I recently completed the renovation of a Multi-Coloured Slate tiled kitchen floor in Sutton Coldfield. I was actually at the property before Christmas to survey the floor and quote for the work however the owners had planned to have a new kitchen installed in the new year, so we decided it was best for me to wait until after the installation to complete the work. The slate was in good condition but like any stone floor you do need to maintain the sealer to prevent dirt becoming ingrained in the stone. Sealer do wear off overtime especially in the high foot traffic areas such as Kitchens and within a few years the tiles become dull and difficult to clean effectively. The kitchen was installed on schedule and I got the call to arrange a visit to deep clean and reseal the floor which would take to two days, one to clean and one to seal. To begin the restoration, I soaked the slate in a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean and left it to soak in for about ten minutes re-applying extra solution where it dried. Pro-Clean is a powerful tile cleaner that will strip old sealers when applied in concentrated form. I agitated the product using a black pad fitted to a rotary buffing machine. I paid particular attention to the grout which the customer had trouble keeping clean. The rotary pad struggles to reach into the recesses of the grout lines so I also made sure to scrub the solution into the grout with a grout brush. Once I was satisfied that the Slate and the Grout was clean and clear of old sealers, I gave the whole floor a thorough rinse with water using a wet vacuum to extract the soil and get the floor as dry as possible. The floor was then left to dry off fully overnight. Returning to the property the next day, I ran some quick damp tests to check for any excess moisture that might have prevented me from sealing the floor. We will always do this as excess moisture can affect the sealer curing. The customer was very happy with the clean and the floor was dry, so we discussed sealer options to find out their preference for Matt or Satin finish. With the decision made to go with a Satin finish I began the application of the Tile Doctor Seal and Go which enhances the look of the stone with an aesthetically pleasing low-sheen finish, as well as providing on-going protection against ingrained dirt and staining. A total of four coats of Seal and Go were needed to seal the Slate tiles and as you can see from the photos the sealer really put the life back into the floor. Trevor Preece Staffordshire Tile Doctor

This 23” x 18” single bowl undermount stainless steel kitchen sink is perfect for your kitchen. The sink will give your space a luxurious look thanks to its modern style and rectangular shape. Handmade of surgical grade SUS 304 16G stainless steel, this sleek and luxurious kitchen sink with a brushed satin finish will look amazing in your kitchen! Even after years of constant use, the patina finish of the kitchen sink will never oxidize. The X-pattern drain grooves in this undermount kitchen sink’s basin allow for optimal drainage. the undermount sink will drain and dry quickly and effortlessly. Also, the 10mm radius sink corners are smooth and easy to clean, so that your sink will always be shiny and free of bacteria and unpleasant smells. The stainless steel undermount kitchen sink will not only give your space a luxurious look, it will make your life easier. Keep your cabinets intact. Water condensation in kitchen sinks often causes your cabinets to get ruined. This won’t be a problem if you install the STYLISH undermount sink in your kitchen. The stone guard coating of our stainless steel sinks prevents condensations and keeps your sink quiet. With the sink is included a luxury basket drain strainer, which is deeper than regular strainers and will help trap food and debris easier. Also included with the sink is a cutting template, mounting brackets and a perfect fit stainless steel bottom grid to protect your sink from dents and scratches. Our kitchen sinks are Canadian designed and meet the highest plumbing standards for North America. This functional undermount singe bowl kitchen sink will not make loud noises when the water is on. Thanks to the 2mm and 3mm extra thick pads, this is a very quiet sink. The undermount kitchen sink is equipped with a soundproofing system that will keep your kitchen sink very quiet. The extra deep basins of this double undermount kitchen sink can fit large pots and pans easily. The 10-inch depth is also great because it can hide the dirty dishes under the countertop line until you have the time to wash them. Trusted by architects and builders for upscale projects and modern makeovers, this undermount single bowl stainless steel kitchen sink is what you have been looking for.

