Located in the Sky Lofts building in Tribeca (once home to the most expensive apartment sale in NYC), our clients were ready to renovate and modernize their centerpiece kitchen. Due to the unique nature of loft renovations (high ceilings, columns, creative and skillful lighting applications, among other factors), Gallery’s expertise in loft spaces was vital to our clients. In addition to the loft particularities, it’s important in a kitchen of this size to ensure that all the elements have been laid out with purpose from a functional perspective and a design perspective. CENTERPIECE KITCHEN Color was an important design element in this kitchen. This is evident in the striking blues and grays of the marble countertops and backsplash, as well as the dark navy hue of the built-in cabinets. White lower cabinets create two-tone contrast, while glass cabinets and a long wood open shelf make the most of the available height. The built-in cabinets also include built-in appliances: an espresso maker, coffee machine, two side-by-side wine fridges, and even an integrated refrigerator paneled to match the cabinetry for an essentially seamless look. The cabinets are all push-to-open, eliminating knobs to complete the overall sleek, contemporary style. The marble backsplash is also book-matched, meaning the slabs of stone have been cut and polished to match each other, creating a mirroring effect that further contributes to the cohesive, contemporary aesthetic of this apartment. BUILDING CONSIDERATIONS Functional factors are another vital component to New York City apartment building renovations. In this particular project, we had to consider how to get large slabs of stone into the loft without having to cut them up. When working with slabs, and especially when the design is as sleek and contemporary as this one, it’s vital to eliminate seams as much as possible. Elevators and stairs are often not large enough to handle large slabs of stone, which means there are only two other options: cutting the stone and putting it back together on site (but this will create a seam, so it’s not always an option) or using a crane to bring it in through a window. Higher-end buildings tend to have more restrictions and management companies with stricter renovation guidelines – with good reason. A good relationship with the super and staff of the building is absolutely essential; effective communication with everyone involved will result in an ideal outcome for all parties. ARTFUL LOGISTICS Seemingly minor elements such as apartment protections are also just as crucial. While every renovation will require protections in hallways, common spaces, zip walls, and perhaps the floors, those protections are doubled when renovating in an apartment that’s currently occupied. In the case of this particular client, who owned a great deal of valuable artwork in addition to their furniture and other belongings, Gallery exacted their own form of art when putting the protections in place and maneuvering around them with skill. SOME HIGHLIGHTS - Unique marble slabs (Azul Macauba quartzite and Calacatta Diamond quartzite) for the countertops and backsplash - Book-matched backsplash - Gaggenau appliances - Glass cabinets with built-in lighting - Custom millwork for the cabinets

Located in the Sky Lofts building in Tribeca (once home to the most expensive apartment sale in NYC), our clients were ready to renovate and modernize their centerpiece kitchen. Due to the unique nature of loft renovations (high ceilings, columns, creative and skillful lighting applications, among other factors), Gallery’s expertise in loft spaces was vital to our clients. In addition to the loft particularities, it’s important in a kitchen of this size to ensure that all the elements have been laid out with purpose from a functional perspective and a design perspective. CENTERPIECE KITCHEN Color was an important design element in this kitchen. This is evident in the striking blues and grays of the marble countertops and backsplash, as well as the dark navy hue of the built-in cabinets. White lower cabinets create two-tone contrast, while glass cabinets and a long wood open shelf make the most of the available height. The built-in cabinets also include built-in appliances: an espresso maker, coffee machine, two side-by-side wine fridges, and even an integrated refrigerator paneled to match the cabinetry for an essentially seamless look. The cabinets are all push-to-open, eliminating knobs to complete the overall sleek, contemporary style. The marble backsplash is also book-matched, meaning the slabs of stone have been cut and polished to match each other, creating a mirroring effect that further contributes to the cohesive, contemporary aesthetic of this apartment. BUILDING CONSIDERATIONS Functional factors are another vital component to New York City apartment building renovations. In this particular project, we had to consider how to get large slabs of stone into the loft without having to cut them up. When working with slabs, and especially when the design is as sleek and contemporary as this one, it’s vital to eliminate seams as much as possible. Elevators and stairs are often not large enough to handle large slabs of stone, which means there are only two other options: cutting the stone and putting it back together on site (but this will create a seam, so it’s not always an option) or using a crane to bring it in through a window. Higher-end buildings tend to have more restrictions and management companies with stricter renovation guidelines – with good reason. A good relationship with the super and staff of the building is absolutely essential; effective communication with everyone involved will result in an ideal outcome for all parties. ARTFUL LOGISTICS Seemingly minor elements such as apartment protections are also just as crucial. While every renovation will require protections in hallways, common spaces, zip walls, and perhaps the floors, those protections are doubled when renovating in an apartment that’s currently occupied. In the case of this particular client, who owned a great deal of valuable artwork in addition to their furniture and other belongings, Gallery exacted their own form of art when putting the protections in place and maneuvering around them with skill. SOME HIGHLIGHTS - Unique marble slabs (Azul Macauba quartzite and Calacatta Diamond quartzite) for the countertops and backsplash - Book-matched backsplash - Gaggenau appliances - Glass cabinets with built-in lighting - Custom millwork for the cabinets

