Graber
Inspiration for a modern living room remodel in Other

The shower is like an in-home spa retreat complete with a regular and rainhead shower fixture plus a spray nozzle. The glass door lets in lots of light while the knee wall provides some privacy. photo by: JD

Swimming against the backdrop of a dazzling sunset is a regular occurrence for this swim spa owner. Night after night and season after season, each breathtaking view is better than the one before. And this homeowner is lucky enough to enjoy them all from his own home swim spa. Once installed, notice how he added a pergola over the pool to complete this stunning installation.

Living room - traditional living room idea in Salt Lake City

The Oakmont - built by Ivory Homes - is one of Ivory’s classic plans reinvented for the 2016 Parade of Homes. This home has an incredible exterior featuring beautiful Natural Stone and an outdoor living space complete with fabulous gardens, stunning Belgard Mega Lafitt Pavers and wall material, a custom fireplace and a soothing water feature. Stone and Pavers supplied by Beehive Brick & Stone. Installed by High Country Construction and Elite Hardscapes.

Every now and again, I get a call from a client located on the small peninsula of Sandbanks, Poole. Sandbanks, sometimes referred to as ‘Britain’s Palm Beach’, is known for its fantastic beach and high value property. My client asked me to take a look at a Travertine floor in his kitchen which was, in fact, more highly polished than he had wanted. The polished finish had worn off the travertine tiles where they had been walked on, leaving a dull trackway running down the centre of the kitchen. With its distinct characteristics, travertine is a popular choice for kitchen flooring, although it is also quite often used in bathrooms. In any case Travertine tiles will need regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. Unfortunately, the kitchen floor must have experienced some sort of settlement or shrinkage as a long crack has appeared, which ran along the same line as the dull trackway. It is not uncommon for Travertine tiles to crack due to wear over time, or even bad fitting in some cases. While the exact cause of the crack was unclear, the homeowner concluded that the floor was certainly in need of restoration. Repairing a crack in a Travertine tiled floor Replacing the Travertine tiles was not an option due to a lack of spare tiles, so I opted instead to fill the crack in the floor using Harbro Stone Filler, an epoxy stone filler, matching the colour of the tile as closely as possible. I left this to set, before sanding down the excess filler. My next action was to use a set of Tile Doctor Diamond burnishing pads to sand out any scratches and restore a more even shine to the floor, as per the client’s request. For polished stone, I recommend using a set of four burnishing pads applied in order: Coarse, Medium, Fine, and Very Fine. I used these one after the other with a little water to lubricate and restore the surface polish to the desired level. Sealing a Travertine tiled floor The next day, I returned to seal the floor with a couple of coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow sealer. Colour Grow is a colour enhancing, impregnating sealer which penetrates deeply into the pores of the stone, thereby preventing dirt from becoming ingrained within. This particular sealer also enhances the natural colours within the Travertine tile, whilst also providing long term durable protection. Although the crack could not be made to disappear completely, its appearance was much improved. The customer was also very pleased with the long-lasting lower sheen provided, describing it as “the finish I had wanted in the first place when the tiles were fitted”.

Our clients approached us to renovate their loved family home. The Main Floor needed a fresh update, and better functionality and storage to fit the needs of their growing family. The existing Kitchen felt closed off from the rest of the Main Floor, and the layout did not allow for enough countertop or storage space. Each of their Bathrooms also needed an update and better storage. Due to a previously bad experience with another contractor previously, it was important for our clients to work with a contractor who they could build trust with, and feel respected by and comfortable with. Using space from an extra stairway in the side entry of the house, we were able to create a spacious mudroom, perfect for taking a seat to put on or take off coats and boots, and unique, hidden storage for seasonal and outdoor items. We were able to create a more open concept Main Floor, by removing the walls between the Kitchen and Family Room. This allowed for a larger, more functional Kitchen. The new Kitchen is bright and welcoming with white quartz countertops that run seamlessly into a matching backsplash. Beautiful white cabinetry is complemented by brushed bronze pulls and faucets, and durable, contemporary flooring. We transformed the Kitchen and Family Room areas with a vaulted ceiling, and a repaired and modernized Kitchen skylight. We also integrated a patio door entrance, which combined with both sloped and flat sections of the vaulted ceiling, proved to be quite a challenge! This project involved skilled welding, roofing, and structural work, and it was important to maintain the structural integrity of the ceiling. As any mistakes could result in serious issues, communication between everyone involved was key! Regular team meetings, updates on progress, and addressing concerns promptly kept everyone on the same page and avoided misunderstandings. In the end, the raised ceiling, skylight, and patio door were well worth the work, as together they enhanced the airiness and visual spaciousness of the space. On the Second Floor, we created a larger Master Ensuite by borrowing room from existing closet space. This allowed for a spacious walk-in shower, and separate bathtub. A prefabricated stylish vanity not only adds a pop of colour, but also provides plenty of useful storage. New marble tiling on the floor extends to the wall behind the bathtub, creating a luxurious accent wall. The Shared Bathroom was updated to include a new walk-in shower, and a separate bathtub, surrounded by modern geometric wall tiles. The removal of popcorn ceilings, an updated the Front Door, and a refinished Main Staircase with metal railings completed tying the home together, creating a fresh, updated space that this family can enjoy for years to come.

