Our designer has achieved a stylish look by combining dark cabinets and light-colored marbles.

Design ideas for a contemporary water fountain landscape in San Francisco.

Mike Schwartz
Example of a trendy backyard deck design in Chicago with decking and no cover

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped light wood floor, brown floor and vaulted ceiling eat-in kitchen remodel in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

This elegant white bathroom remodels features a gorgeous white subway tile and a glass-enclosed shower.
Walk-in shower - small transitional white tile and subway tile cement tile floor and white floor walk-in shower idea in Atlanta with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Trent Bell Photography
Example of a transitional home design design in Portland Maine

photography by Rob Karosis
Mid-sized elegant screened-in front porch photo in Portland Maine with decking and a roof extension

Photos © Anice HoachlanderOur client was drawn to the property in Wesley Heights as it was in an established neighborhood of stately homes, on a quiet street with views of park. They wanted a traditional home for their young family with great entertaining spaces that took full advantage of the site. The site was the challenge. The natural grade of the site was far from traditional. The natural grade at the rear of the property was about thirty feet above the street level. Large mature trees provided shade and needed to be preserved. The solution was sectional. The first floor level was elevated from the street by 12 feet, with French doors facing the park. We created a courtyard at the first floor level that provide an outdoor entertaining space, with French doors that open the home to the courtyard.. By elevating the first floor level, we were able to allow on-grade parking and a private direct entrance to the lower level pub "Mulligans". An arched passage affords access to the courtyard from a shared driveway with the neighboring homes, while the stone fountain provides a focus. A sweeping stone stair anchors one of the existing mature trees that was preserved and leads to the elevated rear garden. The second floor master suite opens to a sitting porch at the level of the upper garden, providing the third level of outdoor space that can be used for the children to play. The home's traditional language is in context with its neighbors, while the design allows each of the three primary levels of the home to relate directly to the outside. Builder: Peterson & Collins, Inc Photos © Anice Hoachlander

This bar is perfect for entertaining family and friends. Fully equipped with with a keg for the adults and a root beer keg for the kids! The herringbone wood ceiling really warms up the feel of the bar!

Ryann Ford
Example of a tuscan exterior home design in Austin

Exterior of the 2018 Dream Home that leads to the front courtyard. Inside the courtyard, there is a concrete pathway with potted plants in bright blue pots for contrast. A wonderful area to hang out with guests and enjoy the sound of the water. You are able to lock the front gate for safety and privacy.

Wrought Iron Double Door - Forever Eyebrow by Porte, Color Dark Bronze and Flemish Glass
Front door - small traditional concrete floor front door idea in Austin with brown walls and a metal front door

Bathroom - transitional bathroom idea in Seattle

A grand outdoor stairway leads from the side yard to a large patio area. Lights are installed in the cheek walls for extended nighttime use and safety. The steps are constructed using EP Henry Products.

Well lit walkways lead you anywhere you need to go in safety
Trendy gray two-story exterior home photo in Seattle

©Finished Basement Company Bookcase door leads to disguised room
Large elegant underground carpeted and beige floor basement photo in Chicago with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Kitchen - cottage kitchen idea in Minneapolis

The concrete and fir steps leading to the living room mimics the staircase leading from the entrance. A glass railing has been installed for safety.

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.