Bedroom - transitional bedroom idea in Atlanta

Photos by Billy Yunck
Example of a minimalist master carpeted bedroom design with beige walls

Example of a trendy deck design in San Diego

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized transitional galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, glass sheet backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

(c) Alain Jaramillo
Minimalist entryway photo in Baltimore

For this Brooklyn condo renovation, Gallery Kitchen and Bath updated the entire kitchen and both bathrooms, as well as painted and laid out new flooring throughout the entire apartment. The owners wanted to unite the seeming medley of the existing space into a cohesive design more representative of their own style. With its ultra-high ceilings and exposed joints and beams, the space already lent itself to the farmhouse look. The end result is a modernized, eclectic farmhouse style that we keenly carried throughout the home. MORE DETAILS Compelling textures and color combos reign supreme. The kitchen features semi-custom Shaker-style stone gray cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash running all the way up the wall, and white quartz countertops. We built the island in part to create a pleasing yet efficient flow from the kitchen into the living and dining areas as the space was opened up. We also painted the plumbing stack white to not make it stand out. We also redesigned the bathrooms, giving each a unique treatment. In the master bath, we took a Victorian-goes-modern approach with coral walls, champagne fixtures, and a clawfoot tub. In the guest bathroom, we stuck to a transitional style that approaches modern without becoming contemporary, pairing herringbone marble floor tiles with a mix of subway and penny tiles on the walls and in the shower. Both maintain elements, such as tiles, fixtures, and colors, that coordinate with the overall eclectic farmhouse look. HOW WE COLLABORATE Collaboration with our clients to their desired degree is one of our core pillars. In this condo renovation, the clients wanted central air and were initially considering a true central air system. We advised against it, as not only would it take away from the unique beauty of unusually tall ceilings by adding unsightly ductwork, but it would also significantly detract from the farmhouse look. Instead, we suggested a mini-split system. Our recommended units were both cost-effective and much more complementary to the comprehensive theme. Of course, we ultimately always honor the clients’ choices but it’s just as important to us that we make sure to provide all the necessary information so our clients can make educated decisions that are best for their needs. SPACE PLANNING Another key element of the renovation process is space planning. From this perspective, we consider the placement and positioning of objects with regard to the overall flow of space. The building where this renovation took place is U-shaped at one end, which happens to be where this particular apartment is located. Uniquely-shaped spaces naturally require more concentration than those built in the standard rectangular shape. Questions we consider include: Where will people really spend time in this space? What will the flow of foot traffic be? Is there easy access to the kitchen island? Does it flow well into the hallways? Does the island protrude into anything? Working in New York, with its variety of homes and architectural styles, has greatly developed our experience with standard spaces and unconventional ones alike. SOME HIGHLIGHTS - Ultra-tall ceilings, allowing for stacked cabinets in the kitchen, as well as long pendant light fixtures and more chandeliers than usual throughout the home - Completely refurbished cast iron clawfoot tub in one bathroom, with a 270-degree shower curtain around the tub - Vibrant color choices, including an all-blue bedroom in various shades - Treated exposed brick walls Fun Fact: A client once showed us inspiration photos that they sourced online of this exact project, having no idea it was one of ours. Thinking about renovating your condo? Contact us today to find out how you can benefit from our expertise in remodeling New York City condos. We are a design-and-build firm with a full-scale approach that handles every single aspect of your condo renovation from start to finish.

We provided a designer retractable awning for thie client. The awning is operated with a radio controlled remote, and has dynamic wind sensors so the awning knows to close itself in the event of potentially damaging winds.

