Eric Roth Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary single-wall light wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Alison Hodgson
Cottage kitchen photo in Grand Rapids

The floors are white marble and the marble is brought up to wainscot height in the water closet with a heavy chair rail in a matching white marble. Above the chair rail is a gorgeous tone on tone damask wallpaper. The freestanding tub sits in front of a custom designed floor length mirror. White marble chair rail pieces were used to craft the outer portion of the frame and mother of pearl mosaics were used for the inner frame and then completed with a small piece of chair ail. The mosaic tile is repeated behind the vanities in lieu of the standard 4” marble backsplash and topped with a pencil rail out of marble. The double cabinets on each end of the vanities allow for plentiful storage and offer the opportunity to create a valance connecting the two. The depth allows for recessed lighting to be tucked out of site and just a sliver of trim finishes off the edges of the mirror. The barrel tray is magically transformed into a soft pearlized finish with just a hint of color swirled magically, reflecting beautifully with the enhancement of rope lighting hidden by the cove molding. Architectural designer, Nicole Delaney worked her magic again as always. Schonbek crystal chandeliers and sconces adorn the bath and quality of the crystal is noted by the colors created by the prisms dancing so gloriously around the room. Behind the mirror are double entrances into a steam shower. Laser-cut listello and custom designed wall panel from Renaissance Tile adorn the walls and niches of which there are several at various heights. The silk rug is from Stark and the ottoman was brought from their previous home and is from the Baker furniture line. A beautiful inlay tray from BoJay designs holds multiple bath products. Rohl towel hooks, tissue holders and robe hooks are tipped with Swarovski crystal ends. Designed by Melodie Durham of Durham Designs & Consulting, LLC. Photo by Livengood Photographs [www.livengoodphotographs.com/design].

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.

"photography by John Merkl"
Large eclectic gender-neutral medium tone wood floor kids' room photo in San Francisco with multicolored walls

Design Consultant Jeff Doubét is the author of Creating Spanish Style Homes: Before & After – Techniques – Designs – Insights. The 240 page “Design Consultation in a Book” is now available. Please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com for more info. Jeff Doubét specializes in Santa Barbara style home and landscape designs. To learn more info about the variety of custom design services I offer, please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com Jeff Doubét is the Founder of Santa Barbara Home Design - a design studio based in Santa Barbara, California USA.

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 original kitchen was disjointed and lacked connection to the home and its history. The remodel opened the room to other areas of the home by incorporating an unused breakfast nook and enclosed porch to create a spacious new kitchen. It features stunning soapstone counters and range splash, era appropriate subway tiles, and hand crafted floating shelves. Ceasarstone on the island creates a durable, hardworking surface for prep work. A black Blue Star range anchors the space while custom inset fir cabinets wrap the walls and provide ample storage. Great care was given in restoring and recreating historic details for this charming Foursquare kitchen.

A simple, yet impressive entry, and an octagonal tower. The garage is cocked at a slight angle and is designed to look like the old barn that was converted. Note the way we designed the house to preserve as many trees as possible, giving the house an established feel.

Casey Woods
Large farmhouse galley concrete floor eat-in kitchen photo in Austin with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, concrete countertops, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a kitchen remodel in Boston

Andrea Pietrangeli http://andrea.media/
Small beach style front porch photo in Providence with a roof extension

Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in San Francisco

Inspiration for a contemporary home office remodel in Austin

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and actress and comedian Ali Wong on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show Celebrity IOU. In the Ali Wong’s Renovation Surprise for A Dear Friend episode, Ali takes sledgehammers and crowbars into her own hands to help transform her best friend, Citadelle’s barren basement and backyard into the perfect indoor-outdoor entertaining space. Ali credits much of her early success to her best friend, Citadelle, whose tireless support helped her when she first started out in Los Angeles. “I really wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for her,” noted Ali. Citadelle opened up space in her home for Ali while she went on auditions. So years later, Ali knew it was time to give back in a big way. “Her friendship has been such a gift” said Ali. “I was supposed to stay there for two weeks and it ended up being a year.” With the help of Drew and Jonathan Scott, Ali was determined to update the entire lower level of Citadelle’s home inside and out and making these spaces as entertainment-friendly as possible for the whole family, including Citadelle’s husband and kids, to enjoy. The multipurpose downstairs basement makeover included turning the family room into a classy lounge with a built in bar, removing the basic stand up shower and replacing it with a luxurious spa tub with stone tiles and converting the guest bedroom into “an office by day and bedroom by night” courtesy of a hidden pull down Murphy bed. All Weather Series 7000 French Swing Doors extend and connect the indoor lounge area to the new outdoor living spaces. The ultimate backyard includes a stylish fireplace, white pergola, outdoor seating and dining area, an outdoor kitchen/grill and new turf for the yard and play structure areas. THE PROPERTY BROTHERS also painted the entire house white with black trim, leveled the backyard and basically doubled the livable square footage of the home. Check out the PROJECT PHOTOS here. Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude and to surprise someone who is important in their life by giving their living space a complete transformation, courtesy of the Drew and Jonathan Scott.

Marino General Contracting explained that the goal of this renovation was to bring the original elements of the 10,000 square foot Vancouver home and 4.25 acre lot to a level of fit and finish in keeping with the contemporary, high end renovations. The exterior underwent a massive transformation: the lower property, a marshland filled with brambles and coyote paths were transformed into a golf course and patio. They noted that as the scope increased dramatically, it was important to manage client expectations regarding budget and timelines. As well, with no architect, the design team relied heavily on each other.

The sink base features two full extension rollouts that handle trash and recyclables in the front and have divided storage for cleaning supplies in the back. No more getting on your hands and knees to access this cabinet. Idea found in Fine Homebuilding magazine. Small tilt drawer holds sponges. The raised panel, French blue cabinets are finished with a dark brown glazing. These are full overlay doors and drawers, constructed with high precision to maintain a 1/8” gap between every side of a door and drawer. PHOTO CREDIT: John Ray

We converted an underused back yard into a modern outdoor living space. The decking is ipe hardwood, the fence is stained cedar, and a stained concrete fountain adds privacy and atmosphere at the dining area. Photos copyright Laurie Black Photography.