In Palo Alto, California, local studio Gustave Carlson Design was tapped to intervene on a Joseph Eichler-period residence. Prevalent between 1949 and 1966, around 11,000 modern tract-style single-family homes appeared across Northern California, built by 20th-century real estate developer Joseph Eichler who was greatly inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. These “Eichlers” became symbols of middle-class, post-World War II American architecture and design principles.
The studio approached this particular Palo Alto Eichler renovation with care, preserving its original bones while updating it in terms of energy efficiency, sustainability, and custom-tailored interiors. Even before entering, the Eichler style is already at play: a signature post-and-beam construction marks the gabled entry porch flanked by two flat ceilings on either side. Set on a property that backs into a golf course, unobstructed landscape views become part of the home via large portions of glass walls, picture windows, and generous skylights integrated into the sloping roof.Â
To enhance the sense of space and expansiveness, partitions were either removed entirely or replaced with glass to produce light-filled, airy volumes, freeing up flowing white surfaces for the homeowners’ extensive art collection. Throughout, wood, cork and natural stone unify the various spaces alongside a color palette of blues, corals, and yellows.
Gustave Carlson’s signature motifs appear extensively, from the main entrance’s Dutch doors to custom wall-mounted storage units and cabinetry. Curated furniture pieces and nature-inspired wallpaper add touches of color and character to this iconic home.
Photography © David Duncan Livingston