This modern contemporary kitchen offers continuous countertops and ample cabinet storage creating an easy and convenient flow. It is made out of solid white cabinets with bronze hardware and accessories, white marble slab and matching backsplash to compliment the overall look of the kitchen.

Jarrett Design is grateful for repeat clients, especially when they have impeccable taste. In this case, we started with their guest bath. An antique-inspired, hand-pegged vanity from our Nest collection, in hand-planed quarter-sawn cherry with metal capped feet, sets the tone. Calcutta Gold marble warms the room while being complimented by a white marble top and traditional backsplash. Polished nickel fixtures, lighting, and hardware selected by the client add elegance. A special bathroom for special guests. Next on the list were the laundry area, bar and fireplace. The laundry area greets those who enter through the casual back foyer of the home. It also backs up to the kitchen and breakfast nook. The clients wanted this area to be as beautiful as the other areas of the home and the visible washer and dryer were detracting from their vision. They also were hoping to allow this area to serve double duty as a buffet when they were entertaining. So, the decision was made to hide the washer and dryer with pocket doors. The new cabinetry had to match the existing wall cabinets in style and finish, which is no small task. Our Nest artist came to the rescue. A five-piece soapstone sink and distressed counter top complete the space with a nod to the past. Our clients wished to add a beverage refrigerator to the existing bar. The wall cabinets were kept in place again. Inspired by a beloved antique corner cupboard also in this sitting room, we decided to use stained cabinetry for the base and refrigerator panel. Soapstone was used for the top and new fireplace surround, bringing continuity from the nearby back foyer. Last, but definitely not least, the kitchen, banquette and powder room were addressed. The clients removed a glass door in lieu of a wide window to create a cozy breakfast nook featuring a Nest banquette base and table. Brackets for the bench were designed in keeping with the traditional details of the home. A handy drawer was incorporated. The double vase pedestal table with breadboard ends seats six comfortably. The powder room was updated with another antique reproduction vanity and beautiful vessel sink. While the kitchen was beautifully done, it was showing its age and functional improvements were desired. This room, like the laundry room, was a project that included existing cabinetry mixed with matching new cabinetry. Precision was necessary. For better function and flow, the cooking surface was relocated from the island to the side wall. Instead of a cooktop with separate wall ovens, the clients opted for a pro style range. These design changes not only make prepping and cooking in the space much more enjoyable, but also allow for a wood hood flanked by bracketed glass cabinets to act a gorgeous focal point. Other changes included removing a small desk in lieu of a dresser style counter height base cabinet. This provided improved counter space and storage. The new island gave better storage, uninterrupted counter space and a perch for the cook or company. Calacatta Gold quartz tops are complimented by a natural limestone floor. A classic apron sink and faucet along with thoughtful cabinetry details are the icing on the cake. Don’t miss the clients’ fabulous collection of serving and display pieces! We told you they have impeccable taste!

The exterior deck continues the invitation this new room provides to visitors who may come to this retreat. Whether inside or out the nearby bay beckons feelings of relaxation.

Charlie Whitescarver
Country eat-in kitchen photo with a farmhouse sink, yellow cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances

This image depicts a modern, minimalist living room with a sophisticated and airy design. The space features a cozy beige armchair with a cushion, positioned near a sleek marble coffee table with gold-accented legs. The coffee table holds a small stack of books and a figurine, adding a touch of personality. In the background, a white console table is decorated with a vase of white flowers, accompanied by a small sculpture. Above the console, two abstract art pieces with soft gold and white tones adorn the wall. Wooden shelves with backlit lighting display decorative items, enhancing the warm ambiance. The light herringbone-patterned floor and a neutral rug complete the contemporary look, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

Large farmhouse medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in DC Metro with an undermount sink, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, granite backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Dining room - traditional dining room idea in DC Metro

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in DC Metro

A butler's pantry of a different sort houses all one might need to supply a beverage center for entertaining and is conveniently located at the end of the kitchen next to the great room. It continues the two color theme of cabinetry used on the island and is also adorned with the same quartz counter as was used in the kitchen. Double stacked cabinets have been used and the top row and showcase a beautiful glass collection with glass panel doors.

Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in DC Metro

What a huge transformation! The accent colored cabinets definitely provided this kitchen with a one-of-a-kind feel. The room feels like one continuous space with the wall gone, and the upgraded lighting made a dramatic difference. Our client chose to tile the back wall and install floating shelving instead of upper cabinets, which looked great with the concept. Since the soffits had to stay, we framed them around the wall mount range hood to give depth. And to top it off, we installed a fabulous farm sink that not only looked great, but was highly functional for their lifestyle. The new concept serves our client’s needs perfectly, and we were honored that we were able to deliver the kitchen of their dreams!

The horizontal tile layout continues along the tub and shower walls.
Bathroom - transitional bathroom idea in Sacramento

Example of a classic kitchen design in DC Metro

Example of a classic home design design in DC Metro

Elegant kitchen photo in DC Metro

Elegant Honed Italian Black Granite is used on the shower curb, on the knee wall and is continued around the niche. The "corner" shelf near the bottom is a shaving shelf by Schluter in stone grey.

This modern contemporary kitchen offers continuous countertops and ample cabinet storage creating an easy and convenient flow. It is made out of solid white cabinets with bronze hardware and accessories, white marble slab and matching backsplash to compliment the overall look of the kitchen.

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.