Search results for "Excessive" in Home Design Ideas
Tile Doctor LtdThe photographs below are of an 80m2 Black Limestone Patio that was laid in rear garden of a property in Sandbach. All was going well until the installer decided to clean up the stone and remove the excess grout (aka grout haze) using brick acid. This is common practice in the trade after laying a patio however what they failed to realise is that Limestone can be marked by acids and in fact can be dissolved over time. This left the patio looking drained and in quite a state as you can imagine.
In an attempt to restore the black colour of the stone, the tiler painted on a restoration product however with the grout haze still present on the stone all this did was to add to the problems. Frustrated the customer decided to call Tile Doctor and so I went over to see what could be done.
I quickly deducted that the brick acid will have damaged the surface of the stone so to restore it I ran some tests on a small part of the patio that I been badly affected using a series of diamond encrusted burnishing pads of different grits. The pads successfully demonstrated that the appearance could be restored and impressed with the difference I was given the job of renovating all 80m2.
Being outside weather was an issue and I had to reschedule until a dry weather window appeared. Cleaning during damp weather isn’t a problem, it’s the sealer which needs to be applied when the sone is dry to get the right result.
Made with industrial diamonds and available in different sizes and grits, burnishing pads are ideal for restoring the appearance of polished stone floors. The first step was to work on the most badly damaged tiles with a coarse 100 and then 200-grit diamond milling pad fitted to a weighted rotary machine and lubricated with water. This took off the ruined top layer of the limestone bringing up the virgin stone underneath.
Next the patio was worked on with a 400-grit diamond burnishing pad, followed by 800-grit, and then 1500-grit pad. Each pad further renovates the appearance of the stone (Honing) and had to be rinsed after each pad to remove the slurry that is generated.
With 80m2 of Limestone paving to cover it took four days to completely restore all the stone using this method. It was tough work, but it made an incredible difference and naturally was far more cost effective than replacing the patio.
With the stone cleaned up the last step was to restore the natural black colour in the Limestone with an application of Tile Doctor Stone-Oil which restores the deep black colour and adds texture to the stone, it’s also an impregnating sealer in its own right that adds protection and improves mechanical strength once cured.
I allowed this to dry overnight then returned the next day to finish the patio restoration with a further coat of Tile Doctor Ultra-Seal, a no-sheen natural-looking sealer formulated to provide maximum stain protection without altering the colour of the stone.
The customer was delighted with the transformation, what was one an uninviting ugly area now looks fantastic and welcoming. Impressed with the result they left the following glowing feedback:
“Kamila is A M A Z I N G! From discussing our issue over the phone to meeting her in person, her advice and professionalism was second to none. She worked hard to repair our outdoor patio and we are thrilled with her results! We would happily recommend Kamila and wish her every success with her business in the future! Thank you Kamila! X
Kamila Logonzy
East Cheshire Tile Doctor
Fix It 2 Sell ItThe Otter street basement renovation was a fix-to-sell project. The homeowners were being relocated by the military, and they needed to do a facelift on their home before selling.
The main point of contention was the basement: it had been finished in a country-barn style, and was dark and uninviting. The walls were in bad shape, and the electrical needed to be brought up to code.
Also in this project, were other touch-ups including replacing the kitchen backsplashes.
The main issue was a wood-burning stove that was placed on a pad of tiles, which really took up space in the room, and was an eye-sore. The solution to this was to replace it with a gas-burning efficient direct vent corner fireplace, and cut away the flooring to make a symmetrical tiled pad.
The opposite corner had to have a pipe concealed, so we decided to make it look like the fireplace mantel. The fireplace mantel, the corner mantel, and the window sill were all done in red oak, and were tied together.
The tops of the mantels were done with the same tiles as on the floor.
The kids' playroom had new walls, ceiling, and flooring to brighten it up.
This house was placed on the market after a month of renovations, and was sold within 24 hours with an offer in excess of 98% of the asking price.
Now that's a Fix It 2 Sell It success!
TVL Creative Ltd.
These wonderful clients returned to us for their newest home remodel adventure. Their newly purchased custom built 1970s modern ranch sits in one of the loveliest neighborhoods south of the city but the current conditions of the home were out-dated and not so lovely. Upon entering the front door through the court you were greeted abruptly by a very boring staircase and an excessive number of doors. Just to the left of the double door entry was a large slider and on your right once inside the home was a soldier line up of doors. This made for an uneasy and uninviting entry that guests would quickly forget and our clients would often avoid. We also had our hands full in the kitchen. The existing space included many elements that felt out of place in a modern ranch including a rustic mountain scene backsplash, cherry cabinets with raised panel and detailed profile, and an island so massive you couldn’t pass a drink across the stone. Our design sought to address the functional pain points of the home and transform the overall aesthetic into something that felt like home for our clients.
For the entry, we re-worked the front door configuration by switching from the double door to a large single door with side lights. The sliding door next to the main entry door was replaced with a large window to eliminate entry door confusion. In our re-work of the entry staircase, guesta are now greeted into the foyer which features the Coral Pendant by David Trubridge. Guests are drawn into the home by stunning views of the front range via the large floor-to-ceiling glass wall in the living room. To the left, the staircases leading down to the basement and up to the master bedroom received a massive aesthetic upgrade. The rebuilt 2nd-floor staircase has a center spine with wood rise and run appearing to float upwards towards the master suite. A slatted wall of wood separates the two staircases which brings more light into the basement stairwell. Black metal railings add a stunning contrast to the light wood.
Other fabulous upgrades to this home included new wide plank flooring throughout the home, which offers both modernity and warmth. The once too-large kitchen island was downsized to create a functional focal point that is still accessible and intimate. The old dark and heavy kitchen cabinetry was replaced with sleek white cabinets, brightening up the space and elevating the aesthetic of the entire room. The kitchen countertops are marble look quartz with dramatic veining that offers an artistic feature behind the range and across all horizontal surfaces in the kitchen. As a final touch, cascading island pendants were installed which emphasize the gorgeous ceiling vault and provide warm feature lighting over the central point of the kitchen.
This transformation reintroduces light and simplicity to this gorgeous home, and we are so happy that our clients can reap the benefits of this elegant and functional design for years to come.
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Cool River Construction LLCModern Transitional with European farmhouse influences — airy, architectural, and intentionally restrained. The power of the space comes from its volume, symmetry, and connection to the landscape rather than decorative excess. This great room embraces a minimal, high-volume architectural aesthetic, where clean lines and natural light become the primary design features. The dramatic vaulted ceiling instantly creates grandeur while maintaining warmth through proportion and material balance.
MARGARITA BRAVOOur clients wanted a modern mountain getaway that would combine their gorgeous mountain surroundings with contemporary finishes. To highlight the stunning cathedral ceilings, we decided to take the natural stone on the fireplace from floor to ceiling. The dark wood mantle adds a break for the eye, and ties in the views of surrounding trees. Our clients wanted a complete facelift for their kitchen, and this started with removing the excess of dark wood on the ceiling, walls, and cabinets. Opening a larger picture window helps in bringing the outdoors in, and contrasting white and black cabinets create a fresh and modern feel.
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Project designed by Miami interior designer Margarita Bravo. She serves Miami as well as surrounding areas such as Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, and Hallandale Beach.
For more about MARGARITA BRAVO, click here: https://www.margaritabravo.com/
To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.margaritabravo.com/portfolio/colorado-nature-inspired-getaway/
The Painted DoorThe open kitchen is the heart of this home. By removing some unused and excess décor, the remaining urns really allow the bright kitchen to re-take center stage
Mom's Design BuildThe #LakesideLeisure Project was a comprehensive redesign of a lakefront property that transformed various challenges into stunning solutions. Initially, the property featured a small, high-maintenance cedar deck with minimal lake views, poorly placed stairs, limited flat yard space due to extensive tiered landscaping and excessive plantings, obstructed lake views, and privacy concerns from a neighboring home.
The client’s vision was clear: they wanted a large, flat yard for family activities and hosting, enhanced outdoor living spaces for dining and lounging, increased privacy from neighbors, more shaded hangout areas, improved “curb appeal” from the lake, and reduced maintenance.
Reflections Water GardensCreating environments that encourage our families to spend more time outdoors is important in today’s hi-tech world. Designed for the 2014 Chicago Flower and Garden show, this display garden captures a playful sensibility well-suited for any family to enjoy. The clean, modern lines and carefully planned spaces of this 50’ by 50’ garden form an enticing setting to simply unplug. Working within a very limited area, the design organizes a bio pool with sundeck, a spillover water feature and lounge area, and a gravel dining terrace with a built-in fireplace and shade tree canopy.
Unlike traditional pools, our bio pool utilizes aquatic plants, beneficial bacteria, and microbes, rather than harsh chemicals, to filter the water. Impurities and excess nutrients are drawn out of the water naturally, creating a much healthier swimming environment. A native plant palette is incorporated throughout the garden with shade trees, ornamentals, native forbs, and perennials in an emergent spring landscape. We hope this exciting design will encourage green inspiration for visitors, whether they have a tight city lot or a larger suburban property.
Unique Landscapes and Custom PoolsDesert plants add a wide array of colors and textures to the landscape without creating a need for excessive watering.
Hot tub - large mediterranean backyard concrete paver and custom-shaped natural hot tub idea in Phoenix
Hot tub - large mediterranean backyard concrete paver and custom-shaped natural hot tub idea in Phoenix
Meyer DesignThis pantry provides a lot of storage.
Architect: Meyer Design
Photos: Jody Kmetz
Large minimalist u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen pantry photo in Chicago
Large minimalist u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen pantry photo in Chicago
Century Stair CompanyWarm wood and cold glass don't always work well together, but here they do. This white oak staircase pairs naturally grained treads with a sleek glass balustrade anchored by bold black metal posts, a combination that feels considered rather than contrived. The wrap-around starting steps ease the entry, softening what could have been a hard geometric statement into something more welcoming. Overhead, a statement lighting installation pulls the eye upward, casting a warm glow that works with the oak rather than against it. Clean lines throughout, nothing excessive.
1976-2026 © Century Stair Company
MORÈNA BAR OR - Luxury Interior DesignS.B. HOUSE – Ambience Residence is a luxury home designed for quiet living and sensory balance. With warm tones, tactile surfaces, and soft natural lighting, each space invites calm attention and emotional ease. Its flowing layout supports both intimacy and openness—crafted for those who value elegance without excess.
Home Builders Association of Greater Des MoinesSundance Homes invites you to tour this 2,600-square-foot walkout ranch. As you enter the home take note of the frosted glass track doors, which offer privacy and seclusion to a home office. The kitchen, dining and great room offer an open concept, while still maintaining their own distinct and defining characteristics. From the hardwood floors carried throughout the house, to the GE Monogram stainless steel appliances and quartz countertop island, this home provides the most usable space for family as well as entertaining. A spacious covered deck extends along the entire back of the house with access to the owner’s retreat. This is the place to relax at the end of the day with a stone fireplace, soaker tub, walk-in shower with digital control rain heads, an abundance of closet space and a bonus of its own washer and dryer. The second and third bedrooms include a Jack & Jill bath with individual vanities. Just steps away are the laundry room and mud room, featuring built-in lockers to give little ones a unique space to store their stuff. This home is equipped with energy-efficient, environmentally friendly geothermal HVAC system and radiant floor heating in the 4-car garages. Additionally, the garage floor drains and outside gutters are tied into an underground gutter system, effectively pulling excess water away from the foundation. This home also has a Control 4 Home Operating System with video and audio, providing the homeowner with a true sense of security – while at home and away.
Degnan Design-Build-RemodelOur clients decided that they wanted us to create a new front porch that was inspired by the historic photos, but they were not searching for an exact replica: nothing that would cost excessive amounts of money trying to recreate historic details. Rather the goal was to create something that was a visually similar using off the shelf parts that we could order through our lumber yard and standard suppliers.
A&J Photography, Inc.
Tile Doctor LtdEvery 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”.
Stephen Coan Garden Design – Design/InstallThe field stone overflow channel for the installed rain garden that will let the excess water from a deluge that fills the rain garden be directed towards the remaining lawn to be absorbed into the ground. The plants will continue to grow and mature over the seasons.
Tile Doctor LtdI 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
Visbeen Architects
To the manor born… or at least it will feel like it in this elegant yet easygoing French Country home designed by Visbeen Architects with a busy family who wants the best of the past and the present in mind. Drawn from both French and English traditional architecture, this two-story 5,463-square-foot home is a pleasing and timeless blend of two perennially popular styles.
Driving up the circular driveway, the home’s front façade impresses with its distinctive details, including a covered porch, iron and stone accents, a roofline with multiple peaks, large windows and its central turret capping two bay windows. The back is no less eye-catching, with a series of large central windows on all three floors overlooking the backyard, two private balconies and both a covered second-floor screen porch and an open-air main-level patio perfect for al fresco entertaining.
There’s magic on the inside too. The expansive 2,900-square-foot main level revolves around a welcoming two-story foyer with a grand curved staircase that leads into the rest of the luxurious yet not excessive floor plan. Highlights of the public spaces on the left include a spacious two-story light-filled living room with a wall of windows overlooking the backyard and a fireplace, an adjacent dining room perfect for entertaining with its own deck, and a open-plan kitchen with central island, convenient home management area and walk-in pantry. A nearby screened porch is the perfect place for enjoying outdoors meals bug-free. Private rooms are concentrated on the first-floor’s right side, with a secluded master suite that includes spa-like bath with his and her vanities and a large tub as well as a private balcony, large walk-in closet and secluded nearby study/office.
Upstairs, another 1,100 square feet of living space is designed with family living in mind, including two bedrooms, each with private bath and large closet, and a convenient kids study with peaked ceiling overlooking the street. The central circular staircase leads to another 1,800 square-feet in the lower level, with a large family room with kitchen /bar, a guest bedroom suite, a handy exercise area and access to a nearby covered patio.
Photographer: Brad Gillette
Southern Yankee Home ServicesBathrooms should be a source of comfort, solitude, and relaxation. Too often, however, they turn into sources of frustration within the home. A lack of proper ventilation in your bathroom can lead to excessive mold and mildew growth. Older, worn our plumbing fixtures may not function properly at all. And faulty plumbing can make that problem even worse. If your bathroom is uncomfortable in any way, Southern Yankee Home Services, a Raleigh Bathroom Remodeling contractor can help solve those problems.
A bathroom remodel can be as simple as replacing or adding a sink, or it can be a complete overhaul of the entire room. Regardless of the size or scope of the job, Southern Yankee Home Services, a Raleigh bathroom remodeling contractor, will work to help you transform your bathroom into a place you love to spend time in. And we’ll be there to work with you every step of the way.
UpperKeyExperience life in the heart of Paris Le Marais with this cozy studio, 23 square meters apartment located on the 3rd floor of a secure residential building without an elevator. The studio apartment has a living/sleeping area with a sofa (bed) and plenty of storage space. We understand the importance of staying connected, which is why there is a high-speed Wi-Fi (1/Gbps) connection. The fully equipped kitchen has an electric tea kettle, sink, toaster, full refrigerator, stove, Nespresso coffee machine, oven, dishwasher and more. The kitchen also comes with all the cookware, dishes and utensils needed to prepare meals at home. There is a clothes washer and drying rack for your convenience. Cleaning supplies, a vacuum, broom and mop are also provided. The apartment is heated with electric heating. The studio faces rue Budé in Paris. All the necessary bedding and linens are provided and professionally laundered. This property can host up to 2 guests. The flat has one bathroom accessible via the hallway with a shower, toilet and sink. You will find soap, shampoo, toilet paper and paper towels to start off your stay.
Upon confirmation of your stay, you will be provided with all the necessary details regarding the self checkin and checkout procedures. We offer 24/7 support for submit maintenance requests, extra cleanings and linen changes (for a fee) and more. Professional housekeepers clean and sanitize after each checkout.
- Pont Marie (Line 7)
- A refundable deposit will be required before arrival.
- All properties are strictly non-smoking. Excessive noise/parties will not be tolerated.
- Property Reference 1018. Budé
UpperKey also offers valuable resources and information for property owners. Our article, "All You Need to Know About Letting a Property," provides comprehensive guidance on the ins and outs of renting out your property. Be sure to check it out and take the first step towards successfully letting your property with UpperKey here: https://www.theupperkey.com/post/all-you-need-to-know-about-letting-a-property
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