写真：谷川ヒロシ
Design ideas for an asian open concept living room in Nagoya with brown walls, a freestanding tv, brown floor and dark hardwood floors.

This is an example of a contemporary wood straight staircase in Perth with open risers.

Tom Carter
This is an example of a contemporary wood staircase in London with wood risers.

Family room on the lower level is completed with a dark stone clad wall which links the lower and upper story via the stair void. Custom hardwood timber battens contrast against the stone to provide warmth to the house.

Using an 1890's black and white photograph as a reference, this Queen Anne Victorian underwent a full restoration. On the edge of the Montclair neighborhood, this home exudes classic "Painted Lady" appeal on the exterior with an interior filled with both traditional detailing and modern conveniences. The restoration includes a new main floor guest suite, a renovated master suite, private elevator, and an elegant kitchen with hearth room. Builder: Blackstock Construction Photograph: Ron Ruscio Photography

photos going up the staircase wall, using vintage frames with no glass
Photo of a traditional staircase in Chicago.

Chris Snook
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional wood u-shaped staircase in London with wood risers and wood railing.

David Frutos
Photo of a mid-sized modern metal l-shaped staircase in Alicante-Costa Blanca with metal risers and metal railing.

Photography by Rebecca Lehde
Contemporary metal l-shaped staircase in Charleston with metal risers.

Photo of a large contemporary metal straight staircase in Bari with metal risers.

Design ideas for a contemporary wood staircase in New York with wood risers and cable railing.

Carlos Díaz Corona / Fernanda Leonel
Design ideas for a contemporary hallway in Mexico City with grey walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Photo of a country bedroom in DC Metro with yellow walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Samsel Architects
Inspiration for a traditional wood l-shaped staircase in Other.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary concrete straight staircase in Hamburg with open risers and mixed railing.

Fernando Alda
Mid-sized contemporary u-shaped staircase in Other with open risers.

Think Still
Inspiration for a traditional wood l-shaped staircase in New York with painted wood risers.

Elegant curved staircase Sarah Musumeci Photography
Photo of a large traditional wood curved staircase in Boston with painted wood risers.

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.