photography by Rob Karosis
Eat-in kitchen - large traditional galley light wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Portland Maine with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and white walls

Inspiration for a contemporary garden path in Las Vegas.

Patio - contemporary backyard concrete patio idea in San Francisco with a fire pit and no cover

Treve Johnson
Multiuse home gym - mid-sized contemporary medium tone wood floor multiuse home gym idea in San Francisco with white walls

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.

Example of a large trendy formal and open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room design in San Francisco with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Photography: Landmark Photography
Inspiration for a small modern master beige tile and stone tile ceramic tile freestanding bathtub remodel in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, beige walls, an integrated sink and concrete countertops

Eat-in kitchen - large traditional l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Salt Lake City with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Trendy backyard patio photo in Toronto with no cover

Living room - rustic dark wood floor living room idea in Sacramento with beige walls, a standard fireplace and no tv

This high contemporary kitchen places an emphasis on the views to the expansive garden beyond. Soft colors and textures make the space approachable.
Eat-in kitchen - large contemporary l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen idea in Sacramento with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, an island, white countertops, marble countertops and stainless steel appliances

photos: Kyle Born
Living room - eclectic light wood floor living room idea in New York with a standard fireplace, no tv and multicolored walls

Trendy concrete floor living room photo in Santa Barbara

Preliminary architecture renderings were given to Obelisk Home with a challenge. The homeowners needed us to create an unusual but family friendly home, but also a home-based business functioning environment. Working with the architect, modifications were made to incorporate the desired functions for the family. Starting with the exterior, including landscape design, stone, brick and window selections a one-of-a-kind home was created. Every detail of the interior was created with the homeowner and the Obelisk Home design team. Furnishings, art, accessories, and lighting were provided through Obelisk Home. We were challenged to incorporate existing furniture. So the team repurposed, re-finished and worked these items into the new plan. Custom paint colors and upholstery were purposely blended to add cohesion. Custom light fixtures were designed and manufactured for the main living areas giving the entire home a unique and personal feel. Photos by Jeremy Mason McGraw

Petr Krejci
Example of a transitional loft-style light wood floor family room design in London with a media wall

Photography by Studio H Landscape Architecture. Post processing by Isabella Li.
This is an example of a small contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone garden path in Orange County.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard concrete patio remodel in Vancouver with a fire pit and no cover

Ruggedness and refinement. The balance of the two approaches to the mountain environment let the imagination play. Comfort and warmth, dignity and strength. In these spaces family and freinds are safe and sound while vividly engaged with the mountain winter wonderland outside. Photography by Kim Sargent Photography

Nantucket Architectural Photography
Example of a mid-sized beach style u-shaped medium tone wood floor great room design in Boston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops and stainless steel appliances