A Chic luxury apartment with urban details and aesthetic enhanced contemporary furnishings were layered with clean lines, sharp angles, and simple profiles to create complexity in design without becoming too cold. Understated design is filled with textural and visual elements like glamor inspired artwork, textured rugs and luxurious high end upholstery fabrics. Custom fixtures and furnishings created a sleek urban glamorous environment for this waterfront home.

This early 20th century Indianapolis, IN basement remodel was in desperate need of help. The original and still operating hydronic radiant heating system had its plumbing configured without regard to any other use of the space. Fearful of harming the aged system and the high cost of doing so, these Clients were adamant that the existing system remain intact. Architect Lee Constantine developed a design that maintained the existing heating system while creating "niches" around the perimeter that would conceal the unsightly plumbing. Additionally, by removing free-standing structural supporting posts, amore flexible and inviting space was achieved. Because of an already low ceiling condition, the floor-ceiling structure above was kept exposed, painted and highlighted with indirect lighting to avoid further reducing the ceiling height. Constantine incorporated "clouds" on this ceiling to conceal certain existing components that either were cost prohibitive to relocate or couldn't be relocated. These "clouds"become a "visual element" through their geometry and hidden "indirect" light source rather than an undesirable complication. Now this family entertains frequently in the basement and reports "it doesn't feel like we're in a basement anymore"

The Essence Series is a rectified glazed porcelain. Made to emulate wood planks, the Essence series provides a natural visual element to any design. Its soft grain pattern adds interest and texture and enhances the beautiful variation within the series. Because this material is a porcelain product, minimal maintenance is required.

This palatial River Oaks estate embodies a neoteric, mediterranean influence. The front landscape is centered around an elaborate parterre garden, offering elegance and sophistication while the backyard boasts an ornate, poolside retreat. Container grown Italian cypress and spiral juniper add interesting visual elements and a grand, ivy-covered wall give the space a geometric, art deco appeal. Ivy arches, carved columns, and sharply pruned boxwood spheres create a stunning, yet cohesive, impact.

Hawaiian Sky Glass Mosaic Tiles feature rich hues of captivating blues, just like a postcard-perfect Hawaiian sky. Ideal as swimming pool tile and spa tile, this miniature glass mosaic also makes a signature statement on backsplashes and showers throughout homes and light use commercial properties. Highly-prized for durability and design versatility, Hawaiian Sky adds a dynamic visual element to any space, indoors or out. For a coordinated design scheme, this gorgeous pool tile works beautifully with a wide variety of pavers, pool copings, tiles, and other materials in ’s inventory. This product features 1x1 glass tiles artful arranged on 11.81 in. x 11.81 in. mesh-mounted sheets for simplified installation that yields a professional look.

Evan Stange The deep overhang serves many purposes and is simply a nice visual element as well.
Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Kansas City

This bathroom is a harmonious blend of contemporary design and minimalist elegance. It features a neutral color palette, predominantly in shades of soft grey that evoke a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The vaulted ceiling adds a sense of grandeur and openness to the space, while the geometric chandelier with matte black finish and vintage bulbs creates a striking visual element that draws the eye upward. The flooring extends the minimalist theme with wood-look tiles in a light grey hue, providing the aesthetic appeal of wood with the practicality of tile. The expansive layout includes a large freestanding cabinet that echoes the shaker-style design of the vanity, offering ample storage while maintaining the sleek look with matte black hardware. At the heart of the room is the glossy white freestanding bathtub, strategically placed under a window to benefit from the natural light, enhancing the room's airy vibe and offering a relaxing soak with a view. The window treatments are simple, ensuring privacy and allowing light to filter through, contributing to the calming ambiance. Overall, the bathroom design is meticulously curated to balance style and function, resulting in a luxurious retreat that combines clean lines, refined materials, and thoughtful details to create an inviting and modern sanctuary.

For a cozy and Eclectic feel, this quilt doubles as a headboard and serves as a beautiful anchor point for the entire bedroom scheme. This Tribal Design may be just your thing if you're inspired by woven, pre-Columbian art, and an over all desire to be relaxed and comfortable in an environment offers intriguing visual elements that are pleasing to the eye.

