These plain, simple , contemporary cabinets were made from a new material that comes from Europe. It's call a textured melamine and has a texture similar to corduroy. This particular color is called Palissendro and it comes in sheets that are approximately 81"X110". Some of the counters employ an effect called "Waterfall." Where the counter goes down to the floor on the ends. The long stainless handles lend a more contemporary, "high end" look to cabinets that are otherwise fairly inexpensive. There is also an application of free standing shelves in the kitchen that have many uses. Note how the grain flows vertically down a set of drawers. Could be horizontal just as well.

This Victorian tiled hallway at a house in the Forest of Dean had a very interesting pattern, consisting of an array of different colours, including shades of red, yellow and blue. Unfortunately, as you can see from the first photograph below, the tiles had lost all life, with the colours largely masked by months’ – or maybe even years’ – worth of ingrained dirt and muck. The floor as a whole was also suffering from a number of loose tiles that needed to be reset before it could be cleaned. The property owner was keen to employ some professional assistance to restore the appearance of the floor and prevent it from getting in an even wrote state, and so contacted Tile Doctor who have a lot of experience working with Victorian tiled floors. As mentioned, the loose tiles had to be repaired before the cleaning process could be started. I removed the tiles and extracted excess grout and old adhesive from the exposed concrete substrate using a vacuum, before putting the original tiles back into place and fixing them back into position carefully using fresh adhesive and matching grout. Once happy the replaced tiles had set, I started the process of cleaning the entire area of hallway tiles using a combination of Tile Doctor Remove and Go to strip away the old sealer and Tile Doctor NanoTech HBU (formerly Ultra Clean) remover to get the tiles as clean as possible. The latter product contains nano-sized cleaning particles (hence the name) to reach difficult areas of trapped dirt, making it more effective than your run-of-the-mill tile cleaner. These two products were scrubbed into the tiles using a rotary machine fitted with a black scrubbing pad. The floor was then rinsed with water and the soiled residue was extracted with a wet vacuum. I then paid particular attention to the grout, applying our alkaline-based multi-purpose cleaner Tile Doctor Pro-Clean to the grout lines, before scrubbing them with a narrow grout brush. This quickly had the grout looking clean again: I’d even go as far as to say that it matched it seamlessly with the fresh grout that had just been laid. With the tile and grout as clean as it was possible to get it, I gave the whole floor a final rinse to neutralise the excess chemicals. I extracted as much water as possible with a wet vacuum and left the floor to dry overnight. My first task upon returning to the property the next day was to check for any dampness. If you neglect to remove all excess moisture from the surface of the tiles before sealing it is more than likely going to cloud the sealer, rendering it less effective I’m protecting the stone against ingrained dirt and stains. Once satisfied that the floor was completely dry, I proceeded to seal the tiles using multiple costs of Tile Doctor Seal and Go. Seal and Go is what we would classify as a topical sealer, meaning it rests on the surface of the tiles to act as a durable layer of protection against all kinds of muck. While providing surface protection, Seal and Go also adds a nice subtle sheen to the tiles, as per the customer’s request. The customer was quite amazed at how quickly the appearance of the tiles had been restored. It was fantastic to see the colours we both knew were hidden in the tiles come to life once again. Another satisfied customer for sure! Paul Wales Monmouthshire Tile Doctor

