Search results for "Business courses" in Home Design Ideas

The Home
While looking for space where their active family could expand, these homeowners turned to Black Forest, with trees that remind them of their Indiana years. A stunning Pikes Peak view underscores how fortunate they are to live in Colorado. This home features classic nods to the owner’s French heritage while embracing a thoroughly of-the-moment Colorado lifestyle. Priorities for these homeowners included blending outdoor and indoor spaces wherever possible with generously proportioned windows and doors, porches, patios and balconies.
A gracious lime-washed brick entry punctuates a simplified white stucco and black-frame-windowed exterior with traditional
rooflines. Dramatic open spaces on the main floor comfortably accommodate the everyday activities of this busy family of four, while
providing for welcomed visits from family and friends. A functional, open kitchen is designed for serious cooking, a butler’s pantry for
staples, and serveware storage and dining spaces that effortlessly host after-school snacking to multi-course meals. A main-level,
Peak-view office comfortably supports working at home, complete with a beer cave and tasting nook for hosting fellow aficionados
after work is done. Guests will find comfort and privacy in a ma in-level guestroom suite or sleepover fun in the built-in bunks of the
expansive over-garage bonus room.
This home is a true collaboration that blends the homeowner’s long-held vision of their ideal home brought to life by the builder’s vision
and design/build process that achieves something truly…Warm and welcoming in the Forest.
The Builder
Stauffer & Sons Construction is a true Design-Build team creating some of the finest living spaces in the Pikes Peak region for over twenty years. We’ve developed an easy point-of-entry to the Design-Build process that begins with our very popular Conceptual Design and Budgeting Agreement. This affordable, low-commitment step provides answers to the early-stage questions of “what and how much?” With this critical information in place, a robust collaboration between client and builder ensues, resulting in a thoughtfully designed home that strikes a balance between size and scope and budget.
The Interior Design
Family, friends and soon-to-be friends are welcomed into this updated version of a French country farmhouse through a bricked archway and a solid arch-top entry door. Once inside, a sweeping gallery of windows adorned with flower-filled window boxes sets a nice foreground to the ponderosa pine forest. A great room with a two-story, lime-washed, brick fireplace sits juxtaposed to a cozy farm-styled kitchen with large island, plenty of storage and a Pikes Peak view. This family home features a simple, clean design with warm, wooden beams and solid, white-oak flooring. This home is designed to be lived in. Wherever you go, downstairs, upstairs or out on the porch, this home wraps around you and is a delightful place to enjoy.

"White with subtle hints of gray. This piece invites you to float on a cotton cloud as it gently glides across the horizon. Experience the infinite beauty of the sky from this once in a lifetime vantage point."

Complete redesign of this traditional golf course estate to create a tropical paradise with glitz and glam. The client's quirky personality is displayed throughout the residence through contemporary elements and modern art pieces that are blended with traditional architectural features. Gold and brass finishings were used to convey their sparkling charm. And, tactile fabrics were chosen to accent each space so that visitors will keep their hands busy. The outdoor space was transformed into a tropical resort complete with kitchen, dining area and orchid filled pool space with waterfalls.
Find the right local pro for your project

Rob Fisher, principal, and builder, has built new homes in the Northern Virginia area for almost 25 years. He has overseen the design, development, construction, and customer satisfaction of some of the most exclusive communities and reputable builders in the area. He began his career with Foley Custom Homes in Vienna, VA before moving on to serve as a supervisor for NVR. In 1986 he joined A&A Partnership in Alexandria, Virginia. As Construction Manager, he was responsible for Harborside, a waterfront community of luxury townhouses in the heart of Old Town. In 1994 Rob joined Pulte Homes to open StoneRidge Builders, a division of Pulte Homes offering high end, semi-custom homes to the Mid Atlantic market. Under StoneRidge Builders, Rob oversaw such notable projects as McLean Hundred (McLean); Ashgrove Plantation & Clarks Crossing (Vienna); and Timberlake and Windsong Estates (Oakton).
Rob led Pulte’s efforts in establishing themselves as the undisputed leader in customer satisfaction. During his tenure as Vice President of Customer Relations for the Mid-Atlantic Region, Pulte won an unprecedented five JD Power and Associates New Home Customer Satisfaction Awards. The experiences and lessons learned in building some of the most exclusive projects in Northern Virginia, while creating an industry benchmark in customer satisfaction, helped create the foundation upon which Fisher Custom Homes was established.
In 2010, Rob decided to turn his passion for building homes into a personal business, and Fisher Custom Homes was born. Over the course of the last several years, Rob has worked diligently to establish himself as one of the most prestigious and sought-after custom home builders in the Vienna, VA and surrounding areas. Rob’s quality, attention to detail and personal touch has earned him a reputation as the ‘builder of choice’ among his peers, his homeowners, and prospective buyers.

