This new design from our Canbury kitchen design and renovation project, opens up the entire main floor to the dining room and provides a more functional layout for our clients. By reconfiguring spaces and removing walls between the kitchen, family and dining rooms, we were able to create a new floorplan layout. Moving the existing family room to the front of the home, and opening up the kitchen to a new dining area with a feature fireplace, left room to design a generously sized island finished in a contrasting colour to the perimeter cabinetry. The new open view to the dining room highlights the fireplace, updated with a robust mantle and new Terracraft natural stone veneer in Swansea marble, applied from the floor to the ceiling. We take pride in our ability to create stunning and functional kitchen and dining designs that meet the unique needs of our clients. At every step of the Canbury Kitchen and Interior Design project, our team of expert designers and craftsmen paid attention to every detail. Our commitment to using the best materials ensures that every project we undertake is a success. If you're looking to upgrade your home with a stunning contemporary design, we would be more than happy to work with you to create a customized plan that meets your unique needs and preferences. From concept to completion, our team will be with you every step of the way to ensure that your vision is realized. So why wait? Contact us today to learn more about how we can bring the Canbury Kitchen Design project to life in your home.

This new design from our Canbury kitchen design and renovation project, opens up the entire main floor to the dining room and provides a more functional layout for our clients. By reconfiguring spaces and removing walls between the kitchen, family and dining rooms, we were able to create a new floorplan layout. Moving the existing family room to the front of the home, and opening up the kitchen to a new dining area with a feature fireplace, left room to design a generously sized island finished in a contrasting colour to the perimeter cabinetry. The new open view to the dining room highlights the fireplace, updated with a robust mantle and new Terracraft natural stone veneer in Swansea marble, applied from the floor to the ceiling. We take pride in our ability to create stunning and functional kitchen and dining designs that meet the unique needs of our clients. At every step of the Canbury Kitchen and Interior Design project, our team of expert designers and craftsmen paid attention to every detail. Our commitment to using the best materials ensures that every project we undertake is a success. If you're looking to upgrade your home with a stunning contemporary design, we would be more than happy to work with you to create a customized plan that meets your unique needs and preferences. From concept to completion, our team will be with you every step of the way to ensure that your vision is realized. So why wait? Contact us today to learn more about how we can bring the Canbury Kitchen Design project to life in your home.

This sophisticated home is located in the highly sought after Westlake Village, and ideally situated at the end of the most private Cul-De-Sac lots with pocket views. Enter through custom iron gates and stone walkway, into a tranquil courtyard w/ fountain, and step inside this rare gem. Reap the benefits of SoCal living in this single story Ranch home, boasting abundant natural light, vaulted ceilings, and a refreshing connection between the interior/exterior spaces. Attention to luxurious detail throughout! Relax to the sound of the majestic stone waterfall, which pours into the Pentair and PebbleTek pool and spa-all operated by mobile device. Flanking the custom pool are two fire feature structures: A stacked stone gas fireplace with fireglass, custom iron gates, and hearth AND a stacked stone firepit with fireglass and ceramic sphere. Stamped, stained, and sealed concrete, professional landscape lighting, high-end American made artificial grass, and lush landscape. Attached Cabana boasting tongue & groove pine ceilings, Infratech electric heaters, ceiling fans, dimmable can lights operated via mobile device, string lights, and split-faced travertine stacked stone! Cook like a pro both inside and outside! INSIDE: Gourmet kitchen w/custom cherrywood cabinets, cabinetry lighting, Ubatuba Brazilian granite counters, Viking professional hood, Viking 6 burner + griddle range w/double oven, Viking Warmer, GE compactor, Miele dishwasher. Showcase your private vino collection with the built-in 178 bottle temperature dual regulated Wine Refrigerator. OUTSIDE: Enjoy preparing meals and entertaining al fresco, with the new entertainer's back yard oasis. Built-in Memphis Elite-Wifi compatible BBQ and convection oven, dual fridges, Hot/Cold plumbed Sink, additional storage cabinets, and an oversized stained concrete island- all crowned by an attached redwood pergola with twinkle lights. Perfectly sized master suite featuring paper glazed metallic walls, oversized French doors, expansive walk-in closet with built-ins, and a crème de la crème master bathroom. Skip the day spa and step into your Kohler Steam shower with rain head, artistic imported granite, dimmable lighting, pebble flooring, bench seat & frameless glass enclosure. Custom cabinetry with sleek counters, dual sinks, dimmable lighting & views of the private yard. Additional Features/Upgrades: Paid Solar panels, Tesla ready charging port in garage, Tankless water heater, Concrete roof, Indoor laundry, Dual pane windows, plantation shutters, crown molding, recessed lights, classic French doors, Santos Brazilian wood flooring, Interior/Exterior built-in Bose speaker system, Interior/Exterior security camera system, venetian plaster/designer wall finishes, new silent garage door motor, newer HVAC system, and more. Don't miss this opportunity to have it all!

