In this primary bathroom, the lighting scheme was key to achieve the client’s goals and create a space where the client would enjoy being. The bathroom felt cramped, dark, visually heavy. The client was also claustrophobic, making the use of the space uncomfortable. The goal was to transform this space into a relaxed modern spa-like atmosphere, rethink and simplify the floorplan avoiding visual clutter, access natural light, add efficient lighting, and create more visual space. The lighting plan was crucial to increase visual space. My first thought was to add a skylight to access natural light that is so effective in enlarging the feel of a space. After looking at the attic and roof lines it became clear that this was not an option. After some research I found the perfect solution: a smart light fixture that mimics a window. It is installed between studs or ceiling joists. The fixture replicates the light of the sun during the day. It goes from soft morning light - to bright noon - to soft dawn light. By recessing the fixture into the ceiling, the skylight-look and extra height was achieved. The benefits of this light go beyond beautiful design. The fixture is sustainable, energy efficient, and made to last for decades. It regulates the body’s circadian rhythm, helping against sleeping problems and seasonal affective disorder. It also integrates biophilic design, creating connections to nature and benefiting people that spend hours indoors. The use of mood lighting was also key, creating a cozy, welcoming feel to this home-spa. All the lights are dimmable, and plenty of indirect light sources, like the gorgeous vanity pendants and LED mirrors, create the perfect setting. Not forgetting to mention the soft curves of the bathtub chandelier. This is the perfect place to relax in the bubbly bathtub!

The original layout of this kitchen worked well for these homeowners, but was full of dark colors, poor daylight, dated cabinetry, and limited storage options. The new-and-improved design has more counter space at the location of the former hutch cabinet, under-cabinet lighting at the key workspaces, a larger farm sink, and all new appliances. The three new skylights and new window help brighten the space tremendously.

This 1,000 square foot backyard residence was designed to comply with the requirements of Seattle’s Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) program, and can be permitted on most residential properties as a secondary residence, office or rental unit. The overall form is reminiscent of a traditional gable roofed house allowing the DADU to fit in well in suburban neighborhoods, while the specific design, material expression and openness are decidedly more modern. Designed with flexibility in mind, a lofted space upstairs overlooks the double height main living space below and both have ample access to natural daylight and views provided by the large glazed wall and skylights above. The main living space enjoys an open kitchen, and a large linear gas fireplace and opens onto a private patio/ entry area with large double sliding patio doors. The standing seam corten steel roofing and siding as well as the brick chimney were selected for maximum durability and for their natural beauty and low-maintenance characteristics. The gabled roof comes pre-wired for photovoltaic panels, giving the option to make this DADU net-zero.

2013 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN $80,001-$120,000 This homeowner knew her kitchen wasn’t living up to its full potential. Built in the mid-1980s, it had short wall cabinetry, large bulkheads, a cooktop across an aisle from the sink and a dysfunctional peninsula that separated the kitchen and the breakfast room. The proposed design promised to lighten up space by introducing white cabinets with lots of glass options and large molding. Stacked upper glass cabinets have taken over the bulkheads. A large island with glass display cabinets is now central to the design. A large professional stove with a custom range hood is the focal point of the space. Exotic white marble counters match the white cabinetry beautifully. A bay window over the sink, a skylight and French doors with a glass transom bring more natural light into the room.

2013 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN $80,001-$120,000 This homeowner knew her kitchen wasn’t living up to its full potential. Built in the mid-1980s, it had short wall cabinetry, large bulkheads, a cooktop across an aisle from the sink and a dysfunctional peninsula that separated the kitchen and the breakfast room. The proposed design promised to lighten up space by introducing white cabinets with lots of glass options and large molding. Stacked upper glass cabinets have taken over the bulkheads. A large island with glass display cabinets is now central to the design. A large professional stove with a custom range hood is the focal point of the space. Exotic white marble counters match the white cabinetry beautifully. A bay window over the sink, a skylight and French doors with a glass transom bring more natural light into the room.