The clean lines and apron front design of this 33” x 21” Double Basin Farmhouse/Apron Undermount Kitchen Sink complement any décor, from traditional to modern. This Handmade Farmhouse/Apron Kitchen Sink with basket strainers and bottom grids has classic styling and is made of surgical grade SUS 304 16G stainless steel, a sleek and luxurious kitchen sink with a brushed satin finish. The apron undermount sink fits nicely into homes with traditional styling. This double bowl undermount apron sink is equipped with soundproofing system including a protective stone guard coating and extra thick rubber pads to keep vibrations and loud sounds at bay for a better experience. This coat is sprayed underneath the sink to prevent water condensation as well. Included with the stainless steel apron kitchen sink comes a stainless steel basket drain strainer, which is deeper and much more functional for catching food scraps than the regular strainers. This stunning stainless steel undermount apron kitchen sink is Canadian designed and meets the highest plumbing standards for North America. For added functionality, the stainless steel double bowl kitchen sink has the drains towards the rear, for better utilization of the space under the sink cabinet. The extra deep basins of this double undermount apron kitchen sink can fit large pots and pans easily. The 10-inch depth is also great because it can hide the dirty dishes under the countertop line until you have the time to wash them. Also, sink basins have drain grooves for optimal drainage. The tight 10mm radius corners of this apron sink are perfectly blended through an automated machine buffing system, and carefully hand polished, for a luxurious finish. Rounded corners make maintenance as simple as wiping the surface with a damp cloth. Very easy to install, this kitchen sink come with a template and mounting brackets as well. Excellent choice for your new renovation project, or just upgrading to a more stylish kitchen sink.

❤ ALL WOOD provides smooth and elegant design also resistance to dent or distortion. ❤ CLASSIC DRAWERS & state of art European Minimalist Design offers sleek appearance with spacious storage spaces. ❤ EXTRA THICK Top & Side Panels with Flat Door Design provides extra strangeness. ❤ FIVE LAYERS of PAINTING offer 2 times longer lasting and resistance to moisture and humidity. ❤ U SHAPE & OPEN BACK for easy plumbing installation. ❤ SOFT CLOSE DRAWERS/DOORS prevents cracks and reduces friction on the hardware. ❤ Color matching wood frame mirror offers an elegant completed set look of vanity. ❤ High quality easy cleanup and maintenance free ceramic sink. ❤ One year warranty with top-level customer service.

❤ ALL WOOD provides smooth and elegant design also resistance to dent or distortion. ❤ CLASSIC DRAWERS & state of art European Minimalist Design offers sleek appearance with spacious storage spaces. ❤ EXTRA THICK Top & Side Panels with Flat Door Design provides extra strangeness. ❤ FIVE LAYERS PAINTING offers 2 times longer lasting and resistance to moisture and humidity. ❤ U SHAPE & OPEN BACK for easy plumbing installation. ❤ SOFT CLOSE DRAWERS/DOORS prevents cracks and reduces friction on the hardware. ❤ Color matching wood frame mirror offers an elegant completed set look of vanity. ❤ High quality easy clean up and maintenance free ceramic sink. ❤ One year warranty with top level customer service.

The hangers have a rich natural finish and polished chrome hook, which add warmth and sophistication to any closet décor, all while providing convenient storage and organization. These wide, rounded shoulder, wooden hangers prevent garments from unsightly hanger bumps and help maintain your garments’ natural shape. They also help to increase hanging space in your closet, by keeping coordinating components stored on a single hanger. The skirt/pant hangers, with the no-slip grip clips, also allow you to conserve closet space, as well as prevent unwanted wrinkles. With 4 large shelves, each supported by an innovative hanging system, this unit is well equipped to store all types of accessories, caps, sweaters, crafts, etc. Made from heavy duty polyester canvas material, this durable fabric breathes and neatly stores all of your items. Quick and easy installation (no tools required), on a standard sized closet rod. This system is the perfect organization solution for your home, dorm room, or office! These handy storage solutions are just a small example of the many products by StorageManiac and J.S. Hanger. The innovative and sophisticated styling and design of each piece make these a welcome and useful addition to any home. These products allow you to keep everything tidy, neat, and in order, while providing a modern and sleek look. No matter the space, these products are bound to fit any need you may have! Photo Credit: Lambert McOwusu

