These midcentury-modern residences, inspired in part by the Frank Lloyd Wright house Eichler grew up in, were affordable and coveted by the booming post–World War II middle class. Featuring post-and-beam construction, Eichler houses were graced by an abundance of exposed wood and open spaces that emphasized a connection to the outdoors. Streamlined, well-preserved Eichlers are still beloved by the design community and history-appreciative homeowners—and some push boundaries, balancing original elements with imaginative revamped layouts.

Here, we’ve gathered a selection of spruced-up Eichler homes from the Dwell.com archives. These renovations reflect a contemporary, active lifestyle, while staying true to Eichler’s original vision. Let us know in the comments which of these projects compels you most.

The Unsung Story of Eichler Homes and How They Helped Integrate American Neighborhoods

1. A Tree Grows Right Through the Roof of This Radically Updated Eichler

2. Maverick Design Gives a Muddled Eichler a Dashing Update

3. An A. Quincy Jones Eichler Returns to Its Former Glory in Oakland

4. A Faded Eichler in San Mateo Glows Once Again

5. A Once-Choppy Eichler Layout Now Features Colorful, Connected Spaces

6. A Silicon Valley Eichler Becomes a Cheery Hub Where Dozens Can Gather

7. A Classic Eichler Teems With Vintage Furniture

8. A Designer Renovates Her Family’s Eichler—and Launches a Career

9. Natural Light Fills an Eichler Great Room

10. A Thoughtfully Transformed San Francisco Eichler

11. An Architect Couple Expands an Eichler for a Growing Family

12. A Shiny New Kitchen Is the Star of This Eichler

13. Inside Health and Lifestyle Coach Joanne Encarnacion’s Eichler

14. Transforming a San Mateo Eichler Into a Family Home

15. A Palo Alto Eichler Is Reconfigured to Add Heaps of Space

Shop the Look

16. Weaving Scandinavian Flair Into an Eichler

17. A Klopf Architecture Renovation in Burlingame

18. A Couple Upgrades Their Home by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons

19. A Building Lab Renovation in San Rafael

20. An Eichler Sprouts a Bernard Trainor–Designed Garden

21. Indoors and Outdoors Merge in This Palo Alto Eichler

22. Serrao Design/Architecture Tackles a 1949 Eichler

23. A Mountain View Eichler Embraces New Materials

Appears In

23 Renovated Eichlers That Epitomize Midcentury California Cool