Natural, irregular stone has been shaped into a circular patio with gaps between for faux turf. The patio takes on a natural look without any excessive maintenance requirements.

S.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.

This Ceramic Tiled kitchen floor at a property in Wickersley was proving to be a pain for our clients, whatever they did the grout just looked dark, dirty, and unsightly. No amount of scrubbing would make a difference and eager to find a solution they wasted a lot of money on various products trying to clean the grout lines, but nothing had worked. Ceramic tiles are glazed which makes them very easy to clean, grout however is a different story. Wickersley is in Rotherham close to the 3 main motorways in South Yorkshire, the M1, M18 and A1. The village took its’ name from the Wickersley family who eventually moved to Sheffield and built the famous Broom Hall, incredibly we restored 100sqm of stone flooring in that very house not too long back. It was a beautiful restoration. On the first visit we tried a few of our products to clean the grout lines up but sometimes grout just can’t be cleaned, if the staining has penetrated the surface layer and gone right down into the grout it is stained forever. Grinding the grout out and putting in new grout is a big messy expensive job. For this reason, our grout recolouring service is an ideal option and the best thing about it is once it is recoloured the grout is protected and stain resistant. Tile Doctor have a range of ten grout colours to choose from and in this case our client chose the light grey colour. They were happy to go ahead with our quote and just thankful that we were able to do it relatively inexpensively and without making a huge mess! Work started by treating the grout lines with an acidic pre-treater that comes with the Grout Colourant kit that Tile Doctor sell, Tile Doctor Grout Colourant Pre-Treat cleaner, this gets rid of any contamination and prepares the grout for the colourant, so you get a superior bond. Once dry the Light Grey Grout Colourant was applied the grout lines with a small brush. A steady hand is required, and you need to ensure any excess is immediately wiped away before it dries. It is quite a slow job, but very satisfying when you see the difference it makes. Glazed tiles are sealed during manufacture, so we do not need to apply a sealer like we do on most of our jobs. The customer was over the moon with the transformation, the grubby grout lines had been irradicated and because the grout colourant forms a barrier over the grout, they will remain looking good for a long time to come. For aftercare cleaning I recommended using Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner which is pH neutral and gentle enough to use on a regular basis, it also has a nice fresh smell. Matthew Lovett South Yorkshire TIle Doctor

We created an almost crystalline form that reflected the push and pull of the most important factors on the site: views directly to the NNW, an approach from the ESE, and of course, sun from direct south. To keep the size modest, we peeled away the excess spaces and scaled down any rooms that desired intimacy (the bedrooms) or did not require height (the pool room). Photographer credit: Irvin Serrano

For many, the idea of downsizing can be daunting, especially when moving from a spacious rural home to a compact condo. However, our clients were determined to embrace this change to simplify their lives and indulge in waterfront living. With panoramic views of Lake Nepahwin, they were eager to create a retreat maximizing space without compromising style. To optimize space, we adopted a minimalist approach, focusing on multifunctional furniture and clever storage solutions. By strategically placing furniture and incorporating a pantry, disguised as an built-in armoire in the living room, we were able to make the most of every square inch while maximizing the expanse. “Every inch of real estate is valued,” says Lauren Perry “and that is how downsizing becomes a delight.” The original pantry was excessive for the couple, but the primary bedroom was lacking closet space. Enter demolition. We opened a bathroom wall and converted the existing pantry into a walk-in closet for our client’s impressive wardrobe. Prioritizing the built-ins with plenty of drawers customized this space for our client’s personal needs and showcased her impeccable taste in clothes, shoes, and accessories. Every selection had to be carefully considered so the space is inviting, without feeling congested. The fixtures and decor were curated to layer interest, but not detract from the beautiful views of the condo, a delicate balance best left to the professionals.

