This is a Travertine tiled floor installed at a property in the popular Cheshire town of Wilmslow around 16 years prior. It had previously been maintained by a Tile Doctor colleague about three years ago and the owner was hoping the floor could be given a simple maintenance clean and seal. This is a service we provide as part of an annual maintenance plan, unfortunately after surveying the floor it was clear they had left it far too long, the floor had lost its shine and it would now need to be resurfaced with a set of diamond burnishing pads and then resealed. Naturally burnishing the floor costs more than a simple seal and polish but if you are going to opt for the quicker maintenance plan route it does need to be done at least annually and possibly more frequently if it’s a floor in frequent use such as a kitchen. We agreed a price for the work, and I arranged a time with them to return and renovate the floor. To restore the polished appearance of the Travertine I used a set of four burnishing pads which are applied to the floor with a rotary machine. You start with a coarse 400-grit pad using water to lubricate and running it over each tile at least three times. This first pad cleans up the stone and removes old sealers. This is then followed with the finer 800-grit, 1500-grit and finally a 3000-grit pad. Except for the 3000-grit, each pad is applied with water and the floor is rinsed and the soil extracted afterwards with the wet vacuum. The Grout lines were also deep cleaned with a scrubbing brush and Tile Doctor Pro-Clean tile and grout cleaner. The product really gets to into deep seated dirt and grease which tends to accumulate in the grout. After a final rinse and extraction, the floor was then left to dry off overnight. I returned on the second day and started by checking the floor was dry by taking several moisture readings with a damp meter. The readings were good, so I proceeded to seal the floor using a couple of coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow. Colour Grow is an ideal sealer for Travertine as it seeps into the pores of the stone enhancing the natural brown colours in the process. It also offers great protection going forward. Whilst I was there I had noticed that one of the doors had scratched the floor, fortunately the polishing process had got the scratches out of the stone but to prevent future scratching I helped them remove the door so a carpenter could shave off a few mm’s from the bottom. My customer left the following feedback: “Second time had Travertine floor restored, cleaned & sealed, the first time was 3 years ago. Great job done then by Simon Bywater. This time Kamila did a really professional job on the kitchen limestone floor. A bit more expensive this time, but a good job was done. Have left instructions for her to contact me in 12 months time for annual maintenance on the same floor, hopefully to prevent restoration being required! Highly recommend the service.” The floor looked great and they should now be able to maintain it in between the maintenance visits, with day to day cleaning using Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner. Kamila Logonzy East Cheshire Tile Doctor

“The kitchen sets the foundation for the rest of the house,” Kehayes says. Fortunately, the designer nailed it on the first draft. “Lynn didn’t change a thing about that kitchen, she said ‘It’s so me!’ From that moment on, she kind of just trusted me.” One notable design element is showcased in separate refrigerator and freezer areas. Black panels with arched tops that mirror the shape of the front door, conceal the two appliances. Kehayes says, “I picked up that shape from a door that was in the background of an inspirational photo Lynn shared at our first meeting.”

My clients had always been inspired by the grand Tudor Revival homes of the early 20th century and commissioned Hull Historical to recreate the authentic custom millwork, paneling and doors for their new Tudor Revival home. Our inspiration came from 2 great English homes, Stan Hywett, a great Tudor Revival home in Ohio, built for the founder of Goodyear Tires. Also, the Woodbine Mansion, built in 1911 for the son of the Pabst Brewing Company. We were fortunate to purchase three rooms of architectural millwork from the woodbine home, which was originally fabricated by the Huber Company of New York. Upon completion of this project, the architectural salvage comprised 15% of the final quantity of paneling installed. The remainder was custom fabricated by Hull Historical at our shop in Fort Worth, TX and installed at the clients home. The commission, based on historic precedent, constituted antique paneling on the main floor, beamed ceilings and all the doors in the home. The new paneling, including the kitchen cabinetry is made from a combination of new quarter-sawn white oak and antique white oak salvaged from old barns and buildings. All the oak was fumed in an ammonia-filled chamber to produce a cocoa color and deep feel giving the millwork rough character and a timeless look that my client loved. The millwork also served to give the home a hierarchy, with simple paneling combined with board and batten doors downstairs, then more ornate paneling, with carvings on the main floor. Additionally, the main floor features mostly 8 and 10 panel doors. All woodwork was hand-pegged with oak pegs. Some of the paneling features a unique Mason’s Miter, a historic joinery technique inspired from stone work. For more information on residential renovation and new construction projects by Hull Historical, visit http://brenthullcompanies.com/residential.html

