Part of the Modin Vinyl Plank Collection, Available Exclusively From www.Flooret.com $3.49 / sq ft, 22.08 sq ft per box 50% WIDER. 25% LONGER. TWICE AS DURABLE Luxury Vinyl Plank, 5 mm x 9" x 60" (1.0 mm / 40 mil wear-layer) Lifetime Residential Warranty, 20 year Commercial Warranty Nordic simplicity. White floors can be challenging to use, but when pulled off correctly are extremely rewarding. An instant statement-maker, they often present the challenge of maintenance. For Nordland, we specifically created a slightly weathered pattern with darker knots, so that they do not reveal dirt as quickly. The most important specification for determining the durability of vinyl flooring is the thickness of the wear-layer. The best wear-layers are made of thick, clear virgin PVC, which covers the paper print-film that gives the floor its unique appearance. Once the wear-layer wears through, the paper is damaged and the floor will need replacement. Most vinyl floors come with a 8-12 mil wear-layer (0.2-3 mm). The top commercial specs in the industry are higher, at 20-22 mil (0.5 mm). A select few manufacturers offer a “super” commercial spec of 28 mil (0.7 mm). For Modin, we decided to set a new standard: 40 mil (1.0 mm) of premium virgin PVC. This allows us to offer an industry-leading 20 year Commercial Warranty (Lifetime Residential), compared to nearly all other commercial vinyl floors’ 10 year Commercial Warranty. Beyond our superior wear-layer, we also use a patented click mechanism for superior hold, and a ceramic-bead coating. SIZE MATTERS Wider and longer planks create a sense of space and luxury. Most vinyl floors come in 6” or 7” widths, and 36” or 48” lengths. For Modin, we designed our planks to be 9” wide, and 60” long. This extra large size allows our gorgeous designs to be fully expressed. DETAILS THAT COUNT We made sure to get all the details right. Real texture, to create the feel of wire-brushed wood. Low sheen level, to ensure a natural look that wears well over time. 4-sided bevels, to more accurately emulate the look of real planks. When added together they help create the unique look that is Modin. DESIGNS THAT INSPIRE We spent nearly a year just focusing on our designs, to ensure they provide the right mix of color and depth. Focusing on timeless wire-brush and European Oak styles, as well as more contemporary modern washes, our collection offers truly beautiful design that is both functional and inspiring.

This medium sized bathroom had ample space to create a luxurious bathroom for this young professional couple with 3 young children. My clients really wanted a place to unplug and relax where they could retreat and recharge. New cabinets were a must with customized interiors to reduce cluttered counter tops and make morning routines easier and more organized. We selected Hale Navy for the painted finish with an upscale recessed panel door. Honey bronze hardware is a nice contrast to the navy paint instead of an expected brushed silver. For storage, a grooming center to organize hair dryer, curling iron and brushes keeps everything in place for morning routines. On the opposite, a pull-out organizer outfitted with trays for smaller personal items keeps everything at the fingertips. I included a pull-out hamper to keep laundry and towels off the floor. Another design detail I like to include is drawers in the sink cabinets. It is much better to have drawers notched for the plumbing when organizing bathroom products instead of filling up a large base cabinet. The room already had beautiful windows and was bathed in naturel light from an existing skylight. I enhanced the natural lighting with some recessed can lights, a light in the shower as well as sconces around the mirrored medicine cabinets. The best thing about the medicine cabinets is not only the additional storage but when both doors are opened you can see the back of your head. The inside of the cabinet doors are mirrored. Honey Bronze sconces are perfect lighting at the vanity for makeup and shaving. A larger shower for my very tall client with a built-in bench was a priority for this bathroom. I recommend stream showers whenever designing a bathroom and my client loved the idea of that feature as a surprise for his wife. Steam adds to the wellness and health aspect of any good bathroom design. We were able to access a small closet space just behind the shower a perfect spot for the steam unit. In addition to the steam, a handheld shower is another “standard” item in our shower designs. I like to locate these near a bench so you can sit while you target sore shoulder and back muscles. Another benefit is cleanability of the shower walls and being able to take a quick shower without getting your hair wet. The slide bar is just the thing to accommodate different heights. For Mrs. a tub for soaking and relaxing were the main ingredients required for this remodel. Here I specified a Bain Ultra freestanding tub complete with air massage, chromatherapy and a heated back rest. The tub filer is floor mounted and adds another element of elegance to the bath. I located the tub in a bay window so the bather can enjoy the beautiful view out of the window. It is also a great way to relax after a round of golf. Either way, both of my clients can enjoy the benefits of this tub. The tiles selected for the shower and the lower walls of the bathroom are a slightly oversized subway tile in a clean and bright white. The floors are a 12x24 porcelain marble. The shower floor features a flat cut marble pebble tile. Behind the vanity the wall is tiled with Zellage tile in a herringbone pattern. The colors of the tile connect all the colors used in the bath. The final touches of elegance and luxury to complete our design, the soft lilac paint on the walls, the mix of metal materials on the faucets, cabinet hardware, lighting and yes, an oversized heated towel warmer complete with robe hooks. This truly is a space for rejuvenation and wellness.

