Search results for "Visually expanded" in Home Design Ideas

Conceived of as a C-shaped house with a small private courtyard and a large private rear yard, this new house maximizes the floor area available to build on this smaller Palo Alto lot. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) integrated into the main structure gave a floor area bonus. For now, it will be used for visiting relatives. One challenge of this design was keeping a low profile and proportional design while still meeting the FEMA flood plain requirement that the finished floor start about 3′ above grade.
The new house has four bedrooms (including the attached ADU), a separate family room with a window seat, a music room, a prayer room, and a large living space that opens to the private small courtyard as well as a large covered patio at the rear. Mature trees around the perimeter of the lot were preserved, and new ones planted, for private indoor-outdoor living.
C-shaped house, New home, ADU, Palo Alto, CA, courtyard,
KA Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova, Lucie Danigo
Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers
Landscape Architect: Outer Space Landscape Architects
Contractor: Coast to Coast Development
Photography: ©2023 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022
Location: Palo Alto, CA

The previous layout had a small dining table in front of the re-designed bar which we decided to eliminate in favor of a raised breakfast bar accommodating 4 stools. This allowed us to introduce new French doors to access a rear yard patio with unobstructed passage. It also gave us a visually expanded kitchen area conducive to entertaining.

The Roger Lee designed house from 1962 was purchased by the current homeowners in almost original condition, as the previous owners elected to defer most maintenance projects over the years. The clients were able to see beyond the dated materials and finishes, single-paned glass and uninsulated walls and they approached Klopf Architecture to help them expand and update the entire home, one the family could settle into and enjoy for years to come. It was important that the new designs were aligned with Lee's original intent not only because of the client's appreciation for mid-century modern architecture, but also because the house was deemed historical. The Stanford Real Estate Office requires a stringent design review which safeguards the integrity of the community, which Klopf Architecture was happy to oblige going into their updated designs.
As with many original mid-century modern homes, the house was scaled to the 1960s lifestyle where rooms were smaller and openings to views were limited and tightly framed. The original conditions defined the direction the family of four would take in updating the house and making it comfortable for their modern lifestyle. Klopf designed a full gut remodel and major addition to bring the house into the 21st century and provide the living area needed for the client's family. The newly expanded house added just about 1,100 sf to create an airy, comfortable and family friendly house, taking full advantage of the beautiful southwestern views that extend out to the hills beyond. The enclosed garage created an additional 240 sf of covered space for long-term storage.
A cracked swimming pool created an eyesore taking up a majority of the backyard landscape, so it was one of the first elements to go during the transformation. Working with Outer Space Landscape Architects, the family asked for a mix of relaxing outdoor patio spaces that eventually blend into the native landscaping, extending their views outward toward the natural greenery of the trees beyond their property. Filling in the old pool was a smart way to expand the living spaces outward. The orientation of the house was designed to enjoy the views, but the original architecture provided the first homeowners with mere glimpses of the landscape outside.
Klopf was able to broaden those views, continuing and extending on the original architecture to take full advantage of the unobstructed natural views across the rear facade of the house. Small horizontal openings in the primary bedroom and office were replaced with much taller windows that now follow the angled roof line upward, extending across almost all of the facade. We worked with Western Windows, whose designs included an oblique-shaped, operable casement that allowed our design to rise with the slope. A new corner office added to the primary suite, offers a bright and functional work-from-home solution that looks out at the distant views and added natural light from the expanded window configuration that now wraps around the corner.
The existing lower level was designed by Lee as a utilitarian space, serving as a wet pool room with a drain in the center of the floor, bathroom, laundry and storage areas. Without the need for a pool room, Klopf was able to convert the area into a much more comfortable and functional living space with a new family room and guest suite. The new spaces enjoy easy access to a new outdoor patio through floor to ceiling, full-width glass sliders.
Continuing along the rear facade, a previously exposed deck extending from the living room and hallway provided access to the backyard through a single set of stairs leading toward the side of the house which made sense when the pool was in place. The new deck was re-envisioned as an extension of the main living room and now serves as a second outdoor living room. A new slatted pergola above provides the homeowners welcome relief from the hot afternoon sun. A second set of stairs now creates a better connection to the redesigned lower level. Klopf was able to reconfigure the spaces, extending the living room outward toward the views, where the family now claims it as the heart of the home, spending a large majority of their time outdoors.
Back inside, the original wood-burning Malm fireplace was beautifully restored and a gas burner installed to comply with California's strict air standards. It now rests in front of a wall of Heath accent tiles where a dated red brick wall used to stand. A new taller window brings more light and views into the refreshed interior living room. The original glass doors opposite the fireplace were replaced by larger sliders that when fully opened, create a seamless transition to the new outdoor living area so the two spaces feel like one connected space. The original utilitarian kitchen was needlessly tucked into the far back corner and closed-off, out of sight from the living room, so the clients asked Klopf to open it up and expand the kitchen forward so it felt more connected. Today the much larger kitchen is connected to the living area where a short wall with a cutout offers a visual glimpse into the kitchen and a handy pass-through counter for serving guests. A new breakfast nook was also added to create another spot where the family can gather for casual meals. Just outside, a new built-in outdoor grill and prep area extends the kitchen outside and connects to a new outdoor dining spot nestled amongst the trees, taking advantage of the views out back.
Klopf was able to expand the other two bedrooms, add a new laundry room and half-bath and convert the carport to an enclosed garage to add more storage areas which was lost when the pool house was converted to the family and guest room.
To maintain a historical connection to the original designs, the exterior siding was repeated on all exterior walls, a full-height stained glass window at the front entryway restored, and an interior slatted screen element repeated outside at the exterior entry courtyard and over the new outdoor living room to create a shade trellis. The new house stands proudly and shines against it's new landscaping features, while respecting and expanding on the original intent of Roger Lee's designs epitomizing the comforts of indoor-outdoor living in Northern California.
Completion year: 2020
Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane, Noel Andrade
Contractor: ORB Construction, Brendan O'Reilly
Structural engineer: Sezen and Moon
Landscape architect: Outer space
Furnishings and decoration: Urbanism Designs
Photographer: Mariko Reed
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One of the smart solutions for an emtertainment area, white glossy finish visually expands the space of small and medium living rooms, providing more air to breathe and new design steps. Modular design allows for numerous configurations.