Patterned Tile Done Right — The Bathroom That Gets All the Details Perfect” A clean, modern bathroom remodel completed in 6 working days, built around one key challenge: 12x12 patterned wall tile that must align perfectly across every wall. This is where most contractors struggle — but when done right, the result looks like custom artwork. What we delivered: ? Patterned Walls 12x12 tile installed with full pattern continuity. Every line aligns — no mismatched motifs, no visual breaks. We flattened walls first to ensure clean geometry. ? Floors 24x24 porcelain tile over a Schluter anti-vibration membrane — stable, durable, quiet. ? Full Waterproofing Schluter + GoBoard system across all wet areas for long-term protection. ? Perfect Plumbing Alignment Shower head, valve, and faucet set in a single laser-straight vertical line. ? Mitered Niche & Window 45° edges and pattern continuation create a “hidden niche” effect — seamless and high-end. ? Lighting Upgrade New wall-mounted fixtures for balanced, soft illumination. ? Floor Transitions Bathroom floor leveled to match the adjacent carpet with no transition strips — clean, modern finish. With Mi Tile Installation Experts you get: ✔️ Full turn-key service ✔️ Anti-Surprise Estimate ✔️ Daily updates + 24/7 communication ✔️ Verified waterproofing photos ✔️ Official warranty Want your remodel done right the first time? Comment AUDIT for a free professional project review. ? MikhailBelov37@gmail.com ? micatile.info

Patterned Tile Done Right — The Bathroom That Gets All the Details Perfect” A clean, modern bathroom remodel completed in 6 working days, built around one key challenge: 12x12 patterned wall tile that must align perfectly across every wall. This is where most contractors struggle — but when done right, the result looks like custom artwork. What we delivered: ? Patterned Walls 12x12 tile installed with full pattern continuity. Every line aligns — no mismatched motifs, no visual breaks. We flattened walls first to ensure clean geometry. ? Floors 24x24 porcelain tile over a Schluter anti-vibration membrane — stable, durable, quiet. ? Full Waterproofing Schluter + GoBoard system across all wet areas for long-term protection. ? Perfect Plumbing Alignment Shower head, valve, and faucet set in a single laser-straight vertical line. ? Mitered Niche & Window 45° edges and pattern continuation create a “hidden niche” effect — seamless and high-end. ? Lighting Upgrade New wall-mounted fixtures for balanced, soft illumination. ? Floor Transitions Bathroom floor leveled to match the adjacent carpet with no transition strips — clean, modern finish. With Mi Tile Installation Experts you get: ✔️ Full turn-key service ✔️ Anti-Surprise Estimate ✔️ Daily updates + 24/7 communication ✔️ Verified waterproofing photos ✔️ Official warranty Want your remodel done right the first time? Comment AUDIT for a free professional project review. ? MikhailBelov37@gmail.com ? micatile.info

Patterned Tile Done Right — The Bathroom That Gets All the Details Perfect” A clean, modern bathroom remodel completed in 6 working days, built around one key challenge: 12x12 patterned wall tile that must align perfectly across every wall. This is where most contractors struggle — but when done right, the result looks like custom artwork. What we delivered: ? Patterned Walls 12x12 tile installed with full pattern continuity. Every line aligns — no mismatched motifs, no visual breaks. We flattened walls first to ensure clean geometry. ? Floors 24x24 porcelain tile over a Schluter anti-vibration membrane — stable, durable, quiet. ? Full Waterproofing Schluter + GoBoard system across all wet areas for long-term protection. ? Perfect Plumbing Alignment Shower head, valve, and faucet set in a single laser-straight vertical line. ? Mitered Niche & Window 45° edges and pattern continuation create a “hidden niche” effect — seamless and high-end. ? Lighting Upgrade New wall-mounted fixtures for balanced, soft illumination. ? Floor Transitions Bathroom floor leveled to match the adjacent carpet with no transition strips — clean, modern finish. With Mi Tile Installation Experts you get: ✔️ Full turn-key service ✔️ Anti-Surprise Estimate ✔️ Daily updates + 24/7 communication ✔️ Verified waterproofing photos ✔️ Official warranty Want your remodel done right the first time? Comment AUDIT for a free professional project review. ? MikhailBelov37@gmail.com ? micatile.info

Patterned Tile Done Right — The Bathroom That Gets All the Details Perfect” A clean, modern bathroom remodel completed in 6 working days, built around one key challenge: 12x12 patterned wall tile that must align perfectly across every wall. This is where most contractors struggle — but when done right, the result looks like custom artwork. What we delivered: ? Patterned Walls 12x12 tile installed with full pattern continuity. Every line aligns — no mismatched motifs, no visual breaks. We flattened walls first to ensure clean geometry. ? Floors 24x24 porcelain tile over a Schluter anti-vibration membrane — stable, durable, quiet. ? Full Waterproofing Schluter + GoBoard system across all wet areas for long-term protection. ? Perfect Plumbing Alignment Shower head, valve, and faucet set in a single laser-straight vertical line. ? Mitered Niche & Window 45° edges and pattern continuation create a “hidden niche” effect — seamless and high-end. ? Lighting Upgrade New wall-mounted fixtures for balanced, soft illumination. ? Floor Transitions Bathroom floor leveled to match the adjacent carpet with no transition strips — clean, modern finish. With Mi Tile Installation Experts you get: ✔️ Full turn-key service ✔️ Anti-Surprise Estimate ✔️ Daily updates + 24/7 communication ✔️ Verified waterproofing photos ✔️ Official warranty Want your remodel done right the first time? Comment AUDIT for a free professional project review. ? MikhailBelov37@gmail.com ? micatile.info

Patterned Tile Done Right — The Bathroom That Gets All the Details Perfect” A clean, modern bathroom remodel completed in 6 working days, built around one key challenge: 12x12 patterned wall tile that must align perfectly across every wall. This is where most contractors struggle — but when done right, the result looks like custom artwork. What we delivered: ? Patterned Walls 12x12 tile installed with full pattern continuity. Every line aligns — no mismatched motifs, no visual breaks. We flattened walls first to ensure clean geometry. ? Floors 24x24 porcelain tile over a Schluter anti-vibration membrane — stable, durable, quiet. ? Full Waterproofing Schluter + GoBoard system across all wet areas for long-term protection. ? Perfect Plumbing Alignment Shower head, valve, and faucet set in a single laser-straight vertical line. ? Mitered Niche & Window 45° edges and pattern continuation create a “hidden niche” effect — seamless and high-end. ? Lighting Upgrade New wall-mounted fixtures for balanced, soft illumination. ? Floor Transitions Bathroom floor leveled to match the adjacent carpet with no transition strips — clean, modern finish. With Mi Tile Installation Experts you get: ✔️ Full turn-key service ✔️ Anti-Surprise Estimate ✔️ Daily updates + 24/7 communication ✔️ Verified waterproofing photos ✔️ Official warranty Want your remodel done right the first time? Comment AUDIT for a free professional project review. ? MikhailBelov37@gmail.com ? micatile.info

