Search results for "Require" in Home Design Ideas

The best way to get increased functionality, space, design & value for your home is to hire the services of certified general contractors like EX Remodeling that can help in a task of home remodeling in Poway. This is how all aging & outdated homes in this city are getting a design, space and functionality transformation or a makeover.
Home Remodeling in Poway, CA - https://exremodeling.com/

First, we conducted thorough surface preparation including wall conditioning and primer application. Second, we precisely measured and calculated pattern repeats for perfect alignment. Third, we applied premium adhesive using professional techniques for long-lasting adhesion. Finally, we completed meticulous finishing work including seam treatment and detail trimming.
**Chicago-Specific Challenges**
River North high-rises present unique installation challenges including building access restrictions, climate-controlled environments, and coordination with building management. Furthermore, these luxury spaces demand the highest quality standards and minimal disruption to residents.
**Exceptional Results**
The completed wallpaper installation transformed this River North condo into a designer showcase, perfectly complementing the urban sophistication and architectural elegance of downtown Chicago living.
**Professional Tips**
Always choose experienced installers familiar with luxury building requirements. Additionally, select wallpaper designed for Chicago's climate variations and ensure proper surface preparation for lasting results.
See more work and request free estimate at windypainters.com.
**Frequently Asked Questions**
Q: Why choose wallpaper installation River North specialists? A: We understand luxury condo requirements and building management protocols essential for downtown projects.
Q: How do you handle pattern matching? A: Our experts use precision measuring and mathematical calculations for perfect wallpaper installation River North pattern alignment.
Q: Can you work in occupied condos? A: Yes, we coordinate schedules and minimize disruption during wallpaper installation River North residential projects.
Q: Do you remove existing wallpaper? A: Absolutely, we provide complete removal and surface preparation for new wallpaper installation River North applications.
Q: What about building restrictions? A: We coordinate with management and follow all protocols for wallpaper installation River North high-rise requirements.
Q: How long does installation take? A: Most wallpaper installation River North projects complete within one to two days depending on scope.
Q: Do you warranty your work? A: Yes, all wallpaper installation River North projects include comprehensive warranties for materials and workmanship.
Q: Can you install designer wallpaper? A: We specialize in premium materials and complex patterns for luxury wallpaper installation River North projects.
Q: Do you offer consultations? A: Yes, we provide design guidance and material selection for wallpaper installation River North residential spaces.
Q: What makes you different? A: Our wallpaper installation River North expertise combines luxury experience with downtown building management coordination skills.

We were approached with a request to design the furnishings for an existing ‘finished’ apartment. The intention was to move in relatively fast, and the property already had an existing marble floor, kitchen and bathrooms which had to be kept. The property also boasted a fantastic 270 degree view, seen from most of the apartment. The clients had a very important role in the completion of the project. They were very involved during the design process and through various decoration choices. The final design was kept as a rigid guideline when faced with picking out all the different elements.
Once clear of all previous furniture, the space felt cold and bare; so we immediately felt the need for warmth, and raw, natural elements and textures to complement the cold marble floor while visually tying in the design of the whole apartment together.
Since the existing kitchen had a touch of dark walnut stain, we felt this material was one we should add to the palette of materials to contest the stark materials. A raw cement finish was another material we felt would add an interesting contrast and could be used in a variety of ways, from cabinets to walls and ceilings, to tie up the design of various areas of the apartment.
To warm up the living/dining area, keeping the existing marble floor but visually creating zones within the large living/dining area without hindering the flow, a dark timber custom-made soffit, continuous with a floor-to-ceiling drinks cabinet zones the dining area, giving it a degree of much-needed warmth.
The various windows with a stupendous 270 degree view needed to be visually tied together. This was done by introducing a continuous sheer [drape] which also doubled up as a sound-absorbing material along 2 of the 4 walls of the space.
A very large sofa was required to fill up the space correctly, also required for the size of the young family.
Services were integrated within the units and soffits, while a customized design in the corner between the kitchen and the living room took into consideration the viewpoints from the main areas to create a pantry without hindering the flow or views. A strategically placed floor-to-ceiling mirror doubles up the space and extends the view to the inner parts of the apartment.
The daughter’s bedroom was a small challenge in itself, and a fun task, where we wanted to achieve the perception of a cozy niche with its own enclosed reading nook [for reading fairy tales], behind see-through curtains and a custom-ordered wall print sporting the girl’s favorite colors.
The sons’ bedroom had double the requirements in terms of space needed: more wardrobe, more homework desk space, a tv/play station area… “We combined a raised platform area between the boys’ beds to become an area with cushions where the kids can lay down and play, and face a hidden screen behind the homework desk’s sliding back panel for their play station”. The color of the homework desk was chosen in relation to the boys’ ages. A more masculine material palette was chosen for this room, in contrast to the light pastel palette of the girl’s bedroom. Again, this colour can easily be changed over time for a more mature look.
PROJECT DATA:
St. Paul’s Bay, Malta
DESIGN TEAM:
Perit Rebecca Zammit, Perit Daniel Scerri, Elyse Tonna
OTHER CREDITS:
Photography: Tonio Lombardi
Styling : TKS
Find the right local pro for your project

