THEME Every element of this room is tied to a traditional nursery rhyme. From the “Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe” to “Hickory Dickory Dock,” the Cobbler brings to life some of childhood’s most memorable and endearing rhymes. FOCUS To counter the room’s high ceiling, the design introduces elements with both comparable height and considerable warmth, making the room feel spacious, yet cozy. A large, shoe-shaped armoire pays homage to the “Old Woman” and is built in place from floor to ceiling. It features curtained doors and drawer fronts, a wooden shingle roof with a blue bird on top, and a clothesline for baby’s favorite wares. The mural over the crib, showing the Cow Jumping over the Moon and her counterpart, the Dish Running Away with the Spoon, adds fantasy and humor. Quaint, hand-painted stone walls that surround the shoe and hardwood flooring that partially replaces wall-to-wall carpeting help unify the room. An organic curve unites the wood and carpet gracefully, adding visual interest and organic beauty. STORAGE The shoe holds clothing and linens, while the changing table stores diapers and diaper accessories. Shelving installed above the changing table adds color and interest, while creating room for stuffed animals, pictures, toys and treasures. GROWTH The room’s childlike theme and magical giant shoe, although intended for young children, are sufficiently functional and artistic to remain an endearing attraction for the room’s occupant throughout childhood and adolescence. SAFETY Precautions are taken to secure power outlets, keep exposed shelving out of reach of little hands, and allow medicinal items to be secured in a safe, convenient location. The clothesline is suspended high above the room and is secured to stay out of reach.

The picture shows an Travertine patio that was installed at a property in Hackney E5 around ten years ago and it had never been sealed. Over the year’s pollution and weather etc had taken its toll on the stone leaving the travertine stained with lichen, dull and grey as opposed to their original white/cream colour. Had the patio been sealed it would have provided some protection from the elements. I conducted an initial visit where I tested several products to see what would be the most effective and establish what was required. Using that knowledge, I followed up with a written quote which was accepted, and a date arranged to complete the work. We have adopted new working practices since the COVID-19 epidemic so we can work safely inside or outside but given the excellent weather this year this was an ideal and much easier to maintain social distancing. During day 1 on site I started by sweeping away loose stones and other debris you typically find on patios. Then Tile Doctor Patio and Brick Driveway cleaner was applied neat to the stone and left for two hours. This is a very strong product designed for use by professionals which cuts through the dirt and was ideal for this situation. There are certain precautions you do need to take when using it such as wearing PPE and you must keep it away from ponds etc. Using water to lubricate, the solution was then scrubbed into the stone using a coarse 200-grit pad fitted to a rotary machine and followed up with a lot of rinsing and extracting with water and a wet vacuum. To refine the surface after the coarse Travertine the 200-grit pad I followed with 400, 800 and then 1500-grit burnishing pads in sequence rinsing with water and extracting after each pad was applied. This process is known as burnishing and closes the pores in the stone giving it a polished appearance. By this point the Travertine looked way better and we were starting to get the smooth finish back. The weather held so the following morning a 3000-grit polishing pad was applied dry to the stone using only a little water. This brings up the appearance of the stone even further and has the added advantage of leaving it dry and ready for sealing. The client wanted a natural appearance so two coats of Tile Doctor Ultra Seal were applied to seal the stone. Ultra-Seal is an impregnating sealer that soaks into the stone, protecting it from within yet without changing the appearance of the stone leaving a completely natural look. The client very happy with job and now proud so show off her revamped patio. They hadn’t realised that the patio should have looked like this from the start. For aftercare I recommended they use Tile Doctor Stone Soap, many day to day cleaning products you find in supermarkets can strip off a sealer so if your using something else do check the label first. Jackson Davis East London Tile Doctor