This sophisticated home is located in the highly sought after Westlake Village, and ideally situated at the end of the most private Cul-De-Sac lots with pocket views. Enter through custom iron gates and stone walkway, into a tranquil courtyard w/ fountain, and step inside this rare gem. Reap the benefits of SoCal living in this single story Ranch home, boasting abundant natural light, vaulted ceilings, and a refreshing connection between the interior/exterior spaces. Attention to luxurious detail throughout! Relax to the sound of the majestic stone waterfall, which pours into the Pentair and PebbleTek pool and spa-all operated by mobile device. Flanking the custom pool are two fire feature structures: A stacked stone gas fireplace with fireglass, custom iron gates, and hearth AND a stacked stone firepit with fireglass and ceramic sphere. Stamped, stained, and sealed concrete, professional landscape lighting, high-end American made artificial grass, and lush landscape. Attached Cabana boasting tongue & groove pine ceilings, Infratech electric heaters, ceiling fans, dimmable can lights operated via mobile device, string lights, and split-faced travertine stacked stone! Cook like a pro both inside and outside! INSIDE: Gourmet kitchen w/custom cherrywood cabinets, cabinetry lighting, Ubatuba Brazilian granite counters, Viking professional hood, Viking 6 burner + griddle range w/double oven, Viking Warmer, GE compactor, Miele dishwasher. Showcase your private vino collection with the built-in 178 bottle temperature dual regulated Wine Refrigerator. OUTSIDE: Enjoy preparing meals and entertaining al fresco, with the new entertainer's back yard oasis. Built-in Memphis Elite-Wifi compatible BBQ and convection oven, dual fridges, Hot/Cold plumbed Sink, additional storage cabinets, and an oversized stained concrete island- all crowned by an attached redwood pergola with twinkle lights. Perfectly sized master suite featuring paper glazed metallic walls, oversized French doors, expansive walk-in closet with built-ins, and a crème de la crème master bathroom. Skip the day spa and step into your Kohler Steam shower with rain head, artistic imported granite, dimmable lighting, pebble flooring, bench seat & frameless glass enclosure. Custom cabinetry with sleek counters, dual sinks, dimmable lighting & views of the private yard. Additional Features/Upgrades: Paid Solar panels, Tesla ready charging port in garage, Tankless water heater, Concrete roof, Indoor laundry, Dual pane windows, plantation shutters, crown molding, recessed lights, classic French doors, Santos Brazilian wood flooring, Interior/Exterior built-in Bose speaker system, Interior/Exterior security camera system, venetian plaster/designer wall finishes, new silent garage door motor, newer HVAC system, and more. Don't miss this opportunity to have it all!

This new design from our Canbury kitchen design and renovation project, opens up the entire main floor to the dining room and provides a more functional layout for our clients. By reconfiguring spaces and removing walls between the kitchen, family and dining rooms, we were able to create a new floorplan layout. Moving the existing family room to the front of the home, and opening up the kitchen to a new dining area with a feature fireplace, left room to design a generously sized island finished in a contrasting colour to the perimeter cabinetry. The new open view to the dining room highlights the fireplace, updated with a robust mantle and new Terracraft natural stone veneer in Swansea marble, applied from the floor to the ceiling. We take pride in our ability to create stunning and functional kitchen and dining designs that meet the unique needs of our clients. At every step of the Canbury Kitchen and Interior Design project, our team of expert designers and craftsmen paid attention to every detail. Our commitment to using the best materials ensures that every project we undertake is a success. If you're looking to upgrade your home with a stunning contemporary design, we would be more than happy to work with you to create a customized plan that meets your unique needs and preferences. From concept to completion, our team will be with you every step of the way to ensure that your vision is realized. So why wait? Contact us today to learn more about how we can bring the Canbury Kitchen Design project to life in your home.

This was a substantial engagement at a luxury rental apartment in Brighton rejuvenating the Limestone tiles in two bathrooms and a hallway taking six days of hard work. In addition, I would be working around two decorators, making for even more testing work conditions. I first set to work on the smallest bathroom, which featured limestone tiles from floor to ceiling, as well as a large bath, copper sink and a tiled surround. Limestone is a very popular choice for interior and exterior decoration, but the tiles in this bathroom were in need of some care to get them looking their best again. My initial task was to strip away any previous sealer by hand; this was done using a mixture of warm water and Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which, along with Limestone, is also suitable for use on other types of natural stone, such as Granite, Slate and Travertine. Pro-Clean serves both as an effective stripper and cleaner, meaning that once the sealer had been stripped away, the tiles also received a thorough clean. Once I had cleaned the tiles, I sucked up any excess water and residue using a Wet-Dry Vac machine. Since the tiles would have to be left to dry for a couple of days, I offered to restore the copper sink for the customer, even though this was not actually part of my job description. After conducting some research into copper cleaning, I opted to use a combination of lemon juice, vinegar and salt. The research paid off as, once I began to apply the solution to the sink, the bright orange and brown colours of the copper quickly rose to the surface. Within the space of an hour, I had transformed what initially appeared to be a ruined sink into a lovely, shimmering copper feature for the bathroom. Both the decorators and I were truly amazed at the results – but all credit goes to Google! The larger of the two bathrooms was a much stiffer test for the Tile Doctor products. It had not been left in great condition, as the shower area had clearly not been sealed correctly, and the tiles had been left in such a manner that soap scum from shampoos, soaps and shower gels had built up on the window sill. In fact, the damage was significant enough that I had to explain to the customer before starting the work that whilst I could greatly improve the appearance of the tiles, I would not be able to restore them to new. This is because many shampoo and body wash products are acidic and can cause permanent damage to stone work especially when left to dwell for a long time. My choice of product was Tile Doctor Mould Away, a formula which, over time, seeps deeply into the pores of the stone, effectively lifting away the muck. In cases of particularly stubborn areas, it is necessary to apply another covering of Mould Away and leave it for an extended period of time. This is exactly what I did over the next few days, leaving the product overnight to work its magic. The change was certainly drastic, if not perfect. As both bathrooms required extended periods of drying, I spent two days working on the hallway, which had been partially covered with a plastic sealing for the previous six months due to building work. Needless to say, the hallway was in need of a good clean. I set about cleaning the hallway with a solution of warm water and Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, before once again using a Wet-Dry Vac machine to remove any excess water to prepare the floor for sealing at a later point. It is very important to remove any residue of cleaning solution before sealing, as this may impact the performance of the sealer. Following this, I left the hallway to dry for two days, providing the builders with strict instructions to cover it with blankets for protection while they were working. While the floor was drying, I sealed the bathrooms – both now fully dried – with Tile Doctor Colour Grow Sealer, a solvent-based sealer that was highly effective at enhancing the colour of the brown tiles around the sinks. The product will also provide durable surface protection. I spent the final of the six days sealing the hallway floor with Tile Doctor Seal & Go, which provides both a stain-resistant surface seal and a durable, low-sheen finish. This was an ideal choice of product, as the customer requested a hard-wearing, yet shiny finish. The hard work really paid off, as both the customer and the decorators were very impressed with the final results in the two bathrooms and the hallway. I was extremely pleased that I was able to complete this big job to the highest possible standards.

