Nice combination of glass, metal and ipee, iron wood decking for northwest living. Beautiful backyard retreat
Contemporary blue exterior home idea in Seattle

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.

Eric Dennon, Dennon Photography
Example of a classic bathroom design in Seattle with raised-panel cabinets and dark wood cabinets

Mid-sized transitional master gray tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and beige floor freestanding bathtub photo in Minneapolis with white cabinets, green walls, an integrated sink, a one-piece toilet, marble countertops and recessed-panel cabinets

Jim Schmid Photography
Example of a classic white two-story brick exterior home design in Charlotte with a hip roof

Scott Pease
Large elegant wooden curved staircase photo in Cleveland with painted risers

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern u-shaped porcelain tile eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photography by Patrick Brickman Home by Lowcountry Premier Custom Homes
Bathroom - transitional gray tile bathroom idea in Charleston with recessed-panel cabinets and gray cabinets

Doug Burke Photography
Large arts and crafts gray tile, multicolored tile and slate tile slate floor alcove shower photo in Salt Lake City with brown walls, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, an undermount sink and granite countertops

The storybook exterior features a front facing garage that is ideal for narrower lots. The arched garage bays add character to the whimsical exterior. This home enjoys a spacious single dining area while the kitchen is multi-functional with a center cook-top island and bar seating for casual eating and gathering. Two additional bedrooms are found upstairs, and are separated by a loft for privacy.

Inspiration for a craftsman bedroom remodel in Atlanta

Kitchen - country kitchen idea in Boston

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern 3/4 gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and gray floor drop-in bathtub remodel in San Francisco with gray cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and gray countertops

Chipper Hatter
Open concept kitchen - transitional open concept kitchen idea in San Diego with an island

Jessie Preza Photography
Example of a large trendy multicolored two-story wood house exterior design in Jacksonville with a metal roof and a hip roof

Mid-sized trendy l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and brown countertops

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Furnishings & Photo Styling | John Kraemer & Sons, Builder | Charlie and Co Design, Architect | Corey Gaffer Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

The vintage desk creates a compact space to do work. The bright colors of the lucite panel chandelier and the hand stiched Indian bedspread pick up the colors of the surfboards in the large format photo of Avila Beach. The client wanted guests to feel welcomed by a California vibe. Photos by- Michele Lee Willson

Emily Minton Redfield
Living room - large traditional enclosed dark wood floor living room idea in St Louis with blue walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv