Sweet Autumn Clematis adorns the fence of the Kitchen Garden, and lends a sweet fragrance to the area in the fall months. Christine Darnell Gardens
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional full sun courtyard gravel vegetable garden landscape in New York.

Garage - traditional one-car garage idea in Columbus

Trendy u-shaped light wood floor and gray floor enclosed kitchen photo in Miami with an island, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Sargent Photography
Beach style u-shaped beige floor kitchen photo in Miami with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, window backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Photography: Jessica Makes Studio
Inspiration for a mid-century modern galley gray floor open concept kitchen remodel in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Mid-sized transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Miami with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, brown backsplash, subway tile backsplash and an island

Interior Designer Kim Scrodo designed her award-winning desert haven featuring DuChâteau's Slat from The Heritage Timber Edition
Example of a tuscan entryway design in San Diego

This Swampscott, MA kitchen features a bright and inviting sink wall framed by a row of multi-pane windows that flood the space with natural light. A soft green subway tile backsplash adds a subtle coastal tone, complementing the crisp white cabinetry and dark countertop. The centered stainless steel faucet and clean-lined sink create a functional focal point, while small potted plants along the windowsill bring in a fresh, organic touch. The result is a balanced blend of classic detailing and relaxed coastal charm.

Large tuscan courtyard tile patio photo in Los Angeles with no cover

Photo Credit - David Bader
Example of a cottage l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Milwaukee with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, paneled appliances, an island and black countertops

Lara Swimmer
Eat-in kitchen - large contemporary galley ceramic tile eat-in kitchen idea in Seattle with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island, an undermount sink, white backsplash and stone slab backsplash

Paul McMullin
Cottage two-story stone gable roof photo

Photo Credit - David Bader
Inspiration for a coastal dark wood floor and brown floor sunroom remodel in Milwaukee with no fireplace and a standard ceiling

Jessica Glynn Photography
Inspiration for a coastal galley dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen pantry remodel in Miami with a single-bowl sink, glass-front cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and multicolored countertops

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless l-shaped dark wood floor kitchen remodel in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, matchstick tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped ceramic tile enclosed kitchen remodel in Austin with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, travertine backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Natural cedar siding, stone entryway, on the left of the door is a full wall, this allows the owner the protection from the wind and rain off the ocean when entering the building. Trent Bell Photography

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.