Photo: Lucy Call © 2014 Houzz Design: Imbue Design
Inspiration for a contemporary open concept concrete floor living room remodel in Salt Lake City with blue walls, no fireplace and no tv

Example of a mid-sized 1950s master bedroom design in New York with brown walls and no fireplace

Antique tuscan cladding, vaulted ceiling, and a picture framed window are key features in this bathroom. Carrera marble slab was used on the vanity tops. For inquiries, contact us at (310) 289-0414 or info@neolithicmaterials.com

Jim Bartsch
Example of a large transitional family room library design in Santa Barbara with no tv

Living room - contemporary formal and open concept living room idea in San Francisco with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

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.

Mid-sized trendy master white tile and ceramic tile gray floor and slate floor bathroom photo in Miami with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

Inspiration for a large contemporary kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink and two islands

Mid-sized elegant dark wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room photo in Dallas with white walls and no fireplace

Elegant light wood floor and beige floor kitchen/dining room combo photo in Denver with white walls

Inspiration for a rustic medium tone wood floor and brown floor dining room remodel in Other

Mid-sized elegant formal and open concept brown floor and medium tone wood floor living room photo in Other with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace, no tv and beige walls

L. Lennon Photography www.llennonphotography.com
Example of a mid-sized minimalist galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in Cedar Rapids with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a large classic galley light wood floor open concept kitchen design in Other with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Inspiration for a huge contemporary gray floor sunroom remodel in DC Metro with a standard ceiling

Steve Lerum
Entryway - mid-sized contemporary limestone floor entryway idea in Orange County with beige walls and a glass front door

Example of a beach style open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design in Toronto with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

EMILIO COLLAVINO
Inspiration for a contemporary gray floor living room remodel in Miami

Sunroom - large tropical brown floor sunroom idea in Hawaii with a standard ceiling