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours, Inc.
Welcome to Sugarloaf Country Club in Duluth, Georgia
Sugarloaf Country Club is located in prestigious Duluth, Georgia in the heart of Gwinnett County's business and entertainment district. This exquisite gated Country Club community is comprised of an eclectic mix of elegant European Luxury and Executive Estate homes that take inspiration from its deep Southern and equestrian roots. Sugarloaf is minutes from I-85, approximately 40 miles outside of downtown Atlanta.
Anchoring the community is the acclaimed 27 - Hole, Greg Norman designed TPC at Sugarloaf Golf Club. The Antebellum inspired Clubhouse includes fine dining facilities and the course has played host to a number of major professional tournaments. Sugarloaf features a generous mix of up-scale amenities beginning with the Southern charm of the community Sports Center. The center includes fitness and aerobic facilities as well as an impressive professional Tennis complex comprised of a mixture of 14 Hard and Clay courts. Rounding out the amenity offerings are 3 pools, including an Olympic sized competition Pool and Kids pool complete with its own adjacent Waterslide.
Sugarloaf Country Club Amenities:
24 Hour Gated Community
27 - Hole Greg Norman designed TPC Private Membership Golf Club
60, 000 sq ft Southern Classic designed Golf Clubhouse
Fine Dining facilities
Golf Pro Shop
3 Private neighborhood Lakes
14 Tennis Courts (8 - Hard) (6 - Clay)
Tennis Pavilion
Family Fitness and Aerobic Sports Center
Kids Activity Center
Olympic Competition Swimming Pool
Adults Only Leisure Pool
Interactive Kids Pool
Kids Waterslide
Kids Playground area
** HOA Fees - $2,200/annual
** All information and fees subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed

Challenges with your backyard space? Yeah, that's no problem for us. In this space, the deck could not be attached to the house because of the way this turn-of-the-century home was built. The house is 100 years old and the basement door is right in the middle of the back of the house, preventing an attached deck. Another big challenge on this space was that the lot sloped up the hill and away from the house. So what did we do? We excavated and put in retaining walls and build it into the side of the hill, while maintaining integrity of the backyard space and driveway. The homeowners wanted their outdoor space on the same level as the play area with swingset so that they could watch the kids while they relax. Nailed it!
A little bit about us…
Deck Remodeler’s Founder and President, Sean McAleer, grew up in his father’s architectural woodworking shop and mastered his craft as a third-generation carpenter and cabinet maker organically. While others adopted the craft, Sean was born in to it. Building a business using the skills he learned and perfected over the years…it’s in his DNA. With 30+ years of experience, he adapted and developed a palette of materials and methods for outdoor living that few can match, though many have tried to copy. Bringing his love of designing and building beautiful things inside the home to the outside spaces with all the challenges that presents has been his passion for decades.
While Sean is certainly the visionary of Deck Remodelers, his talented and dedicated team ensures every project, big or small, is designed and built seamlessly. Our team includes in-house certified designers, architects, project management team, operations director, and of course, our highly skilled craftsmen in the field that bring it all to life.
What also sets Deck Remodeler’s apart is the experience of working with a full team of passionate professionals. All communication between customers, office staff and workers in the field is done through the real time system, allowing us to stream-line our projects. Customers are kept up to date through our system, and never have to wonder the status of their project – stream-lined communication is a huge priority for us.
With 60+ National Design Awards, there’s a reason Deck Remodelers is the MOST awarded deck builder in North America. Regardless of the deck and features, when Deck Remodelers builds your outdoor dream space, it is far from ordinary. Large or small, full features or basic, the design, quality and craftmanship is second to none. You not only get beautiful results, but a company that stands behind its work. We believe it is critical to use quality materials and employ highly trained and certified crew members that assure that quality in every aspect is second to none for our discerning clients.
Serving NJ, NY, & CT we’ve got you covered! If you are looking for a modern, traditional, or transitional custom builder to design& build you your perfect backyard space , call the experts at Deck Remodelers for your free virtual consultation! 973.729.2125

