Search results for "Addresses future oriented" in Home Design Ideas

Overview:
Wing-like roofline houses a dramatic white villa in Costa Rica jungle.
Studio Saxe was commissioned to design a villa on the hilltops of Santiago in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. The primary objective was not only to provide dwellers with a connection with its jungle surroundings but also to generate an intimate relationship with an amazing view of the shoreline which brings its dwellers back to a more profound appreciation of the natural world.
Concept
Studio Saxe decided to create a large roof that would house within a series of bedrooms and living spaces that would all be turned sideways in order to face the prominent views. Interstitial spaces within the living volumes create gaps that enhance a deeper connection to the natural surroundings whilst moving about the dwelling.
Design
Every space in the home has been angled to view the ocean, and this twist creates a geometric relationship between the roofline and the spaces that became the primary element of design that both addresses the need for large overhangs (for climate control and comfort) but also generates a literal connection between the view and every space.
This white house in the jungle acts as a canvas so that morning and sunset light reflect on its surfaces creating an array of colors that vary throughout the day. The angled surfaces also allow for the reflection of shadows and the textures of nature to play within the interstitial spaces that exist between the living spaces.
Construction
Due to the remoteness of the location and difficult access, Studio Saxe decided to create a light steel frame that could be prefabricated off-site, brought, and assembled in a fast and effective way. This not only ensured the quality of the construction in a very remote location, but it also allowed the process of construction to be very light touch and the intervention on the site to be very minimal while creating the sensation of large open spaces that bring the view in and at the same time are protected by a large roof held by steel “I” beams.
Sustainability
At Studio Saxe we believe that proper design with nature should be the first focus of sustainability and thus, this villa has been oriented properly to take advantage of predominant winds for cooling. Also, long overhangs protect from the sun and the rain in the most critical parts of the day creating comfort without the use of energy. A light touch construction method meant that the impact on the site was minimal during the implementation of the villa and the extended roofline also serves as a means to collect water and energy generation.

Set on a narrow hillside lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Point Richmond, California, Bay Heirloom is a Mid-Century Modern family home restored, modernized and adapted for contemporary living. Oriented south-southwest toward the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the residence captures shifting Bay light throughout the day, from fog-muted mornings to vivid, glowing sunsets.
The home was built by Karlyn Neel’s grandfather, the owner of the construction company Flo-Crete, one of the Bay Area’s early concrete pumping firms. Flo-Crete completed the foundation and structural concrete work, with family photographs documenting the original cinderblock walls and pours. The firm also contributed to major regional infrastructure projects, including the Transbay BART tube and Candlestick Park, situating the house within a broader legacy of Bay Area construction. Growing up, Neel spent considerable time in the home, developing an early appreciation for mid-century modern principles. Instead of parting with this family heirloom, she purchased the home from her grandfather’s estate.
While her grandfather continued to live in the Point Richmond house, Neel purchased a Mid-Century Modern residence in Palm Desert. In contrast to the Bay Area’s cool temperatures, salt air, and persistent winds, the desert home is shaped by heat and sun and requires a different material response. A substantial renovation she led there emphasized thermal performance, filtered light, and restrained detailing. The experience later informed the restoration of her Bay Area family home.
What began as a modest Mid-Century Modern update expanded when decades of exposure to marine conditions revealed leaks and significant structural and seismic deficiencies. Neel was determined to honor her grandfather’s perseverance and without hesitation pivoted to a much more intensive project. Addressing these challenges required close coordination between Neel, Klopf Architecture and Kasten Builders, with architectural restraint and construction precision guiding each intervention. Rather than alter the home’s defining features, the project focused on reinforcing the structure from within. Discreet beams were embedded along the rear facade and in an upstairs wall, strengthening the building while maximizing the wall of glass facing the Bay and opening the wall between the kitchen and the living space. These structural interventions allowed the space to open fully to the Bay without visual interruption, with the kitchen repositioned as the social and functional core of an open, continuous living space. The building envelope was updated using weather- and corrosion-resistant materials appropriate to the marine environment.
The house unfolds vertically from the street, beginning with a modest garage level and workshop, with the main living spaces located below. Original slate flooring at the entry was preserved, along with select furnishings and artwork collected by Neel’s grandfather, anchoring the restored interior in its past. A restrained palette of black accents and pale, natural finishes replaces darker wood tones, reinforcing openness and calm. A naturally illuminated stair connects to the lowest level, where a former basement was transformed into a guest suite and family room opening onto a deck. From there, steps lead directly to a small concrete boat ramp at the water’s edge.
Throughout the project, decisions were guided by continuity rather than transformation for its own sake. Lessons drawn from both desert and coastal climates informed a material strategy rooted in performance and restraint. Bay Heirloom stands as a measured evolution of a family house, structurally renewed and carefully modernized, grounded in the discipline and care that first shaped it.
Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova and Fernanda Bernardes
Landscape Architect: Huettl Landscape Architecture
General Contractor: Kasten Builders
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022
Location: Point Richmond, CA