Using a border for your paver patio can really add to the visual elements of your new hardscape!
Example of a small backyard patio design in Kansas City

Joseph Eichler developed his moderately priced houses for the mass-market starting in 1949. His homes were designed using affordable materials and simple construction techniques. Nearly 70 years later these homes are in need of updating and remodeling an Eichler home today can become an imposing and costly project if you’re not careful. For this project the clients, who had undergone several previous house renovations, were determined to stick with an established budget from the beginning. Klopf Architecture helped them modernize their Eichler with a premium appearance on a reasonable budget. The clients challenged the Klopf team to create a design that had a high-end feel and nicely done while adhering to their budget. That meant not all of the initial project scope could be built. Like many other Eichler homes, the original floor plan did not meet the family’s needs leaving them feeling disconnected from one room to another. While an early goal was to expand the house into a carport and create a larger garage, it did not survive the contractor pricing phase of the project. The goals that did survive through to the end of the project included blurring some of the boundaries and opening up some of the spaces, making them more functional and creating a smoother flow in the house. The Klopf team joined the former separate kitchen and formal living room into one large space and shift the dining room where it is now connected to the kitchen. Klopf swapped the family room to the front alongside the living room, so the spaces feel more cohesive and are now better suited for family activities. The functional layout of the master bathroom was changed to include a large, curbless shower. Installing a complete IKEA kitchen including cabinets, countertops, appliances, light fixtures, and furnishings was key to staying within budget. Bath fixtures in this house are also exclusively IKEA. Klopf Architecture has designed many homes using IKEA products, which are quite compatible offering an affordable, contemporary take on Eichler homes. The clients saved additional money from the simplicity and availability of IKEA products and by orchestrating the orders and purchases themselves. Following each construction meeting, the clients would make a run to IKEA and purchase items, pick up needed spare parts, and bring them back right away to stay ahead of the contractor’s schedule and minimize the chance of delays and bottlenecks. Klopf balanced material selections by retaining some of the original woodwork and simply refinishing the mahogany paneling. They were able to retain the original windows and sliding doors which were still in good shape, avoiding some of the most costly replacement expenses. Additionally interior doors were simply refinished and the exterior siding cleaned up and repainted. Formerly dark interiors are now illuminated with new slimmer semi-recessed lighting eliminating the need for costly roof work. Attention to design details allowed the Klopf team to ensure the house ended up with a high quality feel. Key visual elements were strictly aligned and Klopf worked with the clients to select a unified materials palette throughout the spaces so the house flows seamlessly together. Aligning the tile layout with the trusses and keeping it level with the concrete slab outside allowed them to achieve a level of quality that may otherwise be missed. The clients were able to keep their budget on track by determining clear goals and making critical decisions upfront, choosing materials and furnishings wisely, working with the right design and construction teams in place and to a large part, their willingness to participate throughout the process. In the end the clients were much happier with their reconfigured Eichler home and Klopf Architecture managed to keep their remodeling costs to about $325/sf – a good amount below the average Bay Area Eichler remodel. Project Team: John Klopf, Angela Todorova, Sherry Tan Contractor: Keycon Construction Structural Engineer: Sezen & Moon Photography: Sabrina Huang Year Completed: 2020

Joseph Eichler developed his moderately priced houses for the mass-market starting in 1949. His homes were designed using affordable materials and simple construction techniques. Nearly 70 years later these homes are in need of updating and remodeling an Eichler home today can become an imposing and costly project if you’re not careful. For this project the clients, who had undergone several previous house renovations, were determined to stick with an established budget from the beginning. Klopf Architecture helped them modernize their Eichler with a premium appearance on a reasonable budget. The clients challenged the Klopf team to create a design that had a high-end feel and nicely done while adhering to their budget. That meant not all of the initial project scope could be built. Like many other Eichler homes, the original floor plan did not meet the family’s needs leaving them feeling disconnected from one room to another. While an early goal was to expand the house into a carport and create a larger garage, it did not survive the contractor pricing phase of the project. The goals that did survive through to the end of the project included blurring some of the boundaries and opening up some of the spaces, making them more functional and creating a smoother flow in the house. The Klopf team joined the former separate kitchen and formal living room into one large space and shift the dining room where it is now connected to the kitchen. Klopf swapped the family room to the front alongside the living room, so the spaces feel more cohesive and are now better suited for family activities. The functional layout of the master bathroom was changed to include a large, curbless shower. Installing a complete IKEA kitchen including cabinets, countertops, appliances, light fixtures, and furnishings was key to staying within budget. Bath fixtures in this house are also exclusively IKEA. Klopf Architecture has designed many homes using IKEA products, which are quite compatible offering an affordable, contemporary take on Eichler homes. The clients saved additional money from the simplicity and availability of IKEA products and by orchestrating the orders and purchases themselves. Following each construction meeting, the clients would make a run to IKEA and purchase items, pick up needed spare parts, and bring them back right away to stay ahead of the contractor’s schedule and minimize the chance of delays and bottlenecks. Klopf balanced material selections by retaining some of the original woodwork and simply refinishing the mahogany paneling. They were able to retain the original windows and sliding doors which were still in good shape, avoiding some of the most costly replacement expenses. Additionally interior doors were simply refinished and the exterior siding cleaned up and repainted. Formerly dark interiors are now illuminated with new slimmer semi-recessed lighting eliminating the need for costly roof work. Attention to design details allowed the Klopf team to ensure the house ended up with a high quality feel. Key visual elements were strictly aligned and Klopf worked with the clients to select a unified materials palette throughout the spaces so the house flows seamlessly together. Aligning the tile layout with the trusses and keeping it level with the concrete slab outside allowed them to achieve a level of quality that may otherwise be missed. The clients were able to keep their budget on track by determining clear goals and making critical decisions upfront, choosing materials and furnishings wisely, working with the right design and construction teams in place and to a large part, their willingness to participate throughout the process. In the end the clients were much happier with their reconfigured Eichler home and Klopf Architecture managed to keep their remodeling costs to about $325/sf – a good amount below the average Bay Area Eichler remodel. Project Team: John Klopf, Angela Todorova, Sherry Tan Contractor: Keycon Construction Structural Engineer: Sezen & Moon Photography: Sabrina Huang Year Completed: 2020