Rob Fisher, principal, and builder, has built new homes in the Northern Virginia area for almost 25 years. He has overseen the design, development, construction, and customer satisfaction of some of the most exclusive communities and reputable builders in the area. He began his career with Foley Custom Homes in Vienna, VA before moving on to serve as a supervisor for NVR. In 1986 he joined A&A Partnership in Alexandria, Virginia. As Construction Manager, he was responsible for Harborside, a waterfront community of luxury townhouses in the heart of Old Town. In 1994 Rob joined Pulte Homes to open StoneRidge Builders, a division of Pulte Homes offering high end, semi-custom homes to the Mid Atlantic market. Under StoneRidge Builders, Rob oversaw such notable projects as McLean Hundred (McLean); Ashgrove Plantation & Clarks Crossing (Vienna); and Timberlake and Windsong Estates (Oakton).
Rob led Pulte’s efforts in establishing themselves as the undisputed leader in customer satisfaction. During his tenure as Vice President of Customer Relations for the Mid-Atlantic Region, Pulte won an unprecedented five JD Power and Associates New Home Customer Satisfaction Awards. The experiences and lessons learned in building some of the most exclusive projects in Northern Virginia, while creating an industry benchmark in customer satisfaction, helped create the foundation upon which Fisher Custom Homes was established.
In 2010, Rob decided to turn his passion for building homes into a personal business, and Fisher Custom Homes was born. Over the course of the last several years, Rob has worked diligently to establish himself as one of the most prestigious and sought-after custom home builders in the Vienna, VA and surrounding areas. Rob’s quality, attention to detail and personal touch has earned him a reputation as the ‘builder of choice’ among his peers, his homeowners, and prospective buyers.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

The only popcorn left in this place is "Fishers Popcorn"!
The first order of business - eliminate the caked on popcorn walls and ceiling, no easy task! Second - design a functional eat-in kitchen with what little wall space was available. Third - Lighting! It was important to have more cabinet storage, trash can pull out, an actual silverware drawer and of course a coffee bar. To keep it budget friendly I kept the existing refrigerator and dishwasher and replaced the bulky range and micro hood with a peninsula configuration. I decided to use copper lighting and accents as opposed to the predictable silver or gold. I think it really pops off the harbor blue cabinets and gives a subtle, feminine, mermaid feel. To top this kitchen off right, a scale tile backsplash and Quartz Borghini countertops with waterfalls were installed.
Backsplash/Counters: American Granite, Bishopville, MD
Photography: Ricky Johnson, Fenwick Island, DE
Dining Set/Sleeper Sofa: Casual Designs Furniture, Heidi Rae Ocean City, MD