A majority of small-sized city homes are now looking for space reclamation through ADU construction services in Hidden Hills that promises them additional square footage and carpet area, by smartly converting a garage. This is how all space-crunched residences are readying themselves to welcome guests and new family members.
ADU and Garage Conversion in Hidden Hills, CA - https://www.sunshineremodelers.com/

Kitchen - transitional u-shaped kitchen idea in New York with shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture
Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset.
The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu .
Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home.
The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south.
Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape.
The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature.
Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design.
Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view.
Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward.
Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan
Structural Engineer: ZFA
Contractor: Maison D’Artiste
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2023

We were approached with a request to design the furnishings for an existing ‘finished’ apartment. The intention was to move in relatively fast, and the property already had an existing marble floor, kitchen and bathrooms which had to be kept. The property also boasted a fantastic 270 degree view, seen from most of the apartment. The clients had a very important role in the completion of the project. They were very involved during the design process and through various decoration choices. The final design was kept as a rigid guideline when faced with picking out all the different elements.
Once clear of all previous furniture, the space felt cold and bare; so we immediately felt the need for warmth, and raw, natural elements and textures to complement the cold marble floor while visually tying in the design of the whole apartment together.
Since the existing kitchen had a touch of dark walnut stain, we felt this material was one we should add to the palette of materials to contest the stark materials. A raw cement finish was another material we felt would add an interesting contrast and could be used in a variety of ways, from cabinets to walls and ceilings, to tie up the design of various areas of the apartment.
To warm up the living/dining area, keeping the existing marble floor but visually creating zones within the large living/dining area without hindering the flow, a dark timber custom-made soffit, continuous with a floor-to-ceiling drinks cabinet zones the dining area, giving it a degree of much-needed warmth.
The various windows with a stupendous 270 degree view needed to be visually tied together. This was done by introducing a continuous sheer [drape] which also doubled up as a sound-absorbing material along 2 of the 4 walls of the space.
A very large sofa was required to fill up the space correctly, also required for the size of the young family.
Services were integrated within the units and soffits, while a customized design in the corner between the kitchen and the living room took into consideration the viewpoints from the main areas to create a pantry without hindering the flow or views. A strategically placed floor-to-ceiling mirror doubles up the space and extends the view to the inner parts of the apartment.
The daughter’s bedroom was a small challenge in itself, and a fun task, where we wanted to achieve the perception of a cozy niche with its own enclosed reading nook [for reading fairy tales], behind see-through curtains and a custom-ordered wall print sporting the girl’s favorite colors.
The sons’ bedroom had double the requirements in terms of space needed: more wardrobe, more homework desk space, a tv/play station area… “We combined a raised platform area between the boys’ beds to become an area with cushions where the kids can lay down and play, and face a hidden screen behind the homework desk’s sliding back panel for their play station”. The color of the homework desk was chosen in relation to the boys’ ages. A more masculine material palette was chosen for this room, in contrast to the light pastel palette of the girl’s bedroom. Again, this colour can easily be changed over time for a more mature look.
PROJECT DATA:
St. Paul’s Bay, Malta
DESIGN TEAM:
Perit Rebecca Zammit, Perit Daniel Scerri, Elyse Tonna
OTHER CREDITS:
Photography: Tonio Lombardi
Styling : TKS