Inspiration for a transitional home design remodel in Minneapolis

This adorable kitchen in Point Loma, CA is now open to the family room, small in spaces but united with a nature-inspired color palette. The kitchen went through an extensive remodel removing walls, raised ceiling, exposing the beam and a new glass door for the back entry and now this small kitchen feel open and spacious. The cabinetry features shaker elements―clean lines, plain trim, and little ornamentation― great for transitional decor. Functional fixtures and modern appliances peacefully coexist with the mosaic marble backsplash. Hidden behind the door panels is a 30” Subzero refrigerator/freezer integrated nicely to keep the kitchen plan, clean and understated. The corner sink is recessed back adding a nice detail but even more importantly a more accessible corner access to the kitchen windows. Accessories and details added to the kitchen cabinets give this chef everything she was looking for with a spice pullout, knife block pullout and rollouts to top off the new cabinets. When space is tight it is a great option for a small family to open up the walls and add a counter where the family can dine. On the walls, neutral gray painted create a soothing atmosphere. Adjacent to the kitchen was a cramped room that functioned as a workout room and laundry room. By changing some wall space, closing in a door and removing a closet the new space has great storage and is more open and functional for a quick workout. In the family room the fireplace was re-tiled with a concrete looking porcelain tile topped off with a rustic beam mantle. Combined with new home furnishings to make the most of a small space this new family room is both functional and a great place for the couple to spend time with each other on a daily basis and to entertain guest and a new space has been created with the feel of a comfortable cozy space for all to enjoy. Contractor: CairnsCraft Remodeling Designer: Bonnie Bogley Catlin Photogtapher: Jon Upson