The excellent charm and nice design of this shift wool floor cover can enthral you to the intense and you'll for sure embody this beautiful shaded swish floor cover to your home décor. No matter whether you have got a classic or mod theme of décor at your room, this contemporary wool floor cover can complement it well as it may be a mix of traditional and up to date designs. Product Features:- • Construction: Handmade • Technique: Hand knotted Aras • Shape: Rectangle • Pile: 0.75 inches • Pattern: Oriental • Material: Wool • Weight: 30.26 lbs • Origin of Manufacturing: India • Recommended Use: Indoor • Eco-Friendly: Yes • Shipping: Free Shipping Handmade by skilled artisans enhancing in-depth color and product durability.Vintage designed and weaved by Hand knotted technique.Soft wool yarn with ultra-plush pile height of 0.75 inches for underfoot comfort.Designer area rugs perfect for Living Room, Bedroom, Study Room, Dining Room, Foyer.Free shipping and quick order dispatch. With quality product we deliver quality services to customers. Weave:- The weaving of hand knotted rug is entirely different than that of hand Tufted or hand-woven rugs. To create a hand knotted rug, skilled weavers use a hand-knotting gun to create a weave on the top sheet, with a sturdy looped pile which can be left as is or cut. The height of the pile is determined by the initial setting of the loop-length, or, on how much yarn is cut off. Hand knotted rugs have grown popularity owing to quicker preparation, affordable price ranges and for great durability amidst heavy footfall. Material:- In the universe of rug-fabrics, wool is considered one of the finest, owing to the touch, feel & practical benefits of this natural wonder-fiber. Wool has many qualities that place it far ahead in the rug-making business – e.g. high durability, warmth, rich look & feel etc. Wool is a pre-eminent choice for a classy rug that can last you for decades. Pile:- The pile of this rug is ideal for any kind of room where traffic is high. This rug will be long lasting if regular cleaning is done. The weaving of this rug is done in such a fashion that doesn’t allow the dust to reach inner surface and offers amazing durability. Proper Set Up & Care:- Hand knotted rugs are heavy rugs and fits well with any kind of flooring. Unlike rugs of other weave the hand knotted rugs have a cotton backing which makes it anti-skid. These rugs are very durable if maintained properly. Floor Protection:- Though hand knotted rugs have cotton backing which makes it anti-skid and harmless to the floor but you can always use a high quality rug pad to provide an extra level for floor protection. Cleaning Methods:- It is advised to choose the vacuum cleaning option as the material is wool and the weaving is hand knotted. For any stain, the users can opt for professional dry cleaning method.

"Are you in search of a reliable roofing contractor in Orange Beach? Contact Southern Roofing Systems for high-quality and reasonably priced roofing services. We have a committed team whose sole purpose is to satisfy our customers. Our team's dedication to offering top-notch roofing services has made our work stand out. At Southern Roofing Systems, services are delivered on time, with customer experiences specially tailored for each client. Our professionals have undergone credible training; they're also licensed for their jobs. Their vast knowledge of roofing has made it possible for them to provide customers with unsurpassed services. We believe that a roof should do more than just protecting your building. Our team is constantly working on expanding its expertise and familiarizing itself with the latest roof designs. Give our team a chance, and you can rest assured to have a quality and appealing roof after we're done with the job. Our company stands out for two primary reasons; our expertise in roofing and our reliable customer support. Customer services mean more than just prompt feedback to us; it means patiently advising our customers and helping them make the right choices. Our customer care team is knowledgeable; thus, the information and recommendations they offer customers are dependable. We cover Mobile, Tillman's Corner, Semmes, Saraland, Satsuma, Theodore, Spanish Fort, Daphne, Fairhope, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach. Southern Roofing Systems - Orange Beach offers everything from Commercial Roofing, Residential Roofing, and Roof Repairs. Additional services include Roof Insurance Claims Services, Metal Roofing, Shingle Roofing, Storm Repair and Emergency Roof Repair, Tile Roofing, Slate Roofing, and Flat Roofing, to Roof Flashing repair and inspection. You can rely on Southern Roofing Systems for commercial or residential roofing projects. We promise to get your job done to a very high standard, on time, and on a budget."

