EVERYONE'S INVITED. The first-floor bedroom and laundry area was replaced by an open family room with fabulous backyard views, perfect for entertaining a large extended family. Photography by Anice Hoachlander

Angle Eye Photography
Family room - large traditional open concept brown floor family room idea in Philadelphia with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and a media wall

When looking for a consistent and solid black granite, Absolute Black Leather is a premier option. It can add fluidity to any kitchen, bathroom, fireplace, outdoor living area, or floor, making either the perfect countertop or surround from Marble.com.

Built from the ground up on 80 acres outside Dallas, Oregon, this new modern ranch house is a balanced blend of natural and industrial elements. The custom home beautifully combines various materials, unique lines and angles, and attractive finishes throughout. The property owners wanted to create a living space with a strong indoor-outdoor connection. We integrated built-in sky lights, floor-to-ceiling windows and vaulted ceilings to attract ample, natural lighting. The master bathroom is spacious and features an open shower room with soaking tub and natural pebble tiling. There is custom-built cabinetry throughout the home, including extensive closet space, library shelving, and floating side tables in the master bedroom. The home flows easily from one room to the next and features a covered walkway between the garage and house. One of our favorite features in the home is the two-sided fireplace – one side facing the living room and the other facing the outdoor space. In addition to the fireplace, the homeowners can enjoy an outdoor living space including a seating area, in-ground fire pit and soaking tub.

Pass through window between family room and kitchen allows for easy entertaining. Granite countertops in the kitchen. Two larders for food and dish storage. Distressed live sawn, wide plank, white oak hardwood floors. Recessed lighting and museum quality fixtures/trims. Naperville Realtor Luxury Custom Home Living Room

A simple Honed Absolute Black Granite on the perimeter sets the stage for a showcase island custom fabricated from a beautiful slab of exotic Brazilian Saturnia Granite. The huge quartz vein on the island piece is perfectly situated to catch the natural light from the large windows over the sink. Saturnia Granite is also used as a backsplash behind the stove for added effect.

Living room - mid-sized transitional open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea in Charlotte with beige walls

The adjoining cozy family room is highlighted by a herringbone tile fireplace surround and built-in shelving. Bright pops of color add to the interest.

Unique opportunity to live your best life in this architectural home. Ideally nestled at the end of a serene cul-de-sac and perfectly situated at the top of a knoll with sweeping mountain, treetop, and sunset views- some of the best in all of Westlake Village! Enter through the sleek mahogany glass door and feel the awe of the grand two story great room with wood-clad vaulted ceilings, dual-sided gas fireplace, custom windows w/motorized blinds, and gleaming hardwood floors. Enjoy luxurious amenities inside this organic flowing floorplan boasting a cozy den, dream kitchen, comfortable dining area, and a masterpiece entertainers yard. Lounge around in the high-end professionally designed outdoor spaces featuring: quality craftsmanship wood fencing, drought tolerant lush landscape and artificial grass, sleek modern hardscape with strategic landscape lighting, built in BBQ island w/ plenty of bar seating and Lynx Pro-Sear Rotisserie Grill, refrigerator, and custom storage, custom designed stone gas firepit, attached post & beam pergola ready for stargazing, cafe lights, and various calming water features—All working together to create a harmoniously serene outdoor living space while simultaneously enjoying 180' views! Lush grassy side yard w/ privacy hedges, playground space and room for a farm to table garden! Open concept luxe kitchen w/SS appliances incl Thermador gas cooktop/hood, Bosch dual ovens, Bosch dishwasher, built in smart microwave, garden casement window, customized maple cabinetry, updated Taj Mahal quartzite island with breakfast bar, and the quintessential built-in coffee/bar station with appliance storage! One bedroom and full bath downstairs with stone flooring and counter. Three upstairs bedrooms, an office/gym, and massive bonus room (with potential for separate living quarters). The two generously sized bedrooms with ample storage and views have access to a fully upgraded sumptuous designer bathroom! The gym/office boasts glass French doors, wood-clad vaulted ceiling + treetop views. The permitted bonus room is a rare unique find and has potential for possible separate living quarters. Bonus Room has a separate entrance with a private staircase, awe-inspiring picture windows, wood-clad ceilings, surround-sound speakers, ceiling fans, wet bar w/fridge, granite counters, under-counter lights, and a built in window seat w/storage. Oversized master suite boasts gorgeous natural light, endless views, lounge area, his/hers walk-in closets, and a rustic spa-like master bath featuring a walk-in shower w/dual heads, frameless glass door + slate flooring. Maple dual sink vanity w/black granite, modern brushed nickel fixtures, sleek lighting, W/C! Ultra efficient laundry room with laundry shoot connecting from upstairs, SS sink, waterfall quartz counters, and built in desk for hobby or work + a picturesque casement window looking out to a private grassy area. Stay organized with the tastefully handcrafted mudroom bench, hooks, shelving and ample storage just off the direct 2 car garage! Nearby the Village Homes clubhouse, tennis & pickle ball courts, ample poolside lounge chairs, tables, and umbrellas, full-sized pool for free swimming and laps, an oversized children's pool perfect for entertaining the kids and guests, complete with lifeguards on duty and a wonderful place to meet your Village Homes neighbors. Nearby parks, schools, shops, hiking, lake, beaches, and more. Live an intentionally inspired life at 2228 Knollcrest — a sprawling architectural gem!