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

Could a dreadful dishwasher leak be a blessing in disguise? The Redding kitchen was very odd. The house was a beautiful brick house from the early 1900’s, but the kitchen had been renovated since then with an impractical layout. It worked, but, for as much time as Mr. and Mrs. spend in the kitchen, it left much to be desired. Because they enjoy cooking so much, they dreamed of having a functional kitchen that added to the character of the home and respected the history of it. So that’s why Mr. and Mrs. went to a Lancaster Home Show where they meet ALL Renovation & Design. They were impressed with our process which guides clients through the design phase in a unique way that guarantees a customized remodel, tailored to their dreams. We really hit it off, but, since they were still in the idea stage, the years passed quickly. Then one morning they discovered a puddle under the dishwasher. And, as is often the case, the damage had already spread to the surrounding cabinets and a large area of the floor. And upon further inspection, it was discovered that part of the floor was made with asbestos – which would require expert remediation. This was turning into a major rehab project. That’s when they were faced with a tough call: do they patch it up now and rip it out in a few years when they remodel the entire kitchen, or, do they remodel now? They called ALL Renovation & Design. First we worked with the insurance company to raise the damage claim to what it would have actually cost to repair the damage done by the leak… several thousand dollars higher than what they had initially appraised it. Then we guided Mr. and Mrs. through the design process that carefully articulated the goals and vision for the new kitchen. Functionality and complementing the home’s character were top priority. They were extremely pleased with the help we provided in guiding them through the cabinet choices, layout, and color selections. Communication was key. Especially when we got into the demolition and construction work. One thing you can be sure of when working with older homes is that there are almost always surprises between the walls. For the Redding kitchen it took the form of a steel support beam that we discovered on the second day of demolition. Because it prevented us from opening up the doorway, we had to pivot and adjust the cabinet spacing. Electrical access was also a serious problem that required added creativity to be sure the new space would include all the functionality of a modern kitchen. But all the challenges were overcome through creativity and almost constant communication. At last, it was complete. Together we transformed the space into a beautiful transitional kitchen that is a joy to work in. The maple cabinets with full-overlay doors were painted in matte white with copper hardware. The countertop and backsplash were Hanstone Quartz in the Strato color. It included a 30” single-basin sink in 14-gauge hammered copper. For the floor they chose Lauzan Maple Hardwood in the Sahara finish, installed in the herringbone pattern. And to really set off the kitchen, the old appliances were replaced with new GE Café appliances in their classy matte white with brushed copper accents.

Updated Spec Home: Basement Bathroom In our Updated Spec Home: Basement Bath, we reveal the newest addition to my mom and sister’s home – a half bath in the Basement. Since they were spending so much time in their Basement Family Room, the need to add a bath on that level quickly became apparent. Fortunately, they had unfinished storage area we could borrow from to make a nice size 8′ x 5′ bath. Working with a Budget and a Sister We were working with a budget, but as usual, my sister and I blew the budget on this awesome patterned tile flooring. (Don’t worry design clients – I can stick to a budget when my sister is not around to be a bad influence!). With that said, I do think this flooring makes a great focal point for the bath and worth the expense! On the Walls We painted the walls Sherwin Williams Sea Salt (SW6204). Then, we brought in lots of interest and color with this gorgeous acrylic wrapped canvas art and oversized decorative medallions. All of the plumbing fixtures, lighting and vanity were purchased at a local big box store. We were able to find streamlined options that work great in the space. We used brushed nickel as a light and airy metal option. As you can see this Updated Spec Home: Basement Bath is a functional and fabulous addition to this gorgeous home. Be sure to check out these other Powder Baths we have designed (here and here). And That’s a Wrap! Unless my mom and sister build an addition, we have come to the end of our blog series Updated Spec Home. I hope you have enjoyed this series as much as I enjoyed being a part of making this Spec House a warm, inviting, and gorgeous home for two of my very favorite people!

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage. For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized. Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed. “Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said. The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family. “We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said. The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience. “I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison. One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said. The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said. The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new. The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime. “They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added. “Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said. The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves. “I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.” Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home. Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way. “I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said. A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby. “I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said. Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said. “The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said. “I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”

The Novogratz family are known for fun innovative designs. Incorporating quality products with unique design and construction, they bring a breath of fresh air to everything they do. The Novogratz have partnered with Globe to bring you a collection of quality, innovative and unique products that showcase the best of both companies. Novogratz x Globe’s Lawrence 3-Light Track Lighting with gray finish and chrome accents is ideal for use in kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, dining rooms – anywhere you want the ability to direct light exactly where needed without multiple light fixtures. Each of the three track heads are independently adjustable so you can direct and focus your light where you need it the most. The chrome trim brings a new look to a classic design. Includes all mounting hardware for quick and easy installation and requires three 50W equivalent GU10 halogen light bulbs. Since 1932, Globe Electric has been committed to our consumers and products. Every day we strive to develop and sustain the creative energy that has kept us going for more than 80 years. As family run businesses, Globe Electric and Novogratz have a lot in common. The Globe Electric team is a large family much like the Novogratz team - we both work towards providing products that deliver beautiful appeal, stellar performance, easy installation, and exceptional value.