The irregular shape and rough surface of Stone Design helps you create complete rustic interiors, or only a accent wall. Vary with the grout color to match the stone or the color of the fireplace. Stone Design indoor wall decoration panels are made of high quality and durable gypsum. Stone Design is durable, and does not discolor. The subtle variations in color and shape gives your indoor wall that real stone look. The light weight panels are easy to install with either a regular thin set mortar (tile adhesive), a molding construction adhesive or a drywall adhesive. After treatment with a plaster sealer this stone is more easy to keep clean.

Our clients approached us to renovate their loved family home. The Main Floor needed a fresh update, and better functionality and storage to fit the needs of their growing family. The existing Kitchen felt closed off from the rest of the Main Floor, and the layout did not allow for enough countertop or storage space. Each of their Bathrooms also needed an update and better storage. Due to a previously bad experience with another contractor previously, it was important for our clients to work with a contractor who they could build trust with, and feel respected by and comfortable with. Using space from an extra stairway in the side entry of the house, we were able to create a spacious mudroom, perfect for taking a seat to put on or take off coats and boots, and unique, hidden storage for seasonal and outdoor items. We were able to create a more open concept Main Floor, by removing the walls between the Kitchen and Family Room. This allowed for a larger, more functional Kitchen. The new Kitchen is bright and welcoming with white quartz countertops that run seamlessly into a matching backsplash. Beautiful white cabinetry is complemented by brushed bronze pulls and faucets, and durable, contemporary flooring. We transformed the Kitchen and Family Room areas with a vaulted ceiling, and a repaired and modernized Kitchen skylight. We also integrated a patio door entrance, which combined with both sloped and flat sections of the vaulted ceiling, proved to be quite a challenge! This project involved skilled welding, roofing, and structural work, and it was important to maintain the structural integrity of the ceiling. As any mistakes could result in serious issues, communication between everyone involved was key! Regular team meetings, updates on progress, and addressing concerns promptly kept everyone on the same page and avoided misunderstandings. In the end, the raised ceiling, skylight, and patio door were well worth the work, as together they enhanced the airiness and visual spaciousness of the space. On the Second Floor, we created a larger Master Ensuite by borrowing room from existing closet space. This allowed for a spacious walk-in shower, and separate bathtub. A prefabricated stylish vanity not only adds a pop of colour, but also provides plenty of useful storage. New marble tiling on the floor extends to the wall behind the bathtub, creating a luxurious accent wall. The Shared Bathroom was updated to include a new walk-in shower, and a separate bathtub, surrounded by modern geometric wall tiles. The removal of popcorn ceilings, an updated the Front Door, and a refinished Main Staircase with metal railings completed tying the home together, creating a fresh, updated space that this family can enjoy for years to come.

This kitchen was completely renovated to create a bright white space of culinary inspiration for a homeowner who loves to cook and is trained in traditional french cuisine... loaded with convenient functionality and classic yet timeless design... we think it turned out quite 'Nice' photography: Paul Grdina

