Shingle siding close upA Cape Cod style house with Alside Pelican Bay cedar shake siding, Color: Cape Cod Gray. Installed by Sidetex in North Haven CT 06473

This tired apartment was purchased by a traditional Japanese family with the intent of turning it into the ultimate minimalist retreat. Inspired by their home land, they envisioned a home with clean lines, a natural colour palette and a calming aura. Opening up the wall between the galley kitchen and the living room to create a larger space was imperative. Structural considerations were budgeted for to remove the wall in this low rise wood frame building. Allocating part of the budget to complete this look proved well worth the investment as the finished space gives the kitchen an open and airy feeling that was desired. The kitchen was expanded along the prior living room wall. Simplistic colours of whites, creams and wood tones were used to achieve the desired look. Flair was added with sculptural light fixtures and geometric accents. The island was lit with a side mounted fixture, and the waterfall island that was purposely cut on an angle to add an interesting depth to the otherwise clean lines. Vinyl flooring in a wood tone was used to achieve a classic wood floor look while maintaining durability. European appliances were chosen to keep the modern, clean lines in place. A microwave was placed in the lower island in order to ensure that it was relatively hidden. The kitchen backsplash was mixed to provide further depth and dimension. A 4 inch splash matching the countertops was run on the sink wall to keep with the minimalist feel, while a bolder patterned large format tile in all white was used to create texture on the stove wall and provide adequate coverage while cooking on the range. Thin profile edge pull handles were strategically placed to be functional but unimposing.

We had been to maintain this Sandstone floor about two years previously at a property in the pretty area of Windermere in the English Lake District. The client had run out of our Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner that we left after completing the job and had started using a standard cleaner instead (a well-known ecological cleaner). Unfortunately, this product has a 5% non-ionic surfactant in its chemical structure, which will strip a coat of stone sealer off the surface within 6 months, once that topcoat has been removed the sealed surface is only 50% as strong as it should be. Readers of this article should be aware that even washing up liquid which is a degreaser will strip sealers although it will take many months of regular use before you will start to notice an issue. Stronger bleach-based cleaning products such as Flash and Domestos will cause instant damage to stone sealer which will often go an off-white colour as a result. So, the importance of using the right cleaner is imperative. Having used our services on this floor previously he client knew what to expect and was happy to go ahead with our quote. My first task would be to clean the floor and completely remove what was left of the old sealer to ensure the floor would have a consistent appearance. On this occasion I used a strong 1:3 dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean worked into the floor with a Black buffing pad fitted to a rotary buffing machine. The Sandstone floor was then rinsed with water, scrubbed again and then the waste extracted using a wet vacuum. This was followed with acid rinse using a 1:5 dilution of Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up, this is a Phosphoric Acid (not a Brick Acid). After being scrubbed into the tile it was rinsed off the floor as before using water and the wet vacuum. This process further cleans the stone and neutralises the floor after the use of the strong alkaline Pro-Clean used earlier. Before leaving for the day I gave the floor one final rinse with water and then dried the floor as much as possible with the wet vacuum. The floor was now clean and free of sealer and left to fully dry off overnight. I came back the following morning and started by testing the floor with the moisture meter. I always do this as I know from experience how important it is to ensure the floor is dry before applying a sealer. Happy the Sandstone was dry I then proceed to apply the first of what would be four coats of sealer. For this I used Tile Doctor Seal and Go which leaves a nice low sheen finish. This product is specially formulated blend of acrylic polymers that provides will protect the floor from ingrained dirt and staining; it will make the floor easy to clean and has the added advantage of being water based so it doesn’t leave a solvent smell as it dries. The client was left another complimentary bottle of Tile Doctor Neutral cleaner and hopefully the seal will last a long longer the 2nd time around. The client was pleased the floor had been restored and vowed to use nothing but Tile Doctor products on it in the future. Heidi Taylor South Cumbria Tile Doctor

Unique pivot front door with frosted glass.
Front door - large contemporary dark wood floor front door idea with beige walls and a glass front door

PEACOCK FANTASY - Custom Designed Peacock Wall Mural in brilliant colors. Notice how it has just the right amount of color | Have a custom mosaic idea? We can help, with our brilliant Italian-trained mosaicists and easy-to-install tiled masterpieces. Worldwide shipping available on the complete range of quality handcrafted marble & glass mosaic products. For inquires and more info, contact us: http://mecartworks.com

