Cambrian Black granite is shown in this project! Search the specific granite name, see more 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.

The patterned rug we chose adds interest without becoming too loud or distracting. It also helps to warm up the room and absorb sound so phone calls don't echo!

Elegance and harmony make this natural stone a precious ally for designers. Any environment can absorb and make its own its innate sophistication and allow it to emerge in the lines of the furnishing. Like a very elegant gown, nature skilfully interwove these two "non" colours, black and white, in order to put visual lyrics into sophisticated verses. The appearance becomes the foreground element, the mirror of a soul that preserves unaltered the grace of times past, combining it with the modern taste, which is seen in the cleanness of the lines. A medley that nature, the driving force of the Antolini company, once created with surprising authenticity.

We were asked to restore a beautiful geometric Victorian tiled floor. The property had been used as a letting house and the floor had been used and abused for many years, just given an occasional mop over from time to time. The new owners wanted to revive the colours and deal with the neglect. Step one was to put down the tile doctor pro clean alkaline cleaning solution and to let it dwell for a period of around twenty minutes. We gave the solution plenty of dwell time before setting up our low speed rotary machine, underneath it we used a black pad to agitate and help loosen the ingrained dirt. Once completed we set up our powerful rinsing tool which is attached to a machine fixed into our van, by doing this we do not need to dispose of any dirty water on your property but instead we take it away with us and dispose of it in the proper manner in an appropriate disposal point. After rinsing the floor came up very well but we still felt it could be better, we used a steamer coupled with HBU Nanotech and a scraper to remove various deposits of paint and other sticky residue which had set over time. After thoroughly rinsing the floor again we left the floor to dry for 4 days, Victorian tiles along with other earth based tiles are very absorbent and need to dry thoroughly and fully. On our return we tested for damp ensuring the floor was dry enough to seal. To seal the floor we used two coats of colour grow impregnating sealer, once the sealer had dried we then began sealing the floor using seal and go. After applying several thin coats of seal and go, the floor reached the desired appearance. A combination of Pro clean, hbu nanotech, colour grow and seal and go with a little bit of care from your local tile doctor restored this old uncared for floor back to the prime of its life.

jordi Miralles
Example of a danish family room design in Barcelona

This project started as a kitchen remodel but evolved into a partial redesign and home refresh. Both interiors and exteriors were reimagined to update this traditional Spanish home into a transitional retreat. The common area floorplan was redesigned to absorb the previously underutilized formal spaces into everyday areas. A large walk-in pantry was added while the kitchen flows from the family room to the dining area, with sightlines from the front and back of the home. Architectural elements such as ceiling details and the central staircase were redesigned to fit the home's original character while still feeling updated. The bedrooms and bathrooms were revitalized upstairs with all-new finishes, making the entire home feel fresh and new. An overall neutral color scheme means this home will remain timeless and continue to serve this family for years to come. Simple elegance defines this home. It's the perfect mix of subtle details, ornate craftsmanship, and contemporary elegance.

Open Graded crushed stone base with proper drainage grid was installed to effectively address water accumulation. Quality Permeable Concrete Paver Patio was installed to successfully absorb any rain water AND re-route raising ground water to the new drainage system. Another water problem solved, and Owners gained a beautiful hard surface patio to enjoy.

Full home recording studio built behind an existing house, features sound rated windows and doors, audio cable pathways built into a plywood wainscot, super quiet AC installed in the attic. Space is tuned for ideal acoustics with sound reflector and absorber panels.

A nonporous and nonabsorbent material, Quartz won’t absorb odors, moisture or bacteria from food. Clean up is simple with mild soap and water, and quartz does not need to be sealed. Photo by Chrissy Racho.

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.

On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views. The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private. Reimagining the Urban Envelope The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression. Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views. At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides. Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors. Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow. Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways. A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space. A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls. Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere. Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas. Kitchen as Architectural Furniture The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich. Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash. Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface. A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette. Dining With a Living Backdrop Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset. A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience. Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation. The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop. The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space. Bathing Above the City In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops. The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials. Entertaining Above the Park Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art. Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline. Cinema and Retreat The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing. Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above. Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth. Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth. The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human. A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living. It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky. What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.

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.

This home was designed in conjunction with the ponds to absorb its ever changing views. Groupings of furniture and spaces have been designed to add scale and intimacy to this big sky country estate.

Home design - 1960s home design idea in Other

Luce features a distinctive forward-leaning seat that absorbs impact as you sit down, while its innovative seat cradle design provides extra support. Developed by Okamura in collaboration with a company that specializes in robot technology, Luce has minimal dials that offer multiple areas of adjustment. Self-adjusting reclining tension and high-density mesh provide firm support for your lumbar area. This chair is available in the U.S. only at Room & Board.

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 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.

Cool Paint is a paint roof cover that absorbs the warmth of the sun to keep the roof and the surrounding area cooler. The roof lasts longer and the temperature in the interior is more comfortable. Once the service is implemented, it starts to pay for itself. Cool Paint is weather-resistant and non-dissolvent. The cooling effect has a value (measured according to ASTM E1980) of SRI (Solar Reflectance Index). The SRI value of Cool Paint is 89. Therefore, a Cool Paint covering is 72% of sunlight and returns 87% of the heat to the atmosphere rather than the underlying air. Most solar heat reduces the difference in the roof temperature between day and night, summer and winter. The roof's lifetime is extended by constantly lower temperatures.

This master bathroom was completely renovated and expanded to reflect the airy, eclectic-modern design aesthetic we were implementing throughout the rest of this client’s home. Their existing master bath had luxurious finishes, but was a cramped and small space with a disadvantageous layout. By breaking through walls and absorbing a second bathroom behind the master, we were able to create an open, ample layout that offered the features these clients sought - a generous and bright space with a two person shower, a soaking tub, and separate vanity areas with plenty of storage. Dave Bryce Photography