Hopen Place Hollywood Hills modern home theater with underwater pool windows. Photo by William MacCollum.
Inspiration for a large modern enclosed carpeted and gray floor home theater remodel in Los Angeles

Leader Cinema Systems, Inc (C) All World Rights Reserved Just beyond the credenza shown in the open plan 2800 sq ft / 260 sq meters Living Room is the open-plan 600 sq ft / 56 sq meters area which contains the LHF(tm) studio class theater with its 3.5 ton / 3182 Kgs 9 channel sound system. The pool is also equipped with a dedicated underwater sound system. The Leader Acoustic Labs design enables this system to easily reach disco sound pressure levels only experienced while under water. This is the same technique applied for Olympic synchronized swimmers. This residence features the finest underwater sound system to be found anywhere throughout all of the Hawaiian Islands including the major hotels and resorts.

Designed by Parker Ewing Built in Baton Rouge, La. Completed in August 2016
Large trendy backyard custom-shaped infinity pool house photo in New Orleans with decking

Example of a large trendy backyard custom-shaped infinity pool house design in New Orleans with decking

New custom estate home situated on two and a half, full walk-street lots in the Sand Section of Manhattan Beach, CA.
Example of a large tuscan pool design in Los Angeles

Pool house - large contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool house idea in New Orleans with decking

A pair of aquatic-looking agaves bordered by lush leucadendrons
Inspiration for a mediterranean drought-tolerant landscaping in San Luis Obispo.

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

underwater mural in a boys' bedroom. 2 very lucky little boys get to sleep in this underwater haven complete with reef life, fish, dolphins, sharks and more. amazing room, fun to paint!

Gisele A. Lubsen GAL Photography
Living room - large contemporary living room idea in Los Angeles with white walls

View of one section of an underwater mural in a boys' bedroom. 2 very lucky little boys get to sleep in this underwater haven complete with reef life, fish, dolphins, sharks and more. amazing room, fun to paint!

Step into a world where Victorian elegance meets steam-powered ingenuity with our captivating Steampunk collection. Each item tells a mesmerizing tale of clockwork marvels and industrial aesthetics. Discover a treasure trove of goggles, gears, and brass accents, reminiscent of an alternate reality filled with fantastical gadgets and daring adventures. From whimsical timepieces to mesmerizing sculptures, our unique Steampunk items fuse artistry and imagination to transform any space into a mesmerizing neo-Victorian realm. Indulge your curious spirit and embrace the charm of Steampunk with our extraordinary collection of captivating curiosities.

Gisele A. Lubsen GAL Photography
Example of a mid-sized classic entry hall design in Los Angeles with gray walls

Gisele A. Lubsen GAL Photography
Example of a large trendy entryway design in Las Vegas with multicolored walls

View of one corner of an underwater mural in a boys' bedroom. 2 very lucky little boys get to sleep in this underwater haven complete with reef life, fish, dolphins, sharks and more. amazing room, fun to paint!

Yup, your eyes do not deceive you. This is a real fishing boat cut in half and mounted on the ceiling. The hand painted mural/ artwork conveys a peaceful afternoon in the ocean from the perspective of a fish. The client has spent many a fine day fishing with his family, and wanted to celebrate his hobby in a big way. The ceiling includes my client catching a big marlin, with the end of a pole and actual line going to the Marlin mounted on the wall. His wife Peggy is enjoying the breeze and his daughter is dangling her feet in the water. His son has a snorkel mask on, peering down into the great room.

https://pipafineart.com/products/aqua-ascent-realism-painting-digital-artwork-loose-art-print. Immerse yourself in the tranquil depths of "Aqua Ascent," a captivating artwork that transports you to a serene underwater world. This mesmerizing print showcases three delicate blossoms reaching upwards, their intricate petals and leaves bathed in a soothing aqua light. The ethereal glow and gentle movement of the plants create a sense of tranquility and wonder, as if witnessing a secret garden hidden beneath the ocean's surface. Printed on high-quality photo paper with premium inks, "Aqua Ascent" brings the calming beauty of the underwater realm into your home. Hang "Aqua Ascent" in your living room, bedroom, dining room, or office to create a soothing ambiance that inspires relaxation and contemplation. The cool tones and gentle forms evoke a sense of peace and harmony, while the unique perspective offers a fresh and captivating view of the natural world. This artwork is an invitation to escape the everyday and immerse yourself in the tranquility of an underwater oasis. "Aqua Ascent" is made in the USA and printed on demand, ensuring a high-quality piece that will be cherished for years to come. Available in a variety of sizes, it makes a perfect gift for nature lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the beauty and serenity of the underwater world.

Perfect for exercise or entertaining, this compact plunge pool tucks neatly behind the house in this urban Toronto yard. Underwater benches flanking the walk-in steps invite lounging, while a sheer descent waterfall adds drama to the raised ledgerock feature wall. Directly below is a powerful Badu Jet for lap swimming. The owners also use it for paddle practice in a kayak. The natural pond-look of the dark grey Armourcoat interior offers a pleasing contrast to the Wiarton flagstone coping and deck. (9 x 18, rectangular)

An urban ravine lot perfectly accommodates this exquisite aquatic retreat. A multi-level look is achieved with the slightly raised pool, elevated spillover spa and semi-circular stone wall with waterfall. The small grotto underneath is a haven for privacy while the underwater benches invite lounging. The Wiarton flagstone walls and deck add a natural touch. A special sound-proofed equipment shed was constructed in deference to the neighbours, it allows for year round use of the spa. (9 x 18, custom shape)