Metal Porch Stairs Painting in Lakeview, Chicago | Windy City Painters Lakeview is one of Chicago's most architecturally diverse neighborhoods — vintage courtyard buildings, rooftop-deck condos, newly converted three-flats, and classic brick two-flats all line the same block. What they share is this: exposed metal. Back porch stairs, handrails, balconies, and exterior landings define the rear streetscape of nearly every building in the neighborhood. And in Chicago, exposed metal without proper protective coatings doesn't last. Windy City Painters recently completed a full metal porch stairs painting project in Lakeview that illustrates exactly what professional metal refinishing looks like — and why preparation is everything. The Problem: Years of Chicago Weather Had Done Their Damage The client's back porch stairs were structurally sound — the diamond-plate steel treads were solid underfoot and the handrails were stable. However, the original paint system had long since failed. Surface rust had spread across the treads and risers. The old coating was peeling at every seam, edge, and weld point. Meanwhile, the black handrails were chalky and beginning to show rust at the bases. Notably, this is a pattern Windy City Painters sees constantly in Lakeview. The neighborhood's diverse housing stock — ranging from pre-war courtyard buildings to 1990s condo conversions — often features original metal porch work that has never received a proper professional refinish. Homeowners and property managers patch-paint over rust for years, which ultimately accelerates the problem rather than solving it. The solution isn't more paint. It's a complete system: mechanical rust removal, chemical treatment, primer, and a durable topcoat engineered for exterior metal. The Windy City Painters Process for Metal Porch Stairs Painting Windy City Painters approaches every metal porch stairs painting project with the same disciplined sequence. Consequently, our finishes outlast the competition by years. Step 1 — Mechanical Preparation Our crew wire-brushes all loose rust, flaking paint, and surface contamination from every tread, riser, stringer, and handrail section. For heavier rust accumulation, we use grinding discs to cut down to clean, bare metal. This step is non-negotiable. Additionally, we pay particular attention to weld seams, bolt plates, and edge returns — the spots where moisture consistently hides and rust reliably starts. Step 2 — Chemical Rust Treatment After mechanical prep, we apply a rust-converting primer to any remaining rust residue. This chemically neutralizes active rust and converts it into a stable, paintable surface. Moreover, the converter bonds to the metal and creates an additional barrier against future oxidation. Step 3 — Rust-Inhibiting Primer Windy City Painters then applies a full coat of oil-based, rust-inhibiting primer to all prepared metal surfaces. This primer penetrates bare metal and creates the critical bond layer that everything else depends on. Skipping this step — or substituting a latex primer — is the single biggest reason DIY metal paint jobs fail within one season. Step 4 — Two Topcoats of Industrial Enamel We apply two full coats of oil-based industrial enamel in the client's chosen color. For this Lakeview project, the stairs received a deep red finish and the handrails received gloss black — a classic combination that reads beautifully against the surrounding brick. Each coat is allowed to cure fully before the next is applied. Furthermore, we back-roll every surface to eliminate lap marks and ensure consistent film build. Step 5 — Final Inspection and Cleanup Windy City Painters inspects every inch of the completed work before calling a project done. We remove all masking, clean up the work area completely, and walk the client through the finished result. In addition, we advise on a maintenance schedule to maximize the life of the coating system. Why Metal Porch Stairs Painting Matters for Lakeview Properties Metal porch stairs are among the most visible exterior features of Chicago residential buildings. Therefore, their condition directly affects curb appeal, property value, and — most importantly — structural safety. Rust that penetrates deeply enough will compromise the structural integrity of stairs and railings. Meanwhile, peeling paint signals to buyers, renters, and neighbors that a property is deferred. In contrast, freshly refinished metal porch stairs signal exactly the opposite. They say the property is maintained, the owner takes pride in the building, and the structure is safe. For Lakeview landlords and homeowners alike, metal porch stair refinishing delivers an exceptional return on investment. Professional Advice for Lakeview Homeowners Before starting a metal porch stairs painting project, Windy City Painters recommends the following: Don't paint over rust. Any rust left beneath a topcoat will continue to spread and will lift the new paint within months. Mechanical removal is essential. Choose oil-based products for exterior metal. Latex paints don't adhere to metal as reliably and lack the film hardness needed to withstand foot traffic and freeze-thaw cycles. Time your project right. Ideal conditions for metal painting are 50°F–90°F with low humidity. Chicago's spring and early fall are perfect windows. Don't skip the primer. A properly applied rust-inhibiting primer is what separates a seven-year finish from a one-year failure. Budget for full prep. Preparation typically represents 60–70% of the labor on a metal refinishing project. That's where the money is well spent. Windy City Painters: Lakeview's Trusted Metal Refinishing Contractor Windy City Painters has refined the process of exterior metal painting and refinishing across Chicago's North Side and Near West Side. We work in Lakeview regularly — on courtyard buildings, two-flats, coach houses, and commercial properties — and we understand the unique demands that Chicago's climate places on exterior metal. As a result, our coating systems are selected and applied for maximum longevity in this specific environment. See more of our work and request a free estimate at www.windypainters.com. Ready to transform your Lakeview home? Contact Windy City Painters for a free estimate — visit www.windypainters.com today. Proudly serving Wicker Park, West Town, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Ukrainian Village, River North, and all of Chicago.

