The nursery playfully incorporates framed interior windows which ‘borrow’ light from the main living space. Photos by Eric Roth. Construction by Ralph S. Osmond Company. Green architecture by ZeroEnergy Design.

Example of a 1950s open concept kitchen design in Austin with flat-panel cabinets and blue cabinets

Handmade, Rookwood tile with glazed edges provide a clean transition the shower wall. A new transom window over the vanity provides extra light and openness to the space.

Black window frames can be bold in light-colored rooms. The windows became a focal point in the room, so, simple gray window treatments were the perfect window treatment to blend into the walls during the day and provide privacy at night.

This cottage tudor home in the heart of Pasadena showcases original details and traditional elegance for a busy family of four. Photography by Erika Bierman www.erikabiermanphotography.com

Based on a popular kids' game, this inspired room boasts a beautiful children's mural, fun window decals, and toys - all appropriate to the game. Photo by Johnny Stevens

Example of a large classic beige two-story concrete fiberboard exterior home design in Boise with a clipped gable roof

This Marmol Radziner–designed prefab house in Northern California features multi-slide doors from Western Window Systems.
Living room - modern open concept concrete floor living room idea in San Francisco with white walls and no tv

Elegant formal dark wood floor living room photo in Columbus with gray walls and a standard fireplace

Example of an ornate medium tone wood floor sunroom design in New York with a standard ceiling

Budget Blinds can cover any window size and shape.
Elegant bathroom photo in Orange County

Architect: Blaine Bonadies, Bonadies Architect Photography By: Jean Allsopp Photography “Just as described, there is an edgy, irreverent vibe here, but the result has an appropriate stature and seriousness. Love the overscale windows. And the outdoor spaces are so great.” Situated atop an old Civil War battle site, this new residence was conceived for a couple with southern values and a rock-and-roll attitude. The project consists of a house, a pool with a pool house and a renovated music studio. A marriage of modern and traditional design, this project used a combination of California redwood siding, stone and a slate roof with flat-seam lead overhangs. Intimate and well planned, there is no space wasted in this home. The execution of the detail work, such as handmade railings, metal awnings and custom windows jambs, made this project mesmerizing. Cues from the client and how they use their space helped inspire and develop the initial floor plan, making it live at a human scale but with dramatic elements. Their varying taste then inspired the theme of traditional with an edge. The lines and rhythm of the house were simplified, and then complemented with some key details that made the house a juxtaposition of styles. The wood Ultimate Casement windows were all standard sizes. However, there was a desire to make the windows have a “deep pocket” look to create a break in the facade and add a dramatic shadow line. Marvin was able to customize the jambs by extruding them to the exterior. They added a very thin exterior profile, which negated the need for exterior casing. The same detail was in the stone veneers and walls, as well as the horizontal siding walls, with no need for any modification. This resulted in a very sleek look. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Ultimate Casement Window

Scot Zimmerman
Inspiration for a timeless u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen remodel in San Francisco with raised-panel cabinets, green cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

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.

Bedroom - large contemporary master bamboo floor and beige floor bedroom idea in Boston with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace

Elliott Johnson
Inspiration for an eclectic multicolored tile and mosaic tile powder room remodel in San Luis Obispo with an integrated sink and concrete countertops

Plenty of room to relax on the front porch and decorate with the seasons. Michael Lipman Photography
Classic porch idea in Chicago with a roof extension

dining room, lantern pendant, guy chaddock, guy chaddock light, trestle table, sconces, ply lighting, white paneling, large windows, staircase
Large elegant dark wood floor dining room photo in Denver with white walls

Michael Hsu
Example of a large trendy master dark wood floor bedroom design in Austin with white walls