An old stone mansion built in 1924 had seen a number of renovations over the decades and the time had finally come to address a growing list of issues. Rather than continue with a patchwork of fixes, the owners engaged us to conduct a full house renovation to bring this home back to its former glory and in line with its status as an international consulate residence where dignitaries are hosted on a regular basis. One of the biggest projects was remodeling the expansive 365 SF kitchen; the main kitchen needed to be both a workhorse for the weekly catered events as well as serve as the residents’ primary hub. We made adjustments to the kitchen layout to maximize countertop and storage space as well as enhance overall functionality, being mindful of the dual purposes this kitchen serves. To add visual interest to the large space we used two toned cabinets – classic white along the perimeter and a deep blue to distinguish the two islands and tall pantry. Brushed brass accents echo the original brass hardware and fixtures throughout the home. A kitchen this large needed a statement when it came to the countertops so we selected a stunning Nuvolato quartzite with distinctive veining that complements the blue cabinets. We restored and refinished the original Heart of Pine floors, letting the natural character of the wood shine through. A custom antique Heart of Pine wood top was commissioned for the fixed island – the warmth of wood was preferable to stone for the informal seating area. The second island serves as both prep area and staging space for dinners and events. This mobile island can be pushed flush with the stationary island to provide a generous area for the caterers to expedite service. Adjacent to the main kitchen, we added a second service kitchen for the live-in staff and their family. This room used to be a catch-all laundry/storage/mudroom so we had to get creative in order to incorporate all of those features while adding a fully functioning eat-in kitchen. Using smaller appliances allowed us to capture more space for cabinetry and by stacking the cabinets and washer/dryer (relocated to the rear service foyer) we managed to meet all the requirements. We installed salvaged Heart of Pine floors to match the originals in the adjacent kitchen and chose a neutral finish palette that will be easy to maintain. These kitchens weren’t the only projects we undertook in the historic stone mansion. Other renovations include 7 bathrooms, flooring throughout (hardwoods, custom carpets/runners/wall-to-wall), custom drapery and window treatments, new lighting/electric, as well as paint/trim and custom closet and cabinetry.

Contemporary patio installation using Belgard Catalina Grana pavers in newport gray with a gray polymeric sand. The main goals of this project was to create an entertainment space and address drainage issues with the grade originally sloping towards the house and lower staircase.

Homeowners chimneys were unused and in disrepair so we brought them down to the roofline, and capped them off. It's very important to address chimney issues sooner than later, as one of these clients chimneys came crashing down onto the roof in a wind storm!

Contemporary patio installation using Belgard Catalina Grana pavers in newport gray with a gray polymeric sand. The main goals of this project was to create an entertainment space and address drainage issues with the grade originally sloping towards the house and lower staircase.

Homeowners chimneys were unused and in disrepair so we brought them down to the roofline, and capped them off. It's very important to address chimney issues sooner than later, as one of these clients chimneys came crashing down onto the roof in a wind storm!

This project involved a comprehensive renovation of a multi-functional kitchen space, including hallways, a bathroom, and a laundry area. The goals were to remove outdated materials, address structural and cosmetic issues, and install modern, durable flooring to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the space due to flooding from a burst pipe.

Homeowners chimneys were unused and in disrepair so we brought them down to the roofline, and capped them off. It's very important to address chimney issues sooner than later, as one of these clients chimneys came crashing down onto the roof in a wind storm!

Motorized roller shades and draperies addressed privacy issues and added the final layer of luxury. Bold artwork and minimal accessories complimented the room. For the guest room, the clients requested a queen bed, a sitting area, a place for a television, and to address privacy issues with the transom windows. A rich brown shelter bed and dresser, custom hounds tooth bedding, two distressed whitewash nightstands, a tight back lime green chair, and a tone-on-tone patterned hand carved rug, all build the foundation for this room. Two ceramic and one wooden lamp provide the room with warmth. Two dramatic sets of artwork give this room a wow factor. Motorized roller shades and luxurious apple green draperies complete this room. Designed by Charla Traugott and Jill Shuey, Decorating Den Interiors in Montgomery, TX.

Homeowners chimneys were unused and in disrepair so we brought them down to the roofline, and capped them off. It's very important to address chimney issues sooner than later, as one of these clients chimneys came crashing down onto the roof in a wind storm!

This project involved a comprehensive renovation of a multi-functional kitchen space, including hallways, a bathroom, and a laundry area. The goals were to remove outdated materials, address structural and cosmetic issues, and install modern, durable flooring to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the space due to flooding from a burst pipe.

Homeowners chimneys were unused and in disrepair so we brought them down to the roofline, and capped them off. It's very important to address chimney issues sooner than later, as one of these clients chimneys came crashing down onto the roof in a wind storm!

Newly constructed home with severe water issues. Using a rain garden, along with a swale made of river rocks along the side of the house and through the back garden into a rain garden. Use of water loving plant in the design help to address issues.

This is an organic Lime Wash done with a true lime wash product as opposed to a brick mortar or concrete that is often seen on new houses. This product can be applied as a solid coating making the surface completely white, or can be applied and "washed off" in many artistic ways, as seen here. If you hate your brick or just want something unique this is a great option! Photo credit: Jeff Murrey

The homeowner wanted to have her backyard professionally designed addressing a persisting drainage issue that compromised the pool maintenance. The design addressed the drainage issue by installing an underground system with PVC piping and catch basins to deviate water to the street. The homeowner's main desire was to create a walking area behind the pool with space for quiet reading and a new landscape to provide privacy and enjoyment. Sphere boxwoods are the protagonists of the scene over limestone gravel along with agapanthuses; both adapted to partial shade from the many pine trees located along with the property. The main accomplishment was to provide a lush landscape in a previously problematic area with no drainage and shade. The flow of the walking area continues with liriope and mondo grass leading to a peaceful reading area surrounded by beautiful boulders and muhly grass.

A large island with a waterfall countertop provides work space for multiple cooks and seating for the grandchildren.
Example of a large transitional porcelain tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen design in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

We were able to bring some more life into this existing deck by addressing structural issues, and installing new pressure treated decking. We also added this unique outdoor table wrapped around a tree!

We were able to bring some more life into this existing deck by addressing structural issues, and installing new pressure treated decking. We also added this unique outdoor table wrapped around a tree!

The homeowner wanted to have her backyard professionally designed addressing a persisting drainage issue that compromised the pool maintenance. The design addressed the drainage issue by installing an underground system with PVC piping and catch basins to deviate water to the street. The homeowner's main desire was to create a walking area behind the pool with space for quiet reading and a new landscape to provide privacy and enjoyment. Sphere boxwoods are the protagonists of the scene over limestone gravel along with agapanthuses; both adapted to partial shade from the many pine trees located along with the property. The main accomplishment was to provide a lush landscape in a previously problematic area with no drainage and shade. The flow of the walking area continues with liriope and mondo grass leading to a peaceful reading area surrounded by beautiful boulders and muhly grass.

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.