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture
Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset.
The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu .
Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home.
The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south.
Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape.
The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature.
Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design.
Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view.
Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward.
Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan
Structural Engineer: ZFA
Contractor: Maison D’Artiste
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2023

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture
Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset.
The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu .
Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home.
The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south.
Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape.
The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature.
Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design.
Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view.
Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward.
Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan
Structural Engineer: ZFA
Contractor: Maison D’Artiste
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2023

The site for this waterfront residence is located on the
Great Neck Peninsula, facing west to views of NYC and
the borough bridges. When purchased, there existed a
50-year-old house and pool structurally condemned
which required immediate removal. Once the site was
cleared, a year was devoted to stabilizing the seawall
and hill to accommodate the newly proposed home.
The lot size, shape and relationship to an easement
access road, overlaid with strict zoning regulations was
a key factor in the organization of the client’s program
elements. The arc contour of the easement road and
required setback informed the front facade shape,
which was designed as a privacy screen, as adjacent
homes are in close proximity. Due to strict height
requirements the house from the street appears to be
one story and then steps down the hill allowing for
three fully occupiable floors. The local jurisdiction also
granted special approval accepting the design of the
garage, within the front set back, as its roof is level with
the roadbed and fully landscaped. A path accesses a
hidden door to the bedroom level of the house. The
garage is accessed through a semicircular driveway
that leads to a depressed entry courtyard, offering
privacy to the main entrance.
The configuration of the home is a U-shape surrounding a
rear courtyard. This shape, along with suspended pods
assures water views to all occupants while not
compromising privacy from the adjacent homes.
The house is constructed on a steel frame, clad with fiber
cement, resin panels and an aluminum curtain wall
system. All roofs are accessible as either decks or
landscaped garden areas.
The lower level accesses decks, an outdoor kitchen, and
pool area which are perched on the edge of the upper
retaining wall.

An old cottage by the ocean gets a new lease on life and reemerges as the house of these homeowners’ dreams. Required to stay within the confinements of the existing home, the new bathroom was carefully designed with useful space in mind. The double sink vanity features ceiling to counter storage designed with Barcelona Raised door style in Maple, and is finished in a custom color. The home’s design required duct work for heating and cooling to be above the soffit of the vanity, requiring custom molding. And the shower finished with natural stone, coupled with mirrored cabinetry door fronts, allows light to bounce within the space and creates the appearance of open space.
Designed by Linda Cloutier
Linda Cloutier Kitchens & Baths

Contour Construction & Design
Screened Porch with Clear Pine T&G Ceiling, Ceramic Tile Floor and color matched to house.
Inspiration for a large craftsman tile screened-in back porch remodel in Charlotte with a roof extension
Inspiration for a large craftsman tile screened-in back porch remodel in Charlotte with a roof extension

