Photo: Nanette Wong © 2015 Houzz
Eclectic living room photo in San Francisco

Bowling Alley on Play level
Trendy home design photo in Las Vegas

This booth back was originally specified as raspberry tweed, but one morning around 2 am I woke up and thought "thats just not cool enough". I brought this fabric over and taped it to the striped wall covering and my client fell in love! Joe Kwon

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.

Front of this traditional colonial after BioCalce Classico Limewash paint application, a specially formulated, slow-set slaked lime paint. It is applied as a one-coat process to a dampen brick then washed off with a garden hose spray nozzle. It is much easier than German Smear effect and it instantly gives you an antique patina. Color is Avorio White by ROMABIO. Available for purchase on Home Depot website.

Inspiration for a modern family room remodel in Salt Lake City

Example of a master porcelain tile porcelain tile and double-sink bathroom design in Austin with beaded inset cabinets, light wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Example of a trendy home design design in Miami

conversion of garage to gym, Jeff Allen Photography
Inspiration for a coastal home gym remodel in Boston

Photo: Jessica Cain © 2017 Houzz
Home design - large contemporary home design idea in Kansas City

Rikki Snyder © 2014 Houzz
Home design - eclectic home design idea in New York

New View Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized industrial white tile and subway tile porcelain tile and brown floor alcove shower remodel in Raleigh with furniture-like cabinets, black cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

Joyce Lee
Example of a small eclectic home design design in Los Angeles

Photos by Erika Bierman www.erikabiermanphotography.com
Inspiration for a coastal family room remodel in San Diego

When this property was empty buyers had a hard time visualizing furniture arrangement. Staging made the difference and got it sold. Photos and Staging by: Betsy Konaxis, BK Classic Collections Home Stagers

Kitchen - craftsman kitchen idea in Houston

Gorgeous all blue kitchen cabinetry featuring brass and gold accents on hood, pendant lights and cabinetry hardware. The stunning intracoastal waterway views and sparkling turquoise water add more beauty to this fabulous kitchen.

Bathroom photo in Other

Jacob Snavely
Mid-sized trendy formal and open concept light wood floor and gray floor living room photo in New York with white walls, a wall-mounted tv and no fireplace