Tricia Shay Photography
Living room - large contemporary formal and open concept concrete floor and brown floor living room idea in Milwaukee with white walls

Substantial stone archways and arched windows lend integrity to this exercise in classicism. White cabinetry adorned with crown molding are anchored by honed black granite. Arched window and glass door cabinets flank the sink. Faucets, hardware, lighting, and leg trim in polished nickel reflect the light.A walk-in pantry and message niche are hidden charms.

Michael Lee
Staircase - mid-sized contemporary wooden u-shaped staircase idea in Boston

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.

Kitchen The kitchen is anchored as a gathering space with its blue-accented entertaining island. The island has plenty of seating for visiting with the cooks and for serving informal meals. The clean-up sink faces toward the east and the back deck and yard. To its right is a paneled dishwasher, and a built-in fridge that's readily accessible to the breakfast table (out of view here) and outdoor deck. To the left of the sink is an appliance garage with a lift-up door. oak trim; new oak floors; Sub Zero refrigerator; Wolf range & hood; 3cm Brazilian Black granite counters with thumbnail edge detail; 3cm Verde Pavoa granite island with thumbnail edge; lower cabinets painted Seattle Mist by Benjamin Moore; upper cabinets painted Swiss Coffee by Benjamine Moore; island painted Dark Pewter by Benjamin Moore; 6" x 13" rhomboid glazed ceramic tile at backsplash by Walker Zanger. Construction by CG&S Design-Build. Photography by Tre Dunham, Fine focus Photography

Elegant formal dark wood floor living room photo in Columbus with gray walls and a standard fireplace

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized cottage l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Other with an integrated sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Alise O'Brien Photography
Large transitional master gray tile marble floor corner shower photo in St Louis with beige walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, dark wood cabinets, flat-panel cabinets and an undermount tub

Naturally lit master bedroom with triple tray ceiling, light powder blue wall color, white crown moulding, window trim & base board, dark walnut floor and chunky braided wool area rug, dark night stands, dresser, mirror, bold patterned fabric pillows, curtains, green accent vase & candles and stainless wall sconces. Custom Home Builder and General Contractor for this Home: Leinster Construction, Inc., Chicago, IL www.leinsterconstruction.com Miller + Miller Architectural Photography

Praised for its visually appealing, modern yet comfortable design, this Scottsdale residence took home the gold in the 2014 Design Awards from Professional Builder magazine. Built by Calvis Wyant Luxury Homes, the 5,877-square-foot residence features an open floor plan that includes Western Window Systems’ multi-slide pocket doors to allow for optimal inside-to-outside flow. Tropical influences such as covered patios, a pool, and reflecting ponds give the home a lush, resort-style feel.

Malibu, CA - Whole Home Remodel - Exterior Remodel For this exterior home remodeling project, we installed new windows around the entire home, a complete roof replacement, the re-stuccoing of the entire exterior, replacement of the window trim and fascia and a fresh exterior paint to finish.

Malibu, CA / Entire Exterior Home Remodel For the remodeling of the exterior of the home, we installed all new windows around the entire home, a complete roof replacement, the re-stuccoing of the entire exterior, replacement of the window trim and fascia, a whole new roof and a fresh exterior paint to finish.

Photography by Eric Roth
Front door - traditional front door idea in Boston with a medium wood front door

This zen bedroom is a mix of calm beige's with espresso trim accents and a dash of orange. The custom upholstered headboard is made by Avery Boardman in a Clarence House mohair. The platform bed (with storage underneath) has an extended edge that helps lead the eye into the suspended nightstands that have a raised glass top. The shoji panels were custom made by Cherry Tree Designs. We matched the design of them on the frosted glass on the bathroom pocket door. Under the exterior window treatment are roman shades that are made of light proof and sound deadening material. My client travels and wanted to be sure he can make a nighttime feel at any time of the day. The area rug is a neutral low pile looped wool rug that is very durable, soft and just the right look. The accent stool is upholstered in an Ultrasuede material and is used for putting on shoes, etc. To add a touch of drama we found an abstract colorful print for above the bed. All in all a room that is beautiful and custom fitted to the clients dream.

Gambrel entrance on the front facade.
Mid-sized victorian gray two-story wood exterior home idea in Boston with a gambrel roof

White Andersen A Series Windows with a square grid grill, and wood trim inside. Installed in St Charles IL by Opal Enterprises
Home design - traditional home design idea in Chicago

Siding & Windows Group installed James HardiePlank Select Cedarmill Lap Siding in ColorPlus Technology Color Mountain Sage and Traditional HardieTrim Smooth Boards in ColorPlus Technology Color Arctic White. We also remodeled the Front Porch with White Columns and HardiePlank Cedarmill Siding. Installed Marvin Windows on entire Home as well. House Style is Cape Cod in Evanston, IL.

Photo Credit: Judith Marilyn
Inspiration for a transitional brown floor and dark wood floor kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, black cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, an island, white countertops, shaker cabinets and stainless steel appliances

We converted two small bedrooms into a large Master Bedroom Suite in this East Village Duplex. Combining modern details with warm materials created an open yet comfortable space. © Devon Banks