Amoeba Fusion aims to empower societies by providing a space for decentralized, innovative start-up communities. onE.GLobe considers the built environment a living, breathing, multiplying organism, evolving in nature with harmony. The structure can grow horizontally and vertically by adding new cores in different directions per each site condition. It creates public plazas shaded and shielded by the building as it grows. Fully self-sufficient structure houses flexible 3D printed dwellings and workspaces surrounded by semi-open garden spaces and atrium. Thirty feet deep floor plates receive daylight from the exterior and atrium and can conveniently be used as open-plan office space. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems are distributed through modular floor plates, on which 3D printed modules are flexibly plugged in. 3D printed inflatable shells with indoor air cleaning plants house a plug-in kitchen, bedroom, workspace, and bathroom modules. The bridge-connected clusters have decentralized systems with the off-grid micro-grid integrating renewable energy sources and excess energy storage. Compact layouts provide space for an increasing number of entrepreneurs, making them socialize and inspire near their accommodation. Eliminating corridors in dwelling units with an efficient design and replacing them with the garden space surrounding units achieve this endeavor.

Patio, walkway, and front steps were built by Gappsi in Wyandanch Long Island, NY in Suffolk County. The stone used is over-sized ridge brick and ridge circle pavers in a golden brown blend. The pavers are mixed randomly in square and rectangular sizes. This stone has a textured riven surface and slightly chamfered edges. The sealing process begins with pressure washing the entire patio, removing all dirt and debris from the stone surface and in between the joints. Next, Nexgel Techniseal synthetic sand is applied in between the pavers joints and vibrated with a mechanical plate compactor. The plate compactor has rubber rollers to prevent the stones from cracking or scratching. This vibrating process allows the sand to fall in between the joints to densify. Then, we clean the pavers with brooms and landscape blowers, to clean the excess sand from the pavers surface and to evenly spread the sand in between the pavers joints. The next step is to wash the pavers by misting water to penetrate the synthetic sand into the paver joints all the way down below the pavers. The sand and water activate a chemical reaction of the pollen that's in the sand to cause the sand to harden. Finally, the application of the sealer. A two parts components urethane dealer, specially formulated for Gappsi, is applied to the pavers surface and the sand joints to prevent stones from staining, extend their life cycle and further enhance their texture, color, and surface. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2t3swbuYXo

Located in Ovacik, an area in Izmir, Turkey, covering 2580 sqm harvested land especially for vineyards, oriented towards North-West, South-East axis, the Ovacik winery is designed as a wine manufacturing - aiming to produce 10.000 wine bottles per year- and accommodation center. The North-East facade is facing the vineyards while the South-West facade is facing the Aegean Sea view. The wine manufacturing and the accommodation rooms are two programs in the project serving diverse user groups; seasonal employees and leisure visitors. The manufacturing area on the North-West wing designed next to the adjacent farm, blocks the noise acting as a barrier for the rest of the complex. On the North-West parcel, on one third portion of the lot an ancient village house ruin from the late 19th century is found which is preserved and integrated into the landscape and design. Due to the manufacturing process, wine making area require 6m of ceiling height. From the terrace level through the openings on the restaurant facing the neighboring manufacturing area, the visitors can observe the process of wine making. Also these openings allow natural ventilation which helps protect the barrel cellar from excessive heat and drought. For heating and cooling of the facility, ground source system is integrated, allowing minimum external intervention in the future through the stabilization of the heat of ground. In order to maintain the temperature conditions for the wine storage room, the barrel cellar is constructed under the landscape. Following the natural slope topography existing earth/soil is carried and reused above the accommodation volumes to create a green roof which can also be seen from the restaurant terrace as a part of the natural environment.

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.

The south elevation of the house is characterized by a thick wood overhang that protects the home from excessive heat in the summer. A large rounded window projects a circle of light throughout the living room, marking the passage of time and highlighting different details at every minute

The tiered seating area (with customer-provided seating) and coffered ceiling, which frames the acoustic ceiling of the home cinema. Behind the acoustic ceiling is additional sound-dampening insulation, acoustically isolating the cinema from the upper levels off the home. This affords a quiet listening environment in the theater, and eliminates excess sound traveling upstairs though the floor. This home is controlled by a Control 4 home automation system, providing complete cinema, lighting, source, and audio control from tablets and smartphones throughout the home. This photo was taken before installation of wall treatments. Photo: DemNET Technologies

