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.

Study room - large country freestanding desk light wood floor and beige floor study room idea in Austin with beige walls

Dining room - contemporary bamboo floor dining room idea

Inspiration for a country formal and open concept living room remodel in Burlington with brown walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Tuscan white two-story stucco gable roof photo in Dallas

Donna Dotan Photography
Inspiration for a timeless wooden l-shaped staircase remodel in New York with wooden risers

Bathroom featuring black honeycomb floor tile with white grout and white subway tile with black grout for shower walls. Accented by black bathroom fixtures and a wood floating vanity.

Living room - large transitional open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room idea with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and no tv

Adding lighting above the sink is always a must but finding a unique and stylish way to do it can be a challenge. These 3 wall sconces fill the space with the perfect amount of light and balance the windows well. Mixing metal finishes was something this client was on board with and they all work together here.

Lots of seating here in this sun drenched family room. Stationary drape panels frame the floor to ceiling windows. A traditional coffered ceiling and custom building cabinetry frame the room. Modern chrome legs support the loveseats which are covered in a textured solid grey from Donghia. The coffee table is a custom designed polished steel base with an Arabesato Marble top. The persimmon and grey rug anchor the seating area and contrast beautifully with the blue chairs....Photo by Jared Kuzia

Photography by: Michael Hunter Here is another view of the tub alcove. The beautiful floral arrangement was provided by Peacocks Plumage, located in Austin.

This stunning foyer is part of a whole house design and renovation by Haven Design and Construction. The 22' ceilings feature a sparkling glass chandelier by Currey and Company. The custom drapery accents the dramatic height of the space and hangs gracefully on a custom curved drapery rod, a comfortable bench overlooks the stunning pool and lushly landscaped yard outside. Glass entry doors by La Cantina provide an impressive entrance, while custom shell and marble niches flank the entryway. Through the arched doorway to the left is the hallway to the study and master suite, while the right arch frames the entry to the luxurious dining room and bar area.

Embrace the essence of cottage living with a bespoke wall unit and bookshelf tailored to your unique space. Handcrafted with care and attention to detail, this renovation project infuses a modern cottage living room with rustic charm and timeless appeal. The custom-built unit offers both practical storage solutions and a focal point for displaying cherished possessions. This thoughtfully designed addition enhances the warmth and character of the space.

Architecture, Construction Management, Interior Design, Art Curation & Real Estate Advisement by Chango & Co. Construction by MXA Development, Inc. Photography by Sarah Elliott See the home tour feature in Domino Magazine

Terry Wyllie
Inspiration for a large zen gray one-story concrete fiberboard house exterior remodel in Richmond with a shed roof

Bathroom.
Freestanding bathtub - huge contemporary master porcelain tile freestanding bathtub idea in Santa Barbara with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, gray walls, an integrated sink and quartz countertops

A wool carpet in the Erica pattern captures in its fine net bolder motifs in the same blue-and-white color scheme that Cullman & Kravis devised for this master bedroom.

Adrienne DeRosa © 2014 Houzz Inc. Refreshingly bright and airy, the master bedroom was designed with retreat in mind. With five children in the house at the time, Raymond and Jennifer immediately recognized the need for their own floor and claimed the third story for themselves. "It's definitely so high up that it makes it easy to get away," Jennifer explains. "I open the windows that face the lake and just listen to the waves break, and catch a minute." The palladian window is generously sized, filling the room with light and the sounds of nature. The headboard was another piece salvaged and put to a new use. The old barn door was purchased from Jennifer's friend that was moving her store front and no longer had use for it. Seeing its potential, Jennifer and her sister committed to a two-hour journey of getting the door up to the top floor. Paired with white walls and linens, the character of the wood grounds the space with richness and warmth. Photo: Adrienne DeRosa © 2014 Houzz

Ryann Ford
Tuscan master dark wood floor bedroom photo in Austin with white walls