Materials Needed: Side Console Dixie Belle White Lightning Cleaner Dixie Belle Weeping Willow Chalk Paint Dixie Belle Best Dang Wax (Clear) Dixie Belle Chocolate Chalk Mineral Paint Dixie Belle Retro Lattice Stencil Dixie Belle Coffee Bean Chalk Mineral Paint Dixie Belle Synthetic Paintbrush Clean, lint-free cloths Before You Begin: Ensure that your side console is clean and free from any dust, dirt, or grease. If necessary, sand the surface lightly to create a smooth painting surface. Step 1: Clean with White Lightning Use Dixie Belle White Lightning Cleaner to thoroughly clean the side console. This will remove any lingering residues and prepare the surface for painting. Follow the instructions on the cleaner, and make sure the surface is completely dry before proceeding. Step 2: Paint with Weeping Willow Stir the Weeping Willow Chalk Paint well before use. Apply an even coat of Weeping Willow paint to the entire side console using a paintbrush or foam roller. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat if needed. The chalk paint dries relatively quickly, but follow the recommended drying time on the product. Step 3: Apply Best Dang Wax with Chocolate Chalk Paint After the Weeping Willow paint has dried, use a clean cloth or brush to apply a layer of Best Dang Wax (Clear) over the painted surface. For added depth and dimension, mix a small amount of Chocolate Chalk Mineral Paint into the wax. Apply the wax mixture evenly, focusing on details and edges. Allow the wax to dry and buff it to a desired sheen using a clean, lint-free cloth. Step 4: Stencil the Top with Retro Lattice Secure the Retro Lattice Stencil to the top of the side console using painter's tape to prevent it from moving during the stenciling process. Using a brush or foam roller, apply Coffee Bean Chalk Mineral Paint over the stencil, ensuring even coverage. Carefully remove the stencil while the paint is still wet to reveal the pattern. Allow the painted design to dry completely. Step 5: Finishing Touches Inspect the entire side console for any touch-ups or additional detailing. If needed, apply extra coats of paint or wax to achieve the desired finish. Once satisfied with the results, allow the piece to cure fully according to the paint manufacturer's recommendations. Step 6: Enjoy Your Upcycled Side Console Place your revamped side console in its designated space and revel in the transformation. The combination of Weeping Willow, Best Dang Wax, and the Retro Lattice stencil has turned a simple side console into a unique and visually appealing piece of upcycled furniture, adding charm and character to your living space.

Could a dreadful dishwasher leak be a blessing in disguise? The Redding kitchen was very odd. The house was a beautiful brick house from the early 1900’s, but the kitchen had been renovated since then with an impractical layout. It worked, but, for as much time as Mr. and Mrs. spend in the kitchen, it left much to be desired. Because they enjoy cooking so much, they dreamed of having a functional kitchen that added to the character of the home and respected the history of it. So that’s why Mr. and Mrs. went to a Lancaster Home Show where they meet ALL Renovation & Design. They were impressed with our process which guides clients through the design phase in a unique way that guarantees a customized remodel, tailored to their dreams. We really hit it off, but, since they were still in the idea stage, the years passed quickly. Then one morning they discovered a puddle under the dishwasher. And, as is often the case, the damage had already spread to the surrounding cabinets and a large area of the floor. And upon further inspection, it was discovered that part of the floor was made with asbestos – which would require expert remediation. This was turning into a major rehab project. That’s when they were faced with a tough call: do they patch it up now and rip it out in a few years when they remodel the entire kitchen, or, do they remodel now? They called ALL Renovation & Design. First we worked with the insurance company to raise the damage claim to what it would have actually cost to repair the damage done by the leak… several thousand dollars higher than what they had initially appraised it. Then we guided Mr. and Mrs. through the design process that carefully articulated the goals and vision for the new kitchen. Functionality and complementing the home’s character were top priority. They were extremely pleased with the help we provided in guiding them through the cabinet choices, layout, and color selections. Communication was key. Especially when we got into the demolition and construction work. One thing you can be sure of when working with older homes is that there are almost always surprises between the walls. For the Redding kitchen it took the form of a steel support beam that we discovered on the second day of demolition. Because it prevented us from opening up the doorway, we had to pivot and adjust the cabinet spacing. Electrical access was also a serious problem that required added creativity to be sure the new space would include all the functionality of a modern kitchen. But all the challenges were overcome through creativity and almost constant communication. At last, it was complete. Together we transformed the space into a beautiful transitional kitchen that is a joy to work in. The maple cabinets with full-overlay doors were painted in matte white with copper hardware. The countertop and backsplash were Hanstone Quartz in the Strato color. It included a 30” single-basin sink in 14-gauge hammered copper. For the floor they chose Lauzan Maple Hardwood in the Sahara finish, installed in the herringbone pattern. And to really set off the kitchen, the old appliances were replaced with new GE Café appliances in their classy matte white with brushed copper accents.

