Kitchen photo in Minneapolis

Cozy well stocked quartzite back lite bar and custom mahogany humidor, cedar lined and featuring glass doors with pull out shelves. Each drawer with removable cigar caddies displays homeowner's extensive cigar collection.

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.

The bathroom was redesigned to improve flow and add functional storage with a modern aesthetic. Natural walnut cabinetry brings warmth balanced by the subtle movement in the warm gray floor and wall tiles and the white quartz counters and shower surround. We created half walls framing the shower topped with quartz and glass treated for easy maintenance. The angled wall and extra square footage in the water closet were eliminated for a larger vanity. Floating vanities make the space feel larger and fit the modern aesthetic. The tall pullout storage at her vanity is one-sided to prevent items falling out the back and features shelves with acrylic sides for full product visibility. We removed the tub deck and bump-out walls with inset shelves for improved flow and wall space for towels. Now the freestanding tub anchors the middle of the room while allowing easy access to the windows that were blocked by the previous built-in.

The client wanted to create a traditional rustic design with clean lines and a feminine edge. She works from her home office, so she needed it to be functional and organized with elegant and timeless lines. In the kitchen, we removed the peninsula that separated it for the breakfast room and kitchen, to create better flow and unity throughout the space.

“We could never have envisioned what could be” – Steiner Ranch Homeowner and Client It is an especially fulfilling Project for an Interior Designer when the outcome exceeds Client expectations, and imagination. This remodeling project required instilling modern sensibilities, openness, styles and textures into a dated house that was past its prime. Strategically, the goal was to tear down where it made sense without doing a complete teardown. Starting with the soul of the home, the kitchen, we expanded out room by room to create a cohesiveness and flow that invites, supports and provides the warmth and relaxation that only a home can. In the Kitchen, we started by removing the wooden beams and adding bright recessed lighting. We removed the old limestone accent wall and moved the sink and cooktop from the island on to the countertop – the key goal was to create room for the family to gather around the kitchen. We replaced all appliances with modern Energy Star ones, along with adding a wine rack. The first order of business for the Living Room was to brighten it up by adding more lighting and replacing an unused section with a glass door to the backyard. Multi-section windows were replaced with large no-split glass overlooking the backyard. Once more, the limestone accent was removed to create a clean, modern look. Replacing the dated wooden staircase with the clean lines of a metal, wire and wooded staircase added interest and freshness. An odd bend in the staircase was removed to clean things up. The Master Bedroom went from what looked like a motel room with green carpet and cheap blinds to an oasis of luxury and charm. A section of the wraparound doors were closed off to increase privacy, accentuate the best view from the bedroom and to add usable space. Artwork, rug, contemporary bed and other accent pieces brought together the seamless look across the home. The Master Bathroom remodel started by replacing the standard windows with a single glass pane that enhanced the view of the outdoors. The dated shower was replaced by a walk-in shower and soaking tub to create the ultimate at-home spa experience. Lighted LED mirrors frame His & Hers sinks and bathe them in a soft light. The flooring was upgraded throughout the house to reflect the contemporary color scheme. Each of the smaller bedrooms were similarly upgraded to match the clean and modern décor of the rest of the house. After such a transformation inside, it was only appropriate that the exterior needed an upgrade as well. All of the legacy limestone accents were replaced by stucco and the color scheme extended from the interior of the house to the gorgeous wrap around balconies, trim, garage doors etc. to complete the inside outside transformation.

This Chef's kitchen in Seal Beach, CA was inspired by the homeowner's love for cooking. The "Harvard" model home was originally designed with an enclosed kitchen and laundry area, separate from the living room. Morey Remodeling opened up the space by removing a half wall and integrating the laundry closet in the kitchen. Complete with innovative cabinet storage solutions, gray Quartz countertops, pot filler with stainless steel and ceramic subway tile backsplash. This beautiful kitchen is now ready to cook a delicious meal

The kitchen was at the top of the list for a total overhaul – the worn oak cabinets, dated appliances, and clunky layout all had to go. Removing the decorative soffits allowed us to take the new cabinetry all the way to the ceiling, adding functional storage and visually extending the room’s height. We reconfigured the layout from a modified U to an L-shape which accomplished several things – it opened up the kitchen to the dining room, redirected circulation, and most importantly, created space for an island. A brand new pantry was created for overflow food storage, bulk items, occasional dishware and small appliances, ensuring that our client’s goal of uncluttered countertops was achievable. The finish selections and clean lines give a nod to the home’s mid-century bones. The wood island provides warmth and the light quartz countertops, textured backsplash and white cabinets keep the kitchen feeling light and bright. We opted to install open shelving above the sink which provides display space and needed storage without the bulkiness of an overhead cabinet. The matte black faucet, hardware and decorative pendants add another level of visual interest to the modern kitchen. To unify the kitchen and dining room, we replaced the drab kitchen flooring with select red oak hardwoods that were expertly installed and refinished to match the gorgeous wood flooring throughout the home.