Example of a tuscan formal exposed beam and vaulted ceiling living room design in Los Angeles with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and no tv

This pool and spa combination has an Infinity Edge. The spa is raised slightly with a Negative Edge that overflows into the infinity gutter system. Both inside coping and tile are Black Absolute Granite with a honed finish. Outside coping is 2’ x2’ Bluestone pavers and both pool and spa are finished with a Black Galaxy Pebblefina.

Photography ©2012 Tony Valainis
Living room - mid-sized contemporary formal and enclosed bamboo floor living room idea in Indianapolis with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and no tv

Built in 1860, this historic home is located next to Phillips Academy in Andover MA and has served as a home to the academy’s administrators. The kitchen was a utilitarian, dark and cramped space. The goal of the remodel was to create a brighter and more elegant kitchen. Two new windows on either side of the cooking area, bring in light and views of the backyard. A wood paneled raised ceiling with drop soffit was added, giving new depth and warmth to the room. A glass display cabinet with interior lighting lines one wall adding to the airy, bright ambiance. Elegant styling includes hand painted custom cabinetry from Jewett Farms with decorative furniture feet and a hand-hammered copper range hood.Cosmic black granite replaced the outdated Formica countertops. A custom designed backsplash tile consists of a traditional 3 x 6 subway tile with custom selected square mosaics which tie the dark counters in with the white cabinets. Coppery accents within the mosaics reflect the copper range hood and beautiful wood floors. The flooring throughout the first floor was replaced with antique reclaimed oak.

Cooking for Two Location: Plymouth, MN, United States When this couple’s last child graduated from college they began the process of looking for a new home. After a lengthy search they decided to stay with the neighborhood they loved, saving money by remodeling rather than starting over. The top priorities on their wish list were adding character to their 1990’s era home with a classic white kitchen and a larger island while keeping within the existing footprint. With the intention of honing their cooking skills, they were also considering better appliances and two ovens. Challenges and Solutions Design a larger island with seating for at least two. The existing island was small and the area behind the seating was less than recommended clearances. To solve this challenge, the seating area of the island was extended out into the open area of the kitchen. This created a larger island with seating for three, extra storage and a bookshelf across from the range. The original kitchen had a range with microwave above, so adding another oven was a challenge with limited wall space. Because the adjoining dining room is used infrequently, the homeowner was open to placing the second oven and microwave in the walkway. This made room for the small buffet between the built in refrigerator and ovens, creating one of her favorite areas. The client requested a white painted kitchen but wanted to make sure it had warmth and character. To achieve this the following elements were chosen: 1) Cabinets painted with Benjamin Moore Capitol White, a luminous and warm shade of white. 2) The Range hood was painted with warm metallic shades to reflect the bronze of the Ashley Norton hardware. 3) Black Aqua Grantique granite was chosen for countertops because it looks like soapstone and adds contrast. 4) Walker Zanger Café tile in Latte was chosen for it’s handmade look with uneven edges. 5) The to-the-counter-cabinet with glass door shows off serving dishes and lends sophisticated charm. The result is a welcoming classic kitchen, where this couple enjoys cooking more often and sharpening their skills with gourmet appliances. Liz Schupanitz Designs Photographed by: Andrea Rugg Photography

This home is built by Robert Thomas Homes located in Minnesota. Our showcase models are professionally staged. Please contact Ambiance at Home for information on furniture - 952.440.6757

Tracy Herbert Interiors, LLC
Elegant u-shaped eat-in kitchen photo in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

The soaring living room ceilings in this Omaha home showcase custom designed bookcases, while a comfortable modern sectional sofa provides ample space for seating. The expansive windows highlight the beautiful rolling hills and greenery of the exterior. The grid design of the large windows is repeated again in the coffered ceiling design. Wood look tile provides a durable surface for kids and pets and also allows for radiant heat flooring to be installed underneath the tile. The custom designed marble fireplace completes the sophisticated look.

kitchen remodel
Kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped vinyl floor and beige floor kitchen idea in San Diego with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, terra-cotta backsplash, black appliances, an island, black countertops and gray cabinets

Large cottage black two-story wood exterior home idea in San Francisco