Richard Mandelkorn
Living room - craftsman formal medium tone wood floor living room idea in Boston

Example of an ornate two-story exterior home design in Boston

Enjoy relaxing in natural light streaming through ThermaStar by Pella windows. Choose from low-maintenance ENERGYSTAR-qualified options in a variety of styles and optional grilles to enhance your home’s design.

John Gruen
Example of a small transitional medium tone wood floor hallway design in New York with white walls

Steve Henke
Inspiration for a timeless white two-story wood gable roof remodel in Minneapolis

The Kiguchi family moved into their Austin, Texas home in 1994. Built in the 1980’s as part of a neighborhood development, they happily raised their family here but longed for something more contemporary. Once they became empty nesters, they decided it was time for a major remodel. After spending many years visiting Austin AIA Home Tours that highlight contemporary residential architecture, they had a lot of ideas and in 2013 were ready to interview architects and get their renovation underway. The project turned into a major remodel due to an unstable foundation. Architects Ben Arbib and Ed Hughey, of Arbib Hughey Design were hired to solve the structural issue and look for inspiration in the bones of the house, which sat on top of a hillside and was surrounded by great views. Unfortunately, with the old floor plan, the beautiful views were hidden by small windows that were poorly placed. In order to bring more natural light into the house the window sizes and configurations had to be addressed, all while keeping in mind the homeowners desire for a modern look and feel. To achieve a more contemporary and sophisticated front of house, a new entry was designed that included removing a two-story bay window and porch. The entrance of the home also became more integrated with the landscape creating a template for new foliage to be planted. Older exterior materials were updated to incorporate a more muted palette of colors with a metal roof, dark grey siding in the back and white stucco in the front. Deep eaves were added over many of the new large windows for clean lines and sun protection. “Inside it was about opening up the floor plan, expanding the views throughout the house, and updating the material palette to get a modern look that was also warm and inviting,” said Ben from Arbib Hughey Design. “Prior to the remodel, the house had the typical separation of rooms. We removed the walls between them and changed all of the windows to Milgard Thermally Improved Aluminum to connect the inside with the outside. No matter where you are you get nice views and natural light.” The architects wanted to create some drama, which they accomplished with the window placement and opening up the interior floor plan to an open concept approach. Cabinetry was used to help delineate intimate spaces. To add warmth to an all-white living room, white-washed oak wood floors were installed and pine planks were used around the fireplace. The large windows served as artwork bringing the color of nature into the space. An octagon shaped, elevated dining room, (named “the turret”), had a big impact on the design of the house. They architects rounded the corners and added larger window openings overlooking a new sunken garden. The great room was also softened by rounding out the corners and that circular theme continued throughout the house, being picked up in skylight wells and kitchen cabinetry. A staircase leading to a catwalk was added and the result was a two-story window wall that flooded the home with natural light. When asked why Milgard® Thermally Improved Aluminum windows were selected, the architectural team listed many reasons: 1) Aesthetics: “We liked the slim profiles and narrow sightlines. The window frames never get in the way of the view and that was important to us. They also have a very contemporary look that went well with our design.” 2) Options: “We liked that we could get large sliding doors that matched the windows, giving us a very cohesive look and feel throughout the project.” 3) Cost Effective: “Milgard windows are affordable. You get a good product at a good price.” 4) Custom Sizes: “Milgard windows are customizable, which allowed us to get the right window for each location.” Ready to take on your own traditional to modern home remodeling project? Arbib Hughey Design advises, “Work with a good architect. That means picking a team that is creative, communicative, listens well and is responsive. We think it’s important for an architect to listen to their clients and give them something they want, not something the architect thinks they should have. At the same time you want an architect who is willing and able to think outside the box and offer up design options that you may not have considered. Design is about a lot of back and forth, trying out ideas, getting feedback and trying again.” The home was completely transformed into a unique, contemporary house perfectly integrated with its site. Internally the home has a natural flow for the occupants and externally it is integrated with the surroundings taking advantage of great natural light. As a side note, it was highly praised as part of the Austin AIA homes tour.

Huge Contemporary Kitchen Designer: Teri Turan
Example of a huge transitional u-shaped porcelain tile and beige floor kitchen design in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Praised for its visually appealing, modern yet comfortable design, this Scottsdale residence took home the gold in the 2014 Design Awards from Professional Builder magazine. Built by Calvis Wyant Luxury Homes, the 5,877-square-foot residence features an open floor plan that includes Western Window Systems’ multi-slide pocket doors to allow for optimal inside-to-outside flow. Tropical influences such as covered patios, a pool, and reflecting ponds give the home a lush, resort-style feel.

Cozy bright greatroom with coffered ceiling detail. Beautiful south facing light comes through Pella Reserve Windows (screens roll out of bottom of window sash). This room is bright and cheery and very inviting. We even hid a remote shade in the beam closest to the windows for privacy at night and shade if too bright.

Double shower in bay window. The bench is cantilevered out over the exterior wall below. Design, color scheme, lighting, and installation by Addhouse. Photo by Monkeyboy Productions

Windows Dressed Up Showroom in Northwest Denver, 38th on Tennyson (303.455.1009), offers the latest in window blinds and shades from leading suppliers such as Lafayette Interior Fashions Cellular, roller, roman,Venetian, vertical, shutters, plus drapes, curtains, side panels, valances and cornices are just some of the window treatments available. Mahn Truc is one of the fine brands offered by Lafayette. Photo Lafayette Interior Fashions.

Integrity from Marvin Windows and Doors open this tiny house up to a larger-than-life ocean view.
Small farmhouse light wood floor and brown floor great room photo in Portland Maine with blue walls and no fireplace

Large Master bathroom remodel with new curved wall entry and vanity for better flow, a "Beauty bar" dressing station, Statuarito marble floors, and marble with mirror mosaic tile accents. Steam shower with dual shower heads on slide bars, rain head, and surround sound speakers. Construction by JP Lindstrom, Inc. Bernard Andre Photography

Integrity from Marvin Windows and Doors open this tiny house up to a larger-than-life ocean view.
Small farmhouse white two-story exterior home idea in Portland Maine with a metal roof

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Furnishings & Photo Styling | Detail Design + Build, Builder | Charlie & Co. Design, Architect | Corey Gaffer, Photography | Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless travertine floor sunroom remodel in Charlotte with a standard ceiling

In the basement living area, we were required by code to provide an egress window well to allow the occupants to escape the building in the event of an emergency. We solved this need by creating a built-in window seat, which features the beautiful stone work of the retaining wall outside. Who says that subterranean needs to be without natural light and beauty? Photo: Amy Nowak-Palmerini

Jim Yochum Photography
Kitchen - small country kitchen idea in Other with white cabinets, quartzite countertops and a farmhouse sink

Stunning traditional home in the Devonshire neighborhood of Dallas.
Inspiration for a large transitional white two-story painted brick exterior home remodel in Dallas with a shingle roof and a brown roof