Recently, I was called to a work on a Limestone tiled floor in a house near Hove Park. Hove Park is a popular park in Hove, East Sussex, which was once opposite to the Goldstone Ground, the traditional home of Brighton and Hove Albion football club until the ground was demolished. My client informed me that the house was used a meeting place every Friday, and the high traffic of people was taking its toll on the floor. The floor was clearly in need of a good clean, especially the grout. You do need to take care when cleaning Limestone as it can be affected by the acidic substances you get in some cleaning products which can break down the surface of the Limestone and cause further damage. The results of my test clean showed the Limestone tiles responded well to the cleaning, but I was concerned about the grout, which was not cleaning very easily. I suspected that the grout had, in fact, been discoloured by a bleach-based cleaner, turning it grey. Bleach contains strong chemicals, so there is a good chance that any bleach-based cleaners used on tiled floors will discolour the grout over time. After discussing this issue with my client, I quoted separately for a possible grout recolour. On the first day of working on the floor, I started the cleaning process using a black buffing pad attached to a floor buffer machine, in combination with a solution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, which I applied to the floor. This combination really helped to remove the heavily built up grime and dirt. Although the tiles looked great after the clean, I still wasn’t convinced by the state of the grout. After drying a test area with a heat gun, I confirmed that the grout was not continuous in colour and would need a recolour to get it back to looking its best again. I left the rest of the floor to dry for a period of two days, allowing any residual moisture to evaporate, before returning to recolour the grout with a white Grout Colourant which was applied using a good old fashioned toothbrush and baby wipes to remove any excess. I was careful to apply thin, even coats in order to prevent the possibility of the Colourant staining the tile. After several hours of knee-breaking work, the recolouring was complete, and I was extremely pleased to be able to show my client the finished product. She was very happy to be able to show off the floor to her friends, which was now white all the way through, without the dark lines caused by the discoloured grout. Another satisfied client.

Kristina O'Brien
Mid-sized trendy slate floor mudroom photo in Portland Maine with a white front door and blue walls

Inspiration for a coastal bathroom remodel in Miami

The kitchen, often considered the heart of the home, is a space where functionality and aesthetics coalesce. Among the myriad choices homeowners face when designing or renovating their kitchens, selecting a suitable kitchen splashback is crucial. In recent years, glass splashbacks have emerged as a versatile and universally appealing option. This article delves into the reasons why a glass kitchen splashback is suitable for everyone, blending seamlessly with diverse preferences, lifestyles, and design aesthetics. Versatility in Design One of the key factors that make glass kitchen splashbacks universally suitable is their versatility in design. Glass offers a neutral and timeless aesthetic, effortlessly complementing various interior styles, from modern and minimalist to classic and eclectic. Whether your kitchen embodies a sleek, contemporary vibe or a rustic, traditional charm, a glass splashback seamlessly integrates into the design landscape. Furthermore, the transparency of glass allows it to adapt to any colour scheme or pattern in the surrounding space. Whether you prefer bold and vibrant hues or a more subdued palette, a glass splashback can be customised to match your preferences, making it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking design flexibility. Enhanced Perception of Space Glass has a unique ability to create an illusion of space and openness in a room. This quality is particularly beneficial for smaller kitchens or those with limited natural light. A glass kitchen splashback reflects sunlight, making the space brighter and more expansive. By enhancing the perception of the room, glass splashbacks contribute to an overall sense of airiness and openness, creating an inviting atmosphere that suits various home sizes and layouts. Easy Maintenance and Hygiene Practicality is a paramount consideration in kitchen design, and glass splashbacks excel in ease of maintenance and hygiene. Unlike porous materials such as tiles or grout, glass provides a smooth, non-absorbent surface that is easy to clean and maintain. Spills and splatters can be effortlessly wiped away with a damp cloth, ensuring a hygienic and sanitary kitchen environment. The non-porous nature of glass also prevents mould and bacteria growth, making it a suitable choice for families with young children or individuals with allergies. The low-maintenance aspect of glass makes it a universally appealing option for those who value a clean and sanitary kitchen without the hassle of extensive upkeep. Durability and Longevity Glass kitchen splashbacks are known for their durability and longevity. The tempered glass commonly used in splashbacks is heat-resistant, ensuring it can withstand the rigours of a busy kitchen without compromising its integrity. This durability makes glass splashbacks suitable for households with avid home cooks who frequently use high-temperature cooking techniques. Moreover, the longevity of glass ensures that it remains a sustainable and cost-effective choice over the long term. Unlike some materials that may wear out or become dated, a well-maintained glass splashback retains its aesthetic appeal and functionality for years, making it an investment that stands the test of time. Customisation Options Personalisation is a crucial aspect of home design, and glass kitchen splashbacks offer various customisation options. From selecting the colour and pattern to incorporating personalised designs or digitally printed images, homeowners can tailor their glass splashbacks to reflect their style and preferences. The ability to customise glass splashbacks makes them suitable for everyone, allowing individuals to express their creativity and personality in the heart of their homes. Whether you opt for a bold, statement-making design or a subtle, elegant finish, the customisation options inherent in glass splashbacks ensure a perfect fit for diverse tastes. Conclusion In conclusion, the universality of glass kitchen splashbacks lies in their ability to seamlessly integrate into various design styles, enhance the perception of space, offer easy maintenance and hygiene, exhibit durability, and provide many customisation options. As a versatile and timeless choice, glass splashbacks cater to homeowners' preferences and practical needs across different demographics. Whether you reside in a compact urban apartment or a spacious suburban home, whether your aesthetic leans towards modern minimalism or classic elegance, a glass kitchen splashback is a fitting and universal solution. Its adaptability to different lifestyles and design preferences positions it as a versatile and enduring element in the ever-evolving kitchen design landscape.

