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.

Adrian Ozimek
Inspiration for a shabby-chic style kitchen remodel in Toronto

Haris Kenjar
Inspiration for a mid-sized 1960s formal and enclosed light wood floor and beige floor living room remodel in Seattle with white walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Large trendy multicolored three-story mixed siding flat roof photo in Denver

This client came to me with a vision after moving into their new home- they wanted cozy, warm, and livable. At heart, they still love the classic and traditional design of European styled furniture, but knew they needed an update. The crisp white coverlet, and herringbone linen duvet and Euros are fresh, clean, and elegant. This bright monochromatic custom bedding is the perfect balance to the rich dark mahogany woods and deep taupe paint on the walls. This Master Bedroom is a breath of fresh air; the perfect retreat.

Example of a trendy l-shaped light wood floor kitchen design in New York with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, blue backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a mid-sized transitional enclosed and formal medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design in New York with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace, no tv and beige walls

A very small South Tampa backyard (typical) turned into a very usable space. Approx. 265 sq. ft. this small pool or spool (spa pool) has everything one needs to enjoy outdoor living life. Offset to one side of the yard, it allows for max use of the space. The approx. 330 sq. ft. french pattern silver travertine pool deck and straight edge pool coping gives this backyard a clean, simple, modern feel. With the soft zoyisa grass expanding almost to pool edges it gives the small space a vast, clean feel. The sunshelf in the pool adds a place of pause before entering the pool which has a max depth of 6 feet. No matter what time of year the spool is equiped with a pool heater that will have this oasis to 87 plus degrees within several hrs or less. Landscape Fusion

Study room - mid-sized transitional built-in desk dark wood floor study room idea in Denver with blue walls and no fireplace

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

Inspiration for a mediterranean wine cellar remodel in Houston with display racks

Example of a trendy kitchen design in Los Angeles

Mixing modern and rustic for an updated Tuscan feel on this typical suburban staircase The look was created with store bought rugs stapled to the stairs to form a runner. The carpet rods are just cafe rods, screwed in place at the ends. Photo: Lauren Rubinstein

This wine cellar draws the eye with its custom steel and glass door. Gregg Willett Photography
Wine cellar - small traditional yellow floor wine cellar idea in Atlanta

The breathtaking ocean views influenced the dramatic redesign of this water-front Poipu condo. The outdated condo was completely remodeled to allow full appreciation of the surrounding views, bring in a fresh new color palette, and modernize and update everything from the electrical wiring to the new luxury bath towels. The clients wanted the condo to feel “fun, happy, and cheerful,” and to stand apart from the typical vacation rental on Kauai. They wanted to turn this condo into the ultimate “beach house” that felt just as luxurious as the gorgeous natural surroundings. Fresh white ship-lap walls set the backdrop for this modern beach style, which is further enhanced with bold stripes, natural textures, and ocean-themed decor. The palette of cobalt, aqua and lichen green is fresh and vibrant against the neutral backdrop. Trina Turk’s “Peacock Print” was the inspiration fabric for the living and dining room. The print is so lively, colorful, and modern, and was the perfect place to start. Every custom detail was thoughtfully chosen to bring a sense of luxury and originality to the space. While some elements are whimsical, such as the playful octopus art & fish-themed fabric, other elements are sophisticated and classic, to help keep the design grounded. Special features include a custom-made “Moroccan Fish Scale” tile backsplash in the kitchen, crushed marble counter tops with oyster shells and float glass, and blue glass pendant lights, reminiscent of water bubbles.

Photography by Sarah M. Young, www.smyphoto.com
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman freestanding desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor home studio remodel in Boston with blue walls

Example of a mid-sized trendy white tile and porcelain tile gray floor and porcelain tile alcove bathtub design in Vancouver with medium tone wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, a vessel sink, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

Example of a small 1960s backyard patio design in Los Angeles with a fire pit and a roof extension