The pool design is based on the upright wings of the airplane, as the owner is an avid aviator as well as tri-athlete. Large expanses of glass allow natural light to stream into the year-round training space. Cedar siding and extensive stone work ground the modern form of the building in the natural landscape.

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized contemporary l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Denver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Autumn fern, (Dryopteris erythrosora) in a woodland setting Le jardinet
Photo of a traditional landscaping in Seattle.

Inspiration for a mid-sized tropical partial sun front yard stone landscaping in Hawaii.

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern enclosed carpeted and gray floor home theater remodel in DC Metro with gray walls and a projector screen

Inspiration for a rustic brown one-story wood gable roof remodel in Seattle

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 plants are all drought tolerant and rabbit resistant varieties. Bark helps to suppress weed growth as the plants establish.
Inspiration for a mid-sized drought-tolerant front yard landscaping in Calgary.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped cement tile floor and gray floor kitchen remodel in Orange County with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartzite countertops, black backsplash, stone tile backsplash, paneled appliances, two islands, black cabinets and gray countertops

Install mulch in bed. It is used to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, keep the soil cool, and make the garden bed look more attractive.

Install mulch in bed. It is used to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, keep the soil cool, and make the garden bed look more attractive. Lay out sabal minors.

Another view of the space-saving raised bed and espaliered trees. Cedar chips help suppress weeds as well.
Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Seattle

Design ideas for a small modern drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in Los Angeles with a fire pit.

Total kitchen Remodel and design. All new, ceiling raised, new recess lighting and under counter lighting, Floors covered with crack suppression and tile set perfectly.Quartz tops with undermount sink.

Ajuga and Creeping Thyme add lushness to the rugged, irregular pathway, and suppress weeds.
Example of a farmhouse home design design in New York

Open concept kitchen - mid-sized scandinavian medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in Raleigh with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Cerdomus/ Over Random Mix 3/8'' x 4'' x 40'' And 3/8'' x 8'' x 40'' Wood Porcelain Tile Pattern: Straight,. Products Used For Project: Ardex Self Leveler And Primer, Mapeguard 2SM Crack Suppression & Sound Membrane And Primer, Laticrete Multi-Purpose Thinset And Grout Once

Suppress weeds with cardboard and compost Le jardinet