I was called out to clean a Porcelain tiled floor at a newly built property in Winwick near Huntingdon. The tiles were heavily marked with grout and dirt and were impossible to get clean. To make things worse the tiles were pale, almost white, in colour which made the staining more obvious. It was clear to me that the builder had not managed to polish off all the grout after tiling and this had now set hard on the surface. This is a very common problem known as Grout Haze and fortunately there is a solution, in that it can be removed by giving the tiles a rinse with an acidic tile cleaner called Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up. To prove the point, I carried out a quick demonstration so the new owners could appreciate the difference. I always like to test porcelain tiles for a reaction to acid prior to commencing work as acidic cleaners can have a negative effect on some types of polished porcelain however this one had a textured feel to it so there was no issue. The test went well so having got the go head I began by first cleaning the tiles with a medium dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, this was left for about ten minutes before being worked into the tile with a black scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary machine. I also used a stiff brush along the grout lines to make sure the grout was as clean as the tile. This process generates a lot of soiling which was then extracted using a truck mount machine. By Truck Mount I’m referring to a powerful cleaning machine that’s fitted into my van, it blasts the floor with hot water and then immediately extracts it using an equally powerful vacuum to grey tank in the vehicle, it’s incredibly effective and leaves very little water on the floor afterwards. The next step was to tackle the grout haze and this is done as before by Acid Washing the floor using a dilution of Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up and scrubbing into the tile as before. Again, the resultant soils were extracted as before using the truck mount. The floor was then speed dried using Dripods which are small horizontal fans designed to blow air downwards and ideal for drying carpets and hard floors. Once dry, a coat of Tile Doctor Ultra-Seal was applied, left to dry and any excess buffed away with a White pad. The work was completed in one day and completely transformed the floor much to the delight of my customer who left the following message in a subsequent email: “Thank you very much indeed, we are delighted with the floor.” I’m pleased to say I have since returned to the neighbourhood and completed another identical grout removal job at a neighbour’s property who had the same issue with builder. Tom Conlon Cambridge Tile Doctor

Impact was fortunate to be engaged by a dynamic couple that asked us to rebuild a dilapidated garage and turn it into an all purpose entertainment room with kitchenette. The project features over-sized, full length accordion doors and exposed rafters. The build transforms the property by shifting the soul of the home from inside to the outdoors. What was once the home’s weakness is now a beautiful strength.

Ever think about cooking in style and comfort? then look no further. This transitional Kitchen design is not only modern but is also practical. This home was built from the ground up, so we were fortunate to design this kitchen from a blank slate. Features of the kitchen includes: White paint grade Maple wood Cabinet, Island from Maple wood with espresso finish, big Island with tons of space and outlet on side panel, airy with natural lighting, adequate counter space, huge built-in Pantry, kitchen nook, stainless steel built-in appliances, plenty of overhead and bottom storage, stainless steel handles, built-in wine cooler.

Replace old window with this beautiful bay window. 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.” “Licensed, Bonded and Insured”. Our service is unlike anything in the industry, we cover all your needs, from project conception, design, build to turn-key and move-in ready status. Services Provided Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Architectural Design, Architectural Drawings, Bathroom Design, Bathroom Remodeling, Custom Home, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, Home Restoration, Kitchen Design, Kitchen Remodeling, New Home Construction, Outdoor Kitchen Construction, Outdoor Kitchen Design, Project Management, Structural Engineering, Sunroom Design & Construction, Tiny House Construction, Universal Design, Concrete Construction, General Contracting, Custom Homes

To add additional charm to the already splendid space, the team opted for a Fortune console with straight and well-defined lines, in a lighter tone, to enhance the luminous atmosphere, along with a custom Slender mirror and a pendant ceiling lamp by the staircase.

