Explore our Eichler Homes for Sale blog for the latest Eichler news, architectural insights, and tips, perfect for those enchanted by the unique charm of mid-century modern living in Silicon Valley, the Bay Area, and throughout California.
"Has your Eichler lost its soul? Whether the paneling was painted over or the post-and-beam lines were erased in a clumsy renovation, this guide shows you how to reclaim mid-century magic—from globe pendant lighting and mahogany walls to curated color palettes and iconic landscaping—so your home channels the timeless vision of Joseph Eichler."
Read More“Eichlers always leak.” “Mid-mod homes are too small.” “Flat roofs don’t drain.”
Let’s debunk the most persistent myths about Mid-Century Modern architecture. From advanced roofing solutions to efficient layouts that live large, this guide dismantles the clichés—and explains how Eric and Janelle Boyenga help buyers and sellers make informed decisions about these iconic homes.
Eichler homes are architectural icons of indoor-outdoor living, but their glass walls and open courtyards can make summer heat management a challenge. This guide breaks down stylish, energy-efficient solutions—from shading strategies and modern window films to courtyard landscaping and smart HVAC upgrades—that keep your Eichler cool without compromising its mid-century modern charm.
Read MoreExpanding an Eichler home—whether through an ADU, studio, or carport conversion—requires more than just permits and plans. It’s about preserving a legacy. Eichler homes are defined by their flat or low-sloped rooflines, post-and-beam construction, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a radical embrace of indoor-outdoor living. Adding space to these mid-century icons means designing with restraint and precision. Rooflines must align, materials must match, and additions should feel like they were always part of the original blueprint. Whether you’re converting a carport into a home office or placing a detached “mini-Eichler” ADU in the backyard, every element—from clerestory windows to grooved siding—must echo the Eichler aesthetic. Cities like Palo Alto and Sunnyvale have developed Eichler-specific design guidelines for a reason: to encourage smart, compatible growth that doesn’t erase architectural integrity. With careful planning and the right team, you can add space and value to your Eichler while keeping its modernist soul intact. The Boyenga Team at Compass, led by Eric and Janelle Boyenga, are Silicon Valley’s Eichler experts—helping clients expand thoughtfully and stay true to the spirit of California Modern.
Read MoreConcrete is the unsung hero of every Eichler home—forming the foundation underfoot, flowing seamlessly into patios, and shaping the modernist rhythm of sidewalks, slabs, and aggregate entries. It’s not just structural; it’s a design statement that grounds the home in California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Read MoreEichler homes don’t just look balanced—they are balanced, down to the math. From perfectly spaced post-and-beam grids to atriums sized with golden-ratio precision, these iconic mid-century homes were designed with geometric harmony in mind. This hidden structure is what gives Eichlers their signature calm, flow, and indoor-outdoor magic.
Read MoreThe phrase “40% glass, 60% groove, 100% harmony” captures the genius of Eichler design: warm vertical wood siding meets walls of glass to create a facade both serene and striking. In Silicon Valley’s hottest neighborhoods, this balanced exterior formula remains a powerful draw for buyers seeking authenticity, design pedigree, and indoor-outdoor living. The Boyenga Team at Compass—recognized Eichler experts—helps clients navigate this niche market with precision, design savvy, and proven results.
Read MoreExplore why Joseph Eichler’s mid-century modern homes were built without baseboards – and how this intentional detail reinforces modernist design values. Discover how the absence of baseboards in Eichler homes creates floating wall planes, seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, and an honest celebration of materials that together define the iconic Eichler aesthetic.
Read MoreModernist landscaping for Eichler homes is all about balance—using clean geometry, drought-tolerant plantings, and minimalist materials to echo the home’s architectural lines. From succulents and olive trees to DG paths and Corten steel edging, this design-forward approach lets your Eichler landscape complement, not compete with, the structure.
