Example of a transitional bathroom design in Dallas

Inspiration for a timeless curved staircase remodel in New York

©2014 Kyle Born
Inspiration for a mid-century modern light wood floor living room library remodel in Philadelphia with white walls

Photos: Robert Radifera Photography
Elegant family room photo in DC Metro

Sundling Studio
Transitional l-shaped laminate floor and brown floor kitchen photo in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

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.

Cesar Rubio Photography
Inspiration for a timeless marble floor mudroom remodel in San Francisco with green walls

Design: Charlie & Co. Design | Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Interiors & Photo Styling: Lucy Interior Design | Susan Gilmore Photography
Example of an ornate freestanding bathtub design in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and beige walls

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard concrete paver patio remodel in Dallas with no cover and a bbq area

Cottage brick floor kitchen photo in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This couple purchased a second home as a respite from city living. Living primarily in downtown Chicago the couple desired a place to connect with nature. The home is located on 80 acres and is situated far back on a wooded lot with a pond, pool and a detached rec room. The home includes four bedrooms and one bunkroom along with five full baths. The home was stripped down to the studs, a total gut. Linc modified the exterior and created a modern look by removing the balconies on the exterior, removing the roof overhang, adding vertical siding and painting the structure black. The garage was converted into a detached rec room and a new pool was added complete with outdoor shower, concrete pavers, ipe wood wall and a limestone surround. Kitchen Details: -Cabinetry, custom rift cut white oak -Light fixtures, Lightology -Barstools, Article and refinished by Home Things -Appliances, Thermadore, stovetop has a downdraft hood -Island, Ceasarstone, raw concrete -Sink and faucet, Delta faucet, sink is Franke -White shiplap ceiling with white oak beams -Flooring is rough wide plank white oak and distressed

A perfect little seating area next to a heritage orange tree.
Design ideas for a large traditional full sun backyard gravel vegetable garden landscape in San Francisco for spring.

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz
Example of a classic medium tone wood floor kitchen design in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and stainless steel appliances

Mid-sized trendy single-wall light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen photo in Austin with a drop-in sink, open cabinets, light wood cabinets, limestone countertops, white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops

Mid-sized transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Mid-sized trendy gray floor mudroom photo in New York with gray walls

This couple purchased a second home as a respite from city living. Living primarily in downtown Chicago the couple desired a place to connect with nature. The home is located on 80 acres and is situated far back on a wooded lot with a pond, pool and a detached rec room. The home includes four bedrooms and one bunkroom along with five full baths. The home was stripped down to the studs, a total gut. Linc modified the exterior and created a modern look by removing the balconies on the exterior, removing the roof overhang, adding vertical siding and painting the structure black. The garage was converted into a detached rec room and a new pool was added complete with outdoor shower, concrete pavers, ipe wood wall and a limestone surround. Dining Room and Den Details: Features a custom 10’ live edge white oak table. Linc designed it and built it himself in his shop with Owl Lumber and Home Things. This room was an addition along with the porch. -Large picture windows -Sofa, Blu Dot -Credenza, Poliform -White shiplap ceiling with white oak beams -Flooring is rough wide plank white oak and distressed

David Duncan Livingston
Example of a small classic kids' gray tile and stone tile marble floor claw-foot bathtub design in San Francisco with white cabinets, a wall-mount toilet and white walls

When designing this beautiful kitchen, we knew that our client’s favorite color was blue. Upon entering the home, it was easy to see that great care had been taken to incorporate the color blue throughout. So, when our Designer Sherry knew that our client wanted an island, she jumped at the opportunity to add a pop of color to their kitchen. Having a kitchen island can be a great opportunity to showcase an accent color that you love or serve as a way to showcase your style and personality. Our client chose a bold saturated blue which draws the eye into the kitchen. Shadow Storm Marble countertops, 3x6 Bianco Polished Marble backsplash and Waypoint Painted Linen floor to ceiling cabinets brighten up the space and add contrast. Arabescato Carrara Herringbone Marble was used to add a design element above the range. The major renovations performed on this kitchen included: A peninsula work top and a small island in the middle of the room for the range was removed. A set of double ovens were also removed in order for the range to be moved against the wall to allow the middle of the kitchen to open up for the installment of the large island. Placing the island parallel to the sink, opened up the kitchen to the family room and made it more inviting.