Shower and bathroom mould and soap scum growth are probably the most common, annoying and frustrating tile-related problems. Wet and high humidity areas with poor ventilation provide the perfect breeding ground for mould and stains. Soap residue and body oils also create a food source for soap scum, mould to grow. My customer in Dane Bank had the exact problem with dirty and mouldy grout lines in her shower cubicle. She had tried scrubbing the grout lines herself with a toothbrush and standard supermarket cleaners but never got the result she wanted. Fortunately she was lucky to find Tile Doctor from the internet and I was asked to pop over and take a look to see what could be done. I was confident we could make a big difference so I went through the options with her and give her price for the job. She was happy with the price and we agreed a date for me to return and complete the work. For grout lines cleaning I used Tile Doctor Grout Colorant Pre-Treat Cleaner, which successfully removes dirt, soil, soap scum and hard water deposits from grout joints. The product was sprayed on to the grout and left to dwell and seep into the pores for approximately five minutes to break down the soap scum and dirt before being scrubbed in using a stiff grout brush. The cleaning was successful but there were still few mouldy spots left. On these spots I used Tile Doctor Mould Away Spray that is meant for quick removal of mould from grout and silicone. One again product got sprayed on grout lines and left to dwell for five minutes and then scrubbed with stiff grout brush and then rinsed with clean water. After I had finished cleaning I express dried the tile and grout using high power heat gun. With the area nice and dry, I had to choose the matching colour for the existing grout. There are ten colours to choose from the Tile Doctor range of Grout Colourant and on this occasion we chose Limestone as the best colour to match the tile. The colourant is easily applied directly to the grout and in this case I applied two coats. The product is epoxy based and completely seals and rejuvenates the appearance of the grout, which not only drastically improves appearance it also makes it much easier to clean in the future. After applying the re-colourant I buffed all grout colorant excess off the tiles and the shower cubicle was ready. My customer was very satisfied with the work and left the following comment on the Tile Doctor Feedback system “Really, really happy with the service Tony provided and the recommendations he suggested. The work was carried out in a highly professional manner, to a high standard. I have already recommended him to friends. Thank you” Tony Olmet Greater Manchester Tile Doctor

Simplifying the room included re-planning the ceiling over the tub and shower. Previously it was a small dropped soffit over the shower with a large angled section looming over the window. We minimized the angled section as much as possible, then extended the soffit all the way across the room. Now the kintsugi tile detail captures our interest and, of course, that natural light is magnificent. The platforms are polished porcelain tile, but the shower floor is the same tile in a matte finish. Don't tell anybody, but we've used both Kohler and Brizo fitings in the room! Notice the floor tile detail again -- you'll see this more clearly in an upcoming photo.