Photo & Glasswork by VanGO Glass
Small trendy master white tile and porcelain tile drop-in bathtub photo in Vancouver

This paving and planting scheme features new hard landscaping elements and a new planting scheme. Artscape was initially briefed to extend and enhance the patio in the garden of a lovely home in the village of Cookham Dean in Berkshire. Our clients wanted to increase the size of the paved area so they could use it more frequently for relaxing and dining in the sun during the day. As well as increasing its size and practicality, they wanted the terrace to look and feel more inviting. The existing site was a mixture of brick paving, which was slippery underfoot, and tired concrete crazy paving. The patio also had stone retaining walls surrounded by sloped lawns and a few poorly maintained and mismatched shrubs. Redesigned and repaved area We first created a new, larger layout with a series of wider steps closer to the house, making a more inviting and welcoming area. Our landscapers paved the area with coursed sandstone, renowned for its incredible strength and durability. The earthy tones and unique texture of the sandstone gives it a natural timeless look which blends sympathetically with the garden setting. The worn finish of the paving also makes the surface safer to walk on. The edge of the paving curves in line from the end of the house to visually link the areas. Bullnosed edges enhance looks and safety Bullnosing provides the garden step edges with a smooth, luxury appearance, which also enhance safety. Safety is an important factor to consider when renovating or building new steps and paved areas. Smooth, rounded bullnosed steps or edges means there won’t be any harshly cut, sharp edges to injure someone should they trip or fall. Our Artscape paving experts can advise on the best bespoke, professionally profiled bullnose edges to suit the needs of your garden project. Replacing sloped lawns with plants Our initial brief was to create a new planted border just around the paved area. However, after various discussions and designs, our clients decided to follow our recommendation to expand the planting, so it included the whole sloping bank. The planting design also included the addition of small trees to create vertical interest. New nature-friendly planting The planting features an easy-to-maintain mix of perennials, grasses, and shrubs. This adds softness to the seating area and brings an everchanging display of flowers, foliage, textures and colours to the garden. The plants will attract more birds and butterflies to the garden, and will be beneficial for insects too. The lawn was doing very little to support a diversity of insects and birds. Replacing even a small section of lawn with perennial flowers, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, or groundcovers will benefit nature and wildlife. As well as supporting greater biodiversity, plants are more environmentally friendly than maintaining a lawn. Lawns are drought tolerant and will recover even if the grass has turned brown and patchy in a heatwave. But to keep the lawn looking lush, green, and beautiful in a hot, dry spell will require constant and wasteful watering. The planting is informal and includes grasses, taking inspiration from the fields opposite. Ornamental grasses soften the scheme and bring movement to the garden as they shimmer in the slightest of breezes. Grasses are easy to grow and require little ongoing care. The main maintenance task is to cut the planting back in spring ready for the new growth to come through. To keep the whole project within our client’s budget, we retained the existing walls, simply carrying out some small repairs and modifications where necessary. We were also able to add stunning new atmospheric lighting to the older existing lighting circuit to illuminate the area at night.

