Our client in Inverallochy near Fraserburgh approached us with a vision for their project. The goal was to not just update their kitchen but also reconfigure the space by taking down partitions for a more fluid layout. For the Inverallochy kitchen, we selected the Nolte Metal range. The main door's Grey Steel colour was paired with an accent in Kansas Oak, offering a harmonious blend of modern and traditional tones. The Silver MatrixArt handleless trims, coupled with integrated lighting, further elevated the design's sleek aesthetic. Our choice of worktops included 20mm Silestone Eternal Serena Suede for the island and Nolte 25mm Kansas Oak for the perimeter. In terms of appliances, we integrated a comprehensive suite of Siemens products: from the single oven and combination microwave to the warming drawer, induction hob, and a unique ceiling extraction unit. The addition of a full-height fridge and a 600mm wine cooler ensured every culinary need was met. Attention to detail was key. We incorporated a Blanco Zia 1 ½ sink in Alumetallic and a Quooker Fusion Square Stainless Steel instant boiling water tap for added functionality. A noteworthy design feature was the extractor built into a ceiling drop box, accentuated by a stepped ledge with dedicated lighting. Pergo flooring provided the finishing touch, ensuring durability and style. Thinking of transforming your kitchen space? Get in touch for expert guidance and design.

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.

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.

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.⁠

When you discover an old Victorian tiled floor underneath carpet, the first question that will probably pop into your mind is: can it be restored? The answer, in the majority of cases, is yes. In fact, Tile Doctor has completed hundreds of Victorian tiled floor restorations. Victorian tiles have a timeless quality about them and are still popular for residential use even in the twenty first century. What you can usually expect upon lifting your carpet is for the tiles to be covered in carpet adhesives and grippers, as was the case with this particular example of a Victorian Tiles hallway floor at a property in Bedford. Sometimes you might also find paint splashes or other staining left over from decoration work. And, of course, the tiles will be dirty and in much need of a deep clean. These issues spoil the original appearance of the tiles, but with the right methods and products, a complete restoration can be achieved quickly and cost-effectively. My first task upon arriving at the proper was to carry out a site survey to address the condition of the tiles, before running a quick test clean on a small area of the floor. The result was good and so I was confident that I could achieve a high-quality restoration for the client. A quote was issued and accepted, and the work was booked in at a date that was convenient for the customer. Returning to the property, my first course of action was to mix a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro Clean, which is a powerful alkaline cleaner safe to use on natural stone, with hot water. This cleaning solution was sprayed along all edges of the floor loosen the glue securing the carpet grippers. I then successfully removed the adhesive carefully using handheld tools to avoid damaging any tiles. Once this was done, I applied Tile Doctor Remove and Go, scrubbing it into the tiles with a rotary machine. This product is designed to remove heavy soiling, paint splashes and old waxes and sealers. The soiled solution was then extracted using a wet vacuum and stubborn areas re-treated until I was satisfied the floor was clean. The entire floor was then given a thorough rinse with water to remove any trace of cleaning products and extracted using a wet vax machine. The floor was allowed to dry for several days before I was able to return to seal the tiles. It’s always important to leave significant time for the floor to dry because any moisture left over can impact the performance of the sealer. The choice of sealer was Tile Doctor Seal and Go Extra, which provides robust protection against dirt and stains, with a light sheen finish. I chose this sealer not only because the customer wanted a light sheen finish, but also because this particular sealer is fully breathable. Dampness can sometimes be an issue with old Victorian and Quarry tiles which were installed before damp proof membranes became standard. The transformation achieved within the space of a week was quite incredible and the colours in the tile have really come through. Another satisfied customer! David Vissian Bedfordshire Tile Doctor

AM70065 DESCRIPTION: “Alabastron” was the name of a village in Old Egypt, located near the city of Thebes, in which a calcareous-type translucent stone was extracted. It seems that the term also referred to objects (e.g. vessels, cups) originating from that place, which, originally, were made with this material. Eventually, the term began to refer only to the white translucent rock used in art and in the manufacturing of muchappreciated vessels. SPECIFICATIONS: Collection: Size: (Custom sizes also available) Shape: Circular Metal Finished: (Different finish available at no additional cost) Materials: Alabaster Weight: 4 LBS. Extension: Adjustable cord customizable up to 12 ft. Bulbs: N/A Assembly: Some assembly required. Dimmer Switch Compatible: Optional Shipping: Free Door-To-Door Shipping Worldwide! Rush Order: 4-6 Weeks; 15% added to the total Regular Lead Time: 6-10 Weeks Warranty: 5 Years Full Coverage (includes replacement parts) Custom Sizes, Finishes, Colors Available Upon Request

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.