This Tapia Construction & Restoration Project presents all the hallmarks of an estate with its grand main home, guest house, pool, and formal grounds of over one acre. Just completed by Tapia Construction, the home is reminiscent of a sophisticated East Coast manor with its cedar shingled exterior and ebony shutters. Inside, a classic neutral color palette and traditional design elements are replicated in every room -- beautifully detailed ceilings, crisp white custom millwork, and lavish use of honed Calacatta Oro marble.
The three-level main residence is magnificently appointed with everything needed for luxurious comfortable living, including a theatre, fitness center, steam shower, and wine cellar. There are 5 spacious bedrooms, each with en-suite bath, plus a wonderful 1-bedroom guest house also perfect for extended family, an au pair, or entertaining. A pool, fire pit, and vast terrace highlight the rear grounds for outdoor enjoyment, all surrounded by beautifully manicured lawn, a parterre rose garden, and the privacy afforded by a gated entrance. Topping it all off is the home's close proximity to fine dining and shopping, Stanford University, and all of Silicon Valley.
Located in the heart of the Peninsula, Tapia Construction and Restoration provide all aspects of construction services throughout the Bay Area. TCR was founded in December 2008 with the intent to start a privately owned company, without the corporate agenda, that provide its customers the highest level of service and product with the personal touch of a family based business. Owner David Tapia began his career in the mid 1970's under the guidance of some of San Francisco's leading construction industry professionals. It was their passion, guidance, and instruction that helped David identify his calling. In the 80's David spent the majority of his time with Lombardi Construction where he developed relationships with clients, subcontractors, and vendors, as well as providing him with the knowledge proven valuable over the course of his career. David has pursued certifications in plumbing, electrical, structural, carpentry/frame/fit/finish programs and is a certified safety professional. Confidence in this extensive experience and expertise coupled with his growing family, made the move to independent contractor a natural one. With years of experience and impeccable attention to detail TCR provides clients with an investment to projects and exceptional customer service. We would like to welcome you to the TCR family and invite you to share our vision of "Building the future- Restoring the past."

Our client sought to modernize their classic 1970s home while preserving its original charm. This full-home renovation prioritized openness and functionality. We transformed the kitchen into a bright, welcoming space, leveled the sunken living room to expand the living area, and designed seamless indoor-outdoor connections to showcase breathtaking south-west facing golf course & ocean views. The result? A beautifully updated home that harmonizes mid-century character with contemporary comfort.
The architecture was fun to work with, featuring dramatic roof pitches, a striking two-story double-sided fireplace, and thoughtfully designed room-to-room connections. Strategic wall cutouts and varying floor levels added interest and character, making this home a truly unique and dynamic space.
The kitchen connects to the exterior, dining room, and living room, and features a peninsula and a cozy morning nook for gathering. Thoughtful flow was essential for this busy space, creating distinct yet harmonious spaces to enjoy throughout the home.
Texture was thoughtfully incorporated using natural materials, including quartzite with cloud-like movement, woven light fixtures, and high-variation ceramic tile. The oak flooring, rich with knots and striking grain patterns, adds warmth and character to the space.

The Home
While looking for space where their active family could expand, these homeowners turned to Black Forest, with trees that remind them of their Indiana years. A stunning Pikes Peak view underscores how fortunate they are to live in Colorado. This home features classic nods to the owner’s French heritage while embracing a thoroughly of-the-moment Colorado lifestyle. Priorities for these homeowners included blending outdoor and indoor spaces wherever possible with generously proportioned windows and doors, porches, patios and balconies.
A gracious lime-washed brick entry punctuates a simplified white stucco and black-frame-windowed exterior with traditional
rooflines. Dramatic open spaces on the main floor comfortably accommodate the everyday activities of this busy family of four, while
providing for welcomed visits from family and friends. A functional, open kitchen is designed for serious cooking, a butler’s pantry for
staples, and serveware storage and dining spaces that effortlessly host after-school snacking to multi-course meals. A main-level,
Peak-view office comfortably supports working at home, complete with a beer cave and tasting nook for hosting fellow aficionados
after work is done. Guests will find comfort and privacy in a ma in-level guestroom suite or sleepover fun in the built-in bunks of the
expansive over-garage bonus room.
This home is a true collaboration that blends the homeowner’s long-held vision of their ideal home brought to life by the builder’s vision
and design/build process that achieves something truly…Warm and welcoming in the Forest.
The Builder
Stauffer & Sons Construction is a true Design-Build team creating some of the finest living spaces in the Pikes Peak region for over twenty years. We’ve developed an easy point-of-entry to the Design-Build process that begins with our very popular Conceptual Design and Budgeting Agreement. This affordable, low-commitment step provides answers to the early-stage questions of “what and how much?” With this critical information in place, a robust collaboration between client and builder ensues, resulting in a thoughtfully designed home that strikes a balance between size and scope and budget.
The Interior Design
Family, friends and soon-to-be friends are welcomed into this updated version of a French country farmhouse through a bricked archway and a solid arch-top entry door. Once inside, a sweeping gallery of windows adorned with flower-filled window boxes sets a nice foreground to the ponderosa pine forest. A great room with a two-story, lime-washed, brick fireplace sits juxtaposed to a cozy farm-styled kitchen with large island, plenty of storage and a Pikes Peak view. This family home features a simple, clean design with warm, wooden beams and solid, white-oak flooring. This home is designed to be lived in. Wherever you go, downstairs, upstairs or out on the porch, this home wraps around you and is a delightful place to enjoy.