This unique opportunity to design a new home in Millport was one which JAM Architects relished. The location of the site on a hill on the outskirts of the village presented an opportunity to design a new two bedroom home taking advantage of the views of the ocean. The unusual floorplan design with a ‘kink’ at the centre point of the building is as a result of this with the front of the home orientated to address the street and the rear half positioned to ensure the best views from the corner window in the livingroom and the master bedroom window.
As a result of a recent accident our client for this project was unfortunately left with some mobility issues and our brief was therefore to design a two bedroom home with all the primary accomodation on the ground floor, with a studio space, guest bedroom and guest shower room on the first floor. The ground floor consists of a open plan kitchen, dining and living room with direct access to a generous outside patio area. In addition to this living space there is also a utility room, w.c, master bedroom and ensuite bathroom.
On the first floor our client was also keen to take advantage of the sea views from this elevated position and a sheletered balcony area has been incorporated adjacent to the studio space.
Find the right local pro for your project

A walk-out home in Eden Prairie had years of woodpecker damage to its cedar siding. We installed James Hardie lap siding in Arctic White, added Marvin Signature Series windows, and accented the entry with Boral Beadboard on the ceiling. The result is a woodpecker-resistant exterior with modern curb appeal.
Project Specs
Location: Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Home Style: Walk-Out
Problem: Dated Cedar Siding and worn out leaky windows.
Solution: James Hardie HardiePlank lap siding and Marvin Signature Series Windows
Color: Arctic White (body)
Accents: Marvin Aluminum Clad Windows in black
Result: Significantly reduced future maintenance and upgraded curb appeal
Certifications: James Hardie Elite Preferred and Marvin Authorized Contractor
Project Overview
This residence in Eden Prairie received a complete exterior makeover that brought new life and lasting performance to their home. The project began with the removal of the home’s original cedar siding, which had weathered and required ongoing maintenance.
Once the cedar siding was removed, our team installed James Hardie Smooth lap siding in Arctic White, a timeless choice that offers both curb appeal and resilience against Minnesota’s harsh climate. To complement the siding, all trim, soffits, and fascia were finished in Arctic White, creating a clean, classic look.
In addition to the siding, the homeowners wanted to address their outdated, drafty windows. We replaced them with sleek Black Marvin windows, which not only improved energy efficiency but also added striking contrast against the crisp white siding. This upgrade modernized the home’s overall appearance while providing long-term durability.
A highlight of the project is the Boral beadboard entryway ceiling, which gives the front entrance a welcoming, detailed touch. Combined with new trim details, custom shutters, and a refreshed gable vent, the home now blends classic design elements with modern performance.
Complete James Hardie Exterior featuring siding, soffit, and trim.
Now, the home is protected from damage and stands out with a clean, modern finish that will last for years.

