This 1980’s colonial home in the heart of McLean, VA is home to a busy family of four who had been searching for ideas in Houzz for a long time. The previous kitchen was a dungeon-like maze, small and dark, front dining room was outdated, the powder room and pantry wrapped around a stack of duct pipes. After meeting with our design staff, we came up with plenty of recommendations which they loved. Our expert team set out to, eliminate the powder room from the middle of the kitchen and relocate to far end of a dead space in family room, eliminate closet and stack of second floor ducts, widen doorway to foyer with structural beam, widen window above sink to allow more daylight, relocate the back door to allow more cabinet space to the right of the sink, take down a major cinder block and brick wall separating family room from kitchen, inserting steel beam and steel post opening the entire kitchen to family room and adding floor space to kitchen. We implemented a large Island with dark black contrasting stain in the middle of kitchen space. Island includes a bar, sink, microwave and beverage center built in. Our designers suggested a polished marble backsplash with a chevron pattern behind the stove to make the kitchen stand taller. Clever use of various lighting sources and contrasting cabinet colors off set the unique three-inch thick soapstone island countertop. Complete with large-scale appliances, such as 48-inch steam oven, 48-inch tower fridge/freezer and others, we completely updated this 1980’s kitchen.

For our client, who had previous experience working with architects, we enlarged, completely gutted and remodeled this Twin Peaks diamond in the rough. The top floor had a rear-sloping ceiling that cut off the amazing view, so our first task was to raise the roof so the great room had a uniformly high ceiling. Clerestory windows bring in light from all directions. In addition, we removed walls, combined rooms, and installed floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall sliding doors in sleek black aluminum at each floor to create generous rooms with expansive views. At the basement, we created a full-floor art studio flooded with light and with an en-suite bathroom for the artist-owner. New exterior decks, stairs and glass railings create outdoor living opportunities at three of the four levels. We designed modern open-riser stairs with glass railings to replace the existing cramped interior stairs. The kitchen features a 16 foot long island which also functions as a dining table. We designed a custom wall-to-wall bookcase in the family room as well as three sleek tiled fireplaces with integrated bookcases. The bathrooms are entirely new and feature floating vanities and a modern freestanding tub in the master. Clean detailing and luxurious, contemporary finishes complete the look.

Located in Palo Alto's flood zone, this Eichler home underwent a phased renovation thoughtfully redesigned to accommodate a growing family of five, with an emphasis on school proximity and nearby grandparents. The bedroom wing was completely reconfigured, including a new front addition as a guest suite for grandparents, expanding the house to five bedrooms and three baths. Taller 9-foot ceilings were introduced in some areas, enhancing the overall openness—a lofty goal for an Eichler. The tranquil courtyard, a favorite spot for the family, was redesigned to allow parents to watch the kids while cooking. The backyard became a relaxing lounging area connected to the living room. Once dark living spaces were modernized by removing a low-hanging beam in the kitchen, adding skylights for natural light, and eliminating the fireplace to create a more functional entertainment space. Finally, new landscaping reflecting the client's heritage and some of the home's architectural elements, creates a harmonious indoor-outdoor flow. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA and Angela Alexander Interior Architecture: Klopf Architecture Bathroom Materials and Light Fixture Selection: Lucile Glessner Landscape Architect: Thuilot and Associates Photography: ©2024 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2024 Location: Palo Alto, CA

Luxury Modern Farmhouse - Located on a sprawling four-acre site in the Village of Milford, this 2019, 5,000-square-foot modern farmhouse looks like it’s been there forever. In fact, one of the main design goals was to honor the original, century old home that once sat on this spot. White cement siding, black shingles and metal roof, black windows, and traditional red brick set the timeless tone. The front entrance completes the quintessential farmhouse feel with double, mullioned half glass front doors. A large front porch, gabled dormers and black, carriage style garage doors keep the theme intact. On the front elevation, faux carriage doors were built to add design integrity and charm. A few of the additional perks of this pretty property include a spacious covered patio, complete with a fireplace and a built-in barbecue, topped by a tongue-and-groove ceiling with open timbers. A carriage house set to become a future recreational space and a finished, walkout basement provide many options for family gatherings or entertaining. Thoughtful design carries through to the interior of this home as well. This home features a stunning, state of the art kitchen, first floor master, great room, and dining room, and separate library. Three additional bedroom suites, a dedicated playroom and a second laundry are located on the second floor. The basement was also finished with family fun and entertaining in mind. All three floors are tied together by 2 staircases. The staircase in the front foyer is a work of art with historic flair. Extended wainscoting, coffered ceilings, and custom built-ins are just a few of the authentic details added to this home. Warm knotty wood floors and brick fireplaces provide plenty of charm and country character.

Built in 1926, the original 1,800 sf Morningside bungalow was brimming with charm and potential. However, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, space was tight. With updates to the first floor and the addition of a second floor, this home was transformed into a 2,600 sf home boasting four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and additional living space.

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Raleigh

We ? bathroom renovations! This initially drab space was so poorly laid-out that it fit only a tiny vanity for a family of four!⁠ Working in the existing footprint, and in a matter of a few weeks, we were able to design and renovate this space to accommodate a double vanity (SO important when it is the only bathroom in the house!). In addition, we snuck in a private toilet room for added functionality. Now this bath is a stunning workhorse!⁠

Inspiration for a 1960s bathroom remodel in Other

The centerpiece is a large, furniture-like dark wood double vanity with a dedicated makeup station. Polished nickel widespread faucets and towel ring are from House Of Rohl. Four Visual Comfort & Co sconces in polished nickel flank the whole vanity. The rich wood complements the polished nickel knobs and white marble countertop. Three large, wood-framed mirrors are mounted above the vanity, reflecting the bright natural light. Elegant grey and white patterned tile in a Moroccan-inspired scale motif catches eyes.