The three-level Mediterranean revival home started as a 1930s summer cottage that expanded downward and upward over time. We used a clean, crisp white wall plaster with bronze hardware throughout the interiors to give the house continuity. A neutral color palette and minimalist furnishings create a sense of calm restraint. Subtle and nuanced textures and variations in tints add visual interest. The stair risers from the living room to the primary suite are hand-painted terra cotta tile in gray and off-white. We used the same tile resource in the kitchen for the island's toe kick.

Hexagonal cararra marble tile covers the floor and weaves its way into the walk-in shower, visually expanding the compact space. The Kohler Corbelle Comfort Height toilet and stainless-steel towel warmer adds a modern touch that truly ties this space together.

This 800 square foot Accessory Dwelling Unit steps down a lush site in the Portland Hills. The street facing balcony features a sculptural bronze and concrete trough spilling water into a deep basin. The split-level entry divides upper-level living and lower level sleeping areas. Generous south facing decks, visually expand the building's area and connect to a canopy of trees. The mid-century modern details and materials of the main house are continued into the addition. Inside a ribbon of white-washed oak flows from the entry foyer to the lower level, wrapping the stairs and walls with its warmth. Upstairs the wood's texture is seen in stark relief to the polished concrete floors and the crisp white walls of the vaulted space. Downstairs the wood, coupled with the muted tones of moss green walls, lend the sleeping area a tranquil feel.
Contractor: Ricardo Lovett General Contracting
Photographer: David Papazian Photography

This 800 square foot Accessory Dwelling Unit steps down a lush site in the Portland Hills. The street facing balcony features a sculptural bronze and concrete trough spilling water into a deep basin. The split-level entry divides upper-level living and lower level sleeping areas. Generous south facing decks, visually expand the building's area and connect to a canopy of trees. The mid-century modern details and materials of the main house are continued into the addition. Inside a ribbon of white-washed oak flows from the entry foyer to the lower level, wrapping the stairs and walls with its warmth. Upstairs the wood's texture is seen in stark relief to the polished concrete floors and the crisp white walls of the vaulted space. Downstairs the wood, coupled with the muted tones of moss green walls, lend the sleeping area a tranquil feel.
Contractor: Ricardo Lovett General Contracting
Photographer: David Papazian Photography

