Search results for "Hardwearing" in Home Design Ideas

This designer’s ideal is homeowners with a clear vision, set priorities, and values that align seamlessly with ours. These clients, an accomplished artist and the owner of a generational hops growing farm, were collaborative and trusting from the start. They conscientiously selected a team of Architect (Green Hammer), General Contractor (Cellar Ridge) and ATIID for furnishings and finishing touches. Each firm was able to meticulously manage their leg of the project, while collaborating wholistically with each other and the homeowners.
The family farmhouse, lovingly named “Westwood,” was showing the wear one expects after serving a growing family for decades. The owner’s dream was to revive, open up, and breathe modern life into each space, while respecting the home’s heritage.
One of our first collaborations was the light fixture that would grace the main two-story entry hall. HiiH Lights in Astoria, Oregon, was commissioned to bring “the function of light, the craft of paper, and the art of sculpture” to the home. Visiting the maker’s space – a massive barn on his coastal property – was such an inspiring adventure! Original work by the resident artist sets an ethereal tone in the space, and an antique bench handsomely blends the old with the new.
A wall that divided the home’s living room and kitchen was removed, and the breezy and bright gathering room was born. Light walls, warm wood tones, cozy upholstery, clean lines and heritage elements create a welcoming atmosphere and invite lounging and conversation. The sun-drenched nook is the home’s main indoor dining area, with an extension table and sculpted chairs that are just right for family gatherings or morning rituals with the Sunday paper. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with every modern amenity, but its casual attitude is “let’s make a mess and eat!”
The owner’s artwork graces the mantel over the new fireplace that was carved from a tree felled on the property, illustrating the thoughtful consideration of each element. The muted wool area rugs in the entryways and great room are hard-wearing for farm life, and the furniture’s classic lines, bold contrasting colors, deep seating and soft textures encourage cozy conversations or large group gatherings.
The library is undoubtedly our favorite space in this home. Tucked in “speakeasy style” behind a hidden (wallpapered!) door in the moody wet bar, and drenched in deep green, the room offers a quiet retreat that hugs you in an embrace of books and family photos. The cozy settee nestled between the bookcases sits opposite a custom pair of modern cognac leather wing chairs. The area rug continues the storied look without the antique price tag with a piece from Loloi’s “Heritage Collection.”
A little va-va-voom was requested for the powder bath and boy did we deliver! Custom wallpaper plays over original wainscotting and ceilings wrapped in more glorious green. The space evokes joy every time you open the door!
A primary suite that would “transport us to another world” and be “classic yet modern, peaceful, collected and uncluttered” was a tall order. Our new furniture layout takes full advantage of the view of wine country hills and the Willamette River, welcomes fireside lounging, and serves as a calm respite for the lovely owners.
Westwood Farmhouse truly was inspired by family, genuine love for home and graciousness for all who enter. Finishing the job was emotional for all involved because we were truly made to feel like part of the family.
Photography by George Barberis

These clients are great friends of mine, so I really wanted to help them make their remodel special. They recently purchased an historic Craftsman style home in the Claremont Village that required a complete remodel. The kitchen was an area that I helped out the most. It is set in a part of the house that doesn’t get a lot of natural light, so I wanted to keep it light and airy. I didn’t want to do an all white kitchen, so we opted for two tone cabinets, which I absolutely love! We had them custom made and stained a neutral medium brown. There was an empty space under the stairs that I turned into a “secret” walk-in pantry, which is completely nondescript when the doors are closed. The counters are Praa Sands from Cambria, the Roman Shade was custom made from fabric found at the LA fabric district and the back splash is an arrangement of glass subway tiles.