Set on a narrow hillside lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Point Richmond, California, Bay Heirloom is a Mid-Century Modern family home restored, modernized and adapted for contemporary living. Oriented south-southwest toward the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the residence captures shifting Bay light throughout the day, from fog-muted mornings to vivid, glowing sunsets.
The home was built by Karlyn Neel’s grandfather, the owner of the construction company Flo-Crete, one of the Bay Area’s early concrete pumping firms. Flo-Crete completed the foundation and structural concrete work, with family photographs documenting the original cinderblock walls and pours. The firm also contributed to major regional infrastructure projects, including the Transbay BART tube and Candlestick Park, situating the house within a broader legacy of Bay Area construction. Growing up, Neel spent considerable time in the home, developing an early appreciation for mid-century modern principles. Instead of parting with this family heirloom, she purchased the home from her grandfather’s estate.
While her grandfather continued to live in the Point Richmond house, Neel purchased a Mid-Century Modern residence in Palm Desert. In contrast to the Bay Area’s cool temperatures, salt air, and persistent winds, the desert home is shaped by heat and sun and requires a different material response. A substantial renovation she led there emphasized thermal performance, filtered light, and restrained detailing. The experience later informed the restoration of her Bay Area family home.
What began as a modest Mid-Century Modern update expanded when decades of exposure to marine conditions revealed leaks and significant structural and seismic deficiencies. Neel was determined to honor her grandfather’s perseverance and without hesitation pivoted to a much more intensive project. Addressing these challenges required close coordination between Neel, Klopf Architecture and Kasten Builders, with architectural restraint and construction precision guiding each intervention. Rather than alter the home’s defining features, the project focused on reinforcing the structure from within. Discreet beams were embedded along the rear facade and in an upstairs wall, strengthening the building while maximizing the wall of glass facing the Bay and opening the wall between the kitchen and the living space. These structural interventions allowed the space to open fully to the Bay without visual interruption, with the kitchen repositioned as the social and functional core of an open, continuous living space. The building envelope was updated using weather- and corrosion-resistant materials appropriate to the marine environment.
The house unfolds vertically from the street, beginning with a modest garage level and workshop, with the main living spaces located below. Original slate flooring at the entry was preserved, along with select furnishings and artwork collected by Neel’s grandfather, anchoring the restored interior in its past. A restrained palette of black accents and pale, natural finishes replaces darker wood tones, reinforcing openness and calm. A naturally illuminated stair connects to the lowest level, where a former basement was transformed into a guest suite and family room opening onto a deck. From there, steps lead directly to a small concrete boat ramp at the water’s edge.
Throughout the project, decisions were guided by continuity rather than transformation for its own sake. Lessons drawn from both desert and coastal climates informed a material strategy rooted in performance and restraint. Bay Heirloom stands as a measured evolution of a family house, structurally renewed and carefully modernized, grounded in the discipline and care that first shaped it.
Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova and Fernanda Bernardes
Landscape Architect: Huettl Landscape Architecture
General Contractor: Kasten Builders
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022
Location: Point Richmond, CA

The best interior designers & architects in NYC!
Residential interior design, Common area design, Hospitality design, Exterior design, Commercial design - any interior or architectural design basically from a unique design team :)
Our goal is to provide clients in Manhattan, New York, New Jersey & beyond with outstanding architectural & interior design services and installation management through a unique approach and unparalleled work quality.
Our mission is to create Dream Homes that change people's lives!
Working with us is a simple two step process - Design & Installation. The core is that all our design ideas (interior design of an apartment, restaurant, hotel design or architectural design of a building) are presented through exceptionally realistic images, delivering the exact look of your future interior/exterior, before you commit to investing. The Installation then abides to the paradigm of 'What I See Is What I Get', replicating the approved design. All together it gives you full control and eliminates the risk of having an unsatisfactory end product - no other interior designer or architect can offer.
Our team's passion, talent & professionalism brings you the best possible result, while our client-oriented philosophy & determination to make the process easy & convenient, saves you great deal of time and concern.
In short, this is Design as it Should be...
Other services: Lobby design, Store & storefront design, Hotel design, Restaurant design, House design
www.vanguard-development.com