The Roger Lee designed house from 1962 was purchased by the current homeowners in almost original condition, as the previous owners elected to defer most maintenance projects over the years. The clients were able to see beyond the dated materials and finishes, single-paned glass and uninsulated walls and they approached Klopf Architecture to help them expand and update the entire home, one the family could settle into and enjoy for years to come. It was important that the new designs were aligned with Lee's original intent not only because of the client's appreciation for mid-century modern architecture, but also because the house was deemed historical. The Stanford Real Estate Office requires a stringent design review which safeguards the integrity of the community, which Klopf Architecture was happy to oblige going into their updated designs.
As with many original mid-century modern homes, the house was scaled to the 1960s lifestyle where rooms were smaller and openings to views were limited and tightly framed. The original conditions defined the direction the family of four would take in updating the house and making it comfortable for their modern lifestyle. Klopf designed a full gut remodel and major addition to bring the house into the 21st century and provide the living area needed for the client's family. The newly expanded house added just about 1,100 sf to create an airy, comfortable and family friendly house, taking full advantage of the beautiful southwestern views that extend out to the hills beyond. The enclosed garage created an additional 240 sf of covered space for long-term storage.
A cracked swimming pool created an eyesore taking up a majority of the backyard landscape, so it was one of the first elements to go during the transformation. Working with Outer Space Landscape Architects, the family asked for a mix of relaxing outdoor patio spaces that eventually blend into the native landscaping, extending their views outward toward the natural greenery of the trees beyond their property. Filling in the old pool was a smart way to expand the living spaces outward. The orientation of the house was designed to enjoy the views, but the original architecture provided the first homeowners with mere glimpses of the landscape outside.
Klopf was able to broaden those views, continuing and extending on the original architecture to take full advantage of the unobstructed natural views across the rear facade of the house. Small horizontal openings in the primary bedroom and office were replaced with much taller windows that now follow the angled roof line upward, extending across almost all of the facade. We worked with Western Windows, whose designs included an oblique-shaped, operable casement that allowed our design to rise with the slope. A new corner office added to the primary suite, offers a bright and functional work-from-home solution that looks out at the distant views and added natural light from the expanded window configuration that now wraps around the corner.
The existing lower level was designed by Lee as a utilitarian space, serving as a wet pool room with a drain in the center of the floor, bathroom, laundry and storage areas. Without the need for a pool room, Klopf was able to convert the area into a much more comfortable and functional living space with a new family room and guest suite. The new spaces enjoy easy access to a new outdoor patio through floor to ceiling, full-width glass sliders.
Continuing along the rear facade, a previously exposed deck extending from the living room and hallway provided access to the backyard through a single set of stairs leading toward the side of the house which made sense when the pool was in place. The new deck was re-envisioned as an extension of the main living room and now serves as a second outdoor living room. A new slatted pergola above provides the homeowners welcome relief from the hot afternoon sun. A second set of stairs now creates a better connection to the redesigned lower level. Klopf was able to reconfigure the spaces, extending the living room outward toward the views, where the family now claims it as the heart of the home, spending a large majority of their time outdoors.
Back inside, the original wood-burning Malm fireplace was beautifully restored and a gas burner installed to comply with California's strict air standards. It now rests in front of a wall of Heath accent tiles where a dated red brick wall used to stand. A new taller window brings more light and views into the refreshed interior living room. The original glass doors opposite the fireplace were replaced by larger sliders that when fully opened, create a seamless transition to the new outdoor living area so the two spaces feel like one connected space. The original utilitarian kitchen was needlessly tucked into the far back corner and closed-off, out of sight from the living room, so the clients asked Klopf to open it up and expand the kitchen forward so it felt more connected. Today the much larger kitchen is connected to the living area where a short wall with a cutout offers a visual glimpse into the kitchen and a handy pass-through counter for serving guests. A new breakfast nook was also added to create another spot where the family can gather for casual meals. Just outside, a new built-in outdoor grill and prep area extends the kitchen outside and connects to a new outdoor dining spot nestled amongst the trees, taking advantage of the views out back.
Klopf was able to expand the other two bedrooms, add a new laundry room and half-bath and convert the carport to an enclosed garage to add more storage areas which was lost when the pool house was converted to the family and guest room.
To maintain a historical connection to the original designs, the exterior siding was repeated on all exterior walls, a full-height stained glass window at the front entryway restored, and an interior slatted screen element repeated outside at the exterior entry courtyard and over the new outdoor living room to create a shade trellis. The new house stands proudly and shines against it's new landscaping features, while respecting and expanding on the original intent of Roger Lee's designs epitomizing the comforts of indoor-outdoor living in Northern California.
Completion year: 2020
Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane, Noel Andrade
Contractor: ORB Construction, Brendan O'Reilly
Structural engineer: Sezen and Moon
Landscape architect: Outer space
Furnishings and decoration: Urbanism Designs
Photographer: Mariko Reed

