This kitchen was fabricated by Lapptops and the cabinets were done by King's Woodwork! http://lapptops.net/ This kitchen features Calacatta marble with a polished finish on the island. The surrounding countertops are absolute black granite with a honed finish. This kitchen is so clean and bright! Search "calacatta" or "black", see variations of this marble & granite, or other stone options: http://www.stoneaction.com Learn more about granite to see if it’s right for you: Granite countertops can last a lifetime. It contains no harmful chemicals and do not emit harmful radiation or gasses. Granite is heat resistant and is one of the most heat-resistant countertops on the market. You can place a hot pan out of the oven directly onto the countertop surface. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as crockpots. Since the material is so dense, there is a small possibility heating one area of the top and not the entire thing, could cause the countertop to crack. Granite is scratch resistant. You can cut on it, but it will dull your knives! Granite scores a seven on Moh’s hardness scale. Granite countertops are considered to be a low maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Granite is a porous material. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly. Many sealers last more than 10 years before needing to be reapplied. When they do need to be reapplied, it is something that most homeowners can do on their own as the process is similar to cleaning. Darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer. When it comes to pricing, there are a lot of variables such as edge profile, total square footage, backsplash, etc. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Lower-range granites will cost less than high-range laminate. Though granite countertops are not considered “low range” in pricing, there are a lot of affordable options. If you are looking for something truly unique, consider an exotic granite. Some quarries are not easily accessible and/or only able to be quarried for short periods of time throughout the year. If these circumstances exist in a quarry with gorgeous stone, the price will be driven upward. You won’t find a lot of solid patterns or bright colors, but both do exist. Also, watch for a large range of color and pattern within the same color of stone. It’s always a good idea to view the exact slab(s) that will be fabricated for your kitchen to make sure they are what you expected to see from the sample. Another factor is that many exotic types of granite have huge flowing waves, and a small sample will not be an accurate representation of the whole slab. Granite countertops are very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm the material. Understanding Marble: Marble is a porous, high-maintenance surface. Be prepared to see some scratches. Marble is a softer stone. However, marble is still so beautiful with the scratches! If you’ve ever gone to Italy, you can see the beautiful marble on floors and many restaurants. It’s a classic lasting look. Even with scratches. If you don't mind the extra work, they are a beautiful addition. Marble has a multifaceted ability to work with so many different design styles. If you're a homeowner looking for a wipe-and-go countertop, though, you'll probably want to skip this one. It's cost-effective, depending on the type of marble you buy. Carrara marble (a grayer version with softer veins from Carrara, Italy) is one of the least expensive natural countertop materials on the market, mainly because it's readily available. Calacatta marble, which offers a whiter surface and more dramatic veining, and the price tag goes up. Marble is heat-resistant — which is great — but you still need to be careful. Marble is heat resistant. Despite its ability to withstand high temps, you never want to place a piping hot pot on for risk of discoloring or burning the surface. We recommend always using a pot holder anyways. We don’t want to dissuade you from using marble. In fact, I personally have a marble island in my kitchen. Stone Action solely wants you to be informed so that you’re choosing the right material for your project. We hope you personally come check out our marble or other stone selection! See more marble or other types of Stone Action’s stone selection: http://www.stoneaction.com

Craftaforms' ACUFORMS range is a collection of decorative acoustic panels engineered for both sound performance and visual impact in residential and commercial interiors. Each panel combines effective noise reduction with distinctive surface textures, making acoustic treatment an integral part of the interior design rather than an afterthought. Designed for specification by architects, interior designers, and acoustic consultants, ACUFORMS panels are suitable for open-plan offices, meeting rooms, hospitality spaces, home theatres, and public areas where sound control and aesthetics are equally important. Material: High-performance acoustic substrate with decorative surface finish Applications: Offices, meeting rooms, hotels, restaurants, home theatres, auditoriums Suitable for: Commercial and residential acoustic treatment projects Browse the full ACUFORMS collection at craftaforms.com