This newly constructed open floor plan home with a large finished basement is ideal for this fun-loving couple. We were fortunate to be included in the very beginning stages of construction space planning to optimize room placement, layout, and spacing. From there, we worked side-by-side with homeowners and contractor in selecting all of the details from floors and doors to lighting and window treatments. These empty nesters love to entertain. Both the main level and the downstairs offer great flow. A bit of luxury was added in the master bathroom with this soaker tub and custom tile shower.

The Home Doctors worked with the San Francisco Building dpt to legalize this Okeefe oven in this Glen Park home. It took about three months and some pretty drastic changes to get it passed (se the before photo) The goal was to make it look kike it had always been there....I think it worked! The Home Doctors

These clients win the award for ‘Most Jarrett Design Projects in One Home’! We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have been able to work with these kind folks so consistently over the years. The most recent project features their master bath, a room they have been wanting to tackle for many years. We think it was well worth the wait! It started off as an outdated space with an enormous platform tub open to the bedroom featuring a large round column. The open concept was inspired by island homes long ago, but it was time for some privacy. The water closet, shower and linen closet served the clients well, but the tub and vanities had to be updated with storage improvements desired. The clients also wanted to add organized spaces for clothing, shoes and handbags. Swapping the large tub for a dainty freestanding tub centered on the new window, cleared space for gorgeous his and hers vanities and armoires flanking the tub. The area where the old double vanity existed was transformed into personalized storage closets boasting beautiful custom mirrored doors. The bathroom floors and shower surround were replaced with classic white and grey materials. Handmade vessel sinks and faucets add a rich touch. Soft brass wire doors are the highlight of a freestanding custom armoire created to house handbags adding more convenient storage and beauty to the bedroom. Star sconces, bell jar fixture, wallpaper and window treatments selected by the homeowner with the help of the talented Lisa Abdalla Interiors provide the finishing traditional touches for this sanctuary. Jacqueline Powell Photography

A young family of four recently purchased a home with an unfinished basement. Each member of the family had their own opinion of how to use the space: dad wanted a music room, mom loves to dance and have parties, and the children wanted a media/game room where they could hang out with their friends. Fortunately, the basement was big enough to meet all their needs. The renovation includes a secluded sound proof music room that doubles as an office, a home gym with full-length mirrors and a multi-purpose area for dancing and entertaining. A full bar area with sink, dishwasher, microwave, wine cooler and under-the-counter refrigerator features granite countertops and custom cabinetry. Complete with high-back bar stools, it is a great gathering space during the parties the family loves to host. The focal point of the basement is a gas fireplace with ledger stone surround. Mood lighting, sconces, pendants, recessed lights and a disco ball provide plenty of lighting options. Last, but not least, is a high-tech media room with 110” large screen television. Let the games begin!

This fall, Amethyst had the opportunity to partner with Freeman Custom Homes of Kansas City to furnish this 5000 sq ft European Modern designed home for the Artisan Home Tour 2020! Every square inch of this home was magical -- from the secret staircase in the master bath leading to a private shuttered plunge pool to the vaulted kitchen with sky high mushroom colored cabinetry and handmade zellige tile. We met the builders during the cabinetry phase and watching their final, thoughtful design details evolve was such full of over-the-top surprises like the unique valet-like storage in the entry and limestone fireplace! As soon as we saw their vision for the home, we knew our furnishings would be a great match as our design style celebrates handmade rugs, artisan handmade custom seating, old-meets-new art, and let's be honest -- we love to go big! They trusted us to do our thing on the entire main level and we enjoyed every minute. The load in took 3 full trucks and fortunately for us -- the homeowners fell in love with several pieces so our uninstall trip was significantly lighter. I think we were all a little emotional leaving this masterpiece but sooooo happy for the owners and just hoping we get invited to a Christmas party... Here are some of the highlights -- 90% of the furnishings and rugs were from our shop and we filled in the gaps with some extra special pieces!