The entryway exudes a clean and modern aesthetic, highlighted by a navy blue door with square glass insets. A simple wooden console table with hairpin legs serves as a stylish and functional piece, displaying decorative items like vases and books. The space is bright and welcoming, with white walls enhancing the natural light. Gold hooks on the wall offer practical storage for coats and accessories, while the geometric floor tiles add a subtle yet striking visual element.

Water features abound in this backyard paradise. Elite Landscaping designed this tiered backyard with low-profile hardscaping for an unobscured view of the lake from the property. Lined with flagstone and river rock, a gorgeous stream flows through the entire outdoor environment. Complementary paver pathways and landscaping preserve the natural look of the lakeside property. A waterfall and three fountain heads nestled in a bed of natural stone provide the peaceful sounds of flowing water, and add the perfect, synergistic visual elements. The large, paver patio enclosed with a custom gated fence offers a seamless transition from the house to the natural landscape below. A customized, circular fire pit sits just below the patio, offering a comfortable place to watch a sunset or enjoy an evening with family and friends. The in ground swimming pool situated next to the lake makes this the premium spot for outdoor recreation.

This wardrobe with hinged doors features a minimalist and elegant design, perfect for a modern space. The doors are divided into symmetrical panels, each with a smooth, matte finish in a light beige tone, adding a sense of warmth and sophistication to the environment. The doors have horizontal black slots that serve as discreet handles, maintaining a clean and uninterrupted aesthetic. This feature not only adds an interesting visual element but also allows for convenient and functional door opening.

Sansa Interiors transformed what used to be a 1950s outdated bungalow into a simple, functional and bright space for a family of four. The original interior was gut renovated while incorporating a second level as an addition to the building structure. The facade remains true to the feel of the neighbourhood, balancing a clean traditional ground level and a slick minimal upper plane. Choosing an interior palette that consists of white tones and warm greys allows the home to feel even more spacious and serene. Introducing white oak accents through out the home brings in an extra layer of warmth. We worked very closely with our clients to tailor the space to their lifestyle, entertainment needs and basic functional requirements. We provided an open riser staircase as a visual element that connects all levels of the home and allows light through. The greatest part about this renovation is that it allowed us to place large windows, bringing nature in and constantly opening the home up to ultimate daylight. Location: Mississauga

Sansa Interiors transformed what used to be a 1950s outdated bungalow into a simple, functional and bright space for a family of four. The original interior was gut renovated while incorporating a second level as an addition to the building structure. The facade remains true to the feel of the neighbourhood, balancing a clean traditional ground level and a slick minimal upper plane. Choosing an interior palette that consists of white tones and warm greys allows the home to feel even more spacious and serene. Introducing white oak accents through out the home brings in an extra layer of warmth. We worked very closely with our clients to tailor the space to their lifestyle, entertainment needs and basic functional requirements. We provided an open riser staircase as a visual element that connects all levels of the home and allows light through. The greatest part about this renovation is that it allowed us to place large windows, bringing nature in and constantly opening the home up to ultimate daylight. Location: Mississauga

Example of a large trendy white two-story mixed siding flat roof design in Toronto

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury. The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!) Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss. Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views: Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south. Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area… A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension: In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.) Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire. While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas. Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least… Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area. An Art-Infused Dining Area: The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar. On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm. Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state. A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture: This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance. Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug. A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna: For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston. This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over. Praise from Our Clients: This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it! “Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.” If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.