2012 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL BATH UNDER $30,000 This piano teacher lives in a small townhouse on a beautiful lake in Reston, Virginia. While the home has a lot to offer, the third level master bath has always been a major issue. While small and confined, the design team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes felt it had potential. By making better use of its sloped room and finding a bit of added space in an adjacent attic, the new design can truly be called a master bathroom. The homeowner’s wish list included a large shower, a soaking tub and a long vanity with two sinks. With a built-in shower bench, storage niches, and a frameless glass enclosure, the new shower transformed the space. The soaker tub and judicious use of multi-colored tile emphasizes the contemporary flair the design has achieved. The client greatly enjoys her dream bathroom. She has achieved her ultimate goal of large, usable bathroom with lots of amenities.

Cathedral ceilings and seamless cabinetry complement this kitchen’s river view The low ceilings in this ’70s contemporary were a nagging issue for the 6-foot-8 homeowner. Plus, drab interiors failed to do justice to the home’s Connecticut River view. By raising ceilings and removing non-load-bearing partitions, architect Christopher Arelt was able to create a cathedral-within-a-cathedral structure in the kitchen, dining and living area. Decorative mahogany rafters open the space’s height, introduce a warmer palette and create a welcoming framework for light. The homeowner, a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, wanted to emulate the famed architect’s use of reddish-brown concrete floors, and the result further warmed the interior. “Concrete has a connotation of cold and industrial but can be just the opposite,” explains Arelt. Clunky European hardware was replaced by hidden pivot hinges, and outside cabinet corners were mitered so there is no evidence of a drawer or door from any angle.

A Good Design Can Improve Safety Bathrooms and kitchens are the most hazardous rooms in the home. Grease, falls, spoiled liquids and fires are just a few of the safety issues that you need to keep in mind when planning a kitchen. Aside from following the rules and guidance, the majority of safety rules are based on common sense. Here are some things that a good design should take into account: Stoves or ranges should not be put next to a door or under a window Ovens, fridges and freezers should not be placed next to one another Refrigerators should not be placed in the corner of a room Stoves should not be located near the sink You should consider having a fire blanket nearby For safety, remember the kitchen work triangle - this will help to minimise traffic encounters while cooking Consider installing non-slip flooring Pay attention to kitchen lighting (as mentioned above) Research has shown that accidents are less likely to occur in a well-designed kitchen

2012 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL BATH UNDER $30,000 This piano teacher lives in a small townhouse on a beautiful lake in Reston, Virginia. While the home has a lot to offer, the third level master bath has always been a major issue. While small and confined, the design team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes felt it had potential. By making better use of its sloped room and finding a bit of added space in an adjacent attic, the new design can truly be called a master bathroom. The homeowner’s wish list included a large shower, a soaking tub and a long vanity with two sinks. With a built-in shower bench, storage niches, and a frameless glass enclosure, the new shower transformed the space. The soaker tub and judicious use of multi-colored tile emphasizes the contemporary flair the design has achieved. The client greatly enjoys her dream bathroom. She has achieved her ultimate goal of large, usable bathroom with lots of amenities.