The new owners were looking forward to living in their new home with an open floor plan, tall vaulted ceilings, and great views. It featured a large Great Room with two big French Doors separating the Dining Room from the Master Bedroom. But after only a few months they identified a major design flaw: Each of the French Doors had ten glass windows with two large windows above each door. (Check out our before and after designs, traffic flow diagrams and photos of this project.) Glass windows and doors allowed sound and light from guests or the TV in the great room to easily sneak into the bedroom. With unique work and sleep schedules (he’s a pilot, she’s a registered nurse) this design wasn’t working. Then there was a traffic flow design flaw: The Master Bedroom had a second entrance from a hallway. To get into the bedroom from the hallway you needed to walk down another claustrophobic hallway. To get from the Master Bedroom to the Master Bath begin at the most remote corner of the bedroom and down a hallway between two closets. Once inside the bath, a huge triangular Jacuzzi dominating the space. So, from a privacy and traffic flow perspective, this home had some major design issues. When Craig Weber first met with the owners, he listened to their ideas and concerns. The owners trusted Craig to come up with the most efficient and most effective solution to this design dilemma. He offered a solution that resolved the bed-bath traffic flow problem, offered some bedroom room privacy, and updated the bath. First, the two French Doors and windows were removed. A new wall was built with sound-absorbing materials, making the Great Room and Dining Room more comfortable spaces for entertaining while creating the bedroom privacy the owners craved. Solving the Bedroom/Bath traffic flow problem began with removing the two existing closets. The bath door was relocated next to the hall entrance, and then a new walk-in closet was added adjacent to the hallway entrance. The solution offered easy access to and from the bath, closet and hallway without a hint of claustrophobia. The Master Bath underwent a major transformation designed for convenience and comfort – especially during long, cold Minnesota winters. Most everything from the former bath was torn out, beginning with the giant Jacuzzi. A new bathtub that is wider and deeper than the standard size was installed with brushed Nickel fixtures. It’s the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and candles. Warm floors are a Minnesota “must have.” The bath’s new ceramic floor features in-floor electric heat. Getting in and out of the tub is easy and comfortable. The new walk-in shower again features in-floor heating and a place to sit. The most interesting feature of this shower may the custom ceramic tile installed with unique patterns. A new vanity Cambria Bradshaw countertops features two under-hung ceramic sinks with matching brushed Nickel fixtures. Tall ceilings and three glass windows near the ceiling flood the room with natural light. A new energy-efficient window frames an ornamental stained glass window created by the owner’s father – a great personal touch. A quiet place to sleep. A private dining room for entertaining. A Master Bath to die for. And easy traffic flow. The owners couldn’t have been more delighted with the outcome. And Lilly, their cat, loves it too.

Light fills every room of the house; the living room absorbs light from two sets of French doors, each of which leads to a wrought-iron balcony. To keep light from disappearing once it enters the living room, Kevin chose simple, creamy white upholstery. Dark accents, such as textured pillows, a mahogany coffee table, and an antique dresser, offer the perfect balance. Each rooms balances modern and traditional pieces; a travertine-top iron table mixes with a 200-year-old Martha Washington Chair. Ample room size and stately 9 1/2-foot ceilings give the living room a dramatic flair. A feeling of height definitely adds to the feeling of spaciousness. When you're on a city lot and space is in short supply, you have to be extra creative.

This is an indoor home basketball court and gym with SnapSports® athletic surfacing. 100% waterproof. Easy installation requires no glues or fastners with a total install time of less than 3 hours. The patented ShockTower® technology is the only modular sports flooring with built in shock absorbers for player safety and performance #SnapSports

Extensive renovation to kitchen in 20 year old house facing the Marsh on Savannah's Wylly Island. Kitchen was pushed two feet into adjacent family room in order to expand the Island. We also absorbed an adjacent pool closet to add the hutch cabinet. A small existing window was enlarged into sliding doors matching those elsewhere. Layout by Matthew Hallett, Interior design by Kelly Waters of Ellsworth-Hallett. Cabinets by Medallion Cabinetry, counters are seagrass limestone, floors are porcelain 'travertine'. Refrigerator is subzero with custom cabinet panels. Photos by Amy Greene of Creative Images & Marketing

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.” Bonus Storage surrounds entire island!

What does carbon negative mean? This sofa is mostly made of wood. Wood is mostly made of atmospheric carbon, which trees draw from our atmosphere as they grow. This sofa contains 220 pounds of wood, and recycled cotton. about half of that weight is carbon absorbed from the atmosphere, or 110 pounds. I had to use 3.2 gallons of gasoline to move the log, mill the log, and carry the wood to my shop. The gasoline contained 20 pounds of carbon, so 20 - 110 = -90 pounds of carbon still associated with this sofa. Kevin Kisich

This patio features Beton Grey porcelain pavers. These exterior porcelain tiles won't absorb heat, so you can walk on them barefoot. They're also UV and stain resistant. The stone on the grill cabinet is Eldorado's White Bark Cliffstone. Stone Garden's experienced staff can provide useful tips for Do-It-Yourselfers or connect you with a local professional from our Contractor Referral Network.

The grand-scaled bedroom features a serene ambiance with a wall-to-wall wool carpet that absorbs noise, providing a peaceful atmosphere for unwinding or reading. The warm fireplace and wall-to-wall wool carpet create a serene atmosphere, welcoming new days with a tranquil mindset.