Master Bath Floor: MSI Navona 20x20 Color: Sole with 961 Sandstone Beige Grout Master Shower: MSI Navona 20x20 Color: Sole with 961 Sandstone Beige grout Deco Inside Niche Only: MSI Fossil Canyon Blend Shower Floor: MSI Navona 2x2 Color: Sole

Example of a trendy gray tile, multicolored tile and white tile mosaic tile floor and gray floor walk-in shower design in Austin with a hinged shower door

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Sometimes it really is all in the details... and the storage! By gutting this small NYC bath back to its stub walls and all walls back to the underlying cinder block exterior wall we were not only able to expand the space by a few precious inches that make all the difference, but we were also able to create a beautiful shower storage solution in stunning Statuary honed marble.

I was recently contacted by a client who had just moved into a large Victorian property in the West Cheshire village of Tarvin about renovating their Victorian tiled hallway. Apparently, the floor was in good condition, and it would just be a case of removing what was left of the old sealer, deep cleaning the tiles and then applying a fresh seal. Unless the floor has been regularly maintained with the same sealer it’s important to remove all traces of old sealers before applying fresh. Victorian Hallway Before Cleaning Tarvin Cheshire A lot of the work we do at Tile Doctor can be a lot more involved, often requiring the sourcing of matching replacement tiles and rebuilding large sections of tiled flooring so straight forward clean and seal job is always welcome. To remove what was left of the sealer and the ingrained dirt from the pores of the Victorian tile I dressed the floor with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean. On this occasion I used a 1:3 dilution with water and applied it to the floor with a mop. I left it to soak into the tile for fifteen minutes before scrubbing so it could get to work breaking down the old sealer. During this time, I set up a weighted floor buffer and fitted a black buffing pad, these pads are designed for scrubbing hard floors and lifting out the dirt. I applied a little water as required during this process to ensure the pad was lubricated. Shortly the cleaning solution darkened as the old sealer and dirt was released from the tile. The soil was rinsed away with water and then removed using a wet vacuum. Once clear the floor was inspected and the process repeated until I was satisfied it was as clean as it could be and free of sealer. I left the floor to dry off overnight and returned the next day to apply a new sealer. Before doing so however I like to use a damp meter to take moisture readings from the floor. This is needed to ensure it is dry enough to seal which is important as any moisture in the tile can affect the sealer and lead to an inconsistent finish. To seal I started with the application of a single coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is a colour intensifying breathable impregnator that soaks into the tile improving appearance and adding protection from within. Any excess sealant was removed by wiping the floor with a microfibre cloth and then it was left to dry for an hour. This was followed with four coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go Extra which is an acrylic breathable sealer which adds a pleasing subtle shine to the tile. This is an important feature when choosing a sealer for old floors where moisture needs to be allowed to rise through the tile, otherwise it can become trapped under the floor and reach out to the walls causing rising damp. The customer was very happy with the revamped hallway which made the house a lot brighter and welcoming. Before closing I should mention that for aftercare cleaning I recommend Tile Doctor Neutral cleaner which is designed for the daily cleaning for sealed tiles, this is important as most domestic supermarket cleaners are simply too strong and can prematurely erode the sealer. Alastair Robb West Cheshire Tile Doctor

Custom Surface Solutions (www.css-tile.com) - Owner Craig Thompson (512) 430-1215. This project shows a custom shower configuration with 6" x 12" Carrara marble wall tile on subway pattern, Custom cut and profiled 12" x 24" Carrara marble tile on vertical end walls and curb and Carrara marble mosaic shower floor.

