This completed outdoor project at 321 Plati Ave, Peterborough, showcases a sleek and modern composite fence installation designed to elevate both privacy and curb appeal. Built around the homeowner’s backyard pool area, the fence creates a clean, contemporary backdrop while enhancing the overall outdoor living experience. The design features premium woodgrain composite fence boards in a rich natural brown tone, paired with durable black aluminum posts and framing for a striking modern contrast. Integrated architectural lighting was strategically installed throughout the fence line, adding warmth, ambiance, and improved visibility during evening use. The soft lighting beautifully highlights the texture of the composite panels while creating a luxurious resort-inspired atmosphere around the pool. Constructed with low-maintenance composite materials, this fence was designed to withstand Ontario’s changing weather conditions without the need for staining, painting, or frequent upkeep. The durable materials resist warping, rotting, fading, and insect damage, making it a long-lasting investment for the property. In addition to providing enhanced backyard privacy and security, the completed project adds a refined architectural element to the outdoor space. The combination of modern materials, clean lines, and functional lighting creates a sophisticated and welcoming environment perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the backyard day or night.

This customer from the historic city of Cardiff was keen to see what Tile Doctor could do to put some life back into their treasured Limestone kitchen floor that was laid in 2008. My first observations were mainly centred on the horrific condition of the surface which although adequately sealed initially the floor had not received any subsequent maintenance and its condition had deteriorated over time. The light shining in from the patio doors highlighted all the imperfections in the floor caused by surface wear and tear commonly seen in high traffic areas such as a kitchen. Upon closer inspection, there were further problems: the floor was stained and scuffed, and in most places the sealer had worn off completely allowing the dirt to become ingrained into the pores of the Limestone. Additionally the grout was recessed but was now flush with the tile surface due to dirt build-up. There were also areas contaminated with grease and kitchen cooking oil. The Limestone floor tiles were 20mm thick French Limestone, and had been laid very well so there was no requirement to do any tile or grout repairs however to get this floor back to its original condition the surface would need to be reconditioned using the Tile Doctor four stage burnishing system. I started by giving the floor a wash with a medium dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, focusing mainly on the grout lines in order to remove the muck that had built-up there. I used a special stiff grout brush for this activity; it’s quite narrow and ideal for grout scrubbing. This worked well, but the significant build-up of dirt along some of the grout lines meant more work was required. I tackled this problem with a hand scraper assisted with steam. At the end of this process, the whole floor was then rinsed down with water to remove any soil and the resulting slurry was then extracted using a wet vacuum. The next step was to start the burnishing process, which basically involves applying four diamond encrusted floor pads in sequence over the floor. Each pad is a different grade, starting with the most abrasive coarse pad and moving through to the finer grades using a little water to lubricate and rinsing away any slurry between each pad. I eventually finished with the extra fine pad which builds up shine and lustre on the tile; it had taken two days to clean the grout and burnish the Limestone but the floor was much improved and so after a final rinse down I left the floor to dry off overnight with the aid of the underfloor heating. During this time, I also addressed the stained Limestone in the area of the kitchen where the dustbin was situated. This had been a major upset for the customer and I’m happy to report I managed to deal with it. However, it was quite an involved process, so I’ll write about this in a separate post. On the third day I came back to seal the floor, checking first that it had dried sufficiently with a damp meter. Fortunately, the underfloor heating had done a great job of drying the stone and I was able to seal the floor using three coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow sealant. This sealant not only provides a durable seal but also penetrates deep into the pores of the stone protecting it from within and enhancing the natural colours of the Limestone in the process. After the final layer of sealant, I worked over the floor again with the extra fine burnishing pad both to add shine again following sealing, and to ensure that no smear marks were visible as the lighting conditions were unforgiving and highlighted any imperfections. The customer was delighted with the results: so much so, in fact, that they booked me in to restore their Victorian hallway floor as well but that’s a story for another time! Julian Iancono SE Wales Tile Doctor

A spacious outdoor patio features a light tan-colored deck furnished with multiple teal and turquoise wicker-style armchairs and loveseats, adorned with cushions in patterned designs, including stripes and geometric shapes. A matching light brown wicker coffee table sits centrally among the seating arrangements. The patio is bordered by a light beige building with soft yellow-green walls and enclosed by white vertical support posts and a white railing, offering a serene view of a calm light blue body of water, likely a canal or bay. Houses and other structures are visible along the distant shore, while the clear blue sky, dotted with a few scattered clouds, enhances the tranquil atmosphere. A ceiling fan mounted above adds a touch of functionality to the inviting waterfront setting.