When Booth Hansen’s client obtained seven acres of virgin forest on St. Joseph Island in Ontario, Canada, to build a retreat home, they intended to be good stewards of the land. They desired a series of cabins that were organized along the shoreline of Lake Huron but also which treaded lightly on the site. The design solution incorporated three black zinc clad volumes situated parallel to the water, sited to follow the natural contours of the land, and oriented to accentuate views to the surrounding area. Their dark color allows the cabins to recede into the shoreline forest, thereby intentionally diminishing the presence of the structures when viewed from the water. The cabins utilize a raised pier foundation, respecting the site by maintaining the natural topography, allowing snow melt and rainwater to drain naturally into the lake. Passive house insulation strategies were employed to allow optimal performance of the thermal envelope. Windows are aligned with one another to promote cross ventilation through the cabins as well as to frame specific views of the exterior from the inside. Operable windows located near the peak of each gabled volume allow for natural stack effect to remove heat from the cathedral ceiling volumes as well as to allow diffuse light to enter. For thermal comfort, radiant floor heating was utilized and geothermal loops were installed into the bottom of the lake to sustainably heat and cool the home. Custom zinc clad operable shutters are recessed into the walls on a concealed track to secure the building and protect the windows when it is not in use, but recede from view and provide additional insulation to the walls when open. Programming for this 4,500-square-foot group of cabins includes 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, powder room, great room, study/library and garage. A central living cabin holds the living and dining spaces and opens onto a waterfront deck. Glass bridge connectors on either side reach to two sleeping cabins. The study comprises floor to ceiling book shelves and a view across the water to the distant lighthouse, a structure that recalls fond childhood memories for our client, a well-known fiction writer. Deeper In the woods, a 1500 sf 2 level detached garage surprises and delights by housing a private dance studio on the second floor for our client’s wife, a famous flamenco dancer. Four sides of glass allow dancing among the treetops along with a view back to the water. While our clients were intrigued by the austere black zinc cladding for the exterior, on the inside of the home, a more whimsical aesthetic was desired. The earthy interior palette was pulled directly from the surrounding landscape. Jade green cabinets emulate the pine trees, while chocolate toned wood flooring recalls the forest floor. Furniture and personal items further propagate the idea of natural moments of color in the woods.

This light fixture features a design of cream-colored clay beads, with additional color options available. The beads are crafted using the stoneware method, which involves hand-rolling each bead, firing them at high temperatures, and then meticulously arranging them onto brushed stainless steel frames. A diverse range of bead sizes, up to seven different dimensions, are utilized to create the elegant draping effect. The alternative design employs the earthenware method (not seen here) where the beads are similarly hand-rolled but fired at lower temperatures compared to stoneware. This method allows for a broader spectrum of color choices. The earthenware variant also incorporates beads of varying sizes and shapes. For both designs, the same color chart is applicable for color selection.

A seamless blend of contemporary textures and sophisticated functionality, this kitchen is designed for a modern bachelor. The space features a dramatic contrast between warm, floor-to-ceiling wood-look panels and sleek, dark grey textured cabinetry (likely stone or slate effect). Key features include: A minimalist kitchen island that doubles as a casual bar seating area with industrial-style black stools. Horizontal under-cabinet LED lighting runs across the entire backsplash, highlighting the texture and providing essential task lighting. The design employs an open-concept approach, connecting the cooking area with the main living space The appliances and hardware, including the matte black faucet and sink, are carefully chosen to maintain a clean, modern aesthetic.

Team AQS offers full spectrum services covering Architectural concept design to the construction supervision. Considering the direct influence of the quality of our surroundings over the quality of people’s live, our extensive experience broadly ranges all types and sizes of private Houses, residential Buildings, Heath & Educational facilities, commercial Towers, Public Infrastructure and Museums. We mainly drive our business strength through offering cost-effective, sustainable, energy efficient and environment friendly designs and structures employing the latest design solutions like Building Information Modeling (BIM) to cope with 21st century challenges. So, innovative contribution satisfying both the client’s needs and market’s trends is the hallmark of our team. That makes us having many public, private, residential and commercial projects across the country to our credit.