This paving and planting scheme features new hard landscaping elements and a new planting scheme. Artscape was initially briefed to extend and enhance the patio in the garden of a lovely home in the village of Cookham Dean in Berkshire. Our clients wanted to increase the size of the paved area so they could use it more frequently for relaxing and dining in the sun during the day. As well as increasing its size and practicality, they wanted the terrace to look and feel more inviting. The existing site was a mixture of brick paving, which was slippery underfoot, and tired concrete crazy paving. The patio also had stone retaining walls surrounded by sloped lawns and a few poorly maintained and mismatched shrubs. Redesigned and repaved area We first created a new, larger layout with a series of wider steps closer to the house, making a more inviting and welcoming area. Our landscapers paved the area with coursed sandstone, renowned for its incredible strength and durability. The earthy tones and unique texture of the sandstone gives it a natural timeless look which blends sympathetically with the garden setting. The worn finish of the paving also makes the surface safer to walk on. The edge of the paving curves in line from the end of the house to visually link the areas. Bullnosed edges enhance looks and safety Bullnosing provides the garden step edges with a smooth, luxury appearance, which also enhance safety. Safety is an important factor to consider when renovating or building new steps and paved areas. Smooth, rounded bullnosed steps or edges means there won’t be any harshly cut, sharp edges to injure someone should they trip or fall. Our Artscape paving experts can advise on the best bespoke, professionally profiled bullnose edges to suit the needs of your garden project. Replacing sloped lawns with plants Our initial brief was to create a new planted border just around the paved area. However, after various discussions and designs, our clients decided to follow our recommendation to expand the planting, so it included the whole sloping bank. The planting design also included the addition of small trees to create vertical interest. New nature-friendly planting The planting features an easy-to-maintain mix of perennials, grasses, and shrubs. This adds softness to the seating area and brings an everchanging display of flowers, foliage, textures and colours to the garden. The plants will attract more birds and butterflies to the garden, and will be beneficial for insects too. The lawn was doing very little to support a diversity of insects and birds. Replacing even a small section of lawn with perennial flowers, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, or groundcovers will benefit nature and wildlife. As well as supporting greater biodiversity, plants are more environmentally friendly than maintaining a lawn. Lawns are drought tolerant and will recover even if the grass has turned brown and patchy in a heatwave. But to keep the lawn looking lush, green, and beautiful in a hot, dry spell will require constant and wasteful watering. The planting is informal and includes grasses, taking inspiration from the fields opposite. Ornamental grasses soften the scheme and bring movement to the garden as they shimmer in the slightest of breezes. Grasses are easy to grow and require little ongoing care. The main maintenance task is to cut the planting back in spring ready for the new growth to come through. To keep the whole project within our client’s budget, we retained the existing walls, simply carrying out some small repairs and modifications where necessary. We were also able to add stunning new atmospheric lighting to the older existing lighting circuit to illuminate the area at night.

Here’s an interesting job I completed recently in the town of Lymington which is a lovely costal town within the New Forest and on the west side of the Solent. This Terracotta tiled floor was installed in the kitchen and was suffering from an efflorescence issue due to an ongoing leak which resulted in the salts in the water becoming deposited on the surface of the tiles as the water evaporated leaving a white bloom on the surface. This process is more commonly known as efflorescence and is particularly common in old properties which have no damp proof membrane under the floor and white staining by the cupboards is especially visible in the below photograph. My client was eager to have the problem fixed, and so enlisted Tile Doctor to get the job done. To remove the efflorescence, the Terracotta tiled floor was acid washed using a mild dilution of Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up which is primarily sold to remove grout smears but is equally effective at removing mineral deposits such as the white salts left behind by efflorescence. The solution was scrubbed into the tiles using a stiff scrubbing brush and was successful at removing the white staining. Naturally it’s not advised to leave acid too long on any surface so the floor was treated in sections and then rinsed off with water and the residue removed using a wet-vacuum. Following this, the floor was power-scrubbed in combination with a diluted solution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean. Pro-Clean is a versatile cleaner that also contains stripping properties, allowing it to break down and remove old sealers, it also does a nice job getting the grout clean. With the efflorescence treated and the floor now clean I was now happy with the condition of the tiles and give them a final rinse under pressure to ensure the floor was neutralised and any trace of products removed. The Terracotta tiled floor was then left to dry overnight and I came back to seal the floor the next day. To seal the tiles I used three coats of Tile Doctor Seal & Go Extra, which provides a robust surface seal, and is recommended for internal floors with the damp issues. Hopefully this quick report has offered some useful advice on how to treat efflorescence which is quite a common problem; naturally if you have further questions Tile Doctor does offer a free advice service so do get in touch. Charles Okwechime Hampshire Tile Doctor