This project took APD to the Oregon Coast for the remodel of two beach house bathrooms! The primary suite was gutted - removing an unused jetted tub in favor of an expansive corner vanity. The shower was opened up by removing an awkwardly located tall cabinet and by swapping a full height wall in favor for a pony wall with glass above. The bathroom is bathed in natural light via the skylight and frosted casement window. A luxurious shower experience was created with ceiling mount rain shower head, wall mount fixed shower head, hand shower on slider bar, and a modern waterfall slab shower bench with integrated niche. A subtle coastal vibe was created with the blue, white, and sandy gray color palette while artistic light fixtures fixtures, clean lined matte black plumbing, and straight stacked tile infuse modernity. In the hall bathroom, a cohesive design was created with added playfulness from the patterned floor tile!

Example of a large trendy wooden u-shaped open and metal railing staircase design in Minneapolis

The long, narrow space, 4 feet by 10 feet, was a challenge. We removed the old tile shower and wing wall, and replaced it with a soaking tub and shower. The frameless shower doors allow the feature fan tile on the back wall to draw your eye into the depth of the room. A small, wall hung sink keeps the space open. We had a custom marble top and splash fabricated. The wall sconces and mirror complete this vignette. The clean lines of the toilet continue this minimalist design. Mary Broerman, CCIDC

Freestanding bathtub - large contemporary master white tile porcelain tile freestanding bathtub idea in Chicago with white walls

The chef-inspired sink area boasts a durable and stylish Elkay Crosstown Single Basin sink, complemented by a practical Wolverine Brass-Chrome Basket Strainer. The sophisticated Brizo Litze Smart Touch Single Lever Kitchen Faucet adds a touch of modern convenience and elegance.

Stripped of its original charm with sagging floors and water leaks, this 1900 row house was prime for a full renovation. While the staircase and marble fireplace are original, everything from the white oak flooring, crown, applied, and base moldings, to the archways and brass door hardware is new; yet they all feel original to the house. Other projects included removing soffits and tucking away randomly placed support beams and posts, relocating and expanding the kitchen, renovating each bathroom – and adding a new one, upgrading all the mechanical, electric and plumbing systems, removing a fireplace, and regrading the back patio for proper drainage and added greenery. The project is a perfect study of juxtaposing new and old, classic and modern. Photography Stacy Zarin Goldberg

The client wanted to create a traditional rustic design with clean lines and a feminine edge. She works from her home office, so she needed it to be functional and organized with elegant and timeless lines. In the kitchen, we removed the peninsula that separated it for the breakfast room and kitchen, to create better flow and unity throughout the space.

This 5687 sf home was a major renovation including significant modifications to exterior and interior structural components, walls and foundations. Included were the addition of several multi slide exterior doors, windows, new patio cover structure with master deck, climate controlled wine room, master bath steam shower, 4 new gas fireplace appliances and the center piece- a cantilever structural steel staircase with custom wood handrail and treads. A complete demo down to drywall of all areas was performed excluding only the secondary baths, game room and laundry room where only the existing cabinets were kept and refinished. Some of the interior structural and partition walls were removed. All flooring, counter tops, shower walls, shower pans and tubs were removed and replaced. New cabinets in kitchen and main bar by Mid Continent. All other cabinetry was custom fabricated and some existing cabinets refinished. Counter tops consist of Quartz, granite and marble. Flooring is porcelain tile and marble throughout. Wall surfaces are porcelain tile, natural stacked stone and custom wood throughout. All drywall surfaces are floated to smooth wall finish. Many electrical upgrades including LED recessed can lighting, LED strip lighting under cabinets and ceiling tray lighting throughout. The front and rear yard was completely re landscaped including 2 gas fire features in the rear and a built in BBQ. The pool tile and plaster was refinished including all new concrete decking.

This Condo has been in the family since it was first built. And it was in desperate need of being renovated. The kitchen was isolated from the rest of the condo. The laundry space was an old pantry that was converted. We needed to open up the kitchen to living space to make the space feel larger. By changing the entrance to the first guest bedroom and turn in a den with a wonderful walk in owners closet. Then we removed the old owners closet, adding that space to the guest bath to allow us to make the shower bigger. In addition giving the vanity more space. The rest of the condo was updated. The master bath again was tight, but by removing walls and changing door swings we were able to make it functional and beautiful all that the same time.

While many guests will enter through the gate just left of this image, newcomers often say hello at the front door. By removing the shutters that originally dawned this home, we opened up the house.

Artificial turf, drought tolerant plants, Mexican beach pebble Photograph by Emma Almendarez
This is an example of a large contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun front yard gravel landscaping in San Diego.