Existing Failed - Photos & Ideas

When these homeowners needed new appliances, they used the opportunity to elevate their kitchen with a luxury partial remodel rooted in timeless Old World Mediterranean design. Since they had no plans to move, the goal was to create a more refined, functional kitchen that felt warm, intentional, and beautifully integrated with the existing home. By preserving the perimeter cabinetry and tile flooring, every new design decision was carefully selected to create a cohesive, custom-looking kitchen renovation. To enhance the existing cherry-stained cabinetry and eliminate the dust-collecting gap above the wall cabinets, we added 12 inches of layered crown molding, professionally stained to match the dark cherry finish. This created a seamless built-in appearance and added architectural richness to the luxury kitchen design. A bronze and glass multi-shelf display unit extended the visual line of the wall cabinetry, while a new 24-inch-deep cabinet above the refrigerator improved storage. The base cabinetry was also expanded with a beverage refrigerator and upgraded rollout drawers for more efficient, everyday kitchen functionality. Because the original island cabinetry was not functioning well for the homeowners, it was replaced with a custom kitchen island designed for beauty, storage, and performance. The new island cabinets were painted in an elegant gray-green finish, creating a refined contrast with the dark cherry perimeter cabinetry. Slender pullouts flanking the range keep spices and utensils organized within easy reach, while relocating the microwave below the island freed valuable counter space. On the seating side, tile was added beneath the island to protect the cabinetry from scuffs, creating a durable, thoughtful detail that supports everyday entertaining. A major luxury kitchen upgrade was replacing the failing island downdraft ventilation with a powerful ceiling-mounted statement hood. Custom made in hammered aged copper with graceful lines and dark bronze detailing, the ventilation hood became the dramatic focal point of the kitchen while complementing the cherry cabinetry and enhancing the Old World Mediterranean aesthetic. The homeowners had always disliked their double-bowl sink, so it was replaced with a large single workstation sink that dramatically improved prep, cleanup, and daily usability. The double wall ovens were upgraded to a steam oven and convection oven, while the lower drawer was replaced with a warming drawer that quickly became the client’s favorite and most-used appliance. These premium appliance upgrades brought modern performance into the timeless kitchen renovation. For the first time, the kitchen gained a backsplash, adding another layer of texture, polish, and luxury detail. A warm neutral polished marble tile in a large arabesque pattern offered a subtle nod to Mediterranean design while softening the transition between the dark cherry cabinetry, painted island, and updated appliances. The final finishing touch was replacing the outdated hardware. The original small round knobs on the 48-inch-tall wall cabinets were swapped for antique pewter linear pulls with an aged, muted finish, reinforcing the Old World kitchen style while giving the cabinetry a more tailored, elevated look. Every detail in this luxury kitchen remodel was chosen to refine the space, improve flow, and enhance functionality while making the new elements feel original to the home. The result is a warm, inviting, Old World Mediterranean kitchen that feels timeless, highly tailored, and beautifully suited to homeowners who love to cook and entertain.

