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 Brooklyn backyard features a blue stone patio, horizontal knotty cedar fencing, custom L-shaped sectional bench, a built-in jacuzzi, and contemporary plantings. The plantings include a hornbeam tree in a black fiberglass cube container, a red weeping Japanese maple, maiden grasses, 'Schip' cherry laurels, and boxwoods. See more of our projects at www.amberfreda.com.

This San Rafael front landscape has been dramatically updated with a welcoming concrete pathway entrance, and complimented by a variety of architectural plants, hardy succulents, textural grasses and a majestic, fruitless olive tree. The dramatic transformation is enhanced by a raised corten steel planter at the pathway entrance with gravel and succulents. Two horizontal ipe wood structures provide contemporary accents. New raised concrete planters alongside the new concrete driveway define the property and showcase more colorful succulents. A beautiful gray house paint color and ipe accents complete the remodel. Drawings, Design and Photos © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Contemporary courtyard garden
Inspiration for a small contemporary shade courtyard concrete paver landscaping in Orange County.

Nancy Nolan Photography
Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Little Rock with a console sink and multicolored walls

Contemporary townhouse centrally situated on one of Hoboken’s finest blocks. Meticulously renovated 2 years ago, this circa 1889 brick row house has been thoughtfully designed for today’s urban family. Currently configured as a 2 family home, the owner’s triplex features 3 bedrooms, den and 2½ bathrooms. Keeping future expansion in mind, the oversized 1 bedroom garden apartment can easily be recaptured to integrate with the main residence for a total of 3,000+ square feet of living space across 4 floors. The bright open parlor level features contemporary clean lines, working gas fireplace, half bath and a designer Scavolini kitchen with a Wolf and SubZero appliance suite, waterfall island and LaCantina doors opening the rear of the home to a stunning Ipe deck and private yard below – perfect for seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining. The second floor master suite features a step out balcony, large walk in closet and stunning bath with dual vanity, free standing soaking tub and steam shower. Completing the 2nd level is the den with working gas fireplace – perfect for a home office, nursery or fourth bedroom. The top floor features 2 bedrooms, a central family/playroom and bath. New EPDM rubber roof, Marvin windows, hardwood floors, central HVAC system and pre-wiring for sound and cable. Centrally located near NYC transportation, parks, schools and dining/nightlife. Sophisticated urban living at its best!

Contemporary courtyard garden
Photo of a small contemporary shade courtyard concrete paver landscaping in Orange County.

What a difference a day makes! In one day, we totally transformed this terrace from barren to beautiful. Playing on a contemporary Zen theme, we planted bamboo, a weeping cherry, a crape myrtle, hydrangeas, petunias, feather grasses, and creeping Jenny. We recommended a contemporary looking seating arrangement with red chairs for a pop of bright color. Even a small space like this feels totally different with the addition of lush plantings. The bamboo really helps to soften the view of a nearby building. While it’s almost impossible to have complete privacy in a space like this, the plantings create enough of a buffer to make the space feel more intimate and enclosed than it did previously. See more of our projects at www.amberfreda.com.

Magnificent contemporary modern rooftop garden design with the Stardust Modern Design Loop Chaise outdoor chairs. This rooftop's clean minimalist design pays homage to the modern architecture of the building and blurs the boundary between garden and architecture. A beautiful concept for urban gardens including New York rooftop gardens designs and San Francisco rooftop gardens. Click image for product tags.

Beach contemporary design featuring custom succulent wall planters, drought tolerant plants, permeable paving, fruit trees and outdoor rooms
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary partial sun backyard brick landscaping in Orange County.

Magnificent contemporary modern rooftop garden design with the Stardust Modern Design Loop Chaise outdoor chairs. This rooftop's clean minimalist design pays homage to the modern architecture of the building and blurs the boundary between garden and architecture. A beautiful concept for urban gardens including New York rooftop gardens designs and San Francisco rooftop gardens. Click image for product tags.

Contemporary courtyard garden
Design ideas for a small contemporary shade courtyard concrete paver landscaping in Orange County.

Magnificent contemporary modern rooftop garden design with the Stardust Modern Design Loop Chaise outdoor chairs. This rooftop's clean minimalist design pays homage to the modern architecture of the building and blurs the boundary between garden and architecture. A beautiful concept for urban gardens including New York rooftop gardens designs and San Francisco rooftop gardens. Click image for product tags.

Magnificent contemporary modern rooftop garden design with the Stardust Modern Design Loop Chaise outdoor chairs. This rooftop's clean minimalist design pays homage to the modern architecture of the building and blurs the boundary between garden and architecture. A beautiful concept for urban gardens including New York rooftop gardens designs and San Francisco rooftop gardens. Click image for product tags.

Napa, CA Residence. I designed a triangular-shaped pergola with decorative panels from "Parasoleil" that serves as an artful focal point while providing interesting shade patterns that cast a shadow along the fence and the built-in bench below it as the position of the sun changes throughout the day. I designed a contemporary redwood horizontal fence to also help screen the view of the hillside with arbors for vines and to break up the long narrow space. The landscape design includes angular planting beds, concrete pavers surrounded by gravel and a small lower-water lawn for the family to enjoy. Low-water plants, vines and olive trees are planted throughout the space. Drawings, Design and Photos © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Nancy Nolan Photography, Tobi Fairley Design
Example of a trendy open concept living room design in Little Rock

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary full sun and drought-tolerant side yard concrete paver garden path in Orange County.

Nancy Nolan Photography, Tobi Fairley Design
Example of a transitional kitchen design in Little Rock with white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, an island and beige cabinets

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