Set on a narrow hillside lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Point Richmond, California, Bay Heirloom is a Mid-Century Modern family home restored, modernized and adapted for contemporary living. Oriented south-southwest toward the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the residence captures shifting Bay light throughout the day, from fog-muted mornings to vivid, glowing sunsets.
The home was built by Karlyn Neel’s grandfather, the owner of the construction company Flo-Crete, one of the Bay Area’s early concrete pumping firms. Flo-Crete completed the foundation and structural concrete work, with family photographs documenting the original cinderblock walls and pours. The firm also contributed to major regional infrastructure projects, including the Transbay BART tube and Candlestick Park, situating the house within a broader legacy of Bay Area construction. Growing up, Neel spent considerable time in the home, developing an early appreciation for mid-century modern principles. Instead of parting with this family heirloom, she purchased the home from her grandfather’s estate.
While her grandfather continued to live in the Point Richmond house, Neel purchased a Mid-Century Modern residence in Palm Desert. In contrast to the Bay Area’s cool temperatures, salt air, and persistent winds, the desert home is shaped by heat and sun and requires a different material response. A substantial renovation she led there emphasized thermal performance, filtered light, and restrained detailing. The experience later informed the restoration of her Bay Area family home.
What began as a modest Mid-Century Modern update expanded when decades of exposure to marine conditions revealed leaks and significant structural and seismic deficiencies. Neel was determined to honor her grandfather’s perseverance and without hesitation pivoted to a much more intensive project. Addressing these challenges required close coordination between Neel, Klopf Architecture and Kasten Builders, with architectural restraint and construction precision guiding each intervention. Rather than alter the home’s defining features, the project focused on reinforcing the structure from within. Discreet beams were embedded along the rear facade and in an upstairs wall, strengthening the building while maximizing the wall of glass facing the Bay and opening the wall between the kitchen and the living space. These structural interventions allowed the space to open fully to the Bay without visual interruption, with the kitchen repositioned as the social and functional core of an open, continuous living space. The building envelope was updated using weather- and corrosion-resistant materials appropriate to the marine environment.
The house unfolds vertically from the street, beginning with a modest garage level and workshop, with the main living spaces located below. Original slate flooring at the entry was preserved, along with select furnishings and artwork collected by Neel’s grandfather, anchoring the restored interior in its past. A restrained palette of black accents and pale, natural finishes replaces darker wood tones, reinforcing openness and calm. A naturally illuminated stair connects to the lowest level, where a former basement was transformed into a guest suite and family room opening onto a deck. From there, steps lead directly to a small concrete boat ramp at the water’s edge.
Throughout the project, decisions were guided by continuity rather than transformation for its own sake. Lessons drawn from both desert and coastal climates informed a material strategy rooted in performance and restraint. Bay Heirloom stands as a measured evolution of a family house, structurally renewed and carefully modernized, grounded in the discipline and care that first shaped it.
Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova and Fernanda Bernardes
Landscape Architect: Huettl Landscape Architecture
General Contractor: Kasten Builders
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022
Location: Point Richmond, CA

Our design for the expansion and gut renovation of a small 1200 square foot house in a residential neighborhood triples is size, and reworks the living arrangement. The rear addition takes advantage of southern exposure with a "greenhouse" room that provides solar heat gain in winter, shading in summer, and a vast connection to the rear yard.
Architecturally, we used an approach we call "willful practicality." The new soaring ceiling ties together first and second floors in a dramatic volumetric expansion of space, while providing increased ventilation and daylighting from greenhouse to operable windows and skylights at the peak. Exterior pockets of space are created from curved forces pushing in from outside to form cedar clad porch and stoop.
Sustainable design is employed throughout all materials, energy systems and insulation. Masonry exterior walls and concrete floors provide thermal mass for the interior by insulating the exterior. An ERV system facilitates increased air changes and minimizes changes to the interior air temperature. Energy and water saving features and renewable, non-toxic materal selections are important aspects of the house design. Environmental community issues are addressed with a drywell in the side yard to mitigate rain runoff into the town sewer system. The long sloping south facing roof is in anticipation of future solar panels, with the standing seam metal roof providing anchoring opportunities for the panels.
The exterior walls are clad in stucco, cedar, and cement-fiber panels defining different areas of the house. Closed cell spray insulation is applied to exterior walls and roof, giving the house an "air-tight" seal against air infiltration and a high R-value. The ERV system provides the ventilation needed with this tight envelope. The interior comfort level and economizing are the beneficial results of the building methods and systems employed in the house.
Photographer: Peter Kubilus