Patterned Tile Done Right — The Bathroom That Gets All the Details Perfect” A clean, modern bathroom remodel completed in 6 working days, built around one key challenge: 12x12 patterned wall tile that must align perfectly across every wall. This is where most contractors struggle — but when done right, the result looks like custom artwork. What we delivered: ? Patterned Walls 12x12 tile installed with full pattern continuity. Every line aligns — no mismatched motifs, no visual breaks. We flattened walls first to ensure clean geometry. ? Floors 24x24 porcelain tile over a Schluter anti-vibration membrane — stable, durable, quiet. ? Full Waterproofing Schluter + GoBoard system across all wet areas for long-term protection. ? Perfect Plumbing Alignment Shower head, valve, and faucet set in a single laser-straight vertical line. ? Mitered Niche & Window 45° edges and pattern continuation create a “hidden niche” effect — seamless and high-end. ? Lighting Upgrade New wall-mounted fixtures for balanced, soft illumination. ? Floor Transitions Bathroom floor leveled to match the adjacent carpet with no transition strips — clean, modern finish. With Mi Tile Installation Experts you get: ✔️ Full turn-key service ✔️ Anti-Surprise Estimate ✔️ Daily updates + 24/7 communication ✔️ Verified waterproofing photos ✔️ Official warranty Want your remodel done right the first time? Comment AUDIT for a free professional project review. ? MikhailBelov37@gmail.com ? micatile.info

Patterned Tile Done Right — The Bathroom That Gets All the Details Perfect” A clean, modern bathroom remodel completed in 6 working days, built around one key challenge: 12x12 patterned wall tile that must align perfectly across every wall. This is where most contractors struggle — but when done right, the result looks like custom artwork. What we delivered: ? Patterned Walls 12x12 tile installed with full pattern continuity. Every line aligns — no mismatched motifs, no visual breaks. We flattened walls first to ensure clean geometry. ? Floors 24x24 porcelain tile over a Schluter anti-vibration membrane — stable, durable, quiet. ? Full Waterproofing Schluter + GoBoard system across all wet areas for long-term protection. ? Perfect Plumbing Alignment Shower head, valve, and faucet set in a single laser-straight vertical line. ? Mitered Niche & Window 45° edges and pattern continuation create a “hidden niche” effect — seamless and high-end. ? Lighting Upgrade New wall-mounted fixtures for balanced, soft illumination. ? Floor Transitions Bathroom floor leveled to match the adjacent carpet with no transition strips — clean, modern finish. With Mi Tile Installation Experts you get: ✔️ Full turn-key service ✔️ Anti-Surprise Estimate ✔️ Daily updates + 24/7 communication ✔️ Verified waterproofing photos ✔️ Official warranty Want your remodel done right the first time? Comment AUDIT for a free professional project review. ? MikhailBelov37@gmail.com ? micatile.info

What this master bathroom lacks in size our clients made sure to make up for in finish. The dark blue cabinet with touches of gold make for a stunning end result.

Located in the Sky Lofts building in Tribeca (once home to the most expensive apartment sale in NYC), our clients were ready to renovate and modernize their centerpiece kitchen. Due to the unique nature of loft renovations (high ceilings, columns, creative and skillful lighting applications, among other factors), Gallery’s expertise in loft spaces was vital to our clients. In addition to the loft particularities, it’s important in a kitchen of this size to ensure that all the elements have been laid out with purpose from a functional perspective and a design perspective. CENTERPIECE KITCHEN Color was an important design element in this kitchen. This is evident in the striking blues and grays of the marble countertops and backsplash, as well as the dark navy hue of the built-in cabinets. White lower cabinets create two-tone contrast, while glass cabinets and a long wood open shelf make the most of the available height. The built-in cabinets also include built-in appliances: an espresso maker, coffee machine, two side-by-side wine fridges, and even an integrated refrigerator paneled to match the cabinetry for an essentially seamless look. The cabinets are all push-to-open, eliminating knobs to complete the overall sleek, contemporary style. The marble backsplash is also book-matched, meaning the slabs of stone have been cut and polished to match each other, creating a mirroring effect that further contributes to the cohesive, contemporary aesthetic of this apartment. BUILDING CONSIDERATIONS Functional factors are another vital component to New York City apartment building renovations. In this particular project, we had to consider how to get large slabs of stone into the loft without having to cut them up. When working with slabs, and especially when the design is as sleek and contemporary as this one, it’s vital to eliminate seams as much as possible. Elevators and stairs are often not large enough to handle large slabs of stone, which means there are only two other options: cutting the stone and putting it back together on site (but this will create a seam, so it’s not always an option) or using a crane to bring it in through a window. Higher-end buildings tend to have more restrictions and management companies with stricter renovation guidelines – with good reason. A good relationship with the super and staff of the building is absolutely essential; effective communication with everyone involved will result in an ideal outcome for all parties. ARTFUL LOGISTICS Seemingly minor elements such as apartment protections are also just as crucial. While every renovation will require protections in hallways, common spaces, zip walls, and perhaps the floors, those protections are doubled when renovating in an apartment that’s currently occupied. In the case of this particular client, who owned a great deal of valuable artwork in addition to their furniture and other belongings, Gallery exacted their own form of art when putting the protections in place and maneuvering around them with skill. SOME HIGHLIGHTS - Unique marble slabs (Azul Macauba quartzite and Calacatta Diamond quartzite) for the countertops and backsplash - Book-matched backsplash - Gaggenau appliances - Glass cabinets with built-in lighting - Custom millwork for the cabinets

