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.

This kitchen at Sunset on St. Croix, a rustic modern luxury home, pairs antique white oak flooring underfoot with a glimpse of weathered antique box beams along the ceiling edge. Black shaker cabinetry with brass hardware, a waterfall island, a farmhouse sink, and a dark stone backsplash create a moody, sophisticated palette, while dome pendant lights and fur-topped counter stools add warmth and texture to the space. Our weathered antique box beams are milled from a mix of softwoods, ranging from hemlock to pine, salvaged from joists, roof boards, decking, and walls of late 19th and early 20th century structures. The natural patina from a century of weathering gives them a darker, moodier character. Our antique white oak flooring takes the light and bright aesthetic of the species further, with a subtle grey patina earned over years of natural weathering, milled from timberstock salvaged from 19th century industrial buildings and displaying the unique grain patterns and durability old growth oak is known for. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, a homeowner, or a designer planning a kitchen like this, Manomin Resawn Timbers has the reclaimed wood box beams and flooring to bring warmth and character to your home. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message. 15152 Freeland Avenue North, Hugo MN 55038. Mon–Thu 8am–4:30pm, Fri 8am–4pm. 651.464.1771.

Chad Mellon In the newly renovated kitchen, a trio of Niche Solitaire pendants in Gray glass adorns the island. This signature silhouette hangs from a Linear-3 Modern Chandelier in a Matte Black metal finish. Our classic Gray glass complements the cool tones featured throughout the interior. The Linear-3 Modern Chandelier allows you to easily combine any three light fixtures with a single electrical junction box. The color, shape and drop length are up to you, making each kitchen island lighting installation unique. You can view our entire Multi-Pendant Canopy collection to see what suits your space best.

Ryan Garvin
Transitional u-shaped kitchen photo in Orange County with shaker cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Mid-sized transitional open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room photo in Toronto with gray walls, a wall-mounted tv and no fireplace

Inspiration for a large coastal women's brown floor and medium tone wood floor dressing room remodel in Los Angeles with white cabinets and open cabinets

Mid-sized trendy open concept concrete floor, gray floor and shiplap wall living room photo with a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and black walls

Example of a mid-sized classic kitchen pantry design in San Diego with open cabinets and white cabinets

Inspiration for a large contemporary u-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen remodel in Denver with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island, black cabinets, marble countertops and white backsplash

Powder room - transitional powder room idea in Boston with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets and black countertops

EXTERIOR --- -Locally sourced, solid cedar siding, selected for both its beauty and durability - substantially upgraded with rain screen wrap -Impervia Series, Fiberglass Pella windows with the highest built-green rating and energy efficiency, eliminating vinyl gas emissions -TimberTech 100% composite decking with a 25-year warranty -Professional landscaping with an authentic Pacific Northwest look -Custom wood and glass front door made especially for the home

Complete renovation of a 19th century brownstone in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood. Modern interiors that preserve many original details. Kate Glicksberg Photography

Living room - large contemporary open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room idea in San Francisco with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace and a tv stand

A Southwestern inspired kitchen with a mix of painted and stained over glazed cabinets is a true custom masterpiece. Rich details are everywhere combined with thoughtful design make this kitchen more than a showcase, but a great chef's kitchen too.

Traditional multicolored three-story brick exterior home idea in Nashville with a shingle roof

Inspiration for a small modern black three-story brick exterior home remodel in Chicago

Inspiration for a small modern black three-story brick exterior home remodel in Chicago

Modern black three-story brick exterior home idea in Chicago

Inspiration for a contemporary gender-neutral carpeted playroom remodel in Phoenix with beige walls