Elite Sight & Sound is a Raleigh based commercial and residential audio/video contractor specializing in custom installations of video, audio, automation and networking solutions. We’ve been designing and installing products such as Home Theater Systems, business conference room audio & video systems, video walls, digital signs, outdoor living audio & lighting, media rooms, home security automation and much more, in the Raleigh – Durham area and eastern North Carolina area since 2006. Give us a call or read more at http://www.elitesightandsoundnc.com/

The photographs below are from a Victorian tiled hallway floor at a property in Stoke Newington in London. The floor was in need of repair with a large area very uneven and partly sunk in the middle of the pattern. The repairs were made using as many existing tiles as possible. The first task was to set about cleaning the tiles using Tile Doctor Pro-Clean and Remove & Go on the stubborn areas. Both products were applied in the same way using black scrubbing pads to work the products into the tile to release the dirt. Hand brushes were used to clean up the grout lines and the floor was rinsed and soil removed using a wet vacuum. At this point the large loose area of tiles were removed to be cleaned of grout/adhesive for use later and the sunken area that was revealed was levelled in line with the rest of the floor base. Once the new cement base had set and the tiles useable again they were re-laid and set in position to fit the matching pattern of the remaining floor. Once the tile adhesive had set the last thing to do was to re-grout the repaired area making the hallway whole again and left to go off. When we returned the whole floor was ready to be sealed and for this we used five coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go which adds a nice shine to the floor as well as providing a surface seal that will help protect the tiles from stains going forward. A lot of effort went into the restoration but what a transformation and well worth the work, certainly the customer was pleased and left the following testimonial. Rob Voyce responded very quickly to my request for a quote, and was able to complete the work to a very good standard in the agreed time. The work caused minimum disruption to the household and everything was left clean and tidy at the end of each day. I would certainly recommend the services of the Tile Doctor and I am very happy with the work that has been done on old tiles in my Victorian hallway. Nigel Voyce North London Tile Doctor

Elite Sight & Sound is a Raleigh based commercial and residential audio/video contractor specializing in custom installations of video, audio, automation and networking solutions. We’ve been designing and installing products such as Home Theater Systems, business conference room audio & video systems, video walls, digital signs, outdoor living audio & lighting, media rooms, home security automation and much more, in the Raleigh – Durham area and eastern North Carolina area since 2006. Give us a call or read more at http://www.elitesightandsoundnc.com/

Elite Sight & Sound is a Raleigh based commercial and residential audio/video contractor specializing in custom installations of video, audio, automation and networking solutions. We’ve been designing and installing products such as Home Theater Systems, business conference room audio & video systems, video walls, digital signs, outdoor living audio & lighting, media rooms, home security automation and much more, in the Raleigh – Durham area and eastern North Carolina area since 2006. Give us a call or read more at http://www.elitesightandsoundnc.com/

Supplied and fitted two traditional style alcove shelving units. Externally. Base units at bottom, with bookcase section above. Each base unit to have two recessed panel moulded doors, fluted columns and moulded worktop. Bookcase to have fluted columns and softwood cornice. Adjustable/ fixed shelves to be 30 mm thick. Internals. One adjustable shelf in each base unit and drawer.

Elite Sight & Sound is a Raleigh based commercial and residential audio/video contractor specializing in custom installations of video, audio, automation and networking solutions. We’ve been designing and installing products such as Home Theater Systems, business conference room audio & video systems, video walls, digital signs, outdoor living audio & lighting, media rooms, home security automation and much more, in the Raleigh – Durham area and eastern North Carolina area since 2006. Give us a call or read more at http://www.elitesightandsoundnc.com/

Elite Sight & Sound is a Raleigh based commercial and residential audio/video contractor specializing in custom installations of video, audio, automation and networking solutions. We’ve been designing and installing products such as Home Theater Systems, business conference room audio & video systems, video walls, digital signs, outdoor living audio & lighting, media rooms, home security automation and much more, in the Raleigh – Durham area and eastern North Carolina area since 2006. Give us a call or read more at http://www.elitesightandsoundnc.com/

Supplied and fitted two traditional style alcove shelving units. Externally. Base units at bottom, with bookcase section above. Each base unit to have two recessed panel moulded doors, fluted columns and moulded worktop. Bookcase to have fluted columns and softwood cornice. Adjustable/ fixed shelves to be 30 mm thick. Internals. One adjustable shelf in each base unit and drawer.

Elite Sight & Sound is a Raleigh based commercial and residential audio/video contractor specializing in custom installations of video, audio, automation and networking solutions. We’ve been designing and installing products such as Home Theater Systems, business conference room audio & video systems, video walls, digital signs, outdoor living audio & lighting, media rooms, home security automation and much more, in the Raleigh – Durham area and eastern North Carolina area since 2006. Give us a call or read more at http://www.elitesightandsoundnc.com/

Supplied and fitted two traditional style alcove shelving units. Externally. Base units at bottom, with bookcase section above. Each base unit to have two recessed panel moulded doors, fluted columns and moulded worktop. Bookcase to have fluted columns and softwood cornice. Adjustable/ fixed shelves to be 30 mm thick. Internals. One adjustable shelf in each base unit and drawer.