Yavapai Cabin sits in the middle of a steep mountain in an Arizona conifer forest. A clearing on the slope was made by the owner, with a vision to create a cabin immersed within the tree canopies. Upward Architecture approached the project with two design options, exploring different ways to bring filtered light into the living spaces. Both options propose a plan with a central kitchen and living space, with sleeping suites on either side. A simple shed roof opens up to the commanding views of this Yavapai County forest, from all rooms.

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.

This is an example of a 1950s porch design in Philadelphia.

This once dated master suite is now a bright and eclectic space with influence from the homeowners travels abroad. We transformed their overly large bathroom with dysfunctional square footage into cohesive space meant for luxury. We created a large open, walk in shower adorned by a leathered stone slab. The new master closet is adorned with warmth from bird wallpaper and a robin's egg blue chest. We were able to create another bedroom from the excess space in the redesign. The frosted glass french doors, blue walls and special wall paper tie into the feel of the home. In the bathroom, the Bain Ultra freestanding tub below is the focal point of this new space. We mixed metals throughout the space that just work to add detail and unique touches throughout. Design by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging

The owners of this home in Mount Vernon Alexandria, converted the Lower level carport into an enclosed sunroom, with optional garage space, an unfinished attic space was turned into a game room with a ping pong table, and future study for their loved grandchildren. There is added extra space footage to the attic space, a cedar closet, new French doors, direct & indirect lighting, new skylight lights to brighten up the attic, triple triangle window, etched glass garage doors, extra garage space, and used client’s provided wooded door connecting the sunroom to the patio.

In this primary bathroom, the lighting scheme was key to achieve the client’s goals and create a space where the client would enjoy being. The bathroom felt cramped, dark, visually heavy. The client was also claustrophobic, making the use of the space uncomfortable. The goal was to transform this space into a relaxed modern spa-like atmosphere, rethink and simplify the floorplan avoiding visual clutter, access natural light, add efficient lighting, and create more visual space. The lighting plan was crucial to increase visual space. My first thought was to add a skylight to access natural light that is so effective in enlarging the feel of a space. After looking at the attic and roof lines it became clear that this was not an option. After some research I found the perfect solution: a smart light fixture that mimics a window. It is installed between studs or ceiling joists. The fixture replicates the light of the sun during the day. It goes from soft morning light - to bright noon - to soft dawn light. By recessing the fixture into the ceiling, the skylight-look and extra height was achieved. The benefits of this light go beyond beautiful design. The fixture is sustainable, energy efficient, and made to last for decades. It regulates the body’s circadian rhythm, helping against sleeping problems and seasonal affective disorder. It also integrates biophilic design, creating connections to nature and benefiting people that spend hours indoors. The use of mood lighting was also key, creating a cozy, welcoming feel to this home-spa. All the lights are dimmable, and plenty of indirect light sources, like the gorgeous vanity pendants and LED mirrors, create the perfect setting. Not forgetting to mention the soft curves of the bathtub chandelier. This is the perfect place to relax in the bubbly bathtub!

Giving a nod to mid-century modern styling, we created a kitchen that is both simple and refined - with just a touch of detail. The beveled inner profile of the Nova door gives it distinction, while affording the client an easy cleanability. The vaulted ceiling, with skylight and large window demand a generous volume of cabinetry to be of proper proportion. A variety of island storage options (various depth pan and utensil drawers, a pullout pantry for oils and condiments, tray storage), plus a multi-purpose pantry cabinet, and a matching desk unit provide a wealth of storage options and unify the space. With the generous island, complete with cooktop and prep sink, the kitchen is perfect for this gourmet cook to entertain their guests. The client wanted a non-traditional top trim which would add both height and a broad horizontal line; we used a 7” high panel with applied bevel molding top and bottom. A bevel molding was also applied to the light valance: these bevel compliment the aesthetic module of the Nova door. The architect requested a large valance to house the electric window blind. The valance also incorporates light sconces which shine on the counter from a reasonable distance as the ceiling was so high; this was achieved using a matching Nova wainscot panel. The architect also wanted matching end panels on the island, yet the island cabinets did not match because they were different depths. On one side we provided 15” deep drawers and 15” wide side panel; on the opposite side we had a 24” deep pullout pantry with 15” wide side panel pulled to the front - so the question was, what to do with the 9” wide blank area? The solution: we had a 15” wide cabinet made with a 24” wide door that overlapped the blank area. By using touch latch hinges, it looks like a fixed panel flanked by two 15” panels. It’s amazing what Wood-Mode will make.

