This freestanding staircase acts as a sculptural centerpiece for the home, while preserving unobstructed views of the surrounding mountain landscape and beautiful vaulted wood ceilings. Vertical black metal rods create a minimalist balustrade that maintains sightlines while providing safety and structure. Natural oak treads and handrails blend seamlessly with the home's warm hardwood flooring, creating visual continuity from floor to floor. The open design proves that a staircase can connect levels without interrupting the flow of light, views, or the home's connection to its natural setting. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

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

Framed by abundant natural light, this U-shaped staircase connects the levels of a contemporary home. The design creates visual cohesion throughout, with all materials carefully selected to complement the home's architectural finishes. Nutty brown stained oak appears in the thick square newels, matching handrail, and treads, providing warmth and presence. Vertical black round metal balusters maintain sightlines to surrounding spaces, while crisp white risers add brightness and contrast. The result is a staircase that feels both cohesive and bold, proving that strong material choices can define a home's character. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This three-level craftsman-style staircase rises through a bright, airy farmhouse with soaring 19-foot curved cathedral ceilings and exposed beams. Warm oak handrails and treads complement the rustic living space, while modern vertical black balusters add contemporary edge. This project adapts to the dramatic vertical space, proving that thoughtful design ensures that both architectural vision and practical function are met. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This kitchen is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can transform the heart of a home into a warm, inviting sanctuary. By pairing custom sage green lower cabinetry with crisp white shaker uppers, we created a sophisticated two-tone look that feels both modern and timeless. The star of the space is the stunning veined quartzite countertops, which seamlessly tie together the organic tones of the cabinetry with the high-end brass hardware and professional-grade stainless steel appliances. Every detail was curated for both beauty and functionality—from the charming garden window that floods the space with natural light to the intricate hand-carved wood valance that adds a touch of artisanal character. Whether it’s the convenience of the pot filler over the range or the glow of the under-cabinet lighting, this remodel proves that you don't have to choose between "magazine-ready" style and everyday livability. If you’re looking for a contractor who prioritizes meticulous craftsmanship and personalized design, I’m ready to help you bring your dream kitchen to life.

We are the best kitchen, bath and general remodeling contractor in Sunnyvale, CA. We have 18+ years of experience in the industry and have our past happy client’s reviews to prove our high quality work. We deliver the highest level of home building and remodeling services because we strongly believe that a home should reflect an owner’s dreams and envisions. We are committed to be the best builder in the industry and our efficiency and transparent business practices allow us to do work we are proud of. We offer attentive and reliable services that will give you the functional and beautiful home you dream of. Whether you are looking to do a small remodel or a full make over of an area of your home, we have the experience and expertise to execute your project from beginning to end. We offer services for small and big remodels of kitchens, bathrooms, room additions, ADU’s (accessory dwelling units), exterior remodeling, patio and fencing. Serving Sunnyvale, CA and all silicon Valley.

This Florida Gulf home is a project by DIY Network where they asked viewers to design a home and then they built it! Talk about giving a consumer what they want! We were fortunate enough to have been picked to tile not only the kitchen of the home, but this gorgeous bathroom as well! This bathroom has a modern look with beach accents. Our tile provides a bold accent to the space, proving that tile can act as an art piece and focal point in any space. Medium Diamonds - 366 Black Photos by: Christopher Shane

This sophisticated straight staircase features custom carved box newels that elevate the design from simple to stunning. Precision routers carved artistic rectangular patterns on each wooden newel, transforming them into furniture-quality pieces that anchor the staircase at the base, landings, and top level. Matching wood treads and handrail create visual continuity, while horizontal black powder-coated rods add sleek contrast. The result proves that minimalist design can still embrace artistry and detail. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

With panoramic views of the Grand River, the Calder Plaza, the Ford Museum, and the city's exciting new soccer stadium, this downtown Grand Rapids high-rise condo deserved a kitchen and bath that matched the energy outside its windows. The client's vision was clear: create a modern, sophisticated space that felt warm, inviting, and built for everyday living – all while working within the existing footprint. The result of this comprehensive, thoughtful renovation and installation by our team proves great design isn't always about starting from scratch. Sometimes it's about marrying the existing space to the new upgrades and making every decision count.