This Victorian tiled hallway at a house in the Forest of Dean had a very interesting pattern, consisting of an array of different colours, including shades of red, yellow and blue. Unfortunately, as you can see from the first photograph below, the tiles had lost all life, with the colours largely masked by months’ – or maybe even years’ – worth of ingrained dirt and muck. The floor as a whole was also suffering from a number of loose tiles that needed to be reset before it could be cleaned. The property owner was keen to employ some professional assistance to restore the appearance of the floor and prevent it from getting in an even wrote state, and so contacted Tile Doctor who have a lot of experience working with Victorian tiled floors. As mentioned, the loose tiles had to be repaired before the cleaning process could be started. I removed the tiles and extracted excess grout and old adhesive from the exposed concrete substrate using a vacuum, before putting the original tiles back into place and fixing them back into position carefully using fresh adhesive and matching grout. Once happy the replaced tiles had set, I started the process of cleaning the entire area of hallway tiles using a combination of Tile Doctor Remove and Go to strip away the old sealer and Tile Doctor NanoTech HBU (formerly Ultra Clean) remover to get the tiles as clean as possible. The latter product contains nano-sized cleaning particles (hence the name) to reach difficult areas of trapped dirt, making it more effective than your run-of-the-mill tile cleaner. These two products were scrubbed into the tiles using a rotary machine fitted with a black scrubbing pad. The floor was then rinsed with water and the soiled residue was extracted with a wet vacuum. I then paid particular attention to the grout, applying our alkaline-based multi-purpose cleaner Tile Doctor Pro-Clean to the grout lines, before scrubbing them with a narrow grout brush. This quickly had the grout looking clean again: I’d even go as far as to say that it matched it seamlessly with the fresh grout that had just been laid. With the tile and grout as clean as it was possible to get it, I gave the whole floor a final rinse to neutralise the excess chemicals. I extracted as much water as possible with a wet vacuum and left the floor to dry overnight. My first task upon returning to the property the next day was to check for any dampness. If you neglect to remove all excess moisture from the surface of the tiles before sealing it is more than likely going to cloud the sealer, rendering it less effective I’m protecting the stone against ingrained dirt and stains. Once satisfied that the floor was completely dry, I proceeded to seal the tiles using multiple costs of Tile Doctor Seal and Go. Seal and Go is what we would classify as a topical sealer, meaning it rests on the surface of the tiles to act as a durable layer of protection against all kinds of muck. While providing surface protection, Seal and Go also adds a nice subtle sheen to the tiles, as per the customer’s request. The customer was quite amazed at how quickly the appearance of the tiles had been restored. It was fantastic to see the colours we both knew were hidden in the tiles come to life once again. Another satisfied customer for sure! Paul Wales Monmouthshire Tile Doctor

Could a dreadful dishwasher leak be a blessing in disguise? The Redding kitchen was very odd. The house was a beautiful brick house from the early 1900’s, but the kitchen had been renovated since then with an impractical layout. It worked, but, for as much time as Mr. and Mrs. spend in the kitchen, it left much to be desired. Because they enjoy cooking so much, they dreamed of having a functional kitchen that added to the character of the home and respected the history of it. So that’s why Mr. and Mrs. went to a Lancaster Home Show where they meet ALL Renovation & Design. They were impressed with our process which guides clients through the design phase in a unique way that guarantees a customized remodel, tailored to their dreams. We really hit it off, but, since they were still in the idea stage, the years passed quickly. Then one morning they discovered a puddle under the dishwasher. And, as is often the case, the damage had already spread to the surrounding cabinets and a large area of the floor. And upon further inspection, it was discovered that part of the floor was made with asbestos – which would require expert remediation. This was turning into a major rehab project. That’s when they were faced with a tough call: do they patch it up now and rip it out in a few years when they remodel the entire kitchen, or, do they remodel now? They called ALL Renovation & Design. First we worked with the insurance company to raise the damage claim to what it would have actually cost to repair the damage done by the leak… several thousand dollars higher than what they had initially appraised it. Then we guided Mr. and Mrs. through the design process that carefully articulated the goals and vision for the new kitchen. Functionality and complementing the home’s character were top priority. They were extremely pleased with the help we provided in guiding them through the cabinet choices, layout, and color selections. Communication was key. Especially when we got into the demolition and construction work. One thing you can be sure of when working with older homes is that there are almost always surprises between the walls. For the Redding kitchen it took the form of a steel support beam that we discovered on the second day of demolition. Because it prevented us from opening up the doorway, we had to pivot and adjust the cabinet spacing. Electrical access was also a serious problem that required added creativity to be sure the new space would include all the functionality of a modern kitchen. But all the challenges were overcome through creativity and almost constant communication. At last, it was complete. Together we transformed the space into a beautiful transitional kitchen that is a joy to work in. The maple cabinets with full-overlay doors were painted in matte white with copper hardware. The countertop and backsplash were Hanstone Quartz in the Strato color. It included a 30” single-basin sink in 14-gauge hammered copper. For the floor they chose Lauzan Maple Hardwood in the Sahara finish, installed in the herringbone pattern. And to really set off the kitchen, the old appliances were replaced with new GE Café appliances in their classy matte white with brushed copper accents.

