"This 1929 Lakewood home featured classic architectural details like coved ceilings and arched doorways but had a small, dim kitchen lacking storage. To create a modern, spacious layout, the breakfast nook and covered porch were combined, adding square footage. Relocating the sink allowed for a larger window, more natural light, and space for a dishwasher. The wall between the kitchen and dining room was removed, improving flow and revealing a beautiful arched passageway to the living room. Preserving the coved ceiling required careful extraction and reinstallation during structural upgrades, which included new footings and beams to support the kitchen bump-out. Finished with matching cedar lap siding and blended paint, the expanded kitchen honors the home’s historic charm while offering improved functionality, natural light, and seamless indoor-outdoor access."

The client was in the midst of a substantial renovation of a period property and sought a kitchen that would complement the home's historic character. The challenge was to design a kitchen that not only preserved the traditional aesthetic but also incorporated modern conveniences. Key elements included a large island for both cooking and casual dining, as well as a curved booth seating bench and bespoke oval Nolte table for the eating area. Additional functional aspects, such as a breakfast unit for small appliances like a toaster and a sideboard for added storage, were to be integrated seamlessly, extending the kitchen's theme into the adjoining living space. For a timeless appeal, we opted for the Nolte Windsor range. The choice of the oval knob handles on the 721 White furniture shade delivered a contemporary classic feel that effortlessly blended with the newly constructed living area. A 30mm Silestone Blanco Rivers worktop was paired with Nolte’s 40mm Holm Oak, offering both durability and a chic aesthetic. The kitchen was equipped with top-tier Kitchen Aid appliances - including a single oven, combination microwave, warming drawer, induction hob, and downdraft extraction. Complementing these were a full-height NEFF fridge, a 70/30 fridge freezer, and a dishwasher. Prioritising both functionality and style, we incorporated a Blanco Sona 1 ½ sink in Alumetallic and a Quooker Fusion Classic Chrome instant boiling water tap. These additions ensure daily kitchen tasks are performed with utmost efficiency without compromising on design. Ready to transform your space into a modern haven? Reach out to us today.

We received a request to renovate Victorian tiled hallway floor at a house in the London borough of Harlesden NW10. My client had modernised the heating system and this unfortunately required a section of the tiled flooring to be dug up so new pipework could be laid. After speaking on the phone, I arranged an initial visit to the property so I could properly assess the work required and provide a price for restoring the floor. During my visit I could see there was another section of missing tiles at one of the door thresholds which would need attention. Except for the missing sections of floor I could see that the tiles themselves were in good condition for their age and would respond well to a deep clean and fresh seal. I was confident on being able to source matching replacements for the missing tiles and reassured my client that we would be able not only repair the floor but also renovate it to a good standard. I gave them a price to do the restoration which they were happy to accept, and the work was booked. After some research I managed to source replacement tiles from the Vintage Floor Tile Company in Kent; Victorian tiles are still popular so there a few companies that keep stock so we can usually find a match. With the replacements in hand, work started by removing the cement and loose material from the missing sections of flooring and backfilling with self-levelling compound to bring the exposed base up to the right level for tiling. The tiles were then cut to shape as required to match the existing patten and fixed into place with a quick setting adhesive and then grouted. The floor was left to overnight to allow the adhesive to harden fully, and I returned the next day to deep clean the whole floor. To give the tiles are deep clean a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go was sprayed onto the floor and left to soak in for ten minutes. It was then scrubbed into the floor using a rotary machine fitted with a with a black pad. This action lifted the dirt out of the tiles and the resulting slurry was removed with the wet vacuum. It turned out that the pores of the tiles were holding a lot of dirt, so the process was repeated until I was satisfied. Due to the age of the property, there was no damp-proof membrane installed so I do try to minimise the amount of water I use in this process as there is always a chance of exacerbating any latent efflorescence issues. Efflorescence occurs where moisture rises through the tile bringing with it salts from underneath the floor as it evaporates on the surface. This can lead to unsightly white marks appearing on the tile. To counteract this potential problem the cleaning was followed by an acid wash using Tile Doctor Acid Gel applied with a 100 then 200-grit pad, before finishing on a 400-grit burnishing pad. The floor was again rinsed with water after the application of each pad to remove the slurry and extracted with a wet vacuum. Once I was satisfied the floor was as clean as possible, we left site and the area was left to dry over the weekend ready for application of a new sealer. I returned on the Monday and started by taking a few moisture readings to check the floor was dry. The floor was in an acceptable range, so I applied the first of 4 coats of sealer. For this floor I chose Tile Doctor Seal and Go Extra which is specially formulated product that provides stain resistance with a hard wearing low-sheen finish. This product is also breathable which is an important feature for old floors, anything that blocks moisture from rising through the tile will cause it to become trapped underneath where it will pool and eventually reach out to the walls and result in rising damp. Once complete the floor looked brand new and I’m pleased to say with the deep clean and a fresh sealer applied it was impossible to tell the difference between the original and repaired sections of flooring. For the aftercare of sealed Victorian tiled floors, I recommend Tile Doctor Neutral Cleaner, it’s a mild day to day cleaner with a neutral pH that won’t damage the sealer. Many of the tile cleaning products you find in supermarkets are simply too strong. Andrew Newstead North London Tile Doctor