Living room - traditional formal dark wood floor living room idea in Phoenix with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a media wall

Two Birds Photography
Kids' room - transitional kids' room idea in Chicago

As a manager of a building or property, you quickly learn the art of mediation. One minute you may be working with a vendor to keep the building’s operating system running efficient and smooth; the next moment you may be calming a tenant down after finding the change in the system disrupted his office’s workflow. Give and take; it’s the only way to make sure every day runs perfectly. Overall, you have two goals to strive for in everything you do. 1. Keep the building running properly, upgrading systems as appropriate, and striving to do all you can on a pre-established budget. 2. Keep the building occupants happy, with as little disruption as possible. While some changes are minor, barely registering on a building occupant’s mind, with HVAC challenges, that’s rarely the case. If a HVAC contractor is replacing an air handler, for instance, and disconnects one and moves to the next unit, it may cause major disruptions to sensitive areas of a building. And if the occupant wasn’t prepared for the disruption, you can have a mighty unhappy customer on your hand. Anytime you are working on HVAC projects throughout your building, there are strategies you can put into place to keep things running smooth. Communicate with occupants Communication is key to any good relationship, and as a property manager, this rule is a great place to start. If you will be working with the HVAC equipment, block out the timeframe for work to be done, and understand the potential consequences of the process. Then communicate this process with every point of contact you have throughout the building. The more detail you can provide, the less surprises you’ll have throughout the process. You can also work with your building’s occupants before the process begins, finding out if there are better timeframes than others. Establish a realistic schedule As a property manager, its easy to provide your expectations for the HVAC project at hand, and request that the proposal be written in such a way that work is completed on your timeframe. Unfortunately, many contractors want your business and will agree to anything upfront in order to win the bid, knowing full well the work will take longer than specified. Instead of projecting your timeframes into the proposal process, ask for HVAC project bids to establish realistic schedules of how long the process will take, and what areas of your property will be most effected throughout the schedule. This will help you avoid crises between you and the contractor, and you and your tenants. Plan for the whole system If one small piece of your HVAC system is weak, its easy to fix that one small piece. But how will that impact your overall system? Will it cause weak spots in different parts of the building – maybe a corner office will have reduced air flow, and therefore be colder in the winter and warmer in the summer? When retrofitting new pieces with older existing systems, its easy to reduce the efficiency of your entire system. Before agreeing to certain repairs, make sure you understand how it will impact your entire system overall. An easy way of handling this problem is by working with the same HVAC contractor again and again, He will understand your system’s potential, and know when to make repairs, and when to replace. Have points of contact available for immediate assistance In many cases, problems arise because connections can’t be made. Can the HVAC contractor get a hold or you or another person that can make decisions at a moments notice if a problem arises? Do you have access to decision makers throughout the building that may be impacted by this change? Many projects have been put on hold simply because a person in authority can’t be found to give the go-ahead to move forward. If you have access to these people during the time of the project, you’ll be able to complete the project in record time. Test Finally, if you can test things in stages, or test when the potential for problems is the smallest, you reduce the chances of bigger emergency issues falling into your lap. If you’ll be installing a new terminal unit, can you make the switch on a Saturday morning when the building is largely unoccupied? If you’re replacing a large system, can you replace and test in phases so the entire project isn’t released at once? Most issues can be avoided with just a little strategy from the beginning. If you’ve never had a HVAC maintenance team to help you stay on track with your building’s heating and cooling, now may be the time to find out how easy a team approach makes the process.