Emily Minton-Redfield
Transitional bedroom photo in Denver

Could a dreadful dishwasher leak be a blessing in disguise? The Redding kitchen was very odd. The house was a beautiful brick house from the early 1900’s, but the kitchen had been renovated since then with an impractical layout. It worked, but, for as much time as Mr. and Mrs. spend in the kitchen, it left much to be desired. Because they enjoy cooking so much, they dreamed of having a functional kitchen that added to the character of the home and respected the history of it. So that’s why Mr. and Mrs. went to a Lancaster Home Show where they meet ALL Renovation & Design. They were impressed with our process which guides clients through the design phase in a unique way that guarantees a customized remodel, tailored to their dreams. We really hit it off, but, since they were still in the idea stage, the years passed quickly. Then one morning they discovered a puddle under the dishwasher. And, as is often the case, the damage had already spread to the surrounding cabinets and a large area of the floor. And upon further inspection, it was discovered that part of the floor was made with asbestos – which would require expert remediation. This was turning into a major rehab project. That’s when they were faced with a tough call: do they patch it up now and rip it out in a few years when they remodel the entire kitchen, or, do they remodel now? They called ALL Renovation & Design. First we worked with the insurance company to raise the damage claim to what it would have actually cost to repair the damage done by the leak… several thousand dollars higher than what they had initially appraised it. Then we guided Mr. and Mrs. through the design process that carefully articulated the goals and vision for the new kitchen. Functionality and complementing the home’s character were top priority. They were extremely pleased with the help we provided in guiding them through the cabinet choices, layout, and color selections. Communication was key. Especially when we got into the demolition and construction work. One thing you can be sure of when working with older homes is that there are almost always surprises between the walls. For the Redding kitchen it took the form of a steel support beam that we discovered on the second day of demolition. Because it prevented us from opening up the doorway, we had to pivot and adjust the cabinet spacing. Electrical access was also a serious problem that required added creativity to be sure the new space would include all the functionality of a modern kitchen. But all the challenges were overcome through creativity and almost constant communication. At last, it was complete. Together we transformed the space into a beautiful transitional kitchen that is a joy to work in. The maple cabinets with full-overlay doors were painted in matte white with copper hardware. The countertop and backsplash were Hanstone Quartz in the Strato color. It included a 30” single-basin sink in 14-gauge hammered copper. For the floor they chose Lauzan Maple Hardwood in the Sahara finish, installed in the herringbone pattern. And to really set off the kitchen, the old appliances were replaced with new GE Café appliances in their classy matte white with brushed copper accents.