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Simon Devitt
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Is it necessary to clean gas fireplace? It’s intuitive that the dark black buildup of combustion needs to be cleaned from a typical wood burning fireplace, but is it needed to clean a gas fireplace? It’s gas…right? Gas fireplaces do not have a visible buildup of combustion, but should be cleaned at least once a year to prevent serious problems with the fireplace. Gas vs. Wood Burning Fireplaces When thinking of the inside of a family home, we think about the most comfortable room: the living room or family room. This is where the family meets, watches movies, and plays board games during rainy days, evenings and family time. It usually has a lofty, cozy couch and a wood burning fireplace. Nothing’s more comforting than falling asleep to the dim light of the fireplace and faint smell of burning wood. Nowadays, we have a close alternative to this old fashioned comfort: the gas fireplace. Gas fireplaces don’t leave much creosote behind, however gas fireplaces should be cleaned once a year, per the CSIA, due to dust, pet hair, insects, and other debris that can build up and cause performance problems. Chimney sweep are primarily for firewall worthiness assurance, cleaning and obstruction free assurance. Gas fireplaces look similar to wood burning fireplaces, with a live flame. The logs inside the gas fireplace look real, but are not actually burning. Oftentimes, they are made of ceramic. A gas fireplace produces much less heat than a wood burning fireplace, but can retain more heat inside your home based on its type and configuration. Gas fireplaces can be low maintenance and energy friendly alternatives to a wood burning fireplace. Some Signs to Clean Gas Fireplace 1. Buildup: Although gas fireplaces do not produce as much visible flammable and hazardous buildup, it does produce some corrosive substances and flue gasses that may settle inside your home without you knowing. Burning natural gas leaves a residue that must be cleaned annually. Failing to clean the residue may cause health risks if left untouched. 2. Technical Issues: There may be technical problems that are not visible, such as issues with the burner. Gas fireplaces are usually built to last long term but it’s imperative to check if there are any unnoticed technical issues at least once a year. 3. Gas Leaks: Over time, valves and pipes turn weaker and become corroded. It’s important to inspect these valves, as a gas leak is extremely hazardous. A certified chimney specialist must inspect and determine any damage or future damage to prevent this serious problem. 4. Condensation: Due to the high temperatures in the flue, there’s a buildup of condensation when the fireplace vapors are cooled. Natural gas exhaust also contains a high content of water vapor in emissions. The condensation reacts with byproducts and is acidic and corrosive, and must be cleaned at least once a year to not pose a potential health hazard. It’s just as important to clean a gas fireplace at least once a year to prevent long term issues that could pose health risks if not cared for. A certified chimney professional from Superior Chimney will inspect and sweep the fireplace and ventilation system. Contact us today to clean gas fireplace at 877-244-6349.

This 1,500sf duplex for a young couple with an expanding family is an open, flowing interior on 2-levels. The biggest challenge was in the design/fabrication of the staircase. Unique features include the co-planar clear-tempered glass-rails and child-proof open slots. 11-ft sliding and retractable, glass/steel panels create both a spatial elongation & an illusionary vista to a larger space beyond. The lighting scheme was designed to enhance the spatial qualities. © Francis Dzikowski

without a modern door to match. Add in a Belleville Smooth Vertical Lite with Pear Glass. The sleek design matches the aesthetic you're going for! Door: BLS-152-116-1C-X

mayitadinosphotography.com
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This guest bathroom design in Odenton, MD is a cozy space perfect for guests or for a family bathroom. It features HomeCrest by MasterBrand Sedona maple cabinetry in a Cadet Blue finish. The cabinetry is accented by hardware in a brushed finish and a Q Quartz Calacatta Vicenza countertop. The vanity includes a Kohler Archer sink and Mirabelle Provincetown single hole faucet. It also incorporates a large mirror and a Quoizel 4 light vanity light, making it an ideal space to get ready for the day. This bathroom design includes a three wall alcove Kohler Archer soaker tub with armrests and lumbar support, perfect for a relaxing bath. The combination tub/shower also has a Mirabelle shower valve and Delta In2ition 2-in-1 multi-function shower with wall mounted shower arm. The sleek shower design includes gray glossy 4 x 16 subway tile with a Schluter brushed nickel edge and two larger shower shelves. Mirabelle Provincetown towel bar and ring offer ideally positioned places to hang towels. Anatolia Eramosa Silver 12 x 24 floor tile completes this design style. The total home project also included reconfiguring the hallway, master bath, and kitchen.

Paul Hester
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Modern luxury meets warm farmhouse in this Southampton home! Scandinavian inspired furnishings and light fixtures create a clean and tailored look, while the natural materials found in accent walls, casegoods, the staircase, and home decor hone in on a homey feel. An open-concept interior that proves less can be more is how we’d explain this interior. By accentuating the “negative space,” we’ve allowed the carefully chosen furnishings and artwork to steal the show, while the crisp whites and abundance of natural light create a rejuvenated and refreshed interior. This sprawling 5,000 square foot home includes a salon, ballet room, two media rooms, a conference room, multifunctional study, and, lastly, a guest house (which is a mini version of the main house).

KuDa Photography
Large minimalist wooden u-shaped staircase photo with metal risers

Blue and white ocean inspired bath with New Ravenna blue glass tile and glass mosaic shower pan. White all drawer vanity with Drawer Doc electrical outlets maximize storage and functionality.

Photo by Roehner + Ryan
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