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Stone steps hug the side of the home and lead from the street level to the entry courtyard adjacent to the dining room. “We loved the use of the Ceppo Di Gre stone for the two main stairs,” says architect Bronwyn Litera. “Visitors are drawn to its detail when climbing the stairs, and so they watch their feet!”

Floor Plan of Riverview Hutte by Christie Schoepp

The heavy guardrail on the mezzanine ties into the black kitchen cabinets below.

Marvin adds, “It can get pretty dark during the winter in Michigan, so maximizing access to daylight is important, and they’ve done that in Hilltop Farm. You can see, too, that the modern living space inside the home welcomes many uninterrupted views, giving the home so much positive energy.”

Path to Entry

Master Ensuite

The use of consistent and contrasting flooring minimizes disorientation, and decks are accessed via zero-step thresholds. “More and more, I’m having talks with clients about flexible homes,” Wylie says. “They want homes that will work now and for future needs.”

In Sunnyvale, California, architect Ryan Leidner cracked open a 1962 Eichler with a crisp remodel flush with foliage. He replaced the home’s vertical plywood facade with one-inch strips of American red cedar set at two depths. The rhythmic slats conceal a garage door that swings open on a hidden hinge. At the entryway, two massive panes of frosted glass shimmer with light and shadow from the atrium inside. Homeowners Isabelle Olsson and Matthaeus Krenn stand out front.

At the entryway, two massive panes of frosted glass shimmer with light and shadow from the atrium inside.

An original stone fireplace complements built-ins designed by Neutra, including multiple shelving units and a sofa system with a record player and concealed speakers.

The cabin has charcoal-colored metal siding and a punchy yellow-green front door for contrast.

Boyer first visited the site in 2018 for the redesign. Having grown up in the area, it was awful to see the devastating effects of the fire, but there were also signs of regrowth just a year later. “The redwoods had started to grow a little fuzzy green against the charred black [bark],” says Boyer. “It was kind-of promising. It felt hopeful that nature was coming back so quickly.”

The first phase of the project involved opening up the kitchen to the living spaces, and connecting the rooms.

The new house numbers are the Aurele 6" Matte Black House Numbers from CB2, while the streamlined mailbox is a Wayfair find.

This master bedroom features a vintage Danish teak platform bed from Nordisk Andels-Eksport, a Globe pendant from West Elm, and drapes from IKEA. A simple globe pendant offers the perfect, understated touch of elegant lighting.