This is an example of a contemporary bedroom in Burlington with white walls, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

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.

(C) Forward Stroke Inc.
Photo of a small modern dining room in Other with no fireplace, white walls and brown floor.

An award winning project to transform a two storey Victorian terrace house into a generous family home with the addition of both a side extension and loft conversion. The side extension provides a light filled open plan kitchen/dining room under a glass roof and bi-folding doors gives level access to the south facing garden. A generous master bedroom with en-suite is housed in the converted loft. A fully glazed dormer provides the occupants with an abundance of daylight and uninterrupted views of the adjacent Wendell Park. Winner of the third place prize in the New London Architecture 'Don't Move, Improve' Awards 2016 Photograph: Salt Productions

Zoë Noble Photography A labour of love that took over a year to complete, the evolution of this space represents my personal style whilst respecting rental restrictions. With an emphasis on the significance of individual objects and some minimalist restraint, the multifunctional living space utilises a high/low mix of furnishings. The kitchen features Ikea cupboards and custom shelving. A farmhouse sink, oak worktop and vintage milk pails are a gentle nod towards my country roots.

Anthony Woods Photography
Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Dublin with recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, marble floors, an undermount sink, black appliances and a peninsula.

This is an example of a contemporary formal enclosed living room in Moscow with white walls, carpet and beige floor.

This is an example of a large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, with island, grey floor, white benchtop and glass tile splashback.

Scandinavian guest bedroom in Paris with blue walls, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Element Photography
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary bathroom in Sydney with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white tile, ceramic tile, white walls, a vessel sink, brown floor and beige benchtops.

Harald Reusmann
This is an example of a small modern bathroom in Essen with yellow tile, grey walls, an alcove shower and ceramic tile.

Foto: @Cédric Dasesson
Design ideas for a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Cagliari with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, turquoise cabinets, blue splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, beige floor and black benchtop.

Design ideas for a small beach style 3/4 bathroom in Other with black cabinets, a corner shower, gray tile, an open shower, white benchtops, cement tile, a drop-in sink, solid surface benchtops, beige walls, ceramic floors, beige floor and flat-panel cabinets.

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary guest bedroom in West Midlands with blue walls.

Behind the Tea House is a traditional Japanese raked garden. After much research we used bagged poultry grit in the raked garden. It had the perfect texture for raking. Gray granite cobbles and fashionettes were used for the border. A custom designed bamboo fence encloses the rear yard.

Брутальная ванная. Шкаф слева был изготовлен по эскизам студии - в нем прячется водонагреватель и коммуникации.
Design ideas for a mid-sized industrial 3/4 bathroom in Novosibirsk with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, a shower/bathtub combo, a wall-mount toilet, gray tile, porcelain tile, porcelain floors, wood benchtops, grey floor, an alcove tub, a vessel sink, an open shower, brown benchtops and grey walls.

Inspiration for a contemporary master bedroom in Austin with black walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Simon Kennedy
This is an example of a scandinavian single-wall kitchen in London with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, wood benchtops, blue splashback, light hardwood floors and with island.

Photo of an asian master wet room bathroom in Other with beige walls, beige floor, an open shower, beige tile, beige cabinets and a japanese tub.