What Is Modern Style? Modern style has its roots in the modernist movement of the early and mid-20th century. Modern architecture and furnishings emphasize form and structure rather than surface ornamentation — think of large expanses of glass; smooth surfaces like concrete, steel, stone and wood; and accents of chrome and black leather. Modern style is: - Clean. Excess embellishment is considered a distraction and to be avoided. Think crisp, clean and sculptural. Shapes are strong, with clearly defined lines and planes. - Architectural. Furnishings echo rather than distract attention from the architecture for a seamless look. - Minimal. Modern style embraces negative space with spare furnishings and little color or pattern. Modern style is not: - Ornamented. A reaction against heavily ornamented traditional styles, this look embraces simplicity of form. - Trendy. Unlike contemporary style, which taps into up-to-the-minute changes in the design world, modern design feels more securely rooted. - Cluttered. Furnishings are chosen with care, and accessories are kept to a minimum for a clean, spacious look.

The south elevation of the house is characterized by a thick wood overhang that protects the home from excessive heat in the summer. A large rounded window projects a circle of light throughout the living room, marking the passage of time and highlighting different details at every minute

The project’s starting point was to understand the building’s original post and beam structure and to use that internal logic to formulate a sympathetic remodel. With an emphasis on the upper back unit, the owner’s private residence within this recently purchased Edward Killingsworth triplex, the first order of business was to strip the excess out and to return the complex to something that resembled the original. With a limited budget, the tact was to restore where possible, and to insert where needed, but always with a sympathetic eye. The kitchen quickly became the primary focus and it was soon realized that by removing the division between the existing galley and family room that the essence of the structural system could be revealed. Once opened the datum of the layered beams was adhered to with the kitchen reinforcing this overhead water line. The primary internal wall was then highlighted with a new wood veneer with the refrigerator recessed (borrowing a bit of space from the master closet) and the existing heater chromed.

Since 1985, the Lake Forest Auxiliary Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago has hosted a nationally recognized designer Showhouse and Gardens to benefit the Angel Harvey Family Health Center of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, which provides healthcare to Chicago’s medically underserved. Since its inception, the Lake Forest Showhouse has raised in excess of $4 million for the deserving cause. This year, more than 30 interior and landscape designers, including honorary chair Paloma Contreras, transformed the 23-room, 11,000-square-foot east Lake Forest Pullman property into a showstopping tribute to the latest in design and décor.

Shower cubicles can be the most difficult of tiled features to keep clean. Most are exposed to various acid-based soaps and shampoos on a daily basis, allowing mould and general muck to quickly build up along the grout lines and silicone. This leaves the entire area looking quite unappealing. In some cases, the grout lines become stained beyond a point where they can be restored to their original condition, so property owners will typically request to have the grout cut out and replaced however a faster and cheaper method is to have the grout completely recoloured. Such was the case with this Ceramic tiled shower cubicle at a house in Wigan. It would take a lot to get the cubicle looking great again, having not been cleaned properly for a long time. The property owner decided to contact me for a professional refresh, including cleaning, new silicone sealer and recolouring of the grout. I started the refresh by applying Tile Doctor Mould Away spray to the tiles and grout, and leaving it to dwell for an hour. As the name of the product suggests, Mould Away is a fast and effective cleaner for the removal of mould from silicone and grout, making it ideal for use on shower cubicles similar to this one. I then rinsed the entire area down with water before scrubbing the grout lines and tiles with a stiff grout brush to remove any remaining mould and lime scale, leaving them looking a lot cleaner. The cleaning process made a big improvement however the grout was still too stained so after removing the silicone strip from around the base of the shower I proceeded to recolour with our white Grout Colourant. The colourant is painted onto the grout and any excess is wiped of the tile before it dries which both improves the appearance of the grout and seals it in to protect it from further staining. The last step was to apply fresh white silicone along the base of the shower. The customer was very pleased with the refreshed appearance of their shower and you must admit it looks much more inviting now. Steve Keary Greater Manchester Tile Doctor

Drainage and erosion management systems play an important role in preserving and safeguarding damage to your home and property. The drainage system's goal is to collect and direct the unwanted amount of water to a suitable location. This will help prevent the landscaping and lawn from being muddy and soggy and remove excessive streams of water during heavy rains that cause erosion of the soil.

The #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.

Sundance 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.