There is simplicity in modern interior design that has given it everlasting relevance. Enhance the look further and add in double modern doors with decorative glass. Door: BLT-228-113-4C

Ryan Dearth Photography
Inspiration for a timeless gray two-story exterior home remodel in Seattle

Architects: Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Photography: Matthew Millman
Example of a huge trendy open concept and formal concrete floor living room design in San Francisco

Example of a large transitional gray one-story mixed siding house exterior design with a hip roof and a shingle roof

"After" condition - nearly completed exterior renovations. All original wood clapboard siding, eaves and rafters, window frames and sills exposed and repaired. New wrap-around front porch with new wood columns, rafters, new metal roof. New aluminum clad wood windows inserted into existing framed openings. New wood columns and balustrades at loggia and second story porch. Future work will include Victorian period replacement front door to fit existing opening, newly-fabricated wood shutters, new painting throughout.

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.

Add style and comfort to the courtyard with options like outdoor fireplaces, water features, and a fire pit.
Deck - contemporary deck idea in Seattle with a fire pit, decking and a roof extension

These clients came to my office looking for an architect who could design their "empty nest" home that would be the focus of their soon to be extended family. A place where the kids and grand kids would want to hang out: with a pool, open family room/ kitchen, garden; but also one-story so there wouldn't be any unnecessary stairs to climb. They wanted the design to feel like "old Pasadena" with the coziness and attention to detail that the era embraced. My sensibilities led me to recall the wonderful classic mansions of San Marino, so I designed a manor house clad in trim Bluestone with a steep French slate roof and clean white entry, eave and dormer moldings that would blend organically with the future hardscape plan and thoughtfully landscaped grounds. The site was a deep, flat lot that had been half of the old Joan Crawford estate; the part that had an abandoned swimming pool and small cabana. I envisioned a pavilion filled with natural light set in a beautifully planted park with garden views from all sides. Having a one-story house allowed for tall and interesting shaped ceilings that carved into the sheer angles of the roof. The most private area of the house would be the central loggia with skylights ensconced in a deep woodwork lattice grid and would be reminiscent of the outdoor “Salas” found in early Californian homes. The family would soon gather there and enjoy warm afternoons and the wonderfully cool evening hours together. Working with interior designer Jeffrey Hitchcock, we designed an open family room/kitchen with high dark wood beamed ceilings, dormer windows for daylight, custom raised panel cabinetry, granite counters and a textured glass tile splash. Natural light and gentle breezes flow through the many French doors and windows located to accommodate not only the garden views, but the prevailing sun and wind as well. The graceful living room features a dramatic vaulted white painted wood ceiling and grand fireplace flanked by generous double hung French windows and elegant drapery. A deeply cased opening draws one into the wainscot paneled dining room that is highlighted by hand painted scenic wallpaper and a barrel vaulted ceiling. The walnut paneled library opens up to reveal the waterfall feature in the back garden. Equally picturesque and restful is the view from the rotunda in the master bedroom suite. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Jeffrey Hitchcock Enterprises Contractor: Synergy General Contractors, Inc. Landscape Design: LZ Design Group, Inc. Photography: Laura Hull

Richard Leo Johnson
Inspiration for a rustic red two-story exterior home remodel in Atlanta

Family meals or Sunday brunch for a crowd -- make cooking convenient with the perfect mix of storage and open shelving.
Example of a transitional medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash and an island

Gorgeous two-story home with multiple car garage and front and rear balconies. Photographer: Giovanni Photography
Huge transitional white two-story concrete exterior home idea in Miami

Cabinetry: Sorrento Perimeter Door: MDF875 Perimeter Species and Finish: Ebony & White Island Door: V175 Island/Hood Species and Finish: Hazelnut Countertops: Ethereal Haze – Private Studio Collection Quartz

Large elegant red two-story mixed siding gable roof photo in Atlanta

Example of a cottage built-in desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor study room design in Salt Lake City with beige walls

Michele Lee Wilson
Example of a mid-sized arts and crafts wooden l-shaped wood railing staircase design in San Francisco with painted risers

Photo © Bruce Damonte
Inspiration for a 1950s bedroom remodel in San Francisco with white walls

Mid-sized elegant gray two-story wood exterior home photo in Chicago with a hip roof

Striking Texas native botanical design with local river rock top dressing. Photographer: Greg Thomas, http://optphotography.com/

Ipe decking and pergola Photo: Carolyn Watson Boardwalk Builders, Rehoboth Beach, DE www.boardwalkbuilders.com