Natural stone tiles in the shower basin, on the bath floor and accented up on the walls and ceiling make this bathroom a true natural retreat. Also, features a wall mounted toilet, frame-less glass shower door, and rain shower head. A great bath to enjoy after a long day on the slopes. Tim Stone Photo

The expansive view of the lake can be seen from any room in the house through large picture windows. Timbers fabricated and finished with hand tools by PrecisionCraft Log & Timber Homes. Photos By: Aaron Dougherty Photography

Like many California ranch homes built in the 1950s, this original master bathroom was not really a "master bath." My clients, who only three years ago purchased the home from the family of the original owner, were saddled with a small, dysfunctional space. Chief among the dysfunctions: a vanity only 30" high, and an inconveniently placed window that forced the too-low vanity mirror to reflect only the waist and partial torso--not the face--of anyone standing in front of it. They wanted not only a more spacious bathroom but a bedroom as well, so we worked in tandem with an architect and contractor to come up with a fantastic new space: a true Master Suite. In order to refine a design concept for the soon-to-be larger space, and thereby narrow down material choices, my clients and I had a brainstorming session: we spoke of an elegant Old World/ European bedroom and bathroom, a luxurious bath that would reference a Roman spa, and finally the idea of a Hammam was brought into the mix. We blended these ideas together in oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, and a tiny tile mosaic in beautiful Bursa Beige marble from Turkey and white Thassos marble from Greece. The new generously sized bathroom boasts a jetted soaking tub, a very large walk-in shower, a double-sided fireplace (facing the tub on the bath side), and a luxurious 8' long vanity with double sinks and a storage tower. The vanity wall is covered with a mosaic vine pattern in a beautiful Bursa Beige marble from Turkey and white Thassos marble from Greece,. The custom Larson Juhl framed mirrors are flanked by gorgeous hand-wrought scones from Hubbardton Forge which echo the vine and leaf pattern in the mosaic. And the vanity itself features an LED strip in the toe-kick which allows one to see in the middle of the night without having to turn on a shockingly bright overhead fixture. At the other end of the master bath, a luxurious jetted tub nestles by a fireplace in the bay window area. Views of my clients' garden can be seen while soaking in bubbles. The over-sized walk-in shower features a paneled wainscoting effect which I designed in Crema Marfil marble. The vine mosaic continues in the shower, topped by green onyx squares. A rainshower head and a hand-held spray on a bar provides showering options. The shower floor slopes gently in one direction toward a hidden linear drain; this allows the floor to be read as a continuation of the main space, without being interrupted by a center drain. Photo by Bernardo Grijalva

This timber frame great room is created by the custom, curved timber trusses, which also open the up to the window prow with amazing lake views. Photos: Copyright Heidi Long, Longview Studios, Inc.

The inviting new porch addition features a stunning angled vault ceiling and walls of oversize windows that frame the picture-perfect backyard views. The porch is infused with light thanks to the statement light fixture and bright-white wooden beams that reflect the natural light. Photos by Spacecrafting Photography

island counter cantilevered to form dining area. photo: scott hargis
Example of a mid-sized trendy u-shaped porcelain tile and gray floor kitchen design in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, white backsplash and an island

Rustic exterior home idea in Other

Photos by: Bob Gothard
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal master dark wood floor bedroom remodel in Boston with blue walls

Designed by Katherine Dashiell of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Annapolis, MD this transitional white kitchen design features Ultracraft Cabinets in the Breckenridge door style with an Arctic White finish. Perimeter countertops are Via Lattea granite with a leathered finish. The kitchen island features a Silver Cloud granite countertop with a polished finish. The pendant light fixtures are from the Sears Inca Collection. Subway tile backsplash is done in beveled bright white. Flooring is 6x24 wood plank floor tile in the color Carbon. Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC / www.btwimages.com.

We replaced the brick with a Tuscan-colored stacked stone and added a wood mantel; the television was built-in to the stacked stone and framed out for a custom look. This created an updated design scheme for the room and a focal point. We also removed an entry wall on the east side of the home, and a wet bar near the back of the living area. This had an immediate impact on the brightness of the room and allowed for more natural light and a more open, airy feel, as well as increased square footage of the space. We followed up by updating the paint color to lighten the room, while also creating a natural flow into the remaining rooms of this first-floor, open floor plan. After removing the brick underneath the shelving units, we added a bench storage unit and closed cabinetry for storage. The back walls were finalized with a white shiplap wall treatment to brighten the space and wood shelving for accessories. On the left side of the fireplace, we added a single floating wood shelf to highlight and display the sword. The popcorn ceiling was scraped and replaced with a cleaner look, and the wood beams were stained to match the new mantle and floating shelves. The updated ceiling and beams created another dramatic focal point in the room, drawing the eye upward, and creating an open, spacious feel to the room. The room was finalized by removing the existing ceiling fan and replacing it with a rustic, two-toned, four-light chandelier in a distressed weathered oak finish on an iron metal frame. Photo Credit: Nina Leone Photography

Master Bathroom with soaking tub, rain shower, custom designed arch, cabinets, crown molding, and built ins, Custom designed countertops, flooring shower tile. Built in refrigerator, coffee maker, TV, hidden appliances, mobile device station. Separate space plan for custom design and built amour and furnishings. Photo Credit: Michael Hunter

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.

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.

Large timber framed porches at the rear of the house provide both visual and physical links between the indoors and outdoors. Photo Credit: Tom Crane
Example of a farmhouse exterior home design in Philadelphia

Antique limestone fireplace, architectural element, stone portals, reclaimed limestone floors, and opus sectile inlayes were all supplied by Ancient Surfaces for this one of a kind $20 million Ocean front Malibu estate that sits right on the sand. For more information and photos of our products please visit us at: www.AncientSurfaces.com or call us at: (212) 461-0245

The building is comprised of three volumes, supported by a heavy timber frame, and set upon a terraced ground plane that closely follows the existing topography. Linking the volumes, the circulation path is highlighted by large cuts in the skin of the building. These cuts are infilled with a wood framed curtainwall of glass offset from the syncopated structural grid. Eric Reinholdt - Project Architect/Lead Designer with Elliott, Elliott, Norelius Architecture Photo: Brian Vanden Brink

Photo: Danielle Sykes © 2016 Houzz
Inspiration for a country guest light wood floor bedroom remodel in Boston with beige walls and no fireplace

The back of this log & timber frame home is designed to take advantage of a spectacular view. Lots of windows, a large covered porch, and a stone patio add to the beauty of this custom home. Photo credit: James Ray Spahn

Home design - modern home design idea in San Francisco