Read MoreRetrofitting an Eichler roof doesn’t have to mean sacrificing those iconic tongue-and-groove ceilings. With above-deck insulation methods—like polyiso foam, spray-applied roofing, or SIPs—you can boost energy efficiency, meet Title 24 code, and preserve mid-century architectural integrity from the inside out.
Read MoreMatching Eichler siding is more than just vertical lines—it’s about honoring the architectural soul of mid-century design. Whether you’re comparing HardiePanel, resawn plywood, or Nichiha, the right choice balances aesthetics, performance, and authenticity. For Eichler homeowners, the groove is everything.
Read MoreUpdating an Eichler bathroom is all about balance—honoring its mid-century roots while upgrading for modern comfort. From terrazzo tile and floating vanities to warm wood accents and globe lighting, this guide shows how to design a functional, stylish space that feels like it belongs in an Eichler. Clean lines, smart storage, radiant heat-friendly flooring, and the right lighting can preserve the architectural soul while adding real value.
Read MoreYou don’t need a full remodel to make your Eichler shine. From globe lighting and cork flooring to smart tech and minimalist landscaping, small upgrades—done thoughtfully—can dramatically elevate comfort, style, and resale value. These property nerd–approved Eichler hacks preserve architectural integrity while bringing mid-century modern into the now.
Read MoreNot all mid-century materials were created equal. While redwood siding, mahogany paneling, and terrazzo floors age like fine wine, others—like radiant heat systems and vintage Formica—require more nuanced decisions. This deep-dive reveals what’s worth preserving, what should be upgraded, and how to make smart choices that honor your home’s architectural soul and increase long-term value.
Read MoreWondering when your Eichler was built? From fascia lines to tongue-and-groove ceilings, atrium layouts to siding patterns, this detailed forensic guide decodes the subtle architectural clues that reveal your Eichler’s build year. Whether you're a homeowner, agent, or mid-century fan, discover how to trace your Eichler's design DNA—featuring expert insight from Eichler specialists Eric and Janelle Boyenga of Compass.
Read More“Replacing windows and sliders in an Eichler isn’t just a renovation—it’s a restoration of vision. By balancing California’s strict energy codes with mid-century design integrity, you can modernize for comfort without sacrificing authenticity. The Boyenga Team helps Silicon Valley Eichler owners navigate every step—from sourcing frameless glass walls to selecting thermally-broken aluminum systems that preserve resale value and architectural legacy.”
Read MoreEichler homes are architectural masterpieces—but cooling them can be a challenge. This in-depth guide explores passive design techniques and cutting-edge HVAC solutions specifically tailored to mid-century modern Eichlers in Silicon Valley. From foam roof insulation and clerestory ventilation to ductless mini-splits and high-velocity systems, learn how to keep your Eichler cool year-round—featuring expert insight from Eric and Janelle Boyenga, trusted Eichler specialists at Compass.
Read MoreThinking about solar but worried about preserving your Eichler’s iconic roofline? This comprehensive guide breaks down how to install solar panels on Silicon Valley Eichler homes without compromising their mid-century modern architecture. Learn about foam roof compatibility, radiant heat protection, and low-profile options—all with insight from Eric and Janelle Boyenga, trusted Eichler real estate experts at Compass.
Read MoreTongue-and-groove ceilings are more than just Eichler aesthetics—they’re a structural and stylistic hallmark that defines the mid-century modern experience. From original redwood planks to modern recreations using cedar or Douglas fir, this guide explores why these ceilings matter, how to preserve them, and how to bring back their warmth and authenticity. Featuring insights from Eric and Janelle Boyenga, Silicon Valley’s leading Eichler experts at Compass.
Read MoreReimagining an Eichler kitchen means more than installing sleek appliances—it’s about honoring iconic mid-century design while adapting to modern life. This in-depth guide features stunning before-and-after renovations from Silicon Valley Eichler homes, with expert tips on layout, materials, tech, and preserving Joseph Eichler’s legacy. With guidance from Eichler specialists Eric and Janelle Boyenga of Compass, discover how to renovate with integrity, innovation, and timeless style.
Read More