The Quarry Mill's Evanston real thin stone veneer adds classic character to the exterior of this beautiful home. Evanston is a classic blend of natural thin cut Wisconsin limestone that has been a favorite product for decades. The stone is a classic option due to its timeless and recognizable limestone colors in shades of gold and grey. The tones are neutral and liked by designers as they are not busy or distracting on large scale applications. Evanston’s ashlar style stones consist of familiar grey split face pieces mixed with gold jumpers. The larger gold pieces are called jumpers because on the finished wall they jump up a course or two compared to the stones around them. This type of installation is a common and comfortable masonry style.

The only popcorn left in this place is "Fishers Popcorn"!
The first order of business - eliminate the caked on popcorn walls and ceiling, no easy task! Second - design a functional eat-in kitchen with what little wall space was available. Third - Lighting! It was important to have more cabinet storage, trash can pull out, an actual silverware drawer and of course a coffee bar. To keep it budget friendly I kept the existing refrigerator and dishwasher and replaced the bulky range and micro hood with a peninsula configuration. I decided to use copper lighting and accents as opposed to the predictable silver or gold. I think it really pops off the harbor blue cabinets and gives a subtle, feminine, mermaid feel. To top this kitchen off right, a scale tile backsplash and Quartz Borghini countertops with waterfalls were installed.
Backsplash/Counters: American Granite, Bishopville, MD
Photography: Ricky Johnson, Fenwick Island, DE
Dining Set/Sleeper Sofa: Casual Designs Furniture, Heidi Rae Ocean City, MD

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

This Tapia Construction & Restoration Project presents all the hallmarks of an estate with its grand main home, guest house, pool, and formal grounds of over one acre. Just completed by Tapia Construction, the home is reminiscent of a sophisticated East Coast manor with its cedar shingled exterior and ebony shutters. Inside, a classic neutral color palette and traditional design elements are replicated in every room -- beautifully detailed ceilings, crisp white custom millwork, and lavish use of honed Calacatta Oro marble.
The three-level main residence is magnificently appointed with everything needed for luxurious comfortable living, including a theatre, fitness center, steam shower, and wine cellar. There are 5 spacious bedrooms, each with en-suite bath, plus a wonderful 1-bedroom guest house also perfect for extended family, an au pair, or entertaining. A pool, fire pit, and vast terrace highlight the rear grounds for outdoor enjoyment, all surrounded by beautifully manicured lawn, a parterre rose garden, and the privacy afforded by a gated entrance. Topping it all off is the home's close proximity to fine dining and shopping, Stanford University, and all of Silicon Valley.
Located in the heart of the Peninsula, Tapia Construction and Restoration provide all aspects of construction services throughout the Bay Area. TCR was founded in December 2008 with the intent to start a privately owned company, without the corporate agenda, that provide its customers the highest level of service and product with the personal touch of a family based business. Owner David Tapia began his career in the mid 1970's under the guidance of some of San Francisco's leading construction industry professionals. It was their passion, guidance, and instruction that helped David identify his calling. In the 80's David spent the majority of his time with Lombardi Construction where he developed relationships with clients, subcontractors, and vendors, as well as providing him with the knowledge proven valuable over the course of his career. David has pursued certifications in plumbing, electrical, structural, carpentry/frame/fit/finish programs and is a certified safety professional. Confidence in this extensive experience and expertise coupled with his growing family, made the move to independent contractor a natural one. With years of experience and impeccable attention to detail TCR provides clients with an investment to projects and exceptional customer service. We would like to welcome you to the TCR family and invite you to share our vision of "Building the future- Restoring the past."