Reflex's designs transport you to another world, where glass transforms into art. The Leaf chandelier suspends and cascades in a dazzling waterfall of petal-like leaves. Shimmering, luminous and enchanting, this is Reflex at their most commanding. Synonymous with luxurious European furniture, Reflex leads the way in contemporary design, building a legacy that puts originality and creativity at the heart of their work. The Leaf chandelier has a crystal mirror support with LED lighting of 2.5W 12V 2700K each. Hand-crafted with individual engravings, the etched glass hanging-leaf strands come in three different sizes, creating a lighting center-piece for any contemporary home that is sure to captivate. Rich Canaletto walnut with irregular solid edges contrasts with the smooth sleekness of extra clear transparent glass, creating the Monolite Dining Table by Reflex, a table for contemporary living. The 19mm glass base enables light to move freely, creating space and clarity, while the 44mm Radix Canaletto table top is sufficiently robust to host social gatherings and day to day family dining. A dining table for all occasions, the Monolite comes in 3 sizes and is also available in an ebony matte finish, so you can choose a table that perfectly complements your home. Vela is a chair distinguished by a unique character, conceived for the most refined and elegant domestic spaces. The Pininfarina team has in fact worked to convey dynamic and sensual lines to the product, able to transmit a strong sense of lightness. Vela is made of two independent shells: the seatback shell has in fact been suspended on the seat shell. An accurate choice of the materials - smooth leather for the external shell and nabuk or leather for the interior - emphasizes the contrast among the surfaces. Strong is the link with the car bodies: the exterior, characterized by a plastic effect, communicates protection while the interior, softer, transmits a sense of comfort. The chair legs have been carefully designed: the smoothed section accentuates the combination of solidity and lightness, the features characterizing the product. Made in Italy.

These three images serve as a mood board for our Los Angeles Redesign. Incorporating nature back into Los Angeles was at the fore-front of our redesign. The top image is from Avatar the Last Airbender, called the Banyan-Grove Tree. This tree drove our figurative narrative concept of "roots" that connect the entire 1x1 mile square we were tasked to redesign. In the show, the banyan tree expands its roots all across the swap to plant more trees. The last two images serve as a visual aid for the "Routes to Roots" redesign. Lots of trees with expansive roots Narrative: Many years ago, a vast tree once enchanted the plains of Los Angeles. Scientists could not track the tree's age, deeming it immortal due to its many deeply ingrained and expansive roots across the city. To this day, scientists are still uncertain about the tree's origin. Its roots and lush branches sprawled anywhere it could, engulfing anything in its path. The tree had unique properties; anyone who touched the tree's foundations could communicate with another person a mile away and, on special occasions, grant auspicious fortunes. The city worshiped this magical tree because it was the center of all life. Or so it was. The discovery of the tree's healing sap quickly drove people mad, and in a frenzy, people began to chop at the tree. The growth of filmmaking and Hollywood attracted many people to LA because of the great weather and diverse landscape. Oil was discovered near the tree shortly after. Finally, oil production was the tipping point, and these three factors led to the demise of the immortal tree. By 1950, the vast tree had no longer enchanted the city. Nowadays, problems with constant traffic, heavy air pollution, and past effects of redlining have all repelled the potential residents of the territory. Gridding lurks within the city, unconsciously controlling the movement of people. The severe health risks from these problems and the water scarcity and well-being are making researchers rethink the city's future. Due to this, the government tasks architects from all over the country to redesign Los Angeles, but it has to relate to the once immortal tree. At the same time, they are providing solutions to these five issues: redlining, heat severity, accessibility, open spaces, and lastly, preserving essential landmarks and bringing back the city's roots while still housing the population. Years later, a team of architects pitched their 200-year redesign, reimagining the superfuture of Los Angeles. The mission will be titled "From Routes to Roots". Here's what they pitched:

M-Buck Studio LLC, Michael Buck
Kitchen - rustic kitchen idea in Grand Rapids

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.

Example of a small classic 3/4 white tile and stone tile mosaic tile floor alcove shower design in Chicago with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartzite countertops, a two-piece toilet and gray walls