This paving and planting scheme features new hard landscaping elements and a new planting scheme. Artscape was initially briefed to extend and enhance the patio in the garden of a lovely home in the village of Cookham Dean in Berkshire. Our clients wanted to increase the size of the paved area so they could use it more frequently for relaxing and dining in the sun during the day. As well as increasing its size and practicality, they wanted the terrace to look and feel more inviting. The existing site was a mixture of brick paving, which was slippery underfoot, and tired concrete crazy paving. The patio also had stone retaining walls surrounded by sloped lawns and a few poorly maintained and mismatched shrubs. Redesigned and repaved area We first created a new, larger layout with a series of wider steps closer to the house, making a more inviting and welcoming area. Our landscapers paved the area with coursed sandstone, renowned for its incredible strength and durability. The earthy tones and unique texture of the sandstone gives it a natural timeless look which blends sympathetically with the garden setting. The worn finish of the paving also makes the surface safer to walk on. The edge of the paving curves in line from the end of the house to visually link the areas. Bullnosed edges enhance looks and safety Bullnosing provides the garden step edges with a smooth, luxury appearance, which also enhance safety. Safety is an important factor to consider when renovating or building new steps and paved areas. Smooth, rounded bullnosed steps or edges means there won’t be any harshly cut, sharp edges to injure someone should they trip or fall. Our Artscape paving experts can advise on the best bespoke, professionally profiled bullnose edges to suit the needs of your garden project. Replacing sloped lawns with plants Our initial brief was to create a new planted border just around the paved area. However, after various discussions and designs, our clients decided to follow our recommendation to expand the planting, so it included the whole sloping bank. The planting design also included the addition of small trees to create vertical interest. New nature-friendly planting The planting features an easy-to-maintain mix of perennials, grasses, and shrubs. This adds softness to the seating area and brings an everchanging display of flowers, foliage, textures and colours to the garden. The plants will attract more birds and butterflies to the garden, and will be beneficial for insects too. The lawn was doing very little to support a diversity of insects and birds. Replacing even a small section of lawn with perennial flowers, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, or groundcovers will benefit nature and wildlife. As well as supporting greater biodiversity, plants are more environmentally friendly than maintaining a lawn. Lawns are drought tolerant and will recover even if the grass has turned brown and patchy in a heatwave. But to keep the lawn looking lush, green, and beautiful in a hot, dry spell will require constant and wasteful watering. The planting is informal and includes grasses, taking inspiration from the fields opposite. Ornamental grasses soften the scheme and bring movement to the garden as they shimmer in the slightest of breezes. Grasses are easy to grow and require little ongoing care. The main maintenance task is to cut the planting back in spring ready for the new growth to come through. To keep the whole project within our client’s budget, we retained the existing walls, simply carrying out some small repairs and modifications where necessary. We were also able to add stunning new atmospheric lighting to the older existing lighting circuit to illuminate the area at night.