This Tapia Construction & Restoration Project presents all the hallmarks of an estate with its grand main home, guest house, pool, and formal grounds of over one acre. Just completed by Tapia Construction, the home is reminiscent of a sophisticated East Coast manor with its cedar shingled exterior and ebony shutters. Inside, a classic neutral color palette and traditional design elements are replicated in every room -- beautifully detailed ceilings, crisp white custom millwork, and lavish use of honed Calacatta Oro marble.
The three-level main residence is magnificently appointed with everything needed for luxurious comfortable living, including a theatre, fitness center, steam shower, and wine cellar. There are 5 spacious bedrooms, each with en-suite bath, plus a wonderful 1-bedroom guest house also perfect for extended family, an au pair, or entertaining. A pool, fire pit, and vast terrace highlight the rear grounds for outdoor enjoyment, all surrounded by beautifully manicured lawn, a parterre rose garden, and the privacy afforded by a gated entrance. Topping it all off is the home's close proximity to fine dining and shopping, Stanford University, and all of Silicon Valley.
Located in the heart of the Peninsula, Tapia Construction and Restoration provide all aspects of construction services throughout the Bay Area. TCR was founded in December 2008 with the intent to start a privately owned company, without the corporate agenda, that provide its customers the highest level of service and product with the personal touch of a family based business. Owner David Tapia began his career in the mid 1970's under the guidance of some of San Francisco's leading construction industry professionals. It was their passion, guidance, and instruction that helped David identify his calling. In the 80's David spent the majority of his time with Lombardi Construction where he developed relationships with clients, subcontractors, and vendors, as well as providing him with the knowledge proven valuable over the course of his career. David has pursued certifications in plumbing, electrical, structural, carpentry/frame/fit/finish programs and is a certified safety professional. Confidence in this extensive experience and expertise coupled with his growing family, made the move to independent contractor a natural one. With years of experience and impeccable attention to detail TCR provides clients with an investment to projects and exceptional customer service. We would like to welcome you to the TCR family and invite you to share our vision of "Building the future- Restoring the past."

This main floor renovation was completed over the course of a year and focused on creating a more open, connected layout for a busy Kleinburg family of four and their two dogs, who love to entertain. The previous floor plan made gatherings feel segmented, so improving flow and functionality was key.
The renovation included a new staircase, reconfigured walls, a custom kitchen, and a striking new fireplace feature wall. The clients wanted to transition from their traditional aesthetic to a timeless, transitional design that feels fresh yet classic.
Natural materials and soft, earthy tones were incorporated throughout, including in the redesigned bathrooms, to maintain a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. The result is a warm, functional home that brings everyone together—just as our clients envisioned.

This main floor renovation was completed over the course of a year and focused on creating a more open, connected layout for a busy Kleinburg family of four and their two dogs, who love to entertain. The previous floor plan made gatherings feel segmented, so improving flow and functionality was key.
The renovation included a new staircase, reconfigured walls, a custom kitchen, and a striking new fireplace feature wall. The clients wanted to transition from their traditional aesthetic to a timeless, transitional design that feels fresh yet classic.
Natural materials and soft, earthy tones were incorporated throughout, including in the redesigned bathrooms, to maintain a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. The result is a warm, functional home that brings everyone together—just as our clients envisioned.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

My House Design/Build Team | www.myhousedesignbuild.com | 604-694-6873 | Martin Knowles Photography -----
One of the primary objectives of this renovation was to create an amazing kitchen space with lots of function and storage. We have a bright white custom kitchen, with 2 bi-fold appliance garages, double ovens, and a family sized fridge. The island is stained a peppercorn colour and houses an induction cooktop, downdraft vent, 2 spice pullouts, a mixer lift, and of course plenty of wine storage. Top it all off with a 3” mitered edge Camrbia counter top and a turquoise glass mosaic stile splash, and you have a dynamic and interesting space.