As a first step in this project, we completely demolished the existing, very overgrown, and outdated landscape. The owner desired a custom-designed fire pit and patio, oriented toward their primary view corridor. The need to connect a secondary access off the back of their home to the primary access off their family room led us to create a sand-finish concrete walkway that connected the former to their new sand-finish concrete dining patio. In the process, we created a very nice planting area to soften up and beautify the back of the house.
We utilized a segmental wall block system to create a seat wall around the patio, helping to create a sense of containment in the space and providing extra seating for larger gatherings. Concealed wall lights helped lend a feeling of welcome to the space’s after-dark use. A set of offset cedar screens offers a creative way to hide a utility area without a gate.
We used a complementary-colored concrete mow curb as a bed divider and planted a Japanese Golden Rain Tree to provide future shade for our client. We filled out the rest of the landscaping with Arctic Fire Dogwood, Winter Gem Boxwood, Blue Avena Grass, Stella d’Oro Day Lily, and a specimen Burning Bush.

Affordable Lawn Sprinklers and Lighting is your local resource for synthetic turf installation. Because we're innovative and solution-oriented, we supply and install cutting-edge, exceptionally durable, and realistic-looking synthetic turf that can be applied anywhere.
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Introducing this backyard remodeling project expertly completed by @seamlessconstruction.inc 's team in the heart of #LosAngeles
The project starts with artificial turf welcoming you into the backyard, as per the client’s request, to replace the old driveway’ falling asphalt. Additionally, a strip drain system was added to address the issue of flooding in the ADU caused by heavy rain.
To ensure seamless transitions within the backyard, adjustments in elevation were made and a striking set of new stairs were added designed with some under lights. It was crafted using Belgard pavers and Bullnose in graphite color, seamlessly blending with the overall landscape.
Next to the ADU, a charming patio was constructed using Mexican tiles and grey grout, elegantly complementing the other side's design. The artificial turf area was thoughtfully created to add recreational space for the homeowners.
A raised concrete pad in this section, also featuring Mexican tiles, is planned for future conversion into a spa and cold plunge area, awaiting installation of the amenities. A highlight of the renovation is the captivating fire pit area, decorated with Mexican tiles, matching with the concrete elements.
This inviting space is expected to be a favorite spot, especially during colder nights.
Throughout the project, careful attention was given to ensure that all elements blended cohesively. Thank you for watching and stay tuned for more exciting projects from Seamless Construction.

