces the conventions of a traditional family home, while also touting a timeless appeal through a unique blend of exterior exposed steel columns, stone cladding, a mix of Maibec wood siding with Extira pre-painted and cedar soffits, and more contemporary windows. Expansive windows are strategically placed at the front and rear of the home, to let in natural light but kept minimal at the sides for privacy. The build also includes a garage on the right rear side of the home with a pool change house that matches the home in finishes and quality. The home was also built with an insulated concrete foundation in order to perform a higher r-value. Since the reveal, this home has been captured and photographed frequently by those who pass by.

An exhilarating shift from a suburban traditional family home to a modern, high-rise condominium. We were excited to start with a clean slate and designed this 3,500sf space, transitioning this client into their next chapter. The overall color palette embraces a calm and serene aesthetic, while the furnishings and appointments ensure inviting spaces throughout the unit. Special details were strategically infused such as contrast chair back fabric, accent wall coverings, designer light fixtures, unique sculptures and no shortage of custom details on the furnishings, uniquely tailored to the customer. This luxury, high-rise condo now feels like home.

When the Owners approached Goggans Architecture about renovation of a 90’s era oceanfront house, it was clear there would be a lot more to the renovation than mere updates and remedying deferred maintenance. One of the most significant issues was how to integrate an outdoor pool given the pool had to be within the building envelope, and the house was already abutting the setback on its ocean side. A second significant challenge was how to provide a roof top deck over a pitched roof house with an attic, that was functional and attractive. Finally, creating better access from the parking area to the kitchen was a priority. Goggans Architecture addressed the placement of a pool by creating a walled courtyard at the front, or landward side, of the house. The pool was placed on one side of the entry walkway, while its composition was balanced by a parterre garden on the other side of the walkway. The roof top deck was resolved by adding a new staircase and passageway through former attic space. By using a motorized roof hatch, the Owners could ascend to the roof deck which perched just below the roof ridge, hidden from view from the street. Relocating an underneath stair from one side of the house to a point that was closer to the kitchen resolved the access issue. These strategic moves created other opportunities, such as expansion of the master bathroom to a portion of the front porch, while allowing an exterior stair from the bath directly to the pool. Other enhancements included placement of a large folding door in the Great room, renovation and expansion of the kitchen and exterior decks, reorganization, and replacement of the fenestration, updating all baths and interior and exterior finishes. The extensive renovation reflects the holistic approach of Goggans Architecture, marrying landscape architecture, architecture, and interiors.

Inspiration for a transitional patio remodel in Miami

Inspiration for a rustic bedroom remodel in Other

Mountain style bedroom photo in Other

Designed and constructed by Los Angeles architect, John Southern and his firm Urban Operations, the Slice and Fold House is a contemporary hillside home in the cosmopolitan neighborhood of Highland Park. Nestling into its steep hillside site, the house steps gracefully up the sloping topography, and provides outdoor space for every room without additional sitework. The first floor is conceived as an open plan, and features strategically located light-wells that flood the home with sunlight from above. On the second floor, each bedroom has access to outdoor space, decks and an at-grade patio, which opens onto a landscaped backyard. The home also features a roof deck inspired by Le Corbusier’s early villas, and where one can see Griffith Park and the San Gabriel Mountains in the distance.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Bluffton Coastal in Hilton Head, South Carolina, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with coastal charm. Spanning a beautifully detailed 2,455 square feet, the open-concept layout is defined by prominent feature windows in the owner’s retreat, great room, and morning room that are strategically positioned to invite an abundance of natural light throughout the entire home. Designed for culinary enthusiasts and effortless home organization, the chef-ready kitchen boasts an incredibly large walk-in pantry with ample storage space. For those who love hosting family and friends, the layout includes an integrated covered porch that is conveniently accessible directly from the kitchen, creating a seamless transition and natural flow for indoor-outdoor entertaining. A smart split-bedroom floor plan prioritizes rest and privacy, positioning the secondary bedrooms on the opposite side of the home where they share a highly functional Jack-and-Jill bath layout. Secluded from the rest of the main residence, the luxurious primary owner's retreat serves as a private, spa-like sanctuary. This deluxe suite features independent double walk-in closets and an enhanced primary bath beautifully appointed with a premium free-standing soak tub, offering the ultimate relaxing escape. Completing the coastal estate footprint, the property includes a detached garage featuring a fully converted bonus room above. This private studio functions as an independent detached guest apartment or premium home office, complete with its own full bathroom and dedicated workspace to provide long-term visitors with complete comfort and seclusion.

The key elements of natural light, the warmth of maple, shiplap detailing, and metal accents were strategically combined to create this kitchen full of functionality while remaining aesthetically pleasing.

Inside, strategically designed volumes crescendo to create uplifting spatial experiences, while subtle level transitions unify the interior and exterior, harmonizing with the natural slope of the site. Operable façades frame views of the expansive public park to the north, and extend the family’s private living spaces into the southern rear yard, effortlessly blending the dining and living areas into an indoor-outdoor experience. Thoughtful window placement and the elegant, centrally located stair, designed as a light shaft, draw daylight deep into the home throughout the day. Warm finishes, echoing the exterior palette, enhance the sense of cohesion, while personalized details imbue the space with character, crafting a home that is both sophisticated and intimately tailored to its residents. MAKE Architecture | www.makearch.com | 323-669-0278

The new master bedroom was designed to feel bright, airy, and grounded in natural materials. Cathedral Ceilings: The vaulted ceiling maximizes vertical space, finished with crisp white tongue-and-groove paneling. Exposed Wood Beams: Heavy, warm-toned natural wood beams frame the ceiling and accent walls, providing a stunning rustic-modern architectural contrast. Abundant Natural Light: Strategically placed triple-window arrays and a matching ceiling fan ensure the room stays flooded with daylight and maintains excellent airflow.

Home office - transitional built-in desk dark wood floor and brown floor home office idea in Baltimore with white walls

Example of a transitional living room design in New York

Bold, dramatic and precise, this home presents with clean rectilinear lines, utilizing steel, stone and warms tones of stucco. Sumptuous in materials and finishes, it displays a soft palette, with vivid, strategically placed bursts of color, inviting natural light in from every angle, with large pocketing glass openings that allow for seamless indoor/outdoor transitioning. Custom features galore, from cabinetry to built-ins, to alcoves and shelving, each a piece of art on its own. The home’s natural siting in the landscape caters to a private equestrian compound, adjacent to a 40-acre greenbelt area and neighboring hillsides that all contribute to the preservation of the vast and inspiring mountain views that are enjoyed from every room and outdoor portal. A truly serene and inspiring space that draws you in and invites you to stay.