Our client was in the process of building a new house to their specification in Fraserburgh. The centrepiece? A contemporary, open-plan kitchen that not only serves as a functional space but also as an inviting hub for family gatherings. Opting for the Nolte SoftLack range, we integrated the Silver MatrixArt handleless trims, complemented by elegant integrated lighting. The main furniture showcases a soothing Sahara hue, contrasted smartly by the Lava accent. The 20mm Dekton Trilium worktop exudes sophistication, while the 40mm Nolte Platinum Bough Oak table adds a touch of warmth. We included a full suite of NEFF appliances: a single oven, combination microwave, induction hob, ceiling extraction, and a full-height fridge and freezer, meeting every culinary need. Special requests are what make a design truly personal. We incorporated a Blanco Subline undermounted sink in Alumetallic, a state-of-the-art Quooker Fusion Square Stainless Steel instant boiling water tap, and durable Pergo flooring. Notably, the elevated dishwasher was positioned conveniently beside the sink, based on the client's preference. The tall units were seamlessly integrated into the ceiling, complemented by an artful goal-post niche. Furthermore, the extractor finds its home within a stylish ceiling drop box, highlighted by a subtly lit stepped ledge. Dreaming of your own bespoke kitchen? Let us transform your vision into reality.

Recently I travelled down to the village of Prestwood in the Chiltern Hills of southern Buckinghamshire, to work on a Victorian tiled porch and hallway. Victorian tiles are commonly found in the entrance areas of older houses and unfortunately in this case the tiles had become heavily ingrained with dirt over time, and had suffered from additional paint and plaster spillages. The result was an unsightly mess; my client was considering covering the floor with lino after several unsuccessful attempts at cleaning it. I was called upon to provide a professional clean and seal, restoring these great Victorian tiles back to looking their best again. On my first day at the house, I mixed up a solution of 50 per cent Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, a high alkaline cleaner, and NanoTech HBU (formerly known as Ultra Clean), which is a cleaning product that contains nano-sized abrasive particles that penetrate deep into the stone to lift ingrained dirt to the surface. This solution was worked into the tiles using abrasive scrubbing pads fitted to one of my commercial rotary machines. The cleaning process left over a slurry of residue which I rinsed away with clean water and extracted with a wet vacuum. I was still left with the issue of stubborn paint spillages, so I applied a layer of Tile Doctor Remove & Go, a stripper with cleaning properties which is very effective at breaking down paint and adhesive stains. Once the paint spillages had been dealt with I gave the area another rinse with clean water. I then left the house, allowing the floor enough time to dry overnight. Upon my return the day I set about sealing the newly cleaned Victorian tiles. Before starting the sealing process I inspected the floor to check for any dampness, knowing that any excess moisture could potentially damage the performance of the sealer. When I was satisfied that the tiles were fully dried, I applied Tile Doctor Seal & Go, a sealer which offers durable surface protection, along with an aesthetically pleasing, low-sheen finish which brings out the colour in the stone. This product can be used to seal internal, porous surfaces including Victorian, Slate, textured Quarry and Sandstone tiles. The process made an amazing difference to the floor as you can see from the photographs; additionally the restoration of such an original feature adds a lot of value and looks so much better than lino! Colin Ford South Buckinghamshire Tile Doctor