Set on a narrow hillside lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Point Richmond, California, Bay Heirloom is a Mid-Century Modern family home restored, modernized and adapted for contemporary living. Oriented south-southwest toward the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the residence captures shifting Bay light throughout the day, from fog-muted mornings to vivid, glowing sunsets.
The home was built by Karlyn Neel’s grandfather, the owner of the construction company Flo-Crete, one of the Bay Area’s early concrete pumping firms. Flo-Crete completed the foundation and structural concrete work, with family photographs documenting the original cinderblock walls and pours. The firm also contributed to major regional infrastructure projects, including the Transbay BART tube and Candlestick Park, situating the house within a broader legacy of Bay Area construction. Growing up, Neel spent considerable time in the home, developing an early appreciation for mid-century modern principles. Instead of parting with this family heirloom, she purchased the home from her grandfather’s estate.
While her grandfather continued to live in the Point Richmond house, Neel purchased a Mid-Century Modern residence in Palm Desert. In contrast to the Bay Area’s cool temperatures, salt air, and persistent winds, the desert home is shaped by heat and sun and requires a different material response. A substantial renovation she led there emphasized thermal performance, filtered light, and restrained detailing. The experience later informed the restoration of her Bay Area family home.
What began as a modest Mid-Century Modern update expanded when decades of exposure to marine conditions revealed leaks and significant structural and seismic deficiencies. Neel was determined to honor her grandfather’s perseverance and without hesitation pivoted to a much more intensive project. Addressing these challenges required close coordination between Neel, Klopf Architecture and Kasten Builders, with architectural restraint and construction precision guiding each intervention. Rather than alter the home’s defining features, the project focused on reinforcing the structure from within. Discreet beams were embedded along the rear facade and in an upstairs wall, strengthening the building while maximizing the wall of glass facing the Bay and opening the wall between the kitchen and the living space. These structural interventions allowed the space to open fully to the Bay without visual interruption, with the kitchen repositioned as the social and functional core of an open, continuous living space. The building envelope was updated using weather- and corrosion-resistant materials appropriate to the marine environment.
The house unfolds vertically from the street, beginning with a modest garage level and workshop, with the main living spaces located below. Original slate flooring at the entry was preserved, along with select furnishings and artwork collected by Neel’s grandfather, anchoring the restored interior in its past. A restrained palette of black accents and pale, natural finishes replaces darker wood tones, reinforcing openness and calm. A naturally illuminated stair connects to the lowest level, where a former basement was transformed into a guest suite and family room opening onto a deck. From there, steps lead directly to a small concrete boat ramp at the water’s edge.
Throughout the project, decisions were guided by continuity rather than transformation for its own sake. Lessons drawn from both desert and coastal climates informed a material strategy rooted in performance and restraint. Bay Heirloom stands as a measured evolution of a family house, structurally renewed and carefully modernized, grounded in the discipline and care that first shaped it.
Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova and Fernanda Bernardes
Landscape Architect: Huettl Landscape Architecture
General Contractor: Kasten Builders
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022
Location: Point Richmond, CA

The best interior designers & architects in NYC!
Residential interior design, Common area design, Hospitality design, Exterior design, Commercial design - any interior or architectural design basically from a unique design team :)
Our goal is to provide clients in Manhattan, New York, New Jersey & beyond with outstanding architectural & interior design services and installation management through a unique approach and unparalleled work quality.
Our mission is to create Dream Homes that change people's lives!
Working with us is a simple two step process - Design & Installation. The core is that all our design ideas (interior design of an apartment, restaurant, hotel design or architectural design of a building) are presented through exceptionally realistic images, delivering the exact look of your future interior/exterior, before you commit to investing. The Installation then abides to the paradigm of 'What I See Is What I Get', replicating the approved design. All together it gives you full control and eliminates the risk of having an unsatisfactory end product - no other interior designer or architect can offer.
Our team's passion, talent & professionalism brings you the best possible result, while our client-oriented philosophy & determination to make the process easy & convenient, saves you great deal of time and concern.
In short, this is Design as it Should be...
Other services: Lobby design, Store & storefront design, Hotel design, Restaurant design, House design
www.vanguard-development.com

The best interior designers & architects in NYC!
Residential interior design, Common area design, Hospitality design, Exterior design, Commercial design - any interior or architectural design basically from a unique design team :)
Our goal is to provide clients in Manhattan, New York, New Jersey & beyond with outstanding architectural & interior design services and installation management through a unique approach and unparalleled work quality.
Our mission is to create Dream Homes that change people's lives!
Working with us is a simple two step process - Design & Installation. The core is that all our design ideas (interior design of an apartment, restaurant, hotel design or architectural design of a building) are presented through exceptionally realistic images, delivering the exact look of your future interior/exterior, before you commit to investing. The Installation then abides to the paradigm of 'What I See Is What I Get', replicating the approved design. All together it gives you full control and eliminates the risk of having an unsatisfactory end product - no other interior designer or architect can offer.
Our team's passion, talent & professionalism brings you the best possible result, while our client-oriented philosophy & determination to make the process easy & convenient, saves you great deal of time and concern.
In short, this is Design as it Should be...
Other services: Lobby design, Store & storefront design, Hotel design, Restaurant design, House design
www.vanguard-development.com

