Chas Metivier
Large eclectic l-shaped and open concept limestone floor game room photo in Orange County with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, multicolored backsplash, metal backsplash, gray walls, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace and a media wall

View from the lounge chairs with sheer descent water falls along slope and outdoor bar island with TV
Hot tub - mediterranean backyard rectangular hot tub idea in San Diego

Sun lounge or shaded gazebo? Level lawns surround the lap pool.
Pool - large transitional three-story wood and rectangular gray and lap pool idea in San Francisco

Rikki Chester Photography
Example of a large mountain style backyard stone and rectangular hot tub design

Chas Metivier
Inspiration for a large eclectic u-shaped limestone floor seated home bar remodel in Orange County with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, multicolored backsplash and metal backsplash

Inspiration for a coastal powder room remodel in New York

Master bathroom doubles as teenagers bathroom. This light and airy bathroom has a subtle underwater theme using Ann Sack glass tiles matte penny mosaic and 12" x 6" gloss tile and Heath Ceramic overstock tile on the floor to provide a sand like bottom. Lots of extras including plenty of towel/robe hooks, towel bars, teak floor mat and vanity, with a gray granite countertop. Extra faucet with hose and floor drain aids in any clean-up job. The fiberglass tub was recycled to give a transitional look for this contemporary underwater bathroom theme. Hand held shower head on sliding rail makes for easy clean-up in bathroom and height adjustment for growing teenagers. A unique painted ladder recycled from children's bunk bed created by Santa Cruz artist Elijah Pfotenhauer of paintedladder.com Photo By: Carol Heimann of Viz-Art-Dance & Design viz-art-dance.info Builder: Shami Studio shamiweb.com

Underwater life theme mural painted in Fountain Valley, California, by artist Filip Mihail
Bedroom and large southwest boy light wood floor kids' bedroom photo in Orange County with white walls

Master bathroom doubles as teenagers bathroom. This light and airy bathroom has a subtle underwater theme using Ann Sack glass tiles matte penny mosaic and 12" x 6" gloss tile and Heath Ceramic overstock tile on the floor to provide a sand like bottom. Lots of extras including plenty of towel/robe hooks, towel bars, teak floor mat and vanity, with a gray granite countertop. Extra faucet with hose and floor drain aids in any clean-up job. The fiberglass tub was recycled to give a transitional look for this contemporary underwater bathroom theme. Hand held shower head on sliding rail makes for easy clean-up in bathroom and height adjustment for growing teenagers. A unique painted ladder recycled from children's bunk bed created by Santa Cruz artist Elijah Pfotenhauer of paintedladder.com Photo By: Carol Heimann of Viz-Art-Dance & Design viz-art-dance.info Builder: Shami Studio shamiweb.com

Small Yard Transitional Pool & Spa Resort designed by Mike Farley. This project was designed for lots of fun in a small yard. Elements include: curved water wall with potted plants on pedestals flanking a fire bowl. Spillway is stacked slate spillway, sheer descents, underwater tabletop, large tanning ledge, outdoor kitchen with The Green Egg, grill, storage space, refrigerator and a nice bar! Photography by Mike & Laura Farley.

Request Free Quote This oakbrook plunge pool doubles as a hydrotherapy pool. The vessel measures 12'0" x 15'0" and has 2 LED colored lights. There is an automatic pool cover with stone lid system. There is also a 15'0" underwater bench. The raised water feature has three scuppers spilling into the pool. The Limestone coping and capstone has a sealed, modified edge.

A home bowling alley with an underwater scene with sharks on the bowling lanes.
Example of a large beach style multicolored floor family room design in Houston with blue walls

This swim up table and stools was built in a separate section of the shallow end for the adults. Of course the children love it too.
Inspiration for a contemporary pool remodel in New York

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

Beautiful modern pool & spa with swim up bar and outdoor kitchens overlooking Possum Kingdom Lake. Don't forget the putting green! This shot shows the underwater barstools next to one of the kitchens. GoPro shot by L.Farley

Request Free Quote This oakbrook plunge pool doubles as a hydrotherapy pool. The vessel measures 12'0" x 15'0" and has 2 LED colored lights. There is an automatic pool cover with stone lid system. There is also a 15'0" underwater bench. The raised water feature has three scuppers spilling into the pool. The Limestone coping and capstone has a sealed, modified edge.

To hide the pool equipment, Betz built a ledgerock feature wall with a 6’ sheer descent waterfall. It can be set at full strength or to a ‘wet wall’ trickle of water. Each end has a ledge with a dramatic gas fire torch. The pool features custom vinyl over steel walk-in steps, plus an underwater bench, complete with spa jets.

With this model you can get two in one. A hot tub in the back with a swimming pool in the front.
Example of a minimalist rectangular pool design

With this model you can get two in one. A hot tub in the back with a swimming pool in the front.
Pool - modern rectangular pool idea