Search results for "Absorbance" in Home Design Ideas

These clients love to entertain and host large parties, but their existing kitchen was just too small and outdated. They have a large family with two huge dogs, so we knew we had to create a layout to accommodate everyone. We wanted to open the back wall so that the kitchen could expand into a formal dining room that they rarely used.
We were able to remove the built-in pantry, open the back wall, and absorb the entire formal dining room, to create a massive, open, chef’s kitchen. We designed a large eat-in central island built around a 36” gas cooktop with a heavy-duty downdraft pop-up vent. We maximized the cabinetry storage and made the most of every cabinet with pull-out organizers, hands-free trash pull-out, roll-out trays, large pantry cabinets, and gorgeous backlit glass front cabinets. We also created a large stone front bar area complete with a bar sink, double beverage centers, and an ice maker. We added built-in bench seating in the breakfast nook, a custom built-in desk area to utilize the space under the stairs, and refaced the fireplace to match the stacked stone in the bar area.

A small courtyard garden in San Francisco.
• Creative use of space in the dense, urban fabric of hilly SF.
• For the last several years the clients had carved out a make shift courtyard garden at the top of their driveway. It was one of the few flat spaces in their yard where they could sit in the sun and enjoy a cup of coffee. We turned the top of a steep driveway into a courtyard garden.
• The actual courtyard design was planned for the maximum dimensions possible to host a dining table and a seating area. The space is conveniently located outside their kitchen and home offices. However we needed to save driveway space for parking the cars and getting in and out.
• The design, fabrication and installation team was comprised of people we knew. I was an acquaintance to the clients having met them through good friends. The landscape contractor, Boaz Mor, http://www.boazmor.com/, is their neighbor and someone I worked with before. The metal fabricator is Murray Sandford of Moz Designs, https://mozdesigns.com/, https://www.instagram.com/moz_designs/ . Both contractors have long histories of working in the Bay Area on a variety of complex designs.
• The size of this garden belies the complexity of the design. We did not want to remove any of the concrete driveway which was 12” or more in thickness, except for the area where the large planter was going. The driveway sloped in two directions. In order to get a “level”, properly, draining patio, we had to start it at around 21” tall at the outside and end it flush by the garage doors.
• The fence is the artful element in the garden. It is made of power-coated aluminum. The panels match the house color; and posts match the house trim. The effect is quiet, blending into the overall property. The panels are dramatic. Each fence panel is a different size with a unique pattern.
• The exterior panels that you see from the street are an abstract riff on the seasons of the Persian walnut tree in their front yard. The cut-outs illustrate spring bloom when the walnut leafs out to autumn when the nuts drop to the ground and the squirrels eats them, leaving a mess of shells everywhere. Even the pesky squirrel appears on one of the panels.
• The interior panels, lining the entry into the courtyard, are an abstraction of the entire walnut tree.
• Although the panel design is made of perforations, the openings are designed to retain privacy when you are inside the courtyard.
• There is a large planter on one side of the courtyard, big enough for a tree to soften a harsh expanse of a neighboring wall. Light through the branches cast playful shadows on the wall behind.
• The lighting, mounted on the house is a nod to the client’s love of New Orleans gas lights.
• The paving is black stone from India, dark enough to absorb the warmth of the sun on a cool, summer San Francisco day.