These homeowners were looking to up their hosting game by modernizing their property to create the ultimate entertainment space. A custom outdoor kitchen was added with a top of the line Delta Heat grill and a special nook for a Big Green Egg. Flagstone was added to create asymmetrical walkways throughout the yard that extended into a ring around the fire pit. Four rectangular trellises were added along the fence and shed, with an all metal pergola located at the back of the pool. This unique structure immediately draws the eye and adds a playful, artistic element to the rest of the space. The use of various sized rocks, gravel, and flagstone give a rough texture that creates a symbiosis with the metalwork. Silver Falls Dichondra creates a beautiful contrast to the rocks and can be found all over the property along with various other grasses, ferns, and agave. A large area of gravel rests on the side of the house, giving the client room to park a recreational vehicle. In front, a privacy fence was added along one of the property lines, leading into a drought resistant, eco-friendly section of yard. This fence, coupled with a giant boulder, doubles as a safety precaution in case drivers miss the turn and run into their lawn. This updated landscaping adds an effortless flow for guests to move from the front yard to the back while creating a very open, welcoming feel to all who enter.

The Art of Turning a House into a Home Remodeling or custom-creating elements of the home to suit the client’s taste is an art – one of which Bentz has delicately mastered. With careful attention to detail, W.A. Bentz Construction can steer any project in the right direction, from complete interior and exterior home renovations to deck or room additions. Each member of the W.A. Bentz Construction team is licensed, insured and experienced at all facets of home renovations. They can advise on a variety of building topics such as: which projects are likely to increase the value of a home; whether or not a building permit is needed; and which design ideas work well for the space. They also take careful precautions throughout the building process to protect the home and ensure maximum security. With over 35 years of experience plus access to a vast network of top subcontractors in the area, Bentz and his team flawless manage each project so that it’s completed on time, on budget, and to the client’s expectations.

These homeowners were looking to up their hosting game by modernizing their property to create the ultimate entertainment space. A custom outdoor kitchen was added with a top of the line Delta Heat grill and a special nook for a Big Green Egg. Flagstone was added to create asymmetrical walkways throughout the yard that extended into a ring around the fire pit. Four rectangular trellises were added along the fence and shed, with an all metal pergola located at the back of the pool. This unique structure immediately draws the eye and adds a playful, artistic element to the rest of the space. The use of various sized rocks, gravel, and flagstone give a rough texture that creates a symbiosis with the metalwork. Silver Falls Dichondra creates a beautiful contrast to the rocks and can be found all over the property along with various other grasses, ferns, and agave. A large area of gravel rests on the side of the house, giving the client room to park a recreational vehicle. In front, a privacy fence was added along one of the property lines, leading into a drought resistant, eco-friendly section of yard. This fence, coupled with a giant boulder, doubles as a safety precaution in case drivers miss the turn and run into their lawn. This updated landscaping adds an effortless flow for guests to move from the front yard to the back while creating a very open, welcoming feel to all who enter.

Like a lot of people, my Toano project clients found that after months of being home due to Covid precautions, they were ready to do something different with their space! Having spent hours online, looking at various designs, they had a lot of great ideas when they approached us in the spring of 2021 to help with the design and renovation of their kitchen, guest bath and master bath. Partnering with Van Fleet contractors, we were able to transform what was a nice but dated space into something new and fresh! Today, we are walking you through the “before” and “after” of the Toano Project kitchen reveal! I have to say, that this reveal is probably our most dramatic yet.

These homeowners were looking to up their hosting game by modernizing their property to create the ultimate entertainment space. A custom outdoor kitchen was added with a top of the line Delta Heat grill and a special nook for a Big Green Egg. Flagstone was added to create asymmetrical walkways throughout the yard that extended into a ring around the fire pit. Four rectangular trellises were added along the fence and shed, with an all metal pergola located at the back of the pool. This unique structure immediately draws the eye and adds a playful, artistic element to the rest of the space. The use of various sized rocks, gravel, and flagstone give a rough texture that creates a symbiosis with the metalwork. Silver Falls Dichondra creates a beautiful contrast to the rocks and can be found all over the property along with various other grasses, ferns, and agave. A large area of gravel rests on the side of the house, giving the client room to park a recreational vehicle. In front, a privacy fence was added along one of the property lines, leading into a drought resistant, eco-friendly section of yard. This fence, coupled with a giant boulder, doubles as a safety precaution in case drivers miss the turn and run into their lawn. This updated landscaping adds an effortless flow for guests to move from the front yard to the back while creating a very open, welcoming feel to all who enter.