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.

This is a great example of a Victorian Tiled floor refurbishment which I recently completed at a property in Stoke-on-Trent. If you look closely at the photographs below you will see the white tiles are looking grubby and paint splash staining from decorating. The owner was unhappy with how the floor now looked and wanted it refurbished. Black and White Victorian tiles laid in a chequered diamond pattern is a classic style and a very popular choice for hallways at the turn of the 20th century. Over the years many have been replaced or covered up with carpet and those that survived are now a sought-after period feature that adds value to your property. I initially cleaned the floor by applying a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which was sprayed onto the floor and then left to soak in for ten minutes. Pro-Clean is our goto tile and grout cleaning product that is designed to break down dirt and remove old sealers. After ten minutes the solution was scrubbed in with a rotary machine fitted with a coarse 200-grit pad. The soil generated was rinsed off the tiles and extracted with a wet vacuum and the floor inspected. I would see more work was needed to get the floor clean and free of staining, so I spot treated the problem areas with Tile Doctor Remove and Go which is a coatings remover. I worked in small sections leaving the product to dwell as before for 10 minutes, I then used a wallpaper steamer with handheld diamond blocks to get the ingrained dirt out of the floor. After a final rinse and extraction, the floor looked clean so, so much better than when I started. I then left the floor to dry off overnight and came back the second day to seal the tiles first checking the moisture levels with a damp meter. Applying sealer to a damp floor will result in the floor looking patchy when it dries so I always check first. The readings were good, so I started to apply the first of five coats of sealer which for this floor I chose Tile Doctor Seal and Go Extra. Old Victorian floors do not have a damp-proof membrane installed under the floor so its important to select a sealer that will allow moisture to rise through the tiles and evaporate on the surface, Seal and Go Extra allows for this. Choosing a non-breathable sealer can result in moisture being trapped under the floor where it can reach out to the walls leading to rising damp. Once the floor dried it looked fantastic. In fact, my customer was so happy with the transformation she was taking pictures and sending them to her daughters as I worked; she couldn’t believe how well it was turning out. Trevor Preece Staffordshire Tile Doctor

Earlier this summer I was called out to this job in the garden of a house in the city of Ely to inspect a freshly laid porcelain tiled patio with grout haze issues. The builder who had installed the patio hadn’t removed all the grout from the textured surface of the tile before it had dried. This was probably due to the hot weather which reduces drying times and has caught many tilers out. Multiple repeat visits by the builder trying followed who spent countless hours trying to remove the grout haze, unfortunately due to the textured surface of the tile he was unable to remove it and the patio was left looking awful. Like the builder we are increasingly finding modern grouts, which although more durable, are very difficult to remove. Fortunately belonging to the Tile Doctor network, I had already been made aware of this problem and was able to offer a solution. I arranged to pay the property a visit to demonstrate a potential solution and quote for resolving the issues. Even though the grout haze was indeed difficult to remove it wasn’t impossible if you know how. The demonstration came out well and relieved that they had finally found a solution to the problem booked me in to get the work carried out. On my return I started with the application of a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up. This product is ideal for removing grout haze or smears as they often referred to; however, being acidic we don’t recommend it for use on every surface so if your using it yourself do check the label first. I left it to soak in for ten minutes before being agitated with a black scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary buffer The weather was good, so it wasn’t a problem working outside and once all the grout smears were removed, I finished off by giving the whole patio a high-pressure rinse. I use a van mounted rinse/extraction system for this that applies warm water at high pressure onto the patio to dislodge dirt and then extracts the waste into a separate tank in the vehicle. It was an expensive investment but makes light work of jobs like this. It took around four to five cleans to complete the job, by the late afternoon the grout haze was gone, and the porcelain patio looked completely transformed. It was quite a warm day, so the patio soon dried allowing my client to use it later that day. I should mention that this variety of Porcelain tiles were not the micro porous type and therefore did not need to be sealed. Relieved the problem was finally resolved and happy with the result my client left the following feedback: Amazing service, they were able to provide us with a quote and demo before we agreed to work. We are so happy with the results we have as our patio slabs looked ruined to the eye but the Tile Doctor managed to get them looking brand new. Tom Conlon Cambridge Tile Doctor

Our carpenters labored every detail from chainsaws to the finest of chisels and brad nails to achieve this eclectic industrial design. This project was not about just putting two things together, it was about coming up with the best solutions to accomplish the overall vision. A true meeting of the minds was required around every turn to achieve "rough" in its most luxurious state. Featuring multiple Columbia Cabinet finishes; contrasting backsplashes, wall textures and flooring are all part of what makes this project so unique! Features include: Sharp microwave drawer, glass front wine fridge, fully integrated dishwasher, Blanco compost bin recessed into the counter, Walnut floating shelves, and barn house lighting. PhotographerLink

Took an old outdated bathroom and turned it into this sleek, bright bathroom. Notice all the natural light and clean lines.
Freestanding bathtub - mid-sized contemporary master white tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile freestanding bathtub idea in Nashville with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, concrete countertops, a one-piece toilet and white walls

I recently re-visited a Victorian period property in the Leeds suburb of Headingley which had an unusually large tiled entrance hall which we believe to be as old as the property itself. I say re-visited as I actually gave this floor a deep clean and reseal around five years ago; it’s always nice to be asked to return to a job as it shows the customers was very happy with the work. However, with five years of wear and tear the sealer had worn down and the floor was now starting to trap dirt, also it had lost the attractive shine added by the sealer and the owner felt it was time to have it done again. Additionally, the owner had recently had the whole house decorated and wanted the floor to look its best and match the fresh appearance of the property. Sealers do wear off with use and so it is inevitable that the tiles will need to be cleaned and sealed again with time. Given it hadn’t had a professional clean and seal for five years the floor wasn’t looking too bad as you can see from the picture, it was just a bit dull in the high traffic areas such as along the centre. I’ve certainly seen a lot worse. Initially I wasn’t 100% sure on which cleaning method l was going to use on this floor. Originally l thought about using a coarse 200-grit burnishing pad to take off a couple of layers of sealer and then re-apply 2 more coats. However, the finish on the floor wasn’t even across the width of the hallway and l felt using that approach wouldn’t resolve that. Additionally, a lot of tiles were pitted and a burnishing pad would struggle to get into the holes. So instead I decided to completely strip the floor and re-seal it which would ensure a uniform finish across the floor. I used a strong 50:50 dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean on the tiles and scrubbed it in with a black floor pad which removed the old sealer and ingrained dirt. The large floor pads are not very effective in the corners and edges, so I used a 6-inch red buffing pad fitted to a hand buffer for those. The floor was rinsed with water and the soil extracted using a wet vacuum. After inspecting the floor some areas were retreated with a repeat of the same process. After a final rinse and extraction of the soiled water the floor was left to dry overnight. The next day after first checking the floor was dry with a damp meter it was sealed with four coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go. This is a water based sealer that gives a lovely sheen and allows the colours to shine through as well as letting the floor breath, which is important in properties of this age that usually do not have a damp proof membrane. I was very pleased with the finished result as the pictures show and glad that l had chosen to do a deep clean and not just apply more coats of sealer. The client was over the moon. Nigel Stoker North West Yorkshire Tile Doctor

Our client in the villager of Pembury was feeling really deflated after having a Slate Patio laid adjacent to the full length of her house, however the builder had not applied the sealer correctly creating a mess which ruined the appearance of the stone. Unfortunately, it is not that unusual to be contacted about this sort of situation, applying a sealer is not as easy as manufactures make out. There are lots of factors to consider, choosing the right sealer, is the stone damp, how do you know if you have applied too much, and it often catches tradesmen out. I was able to reassure them that with the right combination of products and equipment the problem could be rectified. The first job was to strip off the old sealer which was done using a product called Tile Doctor Remove and Go. The name of this product pretty much says it all and once applied to the stone it is left to soak in for ten to twenty minutes before being scrubbed in with a rotary machine fitted with an abrasive burnishing pad. Tile Doctor Remove and Go is a multi-purpose stripper which will remove most coatings and sealers, including epoxy grout haze which is another common problem we encounter when tradesmen have not cleaned up properly after grouting. It is also good for removing heavy build ups of grease. I used several burnishing pads of different grits going from coarse to smooth on this patio, rinsing and extracting the soil after each pad. It was a large area, so this process took up most of the day on its own, fortunately I use a van mounted high pressure cleaning and extraction system to remove the soil which is very efficient and leaves the stone bright clean and reasonably dry afterwards. This ensures the process can be carried out with minimal mess. It was a nice warm summers day and although cloudy we didn’t get any rain overnight, so after checking the forecast I was able to return the next day and apply a fresh sealer to the Slate. My client wanted a natural look, so I used Tile Doctor Ultra Seal. This product is a no-sheen, natural-look, impregnating sealer which is formulated to provide maximum stain protection. These impregnating sealers work by penetrating the stone, occupying its pores, and thus preventing dirt from residing there. The client was so happy and relieved to see the results on what a very expensive patio and commented she was eager to get the first barbecue of the season underway. We recommended that a regular with the jet wash should keep the patio in good condition and in a few years time we could return to reapply the sealer for them. Michael Conlon South Kent Tile Doctor

The photographs below are of a Polished limestone floor that had been installed in the Kitchen of a house in Cheltenham approximately eight years prior. The polish and sealer had worn off over that time allowing dirt to become ingrained into the pores of the stone making it difficult to clean. This is a common problem with all types of porous stone and tile which need to be sealed to maintain their appearance. Sealers do wear down over time with use however and need to be maintained, this is why Tile Doctor have created a maintenance program whereby we pop by every 12 months to give the floor a light clean and top-up the sealer, it only takes a few hours, but it keeps your sealer in good condition. Cheltenham by the way is a lovely town situated on the edge of the Cotswolds which is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has a racecourse and is well known for the mineral springs which were discovered here in 1716. My first job was to protect the wooden kitchen units from any splashes by covering them some cotton sheets. Next, I set about restoring the Limestone’s appearance using a set of Burnishing Pads which is a form of polishing which involves the sequential application of four diamond encrusted pads of different grit levels. The first pad applied is a Coarse 400 grit pad which is applied to the floor with a buffing machine and lubricated with water. This process grinds away the top layer of dirt and staining from the stone, along with any old sealer, the floor is then rinsed to remove the soil that is generated. I then move through the system, applying the Medium and then Fine pads using less and less water as you go but rinsing in-between and extracting the water with a wet-vac machine. Once I was happy with the stone I scrubbed the grout lines to remove any soiling that the pads had failed to pick up. The floor was then given a final rinse and the wet vacuum used to extract as much moisture as possible. The floor was then left to dry out completely overnight. The next day I gave the floor a polish with the Very Fine 3,000 grit diamond burnishing pad, this is applied using a technique we call a “spray burnish” due to the fact that very little water is used during its application. The next step was to seal the stone using for which I used Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is an impregnating sealer that protects the stone from within by occupying its pores. Colour Grow also has the added benefit of intensifying the natural colours in the stone. The floor was then left to dry for an hour before I gave it one final dry polish using the Very Fine burnishing pad. My customer was very happy with the final result and made the comment that they thought the floor looked brand new. Malcolm Crowther Gloucester Tile Doctor

I recently went to survey a floor in Harrogate which I immediately recognised as beige Moleanos Limestone which comes from Portugal. If you have been reading my previous posts you will remember I am not a fan of this type of stone as it is very difficult to clean, polish or seal. This particular floor was laid around 5 years prior and was now looking quite dull and was in need of reviving. The client didn’t want to spend much so l suggested l could spray burnish the floor to get her shine back again and remove the splash marks. We do this a lot for owners of polished stone floors as part of an annual maintenance package, it is a low cost option that uses a very fine 3,000 grit burnishing pad to renovate the stone and bring up the shine. However, I pointed out to her that this process wouldn’t clean her grout which was making her floor look scruffy. I priced up the different options and after weighing up the quotes I’m pleased to say she decided to go for a full clean and seal. The full process involves the use of different grades of diamond encrusted burnishing pads from low to very fine grits to renovate the Limestone and also a chemical clean of the grout followed by a fresh seal. I returned on the scheduled date and after preparing the floor I started cleaning the Limestone by running over the tiles with a 400-grit coarse burnishing pad lubricated with water. The soil was rinsed off with more water and extracted with a wet vacuum. This process was repeated with the 800 and 1500-grit pads which starts to build-up the polish on the stone. I then turned my attention to the grout with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which was left to soak into the grout for ten minutes before scrubbing it by hand with a stiff brush. After a final rinse and extraction with the wet vacuum the tile and grout were looking much cleaner and was left to dry off overnight. On Day 2 I stated with the application of the 3,000-grit pad which is the last step in the polishing processed and builds up a lovely satin finish on the stone floor. This is done using only a little water and is basically the spray burnish technique I referred to earlier. This process has the added advantage of leaving the floor dry. With the stone tiles looking lovely and the grout clean the last step was to seal it all in and protect it from dirt and future staining with the application of a sealer. For this I used two coats of Tile Doctor Ultra Seal. My client was very pleased she had spent the extra money to achieve the floor she had always wanted, apparently it had never looked this good even when new. We discussed the annual maintenance plan to ensure the floor remained looking this good. Nigel Stoker North West Yorkshire TIle Doctor

Our client and her sister own a condo in Florida and although her sister lives there full-time, our client only comes to Florida for the winter and utilizes the guest room and a separate bathroom as her own. At the time, enthusiastic to be in Florida she went all out in decorating in the old Florida style with a green and yellow tropical feel including a plethora of palm trees (see before picture). All the furniture had to be from Tommy Bahama and even the light fixtures had a tropical theme. Fast forward to 2015 and our client was tired and bored in these surroundings and said to me, “what was I thinking!” She didn’t have the budget to change everything and I assured her that we could update her bedroom keeping the existing furniture. One of her previous decorating problems was the tiny window over the bed which she had covered by adding a faux canopy. Unfortunately, the fabric was thin and the window showed through. I tried to persuade her that a solution for the window issue could be a large painting over the bed but she wasn’t keen so we agreed to refresh the canopy with a more modern look. We started with fresh silvery-grey paint and glossy white trim. Using subtle greeny-blue bedding from Eastern Accents we extracted a simple palette and mixed in several patterns including a classic Greek key. There are geometrics in the pillows and a floral in the custom cornice and draperies and we found a fabric from the same color palette for the drapery behind the bed from Kravet. It has a beautiful sheen which reflects light and is heavily lined to cover the window. Our project manager added the wood trim to the cornice board. The modern chair is upholstered in a sea green herringbone while the table has an interesting story; my client loved the shape of the table but it was originally finished completely in gold leaf. Part of our update was to change everything metal such as door knobs and drapery hardware to chrome so our project manager offered to re-finish the table in silver leaf. Along the way we had a hiccup in the communication… she asked if the top was glass and was told it was but we didn’t realize that she hadn’t unpacked it so didn’t see the gold rim. On installation day we were surprised to see the gold rim against the silver legs! Happily, it was a really good error as the painting behind the chair has both gold and silver leaf and our error looks as though it were meant to be. We finished with turquoise blown glass lamps, several pieces of art, and a large floor mirror (not in photo). The client asked if she could choose some pretty accessories at local art fairs and one painting is by her artist brother-in-law. This project was very enjoyable as we were able to modernize the room with an updated coastal palette while at the same time utilizing existing furniture. Photographer: Rolando Diaz

Except for general cleaning this multi-coloured slate floor had not been professionally cleaned since installation eleven years prior. Any sealer that had once been applied to the slate had long since worn off and dirt was now ingrained in the pores of the stone causing it to look dull and un-attractive. The property was in the lovely town of Staines Upon Thames, obviously situated on the banks of the River Thames and a popular place to live for London commuters. I visited site to take a closer look at the floor and provide the client with an accurate price for renovating the stone. It turns out that the client had used all sorts of different household cleaners in an attempt to get the floor clean. Unfortunately, they were probably making the situation worse as these strong cleaning products would have actually stripped the sealant off the stone leaving it open to dirt. I carried out a test clean for them and they were very pleased to see how the floor could look. We agreed a price for the work and arranged a suitable date to carry out the work. Cleaning a Multi-Coloured Slate Tiled Kitchen Floor My first task was to strip off what was left of the old sealer and deep clean the stone using a dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go mixed 50:50 with Tile Doctor Pro-Clean. This powerful cocktail was applied to the floor and left to soak in for ten minutes before being scrubbed in using a rotary machine fitted with a black scrubbing pad. The grout was hand scrubbed using more of the cleaning solution along the grout lines until I was happy the floor was as clean as it possibly could be. The floor was rinsed with water and the soil extracted by using the wet vacuum. Once the floor was clear the Slate was inspected, and any stubborn areas were spot treated using the same process as before. After a final rinse and extraction, the floor was dried as much as possible using the wet vacuum and left to dry off overnight. Sealing a Multi-Coloured Slate Tiled Kitchen Floor I came back the next day and checked the moisture levels of the tiles using a damp meter. The floor had dried well so I had a green light for applying a new sealer. For this I used four Coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. This product works really well on Slate and gave the tiles a nice sheen finish, the fresh sealer will also make maintenance cleaning far easier in the future. The client was very happy with the result, the floor now looks great and the natural colours of the stone is so much more evident. For aftercare I recommended they throw away all those supermarket products and use Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner which is a pH neutral product that won’t prematurely erode the new sealer with use. Jonathan Oldham South Middlesex Tile Doctor

Grigio Elegante Honed is a deep grey quartz with fine white veins throughout. The light veining gives the quartz some visual interest and gives it the appearance of a natural stone.