Pops of color against a mostly white backdrop. Dark stained hardwood floors - laid diagonally - visually expand the space. Ikea shelving used as room divider. Ikea fabric replaces metal doors

Nestled on a steep, hard-to-access lot, this home and pool presented unique challenges. The aging pool had tilted more than four inches downhill, and with limited backyard access and a tight budget, a full replacement wasn’t an option. Instead, a creative design solution—one of our specialties—allowed for a seamless repair, featuring a new concrete coping and a vibrant tile accent that revitalized the space.
The outdoor transformation didn’t stop there. The deteriorating decks required a complete rebuild, and the homeowners envisioned a detached art studio tucked into their nature-filled backyard. By embracing the site’s complexities, we crafted a design that connected the elevated outdoor living areas to the pool and studio, creating a cohesive, functional retreat.
Every detail was executed with precision. Linear decking and cable rail demanded meticulous planning, while IPE wood was chosen for its natural beauty and durability. Thoughtful design elements—like the IPE wood cap that unifies the pool’s edge and art studio wall and a horizontal privacy fence that visually expands the space—elevate the project beyond a renovation. This is a space built not just for beauty, but for lasting enjoyment.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Snider & Metcalf Interior Design, LTD
Leading Interior Designers in Columbus, Ohio & Ponte Vedra, Florida

Welcome to a stunning transformation project that showcases our expertise in custom cabinetry, mosaic tile, and elegant interior design. We had the pleasure of working with Jon Cancellino on this exquisite project, where we crafted bespoke cabinets to enhance the functionality and beauty of the space.
Our design journey began with a vision to blend white walls with striking mosaic tile accents, creating a timeless and sophisticated look. We carefully selected each detail, from the sleek sink and modern tap to the stylish tile flooring that anchors the space.
The project also featured a beautiful wall frame to display artwork and a chic wall lamp that adds a touch of ambient light. We chose wall mirrors to reflect natural light and visually expand the space, while the overall design maintained a clean and elegant aesthetic.
Located in Clearwater, FL within the 33756 area, this project reflects our commitment to quality and creativity. Whether you're interested in general contracting, home additions, or custom homes, we offer tailored solutions for every need.
We hope our interior ideas and remodeling concepts inspire you as much as they did us. Explore this project to see how we can turn your dreams into reality in Tampa or beyond. Let us help you bring fresh remodeling ideas to your home and create a space you will love!

Set includes:
Pre-drilled door slab.
Metal invisible frame (3 pcs) made of cold-rolled galvanized steel, with connectors and screws.
3D-adjustable concealed hinges.
American style or European style handle and lock (per your choice).
Door model – 2102
Coating – eco-veneer
Door thickness – 1 1/2"
Door core – solid wood.
Modern frameless design makes this door a perfect solution for stylish interiors. Thanks to the minimalist look and absence of visible trims, it visually expands the space and blends seamlessly into any room.
The eco-veneer coating is durable, scratch-resistant, easy to maintain, and designed for long-lasting performance. The engineered solid wood core provides strength, stability, sound reduction, and helps preserve heat inside the room.
Door can be chosen with inswing or outswing direction. Flush design is available from one side only to achieve a clean invisible frame look.
The invisible frame is resistant to mechanical damage and corrosion. Extensions are available to cover a wall up to 7".
Frame should be spackled and painted after installation to achieve a seamless invisible frame finish that integrates perfectly with the wall surface.