This Multi-Coloured Slate floor looks nice in the Kitchen of this property in Hythe, however due to the riven surface of the tile and the deep grout lines my customer had struggled to keep it clean. Additionally, the Slate has lost all of its lustre over the years since it had been installed and it was now due a deep clean and reseal.
The combination of durability and price makes Slate a popular choice for floor covering, it is also available in a number of colours, ranging from plain black to a more diverse array of shades. Like any natural stone floor though it need sealing to keep the dirt out of the pores of the stone however sealers wear off with use
Hythe by the way is a lovely medieval coastal market town with its own beach on the edge of Romney Marsh and close to Folkestone.
Before starting I removed the kickboards underneath the kitchen units and protected the exposed woodwork with a thin film. To deep clean the Slate floor and remove any remaining sealer I applied Tile Doctor Remove and Go and left it to soak in for ten minutes before scrubbing it in with a light carbide brush. As well as removing the old sealer this process releases the dirt from the pores of the stone and brings it to the surface where it can be extracted.
I have probably mentioned this before, but I’ve invested in a powerful van mounted pressure extraction system for removing the dirt, old sealer and emulsified soils released from the stone. The system works by applying water at high pressure on the floor via a spinner tool and then simultaneously extracts the waste under suction back to a grey water tank on the van. From the customers point of view, it makes light work of cleaning the floor and more importantly leaves the floor dry and leaves no mess.
Having a dry floor at this stage is important as it means I can usually seal the floor on the same day. Its not a good idea to apply a sealer to damp floor as it will affect the way it cures and lead to an undesirable finish. The way to make sure the floor its dry is to use a moisture meter and take readings in several places around the floor. You can use an air mover to improve drying times however older floors can take a very long time to dry and for those I tend to book another day to apply the sealer.
With the floor dry I set about applying the first of two coats of Tile Doctor X-Tra Seal which provides both a hardwearing sheen to the slate as well as enhancing its natural colourings. It has strong water repellency characteristics which makes it ideal for use in a kitchen where spillages are quite common.
This was quite a small kitchen, so the work was completed in one day. My client was amazed at the transformation and grateful for our advice on continued maintenance which for this floor I recommended the use of Tile Doctor Stone Soap for daily cleaning.
Michael Conlon
South Kent Tile Doctor
Find the right local pro for your project

Home away from home is where we often meet our clients, especially in Bend. They crave a welcoming and approachable, yet luxurious and well curated vacation home. This custom home in Central Oregon’s Caldera Springs neighborhood was no exception. An investment property the owners and their family will use occasionally, the home had to speak to their overall aesthetic, while graciously accommodating rental guests throughout the year. Design for each space was a collaboration with our clients, who selected “inspiration” fabrics and artwork that tell a story and bring warmth and personality to the home. We designed hard-wearing custom furniture, composed layers of luxe bedding, placed photography by local artist and photographer Chris Murray, and added comfortable and low maintenance furniture outside, where everyone wants to be year-round in Bend. Working with the property manager, we checked every item off a comprehensive list to outfit the chef’s kitchen and ensure guests would have all the comforts of home. This home is available for short-term vacation rental through Bennington Properties in Sunriver, OR.
Photography by Kayla McKenzie Photography

Our latest start-to-finish home is complete in Caldera Springs, welcoming throngs of family and friends. We partnered with architect, builder and clients to craft restful and functional spaces throughout this home. Hard-wearing natural materials clad surfaces in the kitchen and bathrooms, and a restful palette is woven throughout the home with wide plank white oak flooring, warm stained cabinetry, and artful neutral tile. Furnishings, artwork and accessories continue the easygoing storyline in calm tones and cozy textures. Our signature “cushionless” approach to the outdoor living spaces means low maintenance and easy-care use year-round. We truly love how this home came together!
Photography by Kayla McKenzie Photography

Half moon style brass handles on white kitchen cabinets.
Large cottage l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops
Large cottage l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Hard-wearing, reclaimed Antique Heart Pine hardwood flooring is been reclaimed from the factories and mills that powered our nation's manufacturing base. Its use in vital support beams confirms its strength and durability. In your home, the unbridled appearance of our Antique Heart Pine Hit-Skip will tell the story of a floor that's already endured a lifetime of faithful service.