Rustic and refined meet to give a mountaintop home in Portola Valley, California, classic charm. They say the best things in life come to those who wait. So when a Bay Area couple purchased a rare set of adjoining lots overlooking Windy Hill in Portola Valley, they made frequent visits to the site where they absorbed the views while listening to the land as they contemplated building a home there. The intent: to create a home that would celebrate the scenic beauty of the San Mateo County region. Long before the design process began, the couple committed themselves to preserving as many trees on the land as possible. These trees, two majestic, centuries-old Blue Oaks in particular, ultimately became the impetus for the home’s orientation and the inspiration for its design. Detailed discussions and brainstorming sessions led the owners to discover their own unique tastes: “cozy” and “rustic“ while “contemporary, but not minimal.” The result? Sophisticated style comprised of simple, honest materials.

Our clients small two bedroom home was in a very popular and desirably located area of south Edmonton just off of Whyte Ave. The main floor was very partitioned and not suited for the clients' lifestyle and entertaining. They needed more functionality with a better and larger front entry and more storage/utility options. The exising living room, kitchen, and nook needed to be reconfigured to be more open and accommodating for larger gatherings. They also wanted a large garage in the back. They were interest in creating a Chelsea Market New Your City feel in their new great room. The 2nd bedroom was absorbed into a larger front entry with loads of storage options and the master bedroom was enlarged along with its closet. The existing bathroom was updated. The walls dividing the kitchen, nook, and living room were removed and a great room created. The result was fantastic and more functional living space for this young couple along with a larger and more functional garage.

Moroccan interior design looks luxurious and exotic. In this project we paid attention to details, added original Moroccan furniture to the rooms and then combined them with rich colors of Moroccan decor to create unique appeal of ethnic decorating style. Moroccan Interior Decors are a creative blend of African, Arab, and Mediterranean decorating style. Moroccan decor includes ethnic motifs and decoration patterns that have been absorbed from different cultures.

This 1924 beauty deserved a well planned and carefully detailed main level remodel. The goal for this project was to restore some of the original design elements and mix with modern day living and materials. Removing the wall between kitchen and dining space allowed the Gravelly Lake view to be absorbed from every angle. By carrying similar colors, styles and materials around the different rooms the home now has a cohesive style.

Royaltron is resistant to signs of wear due to the long lasting fibers. Inherently hydrophobic fibers do not absorb moisture making spills and stains easy to remove. Additional properties include anti-microbial and anti-static

This is a vertical garden wall installation in a shaded location. The plants are growing in pockets made of a horticulture fabric made entirely from recycled, non-toxic plastics which will last a lifetime. The automatic drip irrigation system delivers water to the top row of plants.The water is absorbed by the fabric, and then drips down through the entire wall, hydrating all the plants evenly on an adjustable schedule. The fabric is designed to hold and release moisture. As the plants continue to grow, the fabric will become less and less visible, until entirely hidden, resulting in a solid wall of attractive plants.

The b.b.begonia Monte Carlo Outdoor Rug is an art deco inspired design in classic black and white with an endless pattern that engages the eye. This design is reversible and offers a revealing dramatic contrast. You’ll definitely adore this accent piece to match your furniture and decors. This reversible mat is a great solution for the patio, deck, pool area or yard. Made from recycled Polypropylene, this b.b.begonia Monte Carlo Outdoor Rug is mold and mildew resistant as it doesn’t absorb dirt or stains. Easy to clean, leaves, mud or food spills are rinsed away with water and soap with no trouble. Plus the tightly woven tubular yarn material of b.b.begonia rugs supports your need for a durable and strong rug to outlast the elements. Moreover, the rugs are treated with U.V. inhibitors and state of the art conditioners to ensure color fastness.

Stationary panels to soften the shades and corners of the window. These will also absorb a little bit of sound in a massive room.
Inspiration for a large rustic open concept ceramic tile family room remodel in Dallas with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

A mural of pink peonies, scaled to fit the longest wall in the room, is strategically positioned as a Zoom backdrop. Walls match the mural’s off-black background, as if the artist had painted directly on them. Highlighting the tall windows, black painted frames add graphic interest against the cream sills. Simple cream drapery emphasizes the ceiling height while absorbing sound and adding warmth. A huge custom rug unifies the seating and working areas and further contributes to the hushed atmosphere. In order for this room to feel more like a retreat and less like an office, we used regular furniture pieces in non-standard ways. The client’s heirloom dining table serves as a writing table. A pair of brass and glass consoles holds printer, stationery, and files as well as decorative items. A cream lacquered linen sideboard provides additional storage. A pair of cushy swivel chairs serves multiple functions – facing a loveseat and bench to create a cozy seating area, facing each other for intimate discussions, and facing the desk for more standard business meetings.