This Houston bathroom features polished chrome and a black-and-white palette, lending plenty of glamour and visual drama. "We incorporated many of the latest bathroom design trends - like the metallic finish on the claw feet of the tub; crisp, bright whites and the oversized tiles on the shower wall," says Outdoor Homescapes' interior project designer, Lisha Maxey. "But the overall look is classic and elegant and will hold up well for years to come." As you can see from the "before" pictures, this 300-square foot, long, narrow space has come a long way from its outdated, wallpaper-bordered beginnings. "The client - a Houston woman who works as a physician's assistant - had absolutely no idea what to do with her bathroom - she just knew she wanted it updated," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "Lisha did a tremendous job helping this woman find her own personal style while keeping the project enjoyable and organized." Let's start the tour with the new, updated floors. Black-and-white Carrara marble mosaic tile has replaced the old 8-inch tiles. (All the tile, by the way, came from Floor & Décor. So did the granite countertop.) The walls, meanwhile, have gone from ho-hum beige to Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams. (The trim is Reflective White, also by Sherwin Williams.) Polished "Absolute Black" granite now gleams where the pink-and-gray marble countertops used to be; white vessel bowls have replaced the black undermount black sinks and the cabinets got an update with glass-and-chrome knobs and pulls (note the matching towel bars): The outdated black tub also had to go. In its place we put a doorless shower. Across from the shower sits a claw foot tub - a 66' inch Sanford cast iron model in black, with polished chrome Imperial feet. "The waincoting behind it and chandelier above it," notes Maxey, "adds an upscale, finished look and defines the tub area as a separate space." The shower wall features 6 x 18-inch tiles in a brick pattern - "White Ice" porcelain tile on top, "Absolute Black" granite on the bottom. A beautiful tile mosaic border - Bianco Carrara basketweave marble - serves as an accent ribbon between the two. Covering the shower floor - a classic white porcelain hexagon tile. Mounted above - a polished chrome European rainshower head. "As always, the client was able to look at - and make changes to - 3D renderings showing how the bathroom would look from every angle when done," says Franks. "Having that kind of control over the details has been crucial to our client satisfaction," says Franks. "And it's definitely paid off for us, in all our great reviews on Houzz and in our Best of Houzz awards for customer service." And now on to final details! Accents and décor from Restoration Hardware definitely put Maxey's designer touch on the space - the iron-and-wood French chandelier, polished chrome vanity lights and swivel mirrors definitely knocked this bathroom remodel out of the park!

This sophisticated home is located in the highly sought after Westlake Village, and ideally situated at the end of the most private Cul-De-Sac lots with pocket views. Enter through custom iron gates and stone walkway, into a tranquil courtyard w/ fountain, and step inside this rare gem. Reap the benefits of SoCal living in this single story Ranch home, boasting abundant natural light, vaulted ceilings, and a refreshing connection between the interior/exterior spaces. Attention to luxurious detail throughout! Relax to the sound of the majestic stone waterfall, which pours into the Pentair and PebbleTek pool and spa-all operated by mobile device. Flanking the custom pool are two fire feature structures: A stacked stone gas fireplace with fireglass, custom iron gates, and hearth AND a stacked stone firepit with fireglass and ceramic sphere. Stamped, stained, and sealed concrete, professional landscape lighting, high-end American made artificial grass, and lush landscape. Attached Cabana boasting tongue & groove pine ceilings, Infratech electric heaters, ceiling fans, dimmable can lights operated via mobile device, string lights, and split-faced travertine stacked stone! Cook like a pro both inside and outside! INSIDE: Gourmet kitchen w/custom cherrywood cabinets, cabinetry lighting, Ubatuba Brazilian granite counters, Viking professional hood, Viking 6 burner + griddle range w/double oven, Viking Warmer, GE compactor, Miele dishwasher. Showcase your private vino collection with the built-in 178 bottle temperature dual regulated Wine Refrigerator. OUTSIDE: Enjoy preparing meals and entertaining al fresco, with the new entertainer's back yard oasis. Built-in Memphis Elite-Wifi compatible BBQ and convection oven, dual fridges, Hot/Cold plumbed Sink, additional storage cabinets, and an oversized stained concrete island- all crowned by an attached redwood pergola with twinkle lights. Perfectly sized master suite featuring paper glazed metallic walls, oversized French doors, expansive walk-in closet with built-ins, and a crème de la crème master bathroom. Skip the day spa and step into your Kohler Steam shower with rain head, artistic imported granite, dimmable lighting, pebble flooring, bench seat & frameless glass enclosure. Custom cabinetry with sleek counters, dual sinks, dimmable lighting & views of the private yard. Additional Features/Upgrades: Paid Solar panels, Tesla ready charging port in garage, Tankless water heater, Concrete roof, Indoor laundry, Dual pane windows, plantation shutters, crown molding, recessed lights, classic French doors, Santos Brazilian wood flooring, Interior/Exterior built-in Bose speaker system, Interior/Exterior security camera system, venetian plaster/designer wall finishes, new silent garage door motor, newer HVAC system, and more. Don't miss this opportunity to have it all!