We received an inquiry from a client in Lindow End near Wilmslow Golf Club in the Cheshire stockbroker belt. They were restoring their home and were unhappy with the state of the Quarry tiled hearth under their log burning stove. We arranged a site visit to survey the tile and grout and provide a quote for restoring the appearance. The village is situated in what’s known as the ‘Cheshire Golden Triangle’ which is one of the most sought-after places to live in the UK after London. As a result, we often find ourselves in this area working on some very nice properties, so it wasn’t long before we were able to call in and survey the tiles.
As you can see from the pictures the hearth was quite dirty and the grouting had discoloured from years of use of the wood burner. The work here was a minor part of their restoration which had included significant building work. We agreed a price to carry out the work, which should only take a day and were able to return the following week.
Our first job was to cover the newly sanded and sealed wooden floors with dust sheets, so we didn’t mark them as we came in the front door to the lounge. We always try and make as little mess as possible and we are always as careful as possible.
We then sprayed Tile Doctor Pro-Clean on the fire hearth tiles. This is a multi-purpose tile and grout cleaner which would make light work of the dirty tiles. The product was left to soak into the Quarry tile and grout for about twenty minutes before being scrubbed in. The hearth was a small area, so this was done by hand and then washed down with clean water.
The dirty residue was removed using a wet vacuum then the tiles where wiped down with a clean micro fibre cloth. We then dried off the tiles using a little encouragement with a heat gun to speed up the drying process. Speed drying the tile and grout in this manor would allow us to complete the work in one visit.
Once the tiles and grout lines were dry it was clear that years of dirt and soiling had stained the grout, so although no much cleaner it was clear more work would be needed to give the grout a fresh and consistent appearance.
To address this issue with the grout we selected to apply a Sandstone Tile Doctor Grout Colourant. This is applied with a small brush and brushed it into the grout lines. It is quite a precise job but any colourant that goes onto the tiles is removed with a baby wipe before it dries. This process really transformed the look of the grout, the colourant also forms a barrier over the grout which will protect it going forward and make it easier to clean.
The Quarry tiles were then given a coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is an impregnating colour enhancing sealer. This brings out the best in the quarry tiles and adds protection against future staining which will be needed given its location.
The client was very happy with the finish, in fact the hearth looked like it had been newly tiled, the impact of the recoloured grout was that striking. Sometimes the smallest jobs can be the most rewarding.
Andrew Robb
East Cheshire Tile Doctor

Today’s investment landscape in California features a surge in transforming single-family lots into vibrant multi-family residences, facilitated by recent SB9 and ADU laws. This project exemplifies how a modest 6,750-square-foot lot can accommodate a 1,500-square-foot primary home alongside a 2,500-square-foot duplex, seamlessly integrating design, functionality, and neighborhood aesthetics.
The primary residence underwent a meticulous interior transformation, evolving from a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath layout into a spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home. Strategic reconfigurations centered around creating an expansive great room—an open-concept space adorned with vaulted ceilings—where the kitchen, dining, and living areas converge into a magnificent communal zone.
Exterior updates further distinguish the property. The front and side yards are enclosed with fencing and privacy hedges, linked by concrete pathways that enhance outdoor functionality while compensating for backyard space lost during renovations. The exterior façade was refreshed with darker tones, deliberately contrasting with the duplex to emphasize architectural separation.
Designed to preserve the suburban charm, the duplex visually mimics a single-family home from the street. Its facade creates an illusion of a two-story residence, maintaining harmony within the neighborhood fabric. The main unit, developed under SB9 guidelines, features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a luxurious parents’ suite situated upstairs. Downstairs, two bedrooms share a full bath, creating a balanced family-oriented layout.
The duplex’s interior boasts 9-foot ceilings throughout, elevating the sense of space and openness. The design thoughtfully places the kitchen at the front, inviting guests into the home, while stairs on the right lead to the private upstairs bedroom suite.
The ADU offers a two bedroom and two & half baths. the unit is accessible via a private side entrance with a dedicated walkway. Its layout includes a ground-floor living room, a galley kitchen, and a discreet powder room beneath the stairs, designed to contain guest traffic and maintain privacy upstairs. The upstairs bedrooms each feature luxurious bathrooms with expansive showers, adding an element of modern elegance.
Both units enjoy thoughtfully landscaped outdoor spaces—private patios, backyard areas, and gated front yards—creating welcoming environments for residents and visitors alike.
This project exemplifies innovative urban infill solutions, blending architectural elegance with legal compliance and community harmony—an inspiring blueprint for the future of residential development in California.

