This transom clearly has mission influences but can be parlayed into other siituations where its complex character plays off other design elements. Plays to bungalow and prairie design elements as well. Model BGM-2 from transomsdirect.com. See it here: http://goo.gl/TSqTo7.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Corey Gaffer Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

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.

A larger variation of our AC-4 design, this transom can bring angles and contrast to a space that is simpler or more neutral. At the same time it can be viewed as a diamond or a series of angles. Model AC-7 from transomsdirect.com. See it here: http://goo.gl/fbZl69.

Large tuscan built-in desk vaulted ceiling study room photo in Charleston with brown walls

This transom goes very well with lines and square elements such as in Craftsman designs. We also have seen this deign used in industrial motifs with contemporary design elements. So it is very flexiable. Model AC-6 from transomsdirect.com. See it here: http://goo.gl/Enhntj.

This transom design is iconic of the Prairie or Farmhouse motif more than any other. It can also be used in Craftsman designs. Model PR-1 from transomsdirect.com. See it here: http://goo.gl/NToIBe.

This unique transom design is both elegant and simple. Its simplicity makes is accomodating to many different design motifs -- nearly the most of any design we make. Model TS-1 from transomsdirect.com. See it here: http://goo.gl/XbWQ3S.

This transom can be paired with diamond elements or set on its own. In this example, a simple lattuce wall pattern creates a very memorable design. Model AC-9 from transomsdirect.com. See it here: http://goo.gl/ImcJUr. Also consider Model AC-8 and AC-4 that have two and one diamonds respectively.

Mark Lohman
Large country medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, brick backsplash, an island, stainless steel appliances and white cabinets

This transom design is comfortable in Traditional and Craftsman designs but really shines in an Arts & Crafts motif. Even a diamond pillow on the bed joins this transom to its surroundings. Model AC-4 from transomsdirect.com. See it here: http://goo.gl/m0lZQp.

This Victorian-influenced transom actually is applicable in Craftsman, Farmhouse and traditional designs as well. Model VT-1 from transomsdirect.com. See it here: http://goo.gl/YnFG1t.

The simplicity and clean lines of this transom design means it matches almost any design motif. From contempoary to the most traditional, this pattern is a winner. Model TR-4 from transomsdirect.com. See it at: http://goo.gl/V2J9Kk.

MI 1600 Series vinyl double-hung, awning, and picture windows over kitchen sink and multi-slide patio door in open concept living room. These beautiful windows and patio door feature an on-trend black interior color that complements the contemporary interior style of this gorgeous home.

Linda Burnside
Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in Orlando with white walls

This transitional / craftsman influenced design is flexible in its placement. We also make a similar model without an arch (Model AC-6). Model TS-2 from transomsdirect.com. See it here: http://goo.gl/rv6IVc.

This transom design may be clasical in nature, but it gives a sense of sophistication that even designs with some contemporary elements may benefit from. Model TD-1 from transomsdirect.com. See it here: http://goo.gl/dVvlC8.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | AMEK Custom Builders, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

This transom pattern is simple but creates a very inviting entryway. With no muntins to distract from the view, the focus is on the room beyond. Model TR-8 from transomsdirect.com. See it here: http://goo.gl/VoZhlk.