Unfinished basements and attics are fairly common. In fact, both spaces were originally intended to be left unfinished. As homeowner preferences change, and everyone seeks more space where they can find it, fully finished basements complete with bedrooms and attics finished off for office use are increasingly common. Finishing your basement or attic can mean creating a flex space, an entertainment room, or even an in-law suite—but is it worth it to finish your basement right before you sell? In most cases, yes. Many basements and attics were originally left unfinished because, due to building codes, even if finished, the space would not count toward “livable” space, and therefore a listing’s square footage. That said, a finished basement or attic will certainly affect both your home’s appraisal and fair market values. Basements and attics are often used to host guest bedrooms, office spaces, children’s playrooms, and/or entertainment rooms. As much of the country embraces more flexible work setups, including a lot of opportunities to work from home, finished basements and attics have risen in appeal. The best way to find out exactly how much finishing your basement or attic will add to your re-sale value is to discuss the project with a licensed real estate agent who can show you the sale prices of comparable homes in your market both with and without finished basements and attics. When it comes to completing the work, your agent can work with Curbio to get the job done quickly so you can get on the market and sell quickly while maximizing your profits from the sale.

Unfinished basements and attics are fairly common. In fact, both spaces were originally intended to be left unfinished. As homeowner preferences change, and everyone seeks more space where they can find it, fully finished basements complete with bedrooms and attics finished off for office use are increasingly common. Finishing your basement or attic can mean creating a flex space, an entertainment room, or even an in-law suite—but is it worth it to finish your basement right before you sell? In most cases, yes. Many basements and attics were originally left unfinished because, due to building codes, even if finished, the space would not count toward “livable” space, and therefore a listing’s square footage. That said, a finished basement or attic will certainly affect both your home’s appraisal and fair market values. Basements and attics are often used to host guest bedrooms, office spaces, children’s playrooms, and/or entertainment rooms. As much of the country embraces more flexible work setups, including a lot of opportunities to work from home, finished basements and attics have risen in appeal. The best way to find out exactly how much finishing your basement or attic will add to your re-sale value is to discuss the project with a licensed real estate agent who can show you the sale prices of comparable homes in your market both with and without finished basements and attics. When it comes to completing the work, your agent can work with Curbio to get the job done quickly so you can get on the market and sell quickly while maximizing your profits from the sale.

Unfinished basements and attics are fairly common. In fact, both spaces were originally intended to be left unfinished. As homeowner preferences change, and everyone seeks more space where they can find it, fully finished basements complete with bedrooms and attics finished off for office use are increasingly common. Finishing your basement or attic can mean creating a flex space, an entertainment room, or even an in-law suite—but is it worth it to finish your basement right before you sell? In most cases, yes. Many basements and attics were originally left unfinished because, due to building codes, even if finished, the space would not count toward “livable” space, and therefore a listing’s square footage. That said, a finished basement or attic will certainly affect both your home’s appraisal and fair market values. Basements and attics are often used to host guest bedrooms, office spaces, children’s playrooms, and/or entertainment rooms. As much of the country embraces more flexible work setups, including a lot of opportunities to work from home, finished basements and attics have risen in appeal. The best way to find out exactly how much finishing your basement or attic will add to your re-sale value is to discuss the project with a licensed real estate agent who can show you the sale prices of comparable homes in your market both with and without finished basements and attics. When it comes to completing the work, your agent can work with Curbio to get the job done quickly so you can get on the market and sell quickly while maximizing your profits from the sale.

Unfinished basements and attics are fairly common. In fact, both spaces were originally intended to be left unfinished. As homeowner preferences change, and everyone seeks more space where they can find it, fully finished basements complete with bedrooms and attics finished off for office use are increasingly common. Finishing your basement or attic can mean creating a flex space, an entertainment room, or even an in-law suite—but is it worth it to finish your basement right before you sell? In most cases, yes. Many basements and attics were originally left unfinished because, due to building codes, even if finished, the space would not count toward “livable” space, and therefore a listing’s square footage. That said, a finished basement or attic will certainly affect both your home’s appraisal and fair market values. Basements and attics are often used to host guest bedrooms, office spaces, children’s playrooms, and/or entertainment rooms. As much of the country embraces more flexible work setups, including a lot of opportunities to work from home, finished basements and attics have risen in appeal. The best way to find out exactly how much finishing your basement or attic will add to your re-sale value is to discuss the project with a licensed real estate agent who can show you the sale prices of comparable homes in your market both with and without finished basements and attics. When it comes to completing the work, your agent can work with Curbio to get the job done quickly so you can get on the market and sell quickly while maximizing your profits from the sale.

