Study room - contemporary built-in desk carpeted study room idea in DC Metro with white walls

Example of a beach style master white tile and subway tile gray floor and double-sink freestanding bathtub design in Minneapolis with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Custom cabinetry provides visual interest plus provides plenty of organized storage. The wood floor and walnut island add a richness to the contemporary look. Photo by SMHerrick Photography.

Example of a mid-sized transitional formal and open concept dark wood floor living room design in Toronto with gray walls, no fireplace and no tv

Transitional master marble floor and gray floor freestanding bathtub photo in Detroit with white cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, gray countertops and flat-panel cabinets

Inspiration for a coastal powder room remodel in Philadelphia with a pedestal sink

Shelly Harrison Photography
Trendy master red tile bathroom photo in Boston with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls and a vessel sink

Ryan Garvin Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized industrial master dark wood floor bedroom remodel in Denver with no fireplace

This custom home is derived from Chinese symbolism. The color red symbolizes luck, happiness and joy in the Chinese culture. The number 8 is the most prosperous number in Chinese culture. A custom 8 branch tree is showcased on an island in the pool and a red wall serves as the background for this piece of art. The home was designed in a L-shape to take advantage of the lake view from all areas of the home. The open floor plan features indoor/outdoor living with a generous lanai, three balconies and sliding glass walls that transform the home into a single indoor/outdoor space. An ARDA for Custom Home Design goes to Phil Kean Design Group Designer: Phil Kean Design Group From: Winter Park, Florida

Photographer: Angie Seckinger | Interior: Cameron Ruppert Interiors | Builder: Thorsen Construction
Dining room - traditional dark wood floor and brown floor dining room idea in DC Metro with blue walls

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.

Kate Falconer Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic u-shaped terra-cotta tile kitchen remodel in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, solid surface countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and an undermount sink

Trendy l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Orange County with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

Braedon Flynn
Bathroom - coastal master multicolored tile multicolored floor bathroom idea in Orange County with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and a hinged shower door

Inspiration for a transitional master bathroom remodel in New York with white cabinets, gray walls and recessed-panel cabinets

Architectural advisement, Interior Design, Custom Furniture Design & Art Curation by Chango & Co Photography by Sarah Elliott See the feature in Rue Magazine

Great room - large rustic medium tone wood floor great room idea in DC Metro

Master Bathroom Door Style: Henlow Square Paint: Glacier Hinges: Concealed Custom shelf underneath the vanity to hold bath essentials Tapered legs on the side

Matthew Niemann
Example of a tuscan formal living room design in Other with beige walls, a standard fireplace and no tv