Small elegant gray one-story mixed siding gable roof photo in Charleston

This sophisticated home is located in the highly sought after Westlake Village, and ideally situated at the end of the most private Cul-De-Sac lots with pocket views. Enter through custom iron gates and stone walkway, into a tranquil courtyard w/ fountain, and step inside this rare gem. Reap the benefits of SoCal living in this single story Ranch home, boasting abundant natural light, vaulted ceilings, and a refreshing connection between the interior/exterior spaces. Attention to luxurious detail throughout! Relax to the sound of the majestic stone waterfall, which pours into the Pentair and PebbleTek pool and spa-all operated by mobile device. Flanking the custom pool are two fire feature structures: A stacked stone gas fireplace with fireglass, custom iron gates, and hearth AND a stacked stone firepit with fireglass and ceramic sphere. Stamped, stained, and sealed concrete, professional landscape lighting, high-end American made artificial grass, and lush landscape. Attached Cabana boasting tongue & groove pine ceilings, Infratech electric heaters, ceiling fans, dimmable can lights operated via mobile device, string lights, and split-faced travertine stacked stone! Cook like a pro both inside and outside! INSIDE: Gourmet kitchen w/custom cherrywood cabinets, cabinetry lighting, Ubatuba Brazilian granite counters, Viking professional hood, Viking 6 burner + griddle range w/double oven, Viking Warmer, GE compactor, Miele dishwasher. Showcase your private vino collection with the built-in 178 bottle temperature dual regulated Wine Refrigerator. OUTSIDE: Enjoy preparing meals and entertaining al fresco, with the new entertainer's back yard oasis. Built-in Memphis Elite-Wifi compatible BBQ and convection oven, dual fridges, Hot/Cold plumbed Sink, additional storage cabinets, and an oversized stained concrete island- all crowned by an attached redwood pergola with twinkle lights. Perfectly sized master suite featuring paper glazed metallic walls, oversized French doors, expansive walk-in closet with built-ins, and a crème de la crème master bathroom. Skip the day spa and step into your Kohler Steam shower with rain head, artistic imported granite, dimmable lighting, pebble flooring, bench seat & frameless glass enclosure. Custom cabinetry with sleek counters, dual sinks, dimmable lighting & views of the private yard. Additional Features/Upgrades: Paid Solar panels, Tesla ready charging port in garage, Tankless water heater, Concrete roof, Indoor laundry, Dual pane windows, plantation shutters, crown molding, recessed lights, classic French doors, Santos Brazilian wood flooring, Interior/Exterior built-in Bose speaker system, Interior/Exterior security camera system, venetian plaster/designer wall finishes, new silent garage door motor, newer HVAC system, and more. Don't miss this opportunity to have it all!

Klopf Architecture, Arterra Landscape Architects and Henry Calvert of Calvert Ventures Designed and built a new warm, modern, Eichler-inspired, open, indoor-outdoor home on a deeper-than-usual San Mateo Highlands property where an original Eichler house had burned to the ground. The owners wanted multi-generational living and larger spaces than the original home offered, but all parties agreed that the house should respect the neighborhood and blend in stylistically with the other Eichlers. At first the Klopf team considered re-using what little was left of the original home and expanding on it. But after discussions with the owner and builder, all parties agreed that the last few remaining elements of the house were not practical to re-use, so Klopf Architecture designed a new home that pushes the Eichler approach in new directions. One disadvantage of Eichler production homes is that the house designs were not optimized for each specific lot. A new custom home offered the team a chance to start over. In this case, a longer house that opens up sideways to the south fit the lot better than the original square-ish house that used to open to the rear (west). Accordingly, the Klopf team designed an L-shaped “bar” house with a large glass wall with large sliding glass doors that faces sideways instead of to the rear like a typical Eichler. This glass wall opens to a pool and landscaped yard designed by Arterra Landscape Architects. Driving by the house, one might assume at first glance it is an Eichler because of the horizontality, the overhanging flat roof eaves, the dark gray vertical siding, and orange solid panel front door, but the house is designed for the 21st Century and is not meant to be a “Likeler.” You won't see any posts and beams in this home. Instead, the ceiling decking is a western red cedar that covers over all the beams. Like Eichlers, this cedar runs continuously from inside to out, enhancing the indoor / outdoor feeling of the house, but unlike Eichlers it conceals a cavity for lighting, wiring, and insulation. Ceilings are higher, rooms are larger and more open, the master bathroom is light-filled and more generous, with a separate tub and shower and a separate toilet compartment, and there is plenty of storage. The garage even easily fits two of today's vehicles with room to spare. A massive 49-foot by 12-foot wall of glass and the continuity of materials from inside to outside enhance the inside-outside living concept, so the owners and their guests can flow freely from house to pool deck to BBQ to pool and back. During construction in the rough framing stage, Klopf thought the front of the house appeared too tall even though the house had looked right in the design renderings (probably because the house is uphill from the street). So Klopf Architecture paid the framer to change the roofline from how we had designed it to be lower along the front, allowing the home to blend in better with the neighborhood. One project goal was for people driving up the street to pass the home without immediately noticing there is an "imposter" on this lot, and making that change was essential to achieve that goal. This 2,606 square foot, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom Eichler-inspired new house is located in San Mateo in the heart of the Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane Landscape Architect: Arterra Landscape Architects Contractor: Henry Calvert of Calvert Ventures Photography ©2016 Mariko Reed Location: San Mateo, CA Year completed: 2016

