Architectural advisement, Interior Design, Custom Furniture Design & Art Curation by Chango & Co. Architecture by Crisp Architects Construction by Structure Works Inc. Photography by Sarah Elliott See the feature in Domino Magazine

with Lloyd Architects
Example of a large minimalist freestanding desk light wood floor and brown floor home office library design in Salt Lake City with white walls and no fireplace

Open shelves keep cookbooks and everyday tableware close at hand. John Wilbanks Photography
Kitchen - craftsman single-wall kitchen idea in Seattle with an undermount sink, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and shaker cabinets

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.

Inspiration for a coastal laundry room remodel in Houston

Bonus Room Bed
Inspiration for a large transitional girl carpeted teen room remodel in Columbus with multicolored walls

Alise O'Brien Photography
Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in St Louis

Mark Lohman Photography
Mid-sized beach style formal and open concept limestone floor and beige floor living room photo in Orange County with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Shop the Look, See the Photo Tour here: https://www.studio-mcgee.com/studioblog/2016/4/25/foothill-drive-project-formal-living-room?rq=Foothill%20Drive%20Project Photo by Lindsay Salazar

Tom Jenkins
Example of a small transitional wooden straight staircase design in Atlanta with painted risers

Bruce Damonte
Staircase - small contemporary wooden u-shaped staircase idea in San Francisco with wooden risers

Dan Piassick
Example of a classic freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room design in Dallas with brown walls

Jeri Koegel
Living room library - mid-sized loft-style dark wood floor living room library idea in Orange County with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

The clean, calm, restful interiors of this heart-of-the-city home are an antidote to urban living, and busy professional lives. As well, they’re an ode to enduring style that will accommodate the changing needs of the young family who lives here. Photos by June Suthigoseeya

This unique farmhouse design was built with the modern family in mind. With plenty of space to entertain, there is ample room for guests and family at the bar, in the kitchen nook, or in the great room. With the open floor plan, nobody is left out! However, if you need a little time alone, head on upstairs where 3 bedrooms, a homework nook, and a bonus room await.

Front entry to mid-century-modern renovation with green front door with glass panel, covered wood porch, wood ceilings, wood baseboards and trim, hardwood floors, large hallway with beige walls, built-in bookcase, floor to ceiling window and sliding screen doors in Berkeley hills, California

Richard Leo Johnson
Inspiration for a bedroom industrial gender-neutral dark wood floor kids' bedroom remodel in Atlanta with red walls

Staircase - large traditional curved staircase idea