The Atwater's Bathroom showcases a sleek and modern design. Gray cabinets provide ample storage space and add a touch of sophistication to the room. The white countertops offer a clean and crisp look, complementing the overall color scheme. An undermount sink adds a seamless and stylish touch to the vanity area. Potted plants bring a refreshing element of nature into the space, adding a pop of greenery. A white toilet blends seamlessly with the rest of the bathroom fixtures. The sliding shower door adds a contemporary touch and helps to maximize space. The beige tile shower surround creates a neutral backdrop and adds texture to the room. Silver bath hardware adds a touch of elegance and coordinates with the overall design. A large mirror reflects light and visually expands the space, completing the Atwater's Bathroom with a functional and stylish element.

Nestled on a steep, hard-to-access lot, this home and pool presented unique challenges. The aging pool had tilted more than four inches downhill, and with limited backyard access and a tight budget, a full replacement wasn’t an option. Instead, a creative design solution—one of our specialties—allowed for a seamless repair, featuring a new concrete coping and a vibrant tile accent that revitalized the space.
The outdoor transformation didn’t stop there. The deteriorating decks required a complete rebuild, and the homeowners envisioned a detached art studio tucked into their nature-filled backyard. By embracing the site’s complexities, we crafted a design that connected the elevated outdoor living areas to the pool and studio, creating a cohesive, functional retreat.
Every detail was executed with precision. Linear decking and cable rail demanded meticulous planning, while IPE wood was chosen for its natural beauty and durability. Thoughtful design elements—like the IPE wood cap that unifies the pool’s edge and art studio wall and a horizontal privacy fence that visually expands the space—elevate the project beyond a renovation. This is a space built not just for beauty, but for lasting enjoyment.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Snider & Metcalf Interior Design, LTD
Leading Interior Designers in Columbus, Ohio & Ponte Vedra, Florida

Set includes:
Pre-drilled door slab.
Metal invisible frame (3 pcs) made of cold-rolled galvanized steel, with connectors and screws.
3D-adjustable concealed hinges.
American style or European style handle and lock (per your choice).
Door model – 4088
Coating – eco-veneer
Door thickness – 1 1/2"
Door core – solid wood.
Modern frameless design makes this door a perfect solution for stylish interiors. Thanks to the minimalist look and absence of visible trims, it visually expands the space and blends seamlessly into any room.
The eco-veneer coating is durable, scratch-resistant, easy to maintain, and designed for long-lasting performance. The engineered solid wood core provides strength, stability, sound reduction, and helps preserve heat inside the room.
Door can be chosen with inswing or outswing direction. Flush design is available from one side only to achieve a clean invisible frame look.
The invisible frame is resistant to mechanical damage and corrosion. Extensions are available to cover a wall up to 7".
Frame should be spackled and painted after installation to achieve a seamless invisible frame finish that integrates perfectly with the wall surface.

This master bathroom remodeling project began with a former laundry room and was transformed into a warm, modern retreat designed for comfort and functionality. Despite the compact footprint, thoughtful layout planning and material selection helped create a space that feels open, airy, and inviting.
To visually expand the room, we used light-toned floor and wall tiles, paired with a custom frameless glass shower enclosure that keeps the design clean and seamless. The shower features handmade tiles in soft, warm brown tones, adding subtle texture and a refined, artisanal character to the space.
Brass plumbing fixtures introduce warmth and contrast beautifully with the neutral palette, bringing a touch of understated luxury. A custom wood vanity was designed to complement the tile tones, offering generous storage with a honed stone countertop for a timeless finish.
Recessed lighting and integrated vanity lighting complete the design, creating a soft and relaxing atmosphere. What was once a small laundry area is now a cozy, spa-inspired master bathroom built with careful craftsmanship and attention to detail.

This 800 square foot Accessory Dwelling Unit steps down a lush site in the Portland Hills. The street facing balcony features a sculptural bronze and concrete trough spilling water into a deep basin. The split-level entry divides upper-level living and lower level sleeping areas. Generous south facing decks, visually expand the building's area and connect to a canopy of trees. The mid-century modern details and materials of the main house are continued into the addition. Inside a ribbon of white-washed oak flows from the entry foyer to the lower level, wrapping the stairs and walls with its warmth. Upstairs the wood's texture is seen in stark relief to the polished concrete floors and the crisp white walls of the vaulted space. Downstairs the wood, coupled with the muted tones of moss green walls, lend the sleeping area a tranquil feel.
Contractor: Ricardo Lovett General Contracting
Photographer: David Papazian Photography
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