Many families ponder the idea of adding extra living space for a few years before they are actually ready to remodel. Then, all-of-the sudden, something will happen that makes them realize that they can’t wait any longer. In the case of this remodeling story, it was the snowstorm of 2016 that spurred the homeowners into action. As the family was stuck in the house with nowhere to go, they longed for more space. The parents longed for a getaway spot for themselves that could also double as a hangout area for the kids and their friends. As they considered their options, there was one clear choice…to renovate the detached garage. The detached garage previously functioned as a workshop and storage room and offered plenty of square footage to create a family room, kitchenette, and full bath. It’s location right beside the outdoor kitchen made it an ideal spot for entertaining and provided an easily accessible bathroom during the summertime. Even the canine family members get to enjoy it as they have their own personal entrance, through a bathroom doggie door. Our design team listened carefully to our client’s wishes to create a space that had a modern rustic feel and found selections that fit their aesthetic perfectly. To set the tone, Blackstone Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout. The kitchenette area features Maple Shaker style cabinets in a pecan shell stain, Uba Tuba granite countertops, and an eye-catching amber glass and antique bronze pulley sconce. Rather than use just an ordinary door for the bathroom entry, a gorgeous Knotty Alder barn door creates a stunning focal point of the room. The fantastic selections continue in the full bath. A reclaimed wood double vanity with a gray washed pine finish anchors the room. White, semi-recessed sinks with chrome faucets add some contemporary accents, while the glass and oil-rubbed bronze mini pendant lights are a balance between both rustic and modern. The design called for taking the shower tile to the ceiling and it really paid off. A sliced pebble tile floor in the shower is curbed with Uba Tuba granite, creating a clean line and another accent detail. The new multi-functional space looks like a natural extension of their home, with its matching exterior lights, new windows, doors, and sliders. And with winter approaching and snow on the way, this family is ready to hunker down and ride out the storm in comfort and warmth. When summer arrives, they have a designated bathroom for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful area for guests to hang out. It was a pleasure to create this beautiful remodel for our clients and we hope that they continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

There is no gainsaying in the fact that good lighting compliments and brings out the overall aesthetics of a home; no interior designer can contest this truth. The living space of the home deserves a carefully selected residential interior lighting. Regardless of interior design, furniture and fittings, decors, colors, and fitted accessories, poor residential interior lighting would deny the room of that elegant and alluring look it deserves, you would feel that something is not just right. Installing the right interior lighting goes beyond fixing some ceiling cans and a couple of lamps; it calls for careful thought and apposite selections. Your understanding and careful choice of residential interior lighting would enable you create a magnificent environment. Design professionals do not just get hired, they are paid for their experience and ability to study your residential interior and come up with lighting choice that would transform it while saving on the energy use. It should be borne in mind that lighting has three categories. Before you decide what lighting accessories to buy, it is needful that you consider the following factors to determine the right residential interior lighting that suits each of your rooms. 1. Lighting for Task Purpose: It aims at achieving certain functions and it is underscored by the need for good vision. Tasks such as reading, working on the computer etc. require good vision; therefore, lighting for this purpose should be installed in the areas of the room where these tasks are to be performed. 2. Ambient or General Lighting: This type of lighting is meant to lit up the space for easy movement and to see objects and people. It is usually not as bright as the lighting for task purpose. 3. Accent Lighting: The underlying purpose of this lighting is to focus or accentuate the visibility of certain areas or objects. The use of picture lights is to highlight the architectural feature in certain areas of the room. It is used primarily to create a striking interest and make the space very active and interesting. It is, however, an excellent practice to make use of these three essential lighting types to create a good residential interior lighting system. You should carefully evaluate your space in order to avoid double duty and redundancy of any installed light. Ensure that the lighting choices are necessary and not redundant; this will guarantee functional and aesthetic purposes of your residential interior lighting. Visit www.lightingever.com for a vast variety of interior and outdoor lighting for your use.