Dark earth tones look great on this modern home. We take extra precautions with landscaping close to the home, to protect your plants from painting overspray or splatter.

THEME Every element of this room is tied to a traditional nursery rhyme. From the “Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe” to “Hickory Dickory Dock,” the Cobbler brings to life some of childhood’s most memorable and endearing rhymes. FOCUS To counter the room’s high ceiling, the design introduces elements with both comparable height and considerable warmth, making the room feel spacious, yet cozy. A large, shoe-shaped armoire pays homage to the “Old Woman” and is built in place from floor to ceiling. It features curtained doors and drawer fronts, a wooden shingle roof with a blue bird on top, and a clothesline for baby’s favorite wares. The mural over the crib, showing the Cow Jumping over the Moon and her counterpart, the Dish Running Away with the Spoon, adds fantasy and humor. Quaint, hand-painted stone walls that surround the shoe and hardwood flooring that partially replaces wall-to-wall carpeting help unify the room. An organic curve unites the wood and carpet gracefully, adding visual interest and organic beauty. STORAGE The shoe holds clothing and linens, while the changing table stores diapers and diaper accessories. Shelving installed above the changing table adds color and interest, while creating room for stuffed animals, pictures, toys and treasures. GROWTH The room’s childlike theme and magical giant shoe, although intended for young children, are sufficiently functional and artistic to remain an endearing attraction for the room’s occupant throughout childhood and adolescence. SAFETY Precautions are taken to secure power outlets, keep exposed shelving out of reach of little hands, and allow medicinal items to be secured in a safe, convenient location. The clothesline is suspended high above the room and is secured to stay out of reach.

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Contractor: CairnsCraft Remodeling Designer: Marie Cairns & Juli Renee Riebli Photographer: Patricia Bean When entering the patio, reclaimed wood is used for the steps and deck. Recessed stair lighting acts a safety precaution as well as creating ambiance as you enter the space.

Advantage utilizes professional, efficient, and courteous workers. This ensures quality workmanship, a safe work environment, and a hassle free project for property owners. We take extra precautions to protect your home and its surroundings.

The Art of Turning a House into a Home Remodeling or custom-creating elements of the home to suit the client’s taste is an art – one of which Bentz has delicately mastered. With careful attention to detail, W.A. Bentz Construction can steer any project in the right direction, from complete interior and exterior home renovations to deck or room additions. Each member of the W.A. Bentz Construction team is licensed, insured and experienced at all facets of home renovations. They can advise on a variety of building topics such as: which projects are likely to increase the value of a home; whether or not a building permit is needed; and which design ideas work well for the space. They also take careful precautions throughout the building process to protect the home and ensure maximum security. With over 35 years of experience plus access to a vast network of top subcontractors in the area, Bentz and his team flawless manage each project so that it’s completed on time, on budget, and to the client’s expectations.

After years of enjoying their backyard, the clients of this property enlisted our firm to improve the original landscape we had completed over ten years ago. Our goal was to update the patio and further develop their backyard by creating a garden with a variety of color and texture. Over time the existing patio had settled, plantings grew, and an existing Oak thrived. During the initial home and landscape construction our clients were particularly concerned about the health of the mature Oak located just off the home. Special care was given when the patio was first built. Precautions were again taken in working around the Oak as the existing patio was removed and replaced. Surrounding trees and shrubs had grown and enclosed the backyard limiting access. This required almost all work and transport of material to be done by hand. The old concrete paver patio was replaced with bluestone. Existing mortared limestone around the edges of the patio levels were cleaned and tuck-pointed. A new stoop was constructed with mortared limestone risers and bluestone treads. A built-in grill and fireplace further updated the backyard space. The fireplace was designed to follow the organic curve of the patio. Mortared limestone and bluestone material were repeated on all elements, tying them together. Along with the updated patio, many additions were made in transforming the modest backyard into a lush garden. Masses of annuals, ornamental grasses, and perennials along with mixed shrubs created sweeps of color and texture in front of a new arborvitae hedge and other existing trees and shrubs. After careful planning and execution the completed landscape gave our clients the updated landscape they desired. The completion of the project was a rewarding and fulfilling experience as we transformed a good past project into a fantastic new project.

