Mid-sized cottage front porch idea in San Francisco with decking and a roof extension

The open plan living room includes large sliding glass doors that allow the exterior deck to connect to the indoors. Photo: Tyler Chartier
Living room - mid-sized contemporary open concept and formal medium tone wood floor living room idea in San Francisco with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

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 Tice Residences replace a run-down and aging duplex with two separate, modern, Santa Barbara homes. Although the unique creek-side site (which the client’s original home looked toward across a small ravine) proposed significant challenges, the clients were certain they wanted to live on the lush “Riviera” hillside. The challenges presented were ultimately overcome through a thorough and careful study of site conditions. With an extremely efficient use of space and strategic placement of windows and decks, privacy is maintained while affording expansive views from each home to the creek, downtown Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean beyond. Both homes appear to have far more openness than their compact lots afford. The solution strikes a balance between enclosure and openness. Walls and landscape elements divide and protect two private domains, and are in turn, carefully penetrated to reveal views. Both homes are variations on one consistent theme: elegant composition of contemporary, “warm” materials; strong roof planes punctuated by vertical masses; and floating decks. The project forms an intimate connection with its setting by using site-excavated stone, terracing landscape planters with native plantings, and utilizing the shade provided by its ancient Riviera Oak trees. 2012 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Merit Award Jim Bartsch Photography

steve rossi
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, two islands and white countertops

Stone and stucco combine with multiple gable peaks and an impressive, front entry to create stunning curb appeal for this European house plan. The grand foyer greets visitors on the inside, while the dining room and bedroom/study flank the foyer on both sides. Further along, the great room includes a cathedral ceiling, porch access and wall of windows to view outdoor scenery. The breakfast room and kitchen are also open to the great room and one another, simplifying mealtime. On the other side of the house plan, a large master suite was designed to pamper the homeowner. A bowed sitting area grants extra space in the bedroom, while the luxurious master bath features a corner shower, large soaking tub, his-and-her vanities and private privy. In the basement are three bedrooms, each with their own full bath, an added treat! A large rec room with fireplace completes the basement and provides an additional gathering space in the house plan.

Creating an open concept living area.
Large transitional open concept light wood floor and beige floor family room photo in Detroit with a standard fireplace and gray walls

The Tice Residences replace a run-down and aging duplex with two separate, modern, Santa Barbara homes. Although the unique creek-side site (which the client’s original home looked toward across a small ravine) proposed significant challenges, the clients were certain they wanted to live on the lush “Riviera” hillside. The challenges presented were ultimately overcome through a thorough and careful study of site conditions. With an extremely efficient use of space and strategic placement of windows and decks, privacy is maintained while affording expansive views from each home to the creek, downtown Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean beyond. Both homes appear to have far more openness than their compact lots afford. The solution strikes a balance between enclosure and openness. Walls and landscape elements divide and protect two private domains, and are in turn, carefully penetrated to reveal views. Both homes are variations on one consistent theme: elegant composition of contemporary, “warm” materials; strong roof planes punctuated by vertical masses; and floating decks. The project forms an intimate connection with its setting by using site-excavated stone, terracing landscape planters with native plantings, and utilizing the shade provided by its ancient Riviera Oak trees. 2012 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Merit Award Jim Bartsch Photography

Ryan from North Dakota has built Architectural Designs Exclusive house plan 73348HS in reverse and was kind enough to share his beautiful photos with us! This design features kitchen and dining areas that can both enjoy the great room fireplace thanks to its open floor plan. You can also relax on the "other side" of the dual-sided fireplace in the hearth room - enjoying the view out the windows of the beautiful octagonal shaped room! The lower floor is ideal for entertaining with a spacious game and family room and adjoining bar. This level also includes a 5th bedroom and a large exercise room. What a stunning design! Check it out! Specs-at-a-glance: 3,477 square feet of living 5 Bedrooms 4.5 Baths Ready when you are. Where do YOU want to build? Plan Link: http://bit.ly/73348HS

Third Floor Open Floor Plan - Kitchen Space. Photo Credit: Brent Haywood Photography. Furniture courtesy of 'Hold-It'.
Eat-in kitchen - industrial single-wall concrete floor eat-in kitchen idea in San Diego with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

The first floor of this renovated twin house is entirely open plan, with refinished oak flooring and a brand new kitchen. A custom stainless stair railing contributes to the open feeling. Photo: Jeffrey Totaro

View from dining room to kitchen Scott Chernis
Example of a transitional u-shaped kitchen design in San Francisco with an undermount sink, white cabinets, green backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

steve rossi
Example of a mid-sized classic dark wood floor and brown floor foyer design in New York with white walls

Trousdale Beverly Hills luxury home open plan modern kitchen with skylight. Photo by Jason Speth.
Inspiration for a huge contemporary galley porcelain tile and white floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, two islands, white countertops and black appliances

Tuscan bathroom photo in Kansas City

An interior remodel of a 1,500sf cottage for a young family. The design reconfigured the traditional layout of the 1930’s cottage creating bright, airy, open-plan living spaces as well as an updated master suite. (c) Eric Staudenmaier

Living room - mediterranean living room idea in Kansas City

New Contemporary Single Family Residence with open floor plan, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, Pool, Spa, Cabana. Area: 2000 Square Feet Architect: ArcDLA Inc. Sam Azadi, AIA. Tel: 424-354-9494

Open kitchen and family room, large windows bringing the outdoors in.
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized craftsman galley light wood floor open concept kitchen idea in New York with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island