This light-filled modern home located in Palo Alto, California is the product of a collaborative effort spanning six years, involving homeowners, Dahlin Group Architecture, and jurisdiction. The goal was to pay homage to the location’s significance as one owner’s childhood home while creating a contemporary family residence for the new generation.

The focal point of the backyard is a magnificent magnolia tree, planted by the owner’s parents. Upon entering this 3,765-square-foot house, a well-lit stair hall welcomes guests with natural light streaming in from two sides. This area serves as the central circulation core of the home. Adjacent to the front door is a charming library, offering a serene space for quiet moments.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECTURE Dahlin Group Architecture Planning BUILDER Clarum Homes LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT VanderToolen Associates INTERIOR DESIGNER Pat Del Gavio Group

Named “Luminosa,” this residence skillfully connects each space in the home, considering the activities, functional needs, and relationships between them. Meticulous design details have been incorporated throughout, bringing joy and honoring the homeowners’ vision for their abode.

What We Love: This warm modern home in Palo Alto offers a variety of functional spaces that feel open and connected. The ultimate in indoor/outdoor living, we are loving how this home expands its footprint to the great outdoors for relaxing and entertaining. The she shed/home office is an exceptionally unique design feature in this home with a soothing waterfall flowing from the cantilevered roof and into the swimming pool.

Tell Us: What features in this home do you like best and what would you change if this were your own home? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below!

Note: Check out a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of California: Massive oak tree defines this incredible modern sanctuary in Northern California and Tour this gorgeous rustic contemporary home in Palo Alto, California.

A breathtaking atrium becomes the centerpiece of the floor plan, while the journey concludes in the living hub of the house, featuring a great room, kitchen, and dining room. This living area is bathed in light from all directions, seamlessly extending the open living concept to the outdoor living yard.

The high ceilings and warm wood tones soften the sleek modern architecture, resulting in a welcoming and cozy atmosphere.

In order to ensure a comfortable interior and minimize energy costs, the architects integrated multiple cutting-edge building technologies, such as heat recovery exchange on each floor and an enhanced thermal envelope.

There are two outbuildings on the property, one with a pool bath and sauna and the other is she shed for the owner to work from home. The pool was an essential component of the design right from the start. It is located between the dining room and the she shed, serving as a fabulous feature that brings the two structures together.

To enhance the overall appeal of the area, the team decided to extend an overhang from the she shed, seamlessly integrating a stylish water feature that gracefully pours into the pool, which measures roughly 16 feet by 18 feet.

Upstairs, one can catch a glimpse of the upper atrium, which leads to the owner’s suite. Every inch of space in the suite is thoughtfully utilized to create a tranquil retreat from the demands of family life. The suite includes doors opening to a private outdoor deck, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. Additionally, a splendid bathroom offers a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.

PHOTOGRAPHER Kathryn MacDonald Photography