Roll out drawers for maximizing storage of pantry items with easy visibility and access
Home design - traditional home design idea in Other

Photo from the Blue Sky Archives
Home design - contemporary home design idea in Vancouver

This view from the deck shows the outdoor dining area furnished with dark metal table and chairs with gray cushions. A red brick exterior wall with a small recessed arch fireplace is visible on the right. The clear, framed roof extends over this section, providing rain protection. The view extends over the railing to a sloped grassy area in the distance.

The marble tile backsplash unites the kitchen and pantry visually with a subtle but lively pattern. The colors in the backsplash tie all of the different elements of the kitchen together. The tile pattern is both traditional and "edgy." It is a 2 x 2 pattern, but each square is cut either in matchstick thin slivers or on a single diagonal thereby giving the vertical surface a lively look in a traditional design. One focus of the new kitchen is the IKEA farm sink that works almost like a command post with its two large bowls and pull-out faucet. Glass cabinets surrounding the window and in the pantry add a bit of sparkle with the reflective surface of the glass and allow special objects to be displayed. From a working perspective, the owner says the one of the best features of the kitchen design is the new lighting. Recessed LED downlights and LED undercabinet lights give illumination for all tasks. The undercabinet LED lighting does not get hot and it uses very little energy. They are mounted towards the front of the cabinet while a continuous strip of plug mold runs along the back part of the upper cabinets providing many outlets throughout the working areas of the kitchen without being visible. Elizabeth C. Masters Architects, Ltd.

Being visible from many areas of the main floor, these homeowners desired a family room that reflected their sense of design and classy sophistication. Together with their interior designer, we introduced a fireplace and surrounding built-ins that properly balanced the room with their large scale. This created a beautiful focal point. With a design sense founded in clean lines, we also gave a facelift to the newel posts on the staircases that flank this gorgeous room.

Dark stained wood handrail and newel posts, white painted turned balusters, and stained treads with white risers rising through a double height stair hall lit by a tall divided lite window on the landing. The same beaded crystal chandelier from the foyer is visible above

The marble tile backsplash unites the kitchen and pantry visually with a subtle but lively pattern. The colors in the backsplash tie all of the different elements of the kitchen together. The tile pattern is both traditional and "edgy." It is a 2 x 2 pattern, but each square is cut either in matchstick thin slivers or on a single diagonal thereby giving the vertical surface a lively look in a traditional design. One focus of the new kitchen is the IKEA farm sink that works almost like a command post with its two large bowls and pull-out faucet. Glass cabinets surrounding the window and in the pantry add a bit of sparkle with the reflective surface of the glass and allow special objects to be displayed. From a working perspective, the owner says the one of the best features of the kitchen design is the new lighting. Recessed LED downlights and LED undercabinet lights give illumination for all tasks. The undercabinet LED lighting does not get hot and it uses very little energy. They are mounted towards the front of the cabinet while a continuous strip of plug mold runs along the back part of the upper cabinets providing many outlets throughout the working areas of the kitchen without being visible. Elizabeth C. Masters Architects, Ltd.

This photo shows the raised deck structure from a low, exterior angle. The deck features dark gray/black railings and a modern, black metal frame supporting a clear, flat roof (likely glass or polycarbonate) dotted with raindrops. A large, dark ceiling fan is visible beneath the roof. The decking material is a neutral, composite wood tone, and the structure is set against a backdrop of trees and a green yard.

This large curved 2 level deck was built in Berkeley Heights, NJ. The flooring is Ipe hardwood that was screwed down and plugged. The plugs were then sanded flush with the floor so there were no visible fasteners. We used over 8000 plugs on the deck! The railing is a custom railing by Deck Pros. Most of the components are from the Azek railing system while the top rail and sub-rail are Ipe hardwood. It took many hours in our shop to bend the rail and attach the Ipe top rail. Low voltage LED light caps and stair lights provide illumination at night. The customer plans to add a pergola to the high 6x6 rail posts.

