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.

Laundry closet - small traditional medium tone wood floor laundry closet idea in Chicago with wood countertops and a side-by-side washer/dryer

Photo: Lauren Andersen © 2018 Houzz
Example of an eclectic kitchen design in San Francisco

Beach style bathroom photo in Charleston

Gamma Photography Studio
Example of an eclectic dining room design in Los Angeles with no fireplace and blue walls

Family room - traditional family room idea in Kansas City

Sweet little girl's room that fits her perfectly at a young age but will transition well with her as she grows. Includes spaces for her to get cozy, be creative, and display all of her favorite treasures.

This house overlooking the Burrard inlet in Port Moody was re-created for homeowners who wished to stay for their love of the Cliffside location. The space is full of intrigue and inspiration for its artistic owners, with yet another piece of oceanic whimsy around each turn. Natural light floods the sitting area and dining room, spilling up into the kitchen of the split level greatroom space. A towering stone fireplace offsets the warm wood floor and white high gloss kitchen cabinets. The circular windows repeated throughout the home bring balance and a softened touch to the marine industry expression of the dark wooden post and beam structure. Downstairs media and games rooms provide space in this family home for everyone to find solace for something they enjoy… when they are not taking in the spectacular views from the home’s ocean facing patio.

After opening up the stairwell between the kitchen and the living room, the homeowners had extra storage space under the stairs. Now it's used as the dog's crate area, complete with a custom doggy door. Photography by: William Manning

An herb spiral is a way to grow herbs that takes up less space and provides various types of planting conditions. Photo by: Amy Whitworth
This is an example of a small eclectic landscaping in Portland.

Design, Execution + Photography by EFE Creative Lab, Inc.
Inspiration for a transitional bathroom remodel in Miami

Resort Modern in Frisco Texas Photographer - Jimi Smith
Example of a huge minimalist backyard rectangular pool design in Dallas

Emily Minton Redfield
Example of a large trendy master green tile and ceramic tile travertine floor freestanding bathtub design with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, marble countertops, a wall-mount toilet and white walls

Corinne Cobabe Photography
Inspiration for a modern living room remodel in San Diego with black walls

When Hacin + Associates envisaged a Boston townhouse interior where modern and historic elements were to play out with the juxtaposition of materials, patterns and forms, they came to Creative Matters. In turn, we played with pile heights, yarns with natural variations and silk highlights to create movement and texture. Living room rug in Boston with Hacin + Associates. Handtufted in Thailand. Wool and silk. Photography by Michael Stavaridis.

A perfect playroom space for two young girls to grow into. The space contains a custom made playhouse, complete with hidden trap door, custom built in benches with plenty of toy storage and bench cushions for reading, lounging or play pretend. In order to mimic an outdoor space, we added an indoor swing. The side of the playhouse has a small soft area with green carpeting to mimic grass, and a small picket fence. The tree wall stickers add to the theme. A huge highlight to the space is the custom designed, custom built craft table with plenty of storage for all kinds of craft supplies. The rustic laminate wood flooring adds to the cottage theme. Bob Narod Photography

Example of a mid-sized classic dark wood floor and brown floor hallway design in Los Angeles with white walls

Mid-sized trendy formal living room photo in Portland Maine with no tv