Grout haze or grout smears as it is often called can be a huge problem when laying tiles. Grout haze is basically grout that has been left to dry on the surface of the tile after installation. It’s a common problem which is exacerbated by the use of quick drying products. Take for example this interesting Wood Effect Ceramic Tile installation at a house in Guildford following installation by a builder. I was a bit slow in following up on the initial enquiry as we had been very busy so by the time, I got in touch I was told they had employed someone else to carry out the work. I apologised for my late response and said to call me if he needed help in the future. Three days later I got a call so we arranged a visit so that I could carry out a test and quote a price. As it turns out the builder had returned and failed to remove the grout haze and so had a rival firm that seemed more interested in selling unnecessary sealer than fixing the problem. I was astonished to see what a state the builder had left his floor. Grout was all over the floor with footprints walked across thresholds and more. I could understand it if there was some grout was missed after installation but not to this level! I carried out a successful test and confirmed to the customer that there was absolutely no need to rip and replace his £2k floor. We agreed a date to resolve the problem and to say he was relieved was an understatement! The builders had used Mapei grout which contains polymers. Polymers offer better flexibility and adhesion, however in order to remove the grout haze we would first need to break down the polymers in the grout first and this is why the rival firm failed. With that in mind, my first action was to apply Tile Doctor Remove and Go to the floor and leave it to dwell for five to ten minutes. I then worked it into the tile using a scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary machine. After washing the soil away with warm water and extracting with a wet vacuum I applied Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up to treat the grout. Grout Clean-up is an acid-based product that breaks down the grout so it can be rinsed away and extracted as before. Afterwards I rinsed the floor with warm water and extracted again to remove any trace of product and neutralise the floor. After removing as much moisture as possible with the wet vacuum I speed dried the tiles with a blower. Ceramic tiles won’t accept a sealer so once the floor had dried the job was finished and it took less than a day. The customer was over the moon with the difference. While his floor was in such a state, he has been unable to bring in new furniture as the serious possibility of removing the tiles was hanging over him. Relieved that the problem was now resolved he kindly left the following review: “I had a floor that had just been laid with very heavy grout haze. I had already had advice from two other professional floor cleaners who had advised me that the floor was irreparable and would need to be pulled up. As soon as I spoke with Rupert, it was clear he was extremely knowledgeable. He asked questions none of the other companies had. By understanding the specific nature of the problem, he was able to solve it by first removing the grout polymers and then applying an acid wash. The floor came up brilliantly. Rupert was the only person I spoke to that could fix this, everyone else told me I needed to replace my floor! Superbly knowledgeable, professional and did an excellent job. Don’t bother speaking to anyone else, just call Rupert! “ Rupert Mcleod West Surrey Tile Doctor

This detailed view showcases a key architectural element used by Alterra Landscape Design to define the outdoor living space. Our landscape architects employed warm-toned horizontal slatted wood screening, which is particularly effective in small backyard design for adding a modern, custom aesthetic while enhancing privacy. The close-up highlights the rich texture and craftsmanship, turning a simple screen into a sophisticated, functional design feature.

Our retaining walls can be designed and built to satisfy any desire and budget. Ranging from standard heavy timber, brick, block stone. Our retaining walls are built to provide maximum function with any required finish. Proper structural footings, drainage and height requirements according to California building codes are employed.

The kitchen is laid out to maximize efficiency and storage while retaining an open layout so that it serves both as a space for cooking, and a space for living and entertaining guests. Brass metal accents throughout the kitchen subtly catch the eye and compliment the blue backsplash tile against an otherwise clean, white palette. Photo by Scott Norsworthy

Photo: Andrew Snow © 2015 Houzz
Urban l-shaped open concept kitchen photo in Toronto with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and an island

Family room - asian family room idea in Mumbai

Kerri Torrey Photography
Example of a transitional gray floor dedicated laundry room design in Toronto with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white countertops

These plain, simple , contemporary cabinets were made from a new material that comes from Europe. It's call a textured melamine and has a texture similar to corduroy. This particular color is called Palissendro and it comes in sheets that are approximately 81"X110". Some of the counters employ an effect called "Waterfall." Where the counter goes down to the floor on the ends. The long stainless handles lend a more contemporary, "high end" look to cabinets that are otherwise fairly inexpensive. There is also an application of free standing shelves in the kitchen that have many uses. Note how the grain flows vertically down a set of drawers. Could be horizontal just as well.

Stu Morley
Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Melbourne with mirror backsplash, an island, a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, marble countertops, metallic backsplash and stainless steel appliances

These plain, simple , contemporary cabinets were made from a new material that comes from Europe. It's call a textured melamine and has a texture similar to corduroy. This particular color is called Palissendro and it comes in sheets that are approximately 81"X110". Some of the counters employ an effect called "Waterfall." Where the counter goes down to the floor on the ends. The long stainless handles lend a more contemporary, "high end" look to cabinets that are otherwise fairly inexpensive. There is also an application of free standing shelves in the kitchen that have many uses. Note how the grain flows vertically down a set of drawers. Could be horizontal just as well.