This designer’s ideal is homeowners with a clear vision, set priorities, and values that align seamlessly with ours. These clients, an accomplished artist and the owner of a generational hops growing farm, were collaborative and trusting from the start. They conscientiously selected a team of Architect (Green Hammer), General Contractor (Cellar Ridge) and ATIID for furnishings and finishing touches. Each firm was able to meticulously manage their leg of the project, while collaborating wholistically with each other and the homeowners.
The family farmhouse, lovingly named “Westwood,” was showing the wear one expects after serving a growing family for decades. The owner’s dream was to revive, open up, and breathe modern life into each space, while respecting the home’s heritage.
One of our first collaborations was the light fixture that would grace the main two-story entry hall. HiiH Lights in Astoria, Oregon, was commissioned to bring “the function of light, the craft of paper, and the art of sculpture” to the home. Visiting the maker’s space – a massive barn on his coastal property – was such an inspiring adventure! Original work by the resident artist sets an ethereal tone in the space, and an antique bench handsomely blends the old with the new.
A wall that divided the home’s living room and kitchen was removed, and the breezy and bright gathering room was born. Light walls, warm wood tones, cozy upholstery, clean lines and heritage elements create a welcoming atmosphere and invite lounging and conversation. The sun-drenched nook is the home’s main indoor dining area, with an extension table and sculpted chairs that are just right for family gatherings or morning rituals with the Sunday paper. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with every modern amenity, but its casual attitude is “let’s make a mess and eat!”
The owner’s artwork graces the mantel over the new fireplace that was carved from a tree felled on the property, illustrating the thoughtful consideration of each element. The muted wool area rugs in the entryways and great room are hard-wearing for farm life, and the furniture’s classic lines, bold contrasting colors, deep seating and soft textures encourage cozy conversations or large group gatherings.
The library is undoubtedly our favorite space in this home. Tucked in “speakeasy style” behind a hidden (wallpapered!) door in the moody wet bar, and drenched in deep green, the room offers a quiet retreat that hugs you in an embrace of books and family photos. The cozy settee nestled between the bookcases sits opposite a custom pair of modern cognac leather wing chairs. The area rug continues the storied look without the antique price tag with a piece from Loloi’s “Heritage Collection.”
A little va-va-voom was requested for the powder bath and boy did we deliver! Custom wallpaper plays over original wainscotting and ceilings wrapped in more glorious green. The space evokes joy every time you open the door!
A primary suite that would “transport us to another world” and be “classic yet modern, peaceful, collected and uncluttered” was a tall order. Our new furniture layout takes full advantage of the view of wine country hills and the Willamette River, welcomes fireside lounging, and serves as a calm respite for the lovely owners.
Westwood Farmhouse truly was inspired by family, genuine love for home and graciousness for all who enter. Finishing the job was emotional for all involved because we were truly made to feel like part of the family.
Photography by George Barberis

For the stair runner and upstairs hall rug of a house with traditional detailing in Massachusetts, designer Liz Caan chose a wild card of a hard-wearing carpet, Antilocarpa in silver.

For the master bathroom, Grigio Cielo Large Herringbone was used on the floor which creates beautiful movement and directs the eye to the gorgeous free-standing tub. The natural veining in the marble compliments the soft grey tones used throughout the space.
The 48×96 Marvel XL Calacatta Extra Polished was selected for two walls of the enclosed shower in this master bathroom. These large format porcelain tiles have limited grout joints and are perfect for creating a seamless look. To create an accent, 12×24 Marvel Calacatta Extra Polished was used in a classic stacked look and brought onto the ceiling to complete the enclosure. With the incredible look of real marble and the resilience and hard-wearing nature of porcelain, Marvel is the perfect alternative to marble.
To compliment the bathroom floor, the Grigio Cielo 1” Hexagon was chosen for the shower floor.
Photography by Megan Lawrence

We refreshed the Mudroom with new beautiful yet hard-wearing luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring and fresh selections for the countertop, sink, and faucet. We re-used two of the original base cabinets and two wall cabinets and added a tile backsplash for a finished look. We also added a new tall pantry cabinet to match, which expands the storage space for both this room and the Kitchen.

Elevate your kitchen into a timeless sanctuary with a breathtaking remodel featuring ceiling-height solid maple shaker cabinets and luxurious Taj Mahal Quartzite countertops. The solid maple cabinets, crafted from robust, high-quality hardwood, extend gracefully to the ceiling, maximizing storage and infusing the space with a sense of grandeur. Their classic shaker-style design—defined by clean lines and recessed panels—offers a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, while the maple’s natural golden hues shine through in a warm stain like honey or caramel. Alternatively, a painted finish in crisp white or soft gray enhances their versatility, accentuating the wood’s smooth grain and enduring charm.
Crowning this stunning cabinetry, the Taj Mahal Quartzite countertops introduce an air of luxury and refinement. Sourced from Brazil, this natural stone features a creamy beige base interwoven with delicate gold, taupe, and gray veining, evoking the elegance of marble with unmatched strength. Polished to a lustrous glow, the countertops provide a spacious, hard-wearing surface ideal for cooking, hosting, or simply basking in their beauty. A refined edge detail—such as a gentle ogee or sleek bevel—pairs seamlessly with the shaker cabinets, enhancing the kitchen’s cohesive, upscale aesthetic.
The ceiling-height solid maple shaker cabinets create a dramatic vertical presence, drawing the eye upward and making the room feel both expansive and inviting, while the Taj Mahal Quartzite countertops ground the space in luxurious practicality. Finish the remodel with brushed nickel hardware, a deep farmhouse sink, and warm under-cabinet lighting to spotlight the materials’ exquisite textures, crafting a kitchen that’s equal parts functional haven and design masterpiece.

