On the Homefront

Breaking stories on home improvement and real estate tied to our communities

Montclair Coming Up Modern
“Such a coincidence”—as two choice MCM homes hit the market in tony Oakland area
Winning the Bidding War
Veteran Eichler architect shares know-how on how to best compare contractor bids
A 'Darling' of a Neutra
Following 2017’s illegal demo, one of the architect’s remaining S.F. homes is for sale
‘How-to’ of Hiring Contractors
Longtime Eichler expert says it’s all about the communication, not about what it costs
Sources for Block that Rocks
Ten MCM-friendly patterns of decorative concrete block—and where to find them
Vital MCM Building Blocks
CA-Modern, new book explore rise, fall and resurgence of the decorative concrete block
12 Must-Have Tools for Your Garden
With a bit of elbow grease, your yard will look like you hired the pros.
Iconic Ellwood Stays Afloat
Restored home that appears to float above Brentwood hillside now has $3M price tag
Two 'MCM Jewels' for Rent
Jones & Emmons’ Eichler X-100, Hillmer’s Telesis House open doors to ideal tenants
An A. Quincy Jones Bargain?
Home by Eichler architect in historic SoCal coop pushes the envelope with asking price
Vehicle for a New Life
Gleaming aluminum & steel mobile homes have minimalist styling, today’s amenities
Street Lined with History
Rodney Walker’s historic oceanview home on ‘Case Study House row’ is up for sale
Modern Magic in Marin
Fundraiser allows modernists to wear their feelings on their sleeve touring Eichlers
Who’ll Build ‘Dream House’?
Amazing cantilevered steel-and-glass home in wild video is yours for a mere $53 million
Dessert Served in San Rafael
Saturday May 19 ‘Marin Eichler Home Tour’ to show off 12 Eichler homes—all day long!
May Packed with Home Tours
Open houses for May 5, 6, 12, 19 feature modern design in every corner of the Bay
Mystery of a ‘Neglected Gem’
Rare modern home by trailblazing architect Paul Williams sits on shelf in Inland Empire
Esherick's East Bay Jewel
Rare home by celebrated Bay Modernist boasts sensational views, woodsy perch
Our Homes: Staged for Living
San Jose Eichler owner explores strategies for staging interiors in new CA-Modern ish
Under the Spell of Overstreet
Architect didn’t build many homes, but his design in Marin stands as a bonafide doozy