Unfinished basements and attics are fairly common. In fact, both spaces were originally intended to be left unfinished. As homeowner preferences change, and everyone seeks more space where they can find it, fully finished basements complete with bedrooms and attics finished off for office use are increasingly common. Finishing your basement or attic can mean creating a flex space, an entertainment room, or even an in-law suite—but is it worth it to finish your basement right before you sell? In most cases, yes. Many basements and attics were originally left unfinished because, due to building codes, even if finished, the space would not count toward “livable” space, and therefore a listing’s square footage. That said, a finished basement or attic will certainly affect both your home’s appraisal and fair market values. Basements and attics are often used to host guest bedrooms, office spaces, children’s playrooms, and/or entertainment rooms. As much of the country embraces more flexible work setups, including a lot of opportunities to work from home, finished basements and attics have risen in appeal. The best way to find out exactly how much finishing your basement or attic will add to your re-sale value is to discuss the project with a licensed real estate agent who can show you the sale prices of comparable homes in your market both with and without finished basements and attics. When it comes to completing the work, your agent can work with Curbio to get the job done quickly so you can get on the market and sell quickly while maximizing your profits from the sale.

Reclaimed rustic fir T&G applied vertically. Photo: Paul Arcoite
Farmhouse home bar photo in Calgary

Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in London

This enquiry from Neath came from an elderly gentleman who was moving into a care home in the near future and wanted his Victorian tiled hallway renovated before the property went on the market. He mentioned he didn’t think it was that dirty however it could do with a clean and reseal. We arranged to call in one morning and take a look at the tiles and whilst there we completed a test clean so we could provide an accurate price for renovating the floor. For the clean I applied Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, the purpose of this was to see whether and how fast the dirt would shift and also to get an idea of the condition of the floor beneath the layer of dirt. The test clean went well and the owner was happy to accept our price and suggested that as we had already made a start we might as well continue. Fortunately, there were two of us that day and I only had a couple of other quotes in the area, so I was able to crack on. I should mention this work was done at the beginning of 2020 before the COVID-19 lockdown. All sorts of detritus gets walked into hallways so we began by using a hand held scraper to take off any anything that sat upon/above the floors surface. This also makes the cleaning process that little bit easier for us. The earlier test clean had enabled us to establish which cleaning methods and products would work best on the floor so it was just a question of putting the plan into action. The process involved applying a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean to the floor, leaving it to soak in for ten minutes and then working it with a coarse 400-grit diamond pad fitted to a rotary buffer. More water was applied for lubrication where required and the soil produced afterwards was rinsed off and extracted with a wet vacuum. The pad is encrusted with industrial diamonds and cuts into the tile and removes a very thin layer leaving the tile very clean. After extracting the soil, the floor was inspected, and we noticed that there were a few tiles throughout the floor that needed more work. To deal with these we used hand-held diamond blocks of varying grits to remove the ingrained dirt and bring the tiles back to life. The client was over the moon with the results of the cleaning and we scheduled a date of the following week to come back and seal the tiles. We also discussed sealers and he had asked if we could leave the floor with a shiny finish. With that in mind we recommended Tile Doctors Seal and Go which works really well on Victorian tiles. It is also water based and so doesn’t produce a smell as it dries. On our return the floor was given a quick wipe down and once dry sealed with four coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go which will add protection and make them easy to keep clean. Once complete the floor looked great and very welcoming, just what you need when selling a property as initial impressions always count. Adrian Iacono Swansea Tile Doctor

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

CAMBRIA QUARTZ - BERWYN, OLIMPIA TILE, AND POSEIDON BACKSPLASH

The Malibu upholstery collection is a best selling furniture group within its manufacturer's line-up. It comes from a furniture crafter who takes pride in offering outstanding quality, value and customization at a practical price point. It's what's on the inside that counts. That's our motto here at England. This is why we build all of our furniture here in the U.S.A. out of quality materials. And we think quality and design go hand in hand. We offer more than 450 fabrics for you to select from, so you can design the piece of furniture that is perfect for your home. And you'll have your custom furniture delivered in 42 days or less! This living room furniture collection features a casual style with subtly rounded arms, cylinder feet and welt cord trim. It is ideal for the homeowner who seeks a stylish and tailored look without giving up the homey, lived-in feel of a living room or family room. The casual furniture look has a simplicity that blends well with most room styles. Through this manufacturer's Custom Order Upholstery Program, customizing your living room is only 40 days away. This streamlined custom order process allows you to personalize this item with up to 400 fabric and leather options. Each option is tested for durability and affordability, meaning that this item can usually be upgraded to a custom order fabric for an additional charge that is comparable to an evening out. An in-house delivery fleet ensures quick drop-off so Custom Order items can be in your home in 42 days or less. Sofa: Homeowners who want a tailored look without forsaking a casual, homey environment will love this sofa. It features staples of casual style including rounded arms and cylinder feet but also has a simplicity that could be considered contemporary. The Dura cushions have air vents that allows the air to escape from the foam easier when someone sits upon them, ultimately extending the life of the cushion. Loveseat: This loveseat is from one of its manufacturers best-selling collections. It has a simple design that can blend well with an assortment of room styles, looking tailored while holding onto a homey presence. The seat cushions are crafted to offer long-lasting value and the back cushions are semi-attached so additional padding can be added if they ever start to wear down.