This precision remodel extracted the tub and replaced it with an alcove walk-in shower with tile in linear drain and long horizontal niche. Maintaining a wall spout offers flexibility for all uses. The back wall and shower floor tile extends into the whole bathroom space which was the only element changed outside of the shower. Careful demo preserved the existing paint treatment on the walls as requested by the homeowner. The glossy black subway tile on either end of the new shower balances the existing black counter and toilet on the opposite side of the room. Linen-textured 12x24 tile completes the shower and flooring. Richards & Sterling tile in the niche pulls together the mixed metals in the space and adds a great feature . Three different carefully selected Schluter edges finishes off the tile perfectly. A single hinged glass partition door keeps the space feeling open and reflects the giant existing window.

Practical and functional system ELLETIPI for waste separation, provided with metal sliders for total extraction. The buckets are installed in a basket made of chrome plated steel wire and all its components are 100% recyclable. The durability and simplicity of this product are its strong points. All containers are equipped with a lid. It is easy to identify and label the type of waste that goes into each bin, using the multicolor resin stickers that were supplied with the lids. You can install these bins in kitchen bases, specifically under the sink. Its installation on the bottom of the kitchen base, using the supplied 5 self-tapping screws, is easy and practical.

Inspiration for a timeless home design remodel in Dallas

This St Johns Wood mansion block flat was one of our recent projects with a luxurious property developer in the area. We opened up spaces between the hallway, living area and kitchen to create a much more open feel throughout. A bespoke bench wrapped around the living space providing extra seating as well as storage whilst, keeping as much of the floor space free. Hidden cabling, Samsung Frame TV and biofires helped to add the luxuries without drawing away from the tranquillity. Another view of the St Johns Wood mansion block flat, the modern kitchen layout with it's central island and induction hob and ceiling mounted extraction pendant above. The brushed bronze finish on the island's facade contrasts with the sleek minimal gloss white cabinetry for the rest of the kitchen.⁠

The table BRICK is the discovery that even with a natural and simple as wood, can you do technology. The concept of the extension table is declared in its name (from "BRICK" brick): the precious teak, absolute protagonist of the collection, it breaks up into pieces, in a geometrically perfect joints paced game that characterize the design of the plan. At the dynamism of the extensible top it is opposed to the stability of the structure, drawn by bold lines and essential that shape the teak. The important dimensions and the functional throttle opening system that allows to easily extract the hidden extensions from the sliding plane, allow to create space for a large friendliness. Given the complexity of construction and the large number of wood blocks of the plan, over time may occur slight movements of these parts, if directly exposed to atmospheric agents. These movements are natural and do not affect the use and functionality of the table. To maintain stable BRICK table in time, it is suggested to place it covered areas such as porches or verandas. BRICK extendable table received the Honorable Mention at the XXIV Premio Compasso d'Oro in 2016 Designed by Gordon Guillaumier

Yolseuiloyan: Nahuatl word that means "the place where the heart rests and strengthens." The project is a sustainable eco-tourism complex of 43 cabins, located in the Sierra Norte de Puebla, Surrounded by a misty forest ecosystem, in an area adjacent to Cuetzalan del Progreso’s downtown, a magical place with indigenous roots. The cabins integrate bio-constructive local elements in order to favor the local economy, and at the same time to reduce the negative environmental impact of new construction; for this purpose, the chosen materials were bamboo panels and structure, adobe walls made from local soil, and limestone extracted from the site. The selection of materials are also suitable for the humid climate of Cuetzalan, and help to maintain a mild temperature in the interior, thanks to the material properties and the implementation of bioclimatic design strategies. For the architectural design, a traditional house typology, with a contemporary feel was chosen to integrate with the local natural context, and at the same time to promote a unique warm natural atmosphere in connection with its surroundings, with the aim to transport the user into a calm relaxed atmosphere, full of local tradition that respects the community and the environment. The interior design process integrated accessories made by local artisans who incorporate the use of textiles and ceramics, bamboo and wooden furniture, and local clay, thus expressing a part of their culture through the use of local materials.