Post remodel, what had been a bank of cabinets is now the main path through the kitchen. The stove has been relocated to the north with its back against the new bar with subway tile backsplash. The fridge has been repositioned on the west side of the kitchen where a hall closet once was located. The fir floor of the kitchen has been removed and replaced with oak to match the dining room and living room. The fir was salvaged for use as the countertop of the bar and pantry. The original exhaust fan was removed and replaced with a Zephyr island exhaust with built-in LED lights visible above the stove. The faux wood countertop and backsplash have been replaced with "Absolute Black" granite with a honed finish and white subway tile. Combination power/led light strips were installed under the cabinets. A moveable island (antique enamel topped cabinet) serves as a landing spot and work surface. Two new (old) overhead lights were added. In the kitchen a vintage farmhouse fixture obtained from North End Lampworks replaces a contemporary fixture. In the dining room, a 100-year-old wrought iron chandelier purchased from CenturyOfLighting.com's Etsy page was added. The center panels of the upper row of cabinets have been replaced with "mistlite" obscure glass. All of the cabinet pulls have been replaced with Van Dyke Restorers brushed silver "bow" handles. The hinges on the under-counter cabinets are new House of Antique Hardware 2-1/2" half-surface hinges to match the original hinges. The shape of the arched wall between the kitchen and dining room matches the wall between the dining room and living room. The curtain under the counter hides the space a dishwasher would go.

This fire feature is a custom four sided fireplace designed and fabricated with no visible corner posts. Fireplace is a welcoming center feature of the house and can be viewed from kitchen, dining and living room areas.

This completed outdoor project at 321 Plati Ave, Peterborough, showcases a sleek and modern composite fence installation designed to elevate both privacy and curb appeal. Built around the homeowner’s backyard pool area, the fence creates a clean, contemporary backdrop while enhancing the overall outdoor living experience. The design features premium woodgrain composite fence boards in a rich natural brown tone, paired with durable black aluminum posts and framing for a striking modern contrast. Integrated architectural lighting was strategically installed throughout the fence line, adding warmth, ambiance, and improved visibility during evening use. The soft lighting beautifully highlights the texture of the composite panels while creating a luxurious resort-inspired atmosphere around the pool. Constructed with low-maintenance composite materials, this fence was designed to withstand Ontario’s changing weather conditions without the need for staining, painting, or frequent upkeep. The durable materials resist warping, rotting, fading, and insect damage, making it a long-lasting investment for the property. In addition to providing enhanced backyard privacy and security, the completed project adds a refined architectural element to the outdoor space. The combination of modern materials, clean lines, and functional lighting creates a sophisticated and welcoming environment perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the backyard day or night.

Exterior front elevation at dusk—Well-scaled gables, a stylish portico, complementary SmartSide siding styles and updated cultured stone accents add height, texture and architectural interest while overcoming visual sprawl. We added a cultured stone knee wall and multiple post wraps to anchor the new design and update the chimneys above. The rough texture draws from the wooded setting and provides the perfect counterpoint to gray/green and white LP SmartSide clapboards, shakes and trim and TAMKO "Heritage" "Pinnacle architectural roof shingles. It was important to the homeowners that their new exterior statement be as visible in the dark as in the light of day. So we worked with a lighting designer to ensured the home would be both stunning and secure after dark for their returning college-age children and invited guests. New energy efficient windows and doors and interior finishes make the master bedroom and rear-facing sunroom more pleasant, comfortable and attractive. They also boxed and insulated under the upstairs bathroom window. Now this shining house on the hill is worthy of its long driveway.

Dark stained wood handrail and newel posts, white painted turned balusters, and stained treads with white risers rising through a double height stair hall lit by a tall divided lite window on the landing. The same beaded crystal chandelier from the foyer is visible above

The Lovers who inspired the home dance in a Painting visible through an exterior window. A unique Mining Themed Home Designed and Built by Trilogy Partners in Breckenridge Colorado on the Breckenridge Golf Course. This home was the grand prize winner of the 2008 Summit County Parade of Homes winning every major award. Also featured in Forbes Magazine. 5 Bedrooms 6 baths 5500 square feet with a three car garage. All exterior finishes are of reclaimed barn wood. Authentic timber frame structure. Interior by Trilogy Partners, additional interiors by Interiors by Design Michael Rath, John Rath, Clay Schwarck Photography

When we arrived at the right rug for the music room, the challenge was to come up with a design for the adjoining Dining Room space, which is just a few feet away and completely visible from the Music Room. We explored many possibilities, and eventually chose a design that is actually a continuation of the border scrolls in the Music Room. But in this rug we used a plain double border, and let the scrolls dominate in the middle. For more detail and tips on custom designing rugs, please visit my blog post on Davis rugs.