In order to make this kitchen more functional and create a better layout, we opened the area and completely reconfigured the space. Because this house was built before 1972, we had to take special precautions during demolition and clean up to contain any lead hazards. We are an EPA Lead Certified firm, equipped and qualified to contain the potential dangers of lead in older homes. We opened the wall to the dinette area by six feet allowing a clear view to the backyard from the kitchen. An island with seating was installed providing extra storage and prep space. Everything from the cabinets and countertops to the light fixtures was carefully installed by our qualified crew, making the kitchen more functional to accommodate a busy family. Credits: Cabinets: Bender Kitchen & Baths, New Haven, CT Countertops: East Stone, Stratford, CT Electrical Work: KMB Electric, Branford, CT "Thank you so much for the wonderful job you did with the kitchen! Honestly, this renovation was such a breeze to live through. It couldn’t have gone any smoother. John and Jim were so professional, talented, and timely—a pleasure to be around! This is a huge compliment coming from a pregnant woman in her third trimester. Thanks again for your vision, we couldn’t love the kitchen any more!" – Kim, Kelly and Haley Robison, Homeowners, Branford Neil Landino Photography

The palms are now tall enough, and robust enough, to support a hanging basket of flowers. For an added touch of tropical elegance, orchids could be added, provided they only get filtered, not harsh direct sunlight. It's hard to believe that palms can thrive in our Northern climate, provided proper precautions are taken. Tropical plants can coexist beautifully with tropical-looking hardy perennials (see next photos)! Photo and gardening care by E. Jenvey

Photo: Radion Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern open concept light wood floor living room remodel in Boise with white walls

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

The photographs below are from a bathroom in Maida Vale W9 which had a lovely Slate tiled wall over a bath with shower. Unfortunately, the Slate tiles had been ruined by the use of harsh cleaning chemicals in an attempt to remove the limescale caused by hard water. The slate had now lost all its natural colour and looked completely washed out. The property had recently changed hands and the new owner was keen to have it renovated. I went over to take a look and work out a solution, this in itself is a lot trickier these days with all the COVID precautions we need to take when working in someone’s house. It was clear that a strong acidic limescale remover had been used on the slate and this had etched the stone, leached all the natural oils away and generally ruined its appearance. Fortunately, we have a solution for this (see below) and after conducting a small test I was able to confirm the problem could be resolved and gave them a quote which included a day’s labour, abrasive pads, stone oil and sealer. Our quote was gratefully accepted, and we booked a time in to carry out the work. I returned to the property and I set about burnishing the slate wall tiles using a very coarse 200-grit six-inch burnishing pad fitted to a handheld buffing machine. This process resurfaces the stone slightly to remove the etching caused by the limescale remover. I used a medium dilution of Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up to lubricate the process and to remove the remaining limescale. Once done the slurry that is generated is rinsed off with more water. In a bathroom, it is easy the slurry can just be drained away. In other areas we would use a wet vacuum. After the 200-grit pad the surface of the Slate was further refined using a 400-grit pad and then an 800-grit pad, this time only using water and giving the stone a thorough rinse after each pad to remove the soil. The slate was then left to dry off over lunch and given more encouragement with a heat gun afterwards so I could move onto the next step. This involved applying a coat of Tile Doctor Stone Oil which puts back the natural oils back into the stone improving its appearance. Once the Stone Oil had fully dried, I moved onto sealing for which I applied two coats of Tile Doctor Ultra-Seal; this is penetrating sealer that soaks into the stone to provide maximum stain protection without changing the colour of the stone. It is also an excellent grout sealer which is a bonus. Before leaving I talked the client about how best to maintain the Slate and left them a complimentary bottle of Tile Doctor Aqua Pro tile cleaner which will help keep the limescale at bay. It is gentle enough to use every day but will help prevent the previous build-up and unlike the previous products used will not damage the newly applied sealer. Jackson Davis Central London Tile Cleaning