©Beth Singer Photographer
Study room - mid-sized contemporary built-in desk dark wood floor study room idea in Detroit with beige walls and no fireplace

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 mid-sized transitional 3/4 beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and beige floor corner shower remodel in Boston with white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, beige walls and a hinged shower door

Home design - contemporary home design idea in Miami

Foyer - large modern ceramic tile and black floor foyer idea in Santa Barbara with white walls and a dark wood front door

Bathroom remodela in 1928 residence. Shower detail with 3”x 6” beveled edge white ceramic subway tile and marble herringbone pattern mosaic tile vertical insert and shower floor. Frameless glass shower surround.

These first-time parents wanted to create a sanctuary in their home, a place to retreat and enjoy some self-care after a long day. They were inspired by the simplicity and natural elements found in wabi-sabi design so we took those basic elements and created a spa-like getaway.

Example of a large transitional master white tile, ceramic tile and gray tile ceramic tile and gray floor corner shower design with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, blue walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

This couple purchased a second home as a respite from city living. Living primarily in downtown Chicago the couple desired a place to connect with nature. The home is located on 80 acres and is situated far back on a wooded lot with a pond, pool and a detached rec room. The home includes four bedrooms and one bunkroom along with five full baths. The home was stripped down to the studs, a total gut. Linc modified the exterior and created a modern look by removing the balconies on the exterior, removing the roof overhang, adding vertical siding and painting the structure black. The garage was converted into a detached rec room and a new pool was added complete with outdoor shower, concrete pavers, ipe wood wall and a limestone surround. 1st Floor Master Bathroom Details: Features a picture window, custom vanity in white oak, curb less shower and a freestanding tub. Showerhead, tile and tub all from Porcelainosa.

Inspiration for a small contemporary green tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile and beige floor alcove bathtub remodel in Detroit

Jessica Glynn
Large beach style open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room photo in Miami with black walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

A wonderful, neat and slightly industrial bathroom. Photo: Laurie Alligretti
Inspiration for an industrial bathroom remodel in Albuquerque

Modern luxury black and white kitchen by darash design, custom snow white high gloss lacquered no-handles cabinets with railings, covered refrigerator, paneled stainless steel appliances, black granite countertop kitchen island, wood floors and stainless steel undermount sink, high arc faucet, lightings, black lamp light fixtures, and black bar stool chairs furniture.

Drop-in bathtub - large rustic master drop-in bathtub idea with dark wood cabinets, brown walls, wood countertops, brown countertops and flat-panel cabinets

Large transitional formal and open concept light wood floor living room photo in San Francisco with white walls, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace and no tv

Matt Muller
Inspiration for a large timeless master beige tile and stone tile travertine floor drop-in bathtub remodel in Nashville with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, granite countertops, a two-piece toilet and blue walls

Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse u-shaped light wood floor, yellow floor and exposed beam enclosed kitchen remodel in Nashville with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, wood backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Mid-sized transitional master gray tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and gray floor doorless shower photo in DC Metro with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, beige walls, a vessel sink, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door