A master bath renovation that involved a complete re-working of the space. A custom vanity with built-in medicine cabinets and gorgeous finish materials completes the look.

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.

Bedroom - large contemporary master bamboo floor and beige floor bedroom idea in Boston with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace

New built-in of Bedroom of Palo Alto Traditional Home Renovation with new floors, renovated windows, new paint and window coverings. Note the window seat.

This magnificent project includes: a new front portico; a single car garage addition with entry to a combination mudroom/laundry with storage; a rear addition extending the family room and open concept kitchen as well as adding a guest bedroom; a second storey master suite over the garage beside an inviting, naturally lit reading area; and a renovated bathroom. The covered front portico with sloped ceiling welcomes visitors to this striking home whose overall design increases functionality, takes advantage of exterior views, integrates indoor/outdoor living and has exceeded customer expectations. The extended open concept family room / kitchen with eating area & pantry has ample glazing. The formal dining room with a built-in serving area, features French pocket doors. A guest bedroom was included in the addition for visiting family members. Existing hardwood floors were refinished to match the new oak hardwood installed in the main floor addition and master suite. The large master suite with double doors & integrated window seat is complete with a “to die for” organized walk in closet and spectacular 3 pc. ensuite. A large round window compliments an open reading area at the top of the stairs and allows afternoon natural light to wash down the main staircase. The bathroom renovations included 2 sinks, a new tub, toilet and large transom window allowing the morning sun to fill the space with natural light. FEATURES: *Sloped ceiling and ample amount of windows in master bedroom *Custom tiled shower and dark finished cabinets in ensuite *Low – e , argon, warm edge spacers, PVC windows *Radiant in-floor heating in guest bedroom and mudroom/laundry area *New high efficiency furnace and air conditioning * HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) We’d like to recognize our trade partner who worked on this project: Catherine Leibe worked hand in hand with Lagois on the kitchen and bathroom design as well as finish selections. E-mail: cleibe@sympatico.ca

Forget just one room with a view—Lochley has almost an entire house dedicated to capturing nature’s best views and vistas. Make the most of a waterside or lakefront lot in this economical yet elegant floor plan, which was tailored to fit a narrow lot and has more than 1,600 square feet of main floor living space as well as almost as much on its upper and lower levels. A dovecote over the garage, multiple peaks and interesting roof lines greet guests at the street side, where a pergola over the front door provides a warm welcome and fitting intro to the interesting design. Other exterior features include trusses and transoms over multiple windows, siding, shutters and stone accents throughout the home’s three stories. The water side includes a lower-level walkout, a lower patio, an upper enclosed porch and walls of windows, all designed to take full advantage of the sun-filled site. The floor plan is all about relaxation – the kitchen includes an oversized island designed for gathering family and friends, a u-shaped butler’s pantry with a convenient second sink, while the nearby great room has built-ins and a central natural fireplace. Distinctive details include decorative wood beams in the living and kitchen areas, a dining area with sloped ceiling and decorative trusses and built-in window seat, and another window seat with built-in storage in the den, perfect for relaxing or using as a home office. A first-floor laundry and space for future elevator make it as convenient as attractive. Upstairs, an additional 1,200 square feet of living space include a master bedroom suite with a sloped 13-foot ceiling with decorative trusses and a corner natural fireplace, a master bath with two sinks and a large walk-in closet with built-in bench near the window. Also included is are two additional bedrooms and access to a third-floor loft, which could functions as a third bedroom if needed. Two more bedrooms with walk-in closets and a bath are found in the 1,300-square foot lower level, which also includes a secondary kitchen with bar, a fitness room overlooking the lake, a recreation/family room with built-in TV and a wine bar perfect for toasting the beautiful view beyond.

Ultra™ Series fiberglass windows by Milgard. http://bit.ly/1G5dBYd
Traditional gray three-story mixed siding gable roof idea in Seattle

Example of a mid-sized eclectic l-shaped slate floor and green floor eat-in kitchen design in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

Fireplace/TV wall with flanking built-in window seats & shelves
Example of a mid-sized transitional open concept light wood floor living room design in DC Metro with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Alex Lucaci
Bedroom - large transitional master medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom idea in New York with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Horizontal Japanese braces surround and define the living room core. Its rice paper ceiling is echoed by the shoji panels, which retract to reveal the round window of the bedroom beyond. A simple alter with a black granite sill is built into the central axis on the living room wall. Photo Credit: Laurie Dickson

Reclaimed Pine Work Table purchased at the Marburger Antique Fair by Mirador Builders The Custom Backsplash Tile Can Also be Seen Thru the Window as the Back of a Wall Fountain.

This incredibly amazing closet is custom in every way imaginable. It was designed to meet the specific needs of our client. The cabinetry was slightly glazed and load with extensive detail. The millwork is completely custom. The rolling ladder moves around entire closet for upper storage including the shoe rack. Several pull out and slide out shelves. We also included slide out drawers for jewelry and a custom area inside the glass for hanging necklaces. The custom window nook has storage bench and the center of the room has a chandelier that finishes this room beautifully” Closet ideas: If you run out of room in your closet, maybe take it to a wall in the bedroom or make a bedroom into a master closet if you can spare the room” “I love the idea of a perpendicular rail to hang an outfit before you put it on, with a low shelf for shoes” “Arrange your wardrobe like a display. It’s important to have everything you own in view, or it’s possible you’ll forget you ever bought it. If you set it up as if you were styling a store, you’ll enjoy everyday shopping your own closet!” “Leaving 24 inches for hanging on each side of the closet and 24 inches as a walk way. I think if you have hanging on one side and drawers and shelves on the other. Also be sure and leave long hanging space on side of the closest. “If you travel the island can work as packing space. If you have the room designate a storage area for luggage.” “Pull down bars are great for tall closets for additional storage in hard to reach spaces.” “What is the size of the closet” Its 480 sq. ft.” Anther closet idea from Sweetlake Interior Design in Houston TX.”

Custom Home Office Nook: Custom built-in bench seats with storage, custom storage cabinets, custom storage lockers, white cabinets with oil-rubbed bronze pulls, white cabinets with dark hardwood waterfall desk, custom window trim

Side view of a recently styled family room complete with stone fireplace and wood mantel, medium wood custom built-ins, sofa and chairs, black console table with white table lamps, traverse rod window treatments and exposed beams in Charlotte, NC.

A master bedroom with high, vaulted ceiling, accenting a large open space that makes the room feel spacious and airier, while having a ceiling fan that helps for a good ventilation. The large window in front of the bed offers a panoramic view of the mountains, giving a nature experience in the comfort and warmth of this bedroom. Built by ULFBUILT - General contractor of custom homes in Vail and Beaver Creek. Contact us to learn more.

Added cabinetry for each of the family members and created areas above for added storage. Patterned porcelain tiles were selected to add warmth and a traditional touch that blended well with the wood floor.

Window treatments - sheer drapes covering large, sunny windows in this residential South Beach apartment - Miami, FL. Photos Alexia Fodere.
Inspiration for a contemporary concrete floor living room remodel in Miami

New custom dressers and built in shelving assisted in organization and display. A custom bench seat cushion created a reading area. Photo Credit: Miro Dvorscak