This property in Godalming had the whole downstairs floor tiled with Fired Earth Limestone tiles nine years prior and had never had it cleaned or maintained professionally. The once beautiful stone was now looking dull and the grout had turned black with dirt leaving the floor looking uninviting. This is quite normal for stone floors as it is the sealer that protects the stone from dirt and enhances its look. Most sealers wear off after three to four years sealer and in this case after nine years it was well overdue a deep clean and reseal. I visited the property to survey the floor. It was indeed looking in need of some attention and the kitchen was particularly bad. To restore the appearance of the Limestone tile and grout the floor would need to be stripped of what remains of the old sealer, then deep cleaned with attention to the grout, polished with burnishing pads and then finally resealed. I was confident I could get it restored to a nearly new finish and to prove it I completed a small demonstration clean which the homeowner was very happy with. They agreed to my quote and we scheduled in a couple of days to carry out the work. On day one I started by cleaning the grout using a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean. its run along the grout line and then left to soak in for about ten minutes so it can get to work breaking down dirt and old sealer. The grout is then scrubbed using a grout brush which is then scrubbed backwards and forwards along the grout line until clean. The area is then rinsed with water and all the waste removed with a wet vacuum cleaner. Next, I turned my attention to the Limestone tiles which needed stripping of any remaining sealer, cleaned and polished. I find the best way to do this is by apply a set of diamond encrusted Burnishing pads in sequence starting with a coarse 400-grit followed by 800, 1500 and finally finishing with an extra fine 3000 grit. Water is used to lubricate the burnishing process and the slurry is rinsed and extracted off the floor between pads. Each pad is run over the tiles three times, and it was a large floor so as you can imagine this process took most of the day. I left the floor to dry out overnight and returned the next day to seal the Limestone. Before doing that, I reviewed my previous day’s work and I cleaned up any areas that needed further attention. Next step was to ensure the floor was dry as I don’t recommend applying a sealer to damp tile as you won’t get an even appearance, so before sealing a floor I tested for moisture using a damp meter. To seal the floor, I applied two coats of Tile Doctor Ultra Seal which is an impregnating sealer that works by occupying the small pores in the stone to prevent dirt becoming ingrained there. Limestone is a light stone and most customers like that appearance so I find it best not to use a colour enhancing sealer as it can darken the stone. Ultra-Seal doesn’t contain any colour enhancer and leaves the floor with a natural finish whilst allowing the stone variations and patterns to show through. Once the sealer was dry, I gave it a further polish with the 3000-grit pad which further brought out the natural beauty of the stone. My client was very happy with the floor, it really lifted the who area and the Kitchen in particular. Rupert Mcleod West Surrey Tile Doctor

