15 May Openness and Light in Silicon Valley

Klopf Architecture and Jesse Ososki Art remodeled an existing Eichler atrium home into a brighter, more open, and more functional version of its original self. The 2,121 sq ft property features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, located in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The design goals were to preserve the Eichler look and feel without the need to strictly adhere to it. The scope of work included re-configuring the master bedroom/bath, the kitchen, and the hall bath/laundry area, as well as updating interior finishes throughout to be more sophisticated.

The owners are detail-oriented and were very involved in the design process, down to the selection of lighting controls and stainless steel faceplates. Their design aesthetic leans toward the Scandinavian — light and bright, with simple straight lines and pure geometric shapes.

The finish flooring is large porcelain tile (24”x24”) in a neutral grey tone, providing a uniform backdrop against which other materials can stand out. The same tile continues into the shower floor (with a different finish texture for slip-resistance) and up the shower/tub walls (in a smaller size). Heath Classic Field ceramic tile in Modern Blue was used sparingly, to add color to the hall bath vanity backsplash and at the shampoo niches in both bathrooms. Back-painted soda glass in pale blue to match the Heath tile was used at the kitchen backsplash. This same accent color was also used at the front entry atrium door. Kitchen cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and light fixtures are all white, making the kitchen feel lighter and airier. Countertops are Caesarstone Blizzard.

The owners chose to keep some of the original Eichler elements: the concrete masonry fireplace; the stained tongue-and-groove redwood ceiling decking; and the luan wall paneling. The luan paneling was lightly sanded, cleaned, and re-stained. The owners also kept an added element that was installed by a previous owner: sliding shoji panels at all bedroom windows and sliding glass doors, for both privacy and sun control. Grooves were cut into the new tile flooring for the shoji panels to slide in, creating a more integrated look. Walnut was used to add warmth and contrast at the kitchen bar top and niche, the bathroom vanities, and the window sill/ledge under the kitchen window.

Photography ©2018 Mariko Reed