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging. Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work. Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size. Proportion Tips 1. Less is more In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space. 2. Keep it simple Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room. On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them. On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well. The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity. 3. Embrace the unexpected On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail. Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful. 4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa. This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight. 5. Proximity matters This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger. An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

This fall, Amethyst had the opportunity to partner with Freeman Custom Homes of Kansas City to furnish this 5000 sq ft European Modern designed home for the Artisan Home Tour 2020! Every square inch of this home was magical -- from the secret staircase in the master bath leading to a private shuttered plunge pool to the vaulted kitchen with sky high mushroom colored cabinetry and handmade zellige tile. We met the builders during the cabinetry phase and watching their final, thoughtful design details evolve was such full of over-the-top surprises like the unique valet-like storage in the entry and limestone fireplace! As soon as we saw their vision for the home, we knew our furnishings would be a great match as our design style celebrates handmade rugs, artisan handmade custom seating, old-meets-new art, and let's be honest -- we love to go big! They trusted us to do our thing on the entire main level and we enjoyed every minute. The load in took 3 full trucks and fortunately for us -- the homeowners fell in love with several pieces so our uninstall trip was significantly lighter. I think we were all a little emotional leaving this masterpiece but sooooo happy for the owners and just hoping we get invited to a Christmas party... Here are some of the highlights -- 90% of the furnishings and rugs were from our shop and we filled in the gaps with some extra special pieces!

We contracted with Chester County Kitchen and Bath (CCKAB) to completely renovate our master bathroom first, followed by a complete kitchen renovation and the building of a family room addition off the kitchen. John Noland, the VP at CCKAB for such project development, was simply fantastic. He spent many hours with us, discussing our ideas of what we wanted the house to look like, and then he produced outstanding overall technical designs for each project before we ever signed the contract. John used his design software to develop dramatic and really useful drawings and graphic depictions of each aspect of the different projects; these drawings enabled us to refine the different projects over several weeks. John's initial cost estimates were spot-on, as was his proposed project timeline. When we added major changes to the original designs, John worked with us and the general (sub)contractor to incorporate the changes to the overall project without bursting the budget or blowing the timeline. John's able deputy, Stacy Nass, was simply amazing as the Project Manager. She juggled the scheduling of subcontractors, suppliers, cabinetry, appliance installation, etc. with aplomb and professionalism, and it was principally due to her careful attention to detail that the projects ran so smoothly and finished on time. The technical expertise of John, Stacy, and the rest of the staff at CCKAB are matched by their warm interpersonal skills. Having heard all the horror stories from friends about contractors they've used for home projects, we consider ourselves fortunate to have hired the folks from Chester County Kitchen and Bath. In the end, we were so very impressed with the final results - John and Stacy and their many collaborators really did help us create our dream home.

The chest in the bedroom was a great find...fortunately they didn't have a dresser to match so I was able to pick up this vintage piece that is chalk painted in the same color scheme for $120.

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, but if it's outdated and in desperate need of a makeover, it can be difficult to enjoy spending time in it. Fortunately, a kitchen reface update can completely transform your space and give it a fresh, modern look without the need for a full remodel. And if you're looking for a timeless and elegant design, a white shaker reface may be just what you need. Why Choose a White Shaker Reface? The white shaker style is a classic design that has been popular for decades. It features clean, simple lines and a versatile color that can be easily paired with a wide range of decor styles. White shaker cabinets are also a great choice for those who want a bright and airy kitchen, as the light color reflects natural light and makes the space feel larger. When it comes to a reface update, choosing a white shaker design can help to modernize your kitchen and make it feel more up-to-date. Whether your existing cabinets are dark and dated, or simply in need of a refresh, a white shaker reface can give them a fresh new look that will stand the test of time. The Refacing Process One of the benefits of a reface update is that it is a much quicker and less invasive process than a full remodel. Instead of tearing out your existing cabinets and starting from scratch, a reface involves removing the doors and drawers and replacing them with new ones that are custom-made to fit your existing cabinets. In the case of a white shaker reface, your new doors and drawers will feature the classic shaker style, with clean lines and a fresh white finish. You may also choose to update other elements of your kitchen, such as the hardware or countertops, to complete the look.

My client is fortunate to have a son who happens to be an amazing artist! Not all the art was hung when I went last but I saw some pieces that were really great and definitely look forward to seeing more of this young artist!

