Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master travertine floor bathroom remodel in DC Metro with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink and granite countertops

Wallpaper could not be this amazing! The light reflects on the walls and the ceiling to give sparkle and interest to an otherwise ordinary space.
Example of a large minimalist wallpaper staircase design in Houston

Inspiration for a timeless bathroom remodel in Atlanta

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Inspiration for a hallway remodel in Denver

Bedroom - mid-sized contemporary master light wood floor, beige floor and vaulted ceiling bedroom idea in San Diego

Patio - mid-sized transitional backyard concrete paver patio idea in Richmond with a fire pit and a pergola

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

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Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized single-wall medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, yellow cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Tumbled Roman walkways, stairs and patios with Pisa 2 retaining walls surround a beautiful yet quaint water feature in the back of this home set on a park in SW Calgary. Mahogany entry gates a privacy screen, lighting, and colorful plantings welcome guests to this yard. Photo Credit: Jamen Rhodes

A much-needed update brought this master bath to a light, airy space that included inset cabinet doors for a contemporary and modern feel. The shower is spacious with a rainhead and dual controls, and overhead lighting includes a contemporary chandelier to add a one-of-a-kind feel.

Elegant dining room photo in Philadelphia

Inspiration for a timeless dining room remodel in Boston

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard concrete paver patio remodel in Richmond with a fire pit and a pergola

This project was exciting to design as we were faced with many challenges from the beginning. Our client requested an open layout feel; yet the existing layout blocked the sight views to the living room and dining room. The original flooring also needed to be utilized in the design along with the unique soffit ceiling angles. Finally, two large columns that housed plumbing and electrical and could not be removed proved to be an obstacle that required creative planning. For these reasons, we designed a large island that encompassed the columns, matched the angles of the ceiling and covered any missing flooring. This gave our client her dream, open kitchen with a large island to gather around for cooking and socializing. The new cabinets were done in a seamless shaker door from our Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection line. The island was done in a Languid Blue color while the rest of the kitchen cabinets were done in white. We finished by installing a new Cambria Quartz Montgomery countertop. Now this homeowner has her dream kitchen.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary master porcelain tile, beige floor and vaulted ceiling bathroom remodel in San Diego with a niche

Our client’s home has been transformed from ordinary to extraordinarily fabulous! Her new soft-close cabinets, adorned in the sophisticated hues of Camp White and Aloe Super Matte, exude elegance and style. The addition of a pristine subway tile backsplash and luxurious sterling white quartz countertops creates a striking and timeless kitchen. Both bathrooms now boast brand-new showers and stylish cabinets, elevating the entire home's ambiance. The pièce de résistance is the upgraded pantry, offering both beauty and functionality. This makeover has truly brought our client’s home to a new level of sophistication and charm!

Photo: Alexandra Crafton © 2017 Houzz
Kitchen - eclectic kitchen idea in Boston

Before and after of a vanity transformation. Featuring Wellborn Henlow Maple doors in a Drift finish, and paired with Berenson Corporation Subtle Surge handles in a matte black finish. Countertop is Cambria Quartz in the color New Quay.