There are 97 leaf tile tiles in 1 m2. The product size is 9cmx15 cmx 1cm. The back side is matt-based and serrated, the front side is glazed and glossy polished. Leaf Çini ceramic tile features are a dimension that expresses the structure as a multi-colored color with the tile tiles decorations. - Material made of ceramic material. Tiles are converted into water and cleaning materials. - Decorating the leaf tile tile for many years. Color and pattern do not exist. - Water and moisture clean thanks to the glossy glazed polished. - It does not form mold. - In places where Leaf Tile tiles are used, we breathe cool and warm in summer. - Figure the days of sound waves taking advantage of the reflective feature of the days in the regions caused by Leafy Tiles. - Kütahya tiles are against the sun, wind and exterior. - Leaf Tiles and easy to use. - Kütahya and Iznik patterned shaped tile tile models and prices are the most suitable examples. It is used between countertops in kitchens. Ceramic-based hexagons are suitable for use as wall tiles in bathrooms. Production is made in pools, flooring, pool interior flooring, design design and design. For floor tiles, it can be designed to be comprehensive in detail to floor tiles. Leaf Tile Tile Application First of all, the area to be applied should be flat, if not, it should be corrected. Thin plaster should be applied to the area. Cement-based adhesive mortar should be used as adhesive mortar. The adhesive mortar is applied to the surface to be applied regularly and evenly with a fine notched trowel. Kütahya and İznik patterned tile tiles are placed on the surface to be laid. For non-slip and a flat application, you can press on it using a spirit level or wedge. It is an important issue that the Kütahya and Iznik tiles with Ottoman and Seljuk motifs complement each other. After bonding the tile tiles to the surface, the grouting is ready for application. Normally, tiles are laid without joints. After the grouting material is prepared in accordance with the instructions, it is applied on the tile tiles. We recommend that you prefer antibacterial grouts, especially for patterned tile ceramic tiles that you will apply in your kitchens and bathrooms. After the joint application, the excess joints remaining on the tiles whose flooring has been completed are removed by wiping them with a wet sponge. Please note that international buyers are responsible for any duties/customs charges and import taxes associated with shipping to their respective countries. These fees are calculated and imposed by your country when the item arrives in the country.

Renovation is stressful. Wouldn’t it be nice to let someone else oversee product selections, manage day-to-day issues, and bring your project to a successful completion? The owners of a two-family in Arlington recently did just that, flying off to Florida just as we began renovating their first floor unit. Of course, before they left we thoroughly discussed all aspects of the work order, which included renovating the kitchen and bathroom, painting the bedroom, and adding a laundry closet. We reviewed color and material selections, and set up a schedule for regular briefings. A handful of issues did come up. But because we had planned ahead, we were able to resolve them with very little stress for our clients. For instance, the client had chosen a bright yellow paint color for the kitchen walls, but once the new cabinets, countertop, and flooring had been installed, it was clear that yellow would clash. We suggested a more complementary Benjamin Moore Lancaster Whitewash shade instead. In the bathroom, the clients had selected a deep inset mirrored medicine cabinet. But when the wall behind the vanity was opened, it revealed a pipe running up the wall, too close for the inset model. In this small space, a bump-out medicine cabinet would be awkward, so instead we placed a mirror over the sink and two smaller inset cabinets on either side – a solution that pleased the homeowners, who now have his-and-hers storage spaces. Finally, the homeowners had resigned themselves to the fact that the laundry closet would be too small for storing detergent and other needs. However once the units were in place, we realized that a small custom shelf could be built and had it installed to the delight of the homeowners. Photo by Shelly Harrison

To create the master suite this home owner dreamed of, we moved a few walls, and a lot of doors and windows. Essentially half the house went under construction. Within the same footprint we created a larger master bathroom, walk in closet, and guest room while retaining the same number of bedrooms. The second room became smaller but officially became a bedroom with a closet and more functional layout. What you don’t see in the finished pictures is a new utility room that had to be built downstairs in the garage to service the new plumbing and heating. All those black bathroom fixtures are Kohler and the tile is from Ann Sacks. The stunning grey tile is Andy Fleishman and the grout not only fills in the separations but defines the white design in the tile. This time-intensive process meant the tiles had to be sealed before install and twice after. All the black framed windows are by Anderson Woodright series and have a classic 3 light over 0 light sashes. The doors are true sealer panels with a classic trim, as well as thicker head casings and a top cap. We moved the master bathroom to the side of the house where it could take advantage of the windows. In the master bathroom in addition to the ann sacks tile on the floor, some of the tile was laid out in a way that made it feel like one sheet with almost no space in between. We found more storage in the master by putting it in the knee wall and bench seat. The master shower also has a rain head as well as a regular shower head that can be used separately or together. The second bathroom has a unique tub completely encased in grey quartz stone with a clever mitered edge to minimize grout lines. It also has a larger window to brighten up the bathroom and add some drama.