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
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Luxury Basement Remodel Featuring Spa, Home Gym, Gun Room, and Full Kitchen
This luxury basement remodel redefines what a lower level can be, transforming unused square footage into a fully immersive lifestyle environment. Designed with intention, precision, and premium materials, this space blends wellness, security, fitness, and entertainment into one cohesive custom basement design that feels elevated, warm, and unmistakably high-end.
From the moment you enter, this luxury basement remodel feels open and expansive. Wide-plank flooring flows seamlessly throughout the space, creating visual continuity while adding warmth rarely seen in traditional basements. Clean architectural lines and thoughtful zoning allow each area to stand on its own while still feeling connected as part of a complete design.
Basement Spa and Sauna Retreat
A standout feature of this luxury basement remodel is the private basement spa, designed to deliver a true retreat experience within the home. The custom glass-enclosed sauna acts as both a functional wellness feature and a striking architectural element. Natural wood surfaces wrap the interior, bringing warmth, texture, and a calming atmosphere that mirrors high-end resort spas.
Integrated LED lighting enhances the natural wood grain while providing soft, ambient illumination. The stone sauna heater anchors the space visually while delivering consistent heat for daily use. Glass walls allow light to flow freely, preventing the space from feeling closed in and reinforcing the open feel of the overall custom basement design.
This basement spa was designed not as an accessory, but as a core component of the luxury basement remodel—supporting health, relaxation, and everyday wellness.
Custom Gun Room and Secure Display Space
Security meets craftsmanship in the custom gun room, a defining element of this luxury basement remodel. Designed to function as both a secure storage solution and a refined display space, the room balances protection with presentation.
Precision-mounted wall panels allow firearms and accessories to be displayed in a clean, organized layout. Integrated LED lighting highlights each piece while adding depth and contrast to the room. Custom wood framing ties the space into the broader custom basement design, ensuring visual consistency throughout the project.
Lower cabinetry provides concealed storage while maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance. Climate control and security were integrated seamlessly, creating a room that is as practical as it is visually impressive.
Home Gym Basement with Professional Design
This home gym basement was designed to rival commercial fitness facilities while maintaining the comfort and privacy of a residential environment. The layout supports strength training, functional workouts, and cardio without feeling crowded or overwhelming.
Mirrored walls expand the space visually and provide practical training feedback. Heavy-duty flooring absorbs impact and minimizes noise, making the gym ideal for daily use. Overhead, a custom LED grid ceiling delivers even, shadow-free lighting, elevating both functionality and aesthetics.
As part of the overall luxury basement remodel, the gym connects naturally to adjacent spaces, reinforcing the idea that fitness is integrated into everyday living—not isolated or hidden away.
Basement with Full Kitchen and Entertaining Space
Designed for hosting and everyday use, the basement with full kitchen anchors the entertainment zone of this luxury basement remodel. Custom cabinetry offers ample storage while maintaining clean lines and a refined appearance. Premium countertops provide durability and visual impact, serving as both a workspace and gathering point.
Integrated appliances ensure full functionality without disrupting the design. Layered lighting enhances usability and atmosphere, making the kitchen equally suited for casual evenings or large gatherings.
This basement with full kitchen allows the space to function independently from the main level, adding both convenience and long-term value.
Luxury Tile Basement Details
Tile plays a key role throughout this luxury tile basement, serving as a design feature rather than just a finish. Carefully selected tile textures and patterns add depth and visual interest to accent walls and functional areas.
Each tile installation was executed with precision, showcasing clean transitions and expert craftsmanship. The tile selections complement the surrounding wood and stone elements, reinforcing the layered material palette that defines this custom basement design.
Craftsmanship That Defines the Space
What sets this luxury basement remodel apart is the attention to detail in every element. Custom millwork, seamless trim transitions, and intentional lighting design elevate the space beyond typical basement renovations.
Ceilings are treated as design features, walls are crisp and refined, and built-in elements feel integrated rather than added. This level of craftsmanship ensures the basement feels timeless, durable, and thoughtfully designed.
A Custom Basement Design Built for Lifestyle
This project demonstrates how a custom basement design can become one of the most valuable and lived-in areas of a home. By combining a basement spa, secure gun room, home gym basement, basement with full kitchen, and luxury tile finishes, this space delivers unmatched versatility and comfort.
This luxury basement remodel is not simply an upgrade—it is a complete transformation that enhances daily living while adding long-term value.

The 5,600 square foot Willow Creek ranch home blends industrial and organic design elements for a modern but classic design scheme. For an aesthetic that is simultaneously traditional and contemporary, By Design Interiors utilized Banker Wire’s fine woven wire mesh pattern S-12 in two separate areas of the home—the French Country inspired kitchen, and the game room bar—to provide unexpected touch points while creating a cohesive design experience.
The modern French Country inspired kitchen was designed from the ground up. As a central point in the open concept home, the theme of organic-meets-industrial originates here. Specified in an antique brass finish, Banker Wire’s S-12—a fine woven wire mesh pattern—was fabricated into the front of the kitchen cabinets. The robust woven wire mesh provides a warm aesthetic touch to the surrounding neutral color palette while also giving a near opaque cover to the storage space. The highly faceted surface of S-12 both absorbs and reflects the colors of its surroundings, adding texture and depth to the striking design.
“Banker Wire’s S-12 provides the integral industrial element in the kitchen area, helping to create the high/low aesthetic of the space—accentuating the organic materials, such as the leathered quartzite countertop island and single-sided waterfall edge, and the custom zinc vent range hood,” says Ayca Stiffel, Senior Interior Designer, Design Interiors. “The nearby dining room chandelier, grey-white walls, and natural light add a softness to the space, when contrasted with the industrial look and feel of the mesh.”
Departing from the traditional French touchpoints found in the kitchen, By Design Interiors leaned more heavily on industrial accents to realize the custom game room bar. The homeowner’s requested a fun “industrial” space different from any home bar they had seen before. Using Banker Wire’s fine woven wire mesh pattern S-12, multiple sliding screen doors were crafted to create customizable storage space for the bar. The antique brass finish of the mesh reflects the warm light, adding a lighter tone that contrasts the chocolate browns and matte black finishes of the surrounding space. Leather chairs and metal work on the foot bars, bar front and frame compliment the woven wire mesh, creating a cohesive environment that is both unique and welcoming.
Edgy, sophisticated, and familiar, the Willow Creek Texas Ranch Home exemplifies the role that unique materiality—such as Banker Wire’s architectural woven wire mesh—can play in a contemporary residential design scheme.