In the Tuscany region of central Italy, a region made famous around the world for its history, landscapes, traditions, artistic legacy and fine wine, perhaps nothing is more universally recognized than the old world villa’s that are nestled into the rolling countryside. Standing at approximately 10,500 square feet, this custom residence has all of the elegance, style and craftsmanship of those old world homes, but with all of the modern amenities of a new modern luxury home. This stunning residence was recognized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) as the best custom built home in the country in 2010, a testament to the skillful designers and craftsmen who brought the homeowners vision into reality. When Chad Haas, Founder of VAULT (www.vaultgarage.com), a company that prides itself in furnishing some of the most beautiful garages in the world, was brought into the project, the home and garage had already been built. The accolades of the gorgeous villa already awarded. But the homeowner felt that the exterior and interior of the garage lacked architectural harmony with the rest of the home and so he flew Mr. Haas out to visit the space directly so that he could assist hands-on with re-designing a new look and to add furnishings to accessories the space. “When I first approached the villa from the street, I knew that I’d have my work cut out for me. Everything looked so perfect exactly the way it was designed and built. I questioned myself ‘how was I going to improve upon perfection?’, since remarkable attention was paid to even the smallest of details in the home” asked Haas. The client’s goal was to engage Haas to design and furnish a garage where he could relax, separate from the home, enjoy his growing car collection and entertain family and friends. After spending a short weekend together with the home owner to gather his ideas, Haas returned back to his Beaverton, Oregon-based company with a clearer vision: create the ultimate gentlemen’s retreat through the look of a turn-of-a-century Tuscan ‘car barn’. Absolutely nothing in the garage was overlooked – and it shows. Every design element in the garage for color, texture and material was meticulously thought out to elicit just the right feeling and emotion in everyone that enters what may be one of the most beautifully elegant garages in America, a space commonly overlooked in the construction of homes today. A main focal point of the exterior of garage is the beautiful view from the courtyard, where all three carriage doors can be seen. While the existing wood doors looked acceptable, it was agreed that something more befitting of the quality and beauty of the home were appropriate. Haas designed luxurious castle-style doors handcrafted from solid Mahogany and bathed in a rich dark brown stain that was complemented by hand-wrought iron grills, clavos and door pull hardware. The double-wide door, in particular, is truly remarkable in both its elegance, as well as its one-of-a-kind operation. “The client was concerned in this area of having mounting hardware and a motor on the ceiling. Because the cars in this area do not get brought out on a regular (daily) basis, the doors open manually by hand and operate accordion style on a track”. The homes main overhead garage doors feature jack-shaft operation which removes the clutter of a motor on the garage ceiling, but offers the convenience of powered operation. These extraordinary, custom-made castle doors look just as beautiful on the inside as the out and their unparalleled design and craftsmanship take the exterior of the home to even greater heights than before. On to the interior, a black and white epoxy coating was stripped and replaced with porcelain tiles that resembled Italian travertine stone. To give the car barn a rustic feeling and a presence that it was older, not modern, Haas worked on the development and concept directly with the home owner to collaborate with a local millwork company that designed and hand-finished substantial wood beams from distressed Doug Fir. All of the walls were hand-plastered by a local artist using straw that was harvested from the immediate area surrounding the home and incorporated into the plaster to give it a rustic antique quality. Haas conceived and designed a bar area and cabinetry for a work area that pulled inspiration from old ice boxes of the 1920’s that utilized heavy nickel-plated hardware, again to give storage spaces a rustic appearance. The warm glow from several custom porcelain neon signs, each one meticulously built entirely by hand by VAULT, are dispersed throughout the space and transform the entire room and bring it to life. The client had never previously owned a neon sign before and along with the carriage doors felt that these items have transformed the space more than any other feature. Several antique gas pumps, restored in the client’s favorite petro bran, and a few additional porcelain signs will eventually furnish the rest of the space to complement the clients amazing car collection. In addition to the countless details that set this showcase garage apart, its ability to seamlessly blend with the rest of the home and the natural, rustic setting of the Colorado Rockies, yet house modern automobiles in a manner in which they feel well placed and belong, is also noteworthy. GARAGE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS To learn more about VAULT visit them at: http://www.vaultgarage.com/ And on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VaultGarage PHOTOGRAPHY All photographs were used with the permission of photographer John Vanderpool (john.vanderpool5@gmail.com) You can visit John Vanderpool on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/JVanderpoolPhotography ARCHITECTURE Jerry Gloss, Principal, KGA Architects: http://www.kgarch.com/ HOMEBUILDER Thomas Sattler Home: http://thomassattlerhomes.com/ VEHICLES Here is an overview of the cars that were photographed in this article: 1. 2014 Ferrari 458 Italia 2. 2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport 3. 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997) 4. 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS 5. 2008 Porsche GT3 RS 6. 2013 Porsche 911 Turbo S (997) 7. 2014 Porsche Panamera GTS 8. 2013 Ford SVT Raptor (6.2L CrewCab)’ Overview of project reprinted with permission of DuPont Registry.