One of the greatest concerns Michael Merrill Design Studio had was the lighting in this room. Fortunately, we were able to devise a way to conceal it without damaging any of the existing finishes. Our approach was to restore the architectural shell and to furnish the room with contemporary pieces. Photos © John Sutton Photography

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2016 Houzz
Inspiration for a rustic deck remodel in Portland

The Escape embraces one of the best aspects of life in New England – the amazing range of natural settings within a relatively short distance from home that allows us an entirely different living experience. Here we get to rejuvenate and recreate with friends and family at our home away from home. From the mountains and lakes of New Hampshire, to the Island of Nantucket and the coast of Maine, Carter & Company has had the great fortune to help design, build and decorate some amazing vacation homes. These are special places with unique points of view that creatively reflect the natural environment, all with an emphasis on ease, comfort and relaxation.

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 full landscaping renovation didn’t come without its challenges. The project included plants, lawn area, natural boulder steps, flagstone on the concrete front walk, large flagstone patio on the stone dust, parged block walls, a paver driveway, a gravel drainage area, landscaping lighting and irrigation. A sizable project for a small area, we wanted to focus on meeting the client’s expectations in both cost and end results. Some changes in scope were made but fortunately did not cause any delays in installation. The final product resulted in a sanctuary like space for the client to enjoy for years to come.

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.

Our latest project, an elegant modernisation of a 1920s seafront detached Essex property, features in the February 2024 edition of 25 beautiful Homes. This enterprise grew from an initial entrance hall cabinetry commission into a much larger project, encompassing many aspects of interior design, including decorative schemes for colours and finishes, spatial planning and lighting design. We also produced a wide range of cabinetry designs throughout the property, including the wine wall, principle bed and headboard, his and hers dressing room wardrobes and bespoke 5m drop staircase lighting feature, which runs through the whole house. We were fortunate to be part of a great project team, working alongside talented builders Intelligent Building, joinery masters Nord Build and home automation wizards P&R Service.

Villa Marchese del Grillo Relais-Restaurant-Enoteca For more info & details visit: http://relaismarchesedelgrillo.com/ Katerina Bucciarelli Broker Associate Fortune International Realty 2013 Top Producer. kb@kbmiami.com www.kbmiami.com Photo Credits: Javier Ospina.

From 2020 to 2022 we had the opportunity to work with this wonderful client building in Altadore. We were so fortunate to help them build their family dream home. They wanted to add some fun pops of color and make it their own. So we implemented green and blue tiles into the bathrooms. The kitchen is extremely fashion forward with open shelves on either side of the hoodfan, and the wooden handles throughout. There are nodes to mid century modern in this home that give it a classic look. Our favorite details are the stair handrail, and the natural flagstone fireplace. The fun, cozy upper hall reading area is a reader’s paradise. This home is both stylish and perfect for a young busy family.

The Johnson-Thompson House, built c. 1750, has the distinct title as being the oldest structure in Winchester. Many alterations were made over the years to keep up with the times, but most recently it had the great fortune to get just the right family who appreciated and capitalized on its legacy. From the newly installed pine floors with cut, hand driven nails to the authentic rustic plaster walls, to the original timber frame, this 300 year old Georgian farmhouse is a masterpiece of old and new. Together with the homeowners and Cummings Architects, Windhill Builders embarked on a journey to salvage all of the best from this home and recreate what had been lost over time. To celebrate its history and the stories within, rooms and details were preserved where possible, woodwork and paint colors painstakingly matched and blended; the hall and parlor refurbished; the three run open string staircase lovingly restored; and details like an authentic front door with period hinges masterfully created. To accommodate its modern day family an addition was constructed to house a brand new, farmhouse style kitchen with an oversized island topped with reclaimed oak and a unique backsplash fashioned out of brick that was sourced from the home itself. Bathrooms were added and upgraded, including a spa-like retreat in the master bath, but include features like a claw foot tub, a niche with exposed brick and a magnificent barn door, as nods to the past. This renovation is one for the history books! Eric Roth