This project involved the complete transformation of a modern infill home to better align with the clients' tastes, needs, functionality, and style preferences. The renovation aimed to create a more personalized and functional kitchen that reflected the unique lifestyle and aesthetic choices of the homeowners. The previous design included one island which was too large for it to function correctly. Low quality cabinet materials which were de-laminating and with high gloss finishes that were not practical to their lifestyle.
In the original design, unappealing yellow tones evoked a hospital-like feeling absorbing the iconic I-beam ceiling and concrete floors. The new goal and vision was to transform the kitchen into a warm welcoming environment with durable finishes, a countertop that was easy to clean and maintain and re-invent and improve the function and storage of the cabinetry.
Ingredients include: Custom Slim Shaker Walnut cabinets and Self healing, fingerprint free black matte cabinets, Cambria Quartz countertops, brick tile accents to compliment the other existing architectural elements and a colourful chicklet tile which represented the clients love of pop art.

The elegance and simplicity of “Simple Commerce” matches any modern interior. It is compact in size and fully portable. This simple ethanol fireplace can be easily arranged on a table top instead of traditional candles.
The inside of the burner is filled with highly absorbent ceramic fibres to keep the Fanola® fuel contained and prevent leaking and spilling even when pushed over. The technology has been developed especially for restaurants, bars, and outdoor areas.

This double bowl 30" undermount / drop-in kitchen sink combines design and functionality for your kitchen. Made of premium material such as SUS 304 stainless steel 18 gage; it is very durable. This undermount or drop-in double bowl kitchen sink will not stain, tarnish, or rust over time, it is also very easy-to-clean. 25mm radius corners allow for easy cleaning and for easy cutting of the stone countertop. The specially chosen satin finish will hide water spots and maintain a uniform patina finish as the sink ages. This stainless steel undermount or drop-in kitchen sink is has sound absorbing pads on all sides, resulting in a significant reduction of sound. These pads also protect the kitchen cabinet from condensation. The large bowls in this stainless steel kitchen sink provides you with enough space for washing large pots and pans. This double bowl stainless steel kitchen sink can be installed undermount or drop-in, it comes with installation instructions, mounting clips, two grids and two standard strainers. The standard strainer is perfect to protect the drain from clogging since it catches food debris and scraps easily. The sink has drains towards the rear, for better utilization of the space under the sink cabinet, giving you more space for storage and providing optimal drainage. This double bowl stainless steel kitchen sink has a standard 3-1/2" drain opening that fits the most common garbage disposal systems. Perfect for a renovation project or a new kitchen, this double bowl undermount/drop-in stainless steel kitchen sink is everything you need when it comes to a kitchen sink.

Accommodating everything from intimate meetings to vast exhibitions, the Deco 2 - Square Acoustic Ceiling Tiles promotes a harmonious space at the MGM Conference Center. Each sound absorbing center panel captures indoor noise, while its crisp motif shimmers in an Oyster Pearl finish.

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

Solar Luminance – Semi-Custom Daylight Light Fixture
Model#: DLF-153
Style: Semi-Flush Pendant
Finish: Powder Coat Matte Black
Shade(s): (1) Large Fabric Drum Shade with Gold Paper Backing and (4) Laura Beige Linen Clip-On Shades
*Note: Price does not include Daylight Tube Product and/or Installation
Semi-Custom Product Shipment Lead Time: 6-10 Weeks*
The Solar Luminance DLF-153, is an Architectural Element Transitional Semi Flush Pendant, designed to assist the home owner, retail location and/or office location, the ability to benefit from Natural Daylight available with Tubular Skylight systems, while also reflecting your custom interior design and décor theme and needs.
Natural Daylight provides incredible mental and physical health and wellness benefits that help the human body and mind maintain a sense of time, absorb natural vitamins, and work with the human eye to perceive color and definition in clarity and contrast to increase visual awareness. Our hope is that your friends, colleagues and guests will be “Inspired & Design” in a way that is both elegant and considerate of the impact we have on the earth and its resources.
The DLF-153 is a Semi-Custom Fixture. Full Custom Versions and Options are available for price quote. Please feel free to contact a Solar Luminance Design Assistant for Full Custom Options.
Product Specification (List Price based on the following)
Over All Dimensions:
Over All Height: 25”
Shade Dims: 10” H. X 24” Dia. – Laura Beige Large Linen Drum Shade with White Styrene Backing
Drop Length: 12”
Column Sleeve Diameter: 11 3/4” Dia.
Center Wireway: (1) 3/8” Dia. Wireway
Hangers: (4) Medium Oval Standard Chain (3 and 4 Hanger Options Available) (Chain available in Various Size Options, pricing may vary)

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.