This project consisted of remodeling an existing master bath and closet. The owners asked for a functional and brighter space that would more easily accommodate two people simultaneously getting ready for work. The original bath had multiple doors that opened into each other, a small dark shower, and little natural light. The solution was to add a new shed dormer to expand the room’s footprint. This proved to be an interesting structural problem, as the owners did not want to involve any of the first floor spaces in the project. So, the new shed was hung off of the existing rafters (in a sense this bath is hanging from the rafters.) The expanded space allowed for a generous window in the shower, with a high window sill height to provide privacy from the back yard. The Strasser vanities were a great value and had the desired finish. The mirror frame and center shelves were painted to match the cabinet finish. The shower can easily function for two, allowing for their busy morning schedules. All of the fixtures matched nicely in a brushed nickel finish. Toto Eco Dartmouth toilet; Farimont undermount Rectangular sinks; Toto widespread lav faucet; Toto multispray handshower and showerhead Photography by Emily O'brien

This sleek contemporary staircase pairs rich ebony-stained oak with satin black horizontal iron balusters for a striking modern aesthetic. Square oak newels with chamfered tops anchor the design, while thick contemporary oak treads provide substantial footing. The ebony-stained custom handrails tie the dark tones together, creating visual cohesion from bottom to top. The result is a staircase that balances bold contrast with refined simplicity, proving that durable materials and precise craftsmanship create designs that stand the test of time. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This kitchen is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can transform the heart of a home into a warm, inviting sanctuary. By pairing custom sage green lower cabinetry with crisp white shaker uppers, we created a sophisticated two-tone look that feels both modern and timeless. The star of the space is the stunning veined quartzite countertops, which seamlessly tie together the organic tones of the cabinetry with the high-end brass hardware and professional-grade stainless steel appliances. Every detail was curated for both beauty and functionality—from the charming garden window that floods the space with natural light to the intricate hand-carved wood valance that adds a touch of artisanal character. Whether it’s the convenience of the pot filler over the range or the glow of the under-cabinet lighting, this remodel proves that you don't have to choose between "magazine-ready" style and everyday livability. If you’re looking for a contractor who prioritizes meticulous craftsmanship and personalized design, I’m ready to help you bring your dream kitchen to life.

Framed by abundant natural light, this U-shaped staircase connects the levels of a contemporary home. The design creates visual cohesion throughout, with all materials carefully selected to complement the home's architectural finishes. Nutty brown stained oak appears in the thick square newels, matching handrail, and treads, providing warmth and presence. Vertical black round metal balusters maintain sightlines to surrounding spaces, while crisp white risers add brightness and contrast. The result is a staircase that feels both cohesive and bold, proving that strong material choices can define a home's character. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

The definition of scrupulous is someone who is detailed and precise or someone who is aware of the right thing to do. The magnificent view from this bathroom proves that Anders Lasater Architects is undeniably scrupulous!

Nestled in the heart of Cowes on the Isle of Wight, this gorgeous Hampton's style cottage proves that good things, do indeed, come in 'small packages'! Small spaces packed with BIG designs and even larger solutions, this cottage may be small, but it's certainly mighty, ensuring that storage is not forgotten about, alongside practical amenities.

The ultra-modern geometric home is located in the heart of Los Altos. The one-of-a-kind kitchen is equipped with Aran Cucine's model Erika cabinets, Miele appliances, and Silestone countertops. The media center features a sleek shelf design and the ADU kitchen proves that an ADU can also be a masterpiece.

Rhododendron 'Autumn Rouge' is a double medium pink Encore Azalea, proving blooms in both the spring and fall. Austin Ganim Landscape Design, LLC
Photo of a traditional shade landscaping in New York for spring.

Stuck with an outdated kitchen? Don't worry! This kitchen refresh proves that you can create a fresh look without major renovations. We added a pop of color, reupholstered the counter stools, and updated the hardware. It's a stylish and functional space that will make you love cooking again.

LeafGuard® Brand Gutters are a gutter and a topper all in one piece. This proves advantageous from a curb appeal standpoint because the gutters and their cover are an identical match. If Theresa had opted for just a cover for her gutters, it would have been nearly impossible to match the weathered coloring on her home’s preexisting gutters.