The new owners were looking forward to living in their new home with an open floor plan, tall vaulted ceilings, and great views. It featured a large Great Room with two big French Doors separating the Dining Room from the Master Bedroom. But after only a few months they identified a major design flaw: Each of the French Doors had ten glass windows with two large windows above each door. (Check out our before and after designs, traffic flow diagrams and photos of this project.) Glass windows and doors allowed sound and light from guests or the TV in the great room to easily sneak into the bedroom. With unique work and sleep schedules (he’s a pilot, she’s a registered nurse) this design wasn’t working. Then there was a traffic flow design flaw: The Master Bedroom had a second entrance from a hallway. To get into the bedroom from the hallway you needed to walk down another claustrophobic hallway. To get from the Master Bedroom to the Master Bath begin at the most remote corner of the bedroom and down a hallway between two closets. Once inside the bath, a huge triangular Jacuzzi dominating the space. So, from a privacy and traffic flow perspective, this home had some major design issues. When Craig Weber first met with the owners, he listened to their ideas and concerns. The owners trusted Craig to come up with the most efficient and most effective solution to this design dilemma. He offered a solution that resolved the bed-bath traffic flow problem, offered some bedroom room privacy, and updated the bath. First, the two French Doors and windows were removed. A new wall was built with sound-absorbing materials, making the Great Room and Dining Room more comfortable spaces for entertaining while creating the bedroom privacy the owners craved. Solving the Bedroom/Bath traffic flow problem began with removing the two existing closets. The bath door was relocated next to the hall entrance, and then a new walk-in closet was added adjacent to the hallway entrance. The solution offered easy access to and from the bath, closet and hallway without a hint of claustrophobia. The Master Bath underwent a major transformation designed for convenience and comfort – especially during long, cold Minnesota winters. Most everything from the former bath was torn out, beginning with the giant Jacuzzi. A new bathtub that is wider and deeper than the standard size was installed with brushed Nickel fixtures. It’s the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and candles. Warm floors are a Minnesota “must have.” The bath’s new ceramic floor features in-floor electric heat. Getting in and out of the tub is easy and comfortable. The new walk-in shower again features in-floor heating and a place to sit. The most interesting feature of this shower may the custom ceramic tile installed with unique patterns. A new vanity Cambria Bradshaw countertops features two under-hung ceramic sinks with matching brushed Nickel fixtures. Tall ceilings and three glass windows near the ceiling flood the room with natural light. A new energy-efficient window frames an ornamental stained glass window created by the owner’s father – a great personal touch. A quiet place to sleep. A private dining room for entertaining. A Master Bath to die for. And easy traffic flow. The owners couldn’t have been more delighted with the outcome. And Lilly, their cat, loves it too.

2012 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL BATH UNDER $30,000 This piano teacher lives in a small townhouse on a beautiful lake in Reston, Virginia. While the home has a lot to offer, the third level master bath has always been a major issue. While small and confined, the design team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes felt it had potential. By making better use of its sloped room and finding a bit of added space in an adjacent attic, the new design can truly be called a master bathroom. The homeowner’s wish list included a large shower, a soaking tub and a long vanity with two sinks. With a built-in shower bench, storage niches, and a frameless glass enclosure, the new shower transformed the space. The soaker tub and judicious use of multi-colored tile emphasizes the contemporary flair the design has achieved. The client greatly enjoys her dream bathroom. She has achieved her ultimate goal of large, usable bathroom with lots of amenities.

These repeat clients were looking for a relaxing getaway for their family of five young kids and themselves to enjoy. Upon finding the perfect vacation destination, they turned once again to JRP’s team of experts for their full home remodel. They knew JRP would provide them with the quality and attention to detail they expected. The vision was to give the home a clean, bright, and coastal look. It also needed to have the functionality a large family requires. This home previously lacked the light and bright feel they wanted in their vacation home. With small windows and balcony in the master bedroom, it also failed to take advantage of the beautiful harbor views. The carpet was yet another major problem for the family. With young kids, these clients were looking for a lower maintenance option that met their design vision. To fix these issues, JRP removed the carpet and tile throughout and replaced with a beautiful seven-inch engineered oak hardwood flooring. Ceiling fans were installed to meet the needs of the coastal climate. They also gave the home a whole new cohesive design and pallet by using blue and white colors throughout. From there, efforts were focused on giving the master bedroom a major reconfiguration. The balcony was expanded, and a larger glass panel and metal handrail was installed leading to their private outdoor space. Now they could really enjoy all the harbor views. The bedroom and bathroom were also expanded by moving the closet and removing an extra vanity from the hallway. By the end, the bedroom truly became a couples’ retreat while the rest of the home became just the relaxing getaway the family needed.

These repeat clients were looking for a relaxing getaway for their family of five young kids and themselves to enjoy. Upon finding the perfect vacation destination, they turned once again to JRP’s team of experts for their full home remodel. They knew JRP would provide them with the quality and attention to detail they expected. The vision was to give the home a clean, bright, and coastal look. It also needed to have the functionality a large family requires. This home previously lacked the light and bright feel they wanted in their vacation home. With small windows and balcony in the master bedroom, it also failed to take advantage of the beautiful harbor views. The carpet was yet another major problem for the family. With young kids, these clients were looking for a lower maintenance option that met their design vision. To fix these issues, JRP removed the carpet and tile throughout and replaced with a beautiful seven-inch engineered oak hardwood flooring. Ceiling fans were installed to meet the needs of the coastal climate. They also gave the home a whole new cohesive design and pallet by using blue and white colors throughout. From there, efforts were focused on giving the master bedroom a major reconfiguration. The balcony was expanded, and a larger glass panel and metal handrail was installed leading to their private outdoor space. Now they could really enjoy all the harbor views. The bedroom and bathroom were also expanded by moving the closet and removing an extra vanity from the hallway. By the end, the bedroom truly became a couples’ retreat while the rest of the home became just the relaxing getaway the family needed.

These repeat clients were looking for a relaxing getaway for their family of five young kids and themselves to enjoy. Upon finding the perfect vacation destination, they turned once again to JRP’s team of experts for their full home remodel. They knew JRP would provide them with the quality and attention to detail they expected. The vision was to give the home a clean, bright, and coastal look. It also needed to have the functionality a large family requires. This home previously lacked the light and bright feel they wanted in their vacation home. With small windows and balcony in the master bedroom, it also failed to take advantage of the beautiful harbor views. The carpet was yet another major problem for the family. With young kids, these clients were looking for a lower maintenance option that met their design vision. To fix these issues, JRP removed the carpet and tile throughout and replaced with a beautiful seven-inch engineered oak hardwood flooring. Ceiling fans were installed to meet the needs of the coastal climate. They also gave the home a whole new cohesive design and pallet by using blue and white colors throughout. From there, efforts were focused on giving the master bedroom a major reconfiguration. The balcony was expanded, and a larger glass panel and metal handrail was installed leading to their private outdoor space. Now they could really enjoy all the harbor views. The bedroom and bathroom were also expanded by moving the closet and removing an extra vanity from the hallway. By the end, the bedroom truly became a couples’ retreat while the rest of the home became just the relaxing getaway the family needed.

HNA Hardscape Project Award Winner Lopez Outdoor Living Williamsburg, VA Mid Atlantic Enterprise, Inc. The main objective for this project was to turn this Disabled American Veteran’s useless, hilly backyard into a complete outdoor living destination. This meant created a functional place for the client’s needs while being an exciting place for his young family to play and entertain. A major challenge in this project was altering the terrain to suit the design plan. We had to clear-cut the entire backyard and remove over 3,000 cubic yards of earth. Severe drainage issues also had to be corrected before installing the hardscape. To accommodate the elevation changes of the property and to support the necessary ADA compliant ramp, we had to construct two walls. One wall serves as a freestanding and retaining wall specially constructed on a large concrete footer and reinforced with rebar and concrete. We built everything custom; a new deck and pergola to blend the home and hardscape. This included a fully functional outdoor kitchen to meet the entertaining requirements of the clients, a gunite pool & spa large enough to accommodate the client’s ever-growing family, two fire bowls and a fire pit to add the “wow” factor the clients sought. In addition, a shed was built to complement the home while providing much needed storage space. We installed a full landscape; which included five 25 ft Magnolia trees to provide instant privacy in place of the overgrown woody area that was removed. To provide safety at night, we completed the project with strategically placed landscape lighting.

HNA Hardscape Project Award Winner Lopez Outdoor Living Williamsburg, VA Mid Atlantic Enterprise, Inc. The main objective for this project was to turn this Disabled American Veteran’s useless, hilly backyard into a complete outdoor living destination. This meant created a functional place for the client’s needs while being an exciting place for his young family to play and entertain. A major challenge in this project was altering the terrain to suit the design plan. We had to clear-cut the entire backyard and remove over 3,000 cubic yards of earth. Severe drainage issues also had to be corrected before installing the hardscape. To accommodate the elevation changes of the property and to support the necessary ADA compliant ramp, we had to construct two walls. One wall serves as a freestanding and retaining wall specially constructed on a large concrete footer and reinforced with rebar and concrete. We built everything custom; a new deck and pergola to blend the home and hardscape. This included a fully functional outdoor kitchen to meet the entertaining requirements of the clients, a gunite pool & spa large enough to accommodate the client’s ever-growing family, two fire bowls and a fire pit to add the “wow” factor the clients sought. In addition, a shed was built to complement the home while providing much needed storage space. We installed a full landscape; which included five 25 ft Magnolia trees to provide instant privacy in place of the overgrown woody area that was removed. To provide safety at night, we completed the project with strategically placed landscape lighting.

Our client reached out with a problem for us to solve. Part of his property was an eyesore and difficult to keep up. A tree had fallen into his overgrown pond, it had been leaking for ages, and it had become a major problem for this homeowner. Mike Hall (Design and Construction manager) saw the land and with the help of Fitz's team and developed this concept of a multi-level waterfall that pours gracefully into the large basin. The challenge was to use the existing layout and keep the feel of the beautiful forest that surrounded it. This project was a chance to push the limit on scale. We were able to build a large water feature that was complex and build a sustainable healthy pond at the bottom. With over 30,000 gallons of water, our team custom built a filtration system to keep the water clean and healthy for the fish that call it home. The gravel suction grid for filtration worked like a charm. Then added a Used an external pressure filter, to keep the water extra clear. Our team cleared the whole pond, saved fish, fixed the drainage issues, lined the pond with a massive liner. Then we brought in 50 tons of moss rock boulders. Saved the original bridges and made them stronger and sturdy. Created a look that was natural to the forest surrounding it. This was an exciting project for the FFP team and we are extremely proud of how it turned out! Photos by - Paul Madsen

The Kiguchi family moved into their Austin, Texas home in 1994. Built in the 1980’s as part of a neighborhood development, they happily raised their family here but longed for something more contemporary. Once they became empty nesters, they decided it was time for a major remodel. After spending many years visiting Austin AIA Home Tours that highlight contemporary residential architecture, they had a lot of ideas and in 2013 were ready to interview architects and get their renovation underway. The project turned into a major remodel due to an unstable foundation. Architects Ben Arbib and Ed Hughey, of Arbib Hughey Design were hired to solve the structural issue and look for inspiration in the bones of the house, which sat on top of a hillside and was surrounded by great views. Unfortunately, with the old floor plan, the beautiful views were hidden by small windows that were poorly placed. In order to bring more natural light into the house the window sizes and configurations had to be addressed, all while keeping in mind the homeowners desire for a modern look and feel. To achieve a more contemporary and sophisticated front of house, a new entry was designed that included removing a two-story bay window and porch. The entrance of the home also became more integrated with the landscape creating a template for new foliage to be planted. Older exterior materials were updated to incorporate a more muted palette of colors with a metal roof, dark grey siding in the back and white stucco in the front. Deep eaves were added over many of the new large windows for clean lines and sun protection. “Inside it was about opening up the floor plan, expanding the views throughout the house, and updating the material palette to get a modern look that was also warm and inviting,” said Ben from Arbib Hughey Design. “Prior to the remodel, the house had the typical separation of rooms. We removed the walls between them and changed all of the windows to Milgard Thermally Improved Aluminum to connect the inside with the outside. No matter where you are you get nice views and natural light.” The architects wanted to create some drama, which they accomplished with the window placement and opening up the interior floor plan to an open concept approach. Cabinetry was used to help delineate intimate spaces. To add warmth to an all-white living room, white-washed oak wood floors were installed and pine planks were used around the fireplace. The large windows served as artwork bringing the color of nature into the space. An octagon shaped, elevated dining room, (named “the turret”), had a big impact on the design of the house. They architects rounded the corners and added larger window openings overlooking a new sunken garden. The great room was also softened by rounding out the corners and that circular theme continued throughout the house, being picked up in skylight wells and kitchen cabinetry. A staircase leading to a catwalk was added and the result was a two-story window wall that flooded the home with natural light. When asked why Milgard® Thermally Improved Aluminum windows were selected, the architectural team listed many reasons: 1) Aesthetics: “We liked the slim profiles and narrow sightlines. The window frames never get in the way of the view and that was important to us. They also have a very contemporary look that went well with our design.” 2) Options: “We liked that we could get large sliding doors that matched the windows, giving us a very cohesive look and feel throughout the project.” 3) Cost Effective: “Milgard windows are affordable. You get a good product at a good price.” 4) Custom Sizes: “Milgard windows are customizable, which allowed us to get the right window for each location.” Ready to take on your own traditional to modern home remodeling project? Arbib Hughey Design advises, “Work with a good architect. That means picking a team that is creative, communicative, listens well and is responsive. We think it’s important for an architect to listen to their clients and give them something they want, not something the architect thinks they should have. At the same time you want an architect who is willing and able to think outside the box and offer up design options that you may not have considered. Design is about a lot of back and forth, trying out ideas, getting feedback and trying again.” The home was completely transformed into a unique, contemporary house perfectly integrated with its site. Internally the home has a natural flow for the occupants and externally it is integrated with the surroundings taking advantage of great natural light. As a side note, it was highly praised as part of the Austin AIA homes tour.

The owner of this historic and landmarked town-home renovation in Hudson Square, originally built in 1826, hired Gallery Kitchen and Bath to fully gut-renovate this 3-unit row-home. The scope of work included a full-scale renovation of the owners unit, including the renovation of the kitchen, one 4-piece master ensuite bathroom, one 3-piece bathroom with a walk-in steam shower, and a beautiful powder room. Additional work in the owners unit also included flooring, electrical upgrade, major plumbing work, new HVAC system, restoration of a fireplace, installation of a fully integrated smart home system and landmarked approved windows. CELLAR RENOVATION IN NYC LANDMARKED TOWN-HOME Rounding out the owners unit we renovated the cellar, which was converted into an entertainment space and featured a custom glass curtain wall, along with a custom staircase with an exposed brick wall. During the demolition phase of the cellar, our team discovered 56 wine jugs filled with wine from the prohibition era, leading us to name this project the prohibition house. For the two tenant units, Gallery Kitchen and Bath undertook the renovation of 2 kitchens, 4 bathrooms, new hardwood flooring throughout, along with detailed carpentry work in the entire home. WHY GALLERY KITCHEN AND BATH After interviewing multiple contractors, our client decided on Gallery Kitchen and Bath primarily because of our turnkey design, selection, and build process. In a renovation of this magnitude it is crucial to have a centralized full service contractor under one roof to handle all of the aspects and simultaneous moving parts of the project. Decentralizing the entire process by having multiple unaffiliated vendors handle various parts of the process can easily become chaotic, time consuming, and costly. Because Gallery Kitchen and Bath undertook the entire process, from the design of the entire space to the selection and procurement of all finishes and fixtures, down to the procurement of all permits and LPC filings, it made a seemingly chaotic project a’lot more manageable. PHASE 1: DESIGN, SELECTION, PROCUREMENT Our client wanted the renovation to incorporate a fully modern design into his Hudson Square town-house. Being that this is a landmarked property, the exterior facade had to be restored and kept with the original aesthetic, the interior of the home however was a whole different story. In keeping up with the modern aesthetic, our designers went to work to design a custom kitchen that included fully custom flat panel base cabinets in a white high gloss finish and an absolute matte black appliance/pantry wall. The kitchen design also included a white quartz countertop and backsplash with a waterfall edge island. To bring warmth to the modern kitchen, our designers incorporated a rifted and quartered select oak wood floor in a herringbone pattern, and custom blended stain with matte polyurethane finish. For continuity, the wood floor was also extended throughout the entire owners unit. In the ensuite bathroom we created a “wet area” which houses a standalone soaking tub as well as a beautiful rainfall shower, completely leveled with the rest of the floor in the bathroom. Some highlights within this space include a tiled square drain, large niche cutouts with a carrera marble accents. Once again, to bring warmth to this modern bathroom, our designers incorporated a floating rustic oak vanity and carrera marble mosaic floor tile. Last on the list on the owners unit floor was the cellar, which our client wanted to utilize as an entertainment space for his friends and family. During the design phase, we incorporated an open concept layout, wedding the indoor and outdoor space with a custom glass curtain wall. The design also included custom walnut built-ins that serve as a custom wet bar and storage piece. With the design approved and selections made our office liaisons moved to procure all of the material selections and finishes. PHASE 2: DEMO Because this home is almost two centuries old, we had to take extra precaution during the interior demolition phase of the project. One specific area that we had to pay special attention to was the existing brick. Over time the mortar in old brick homes deteriorates and turns into dust – for this reason it was extremely important that a thorough and ongoing inspection of the exteriors and interior walls took place during the demolition of the space. After 14 30-yard debris containers and 56 wine filled jugs from the prohibition era later , the demolition of this historic Hudson Square town-home came to an end. If you are wondering whether we tried the wine? After notifying the owner we agreed to open one of the jugs and try them together – nothing but vinegar. PHASE 3: BUILD One of the challenges in a renovation project of this scope is nailing down the logistics and delivery of fixtures and finish material. Adding to this challenge was a narrow entry door that required us to use a boom truck in order to deliver some of the larger materials on site. To ensure a succinct time schedule, we boomed all of the materials through the 3rd floor for the entire project and worked our renovation work from top floor to cellar. This technique also insured that any unexpected water issues during the renovation process would not damage a finished floor. With all roughing and framing complete, the Gallery KBNY team proceeded to execute on the design plan. THE REVEAL From what was once a dilapidated town-home with nothing but potential, to a glamorous and luxurious modern interior space – the prohibition house was complete. Ready to speak with us about your renovation project? Contact us to schedule your free consultation and let Gallery KBNY show you why our all-inclusive approach to your renovation is the smartest way to renovating in NYC.

After nearly 20 years of working in a cramped and inefficient kitchen, as well a doing most of their cooking on a hotplate because of on-going issues with old appliances, our food-loving clients were more than ready for a major kitchen remodel. Our goal was to open the kitchen and living space without compromising the architectural integrity of this gorgeous 1930’s home, allowing our clients to cook and entertain guests at the same time. We made sure to retain key elements, such as the plaster cove moulding detail, arched doorways, and glass knobs in order to maintain the look and era of the home. Features includes a new bar and prep sink area, new appliances throughout, a cozy dog bed area incorporated into the cabinet design, shelving niche for cookbooks, magnetic cabinet door on the broom closet to display photos, a recessed television niche for the flatscreen, and radius steps with custom mosaic tile on the stair risers. Our clients can now cook and entertain guests with ease while their beloved dog’s standby to keep the floor clean!

When I asked my client what style he wanted for his transformation he said "Vegas/ Zen". The wife's family roots are Vietnamese and the husband is of Italian descent. Thus the unique style "Vegas/ Zen " was born. A challenging style at first attempt, but this project as you can see is a grand improvement over the clean slate we stared with, manly dirt. This large yard took a hit from Hurricane Irma and the clients took the opportunity to do a major makeover. Check out how the final installation looks a lot like the renderings. This "WowZen" space featuring artificial grass, our first such project with fake green. This is an example of how you doing have to sacrifice style for A truly "Water wise" transformation, this stylish space features draught tolerant plants and large expanses of artificial grass and hardscaping. Shade is an issue, but that will be achieved in Stage 2 with a pergola and large umbrella. We do 3D renderings when a project is multi-layered like this one. See more of our 3D renderings at https://www.houzz.com/projects/2008788/3-d-landscape-renderings

When you discover an old Victorian tiled floor underneath carpet, the first question that will probably pop into your mind is: can it be restored? The answer, in the majority of cases, is yes. In fact, Tile Doctor has completed hundreds of Victorian tiled floor restorations. Victorian tiles have a timeless quality about them and are still popular for residential use even in the twenty first century. What you can usually expect upon lifting your carpet is for the tiles to be covered in carpet adhesives and grippers, as was the case with this particular example of a Victorian Tiles hallway floor at a property in Bedford. Sometimes you might also find paint splashes or other staining left over from decoration work. And, of course, the tiles will be dirty and in much need of a deep clean. These issues spoil the original appearance of the tiles, but with the right methods and products, a complete restoration can be achieved quickly and cost-effectively. My first task upon arriving at the proper was to carry out a site survey to address the condition of the tiles, before running a quick test clean on a small area of the floor. The result was good and so I was confident that I could achieve a high-quality restoration for the client. A quote was issued and accepted, and the work was booked in at a date that was convenient for the customer. Returning to the property, my first course of action was to mix a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro Clean, which is a powerful alkaline cleaner safe to use on natural stone, with hot water. This cleaning solution was sprayed along all edges of the floor loosen the glue securing the carpet grippers. I then successfully removed the adhesive carefully using handheld tools to avoid damaging any tiles. Once this was done, I applied Tile Doctor Remove and Go, scrubbing it into the tiles with a rotary machine. This product is designed to remove heavy soiling, paint splashes and old waxes and sealers. The soiled solution was then extracted using a wet vacuum and stubborn areas re-treated until I was satisfied the floor was clean. The entire floor was then given a thorough rinse with water to remove any trace of cleaning products and extracted using a wet vax machine. The floor was allowed to dry for several days before I was able to return to seal the tiles. It’s always important to leave significant time for the floor to dry because any moisture left over can impact the performance of the sealer. The choice of sealer was Tile Doctor Seal and Go Extra, which provides robust protection against dirt and stains, with a light sheen finish. I chose this sealer not only because the customer wanted a light sheen finish, but also because this particular sealer is fully breathable. Dampness can sometimes be an issue with old Victorian and Quarry tiles which were installed before damp proof membranes became standard. The transformation achieved within the space of a week was quite incredible and the colours in the tile have really come through. Another satisfied customer! David Vissian Bedfordshire Tile Doctor

After more than a decade in their new Alexandria home, our clients decided their kitchen was ready for a major refresh, both in form and function. The original stained wood cabinets and granite countertops had served them well, but the traditional design no longer fit with their evolving style which had become less formal and more transitional. The homeowners liked the idea of two-toned kitchen cabinets, so we opted for a combination of pure white and charcoal gray for dramatic contrast. Brushed gold fixtures and statement brass pulls add warmth and sophistication. The distinctive quartzite counters are a showstopper, with unique veining and striking color variation, from blue to gray to ochre. The shimmering blue-gray backsplash unites the entire space. The overall goal was to create an expansive entertaining kitchen that could accommodate our clients’ large gatherings of family and friends, and provide them with several zones for prepping, serving, seating, and socializing. Also high on the clients’ wish list: a more generous island, professional appliances, and better storage. We expanded the island in two directions to allow for comfortable seating at the counter with plenty of room for a table in the breakfast nook. An expandable bar height table in the adjacent dining area offers even more flexibility for eating and socializing. We designed a custom hutch which has a multitude of storage options and functionality – open display shelves, roll-outs, drawers, extra counter/serving space, as well as a beverage fridge and appliance garage/coffee center. On the opposite side of the kitchen, we replaced a small pantry closet with a furniture style built-in that took advantage of underutilized space. Anticipating issues with supply chain, we opted to use a local cabinet maker on this project which allowed us to fully customize the cabinets for optimal functionality. Other stand-out features include a Thermador appliance package, workstation farmhouse sink, ‘touch’ faucet, hot+cold water dispenser, and hidden toe-kick storage. Our clients now have a beautiful, cohesive space that reflects their personal style and fulfills their dream of a having an expansive kitchen where they can cook and entertain for years to come.

They say the majority of the time spent in a kitchen is done so at the sink! Well the view of the trees and wildlife from this sink, would make all that time worth it! Scott Amundson Photography