Iron Fence Painting Wicker Park Homeowners Can Trust: A Windy City Painters Case Study Wicker Park is full of architectural character — ornate 1890s greystone two-flats, vintage brick facades, and wrought iron fencing that has framed these streets for well over a century. However, what iron fence painting Wicker Park properties require is not a simple weekend job. Winters here are brutal on metal, and consequently Windy City Painters has spent years perfecting the restoration process that keeps these fences standing strong. In particular, this case study walks through a recent project completed for a classic Wicker Park property. Project Overview The property featured a full wrought iron perimeter fence that had suffered years of freeze-thaw cycling and road salt exposure. Paint had failed across most of the pickets, and oxidation had progressed into active rust at several base rails. Consequently, the homeowners needed more than a fresh coat of paint. They needed a genuine metal restoration, and that is precisely what Windy City Painters delivered. Materials Used Windy City Painters selected products specifically rated for Chicago's climate extremes: Rust-Oleum Professional Rust Inhibitor Primer Sherwin-Williams DTM Acrylic Enamel (two finish coats) 3M rust converter gel for active oxidation zones Wire brushes, angle grinders, and detail brushes for precision work The Process: How Windy City Painters Restores Rusted Iron Every iron fence painting Wicker Park project follows a disciplined, multi-stage process: Preparation. Wire brushing and angle grinding remove all loose, flaking, and compromised material. Rust converter gel is applied directly to active oxidation zones, chemically stabilizing the metal underneath. Repairs. Pitted sections and structurally weak joints are addressed before any coating touches the surface. Notably, skipping this step is the most common reason fence paint fails prematurely. Priming. A full rust-inhibiting primer coat seals every bare metal surface, preventing moisture from reaching the iron beneath. Application. Two finish coats of direct-to-metal enamel are applied by hand for even coverage across pickets, finials, and rail joints. Finishing. A final inspection confirms full coverage, sharp lines, and a smooth, uniform sheen from every angle. Furthermore, this same process protects the ornate details so common on Wicker Park fencing — decorative finials, scrollwork, and gate hardware — without losing the historic character that makes these properties special. Advice for Wicker Park Homeowners Before starting a similar project, homeowners in this neighborhood should keep a few things in mind: Never paint over active rust. Untreated oxidation will continue spreading beneath the new coating, and the paint will fail within a season or two. Always prime bare metal before applying a finish coat. Skipping primer is the single fastest path to peeling. Choose coatings rated for temperature extremes, since Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles are harder on metal than most climates. Inspect ground-contact areas each spring, as base rails typically rust fastest due to snow melt and road salt runoff. Budget for prep time. In fact, most of the labor in a quality iron fence painting Wicker Park project happens before a single coat of paint is applied. Similarly, ask whether the contractor uses rust converter on active oxidation, since skipping this step often shortens the life of the finish considerably. Moreover, historic greystone properties often have decorative ironwork that requires extra care during grinding and priming so the original detailing is preserved rather than sanded away. What to Expect: Timeline and Investment Homeowners often ask how long an iron fence painting Wicker Park project takes from start to finish. In general, prep work — wire brushing, grinding, rust conversion, and repairs — takes up the largest share of the schedule, while primer and enamel application move relatively quickly once the surface is properly stabilized. Cure time between coats also affects the overall timeline, since rushing this stage undermines durability. Consequently, Windy City Painters builds a realistic schedule around weather conditions rather than forcing the job into a tight window. In addition, investment varies based on fence length, the amount of active rust present, and whether ornate detailing requires extra hand-finishing. Homeowners considering this project should request a full on-site walkthrough rather than a rough phone estimate, since rust severity is difficult to judge accurately without seeing the fence in person. Why Wicker Park Homeowners Choose Windy City Painters Windy City Painters has become the trusted painting contractor for Chicago's North Side and Near West Side, and iron fence painting Wicker Park residents request most often reflects that reputation directly. In contrast to quick-fix contractors who paint straight over rust, Windy City Painters treats every project as a full restoration. As a result, clients get a finish that holds up through multiple Chicago winters rather than one. In addition, for related projects, Windy City Painters also offers interior painting, cabinet painting, drywall and plaster repair, and full metal refinishing services for fences, gates, and porches throughout the neighborhood. Ultimately, that range of services is what makes us a true one-stop contractor for Wicker Park homeowners. See more of our work and request a free estimate at www.windypainters.com. Ready to transform your Wicker Park home? Contact Windy City Painters for a free estimate — visit www.windypainters.com today. Proudly serving Wicker Park, West Town, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Ukrainian Village, River North, and all of Chicago.

