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.

We are an interior design, decorative paint and faux finish business dedicated to helping people create an inviting and beautiful space uniquely suited to each individual. I am available for in home consultations to listen to your wants, needs and ideas and then create a plan with you to make your space perfect for you!

We understand the importance of keeping your animals and pets safe. With over 35 years experience, our fence pros will listen to your needs and unique concerns, then design/build a handsome, sturdy fence that will last for years to come. Our fences will also add value and beauty to your property — that's especially important when it comes time to sell.

We listened intently as this delightful family shared their vision for an Old World dream home with a European flair. One that was distinctly elegant, yet still casual enough for gatherings. It was very important to build with natural materials that fit in character with the surroundings. Attention to detail in each room was of utmost importance as the homeowners used their keen artistic sensibilities to stay closely involved in the selection of materials and colors. The resulting home feels as though it could’ve been built a century ago.

Calybr Homes is truly focused on custom residential homes here in the Grand Traverse Region. We are CUSTOMER DRIVEN! By listening to our customers needs, wants and desires while still staying within a specified budget. Building family dreams one custom home at a time!

Sherri's soon-to-be customer and friend Ginny's first words were: "I'm just looking and I take a long time to decide." Fine with me! So we sat down and I listened. I tried to understand what she was really looking for. The rest was easy... and we had so much fun putting her room together. And these photos prove it! How beautiful.

Calybr Homes is truly focused on custom residential homes here in the Grand Traverse Region. We are CUSTOMER DRIVEN! By listening to our customers needs, wants and desires while still staying within a specified budget. Building family dreams one custom home at a time! David L. Fox Photography LLC

Calybr Homes is truly focused on custom residential homes here in the Grand Traverse Region. We are CUSTOMER DRIVEN! By listening to our customers needs, wants and desires while still staying within a specified budget. Building family dreams one custom home at a time! David L. Fox Photography LLC

Our Deck and Patio clients love sitting by their pond. A favorite pastime is studying the many varieties of plants around it. As they listen to falling water they pick out the different ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus sinensis Yakujima (bottom left), admire Hydrangea Lace Cap (top right beside boulders), smile at the delicate yellow Coreopsis Moonbeam (in front of tree trunk), and linger over the purple loosestrife or Lythrum in the right of these photos.

Example of a 1960s kitchen design in Denver

Design is about listening and understanding the owners, their home and their neighborhood. Working together with a family to create a seamless relationship between the design process and outcomes. "A Photographer's Historic Connecticut Farmhouse Gets a Modern Makeover", Connecticut Cottages and Gardens, March 2017. http://www.cottages-gardens.com/Connecticut-Cottages-Gardens/March-2017/

Photo: Alexandra Crafton © 2016 Houzz
Entryway - country entryway idea in Louisville

Example of a 1960s kitchen design in Denver

This living room got an upgraded look with the help of new paint, furnishings, fireplace tiling and the installation of a bar area. Our clients like to party and they host very often... so they needed a space off the kitchen where adults can make a cocktail and have a conversation while listening to music. We accomplished this with conversation style seating around a coffee table. We designed a custom built-in bar area with wine storage and beverage fridge, and floating shelves for storing stemware and glasses. The fireplace also got an update with beachy glazed tile installed in a herringbone pattern and a rustic pine mantel. The homeowners are also love music and have a large collection of vinyl records. We commissioned a custom record storage cabinet from Hansen Concepts which is a piece of art and a conversation starter of its own. The record storage unit is made of raw edge wood and the drawers are engraved with the lyrics of the client's favorite songs. It's a masterpiece and will be an heirloom for sure.

Matrix Tours
Example of a classic medium tone wood floor living room design in Dallas with a music area

This Jersey City, NJ space was the first permanent ‘home’ for the yoga studio, so it was essential for us to listen well and design a space to serve their needs for years to come. Through our design process, we helped to guide the owners through the fit-out of their new studio location that required minimal demolition and disruption to the existing space. Together, we converted a space originally used as a preschool into a welcoming, spacious yoga studio for local yogis. We created one main yoga studio by combining four small classrooms into a single larger space with new walls, while all the other program spaces (including designated areas for holistic treatments, massage, and bodywork) were accommodated into pre-existing rooms. Our team completed all demo, sheetrock, electrical, and painting aspects of the project. (The studio owners did some of the work themselves, and a different company installed the flooring and carpets.) The results speak for themselves: a peaceful, restorative space to facilitate health and healing for the studio’s community. Looking to renovate your place of business? Contact the Houseplay team; we’ll help make it happen! Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography

We all know that this is the space where everyone gathers whether you want them to or not! We believe in creating a clean palette that can host all of the colorful chaos of the holiday crowds, an elegant night of cooking for two, and the frosting-covered fingers of a pack of four year olds. A kitchen’s flexibility and usefulness are as important as the finishes, and it is our job to listen to your functional needs as well as your aesthetic desires.

Calybr Homes is truly focused on custom residential homes here in the Grand Traverse Region. We are CUSTOMER DRIVEN! By listening to our customers needs, wants and desires while still staying within a specified budget. Building family dreams one custom home at a time! A la carte photography, Karin William

1950s kitchen photo in Denver