We had a blast helping Alex & Bailey with their kitchen remodeling project. They were looking to update their dated kitchen into a modern and sleek one, and adding features to increase functionality. Here are some of the items they had us complete for the kitchen remodel: - Installed new Sollid white shaker cabinets to provide more storage and give a clean & elegant look. - Built a long rectangle shaped island with a single-level countertop. - Installed 3 pendant lights above the island and 2 new faux wood beams to tie in with the new tile flooring. - Removed the old appliances and installed 4 regular appliances. - Installed new flooring called Lucia Miele 6x36" Glazed Porcelain. They picked Monte Cristo Satin countertops from Arizona Tile, which ties in great with the rest of the space. They chose Paloma Cotton Bevel Gloss 3X6" ceramic tile to add a beautiful backsplash in the herringbone pattern.

One frustrating thing about tree infections and diseases is that they are virtually completely unpredictable. It is essential to understand all the different types of risks and causes that can contribute to these issues in an attempt to understand how you can try and prevent and manage these things when they happen. Five Star Tree Services is going to go over the reasons as to how and why your trees can develop these certain issues. Since there are so many different causes behind why a tree’s development might be interrupted, first think of them as two different categories you can split them into; non-living factors or abiotic, and living factors or biotic. We also want to note that it is possible for more than one factor to affect a tree’s health and development at any given time. You can also make a distinction between primary pests and secondary pests. The primary pests exert a serious influence on the tree’s immediate survival. Whereas secondary pests have a less significant influence on the survival of the tree. The only time they will jeopardize a tree’s survival is if the tree has a previous debilitating issue from another risk factor. For an individual tree’s circumstances, this will distinct the chances of an infestation, especially if it has any past debilitating issues. Which can be seen from any compromising management practices or pre-existing issues which affect the tree’s development as well as lower its resistance to infections. Poor management in planting is a very common predisposed factor that compromises a tree’s infection defense. For instance, any saplings that are pot-bound will not get to develop solid root systems which doesn’t allow them to develop properly when they eventually get planted. Another example is when a tree gets stressed, along with other outer factors, will have significant effects on the overall wellbeing of the tree and its condition. Other factors to consider are bad soil quality as well as bad drainage. Abiotic Non-Living Influences The overall health of a tree can be linked to impacts such as bad growing conditions and bad soil quality. These things will put trees at a higher risk for catching a number of different biotic issues. Sickness, infections, and infestation can all be linked to ineffective nutrient absorption when a tree has insufficiently developed its natural resistances and defenses. One of the worst factors for this is fire damage. It is so debilitating that it makes trees hopeless at defending themselves against biotic attacks. To uncover what circumstantial predispositions your tree might have due to poor developmental conditions, arborists can use the growth rings as a means of assessment for the long-term effects, wellbeing, and growth of a tree. There are many outer and non-living variables that will influence the health of a tree and if it will be predisposed to biotic infestations. Such variables can include things like extensive cold winters and long dry spells. Abiotic Common Influences Include: -Water -Chemicals -Soil Conditions -Weather -Mechanical Agents Biotic Living Influences Sometimes, you are able to notice certain infestations easily, while others can be hard to tell. For instance, seeing an insect on a tree is no cause for alarm. A lot of them are harmless to the tree and do not cause harm while they regularly feed. However, some insects are actually harmful to a tree’s survival and knowing the difference between harmless and harmful ones is what you need to notice. You might also see fungi on rotting matter or a dead tree. Fungi are not usually the immediate influence of a negative manifestation found in a tree’s development. There are other growths that can be seen living on trees. These include saprobic and pathogenic organisms. Saprobic growths are mostly found on rotting or dead tissues and pathogenic growths are less common. Some other living infestations include lichens, epiphytes, and mosses. But these don’t usually have any effect on a tree’s wellbeing. They live symbiotically together. Biotic Common Influences Include: -Mites -Deer and Rodents -Fungi -Weeds -Viruses -Parasitic Plants -Bacteria -Phytoplasmas -Insects How Five Star Tree Service Can Help It is important to know the basics to look out for when trying to prevent developmental issues or help a tree that is developing. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when helping a tree grow, flourish, and live a healthy long life. If you have any questions or concerns about your trees, contact us at Five Star Tree Services today at (416) 990-3355. We will be able to help you with all your tree related needs. Check out our website for a full list of our Tree Services in Toronto!

Photo by Jay Sifford.