Rob Karosis
Example of a classic hallway design in New York

Example of an urban staircase design in Salt Lake City

This very modern kitchen features our Large Moroccan Fish Scales in one of our most popular color blends. Set against white countertops and very light cabinets, the tile definitely takes center stage with its oceanic hues. Large Moroccan Fish Scales - 1015E Caribbean Blue, 12W Blue Bell, 216 Sea Glass, 1017E Sea Mist, 11 Deco White

When your pipes burst, a toilet overflows, or you notice suspicious dampness, you need more than a plumber—you need an emergency plumber in Atlanta you can trust. Meet Atlantis Plumbing, a family-owned, trusted local company serving the greater Atlanta area with fast, friendly, and reliable plumbing services 24/7. Decades of Experience Rooted in the Community Established over 60 years ago and now with thousands of satisfied customers, Atlantis Plumbing has built a reputation on steady, dependable service. Their licensed professionals bring years of experience to every job, giving you peace of mind when you're dealing with urgent, unexpected plumbing disasters. 24/7 Availability When You Need It Most Emergencies don't wait for business hours—and neither does Atlantis. With around-the-clock service, including live operators ready to take your call, they ensure help is just a phone call away. Whether it’s the middle of the night or a busy weekend, Atlantis is on call and on site fast. Upfront Pricing and Honest Communication A plumbing emergency shouldn't add financial stress. Atlantis offers transparent, upfront pricing so you're never blindsided. Before any work begins, they'll provide a clear estimate—no hidden fees, no surprises. Speed Meets Expertise Emergencies demand swift action—but not at the cost of quality. Atlantis strikes the perfect balance: rapid response paired with the skilled, licensed professionals who understand the complexity of modern plumbing systems. Fully Equipped to Handle Any Crisis From burst water lines to sewer backups and leaking water heaters, Atlantis’s team carries the tools and know-how to address your emergency promptly: • Water leaks: Quick diagnosis and repair, including high water bill analysis. • Clogged drains and sewer issues: Advanced solutions ranging from snaking to hydro-jetting or camera inspection. • Sewer repair & replacement: Trenchless methods available to minimize disruption. • Water heaters: Repair or replacement—gas, electric, or tankless. • Polybutylene pipes: Experts in identifying and replacing this outdated material. • Gas leaks: Safe, professional response (after gas company clearance). Trusted Service with a Personal Touch Emergencies are stressful. Atlantis eases the burden with professional, courteous technicians who get the job done with respect and care for your home. Their approach is old-fashioned in the best way—friendly, honest, and dedicated to customer satisfaction. Multiple local voices have recommended them as the one plumber they’d always call. It's that level of trust that assures homeowners and businesses alike in times of crisis. Comprehensive Coverage Throughout Metro Atlanta Whether you're in Atlanta proper or surrounding areas—like Marietta, Smyrna, Roswell, or Lawrenceville—Atlantis covers it. Their reach spans Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, Dekalb, Cherokee, and more, ensuring emergency plumbing help isn't far when you need it most. Value Beyond the Emergency Atlantis doesn’t just put out fires—they help prevent them. With services like free high water bill analysis and long-term maintenance options, they add value that stretches well beyond the immediate fix. They offer senior and military discounts, plus financing with approved credit—helping ease the financial burden of unavoidable plumbing repairs. Hiring an Emergency Plumber: Why Atlantis Stands Out 1. 24/7 live support—get help when it counts. 2. Licensed, experienced plumbers—quality you can rely on. 3. Transparent pricing—know what you're paying. 4. Quick, efficient responses—fast relief without sacrificing standards. 5. Wide range of services—from leaks to sewers to water heaters. 6. Easy scheduling and flexible payment options—designed for your convenience. Sample Emergency Scenarios & How Atlantis Helps Your Basement Is Flooding at 2 AM A frozen pipe has burst, sending water everywhere. You call Atlantis. Their team answers immediately, dispatches licensed plumbers within the hour, stops the leak, assesses the damage, and begins cleanup and pipe repair—all before breakfast. Sewer Backup During Dinner Party Your main sewer line backs up, and your guests are greeting more than your cooking. Atlantis arrives pronto, uses a camera inspection to pinpoint the blockage, resolves it with hydro-jetting or replacement, and gets everything draining again—without using your yard as a trench. Unexplained Spike in Your Water Bill You notice a huge spike in your bill—but no visible leak. Atlantis sends a tech for a free high water bill analysis, finds a small underground leak, and repairs it promptly—saving you money on unnecessary wastage. Water Heater Fails on a Winter Morning No hot water on a chilly morning? Atlantis arrives, diagnoses the heater issue, and either repairs it or replaces it with a similarly warranted unit—serving gas, electric, or tankless systems with equal confidence. Outdated Polybutylene Pipes Start Failing You suspect your home has older polybutylene piping prone to leaks. Atlantis offers specialized inspection and replacement options, bringing your plumbing system back up to modern safety and reliability standards. Final Thought In crisis situations, you don’t want to waste time or money. Atlantis Plumbing delivers fast, knowledgeable, and compassionate emergency plumbing services across Atlanta. With fair pricing, skilled professionals, and full-service capabilities—from leak detection to sewer repair to water heater replacement—you’re not just hiring a plumber. You’re hiring peace of mind. When plumbing emergencies strike, remember: Atlantis Plumbing is standing by, 24/7, ready to restore order to your home or business.