This Victorian tiled hallway floor at a property in Twickenham was in great physical condition considering its age but just hadn’t been cleaned or sealed in quite a few years. Over the years the protective sealer has worn away and dirt tracked in from outside had sunk deep into the pores of the tile. The floor looked dull, and my customer was finding it hard to clean and maintain effectively. To remove the ground in dirt from within the pores of the tile I needed to apply a strong cleaning product that would breakdown the dirt and deal with any remaining sealer left on the floor. Usually, I find the sealer down the center of the hallway is worn away with use, but you still find traces towards the wall. To do the renovation effectively I would need to remove all the sealer during cleaning otherwise you risk an uneven appearance. The best sealer stripper and cleaner for the job is a product called Tile Doctor Remove and Go so I mopped a strong dilution onto the floor and then left it to soak in for around fifteen minutes. To get the best from this product it’s advised to give it a long dwell time thereby allowing it to break down old sealer and dissolve the dirt and contaminants. The floor was then scrubbed with a rotary floor machine to work the product into the pores of the tile and release the trapped dirt. After the first pass the floor was rinsed with a little water and the soil extracted using a machine. After inspecting the floor some areas were re-treated using the same process to ensure all the sealer and dirt had been removed. After a final inspection I left the tiles to dry off overnight. The following day I returned and started by taking moisture readings from different parts of the floor. Its not a good idea to apply a sealer to a damp tile and damp areas should be dried out with a heat gun first. My client was keen to have a classic shiny appearance, so I chose Tile Doctor Seal and Go to add protection to the tiles. The sealer will prevent dirt becoming ingrained in the tile and protect the floor from staining caused by spillages whilst making it very easy for our customer to maintain in the future. As you can see from the pictures, it also gives a nice sheen finish to add lustre to the floor as requested by my customer. Before leaving we had a quick chat about maintaining the floor and a warning about the use of strong floor cleaning products which can be over strong and prematurely strip the sealer away over time. For this floor I recommend Tile Doctor Neutral cleaner which is an effective cleaner but as its name suggests is pH neutral and mild enough not to harm the sealer. Jonathan Oldham South Middlesex Tile Doctor

This paving and planting scheme features new hard landscaping elements and a new planting scheme. Artscape was initially briefed to extend and enhance the patio in the garden of a lovely home in the village of Cookham Dean in Berkshire. Our clients wanted to increase the size of the paved area so they could use it more frequently for relaxing and dining in the sun during the day. As well as increasing its size and practicality, they wanted the terrace to look and feel more inviting. The existing site was a mixture of brick paving, which was slippery underfoot, and tired concrete crazy paving. The patio also had stone retaining walls surrounded by sloped lawns and a few poorly maintained and mismatched shrubs. Redesigned and repaved area We first created a new, larger layout with a series of wider steps closer to the house, making a more inviting and welcoming area. Our landscapers paved the area with coursed sandstone, renowned for its incredible strength and durability. The earthy tones and unique texture of the sandstone gives it a natural timeless look which blends sympathetically with the garden setting. The worn finish of the paving also makes the surface safer to walk on. The edge of the paving curves in line from the end of the house to visually link the areas. Bullnosed edges enhance looks and safety Bullnosing provides the garden step edges with a smooth, luxury appearance, which also enhance safety. Safety is an important factor to consider when renovating or building new steps and paved areas. Smooth, rounded bullnosed steps or edges means there won’t be any harshly cut, sharp edges to injure someone should they trip or fall. Our Artscape paving experts can advise on the best bespoke, professionally profiled bullnose edges to suit the needs of your garden project. Replacing sloped lawns with plants Our initial brief was to create a new planted border just around the paved area. However, after various discussions and designs, our clients decided to follow our recommendation to expand the planting, so it included the whole sloping bank. The planting design also included the addition of small trees to create vertical interest. New nature-friendly planting The planting features an easy-to-maintain mix of perennials, grasses, and shrubs. This adds softness to the seating area and brings an everchanging display of flowers, foliage, textures and colours to the garden. The plants will attract more birds and butterflies to the garden, and will be beneficial for insects too. The lawn was doing very little to support a diversity of insects and birds. Replacing even a small section of lawn with perennial flowers, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, or groundcovers will benefit nature and wildlife. As well as supporting greater biodiversity, plants are more environmentally friendly than maintaining a lawn. Lawns are drought tolerant and will recover even if the grass has turned brown and patchy in a heatwave. But to keep the lawn looking lush, green, and beautiful in a hot, dry spell will require constant and wasteful watering. The planting is informal and includes grasses, taking inspiration from the fields opposite. Ornamental grasses soften the scheme and bring movement to the garden as they shimmer in the slightest of breezes. Grasses are easy to grow and require little ongoing care. The main maintenance task is to cut the planting back in spring ready for the new growth to come through. To keep the whole project within our client’s budget, we retained the existing walls, simply carrying out some small repairs and modifications where necessary. We were also able to add stunning new atmospheric lighting to the older existing lighting circuit to illuminate the area at night.