Shower cubicles can be the most difficult of tiled features to keep clean. Most are exposed to various acid-based soaps and shampoos on a daily basis, allowing mould and general muck to quickly build up along the grout lines and silicone. This leaves the entire area looking quite unappealing. In some cases, the grout lines become stained beyond a point where they can be restored to their original condition, so property owners will typically request to have the grout cut out and replaced however a faster and cheaper method is to have the grout completely recoloured. Such was the case with this Ceramic tiled shower cubicle at a house in Wigan. It would take a lot to get the cubicle looking great again, having not been cleaned properly for a long time. The property owner decided to contact me for a professional refresh, including cleaning, new silicone sealer and recolouring of the grout. I started the refresh by applying Tile Doctor Mould Away spray to the tiles and grout, and leaving it to dwell for an hour. As the name of the product suggests, Mould Away is a fast and effective cleaner for the removal of mould from silicone and grout, making it ideal for use on shower cubicles similar to this one. I then rinsed the entire area down with water before scrubbing the grout lines and tiles with a stiff grout brush to remove any remaining mould and lime scale, leaving them looking a lot cleaner. The cleaning process made a big improvement however the grout was still too stained so after removing the silicone strip from around the base of the shower I proceeded to recolour with our white Grout Colourant. The colourant is painted onto the grout and any excess is wiped of the tile before it dries which both improves the appearance of the grout and seals it in to protect it from further staining. The last step was to apply fresh white silicone along the base of the shower. The customer was very pleased with the refreshed appearance of their shower and you must admit it looks much more inviting now. Steve Keary Greater Manchester Tile Doctor

Could a dreadful dishwasher leak be a blessing in disguise? The Redding kitchen was very odd. The house was a beautiful brick house from the early 1900’s, but the kitchen had been renovated since then with an impractical layout. It worked, but, for as much time as Mr. and Mrs. spend in the kitchen, it left much to be desired. Because they enjoy cooking so much, they dreamed of having a functional kitchen that added to the character of the home and respected the history of it. So that’s why Mr. and Mrs. went to a Lancaster Home Show where they meet ALL Renovation & Design. They were impressed with our process which guides clients through the design phase in a unique way that guarantees a customized remodel, tailored to their dreams. We really hit it off, but, since they were still in the idea stage, the years passed quickly. Then one morning they discovered a puddle under the dishwasher. And, as is often the case, the damage had already spread to the surrounding cabinets and a large area of the floor. And upon further inspection, it was discovered that part of the floor was made with asbestos – which would require expert remediation. This was turning into a major rehab project. That’s when they were faced with a tough call: do they patch it up now and rip it out in a few years when they remodel the entire kitchen, or, do they remodel now? They called ALL Renovation & Design. First we worked with the insurance company to raise the damage claim to what it would have actually cost to repair the damage done by the leak… several thousand dollars higher than what they had initially appraised it. Then we guided Mr. and Mrs. through the design process that carefully articulated the goals and vision for the new kitchen. Functionality and complementing the home’s character were top priority. They were extremely pleased with the help we provided in guiding them through the cabinet choices, layout, and color selections. Communication was key. Especially when we got into the demolition and construction work. One thing you can be sure of when working with older homes is that there are almost always surprises between the walls. For the Redding kitchen it took the form of a steel support beam that we discovered on the second day of demolition. Because it prevented us from opening up the doorway, we had to pivot and adjust the cabinet spacing. Electrical access was also a serious problem that required added creativity to be sure the new space would include all the functionality of a modern kitchen. But all the challenges were overcome through creativity and almost constant communication. At last, it was complete. Together we transformed the space into a beautiful transitional kitchen that is a joy to work in. The maple cabinets with full-overlay doors were painted in matte white with copper hardware. The countertop and backsplash were Hanstone Quartz in the Strato color. It included a 30” single-basin sink in 14-gauge hammered copper. For the floor they chose Lauzan Maple Hardwood in the Sahara finish, installed in the herringbone pattern. And to really set off the kitchen, the old appliances were replaced with new GE Café appliances in their classy matte white with brushed copper accents.