Elite Sight & Sound is a Raleigh based commercial and residential audio/video contractor specializing in custom installations of video, audio, automation and networking solutions. We’ve been designing and installing products such as Home Theater Systems, business conference room audio & video systems, video walls, digital signs, outdoor living audio & lighting, media rooms, home security automation and much more, in the Raleigh – Durham area and eastern North Carolina area since 2006. Give us a call or read more at http://www.elitesightandsoundnc.com/

Small space living solutions are used throughout this contemporary 596 square foot tiny house. Adjustable height table in the entry area serves as both a coffee table for socializing and as a dining table for eating. Curved banquette is upholstered in outdoor fabric for durability and maximizes space with hidden storage underneath the seat. Kitchen island has a retractable countertop for additional seating while the living area conceals a work desk and media center behind sliding shoji screens. Calming tones of sand and deep ocean blue fill the tiny bedroom downstairs. Glowing bedside sconces utilize wall-mounting and swing arms to conserve bedside space and maximize flexibility.

We're very proud of this beautiful modern kitchen in a new home in Menlo Park. White glossy cabinets from the Aran Cucine Erika collection and base cabinets in Jeres Elm Tranche from the Mia collection with aluminum c-channel handles. The white glossy base cabinets for the bar are also Erika, and the black round bar cabinets are from the Volare collection in high gloss lacquer. The quartz countertop with waterfall edge is Silestone in White Zeus. Undermount sink by Blanco and range hood from Futuro Futuro. Other appliances from Miele. Photo: Jenn Virskus / http://jenn.virskus.com/

Architectural and Landscape Design by Bonin Architects & Associates www.boninarchitects.com. Photos by John W. Hession, Advanced Digital Photography
Inspiration for a rustic dining room remodel in Boston

Architectural and Landscape Design by Bonin Architects & Associates www.boninarchitects.com. Photos by John W. Hession, Advanced Digital Photography
Inspiration for a rustic wine cellar remodel in Boston

Inspiration for a mid-sized 1950s master concrete floor bedroom remodel in Austin with white walls and no fireplace

At first sight, this Victorian tiled pathway in Palmers Green, N13 did not appear to need too many repairs, with just a few obvious broken and loose tiles to be fixed. On closer inspection however it became clear it was in need of a deep clean and fresh seal. To start, we applied Tile Doctor Remove & Go across the entire length of the pathway to break down and strip off the old sealer and provide an initial clean. In the more stubborn and difficult to reach areas where we saw the buildup of efflorescence, we applied Tile Doctor Acid Gel to neutralise the alkaline salts. Acid Gel, as the name indicates, is a pH1 blend of Phosphoric and Hydrochloric acid in gel form, making it easier to apply to tricky areas, including sloped or vertical surfaces. Users should be aware not to use this type of product on acid-sensitive stone such as Limestone, as this can cause etching if left on too long. Once the dirt and efflorescence buildups had been dealt with, I focused my attention towards the tile repairs, quickly realising that the extent of damage was greater than initially thought. Firstly, the numerous loose and broken tiles were removed and individually cleaned in a similar way to the rest of the floor. We then repaired the sub base ready for the existing and newly sourced tiles to be re-laid, before leaving the floor to set and dry overnight. The next day, the pathway was grouted, before being sealed with Tile Doctor’s colour enhancing, impregnating sealer, Colour Grow to bring back the life and character to the Victorian tiles. I was also asked to renovate the Edwardian hallway tiles in the house so once finished with the pathway they were deep cleaned using a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro Clean. This also helped to break down the old sealers and waxes – followed by a careful cleaning of the grout lines using Tile Doctor Grout Clean Up in combination with 3m black pads and detail brushes. To ensure any pre existing sealer was completely removed, I followed up with a steam clean and left the tiles to dry overnight. Upon my return to the property the next day, I completed re-grouting in the necessary areas, before sealing the tiles with five coats of Tile Doctor Seal & Go, providing an aesthetically pleasing satin finish. Seal & Go is a topical, solvent-based sealer which forms a layer of durable protection on the surface of the tiles, protecting against dirt and stains. The hard work invested in restoring these two floors certainly paid off, as the client was exceptionally pleased with the results, going as far as to leave the following feedback: “I wanted to restore my tired Edwardian tiled hallway and was given Rob Voyce’s contact details. I was very impressed with Rob and his team; they were very professional and friendly. Rob explained the stages of the work to be carried out and we agreed a date and the job was completed much to my satisfaction. Very pleased.” Nigel Voyce North London Tile Doctor

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.