Our clients house was built in 2012, so it was not that outdated, it was just dark. The clients wanted to lighten the kitchen and create something that was their own, using more unique products. The master bath needed to be updated and they wanted the upstairs game room to be more functional for their family. The original kitchen was very dark and all brown. The cabinets were stained dark brown, the countertops were a dark brown and black granite, with a beige backsplash. We kept the dark cabinets but lightened everything else. A new translucent frosted glass pantry door was installed to soften the feel of the kitchen. The main architecture in the kitchen stayed the same but the clients wanted to change the coffee bar into a wine bar, so we removed the upper cabinet door above a small cabinet and installed two X-style wine storage shelves instead. An undermount farm sink was installed with a 23” tall main faucet for more functionality. We replaced the chandelier over the island with a beautiful Arhaus Poppy large antique brass chandelier. Two new pendants were installed over the sink from West Elm with a much more modern feel than before, not to mention much brighter. The once dark backsplash was now a bright ocean honed marble mosaic 2”x4” a top the QM Calacatta Miel quartz countertops. We installed undercabinet lighting and added over-cabinet LED tape strip lighting to add even more light into the kitchen. We basically gutted the Master bathroom and started from scratch. We demoed the shower walls, ceiling over tub/shower, demoed the countertops, plumbing fixtures, shutters over the tub and the wall tile and flooring. We reframed the vaulted ceiling over the shower and added an access panel in the water closet for a digital shower valve. A raised platform was added under the tub/shower for a shower slope to existing drain. The shower floor was Carrara Herringbone tile, accented with Bianco Venatino Honed marble and Metro White glossy ceramic 4”x16” tile on the walls. We then added a bench and a Kohler 8” rain showerhead to finish off the shower. The walk-in shower was sectioned off with a frameless clear anti-spot treated glass. The tub was not important to the clients, although they wanted to keep one for resale value. A Japanese soaker tub was installed, which the kids love! To finish off the master bath, the walls were painted with SW Agreeable Gray and the existing cabinets were painted SW Mega Greige for an updated look. Four Pottery Barn Mercer wall sconces were added between the new beautiful Distressed Silver leaf mirrors instead of the three existing over-mirror vanity bars that were originally there. QM Calacatta Miel countertops were installed which definitely brightened up the room! Originally, the upstairs game room had nothing but a built-in bar in one corner. The clients wanted this to be more of a media room but still wanted to have a kitchenette upstairs. We had to remove the original plumbing and electrical and move it to where the new cabinets were. We installed 16’ of cabinets between the windows on one wall. Plank and Mill reclaimed barn wood plank veneers were used on the accent wall in between the cabinets as a backing for the wall mounted TV above the QM Calacatta Miel countertops. A kitchenette was installed to one end, housing a sink and a beverage fridge, so the clients can still have the best of both worlds. LED tape lighting was added above the cabinets for additional lighting. The clients love their updated rooms and feel that house really works for their family now. Design/Remodel by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging

Sunroom - mid-sized tropical ceramic tile sunroom idea in DC Metro with a glass ceiling

Tropical islands are the focal point for the design build of the acreage behind this stunning, Mediterranean-style home. The hardscape features a three level pool, including a toddler pool and a wading pool. Starting at the reef, there are three leaf petal loungers which allow you to recline in four to six inches of water at your feet. Limestone holy boulders are placed strategically along the edge for a natural element. A beautiful blend of earthy colors within the flagstone create a natural and rustic pool deck. All of the steps and bench seating inside the pool are also made of flagstone (custom fabricated flagstone coping for this project was completed on site). The toddler pool features fiber optic lighting which was installed at the bottom of the pool in the gunnite shell to create the reflection of a starry, celestial sky (fiber optic lighting can be used to create any number of shapes or constellations). An infinity edge crashes over beautiful stone and tile work, falling into a wading pool below. Another special feature is a water feature of riverstone cobbles sitting below dancing flames. Large stepping stones alongside this feature lead you to a lounge pool deck creating the feeling of an island retreat. Limestone slabs were used for a path of steps that take you through the landscaping back to the main house. A gazebo was added to hold an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor shower and a pool house with restrooms. All of the outdoor features are automated, allowing you to operate water temperature, fire features, water features, even the music and lighting from your smartphone.

Inspiration for a large transitional sunroom remodel in DC Metro

Michael Hunter Photography
Alcove shower - small coastal 3/4 white tile and cement tile cement tile floor and multicolored floor alcove shower idea with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, black walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

Part of a farmhouse remodel, this custom kitchen combines our traditional inset cabinetry with Mid-Century Modern lighting fixtures, modern floating shelves and stainless appliances. The gorgeous table-style island is topped with reclaimed wood, providing a generous work space that anchors the room. Cabinetry is finished in Truly Taupe. Hardware is un-laquered brass. Photo by Crown Point Cabinetry

Photo: Jessica Cain © 2017 Houzz
Mid-sized elegant open concept living room photo in Kansas City with a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Home design - contemporary home design idea in Denver

This darling young family of four recently moved to a beautiful home over looking La Jolla Shores. They wanted a home that represented their simple and sophisticated style that would still function as a livable space for their children. We incorporated a subtle nautical concept to blend with the location and dramatic color and texture contrasts to show off the architecture. Photo cred: Chipper Hatter: www.chipperhatter.com

Living room - coastal living room idea in Hawaii