A few years ago I had metal implants put in my right foot and began to realize that simple tasks became hard to accomplish. This was when I began to study and incorporate the principles of Universal Design into every project I created.
Using a multifunction Hans Grohe shower head on a slide bar so it could reach the bench seat, ample storage in the Kohler wall locker, large glass doors with towel bars and prepped location for future grab bars, this master bath remodel will allow my clients elegant ease of use for many years to come.
To me, Universal Design doesn't just address the physical needs of a person. In creating a space that makes a person feel good, gives them a moment of calm renewal - my objective is to treat the whole room, the whole project as universal. My goal is to treat all the senses to an experience that gives my clients simple precious time to just relax.
Alan Gilbert Photography
Greenleaf Construction

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Structural Remodeling
Franklin County's Heavy Timber Specialists | Best of Houzz 2020!

The best interior designers & architects in NYC!
Residential interior design, Common area design, Hospitality design, Exterior design, Commercial design - any interior or architectural design basically from a unique design team :)
Our goal is to provide clients in Manhattan, New York, New Jersey & beyond with outstanding architectural & interior design services and installation management through a unique approach and unparalleled work quality.
Our mission is to create Dream Homes that change people's lives!
Working with us is a simple two step process - Design & Installation. The core is that all our design ideas (interior design of an apartment, restaurant, hotel design or architectural design of a building) are presented through exceptionally realistic images, delivering the exact look of your future interior/exterior, before you commit to investing. The Installation then abides to the paradigm of 'What I See Is What I Get', replicating the approved design. All together it gives you full control and eliminates the risk of having an unsatisfactory end product - no other interior designer or architect can offer.
Our team's passion, talent & professionalism brings you the best possible result, while our client-oriented philosophy & determination to make the process easy & convenient, saves you great deal of time and concern.
In short, this is Design as it Should be...
Other services: Lobby design, Store & storefront design, Hotel design, Restaurant design, House design
www.vanguard-development.com

The best interior designers & architects in NYC!
Residential interior design, Common area design, Hospitality design, Exterior design, Commercial design - any interior or architectural design basically from a unique design team :)
Our goal is to provide clients in Manhattan, New York, New Jersey & beyond with outstanding architectural & interior design services and installation management through a unique approach and unparalleled work quality.
Our mission is to create Dream Homes that change people's lives!
Working with us is a simple two step process - Design & Installation. The core is that all our design ideas (interior design of an apartment, restaurant, hotel design or architectural design of a building) are presented through exceptionally realistic images, delivering the exact look of your future interior/exterior, before you commit to investing. The Installation then abides to the paradigm of 'What I See Is What I Get', replicating the approved design. All together it gives you full control and eliminates the risk of having an unsatisfactory end product - no other interior designer or architect can offer.
Our team's passion, talent & professionalism brings you the best possible result, while our client-oriented philosophy & determination to make the process easy & convenient, saves you great deal of time and concern.
In short, this is Design as it Should be...
Other services: Lobby design, Store & storefront design, Hotel design, Restaurant design, House design
www.vanguard-development.com

After discussing many options of where to have this pool installed on the property the final decision was made for the bottom of the hill. Many advantages for installation due to a cul de sac on the lower portion but it meant that there needed to be a substantial staircase to access from the house. Boulders were used for the main retention system with outcroppings used along the decorative concrete steps made by Belgard to address the hillside slope. A simple paver patio rounds out phase 1 of the project. Future plans for grilling/bar chill area are in the works for Spring 2021!
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