In a word "stunning." The success of this project started with an exquisite design and finished with a flawless execution. The project encompassed the kitchen, laundry room and mudroom as well as a full service wine bar in the basement. Construction phase duration was seven weeks.

This recent Artscape garden design project was for a family home near Abingdon in Oxfordshire, and included pool landscaping, a large patio area for lounging and dining, pathways and extensive planting.
Pool landscaping with porcelain surround
The main feature of the garden design is the outdoor swimming pool, installed with the luxurious poolside surround we created using porcelain paving. Porcelain pavers are extremely hardwearing, water-resistant and provides a stunning, high-end, consistent finish. The pathway linking the pool to the house uses a durable, modern dark black clay pavers by Vande Moortal which makes a striking contrast to the light toned porcelain which also complimented the modern extension.
Another feature of the pool landscaping is the premium, venetian-style trellis. This attractive design allows light and air to pass through while maintaining privacy.
Contemporary garden pool house
Artscape designed the contemporary garden pool house which was custom-built to enhance the use of the swimming pool. It features a made-to-measure changing room and plenty of dedicated storage space for towels and play equipment.
Barbecue area
Just behind the changing room is a new barbecue area which has been screened with a Corten steel trellis. Also know as weathering steel, over time this will form an attractive raw, rusty-orange, textured appearance, blending naturally with the surrounding landscape. Corten panels are very long lasting and require minimal maintenance.
Poolside planting
Pleached hornbeam trees have been planted in front of the venetian-style trellis to add extra privacy and style to the poolside setting. Hornbeam has bright green foliage in spring and summer and crisp, copper leaves in autumn. Pleaching is a sophisticated, centuries-old method of training trees to produce a narrow, formal-style hedge.
The planting scheme surrounding the pool consists mainly of soft ornamental grasses, bearded iris and purple salvias. We made sure there was an interesting combination of colour, height and texture. The borders running from the house down to the pool area have been planted with a mixture of Alliums, bright orange flowered Geum, Acers and grasses with a palette ranging from hot to cool greens.

Relaxed entry with hardwood flooring and colour scheme that carries through to the family living area. White french console table with large leaning mirror adds a touch of glamour to this otherwise traditional setting. Open shelving leading into the family living area offers a great display for pictures and artwork. Hardwood flooring is practical and hard-wearing for a high traffic area and family home.

This recent Artscape garden design project was for a family home near Abingdon in Oxfordshire, and included pool landscaping, a large patio area for lounging and dining, pathways and extensive planting.
Pool landscaping with porcelain surround
The main feature of the garden design is the outdoor swimming pool, installed with the luxurious poolside surround we created using porcelain paving. Porcelain pavers are extremely hardwearing, water-resistant and provides a stunning, high-end, consistent finish. The pathway linking the pool to the house uses a durable, modern dark black clay pavers by Vande Moortal which makes a striking contrast to the light toned porcelain which also complimented the modern extension.
Another feature of the pool landscaping is the premium, venetian-style trellis. This attractive design allows light and air to pass through while maintaining privacy.
Contemporary garden pool house
Artscape designed the contemporary garden pool house which was custom-built to enhance the use of the swimming pool. It features a made-to-measure changing room and plenty of dedicated storage space for towels and play equipment.
Barbecue area
Just behind the changing room is a new barbecue area which has been screened with a Corten steel trellis. Also know as weathering steel, over time this will form an attractive raw, rusty-orange, textured appearance, blending naturally with the surrounding landscape. Corten panels are very long lasting and require minimal maintenance.
Poolside planting
Pleached hornbeam trees have been planted in front of the venetian-style trellis to add extra privacy and style to the poolside setting. Hornbeam has bright green foliage in spring and summer and crisp, copper leaves in autumn. Pleaching is a sophisticated, centuries-old method of training trees to produce a narrow, formal-style hedge.
The planting scheme surrounding the pool consists mainly of soft ornamental grasses, bearded iris and purple salvias. We made sure there was an interesting combination of colour, height and texture. The borders running from the house down to the pool area have been planted with a mixture of Alliums, bright orange flowered Geum, Acers and grasses with a palette ranging from hot to cool greens.

This beautiful decorative mosaic tile with matching plain mosaic floor tile is perfect for hallway or conservatory floor tiles and due to its hardwearing qualities can even be used as outdoor patio tiles.
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