Example of a large trendy open concept living room design in DC Metro with a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

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.

Staircase - mid-sized contemporary wooden l-shaped glass railing staircase idea in New York with wooden risers

Contemporary multicolored two-story mixed siding house exterior idea in Denver with a hip roof and a mixed material roof

Massive shower with floor to ceiling tile and Vadara Quartz feature walls and bench. This curbless, walk in shower is complete with dual shower heads and shower jets and a free standing tub within.

Mid-sized mountain style front door photo in Miami with beige walls and a dark wood front door

The Space Apartment includes: * Full Size Bed with 6 pillows * Large living room * Plasma 48" TV LCD * Cable TV * Sofa that can be converted to queen size bed * High Speed Internet - WiFi * Fully equipped Kitchen * Bright bathroom * Lot of closet space. * Table with 4 Chairs & 2 folding chairs * Air-conditioning and Heating from the building * Private parking available in area (hourly rates) Centrally located to the subways line 6, theaters, Central park 12 min walk. Very safe building,completely private oasis located in the center of Upper East Side Manhattan. Everything is at your fingertips, whole foods, Time Warner building, shopping galore! Theater, restaurants, nightlife and more! Guest Access Apartment comes fully equipped with linens, towels, blankets and sufficient furnishings, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, lotion. COMPLIMENTARY *This is not a hotel and we do not provide the services of a hotel* Interaction with Guests Interaction with guest We are always available to assist you with anything you may need. Regarding check-in please contact us 48h prior your arrival, to schedule your check-in with one of our concierge/agent. We can suggest places to eat, shop and gain entertainment. You will have complete privacy, should you choose and discretion is appreciated for both parties. The Neighborhood The neighborhood is extremely safe and quiet. Many restaurants, shops, entertainments and NYC distractions! Your home is the quintessential NYC location, safe and convenient, exciting and right in the middle of it all! Easy access to every major subway line. Close to Rockefeller Center, and Radio City Music Hall Broadway theaters are all within walking distance. Well lit, never (ever) empty, and well policed Plenty for families to do including shopping, movies, Toys R Us, and mega candy stores

Elegant walk-in closet photo in Grand Rapids

Busy Bees Photography
Example of a mid-sized danish open concept light wood floor family room design in Copenhagen with white walls

Patio - mid-sized craftsman backyard wood beige patio idea in San Francisco with decking and no cover

The present project, with its clear and simple forms, looks for the interaction with the rural environment and the contact with the surrounding buildings. The simplicity and architectural dialogue between form and function are the theme for inside and outside. Kitchen and dining area are facing each other. The isle leads to a made-to-measure corner bench that stretches under the wide windows along the entire length of the house and connects to the kitchen across the corner. Above the tall units with their integrated appliances, the window continues as a narrow band. The white high gloss acrylic surface of the kitchen fronts forms a decorative contrast to the wood of the floor and bench. White lacquered recessed handles provide a tranquil, two-dimensional effect.

This is a linen tower we tucked into the corner. It also has some extra features designed into it....
Freestanding bathtub - large transitional master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile freestanding bathtub idea in Montreal with furniture-like cabinets, gray cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink and quartz countertops

Large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Orange County with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, a farmhouse sink and marble countertops

Todd Kaminski, Maguire Photo
Small urban l-shaped concrete floor kitchen photo in Cleveland with an integrated sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, stainless steel countertops, red backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Clark Dugger Photography
Mid-sized trendy galley light wood floor and beige floor kitchen photo in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, black backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and gray countertops

Inspiration for a cottage l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Salt Lake City with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, paneled appliances and two islands

Huge re-model including taking ceiling from a flat ceiling to a complete transformation. Bamboo custom cabinetry was given a grey stain, mixed with walnut strip on the bar and the island given a different stain. Huge amounts of storage from deep pan corner drawers, roll out trash, coffee station, built in refrigerator, wine and alcohol storage, appliance garage, pantry and appliance storage, the amounts go on and on. Floating shelves with a back that just grabs the eye takes this kitchen to another level. The clients are thrilled with this huge difference from their original space.

Paul Crosby Architectural Photography
Entryway - craftsman entryway idea in Minneapolis

Mudroom Coat Hooks
Mid-sized transitional porcelain tile and gray floor mudroom photo in Salt Lake City with white walls and a white front door