Meghan Beierle
Mid-sized transitional formal dark wood floor living room photo in Los Angeles with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Inspiration for a coastal gray two-story wood exterior home remodel in Boston

Creating environments that encourage our families to spend more time outdoors is important in today’s hi-tech world. Designed for the 2014 Chicago Flower and Garden show, this display garden captures a playful sensibility well-suited for any family to enjoy. The clean, modern lines and carefully planned spaces of this 50’ by 50’ garden form an enticing setting to simply unplug. Working within a very limited area, the design organizes a bio pool with sundeck, a spillover water feature and lounge area, and a gravel dining terrace with a built-in fireplace and shade tree canopy. Unlike traditional pools, our bio pool utilizes aquatic plants, beneficial bacteria, and microbes, rather than harsh chemicals, to filter the water. Impurities and excess nutrients are drawn out of the water naturally, creating a much healthier swimming environment. A native plant palette is incorporated throughout the garden with shade trees, ornamentals, native forbs, and perennials in an emergent spring landscape. We hope this exciting design will encourage green inspiration for visitors, whether they have a tight city lot or a larger suburban property.

There's no lawn to worry about here, this is the full backyard. The home's patio doors open onto a cedar deck that extends over the edge of the pool lending the feeling of a "dock," complete with round posts. The pool's dark liner gives a natural pond look, while a limestone rock feature with water flowing from several points adds the drama of a waterfall. The entry stairs are bordered by Wiarton flagstone coping and a small deck in architectural stamped concrete. Privacy fencing punctuated by pocket gardens of greenery complete this tranquil poolscape. (16 x 27, custom free form)

©Justin Van Leeuwen
Inspiration for a small transitional galley light wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Ottawa with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, beige backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Spectacular unobstructed views of the Bay, Bridge, Alcatraz, San Francisco skyline and the rolling hills of Marin greet you from almost every window of this stunning Provençal Villa located in the acclaimed Middle Ridge neighborhood of Mill Valley. Built in 2000, this exclusive 5 bedroom, 5+ bath estate was thoughtfully designed by architect Jorge de Quesada to provide a classically elegant backdrop for today’s active lifestyle. Perfectly positioned on over half an acre with flat lawns and an award winning garden there is unmatched sense of privacy just minutes from the shops and restaurants of downtown Mill Valley. A curved stone staircase leads from the charming entry gate to the private front lawn and on to the grand hand carved front door. A gracious formal entry and wide hall opens out to the main living spaces of the home and out to the view beyond. The Venetian plaster walls and soaring ceilings provide an open airy feeling to the living room and country chef’s kitchen, while three sets of oversized French doors lead onto the Jerusalem Limestone patios and bring in the panoramic views. The chef’s kitchen is the focal point of the warm welcoming great room and features a range-top and double wall ovens, two dishwashers, marble counters and sinks with Waterworks fixtures. The tile backsplash behind the range pays homage to Monet’s Giverny kitchen. A fireplace offers up a cozy sitting area to lounge and watch television or curl up with a book. There is ample space for a farm table for casual dining. In addition to a well-appointed formal living room, the main level of this estate includes an office, stunning library/den with faux tortoise detailing, butler’s pantry, powder room, and a wonderful indoor/outdoor flow allowing the spectacular setting to envelop every space. A wide staircase leads up to the four main bedrooms of home. There is a spacious master suite complete with private balcony and French doors showcasing the views. The suite features his and her baths complete with walk – in closets, and steam showers. In hers there is a sumptuous soaking tub positioned to make the most of the view. Two additional bedrooms share a bath while the third is en-suite. The laundry room features a second set of stairs leading back to the butler’s pantry, garage and outdoor areas. The lowest level of the home includes a legal second unit complete with kitchen, spacious walk in closet, private entry and patio area. In addition to interior access to the second unit there is a spacious exercise room, the potential for a poolside kitchenette, second laundry room, and secure storage area primed to become a state of the art tasting room/wine cellar. From the main level the spacious entertaining patio leads you out to the magnificent grounds and pool area. Designed by Steve Stucky, the gardens were featured on the 2007 Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club tour. A level lawn leads to the focal point of the grounds; the iconic “Crags Head” outcropping favored by hikers as far back as the 19th century. The perfect place to stop for lunch and take in the spectacular view. The Century old Sonoma Olive trees and lavender plantings add a Mediterranean touch to the two lawn areas that also include an antique fountain, and a charming custom Barbara Butler playhouse. Inspired by Provence and built to exacting standards this charming villa provides an elegant yet welcoming environment designed to meet the needs of today’s active lifestyle while staying true to its Continental roots creating a warm and inviting space ready to call home.

Example of a large transitional l-shaped brown floor and dark wood floor kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Naomi Finlay
Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Toronto

Jeff Beene
Example of a large classic home bar design in Phoenix with dark wood cabinets, multicolored backsplash and glass-front cabinets

Spacecrafting Photography
Inspiration for a large transitional gray two-story mixed siding house exterior remodel in Minneapolis with a hip roof and a shingle roof

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.

William Waldron
Enclosed dining room - contemporary enclosed dining room idea in Miami with multicolored walls

Architect: Grouparchitect. Contractor: Barlow Construction. Photography: Chad Savaikie.
Example of a mid-sized trendy split-level mixed siding gray home design design in Seattle with a shed roof

The third floor space is home to the family library. With books from floor to ceiling, there is no limit to storage space in this angular room.
Playroom - contemporary gender-neutral dark wood floor playroom idea in Boston with white walls

Michele Lee Willson Photography
Danish light wood floor kitchen photo in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, black backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a small timeless medium tone wood floor and brown floor laundry closet remodel in Baltimore with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, a side-by-side washer/dryer and brown countertops

Bedroom - large contemporary carpeted and beige floor bedroom idea in Chicago with gray walls

Photo Credits: Brian Vanden Brink
Example of a mid-sized beach style formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design in Boston with green walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Bathroom - traditional white tile and stone tile marble floor bathroom idea in Boston with white walls and an undermount tub