This Houston bathroom remodel is timeless, yet on-trend - with creative tile patterns, polished chrome and a black-and-white palette lending plenty of glamour and visual drama. "We incorporated many of the latest bathroom design trends - like the metallic finish on the claw feet of the tub; crisp, bright whites and the oversized tiles on the shower wall," says Outdoor Homescapes' interior project designer, Lisha Maxey. "But the overall look is classic and elegant and will hold up well for years to come." As you can see from the "before" pictures, this 300-square foot, long, narrow space has come a long way from its outdated, wallpaper-bordered beginnings. "The client - a Houston woman who works as a physician's assistant - had absolutely no idea what to do with her bathroom - she just knew she wanted it updated," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "Lisha did a tremendous job helping this woman find her own personal style while keeping the project enjoyable and organized." Let's start the tour with the new, updated floors. Black-and-white Carrara marble mosaic tile has replaced the old 8-inch tiles. (All the tile, by the way, came from Floor & Décor. So did the granite countertop.) The walls, meanwhile, have gone from ho-hum beige to Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams. (The trim is Reflective White, also by Sherwin Williams.) Polished "Absolute Black" granite now gleams where the pink-and-gray marble countertops used to be; white vessel bowls have replaced the black undermount black sinks and the cabinets got an update with glass-and-chrome knobs and pulls (note the matching towel bars): The outdated black tub also had to go. In its place we put a doorless shower. Across from the shower sits a claw foot tub - a 66' inch Sanford cast iron model in black, with polished chrome Imperial feet. "The waincoting behind it and chandelier above it," notes Maxey, "adds an upscale, finished look and defines the tub area as a separate space." The shower wall features 6 x 18-inch tiles in a brick pattern - "White Ice" porcelain tile on top, "Absolute Black" granite on the bottom. A beautiful tile mosaic border - Bianco Carrara basketweave marble - serves as an accent ribbon between the two. Covering the shower floor - a classic white porcelain hexagon tile. Mounted above - a polished chrome European rainshower head. "As always, the client was able to look at - and make changes to - 3D renderings showing how the bathroom would look from every angle when done," says Franks. "Having that kind of control over the details has been crucial to our client satisfaction," says Franks. "And it's definitely paid off for us, in all our great reviews on Houzz and in our Best of Houzz awards for customer service." And now on to final details! Accents and décor from Restoration Hardware definitely put Maxey's designer touch on the space - the polished chrome vanity lights and swivel mirrors definitely knocked this bathroom remodel out of the park!

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

This Houston bathroom features polished chrome and a black-and-white palette, lending plenty of glamour and visual drama. "We incorporated many of the latest bathroom design trends - like the metallic finish on the claw feet of the tub; crisp, bright whites and the oversized tiles on the shower wall," says Outdoor Homescapes' interior project designer, Lisha Maxey. "But the overall look is classic and elegant and will hold up well for years to come." As you can see from the "before" pictures, this 300-square foot, long, narrow space has come a long way from its outdated, wallpaper-bordered beginnings. "The client - a Houston woman who works as a physician's assistant - had absolutely no idea what to do with her bathroom - she just knew she wanted it updated," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "Lisha did a tremendous job helping this woman find her own personal style while keeping the project enjoyable and organized." Let's start the tour with the new, updated floors. Black-and-white Carrara marble mosaic tile has replaced the old 8-inch tiles. (All the tile, by the way, came from Floor & Décor. So did the granite countertop.) The walls, meanwhile, have gone from ho-hum beige to Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams. (The trim is Reflective White, also by Sherwin Williams.) Polished "Absolute Black" granite now gleams where the pink-and-gray marble countertops used to be; white vessel bowls have replaced the black undermount black sinks and the cabinets got an update with glass-and-chrome knobs and pulls (note the matching towel bars): The outdated black tub also had to go. In its place we put a doorless shower. Across from the shower sits a claw foot tub - a 66' inch Sanford cast iron model in black, with polished chrome Imperial feet. "The waincoting behind it and chandelier above it," notes Maxey, "adds an upscale, finished look and defines the tub area as a separate space." The shower wall features 6 x 18-inch tiles in a brick pattern - "White Ice" porcelain tile on top, "Absolute Black" granite on the bottom. A beautiful tile mosaic border - Bianco Carrara basketweave marble - serves as an accent ribbon between the two. Covering the shower floor - a classic white porcelain hexagon tile. Mounted above - a polished chrome European rainshower head. "As always, the client was able to look at - and make changes to - 3D renderings showing how the bathroom would look from every angle when done," says Franks. "Having that kind of control over the details has been crucial to our client satisfaction," says Franks. "And it's definitely paid off for us, in all our great reviews on Houzz and in our Best of Houzz awards for customer service." And now on to final details! Accents and décor from Restoration Hardware definitely put Maxey's designer touch on the space - the iron-and-wood French chandelier, polished chrome vanity lights and swivel mirrors definitely knocked this bathroom remodel out of the park!