When we began this blue and white kitchen project, there was a room that had been previously added on to the back of the kitchen. At the time the client put addition in, they had structurally framed it keeping the post you see in the photos. We had the option of removing the post and putting in a steel header to remove it, but to avoid the expense, the decision was made to keep the post, work around it. Ken designed something spectacular to intentionally incorporate it into a large kitchen island positioning it in the most ideal location so the post wouldn’t be in the middle of the room. He built up the quartz counters to a 2” thickness and notched the countertop around the post. Before the renovation, there were no sliding doors, so we added a slider and two windows that flank the Bertazzoni range oven and hood. There was a side door where the coffee pot is now and there was no way to get to the outdoor deck from the kitchen. A large part of the design was changing the way you enter the kitchen from the front hallway and from the outdoor deck and dining area. The client wanted an open indoor/outdoor feeling in this kitchen with more storage and better functionality. We were able to create this by moving the stove from the inside wall to the outside wall, adding new windows and sliders, and allowing the natural light to flow in from the pre-existing skylight. The exquisite finishes of this blue and white kitchen are from our Brookhaven by Wood-Mode line with oak wood floors.

This bath is bright, thanks to a Solatube Daylighting system – like an efficient skylight – that provides great natural lighting by day and with the optional light fixture, a safe night light. An abundance of in-ceiling lights creates a minimalist bright overall ambience as well as focused task lighting for a low vision user. A Remcraft 5X lighted magnified makeup mirror caps off the accessible lighting design.

Small trendy 3/4 beige tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile bathroom photo in Portland with louvered cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink and solid surface countertops

This bathroom construction project in a single-family house in Chicago’s Old Irving Park neighborhood is the perfect example of using innovative design solutions in a small space. We added a skylight to increase the sense of openness and the vanity mirror and stone countertop were custom-built to fit the bathroom’s dimensions. Other design touches include glass mosaic tiles in the shower and heated floors.

Yavapai Cabin sits in the middle of a steep mountain in an Arizona conifer forest. A clearing on the slope was made by the owner, with a vision to create a cabin immersed within the tree canopies. Upward Architecture approached the project with two design options, exploring different ways to bring filtered light into the living spaces. Both options propose a plan with a central kitchen and living space, with sleeping suites on either side. A simple shed roof opens up to the commanding views of this Yavapai County forest, from all rooms.

Screened in porch featuring a motorized, retractable vinyl and screen dual system, making the area accessible year round. Hardwood floors were installed for a durable, low maintenance option. Skylights were chosen to compliment the LED recessed lighting. As was a ceiling fan, to help keep the space at a comfortable temperature.

At Landscape East & West, we build all types of wood structures according to our clients’ preferences, needs, and budgets. We build freestanding roof structures, attached deck and patio covers, and wood pergolas. We are happy to customize designs with optional bells and whistles such as skylights, recessed lighting, infrared heaters, outdoor speakers, art elements, and ceiling fans. We can even add a patio cover to an existing pergola to keep you dry in all seasons. To complement the structure, we also offer fireplaces, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, water elements, and even outdoor home theater options. You may also want to dress up your outdoor living area with specially treated fabrics, including curtains and pillows.