Governor's House Entry by Lisa Tharp. 2019 Bulfinch Award - Interior Design. Photo by Michael J. Lee
Transitional painted wood floor foyer photo with white walls and a black front door

Two Birds Photography
Kids' room - transitional kids' room idea in Chicago

Collaboration with Canonbury Homes and Frank Neely Design Associates.
Inspiration for a timeless open concept kitchen remodel in Atlanta with beaded inset cabinets and two islands

A family living in Guildford were in touch recently about restoring the appearance of their Ceramic tiled shower and bathroom. They were about to put the property up for sale and were concerned the grubby grout might put off potential buyers. First impressions do count so renovating a bathroom or kitchen before selling is a really good idea and will help you achieve a better price. In this case the Ceramic tiles were dirty and black with mould in places which looked unhygienic and uninviting. Additionally, the mastic sealant between the tile and bath was tired and worn to the extent that water could end up leaking behind the seal. After visiting the property, they were pleased to hear I could help and happily accepted our quote which was based around a days work and some materials. Firstly, I cleaned the grout using a Tile Doctor product called Duo Clean which is designed to tackle dirty grout and mould. I sprayed the product along all the grout lines and left it to soak in for about fifteen minutes. Once ready I brushed them with a firm wire brush then rinsed off with water. Next, I cleaned the tiles using a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which was decanted into a spray bottle and sprayed onto the wall tiles. After ten minutes I then used a handheld buffing machine fitted with a small white buffing pad to shift the dirt and buff up the white tiles. After rinsing the slurry off with water you could see a marked improvement. I hand dried the tile and grout with a cloth and then set about stripping out the old white mastic sealer with a sharp knife. This took some time, as you have to be careful not to scratch the bath or the tile. By this time the grout had dried off fully and I was able to see if more work was required. To achieve a uniform colour throughout. Mould and some cleaning products can discolour grout permanently and, in this case, there was some grout staining I was unable to remove. We had discussed this possibility earlier and how it would be best resolved using a white grout colourant. So, I carefully applied Tile Doctor Grout Colour which is painted on with a small brush with any excess wiped off the tile before it can set. This resulted in a uniform white grout throughout and really gave the whole bathroom a lift. With the cleaning process completed I applied a new white mastic between the bath and tile and along the verticals. This is done with the bath filled with water and then left for 24 hours to allow the silicone to fully cure. After the grout colour had dried, I applied an aerosol Tile and Grout sealer over the whole surface and then lightly polished off any excess with a clean cloth. This does two things; one it adds a further layer of protection to the new grout colour and to the surface of the tiles. Secondly Ceramic tiles are non-porous, but bacterial dirt can still get a grip on the surface, with the sealer in place you will find water quickly runs off without getting a chance to get a hold. Sealers do wear off, so I recommended re-applying it every year. I had plenty left over and gave it to the customer when I finished using it. For regular cleaning of tiled shower areas, I recommend they use Tile Doctor Aqua-Pro this will neutralise any acid build-up caused by acidic shampoos etc. West Surrey Tile Doctor Rupert Mcleod