Short term chic & stylish uptown studio. Your home away from home will be like staying in a luxury hotel with a 55" Samsung flat screen with sound bar, WIFI, Premium cable package,Netflix Queen size bed with Italian sheets & luxurious bedding & Writing desk Italian Valcucine kitchenette with glass counters, refrigerator/freezer drawers, wine frig, DW, counter toaster oven. microwave (not a full stove) & induction hot plate. Large spa bath with Over-sized tub,regular & hand held shower heads, black & white marble floor, white vanity with Carrera marble top. White exposed brick, 5" white oak floors , Recessed and Italian light fixtures, Walk-in closet, CAC & Shared laundry. The space is completely private and guests may access the backyard pergola for dining or fresh air. The location is outstanding! Situated on a sough after residential street and only a stones throw away from all the magic Hoboken has to offer. There is a wonderful coffee shop on the corner and we are 1/2 a block from a row of terrific restaurants, Dino & Harry's Steak House, Bin 14 wine bar, The Madison Bar & Grill & the Malibu Diner, just to name a few. The Hoboken Cove and waterfront parks are a mere 2-3 blocks. NYC & local bus on the corner, 3 blocks to the ferry & 15 minutes to the PATH.

To create the master suite this home owner dreamed of, we moved a few walls, and a lot of doors and windows. Essentially half the house went under construction. Within the same footprint we created a larger master bathroom, walk in closet, and guest room while retaining the same number of bedrooms. The second room became smaller but officially became a bedroom with a closet and more functional layout. What you don’t see in the finished pictures is a new utility room that had to be built downstairs in the garage to service the new plumbing and heating. All those black bathroom fixtures are Kohler and the tile is from Ann Sacks. The stunning grey tile is Andy Fleishman and the grout not only fills in the separations but defines the white design in the tile. This time-intensive process meant the tiles had to be sealed before install and twice after. All the black framed windows are by Anderson Woodright series and have a classic 3 light over 0 light sashes. The doors are true sealer panels with a classic trim, as well as thicker head casings and a top cap. We moved the master bathroom to the side of the house where it could take advantage of the windows. In the master bathroom in addition to the ann sacks tile on the floor, some of the tile was laid out in a way that made it feel like one sheet with almost no space in between. We found more storage in the master by putting it in the knee wall and bench seat. The master shower also has a rain head as well as a regular shower head that can be used separately or together. The second bathroom has a unique tub completely encased in grey quartz stone with a clever mitered edge to minimize grout lines. It also has a larger window to brighten up the bathroom and add some drama.

A customer from the Tunbridge Wells borough of Southborough got in touch with me regarding the renovation of their Sandstone Paved Drive and Patio. The paving surrounded the property and since all the facias had recently been renewed on the house the stone was letting the overall appearance of the property down. It had been sometime since the Sandstone had been cleaned and as you can see from the photos what was once a beautiful stone had now darkened and lost much of its natural colour. I went to the property to do a quick site visit to check what needed to be done. I worked out a quote for cleaning to the stone which was accepted and a convenient time to carry out the work was agreed. I have a very powerful high pressure cleaning system installed in my van which makes short work of cleaning stone and brick. Not only is it very effective at cleaning its designed as a closed system, so all the waste is extracted back to a large grey water tank in the van. Now you can use an everyday power washer to clean up external stone however they are not as powerful and so take much longer, also the result does not tend to be as good. It was a large area, so I approached the job in sections and started by pre-wetting the stone with water. Then I applied Tile Doctor Patio & Brick Driveway Cleaner which is a powerful outdoor cleaning solution formulated to power through patio blackspots, lichen, moss, and stains. This is a commercial product designed for professional use so if you are looking at using it yourself, please take care and use the right protection. The cleaner was left to soak into the really dirty areas whilst I focused on the cleaning the other parts of the drive and patio with the van mounted pressure washer. I was then able to return to the deeper stains later. Using a combination of the Tile Doctor Brick and Patio Cleaner along with our van mounted pressure cleaning system we were able to completely transform the properties kerb appeal. Applying a sealer now the Sandstone was clean would have improved the look of the stone further and made the patio easier to keep clean going forward; however, it was a very large area which would require a lot of sealer. Keen to keep the cost down it was agreed not to apply a sealer and instead they intend to do more regular cleaning. The patio did look in great condition following the deep cleaning and so difficult to justify at this stage. My customer was very happy with the transformed patio and the look of delight was clearly visible. It’s a great feeling when you have a happy customer and this was one of those jobs where their satisfaction was so uplifting, especially during these times. Michael Conlon South Kent TIle Doctor