Earlier this month I was in the town of Northampton, to see a client who had reported a problem with her Travertine kitchen tiles. Basically the grout between the tiles was badly stained, to the point of appearing almost black. The Travertine tiles were also in need of some maintenance, and so I was commissioned to provide a clean, polish and a fresh seal. Travertine is a popular choice for kitchen flooring due to its relatively high durability and distinct features. My task was to get this floor back to looking its best. My priority was to address the badly stained grout so I cleaned the grout lines by hand using a combination of hand brushes and Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up. The surface was pre-wet with water, before a solution of Grout-Clean Up and clean water was applied to the surface. The brushes were then used to agitate the solution. Grout Clean-Up contains a mix of concentrated phosphoric acid and cleaner designed to penetrate below the surface of the grout to remove grout stains, smears and mineral deposits. As you can see from the photos, Grout Clean-Up made an immediate difference to the appearance of the tiles. This product is suitable for use on masonry and acid resistant surfaces. After completing the clean, I gave the floor a thorough rinse to neutralise the floor after cleaning and removed as much of the water as possible using a wet vacuum. Following this, I paid attention to the tiles themselves, cleaning them to achieve a polished effect by using a system of burnishing pads. Tile Doctor burnishing pads comprise a set of four pads varying in grit type, from Coarse and Medium to Fine and Very Fine. I applied all four pads in turn to the floor, stopping to rinse the floor in between each. The result was a high quality polished finish. I then left the floor to dry completely overnight, before commencing the seal the next day. My choice of sealing product was Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is a colour intensifying sealer that both enhances the natural appearance of the stone and provides a durable surface seal. My client was very pleased with the finished product, and left the following comment on the Tile Doctor feedback system: “efficiently done”, yielding “good results”. Phil Vissian Northamptonshire Tile Doctor

Hotel-inspired Master Bedroom Retreat
Bedroom - mid-sized modern master laminate floor, gray floor and wallpaper bedroom idea in Raleigh with black walls

we wanted to preserve the mid-century modern feel (talk about a real flashback!), and boy, do we love the results! This kitchen is another perfect example of a project where we did the “lipstick and make-up” – another term for replacing the more cosmetic features such as countertops, backsplash, and the door and drawer fronts. Even doing so, the resulting kitchen leaves us with a breath of fresh air! To learn more about this space, continue reading below: Cabinetry To start, we removed the soffit in the kitchen making the space look taller. Next, we did not rip out the cabinetry boxes, because we were inspired by the finish and look of what existed. Maintaining the finish of the cabinets helped preserve the retro feel and is a good example of repurposing what you already have! As a result, we replaced the door and drawer fronts with a new slab style in a matching medium stain. In addition to the cabinetry fronts, we installed floating shelves – a perfect spot to display! Countertops For countertops we wanted something light and bright, and also something that would look good with the other finishes. As a result, we kept it simple with a light and bright surface from Caesarstone in the color “Blizzard” Backsplash Now for a little fun and a pop of color, the tile. The tile we selected is fresh, exciting, and also ties everything together giving that mid-century modern feel. In a brick-lay installation, we have a Glazzio Crystile Series, in a 4×12 size, with a finish of Soft Mint. Fixtures and Fittings Completing the space, we finished the cabinetry with U-Turn knob’s on the doors, and U-turn pulls on the drawers. Then from Blanco, we have a Quatrus stainless steel sink and a Culina mini faucet in satin nickel.

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

we wanted to preserve the mid-century modern feel (talk about a real flashback!), and boy, do we love the results! This kitchen is another perfect example of a project where we did the “lipstick and make-up” – another term for replacing the more cosmetic features such as countertops, backsplash, and the door and drawer fronts. Even doing so, the resulting kitchen leaves us with a breath of fresh air! To learn more about this space, continue reading below: Cabinetry To start, we removed the soffit in the kitchen making the space look taller. Next, we did not rip out the cabinetry boxes, because we were inspired by the finish and look of what existed. Maintaining the finish of the cabinets helped preserve the retro feel and is a good example of repurposing what you already have! As a result, we replaced the door and drawer fronts with a new slab style in a matching medium stain. In addition to the cabinetry fronts, we installed floating shelves – a perfect spot to display! Countertops For countertops we wanted something light and bright, and also something that would look good with the other finishes. As a result, we kept it simple with a light and bright surface from Caesarstone in the color “Blizzard” Backsplash Now for a little fun and a pop of color, the tile. The tile we selected is fresh, exciting, and also ties everything together giving that mid-century modern feel. In a brick-lay installation, we have a Glazzio Crystile Series, in a 4×12 size, with a finish of Soft Mint. Fixtures and Fittings Completing the space, we finished the cabinetry with U-Turn knob’s on the doors, and U-turn pulls on the drawers. Then from Blanco, we have a Quatrus stainless steel sink and a Culina mini faucet in satin nickel.

Photo: Michele Scotto Trani | Sequined Asphault Studio
Beach style kitchen photo in New York

Large transitional u-shaped light wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Detroit with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Example of an island style bathroom design in Hawaii

The luxurious master suite serves as a restful retreat after a long day.
Bedroom - large contemporary master dark wood floor bedroom idea in Orlando with blue walls

We handcrafted this traditional fitted home office and library in natural oak for our client’s characterful home in the village of West Chiltington in West Sussex. The bespoke, made to measure furniture features an executive desk, carefully configured bookcase cabinets and ingenious solutions for concealed storage. Decorative design features include fluted solid oak pilasters which add a sophisticated, classic look to the cabinetry. The cabinet doors, drawer fronts and frames have been constructed in 25mm thick European oak, and the warm tones and rich grain of this sustainable timber create a welcoming and productive home office with a timeless quality Shaped statement desk This impressive statement desk has been beautifully handcrafted for long-term durability and practical comfort. The angled shape creates a comfortable seating area with ample leg room. Every side of the desk has a high-quality finish to present a professional appearance from every angle in the room. The real oak veneered surface has solid oak edges and features two hand-fitted, sheepskin leather insets in a medium tan colour. Other customised features include eight equal-sized drawers and two pencil storage drawers, Shaker-style cabinetry The floor to ceiling and wall-to-wall oak bookcase cabinetry features tailored shelving, lower cupboards and hanging file drawers, and a glass-fronted upper display unit. This central cabinet is beautifully illuminated with concealed, dimmable LED lighting. The cabinet countertop and desktop both feature a matching chamfered edge and plinth detail. A chamfer is a refined yet impactful design choice that achieves a safer, more durable, and visually appealing furniture. All the cabinets are fully lined with real oak veneer. We also hand finished the cabinetry with natural Rubio Monocoat wood oil in Pure, which accentuates the authentic look of the oak.

We handcrafted this traditional fitted home office and library in natural oak for our client’s characterful home in the village of West Chiltington in West Sussex. The bespoke, made to measure furniture features an executive desk, carefully configured bookcase cabinets and ingenious solutions for concealed storage. Decorative design features include fluted solid oak pilasters which add a sophisticated, classic look to the cabinetry. The cabinet doors, drawer fronts and frames have been constructed in 25mm thick European oak, and the warm tones and rich grain of this sustainable timber create a welcoming and productive home office with a timeless quality Shaped statement desk This impressive statement desk has been beautifully handcrafted for long-term durability and practical comfort. The angled shape creates a comfortable seating area with ample leg room. Every side of the desk has a high-quality finish to present a professional appearance from every angle in the room. The real oak veneered surface has solid oak edges and features two hand-fitted, sheepskin leather insets in a medium tan colour. Other customised features include eight equal-sized drawers and two pencil storage drawers, Shaker-style cabinetry The floor to ceiling and wall-to-wall oak bookcase cabinetry features tailored shelving, lower cupboards and hanging file drawers, and a glass-fronted upper display unit. This central cabinet is beautifully illuminated with concealed, dimmable LED lighting. The cabinet countertop and desktop both feature a matching chamfered edge and plinth detail. A chamfer is a refined yet impactful design choice that achieves a safer, more durable, and visually appealing furniture. All the cabinets are fully lined with real oak veneer. We also hand finished the cabinetry with natural Rubio Monocoat wood oil in Pure, which accentuates the authentic look of the oak.

We handcrafted this traditional fitted home office and library in natural oak for our client’s characterful home in the village of West Chiltington in West Sussex. The bespoke, made to measure furniture features an executive desk, carefully configured bookcase cabinets and ingenious solutions for concealed storage. Decorative design features include fluted solid oak pilasters which add a sophisticated, classic look to the cabinetry. The cabinet doors, drawer fronts and frames have been constructed in 25mm thick European oak, and the warm tones and rich grain of this sustainable timber create a welcoming and productive home office with a timeless quality Shaped statement desk This impressive statement desk has been beautifully handcrafted for long-term durability and practical comfort. The angled shape creates a comfortable seating area with ample leg room. Every side of the desk has a high-quality finish to present a professional appearance from every angle in the room. The real oak veneered surface has solid oak edges and features two hand-fitted, sheepskin leather insets in a medium tan colour. Other customised features include eight equal-sized drawers and two pencil storage drawers, Shaker-style cabinetry The floor to ceiling and wall-to-wall oak bookcase cabinetry features tailored shelving, lower cupboards and hanging file drawers, and a glass-fronted upper display unit. This central cabinet is beautifully illuminated with concealed, dimmable LED lighting. The cabinet countertop and desktop both feature a matching chamfered edge and plinth detail. A chamfer is a refined yet impactful design choice that achieves a safer, more durable, and visually appealing furniture. All the cabinets are fully lined with real oak veneer. We also hand finished the cabinetry with natural Rubio Monocoat wood oil in Pure, which accentuates the authentic look of the oak.

We handcrafted this traditional fitted home office and library in natural oak for our client’s characterful home in the village of West Chiltington in West Sussex. The bespoke, made to measure furniture features an executive desk, carefully configured bookcase cabinets and ingenious solutions for concealed storage. Decorative design features include fluted solid oak pilasters which add a sophisticated, classic look to the cabinetry. The cabinet doors, drawer fronts and frames have been constructed in 25mm thick European oak, and the warm tones and rich grain of this sustainable timber create a welcoming and productive home office with a timeless quality Shaped statement desk This impressive statement desk has been beautifully handcrafted for long-term durability and practical comfort. The angled shape creates a comfortable seating area with ample leg room. Every side of the desk has a high-quality finish to present a professional appearance from every angle in the room. The real oak veneered surface has solid oak edges and features two hand-fitted, sheepskin leather insets in a medium tan colour. Other customised features include eight equal-sized drawers and two pencil storage drawers, Shaker-style cabinetry The floor to ceiling and wall-to-wall oak bookcase cabinetry features tailored shelving, lower cupboards and hanging file drawers, and a glass-fronted upper display unit. This central cabinet is beautifully illuminated with concealed, dimmable LED lighting. The cabinet countertop and desktop both feature a matching chamfered edge and plinth detail. A chamfer is a refined yet impactful design choice that achieves a safer, more durable, and visually appealing furniture. All the cabinets are fully lined with real oak veneer. We also hand finished the cabinetry with natural Rubio Monocoat wood oil in Pure, which accentuates the authentic look of the oak.

We handcrafted this traditional fitted home office and library in natural oak for our client’s characterful home in the village of West Chiltington in West Sussex. The bespoke, made to measure furniture features an executive desk, carefully configured bookcase cabinets and ingenious solutions for concealed storage. Decorative design features include fluted solid oak pilasters which add a sophisticated, classic look to the cabinetry. The cabinet doors, drawer fronts and frames have been constructed in 25mm thick European oak, and the warm tones and rich grain of this sustainable timber create a welcoming and productive home office with a timeless quality Shaped statement desk This impressive statement desk has been beautifully handcrafted for long-term durability and practical comfort. The angled shape creates a comfortable seating area with ample leg room. Every side of the desk has a high-quality finish to present a professional appearance from every angle in the room. The real oak veneered surface has solid oak edges and features two hand-fitted, sheepskin leather insets in a medium tan colour. Other customised features include eight equal-sized drawers and two pencil storage drawers, Shaker-style cabinetry The floor to ceiling and wall-to-wall oak bookcase cabinetry features tailored shelving, lower cupboards and hanging file drawers, and a glass-fronted upper display unit. This central cabinet is beautifully illuminated with concealed, dimmable LED lighting. The cabinet countertop and desktop both feature a matching chamfered edge and plinth detail. A chamfer is a refined yet impactful design choice that achieves a safer, more durable, and visually appealing furniture. All the cabinets are fully lined with real oak veneer. We also hand finished the cabinetry with natural Rubio Monocoat wood oil in Pure, which accentuates the authentic look of the oak.

We handcrafted this traditional fitted home office and library in natural oak for our client’s characterful home in the village of West Chiltington in West Sussex. The bespoke, made to measure furniture features an executive desk, carefully configured bookcase cabinets and ingenious solutions for concealed storage. Decorative design features include fluted solid oak pilasters which add a sophisticated, classic look to the cabinetry. The cabinet doors, drawer fronts and frames have been constructed in 25mm thick European oak, and the warm tones and rich grain of this sustainable timber create a welcoming and productive home office with a timeless quality Shaped statement desk This impressive statement desk has been beautifully handcrafted for long-term durability and practical comfort. The angled shape creates a comfortable seating area with ample leg room. Every side of the desk has a high-quality finish to present a professional appearance from every angle in the room. The real oak veneered surface has solid oak edges and features two hand-fitted, sheepskin leather insets in a medium tan colour. Other customised features include eight equal-sized drawers and two pencil storage drawers, Shaker-style cabinetry The floor to ceiling and wall-to-wall oak bookcase cabinetry features tailored shelving, lower cupboards and hanging file drawers, and a glass-fronted upper display unit. This central cabinet is beautifully illuminated with concealed, dimmable LED lighting. The cabinet countertop and desktop both feature a matching chamfered edge and plinth detail. A chamfer is a refined yet impactful design choice that achieves a safer, more durable, and visually appealing furniture. All the cabinets are fully lined with real oak veneer. We also hand finished the cabinetry with natural Rubio Monocoat wood oil in Pure, which accentuates the authentic look of the oak.

We handcrafted this traditional fitted home office and library in natural oak for our client’s characterful home in the village of West Chiltington in West Sussex. The bespoke, made to measure furniture features an executive desk, carefully configured bookcase cabinets and ingenious solutions for concealed storage. Decorative design features include fluted solid oak pilasters which add a sophisticated, classic look to the cabinetry. The cabinet doors, drawer fronts and frames have been constructed in 25mm thick European oak, and the warm tones and rich grain of this sustainable timber create a welcoming and productive home office with a timeless quality Shaped statement desk This impressive statement desk has been beautifully handcrafted for long-term durability and practical comfort. The angled shape creates a comfortable seating area with ample leg room. Every side of the desk has a high-quality finish to present a professional appearance from every angle in the room. The real oak veneered surface has solid oak edges and features two hand-fitted, sheepskin leather insets in a medium tan colour. Other customised features include eight equal-sized drawers and two pencil storage drawers, Shaker-style cabinetry The floor to ceiling and wall-to-wall oak bookcase cabinetry features tailored shelving, lower cupboards and hanging file drawers, and a glass-fronted upper display unit. This central cabinet is beautifully illuminated with concealed, dimmable LED lighting. The cabinet countertop and desktop both feature a matching chamfered edge and plinth detail. A chamfer is a refined yet impactful design choice that achieves a safer, more durable, and visually appealing furniture. All the cabinets are fully lined with real oak veneer. We also hand finished the cabinetry with natural Rubio Monocoat wood oil in Pure, which accentuates the authentic look of the oak.

We handcrafted this traditional fitted home office and library in natural oak for our client’s characterful home in the village of West Chiltington in West Sussex. The bespoke, made to measure furniture features an executive desk, carefully configured bookcase cabinets and ingenious solutions for concealed storage. Decorative design features include fluted solid oak pilasters which add a sophisticated, classic look to the cabinetry. The cabinet doors, drawer fronts and frames have been constructed in 25mm thick European oak, and the warm tones and rich grain of this sustainable timber create a welcoming and productive home office with a timeless quality Shaped statement desk This impressive statement desk has been beautifully handcrafted for long-term durability and practical comfort. The angled shape creates a comfortable seating area with ample leg room. Every side of the desk has a high-quality finish to present a professional appearance from every angle in the room. The real oak veneered surface has solid oak edges and features two hand-fitted, sheepskin leather insets in a medium tan colour. Other customised features include eight equal-sized drawers and two pencil storage drawers, Shaker-style cabinetry The floor to ceiling and wall-to-wall oak bookcase cabinetry features tailored shelving, lower cupboards and hanging file drawers, and a glass-fronted upper display unit. This central cabinet is beautifully illuminated with concealed, dimmable LED lighting. The cabinet countertop and desktop both feature a matching chamfered edge and plinth detail. A chamfer is a refined yet impactful design choice that achieves a safer, more durable, and visually appealing furniture. All the cabinets are fully lined with real oak veneer. We also hand finished the cabinetry with natural Rubio Monocoat wood oil in Pure, which accentuates the authentic look of the oak.

Iron work by James Gunnell of Antietam Iron Works, photo by James Gunnell
Deck - traditional deck idea in DC Metro

Ellen Harasimowicz Photography
Kitchen pantry - mid-sized traditional l-shaped travertine floor kitchen pantry idea in Boston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, soapstone countertops, black backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances, beige walls and a peninsula