This 1850s farmhouse in the country outside NY underwent a dramatic makeover! Dark wood molding was painted white, shiplap added to the walls, wheat-colored grasscloth installed, and carpets torn out to make way for natural stone and heart pine flooring. We based the palette on quintessential American colors: red, white, and navy. Rooms that had been dark were filled with light and became the backdrop for cozy fabrics, wool rugs, and a collection of art and curios. Photography: Stacy Zarin Goldberg See this project featured in Home & Design Magazine here: http://www.homeanddesign.com/2016/12/21/farmhouse-fresh

Photography by John Bessler Top priority for this young couple, having recently leap-frogged from cozy salt box to rambling tudor estate, was the creation of a nursery for their first child (arrival eminent!). Next up? Imbuing the grand scale with intimate charm, in a family-oriented common space to accommodate baby plus their three dogs! Blending his love for all things rustic, and hers for a “glam-sophisticate” splash or two, the result is a beautiful and practical space fit for the whole tribe.

Living Room with Sinker Pine Wood Floor
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless formal and open concept medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Miami with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

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.

Photo: Corynne Pless Photography © 2014 Houzz
Inspiration for a country dining room remodel in New York

This cottage has an open floor plan and architectural details. The living area looks spacious and welcoming with cathedral wood ceilings and wood plank walls. The exposed beams create a warm cottage atmosphere. The rustic elements add to the charm of this southern cottage. Designed by Bob Chatham Custom Home Design and built by Scott Norman.

Photography by Paige Kilgore
Example of a large beach style u-shaped concrete floor open concept kitchen design in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photography by Paige Kilgore
Large beach style u-shaped concrete floor open concept kitchen photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photo: Corynne Pless Photography © 2014 Houzz
Cottage dining room photo in New York

Inspiration for a coastal kitchen remodel in Miami

Appearing as though this structure has stood in it's current spot for decades, this amazing pool house was created by Restoring Texas using mostly reclaimed materials harvested from local dilapidated Texas historical structures. Particularly, the siding, columns, doors, windows and many of other elements were salvaged from a Texas Craftsman style sharecropper home built in 1930. The tin was taken from the roofs of an early 1900's Texas barn. Historic signs such as the "Poss Pool Palace" sign bearing the name of its owners are reproduced and personalized by a local artist. Restoring Texas works closely with skilled builders and designers, and of course the home owners, throughout Texas to build these amazing works of art.

A white washed ship lap barn wood wall creates a beautiful entry-way space and coat rack. A custom floating entryway bench made of a beautiful 4" thick reclaimed barn wood beam is held up by a very large black painted steel L-bracket

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.

Photography: Rosemary Tufankjian (www.rosemarytufankjian.com)
Small elegant brick floor entryway photo in Boston with white walls and a white front door

Scott Amundson
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal wooden u-shaped staircase remodel in Minneapolis with wooden risers

Beach style living room photo in Miami

Contemporary professional kitchen
Large elegant u-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Home design - rustic home design idea in Portland Maine

Photography by Paige Kilgore
Example of a large beach style u-shaped concrete floor open concept kitchen design in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island