In the Tuscany region of central Italy, a region made famous around the world for its history, landscapes, traditions, artistic legacy and fine wine, perhaps nothing is more universally recognized than the old world villa’s that are nestled into the rolling countryside. Standing at approximately 10,500 square feet, this custom residence has all of the elegance, style and craftsmanship of those old world homes, but with all of the modern amenities of a new modern luxury home. This stunning residence was recognized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) as the best custom built home in the country in 2010, a testament to the skillful designers and craftsmen who brought the homeowners vision into reality. When Chad Haas, Founder of VAULT (www.vaultgarage.com), a company that prides itself in furnishing some of the most beautiful garages in the world, was brought into the project, the home and garage had already been built. The accolades of the gorgeous villa already awarded. But the homeowner felt that the exterior and interior of the garage lacked architectural harmony with the rest of the home and so he flew Mr. Haas out to visit the space directly so that he could assist hands-on with re-designing a new look and to add furnishings to accessories the space. “When I first approached the villa from the street, I knew that I’d have my work cut out for me. Everything looked so perfect exactly the way it was designed and built. I questioned myself ‘how was I going to improve upon perfection?’, since remarkable attention was paid to even the smallest of details in the home” asked Haas. The client’s goal was to engage Haas to design and furnish a garage where he could relax, separate from the home, enjoy his growing car collection and entertain family and friends. After spending a short weekend together with the home owner to gather his ideas, Haas returned back to his Beaverton, Oregon-based company with a clearer vision: create the ultimate gentlemen’s retreat through the look of a turn-of-a-century Tuscan ‘car barn’. Absolutely nothing in the garage was overlooked – and it shows. Every design element in the garage for color, texture and material was meticulously thought out to elicit just the right feeling and emotion in everyone that enters what may be one of the most beautifully elegant garages in America, a space commonly overlooked in the construction of homes today. A main focal point of the exterior of garage is the beautiful view from the courtyard, where all three carriage doors can be seen. While the existing wood doors looked acceptable, it was agreed that something more befitting of the quality and beauty of the home were appropriate. Haas designed luxurious castle-style doors handcrafted from solid Mahogany and bathed in a rich dark brown stain that was complemented by hand-wrought iron grills, clavos and door pull hardware. The double-wide door, in particular, is truly remarkable in both its elegance, as well as its one-of-a-kind operation. “The client was concerned in this area of having mounting hardware and a motor on the ceiling. Because the cars in this area do not get brought out on a regular (daily) basis, the doors open manually by hand and operate accordion style on a track”. The homes main overhead garage doors feature jack-shaft operation which removes the clutter of a motor on the garage ceiling, but offers the convenience of powered operation. These extraordinary, custom-made castle doors look just as beautiful on the inside as the out and their unparalleled design and craftsmanship take the exterior of the home to even greater heights than before. On to the interior, a black and white epoxy coating was stripped and replaced with porcelain tiles that resembled Italian travertine stone. To give the car barn a rustic feeling and a presence that it was older, not modern, Haas worked on the development and concept directly with the home owner to collaborate with a local millwork company that designed and hand-finished substantial wood beams from distressed Doug Fir. All of the walls were hand-plastered by a local artist using straw that was harvested from the immediate area surrounding the home and incorporated into the plaster to give it a rustic antique quality. Haas conceived and designed a bar area and cabinetry for a work area that pulled inspiration from old ice boxes of the 1920’s that utilized heavy nickel-plated hardware, again to give storage spaces a rustic appearance. The warm glow from several custom porcelain neon signs, each one meticulously built entirely by hand by VAULT, are dispersed throughout the space and transform the entire room and bring it to life. The client had never previously owned a neon sign before and along with the carriage doors felt that these items have transformed the space more than any other feature. Several antique gas pumps, restored in the client’s favorite petro bran, and a few additional porcelain signs will eventually furnish the rest of the space to complement the clients amazing car collection. In addition to the countless details that set this showcase garage apart, its ability to seamlessly blend with the rest of the home and the natural, rustic setting of the Colorado Rockies, yet house modern automobiles in a manner in which they feel well placed and belong, is also noteworthy. GARAGE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS To learn more about VAULT visit them at: http://www.vaultgarage.com/ And on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VaultGarage PHOTOGRAPHY All photographs were used with the permission of photographer John Vanderpool (john.vanderpool5@gmail.com) You can visit John Vanderpool on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/JVanderpoolPhotography ARCHITECTURE Jerry Gloss, Principal, KGA Architects: http://www.kgarch.com/ HOMEBUILDER Thomas Sattler Home: http://thomassattlerhomes.com/ VEHICLES Here is an overview of the cars that were photographed in this article: 1. 2014 Ferrari 458 Italia 2. 2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport 3. 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997) 4. 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS 5. 2008 Porsche GT3 RS 6. 2013 Porsche 911 Turbo S (997) 7. 2014 Porsche Panamera GTS 8. 2013 Ford SVT Raptor (6.2L CrewCab)’ Overview of project reprinted with permission of DuPont Registry.

Many families ponder the idea of adding extra living space for a few years before they are actually ready to remodel. Then, all-of-the sudden, something will happen that makes them realize that they can’t wait any longer. In the case of this remodeling story, it was the snowstorm of 2016 that spurred the homeowners into action. As the family was stuck in the house with nowhere to go, they longed for more space. The parents longed for a getaway spot for themselves that could also double as a hangout area for the kids and their friends. As they considered their options, there was one clear choice…to renovate the detached garage. The detached garage previously functioned as a workshop and storage room and offered plenty of square footage to create a family room, kitchenette, and full bath. It’s location right beside the outdoor kitchen made it an ideal spot for entertaining and provided an easily accessible bathroom during the summertime. Even the canine family members get to enjoy it as they have their own personal entrance, through a bathroom doggie door. Our design team listened carefully to our client’s wishes to create a space that had a modern rustic feel and found selections that fit their aesthetic perfectly. To set the tone, Blackstone Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout. The kitchenette area features Maple Shaker style cabinets in a pecan shell stain, Uba Tuba granite countertops, and an eye-catching amber glass and antique bronze pulley sconce. Rather than use just an ordinary door for the bathroom entry, a gorgeous Knotty Alder barn door creates a stunning focal point of the room. The fantastic selections continue in the full bath. A reclaimed wood double vanity with a gray washed pine finish anchors the room. White, semi-recessed sinks with chrome faucets add some contemporary accents, while the glass and oil-rubbed bronze mini pendant lights are a balance between both rustic and modern. The design called for taking the shower tile to the ceiling and it really paid off. A sliced pebble tile floor in the shower is curbed with Uba Tuba granite, creating a clean line and another accent detail. The new multi-functional space looks like a natural extension of their home, with its matching exterior lights, new windows, doors, and sliders. And with winter approaching and snow on the way, this family is ready to hunker down and ride out the storm in comfort and warmth. When summer arrives, they have a designated bathroom for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful area for guests to hang out. It was a pleasure to create this beautiful remodel for our clients and we hope that they continue to enjoy it for many years to come.