Kitchen
Kitchen - small contemporary kitchen idea in DC Metro

Michael J. Lee Photography
Example of a small transitional formal and enclosed dark wood floor living room design in Boston with beige walls, a tile fireplace and no tv

Transitional green two-story mixed siding gable roof idea in Los Angeles

Lucas Fladzinski
Mid-sized contemporary gray three-story stucco flat roof idea in San Francisco

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.

Vance Fox
Contemporary two-story mixed siding exterior home idea in Sacramento

Classic screened-in porch idea in Philadelphia

Large transitional gray tile light wood floor and brown floor powder room photo in Houston with gray walls, a drop-in sink, concrete countertops, gray countertops and a built-in vanity

Inspiration for a transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Minneapolis with white walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

SRQ Magazine's Home of the Year 2015 Platinum Award for Best Bathroom, Best Kitchen, and Best Overall Renovation Photo: Raif Fluker
Inspiration for a mid-century modern formal concrete floor living room remodel in Tampa with beige walls

Russell Hart - Orlando Interior Photography
Example of a large trendy u-shaped seated home bar design in Orlando with black cabinets, mirror backsplash and flat-panel cabinets

Bathroom by Domain Interiors & Design; Built by Alka Construction Inc; Lighting from Design on Tap
Double shower - contemporary master multicolored tile and mosaic tile double shower idea in Charleston with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and an undermount tub

Springhill Residence by Locati Architects, Interior Design by Locati Interiors, Photography by Roger Wade

Inspiration for a huge modern open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Tampa with white walls, a wood fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv

This award winning kitchen features St Clair Fine Handcrafted Cabinetry. Subzero-Wolf Appliances include ovens, 48" range top, 60" hood and paneled 48" refrigerator. Countertops are Carrara marble and Absolute black granite. The backsplash is Calacatta marble,gray glass and mother-of-pearl. Photography:Peter Rymwid. More details on this Subzero Wolf Design Award Winner here: " http://www.subzero-wolf.com/Photos/View/Nantucket-Now"> http://www.subzero-wolf.com/Photos/View/Nantucket-Now

Photography by Anthony Crisafulli
Inspiration for a small eclectic shade backyard brick retaining wall landscape in New York.

This condo was designed for a great client: a young professional male with modern and unfussy sensibilities. The goal was to create a space that represented this by using clean lines and blending natural and industrial tones and materials. Great care was taken to be sure that interest was created through a balance of high contrast and simplicity. And, of course, the entire design is meant to support and not distract from the incredible views. Photos by: Chipper Hatter

Jim Bartsch
Example of a trendy master travertine floor corner shower design in Denver with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops and a one-piece toilet

Eichler in Marinwood - At the larger scale of the property existed a desire to soften and deepen the engagement between the house and the street frontage. As such, the landscaping palette consists of textures chosen for subtlety and granularity. Spaces are layered by way of planting, diaphanous fencing and lighting. The interior engages the front of the house by the insertion of a floor to ceiling glazing at the dining room. Jog-in path from street to house maintains a sense of privacy and sequential unveiling of interior/private spaces. This non-atrium model is invested with the best aspects of the iconic eichler configuration without compromise to the sense of order and orientation. photo: scott hargis