This Lady of the House took a spatially challenged master bath and had it turned into an inviting personal retreat. The original floor plan of this bathroom had a number of issues. It had awkward angles, an over sized and unused tub in disrepair as well as a dark and minuscule shower. It sported lots of wasted space, an exposed toilet and a vanity that was in a hallway. Could I, she asked, give her a larger shower, a tub she could use and more storage?
Yes, of course…
Not only did she get a beautiful and spacious glass enclosed shower and a stand alone soaker tub, she received a pair of stone topped vanities, an additional closet and a private alcove for taking care of business.

Here’s a job I completed just before Christmas last year, at a house in Northampton which has a rich history and mix of architectural styles. The run up to Christmas is always popular as people try to get their household projects finished off in time for celebrating the festive season with family so this is always a busy time for Tile Doctor.
The photos below show a neglected Victorian Quarry tiled floor in need of repair, with cracked tiles along the edges. These were caused by somebody in the past using brute force to remove carpet gripper rods which had been glued to the tiles. These cracks were present around the edges of the entire hallway, however; this particular type of tile is very hard to get hold of. Furthermore, it is a costly process to replace the tiles as the skirting boards would have had to have been removed.
As well as the physical issues the floor had a dull appearance due to the build-up of builder’s dust and the general wearing down of the paintwork over time. I agreed with the client that the best course of action would be to fill the tiles, and paint the damaged tiles using a colour that matched as close as possible. Many of my Tile Doctor colleagues would disagree with this approach opting to source the correct tile and rebuild the damaged section however unfortunately in this case we didn’t have the time or the budget.
My first action was to use a brush and vacuum to remove as much loose debris and dust as possible. I followed this by agitating the tiles with a dilution of Tile Doctor Pro Clean which is a strong alkaline product and safe to use on tile and stone. I use a combination of a coarse burnishing pad fitted to a rotary machine and hand held brushes, in order to get the floor clean. The resulting slurry was then rinsed and removed using a wet vacuum. This process was repeated twice followed by a thorough rinse to ensure any trace of cleaning agent had been removed and the floor neutralised.
As this was such an old property, I then used a steamer to heat up the tiles in order to draw out any contaminants and assist with the drying process. I installed a fan to dry the floor before starting repairs, mixing up some coloured grout and filling all holes and cracks along the edges, including the doormat area.
I allowed the coloured grout to dry overnight, before hand painting the black and Terracotta tiles. These were then given time to dry (about a couple of hours). Following this, I carefully painted in the other colours: brown and cream. The overall effect was quite convincing and you had to look very closely to notice.
Due to the fact that there were other tradesmen working in the house at the time, the floors were sheeted up to protect from additional dust and muck. I then left the house for a week, allowing the floor ample time to dry completely in preparation for sealing.
Upon my return, I took damp meter readings, and once satisfied with the dryness of the tiles, I began the sealing process with the impregnating, colour-enhancing sealer Tile Doctor Colour Grow. The sealer provides both durable surface protection and an aesthetically pleasing matte finish.
The below photos show how the product has enriched the colours with the two coats applied.
The process of restoring this wonderful Victorian Quarry tiled floor was certainly time consuming, but very rewarding. I am exceptionally pleased with the results myself, and my client couldn’t have been happier and I’m sure the newly revitalised hallway will have been a talking point for all their visitors during the Christmas break.
Phil Vissian
Northamptonshire Tile Doctor
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