When there is a lot of house you need a lot of light. Quality of light overcomes quantity of light. Some Great lighting design shows this house off well. I just love the raised turnaround planter with the Green Acer Viridis Maple. What a gorgeous specimen and lights up well. You actually need two types of lighting strategies to illuminate the Specimen. Since the Japanese Maple defoliates from November through April the under well lighting works well on the magnificent bark and branching of the tree. From May- til october the foliage is such a gorgeous umbrella of fringe like denseness that illuminating best would be with accents on the outside shining onto the foliage cross lighting 360 degrees as it can be viewed from the ability to drive around the planter. The secret to success hear is understanding the Plant materials and how they present themselves all 8 seasons four seasons both day and night, Another Note is our company Preferred Properties Lsc. planted that Tree about 25 years ago so we have been fortunate enough to watch it grow.

This 1964 home was renovated after the Sandy Storm hit. The owner had a specific budget so the design stayed within that budget and was kept very simple. Fortunately, much of the original furniture was saved by the family. The home looks much as it did pre storm but with wonderful new chair rail, bead board paneling and a variety of paint finishes.

These clients win the award for ‘Most Jarrett Design Projects in One Home’! We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have been able to work with these kind folks so consistently over the years. The most recent project features their master bath, a room they have been wanting to tackle for many years. We think it was well worth the wait! It started off as an outdated space with an enormous platform tub open to the bedroom featuring a large round column. The open concept was inspired by island homes long ago, but it was time for some privacy. The water closet, shower and linen closet served the clients well, but the tub and vanities had to be updated with storage improvements desired. The clients also wanted to add organized spaces for clothing, shoes and handbags. Swapping the large tub for a dainty freestanding tub centered on the new window, cleared space for gorgeous his and hers vanities and armoires flanking the tub. The area where the old double vanity existed was transformed into personalized storage closets boasting beautiful custom mirrored doors. The bathroom floors and shower surround were replaced with classic white and grey materials. Handmade vessel sinks and faucets add a rich touch. Soft brass wire doors are the highlight of a freestanding custom armoire created to house handbags adding more convenient storage and beauty to the bedroom. Star sconces, bell jar fixture, wallpaper and window treatments selected by the homeowner with the help of the talented Lisa Abdalla Interiors provide the finishing traditional touches for this sanctuary. Jacqueline Powell Photography

30 Years of Construction Experience in the Bay Area | Best of Houzz! We are a passionate, family owned/operated local business in the Bay Area, California. At Lavan Construction, we create a fresh and fit environment with over 30 years of experience in building and construction in both domestic and international markets. We have a unique blend of leadership combining expertise in construction contracting and management experience from Fortune 500 companies. We commit to deliver you a world class experience within your budget and timeline while maintaining trust and transparency. At Lavan Construction, we believe relationships are the main component of any successful business and we stand by our motto: “Trust is the foundation we build on.”

This IKEA kitchenette features IKEA’s VOXTORP doors in Walnut to establish a sleek, modern look that still manages to be warm and inviting in a unique way. Ben notes “Since this wasn’t a main living space we were fortunate to be able to take our time with this project.” Specifically, the U-shaped kitchenette features upper cabinetry floating above the sink area, providing storage space for glasses, dishes or other items. The cabinetry also runs along the bottom perimeter with a tremendous amount of drawers running past the under counter refrigerator, for instance. The warm, dark tones of the cabinetry are complemented by the quartz countertops along the perimeter as well. The countertops are also carried along the two-tier bar peninsula area which provides seating options for guests to rest and enjoy a drink or snack while watching the large-screen TV hanging over the opposite wall. In addition, Ben incorporated IKEA’s cabinet lighting system to showcase the VOXTORP cabinetry and illuminate the countertops. “We are very happy to have purchased IKEA’s lighting system. We ended up going with under cabinet lights and drawer lights. They were simple to install and are very functional. They also provide a custom high-end look”, he says. With the unique perspective of an experienced DIYer and also a first-time IKEA installer, Ben wanted to share some helpful tips to other IKEA customers. “My recommendation would be to build the boxes ahead of time, if possible, which could limit downtime – especially if you are replacing old cabinets. Aside from that, do your research because IKEA has so many great options,” he says. He concludes: “Overall the experience was great and something I’d do again. In fact, I’m already thinking about the next IKEA project!”