THEME The main theme for this room is an active, physical and personalized experience for a growing boy. This was achieved with the use of bold colors, creative inclusion of personal favorites and the use of industrial materials. FOCUS The main focus of the room is the 12 foot long x 4 foot high elevated bed. The bed is the focal point of the room and leaves ample space for activity within the room beneath. A secondary focus of the room is the desk, positioned in a private corner of the room outfitted with custom lighting and suspended desktop designed to support growing technical needs and school assignments. STORAGE A large floor armoire was built at the far die of the room between the bed and wall.. The armoire was built with 8 separate storage units that are approximately 12”x24” by 8” deep. These enclosed storage spaces are convenient for anything a growing boy may need to put away and convenient enough to make cleaning up easy for him. The floor is built to support the chair and desk built into the far corner of the room. GROWTH The room was designed for active ages 8 to 18. There are three ways to enter the bed, climb the knotted rope, custom rock wall, or pipe monkey bars up the wall and along the ceiling. The ladder was included only for parents. While these are the intended ways to enter the bed, they are also a convenient safety system to prevent younger siblings from getting into his private things. SAFETY This room was designed for an older child but safety is still a critical element and every detail in the room was reviewed for safety. The raised bed includes extra long and higher side boards ensuring that any rolling in bed is kept safe. The decking was sanded and edges cleaned to prevent any potential splintering. Power outlets are covered using exterior industrial outlets for the switches and plugs, which also looks really cool.

Built in the 1920's, this home's kitchen was small and in desperate need of a re-do (see before pics!!). Load bearing walls prevented us from opening up the space entirely, so a compromise was made to open up a pass thru to their back entry room. The result was more than the homeowner's could have dreamed of. The extra light, space and kitchen storage turned a once dingy kitchen in to the kitchen of their dreams.

Built in the 1920's, this home's kitchen was small and in desperate need of a re-do (see before pics!!). Load bearing walls prevented us from opening up the space entirely, so a compromise was made to open up a pass thru to their back entry room. The result was more than the homeowner's could have dreamed of. The extra light, space and kitchen storage turned a once dingy kitchen in to the kitchen of their dreams.

Close up of 'Amy Cotta' flowers. In cool weather, leaf color is dark purple.
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional partial sun landscaping in Chicago for spring.

This kitchen was transformed to a highly functional and beautiful space while keeping the original footprint primarily intact. White oak cabinets with white uppers are classic and timeless. The GE Cafe white appliances with rose gold finishes add a simple elegance.

Built in the 1920's, this home's kitchen was small and in desperate need of a re-do (see before pics!!). Load bearing walls prevented us from opening up the space entirely, so a compromise was made to open up a pass thru to their back entry room. The result was more than the homeowner's could have dreamed of. The extra light, space and kitchen storage turned a once dingy kitchen in to the kitchen of their dreams.

Photos by Brian Reitz, Creative Vision Studios
Example of a small trendy gray one-story stucco house exterior design in Los Angeles with a shed roof

The bathroom was redesigned to improve flow and add functional storage with a modern aesthetic. Natural walnut cabinetry brings warmth balanced by the subtle movement in the warm gray floor and wall tiles and the white quartz counters and shower surround. We created half walls framing the shower topped with quartz and glass treated for easy maintenance. The angled wall and extra square footage in the water closet were eliminated for a larger vanity. Floating vanities make the space feel larger and fit the modern aesthetic. The tall pullout storage at her vanity is one-sided to prevent items falling out the back and features shelves with acrylic sides for full product visibility. We removed the tub deck and bump-out walls with inset shelves for improved flow and wall space for towels. Now the freestanding tub anchors the middle of the room while allowing easy access to the windows that were blocked by the previous built-in.

The bathroom was redesigned to improve flow and add functional storage with a modern aesthetic. Natural walnut cabinetry brings warmth balanced by the subtle movement in the warm gray floor and wall tiles and the white quartz counters and shower surround. We created half walls framing the shower topped with quartz and glass treated for easy maintenance. The angled wall and extra square footage in the water closet were eliminated for a larger vanity. Floating vanities make the space feel larger and fit the modern aesthetic. The tall pullout storage at her vanity is one-sided to prevent items falling out the back and features shelves with acrylic sides for full product visibility. We removed the tub deck and bump-out walls with inset shelves for improved flow and wall space for towels. Now the freestanding tub anchors the middle of the room while allowing easy access to the windows that were blocked by the previous built-in.

Built in the 1920's, this home's kitchen was small and in desperate need of a re-do (see before pics!!). Load bearing walls prevented us from opening up the space entirely, so a compromise was made to open up a pass thru to their back entry room. The result was more than the homeowner's could have dreamed of. The extra light, space and kitchen storage turned a once dingy kitchen in to the kitchen of their dreams.