Cost : Withheld at Owner’s Request 6880 Square Feet New and Renovated The renovation of an extensive linear residence and site facing Port Orchard waterway embraces water, greenspace and forested hillside. The home, completed this fall, serves as an artist’s studio, galleries, family space, game room, outdoor living areas and peaceful retreat. New interiors and exterior spaces and finishes, cabinetry, lighting, paving, landscape and courtyards become settings for the owner’s art + collections, three-generations of family and the wonderful colors and textures of the land + water. Inside, a monumental central stair and tapered two-story tall red cedar and steel column was designed as the residence’s entry focal point and internal landmarks, guiding the visitor’s eye to the main atrium…. and upward. Heavy wide-flange steel moment frames support the house and enable whole walls of glass. Rough, mill-finished steel contrasts refined cabinetry, stone, wood structure and defining dropped ceilings, reflecting the opener’s love of the tension between highly polished and detailed + rough, found art. Outside, A new southern “dining room” was designed for warm summer evening gatherings under a heavy-timber trellis. The focus, opposite water and island views, is a metal perforated screen. The final screen is composed of the lyrics from a Joe Cocker song of great meaning to the owners, cut from ½” marine bronze, set into dark-fired brick. “Oh My Darling, Be Home Soon….” Natural daylight and high-efficiency lighting are central players as in any gallery. From a high clerestory and extensive southern and eastern window-walls to carefully selected up-lighting, pendants, and accent fixtures, Rhodes Architecture + Light worked closely with the owner to ensure that their dark existing house would become one filled with light…. night and day. The owners, Ken and Jane, allowed us to interview them about their experience working with Rhodes Architecture + Light, and how they are feeling about living with the architecture today. What was your experience like, working with Rhodes Architecture + Light? “They worked with us because it was a remodel, an existing thing, and we had to try to make it work for all of our interests and how our family operated. They listened, and we listened, and it was a great communication back and forth.”–Jane How has the renovation changed the way you live and enjoy your home? “I remember saying to them that I want the whole floor heated because it gets so chilly down here. And we had the wood burning stove, but it was over there and now we just turn the floor heat on and we can come down. It’s cozy and nice. So we’re looking forward to winter now.”–Ken “We have 5 kids together and now a bunch of grandchildren. I wanted a marble countertop, but there’s just no way. I didn’t want it to be a place where I had to say, ‘No, no, no. Wipe up your drink, do this, do that.’ I wanted it to be a place where everybody can come with all the kids, and we make a big mess, and I can clean it up. And we can enjoy ourselves here, because that room upstairs, we almost never went in. And now we’re in there eating pizza and watching the game.” –Jane As an artist, Jane enjoyed the collaborative process. “I can’t believe it was as positive as it was. I went into it thinking it would be a great, creative, fun, collaborative thing, and I have to say, with our architects, it was. I like that creative process. I always say when I am doing a painting, it’s a series of problem solving so it wasn’t unusual for me. I am completely blown away by them and had fun with that part of it.” –Jane Architect: Tim James Rhodes RA AIA, Rhodes Architecture + Light Builder: Fairbank Construction Company Structural: Swensen Say Faget

Minimalist dark wood floor kitchen photo in San Francisco

The renovation of an extensive linear residence and site facing Port Orchard waterway embraces water, greenspace and forested hillside. The home, completed this fall, serves as an artist’s studio, galleries, family space, game room, outdoor living areas and peaceful retreat. New interiors and exterior spaces and finishes, cabinetry, lighting, paving, landscape and courtyards become settings for the owner’s art + collections, three-generations of family and the wonderful colors and textures of the land + water. Inside, a monumental central stair and tapered two-story tall red cedar and steel column was designed as the residence’s entry focal point and internal landmarks, guiding the visitor’s eye to the main atrium…. and upward. Heavy wide-flange steel moment frames support the house and enable whole walls of glass. Rough, mill-finished steel contrasts refined cabinetry, stone, wood structure and defining dropped ceilings, reflecting the opener’s love of the tension between highly polished and detailed + rough, found art. Outside, A new southern “dining room” was designed for warm summer evening gatherings under a heavy-timber trellis. The focus, opposite water and island views, is a metal perforated screen. The final screen is composed of the lyrics from a Joe Cocker song of great meaning to the owners, cut from ½” marine bronze, set into dark-fired brick. “Oh My Darling, Be Home Soon….” Natural daylight and high-efficiency lighting are central players as in any gallery. From a high clerestory and extensive southern and eastern window-walls to carefully selected up-lighting, pendants, and accent fixtures, Rhodes Architecture + Light worked closely with the owner to ensure that their dark existing house would become one filled with light…. night and day. The owners, Ken and Jane, allowed us to interview them about their experience working with Rhodes Architecture + Light, and how they are feeling about living with the architecture today. What was your experience like, working with Rhodes Architecture + Light? “They worked with us because it was a remodel, an existing thing, and we had to try to make it work for all of our interests and how our family operated. They listened, and we listened, and it was a great communication back and forth.”–Jane How has the renovation changed the way you live and enjoy your home? “I remember saying to them that I want the whole floor heated because it gets so chilly down here. And we had the wood burning stove, but it was over there and now we just turn the floor heat on and we can come down. It’s cozy and nice. So we’re looking forward to winter now.”–Ken “We have 5 kids together and now a bunch of grandchildren. I wanted a marble countertop, but there’s just no way. I didn’t want it to be a place where I had to say, ‘No, no, no. Wipe up your drink, do this, do that.’ I wanted it to be a place where everybody can come with all the kids, and we make a big mess, and I can clean it up. And we can enjoy ourselves here, because that room upstairs, we almost never went in. And now we’re in there eating pizza and watching the game.” –Jane As an artist, Jane enjoyed the collaborative process. “I can’t believe it was as positive as it was. I went into it thinking it would be a great, creative, fun, collaborative thing, and I have to say, with our architects, it was. I like that creative process. I always say when I am doing a painting, it’s a series of problem solving so it wasn’t unusual for me. I am completely blown away by them and had fun with that part of it.” –Jane Architect: Tim James Rhodes RA AIA, Rhodes Architecture + Light Builder: Fairbank Construction Company Structural: Swensen Say Faget

Dan Davis Design created a custom shaped marble counter for this tiny powder room. A small polished nickel vessel bowl is the star. A wall faucet set into a mirrored backsplash provides a room-saving solution while visually opening up the room. Graphic tile from Cercan tile adds interest and pattern.

A custom-designed wall panel from Renaissance Tile adorn the walls of this walk-in shower with beautiful laser cut marble surround by heavy crown moulding from marble. Designed by Melodie Durham of Durham Designs & Consulting, LLC. Photo by Livengood Photographs [www.livengoodphotographs.com/design].

The renovation of an extensive linear residence and site facing Port Orchard waterway embraces water, greenspace and forested hillside. The home, completed this fall, serves as an artist’s studio, galleries, family space, game room, outdoor living areas and peaceful retreat. New interiors and exterior spaces and finishes, cabinetry, lighting, paving, landscape and courtyards become settings for the owner’s art + collections, three-generations of family and the wonderful colors and textures of the land + water. Inside, a monumental central stair and tapered two-story tall red cedar and steel column was designed as the residence’s entry focal point and internal landmarks, guiding the visitor’s eye to the main atrium…. and upward. Heavy wide-flange steel moment frames support the house and enable whole walls of glass. Rough, mill-finished steel contrasts refined cabinetry, stone, wood structure and defining dropped ceilings, reflecting the opener’s love of the tension between highly polished and detailed + rough, found art. Outside, A new southern “dining room” was designed for warm summer evening gatherings under a heavy-timber trellis. The focus, opposite water and island views, is a metal perforated screen. The final screen is composed of the lyrics from a Joe Cocker song of great meaning to the owners, cut from ½” marine bronze, set into dark-fired brick. “Oh My Darling, Be Home Soon….” Natural daylight and high-efficiency lighting are central players as in any gallery. From a high clerestory and extensive southern and eastern window-walls to carefully selected up-lighting, pendants, and accent fixtures, Rhodes Architecture + Light worked closely with the owner to ensure that their dark existing house would become one filled with light…. night and day. The owners, Ken and Jane, allowed us to interview them about their experience working with Rhodes Architecture + Light, and how they are feeling about living with the architecture today. What was your experience like, working with Rhodes Architecture + Light? “They worked with us because it was a remodel, an existing thing, and we had to try to make it work for all of our interests and how our family operated. They listened, and we listened, and it was a great communication back and forth.”–Jane How has the renovation changed the way you live and enjoy your home? “I remember saying to them that I want the whole floor heated because it gets so chilly down here. And we had the wood burning stove, but it was over there and now we just turn the floor heat on and we can come down. It’s cozy and nice. So we’re looking forward to winter now.”–Ken “We have 5 kids together and now a bunch of grandchildren. I wanted a marble countertop, but there’s just no way. I didn’t want it to be a place where I had to say, ‘No, no, no. Wipe up your drink, do this, do that.’ I wanted it to be a place where everybody can come with all the kids, and we make a big mess, and I can clean it up. And we can enjoy ourselves here, because that room upstairs, we almost never went in. And now we’re in there eating pizza and watching the game.” –Jane As an artist, Jane enjoyed the collaborative process. “I can’t believe it was as positive as it was. I went into it thinking it would be a great, creative, fun, collaborative thing, and I have to say, with our architects, it was. I like that creative process. I always say when I am doing a painting, it’s a series of problem solving so it wasn’t unusual for me. I am completely blown away by them and had fun with that part of it.” –Jane Architect: Tim James Rhodes RA AIA, Rhodes Architecture + Light Builder: Fairbank Construction Company Structural: Swensen Say Faget

A family living in Guildford were in touch recently about restoring the appearance of their Ceramic tiled shower and bathroom. They were about to put the property up for sale and were concerned the grubby grout might put off potential buyers. First impressions do count so renovating a bathroom or kitchen before selling is a really good idea and will help you achieve a better price. In this case the Ceramic tiles were dirty and black with mould in places which looked unhygienic and uninviting. Additionally, the mastic sealant between the tile and bath was tired and worn to the extent that water could end up leaking behind the seal. After visiting the property, they were pleased to hear I could help and happily accepted our quote which was based around a days work and some materials. Firstly, I cleaned the grout using a Tile Doctor product called Duo Clean which is designed to tackle dirty grout and mould. I sprayed the product along all the grout lines and left it to soak in for about fifteen minutes. Once ready I brushed them with a firm wire brush then rinsed off with water. Next, I cleaned the tiles using a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which was decanted into a spray bottle and sprayed onto the wall tiles. After ten minutes I then used a handheld buffing machine fitted with a small white buffing pad to shift the dirt and buff up the white tiles. After rinsing the slurry off with water you could see a marked improvement. I hand dried the tile and grout with a cloth and then set about stripping out the old white mastic sealer with a sharp knife. This took some time, as you have to be careful not to scratch the bath or the tile. By this time the grout had dried off fully and I was able to see if more work was required. To achieve a uniform colour throughout. Mould and some cleaning products can discolour grout permanently and, in this case, there was some grout staining I was unable to remove. We had discussed this possibility earlier and how it would be best resolved using a white grout colourant. So, I carefully applied Tile Doctor Grout Colour which is painted on with a small brush with any excess wiped off the tile before it can set. This resulted in a uniform white grout throughout and really gave the whole bathroom a lift. With the cleaning process completed I applied a new white mastic between the bath and tile and along the verticals. This is done with the bath filled with water and then left for 24 hours to allow the silicone to fully cure. After the grout colour had dried, I applied an aerosol Tile and Grout sealer over the whole surface and then lightly polished off any excess with a clean cloth. This does two things; one it adds a further layer of protection to the new grout colour and to the surface of the tiles. Secondly Ceramic tiles are non-porous, but bacterial dirt can still get a grip on the surface, with the sealer in place you will find water quickly runs off without getting a chance to get a hold. Sealers do wear off, so I recommended re-applying it every year. I had plenty left over and gave it to the customer when I finished using it. For regular cleaning of tiled shower areas, I recommend they use Tile Doctor Aqua-Pro this will neutralise any acid build-up caused by acidic shampoos etc. West Surrey Tile Doctor Rupert Mcleod

Lester O'Malley
Example of a mid-sized classic master beige tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile alcove bathtub design in Orange County with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, a two-piece toilet and beige walls

Took an old outdated bathroom and turned it into this sleek, bright bathroom. Notice all the natural light and clean lines.
Example of a mid-sized trendy master white tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile freestanding bathtub design in Nashville with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, concrete countertops, a one-piece toilet and white walls