The Home While looking for space where their active family could expand, these homeowners turned to Black Forest, with trees that remind them of their Indiana years. A stunning Pikes Peak view underscores how fortunate they are to live in Colorado. This home features classic nods to the owner’s French heritage while embracing a thoroughly of-the-moment Colorado lifestyle. Priorities for these homeowners included blending outdoor and indoor spaces wherever possible with generously proportioned windows and doors, porches, patios and balconies. A gracious lime-washed brick entry punctuates a simplified white stucco and black-frame-windowed exterior with traditional rooflines. Dramatic open spaces on the main floor comfortably accommodate the everyday activities of this busy family of four, while providing for welcomed visits from family and friends. A functional, open kitchen is designed for serious cooking, a butler’s pantry for staples, and serveware storage and dining spaces that effortlessly host after-school snacking to multi-course meals. A main-level, Peak-view office comfortably supports working at home, complete with a beer cave and tasting nook for hosting fellow aficionados after work is done. Guests will find comfort and privacy in a ma in-level guestroom suite or sleepover fun in the built-in bunks of the expansive over-garage bonus room. This home is a true collaboration that blends the homeowner’s long-held vision of their ideal home brought to life by the builder’s vision and design/build process that achieves something truly…Warm and welcoming in the Forest. The Builder Stauffer & Sons Construction is a true Design-Build team creating some of the finest living spaces in the Pikes Peak region for over twenty years. We’ve developed an easy point-of-entry to the Design-Build process that begins with our very popular Conceptual Design and Budgeting Agreement. This affordable, low-commitment step provides answers to the early-stage questions of “what and how much?” With this critical information in place, a robust collaboration between client and builder ensues, resulting in a thoughtfully designed home that strikes a balance between size and scope and budget. The Interior Design Family, friends and soon-to-be friends are welcomed into this updated version of a French country farmhouse through a bricked archway and a solid arch-top entry door. Once inside, a sweeping gallery of windows adorned with flower-filled window boxes sets a nice foreground to the ponderosa pine forest. A great room with a two-story, lime-washed, brick fireplace sits juxtaposed to a cozy farm-styled kitchen with large island, plenty of storage and a Pikes Peak view. This family home features a simple, clean design with warm, wooden beams and solid, white-oak flooring. This home is designed to be lived in. Wherever you go, downstairs, upstairs or out on the porch, this home wraps around you and is a delightful place to enjoy.

These Arlington homeowners loved their home and location but with a growing family, knew that they needed to add space to be able to live comfortably for the long-term. Fortunately, they had the yard space to add on a family/rec room addition and screened porch along with taking some of that space for an expanded, eat-in kitchen with floating shelves, a large island, and many other beautiful selections.

Vice president of sales for Hearthstone Inc., Chris Wood, has been fortunate to help design many custom homes (and a few light commercial structures) nationwide during his 32 years in the business but he assures that Big Woods Speedway holds a special place in his heart. From initial sketch to completion, Big Woods Speedway took approximately (14) months. There are 1,808 wooden pegs, not nails, holding together 126050 lbs of massive timber beams. Big Woods® Speedway rests on the corner of 10th and Main streets in historic downtown Speedway, Ind. The expansive timber frame structure hearkens back to the original brew pub in Nashville, Ind. But now, Big Woods Speedway has something to offer for everyone. The lofty ceilings, mammoth wood beams, liquor lounge, big-screen televisions, patio tables, Indy 500 tribute beers, house-smoked pulled pork, and from-scratch pizza provide an enjoyable experience for the whole family. “Watching this small town brewery startup and grow exponentially since must be credited to the owner, Jeff McCabe,” says Wood. Wood had the chance to enjoy the atmosphere of the Big Wood Speedway’s finished project with three generations of his own family. Founded by by Tim O'Brien, Ed Ryan and Jeff McCabe, Big Woods is dedicated to creating great beers in styles and flavors that appeal not only to craft beer aficionados, but to the average beer drinker too. “We're not just building structures,” says Wood, ‘These awesome heavy timber buildings are the result of building relationships.’” “The teamwork, location, owner involvement, and overall concept made the long hours and tight time schedule worth it,” he adds.

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!