VHT
Trendy stone patio photo in Chicago

You can read more about the project through this Houzz Feature link: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/hillside-yard-offers-scenic-views-and-space-for-contemplation-stsetivw-vs~131483772

Jessica Glynn Photography
Inspiration for a coastal galley dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen pantry remodel in Miami with a single-bowl sink, glass-front cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and multicolored countertops

Greg Premru
Coastal wood exterior home idea in Boston with a gambrel roof

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.

The light gray neutrals add so much more light into this contemporary master bedroom. DiMar Photography
Inspiration for a transitional bedroom remodel in New York with gray walls

A dining room with impact! This is the first room one sees when entering this home, so impact was important. Blue flamestitch wallcovering above a 7 feet high wainscoting blends with leather side chairs and blue velvet captain's chairs. The custom dining table is walnut with a brass base. Anchoring the area is a modern patterned gray area rug and a brass and glass sputnik light fixture crowns the tray ceiling. Photo: Stephen Allen

Charlie Cho
Bathroom - mid-sized 1960s bathroom idea in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and gray countertops

Totoro's Pool presents an opportunity to become a sculptural element admired from the house and serve as a lantern feature for the pool at night, mirroring the captivating garden wall of Totoro House that comes alive with fairy lights at night. Like the pool structure, the walls were finished with Bali-inspired tiles with earthy hues, enhancing its natural ambience and blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

Fu-Tung Cheng, CHENG Design • Front Entryway of House 6 concrete and wood home. House 6, is Cheng Design’s sixth custom home project, was redesigned and constructed from top-to-bottom. The project represents a major career milestone thanks to the unique and innovative use of concrete, as this residence is one of Cheng Design’s first-ever ‘hybrid’ structures, constructed as a combination of wood and concrete. Photography: Matthew Millman

Example of a trendy backyard gravel patio design in Dallas with a fire pit and no cover

Photo by David Duncan Livingston

Example of a small beach style master ceramic tile and brown floor alcove shower design in Orlando with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls and quartz countertops

Island style white two-story exterior home photo in Miami

Custom home Studio of LS3P ASSOCIATES LTD. | Photo by Marc Lamkin
Inspiration for a timeless beige one-story exterior home remodel

Inspiration for a transitional 3/4 white tile ceramic tile and beige floor alcove bathtub remodel in San Diego with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and quartzite countertops

Richard Leo Johnson
Walk-in shower - large contemporary master porcelain tile and gray floor walk-in shower idea in Atlanta with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

Photo by Brent Moss
Design ideas for a rustic gender-neutral outdoor playset in Denver.

Ran propane gas line underground to location of freestanding fire bowl
Patio - mid-sized traditional backyard stone patio idea in Chicago with a fire pit and no cover