This is a large 17.2 m2 Sandstone Floor installed throughout the living and kitchen areas of a property in the beautiful village of Disley close to Lyme Park which is run by the National Trust. The floor had been installed four years ago and my client was unhappy with the original sealer which hadn’t lasted very long. Without the protection of a sealer dirt had become ingrained in the pores of the stone which was now difficult to clean. Another issue was the rough nature of the Sandstone meant it was impossible to mop as it shreds the mop! As a result, the floor was mainly cleaned with a hoover which was not ideal, especially in a kitchen. I went over to survey the floor and before quoting I ran a small test clean in the kitchen which took the floor back to its natural pale colour and really showed how dirty the floor had become. Test cleans are great as it helps me to formulate an effective cleaning plan and provide an accurate quote. My client was impressed with the result and so I was booked to come back and deep clean and then reseal the whole floor. Due to its size I estimated the floor would take two days to deep clean and a further day to apply a new sealer, so three days in total. Working in large sections I started by cleaning the floor and stripping off the old sealer with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go which is a coatings remover that is safe to use on stone. The solution was left to soak into the pores of the Sandstone for ten minutes before being worked in with a 200-grit diamond pad fitted to a rotary floor machine. This action not only removed the old sealer and cleaned the floor but the 200-grit pad being vey coarse removed a lot of the roughness from the surface of the Sandstone so it shouldn’t shred any more mops. After rinsing the floor with water and removing the slurry with a wet vacuum I set about cleaning the grout with Tile Doctor Pro-Clean worked into the grout line with a stiff brush and assisted with steam from a professional steam cleaner with a grout attachment. Once done the floor was rinsed and extracted again to remove the soil from the grouting. There was also an area near one of the doors where the grout had become loose and needed replacing so I made up a batch of matching grout and filled this in. The floor was then left overnight to dry with assistance from a couple of air movers. I returned the next day to finish the floor by applying a sealer. First, I double checked the floor was dry with the damp meter. The readings confirmed the air movers had done a good job and that the floor was within the accepted parameters, so I was ready to seal. The sealer I chose was Tile Doctor Seal and Go which being water based doesn’t leave a smell as it dries, it really works well on Sandstone and adds a nice subtle sheen to the stone. Once finished the floor looked much cleaner, lighter in colour overall more inviting, you could even see the fossils in some of the tiles. The surface was also smoother so the customer should find cleaning with a mop much easier in future. On that subject its worth pointing out that owners of sealed floors should always use a neutral pH tile cleaner on their floors as most supermarket products are simply too strong and will prematurely strip the sealer off a tile if used repeatedly. Tile Doctor sell a product called Tile Doctor Neutral Cleaner which is ideal for cleaning sealed Sandstone floors like this one. My client was really happy with the results and sent me a message later saying: “the floor looks amazing!” Kamila Logonzy East Cheshire Tile Doctor

Openable clerestory windows extract hot air at ceiling level Strey Architects: Friedrich Strey
Example of a trendy galley porcelain tile eat-in kitchen design in Other with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, brown backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

EDEN is a family of products for relaxation and slumber, including a chaise longue, a bed and a sofa-bed. The particular feature of the collection is the original frame in metal and wood, entirely covered with cowhide, giving the product a precise connotation of luxury, functioning as the back of the chaise longue or the headboard of the bed and sofa-bed. In the daybed version the L-shaped back forms a support for soft down cushions. The bed comes with a base in wooden slats, with or without a storage compartment, and the headboard can be enhanced by two adjustable lateral wings that open to accommodate small bedside tables. The sofa-bed has a wooden slat platform and comes as a double bed or two twin beds; in the latter solution, the second extractable bed is raised off the ground with a simple touch of the foot, thanks to a patented mechanism that greatly facilitates the operation.

Elegant and luxurious pull out system ELLETIPI for waste separation, provided with metal sliders for total extraction, and soft closing return mechanism. The buckets are installed inside a stainless steel structure (AISI 430) which is 100% recyclable, as are all its components. The simple lines, the finishes, the materials and processing, render this series the top of the range. It contains a bucket with a special anti-odor lid with a filter (washable cloth that can be regenerated many times using soap and water). You can install these bins in kitchen bases, specifically under the sink. Its installation on the bottom of the kitchen base with the 8 supplied self-tapping screws is easy and practical.

Innovative waste bins ELLETIPI, equipped with a patented mechanism for the automatic opening of the lids when opening the cabinet door. The lid opens and the bin is extracted when you open the cabinet door; the lid also closes automatically when the bin returns in the cabinet when you close the door, guaranteeing odor protection. This object is made of polymers, and the fitting and attachment components are filled and reinforced. This system was designed to be installed on the side of the cabinet and connected to the door (not compulsory). Its main objective is to be used internally in kitchen base cabinets, under the sink. Its installation is practical and rapid, thanks to the instructions that can be used as a drilling guide and the supplied 12 self-tapping screws.

K. Ursomarso
Elegant concrete paver patio photo in Philadelphia