The needs for this project included an expansive outdoor space that provides an unobstructed view of the open space behind the home while also being able to enjoy the sunny Colorado weather. Through an in depth design process the decision to use Tigerwood, a hardwood decking, was established. Tigerwood provides a long lasting decking option that looks beautiful and absorbs wear and tear much better than its softwood and composite counterparts.
For the roof it was decided that a timber frame design with cedar tongue and groove would be the best duo for form, function, and aesthetics. This allowed for multiple lights, outlets, and a ceiling fan to be integrated into the design.

A small courtyard garden in San Francisco.
• Creative use of space in the dense, urban fabric of hilly SF.
• For the last several years the clients had carved out a make shift courtyard garden at the top of their driveway. It was one of the few flat spaces in their yard where they could sit in the sun and enjoy a cup of coffee. We turned the top of a steep driveway into a courtyard garden.
• The actual courtyard design was planned for the maximum dimensions possible to host a dining table and a seating area. The space is conveniently located outside their kitchen and home offices. However we needed to save driveway space for parking the cars and getting in and out.
• The design, fabrication and installation team was comprised of people we knew. I was an acquaintance to the clients having met them through good friends. The landscape contractor, Boaz Mor, http://www.boazmor.com/, is their neighbor and someone I worked with before. The metal fabricator is Murray Sandford of Moz Designs, https://mozdesigns.com/, https://www.instagram.com/moz_designs/ . Both contractors have long histories of working in the Bay Area on a variety of complex designs.
• The size of this garden belies the complexity of the design. We did not want to remove any of the concrete driveway which was 12” or more in thickness, except for the area where the large planter was going. The driveway sloped in two directions. In order to get a “level”, properly, draining patio, we had to start it at around 21” tall at the outside and end it flush by the garage doors.
• The fence is the artful element in the garden. It is made of power-coated aluminum. The panels match the house color; and posts match the house trim. The effect is quiet, blending into the overall property. The panels are dramatic. Each fence panel is a different size with a unique pattern.
• The exterior panels that you see from the street are an abstract riff on the seasons of the Persian walnut tree in their front yard. The cut-outs illustrate spring bloom when the walnut leafs out to autumn when the nuts drop to the ground and the squirrels eats them, leaving a mess of shells everywhere. Even the pesky squirrel appears on one of the panels.
• The interior panels, lining the entry into the courtyard, are an abstraction of the entire walnut tree.
• Although the panel design is made of perforations, the openings are designed to retain privacy when you are inside the courtyard.
• There is a large planter on one side of the courtyard, big enough for a tree to soften a harsh expanse of a neighboring wall. Light through the branches cast playful shadows on the wall behind.
• The lighting, mounted on the house is a nod to the client’s love of New Orleans gas lights.
• The paving is black stone from India, dark enough to absorb the warmth of the sun on a cool, summer San Francisco day.

The size of this Kitchen was small for the size of the house not mention out of date. By removing the Peninsula and absorbing the Nook eating area the size of the Kitchen was almost doubled. We were also able to add an Island for increased function. You can see the changes in the Before and After Floor Plans below.

This textured porcelain tile comes from the Nux Collection. Perfect for bathrooms, this tile does not absorb water and requires limited maintenance.

To make the entertainment room more sound proof during high-energy movies, I included two pairs of doors that enclose the space. Plus I upholstered the walls in green velvet and chose a large upholstered sofa, which are all sound-absorbing/blocking elements when "Top Gun" is playing on the wide-screen TV!

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

This was a complete kitchen renovation. The remodel included removing skylights and installing a two story bump up adding no square footage to the room but creating a dramatic visual even for the most discriminating designer. When you enter this kitchen your eyes wander trying to absorb the immense planning and detail that went into the renovation but ultimately you find yourself positioned under the large Theresa Maria chandelier gazing into the sky. The kitchen was designed around the 48 inch Thermador stove. The 2 story inset cabinet creation around the stove flows up into the addition creating a visual masterpiece that is only rivaled by original pieces of art works created by the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso and Rembrandt. The sink was relocated from the exterior wall and into the island so that the stove wall would be isolated and not connected any other cabinets. The 36-inch-wide refrigerator and 36-inch-wide freezer were designed and installed next to a microwave cabinet that makes heating up items as convenient as 1,2,3. The outside cabinet wall section is perfect for entertaining with the 42 inch base cabinets. The massive two-tiered island of 124 inches long is perfect for everyday family living. A farmer’s sink adds the perfect touch to this traditional design. Renovating a kitchen without ceiling detail is one of the most overlooked parts of the renovation. The amount of money spent on the renovation depends on the budget of course but I highly recommend including ceiling detail as much as one considers the tile backsplash.
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