Backyard Waterfall

C.E. Pontz Sons

This Backyard Waterfall project included installation of a pondless waterfall approximately 15' in length on a sloped bank at the area next to the existing pool. The backyard waterfall cascades down the existing embankment. There is still retaining wall work in progress as of this video and pictures being shot. Future landscaping will be installed once surrounding hardscaping has been complete. Rocks and Boulders for this project were chosen and supplied by home owner. This pondless waterfall project was installed in Mohnton (Berks County), PA. Pondless Waterfalls are simply a re-circulating waterfall and/or stream without the presence of a pond. You can enjoy the sight and sound of running water without the maintenance of a pond. The waterfall is undoubtedly the most beautiful and favored feature in a water garden. If space is lacking in your yard or you have safety concerns with a pond, go Pondless! The name basically explains it all. It’s a waterfall and stream, without the pond. So why would you want a waterfall without a pond? The truth is that a Pondless Waterfall isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great alternative for someone who isn’t quite sure if a pond is right for their family. Because there is no pool of water, a Pondless Waterfall is a great option if you are concerned about safety issues associated with a traditional pond. Cost can be a big factor when considering the type of pond you want to build. In most cases, the price of a Pondless waterfall will be less than a pond, because there is less labor involved, as well as less rock and materials. Operating costs are also less. Because you’re not dealing with an established ecosystem, it’s not necessary to run the pump 24/7. The small size of the Pondless Waterfall means you can build and enjoy a beautiful waterfall anywhere in you yard. Taking care of your Pondless Waterfall is easy. Filling the reservoir every few weeks to compensate for water loss because of evaporation is all that’s required. Perhaps the best part of the Pondless Waterfall is the possibility for the future. If you change your mind later, wishing you’d build a pond, that’s ok! If you leave enough room around the base of the waterfall, it’s easy to add a pond onto a Pondless Waterfall. A Pondless Waterfall works much like a regular pond. The hole, deeper than a normal pond, is dug then lined with rock and gravel, and filled with water. The water is then circulated from beneath the rocks and gravel by a pump that sits on the bottom, inside a Snorkel™ Vault and Centipede™ Module. A pipe runs from there up to a BioFalls Filter and into an overflowing waterfall, where it falls back into the reservoir. Since the water level never pools above the level of the rock and gravel fill, it give the appearance of a waterfall without a pond, when in fact, the “pond” is there but not visible. The Pondless Waterfall has made many water-lovers who were previously unable to indulge in the sweet sounds of falling water, very happy. It’s a great alternative for those who are trying to get their feet wet, or looking to fit a little bit of paradise into their own backyard. In other words, when all else fails … go Pondless!

West LA Kitchen

Sharon Holmin Interiors

White wooden blinds are very functional for light control and blend in, leaving focus on the Stikwood. Under cabinet lighting is excellent for featuring artwork. I like to place small art pieces against the backsplash to use the light, if it doesn't interfere with function. They give this room personality. Photography by J. Tom Archuleta.

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Classic Victorian Patterned Tiles Rejuvenated in Newport

Tile Doctor Ltd

This black and red Victorian tiled hallway at a property in Newport, the third largest city in Wales, had a timeless charm about it, and a classic diamond pattern. Unfortunately, the tiles had lost their colour, leaving them looking dull and lifeless. It was clear to me, upon further inspection, that the existing sealer had failed, allowing dirt to become trapped in the pores of tile. This can be a very difficult problem to rectify without the right professional assistance; everyday household cleaners are rarely suitable for sealed floors and acidic cleaners can actually male the problem worse. The tiles needed a deep clean with strong products, followed by a fresh, robust surface seal to prevent dirt from becoming trapped again in the future. I started cleaning the tiles with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro Clean, worked in to the stone as per usual by using a rotary machine fitted with a black scrubbing pad. Pro Clean is a reliable alkaline cleaner that works well on most kinds of natural stone, and while I could see it made a difference here, it was clear something stronger was required to remove what was left of the old sealer. To remove this, I applied a dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go, which is a dedicated stripper that is safe to use on tile and stone for the purposes of breaking down old sealers, waxes, paints, and adhesives, and this proved effective in getting rid of all the old sealer. Once the cleaning was complete, I rinsed the floor thoroughly to remove any trace of chemicals left over from the cleaning products, before leaving it to dry overnight. I came back to the property the next day and, after checking the floor was completely dry, I proceeded to seal the floor using eight coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go. This types of sealer is known as ‘topical’, which means that it builds up a solid layer of protection on the surface of the tile. Topical sealers tend to be more suitable to Victorian and Quarry tiles as they typically require a lot of sealer due to their porosity and these types of sealer are less costly. Seal and Go also adds a nice aesthetically pleasing low sheen finish. As you can see from the second photo, this did wonders to the tiles and really brought this classic Victorian pattern back to life. Another satisfied client for the Monmouthshire Tile Doctor. Paul Wales Monmouthshire Tile Doctor

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden

Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls