Here we have a six year old Indian Sandstone tiled floor located a property on the outskirts of Lancaster. Measuring 100 metres squared, the very large floor had under floor heating in the concrete sub base. The type of stone used inside the property is what we commonly refer to as ‘patio Sandstone’, a material which is usually used outside because of its very rough texture. It’s not particularly comfortable to walk across in bare feet, hence why many people consider it be impractical for internal flooring. Nonetheless, the property owner was keen to make the rough textured floor as feet-friendly as possible for people walking over it. At Tile Doctor we have developed a process known as milling, which utilises diamond encrusted pads combined with a weighted rotary machine to smooth the rough surface, leaving it looking and feeling a lot nicer and more practical to live with. The milling process is only done once, but while the Sandstone will still need cleaning and sealing in the future, it won’t be nearly as difficult as when it was rough. The job would take over two weeks to complete due to the fact that the existing grout needed to be removed and replaced with a flexible floor grout: a very time consuming process. As mentioned, the surface of the Sandstone was very rough, and so needed to be milled down to make it a lot smoother to look after and make it easy to clean and seal. This was achieved by using Tile Doctor’s 50 Grit diamond encrusted burnishing pads, fitted to a weighed rotary machine and run along the entire surface area of the floor. Through this process the stone became much smoother and more aesthetic – completing one of our main objectives for the customer. Next, we started breaking out the already loose and badly applied grout with our grout removal tools. The builder who had installed the floor had used a sand/cement-based grout which wasn’t flexible. As a result, it started to crumble and loosen quite quickly after exposure to the underfloor heating. We removed this and replaced it with a far more flexible grout. Once the whole area had been successfully milled and the grout replaced, the Sandstone floor was left to dry out over the weekend. Upon our return to the property, we cleaned off any dust and resin left over from the milling and grouting processes, before leaving it to dry for a further 24 hours. The next day we returned to seal the whole floor with two coats of our impregnating sealer Tile Doctor Colour Grow. The sealer fills the pores of the Sandstone to prevent ingrained dirt and stains, while also emphasising the natural colours in the stone. It also provides a robust matte finish, which is what the customer wished for. It wasn’t the easiest of processes to get the Indian Sandstone into a condition where it would be both suitable for internal flooring and aesthetically pleasing, but the results proved to be very much worth the time and effort invested. The customer was very pleased with the transformation. Russell Taylor Lancashire Tile Doctor

A homeowner who we’d worked with previously (a bathroom we’d remodeled for him was named ‘Bathroom of the Year’ by Boston Globe Magazine in 2007.) contacted us with a new project in mind. Following a divorce and second marriage, he and his family had moved into mid-sized home that felt too cramped for two adults and four children. Working within its existing frame, we set to work creating a more functional and pleasant living experience. The family’s main gathering area is the kitchen. We began improving the space by absorbing square footage from what had been a mudroom/laundry area behind the kitchen. This allowed us to introduce an island, creating a focal point for meal prep, cooking, and socializing. New custom cabinetry increased storage. We added a homework nook for the kids. Wider openings to the foyer and the dining room made flow between spaces easier. At the home’s entry, we re-treaded and re-finished the staircase, adding new railings and newell post. An orange fiberglass exterior door contrasts playfully with the home’s deep blue exterior. Finishing the basement allowed the introduction of a new laundry area, a cozy family room/kids play space, and a workshop. In this last space we reconfigured some kitchen items that had been ordered but were unusable due to a last-minute change in plans, including a cabinet now used for tool storage and a wall panel that became a workbench. On the home’s second floor, one bedroom had been accessible only by passing through another bedroom. The family’s two teenage children had been enduring this arrangement via solutions that included placing duct tape along the floor to mark passage boundaries. We were able to give each child much-desired private space by borrowing square-footage from a closet and carving out a hallway with separate entries for each room. Another bedroom on the second floor was refreshed with a new coat of paint. Photo by Shelly Harrison

A homeowner who we’d worked with previously (a bathroom we’d remodeled for him was named ‘Bathroom of the Year’ by Boston Globe Magazine in 2007.) contacted us with a new project in mind. Following a divorce and second marriage, he and his family had moved into mid-sized home that felt too cramped for two adults and four children. Working within its existing frame, we set to work creating a more functional and pleasant living experience. The family’s main gathering area is the kitchen. We began improving the space by absorbing square footage from what had been a mudroom/laundry area behind the kitchen. This allowed us to introduce an island, creating a focal point for meal prep, cooking, and socializing. New custom cabinetry increased storage. We added a homework nook for the kids. Wider openings to the foyer and the dining room made flow between spaces easier. At the home’s entry, we re-treaded and re-finished the staircase, adding new railings and newell post. An orange fiberglass exterior door contrasts playfully with the home’s deep blue exterior. Finishing the basement allowed the introduction of a new laundry area, a cozy family room/kids play space, and a workshop. In this last space we reconfigured some kitchen items that had been ordered but were unusable due to a last-minute change in plans, including a cabinet now used for tool storage and a wall panel that became a workbench. On the home’s second floor, one bedroom had been accessible only by passing through another bedroom. The family’s two teenage children had been enduring this arrangement via solutions that included placing duct tape along the floor to mark passage boundaries. We were able to give each child much-desired private space by borrowing square-footage from a closet and carving out a hallway with separate entries for each room. Another bedroom on the second floor was refreshed with a new coat of paint. Photo by Shelly Harrison

The pictures above are of a 12 metre squared Chinese slate floor in the kitchen of a property in Harrogate which had been laid ten years prior. You can see from the photographs that the grout had darkened and the slate itself had lost a lot of its character and colour. Sealers typically last between three to five years so by now there was little protection left and so dirt had become trapped in the pores of the stone and grout making it difficult to keep clean. It was now overdue a deep clean and the application of a fresh seal. I went over to survey the floor and provide a quote for stripping off what was left of the original sealer, cleaning the floor, and then resealing. I had been recommended by a previous customer so happy with my track record and the price I quoted, they asked me to do the work. They had received a quote from another firm which as it turned out was a lot more expensive than mine. Given there was little sealer left to remove I decided to start by scrubbing the floor with a strong concentration of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which was left to soak into the slate for ten minutes. Then I worked the solution in with a rotary machine fitted with a black scrubbing pad. Pro-Clean is a very versatile product that will strip the sealer off a floor when used in a strong dilution with water, it will also remove deep seated dirt too. Due to the riven nature of the tiles however I found the black pad was struggling to reach into the crevices of the tile so to achieve the desired result I resorted to scrubbing the floor on my hands and knees with a scrubbing brush. Its important that the floor is as clean as it possibly can be before sealing otherwise you simply lock the dirt in and it will never look clean. The floor was left to dry off overnight and I returned the next day to apply the new sealer. First, I checked to ensure that the floor was fully dry using a damp meter. The sealer would not cure properly if the floor damp and this can detract from the finished appearance. I was happy with the readings, so I started to apply the first coat of Tile Doctor Seal and Go which I felt was the best product sealing Slate. The stone needed four coats; each one being left to dry before applying the next. Seal and Go is a stain resistant sealer which results in a low sheen silky appearance, it is good on surfaces such as the Chinese Slate which tend to be more porous and being water based it does not leave a smell as it dries. The client was very happy with the result and mentioned to me that it had never looked that good even when new. For aftercare cleaning I recommended the use of Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner which will keep the floor in the best condition. This is a pH neutral cleaner which can be used daily and won’t compromise the newly laid sealer like many of the stronger products you find in supermarkets. Nigel Stoker North West Yorkshire Tile Doctor

With a double panel of multi-colored Indian Rajah slate, the Nojoqui Falls Double fountain creates a display that is irresistible to the eye and combines a sound that is soothing to the ear. Capturing the raw beauty of its namesake, the beautiful 164 foot Nojoqui Falls near Solvang, California, our fountain combines natural elements with modern technology to bring nature's majesty to your living room. Nearly five feet tall and over four feet wide, this wall mounted fountain makes its presence felt in your home or office. These water fountains feature your choice of four contemporary finishes framing double panels of Rajah slate layered onto lightweight composite material. The fountain is made with a splash-free design and features LED lighting to bring even more attention to the water falling past the slate. An adjustable flow valve allows you to adjust the rate of the falling water based on your mood, from a tranquil, calming curtain to a torrential cascade. Even with these features, installation is still a breeze, with no special tools. For truly unique and functional decorations, our indoor water fountains are beyond compare. This water fountain can be customized with your logo. NSI Slate™ – Water fountains made with our NSI™ Slate use our patent pending technology which sheers a layer of genuine Indian Raja Slate and fuses it to composite material with the same chipped edge technique as slab slate. They are indistinguishable from a thick slab of slate. All the beauty is retained and the weight is reduced by over 90% making it easier to hang a wall fountain. *Please note that these units are handmade and measurements may vary slightly. Texture and color of the copper and slate may also vary slightly with each fountain.

The Denver area’s best fireplace store is just a short drive from downtown Denver, right in the heart of Conifer CO. We have over 40 burning displays spread throughout our expansive 3,000 sq ft showroom area. Spanning 5 full rooms, our Denver area hearth store showcases some of the best brands in the industry including a wide selection of fireplaces, fireplace inserts, wood stoves, gas stoves, pellet stoves, gas fireplaces, gas log sets, electric fireplaces, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and more! Beyond just fireplaces & heating stoves, we also stock a great supply of hearth accessories, including hearth pads, tool sets, fireplace doors, grates, screens, wood holders, ash buckets, and much more. Homeowners & Contractors alike turn to us for all of their hearth and heating needs, including chimney venting pipe, like Class A Chimney, Direct Vents, Pellet Vents, and other chimney systems. At Inglenook Energy Center, you can count on full service customer care from the moment you walk in the door. Our trained & knowledgeable experts can help you select the perfect fireplace, stove, or insert for your needs then set up installation with our trusted group of licensed independent sub-contractors. We also have a fireplace & stove parts department that can help with all of your fireplace & stove repairs and maintenance needs, too. We only carry & offer quality products from top name brands & manufacturers so our customers will get the most out of their new heating unit. Stop by our showroom and store today to view your favorite models side by side and get inspired to design & build a beautiful new hearth area, whether that is indoors or outdoors.

With a double panel of multi-colored Indian Rajah slate, the Nojoqui Falls Double fountain creates a display that is irresistible to the eye and combines a sound that is soothing to the ear. Capturing the raw beauty of its namesake, the beautiful 164 foot Nojoqui Falls near Solvang, California, our fountain combines natural elements with modern technology to bring nature's majesty to your living room. Nearly five feet tall and over four feet wide, this wall mounted fountain makes its presence felt in your home or office. These water fountains feature your choice of four contemporary finishes framing double panels of Rajah slate layered onto lightweight composite material. The fountain is made with a splash-free design and features LED lighting to bring even more attention to the water falling past the slate. An adjustable flow valve allows you to adjust the rate of the falling water based on your mood, from a tranquil, calming curtain to a torrential cascade. Even with these features, installation is still a breeze, with no special tools. For truly unique and functional decorations, our indoor water fountains are beyond compare. This water fountain can be customized with your logo. NSI Slate™ – Water fountains made with our NSI™ Slate use our patent pending technology which sheers a layer of genuine Indian Raja Slate and fuses it to composite material with the same chipped edge technique as slab slate. They are indistinguishable from a thick slab of slate. All the beauty is retained and the weight is reduced by over 90% making it easier to hang a wall fountain. *Please note that these units are handmade and measurements may vary slightly. Texture and color of the copper and slate may also vary slightly with each fountain.

The Denver area’s best fireplace store is just a short drive from downtown Denver, right in the heart of Conifer CO. We have over 40 burning displays spread throughout our expansive 3,000 sq ft showroom area. Spanning 5 full rooms, our Denver area hearth store showcases some of the best brands in the industry including a wide selection of fireplaces, fireplace inserts, wood stoves, gas stoves, pellet stoves, gas fireplaces, gas log sets, electric fireplaces, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and more! Beyond just fireplaces & heating stoves, we also stock a great supply of hearth accessories, including hearth pads, tool sets, fireplace doors, grates, screens, wood holders, ash buckets, and much more. Homeowners & Contractors alike turn to us for all of their hearth and heating needs, including chimney venting pipe, like Class A Chimney, Direct Vents, Pellet Vents, and other chimney systems. At Inglenook Energy Center, you can count on full service customer care from the moment you walk in the door. Our trained & knowledgeable experts can help you select the perfect fireplace, stove, or insert for your needs then set up installation with our trusted group of licensed independent sub-contractors. We also have a fireplace & stove parts department that can help with all of your fireplace & stove repairs and maintenance needs, too. We only carry & offer quality products from top name brands & manufacturers so our customers will get the most out of their new heating unit. Stop by our showroom and store today to view your favorite models side by side and get inspired to design & build a beautiful new hearth area, whether that is indoors or outdoors.

A homeowner who we’d worked with previously (a bathroom we’d remodeled for him was named ‘Bathroom of the Year’ by Boston Globe Magazine in 2007.) contacted us with a new project in mind. Following a divorce and second marriage, he and his family had moved into mid-sized home that felt too cramped for two adults and four children. Working within its existing frame, we set to work creating a more functional and pleasant living experience. The family’s main gathering area is the kitchen. We began improving the space by absorbing square footage from what had been a mudroom/laundry area behind the kitchen. This allowed us to introduce an island, creating a focal point for meal prep, cooking, and socializing. New custom cabinetry increased storage. We added a homework nook for the kids. Wider openings to the foyer and the dining room made flow between spaces easier. At the home’s entry, we re-treaded and re-finished the staircase, adding new railings and newell post. An orange fiberglass exterior door contrasts playfully with the home’s deep blue exterior. Finishing the basement allowed the introduction of a new laundry area, a cozy family room/kids play space, and a workshop. In this last space we reconfigured some kitchen items that had been ordered but were unusable due to a last-minute change in plans, including a cabinet now used for tool storage and a wall panel that became a workbench. On the home’s second floor, one bedroom had been accessible only by passing through another bedroom. The family’s two teenage children had been enduring this arrangement via solutions that included placing duct tape along the floor to mark passage boundaries. We were able to give each child much-desired private space by borrowing square-footage from a closet and carving out a hallway with separate entries for each room. Another bedroom on the second floor was refreshed with a new coat of paint. Photo by Shelly Harrison

This little guy was growing out of his crib and changing table and needed an update to his room. His parents are avid golfers and he in turn has picked up the sport. His parents requested a room that he can grow in to, so the space will last many years before having to redesign it again. His mom suggested a golf theme room and I loved the idea, so we rolled with it. We kept the original plantation shutters and millwork and built a toddler-friendly space he can enjoy for years and years. I had my muralist paint an argyle wall to set the tone. I used new custom furniture combined with some store bought pieces. Accessorizing the space was a fun task. Instead of using store bought items, I had some custom wall art made for him to personalize the space. I had his great grandmother’s golf clubs mounted onto graphic green and white fabric studded with chrome nailheads. An Etsy seller made us a custom metal piece with all their favorite golf brands. Another Etsy seller made us wall hooks fashioned from golf balls. No golf theme room would be complete without a putting green, so had one of those thrown in to so he can practice his putts. He now loves his new room and enjoys spending time in there (not to mention now sleeping in there too!).

A homeowner who we’d worked with previously (a bathroom we’d remodeled for him was named ‘Bathroom of the Year’ by Boston Globe Magazine in 2007.) contacted us with a new project in mind. Following a divorce and second marriage, he and his family had moved into mid-sized home that felt too cramped for two adults and four children. Working within its existing frame, we set to work creating a more functional and pleasant living experience. The family’s main gathering area is the kitchen. We began improving the space by absorbing square footage from what had been a mudroom/laundry area behind the kitchen. This allowed us to introduce an island, creating a focal point for meal prep, cooking, and socializing. New custom cabinetry increased storage. We added a homework nook for the kids. Wider openings to the foyer and the dining room made flow between spaces easier. At the home’s entry, we re-treaded and re-finished the staircase, adding new railings and newell post. An orange fiberglass exterior door contrasts playfully with the home’s deep blue exterior. Finishing the basement allowed the introduction of a new laundry area, a cozy family room/kids play space, and a workshop. In this last space we reconfigured some kitchen items that had been ordered but were unusable due to a last-minute change in plans, including a cabinet now used for tool storage and a wall panel that became a workbench. On the home’s second floor, one bedroom had been accessible only by passing through another bedroom. The family’s two teenage children had been enduring this arrangement via solutions that included placing duct tape along the floor to mark passage boundaries. We were able to give each child much-desired private space by borrowing square-footage from a closet and carving out a hallway with separate entries for each room. Another bedroom on the second floor was refreshed with a new coat of paint. Photo by Shelly Harrison

The Denver area’s best fireplace store is just a short drive from downtown Denver, right in the heart of Conifer CO. We have over 40 burning displays spread throughout our expansive 3,000 sq ft showroom area. Spanning 5 full rooms, our Denver area hearth store showcases some of the best brands in the industry including a wide selection of fireplaces, fireplace inserts, wood stoves, gas stoves, pellet stoves, gas fireplaces, gas log sets, electric fireplaces, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and more! Beyond just fireplaces & heating stoves, we also stock a great supply of hearth accessories, including hearth pads, tool sets, fireplace doors, grates, screens, wood holders, ash buckets, and much more. Homeowners & Contractors alike turn to us for all of their hearth and heating needs, including chimney venting pipe, like Class A Chimney, Direct Vents, Pellet Vents, and other chimney systems. At Inglenook Energy Center, you can count on full service customer care from the moment you walk in the door. Our trained & knowledgeable experts can help you select the perfect fireplace, stove, or insert for your needs then set up installation with our trusted group of licensed independent sub-contractors. We also have a fireplace & stove parts department that can help with all of your fireplace & stove repairs and maintenance needs, too. We only carry & offer quality products from top name brands & manufacturers so our customers will get the most out of their new heating unit. Stop by our showroom and store today to view your favorite models side by side and get inspired to design & build a beautiful new hearth area, whether that is indoors or outdoors.

www.ecole-studio.com

A homeowner who we’d worked with previously (a bathroom we’d remodeled for him was named ‘Bathroom of the Year’ by Boston Globe Magazine in 2007.) contacted us with a new project in mind. Following a divorce and second marriage, he and his family had moved into mid-sized home that felt too cramped for two adults and four children. Working within its existing frame, we set to work creating a more functional and pleasant living experience. The family’s main gathering area is the kitchen. We began improving the space by absorbing square footage from what had been a mudroom/laundry area behind the kitchen. This allowed us to introduce an island, creating a focal point for meal prep, cooking, and socializing. New custom cabinetry increased storage. We added a homework nook for the kids. Wider openings to the foyer and the dining room made flow between spaces easier. At the home’s entry, we re-treaded and re-finished the staircase, adding new railings and newell post. An orange fiberglass exterior door contrasts playfully with the home’s deep blue exterior. Finishing the basement allowed the introduction of a new laundry area, a cozy family room/kids play space, and a workshop. In this last space we reconfigured some kitchen items that had been ordered but were unusable due to a last-minute change in plans, including a cabinet now used for tool storage and a wall panel that became a workbench. On the home’s second floor, one bedroom had been accessible only by passing through another bedroom. The family’s two teenage children had been enduring this arrangement via solutions that included placing duct tape along the floor to mark passage boundaries. We were able to give each child much-desired private space by borrowing square-footage from a closet and carving out a hallway with separate entries for each room. Another bedroom on the second floor was refreshed with a new coat of paint. Photo by Shelly Harrison

A new deck and glass railing allow the amazing ocean views to be enjoyed from inside or out.
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal open concept living room remodel in San Diego with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a media wall

Caracole Architects Chair PRODUCT ATS-CHAIR-04B Best laid plans. A modern living space benefits greatly from a bit of personality. When planning out a room's interior furnishings, include a piece that tells a story or stimulates conversation. The Architect's chair cleverly rests on metal legs that imitate an architect's drafting tool. Supple leather adorns the padded upholstery seat on the chair's interior while the chair's outer upholstery features the suede reverse side. Body Leather: Seat Cushion and Inback 9065-55CC; Suede Outback 9065B-55CC Caracole Outside the Box Desk PRODUCT ATS-DESK-003 Studied details. A traditional desk rendered in luxe artisan metal. The desk's top offers the unexpected, framed in thirds with matte gold metal. The center section is inset with oak while the two smaller sections are framed in glass, revealing the desk's finely appointed drawer. Rich brown, sueded leather lines the drawers that are fitted with dividers and couture desk accouterments. Drawers can be pulled out for ease of function. For a contemporary alternative, drawers may be removed completely as open compartments are finished beautifully in cluster fumed oak. Drawer pulls made of horn wrapped with matte gold metal. Caracole Vision Airy Display Cabinet PRODUCT ATS-DISCAB-001 Display collectibles, modern art or everyday bar essentials in this minimalist contemporary curio. Warm matte gold metal defines the silhouette while sleek, modern glass doors and interior shelves offer exciting opportunities for display. Features three adjustable glass shelves with plate grooves for display. The cabinets' tall, lean proportions make a dramatic statement. Use one on its own to add height and focal interest, or group two or more for a dynamic focal wall. LED string lighting is concealed along the inside edge of the cabinet's interior, casting dramatic modern light on displayed art, and may be adjusted with a touch-control for three levels of light.

The Denver area’s best fireplace store is just a short drive from downtown Denver, right in the heart of Conifer CO. We have over 40 burning displays spread throughout our expansive 3,000 sq ft showroom area. Spanning 5 full rooms, our Denver area hearth store showcases some of the best brands in the industry including a wide selection of fireplaces, fireplace inserts, wood stoves, gas stoves, pellet stoves, gas fireplaces, gas log sets, electric fireplaces, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and more! Beyond just fireplaces & heating stoves, we also stock a great supply of hearth accessories, including hearth pads, tool sets, fireplace doors, grates, screens, wood holders, ash buckets, and much more. Homeowners & Contractors alike turn to us for all of their hearth and heating needs, including chimney venting pipe, like Class A Chimney, Direct Vents, Pellet Vents, and other chimney systems. At Inglenook Energy Center, you can count on full service customer care from the moment you walk in the door. Our trained & knowledgeable experts can help you select the perfect fireplace, stove, or insert for your needs then set up installation with our trusted group of licensed independent sub-contractors. We also have a fireplace & stove parts department that can help with all of your fireplace & stove repairs and maintenance needs, too. We only carry & offer quality products from top name brands & manufacturers so our customers will get the most out of their new heating unit. Stop by our showroom and store today to view your favorite models side by side and get inspired to design & build a beautiful new hearth area, whether that is indoors or outdoors.

I was contacted by a client in Kendal to see if I could help with their Black Flagstone basement floor. As you can see from the photographs it was in a bit of a state and the stone looked mostly White rather than Black. I carried out a site visit, to survey the floor and work out the best approach to restore its appearance. After testing a few different products and techniques I worked out an effective restoration plan and discussed this with the owner. Happy with my plan and costing’s we agreed a date to start the work. Being in the basement of the property had its challenges but it would mean we could work socially distanced from the owner. To restore the floors appearance, I started with a set of coarse wire (60 and 120 grit) brushes lubricated with Tile Doctor Remove and Go which is a strong coatings remover. I had considered using milling pads on the tiles to reveal a new surface underneath but that does involve the use of an expensive set of coarse pads and given it was a basement the owners didn’t feel the extra expense would be justified. The wire grits work well on rough stone floors when attached to a weighted buffing machine and we add some Tile Doctor Remove and Go to the mix. Once clean the floor was rinsed with water and the slurry extracted using an industrial wet vacuum. After cleaning the floor, it looked transformed, some pointing was required so we carried this out after the main clean. The stone was left to dry out for a few days before returning to apply a sealer. For this floor I felt Tile Doctor X-Tra seal would be the best product and applied two coats. I chose X-Tra seal for this job as it ticks a lot of boxes, it’s a breathable oil-based resin sealer which being breathable will allow moisture to rise through the floor. Old floors like this don’t have a damp proof membrane so it is important to choose a sealer that can allow the floor to breath and not let damp build up under the floor where it can reach out to the walls and cause rising damp. I also chose X-Tra Seal as it has a great ability to bring out the colour of the darker stone due to its high oil content, the oil will deter salts from forming if efflorescence is an issue. This is a unique property of this sealer as we never know if efflorescent salts are going to form or not so having this in place as a sealer is a great plus for a Tile Doctor, it is new to the market and is already proving popular on floors like this and for protecting external stone. If the tiles are smooth Tile Doctor X-Tra Seal adds a bit of a sheen to the appearance of the stone however this stone was very rough, so we didn’t manage a shine, but the customer was happy with the matt finish and the slightly honed effect. The floor looked great and much more appealing making the space more attractive and likely to be used. For aftercare I recommended Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner which will clean the floor without impacting the sealer which can be a problem with many of the stronger products you find in supermarkets. Heidi Taylor South Cumbria Tile Doctor

A homeowner who we’d worked with previously (a bathroom we’d remodeled for him was named ‘Bathroom of the Year’ by Boston Globe Magazine in 2007.) contacted us with a new project in mind. Following a divorce and second marriage, he and his family had moved into mid-sized home that felt too cramped for two adults and four children. Working within its existing frame, we set to work creating a more functional and pleasant living experience. The family’s main gathering area is the kitchen. We began improving the space by absorbing square footage from what had been a mudroom/laundry area behind the kitchen. This allowed us to introduce an island, creating a focal point for meal prep, cooking, and socializing. New custom cabinetry increased storage. We added a homework nook for the kids. Wider openings to the foyer and the dining room made flow between spaces easier. At the home’s entry, we re-treaded and re-finished the staircase, adding new railings and newell post. An orange fiberglass exterior door contrasts playfully with the home’s deep blue exterior. Finishing the basement allowed the introduction of a new laundry area, a cozy family room/kids play space, and a workshop. In this last space we reconfigured some kitchen items that had been ordered but were unusable due to a last-minute change in plans, including a cabinet now used for tool storage and a wall panel that became a workbench. On the home’s second floor, one bedroom had been accessible only by passing through another bedroom. The family’s two teenage children had been enduring this arrangement via solutions that included placing duct tape along the floor to mark passage boundaries. We were able to give each child much-desired private space by borrowing square-footage from a closet and carving out a hallway with separate entries for each room. Another bedroom on the second floor was refreshed with a new coat of paint. Photo by Shelly Harrison