Leanna Rathkelly Cabinets: Rift Cut White Oak - Crystal Stain by Thetis Cove Joinery, Victoria, BC Countertop: Caesarstone "Bianco Drift" by StoneAge Marble and Granite Backsplash: Neolith by Thesize Gama Colorfeel - Nieve Paint: Benjamin Moore - Strand of Pearls- CSP - 395

The homeowners wanted to improve the layout and function of their tired 1980’s bathrooms. The master bath had a huge sunken tub that took up half the floor space and the shower was tiny and in small room with the toilet. We created a new toilet room and moved the shower to allow it to grow in size. This new space is far more in tune with the client’s needs. The kid’s bath was a large space. It only needed to be updated to today’s look and to flow with the rest of the house. The powder room was small, adding the pedestal sink opened it up and the wallpaper and ship lap added the character that it needed

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard stone formal garden in New York with a fire pit for summer.

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.

Inspiration for a large timeless master beige tile, multicolored tile and mosaic tile porcelain tile freestanding bathtub remodel in Nashville with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, blue walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

Photo Credit: Annie M Design

Stone: Vantage30 - White Elm Vantage30 delivers a unique planking appearance with its long 30″ linear lines. The gentle textural surface brings an additional element of movement while uniformly stacking tight for clean installation. Get a Sample of Vantage30: https://shop.eldoradostone.com/products/vantage-30

Ryann Ford
Tuscan travertine floor kitchen photo in Austin with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and stone slab backsplash

© Anthony Crisafulli 2014
Inspiration for a victorian wooden staircase remodel in Providence with painted risers

Inspiration for a coastal medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Charleston with white walls and a standard fireplace

Alcove bathtub - traditional white tile mosaic tile floor, multicolored floor, single-sink, wainscoting and wallpaper alcove bathtub idea in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, blue walls, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door, gray countertops and a freestanding vanity

Shelly Harrison Photography
Mid-sized 1960s concrete floor and gray floor great room photo in Boston with white walls and no fireplace

Photo: Sarah M. Young | smyphoto
Inspiration for a small transitional kitchen/dining room combo remodel in Boston with gray walls

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

Black and White bathroom with forest green vanity cabinets.
Example of a mid-sized farmhouse master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, white floor, single-sink and wallpaper freestanding bathtub design in Denver with recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Example of a classic patio design in Boston

Cottage Style Lake house
Mid-sized beach style blue one-story wood gable roof photo in Indianapolis with a shingle roof

Enlarged Masterbath by adding square footage from girl's bath, in medium sized ranch, Boulder CO
Small trendy 3/4 glass tile ceramic tile and gray floor alcove bathtub photo in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, purple walls, an integrated sink, solid surface countertops and white countertops