Mid-sized minimalist u-shaped porcelain tile and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Country back porch idea in San Francisco with decking and a roof extension

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.

19 July 2016 - Plants: Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle', Trachelospermum jasminoides, Ficus carica - Stefano Marinaz Landscape Architecture

Example of a transitional freestanding bathtub design in Richmond with dark wood cabinets

Gokul Bakshi
Inspiration for a timeless detached garden shed remodel in Newark

Lake Front Country Estate Master Bath, design by Tom Markalunas, built by Resort Custom Homes. Photography by Rachael Boling.
Inspiration for a huge timeless master beige tile and stone tile travertine floor walk-in shower remodel with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops and gray walls

PlushGrass installs personal putting greens of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels. We will bring your design to life or simulate a particular green that has been giving you problems over the years. We also install water hazards/water features and sand traps. PlushGrass Putting Greens are constructed with chipping practice in mind, they accept shots like a natural grass putting green. Improve your short game by practicing anytime you like with a custom artificial putting green by PlushGrass.

Jeri Koegel
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless master gray tile marble floor freestanding bathtub remodel in Orange County with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, marble countertops and gray walls

Colin Price Photography
Living room - mid-sized eclectic formal and open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea in San Francisco with blue walls, a corner fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a large rustic brown wood exterior home remodel in Sacramento

The new library room has several areas for one to enjoy. Including this cozy corner with chair and vintage reading lamp. Photo by Whit Preston.
Example of a large trendy dark wood floor living room library design in Austin with white walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

Mid-sized eclectic master multicolored tile and mosaic tile concrete floor claw-foot bathtub photo in Madrid with a vessel sink, beige cabinets, wood countertops, multicolored walls and recessed-panel cabinets

Steve Lazar's newest project, a six-bedroom residence built on a hillside peak of 30th Street in Hermosa Beach for design+build by South Swell, is a study in the functional exploitation of lot size and surrounding beauty. That, and an evolution of the designer’s singular style. Modernist in its veins, the new home has the earmarks of a Lazar design inside and out. There’s a hint of lifeguard tower in its exterior, though more muted than visible in his past projects, mainly due to a ring of rusticated wood cladding swathed around its mid-section. Other signifiers are there, too, from a row of high-perched observation windows to a slightly raised metal hip roof of soft blue. Jutting out slightly over the home, its underside dressed in tidy shiplap, the roof contrasts smartly against the clean white stucco and earthy wood of the lower levels. In all, it’s still clean-cut Lazar, but more organic than sleek. “I use a lot of the same ideas,” says Lazar, standing outside the structure while craftsmen and workers buzz around, putting finishing touches on the place. “ “I have a signature vocabulary, but I adapt it with each custom home to meet a client’s needs and maximize the particulars of that space.” Thoughtfully designed by Steve Lazar design+build by South Swell. designbuildbysouthswell.com Photography by Joel Silva.

David Marlow Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized and bedroom rustic gender-neutral carpeted and beige floor kids' bedroom remodel in Denver with beige walls

Inspiration for a transitional multicolored floor and single-sink freestanding bathtub remodel in Minneapolis with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, beige walls, an undermount sink, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Thermally treated ash wood provides the privacy wall and platform for the yoga garden.

Inspiration for a transitional bedroom remodel in Chicago