Xtreme Renovations, LLC has completed another amazing Master Bathroom Renovation for our repeat clients in Lakewood Forest/NW Harris County.
This Project required transforming a 1970’s Constructed Roman Themed Master Bathroom to a Modern State-of-the-Art Master Asian-inspired Bathroom retreat with many Upgrades.
The demolition of the existing Master Bathroom required removing all existing floor and shower Tile, all Vanities, Closest shelving, existing Sky Light above a large Roman Jacuzzi Tub, all drywall throughout the existing Master Bath, shower enclosure, Columns, Double Entry Doors and Medicine Cabinets.
The Construction Phase of this Transformation included enlarging the Shower, installing new Glass Block in Shower Area, adding Polished Quartz Shower Seating, Shower Trim at the Shower entry and around the Shower enclosure, Shower Niche and Rain Shower Head. Seamless Glass Shower Door was included in the Upgrade.
New Drywall was installed throughout the Master Bathroom with major Plumbing upgrades including the installation of Tank Less Water Heater which is controlled by Blue Tooth Technology. The installation of a stainless Japanese Soaking Tub is a unique Feature our Clients desired and added to the ‘Wow Factor’ of this Project.
New Floor Tile was installed in the Master Bathroom, Master Closets and Water Closet (W/C). Pebble Stone on Shower Floor and around the Japanese Tub added to the Theme our clients required to create an Inviting and Relaxing Space.
Custom Built Vanity Cabinetry with Towers, all with European Door Hinges, Soft Closing Doors and Drawers. The finish was stained and frosted glass doors inserts were added to add a Touch of Class. In the Master Closets, Custom Built Cabinetry and Shelving were added to increase space and functionality. The Closet Cabinetry and shelving was Painted for a clean look.
New lighting was installed throughout the space. LED Lighting on dimmers with Décor electrical Switches and outlets were included in the Project. Lighted Medicine Cabinets and Accent Lighting for the Japanese Tub completed this Amazing Renovation that clients desired and Xtreme Renovations, LLC delivered.
Extensive Drywall work and Painting completed the Project. New sliding entry Doors to the Master Bathroom were added.
From Design Concept to Completion, Xtreme Renovations, LLC and our Team of Professionals deliver the highest quality of craftsmanship and attention to details. Our “in-house” Design Team, attention to keeping your home as clean as possible throughout the Renovation Process and friendliness of the Xtreme Team set us apart from others. Contact Xtreme Renovations, LLC for your Renovation needs. At Xtreme Renovations, LLC, “It’s All In The Details”.

We received a request to renovate Victorian tiled hallway floor at a house in the London borough of Harlesden NW10. My client had modernised the heating system and this unfortunately required a section of the tiled flooring to be dug up so new pipework could be laid.
After speaking on the phone, I arranged an initial visit to the property so I could properly assess the work required and provide a price for restoring the floor. During my visit I could see there was another section of missing tiles at one of the door thresholds which would need attention. Except for the missing sections of floor I could see that the tiles themselves were in good condition for their age and would respond well to a deep clean and fresh seal.
I was confident on being able to source matching replacements for the missing tiles and reassured my client that we would be able not only repair the floor but also renovate it to a good standard. I gave them a price to do the restoration which they were happy to accept, and the work was booked.
After some research I managed to source replacement tiles from the Vintage Floor Tile Company in Kent; Victorian tiles are still popular so there a few companies that keep stock so we can usually find a match.
With the replacements in hand, work started by removing the cement and loose material from the missing sections of flooring and backfilling with self-levelling compound to bring the exposed base up to the right level for tiling.
The tiles were then cut to shape as required to match the existing patten and fixed into place with a quick setting adhesive and then grouted.
The floor was left to overnight to allow the adhesive to harden fully, and I returned the next day to deep clean the whole floor. To give the tiles are deep clean a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go was sprayed onto the floor and left to soak in for ten minutes. It was then scrubbed into the floor using a rotary machine fitted with a with a black pad. This action lifted the dirt out of the tiles and the resulting slurry was removed with the wet vacuum.
It turned out that the pores of the tiles were holding a lot of dirt, so the process was repeated until I was satisfied. Due to the age of the property, there was no damp-proof membrane installed so I do try to minimise the amount of water I use in this process as there is always a chance of exacerbating any latent efflorescence issues.
Efflorescence occurs where moisture rises through the tile bringing with it salts from underneath the floor as it evaporates on the surface. This can lead to unsightly white marks appearing on the tile. To counteract this potential problem the cleaning was followed by an acid wash using Tile Doctor Acid Gel applied with a 100 then 200-grit pad, before finishing on a 400-grit burnishing pad. The floor was again rinsed with water after the application of each pad to remove the slurry and extracted with a wet vacuum.
Once I was satisfied the floor was as clean as possible, we left site and the area was left to dry over the weekend ready for application of a new sealer.
I returned on the Monday and started by taking a few moisture readings to check the floor was dry. The floor was in an acceptable range, so I applied the first of 4 coats of sealer. For this floor I chose Tile Doctor Seal and Go Extra which is specially formulated product that provides stain resistance with a hard wearing low-sheen finish.
This product is also breathable which is an important feature for old floors, anything that blocks moisture from rising through the tile will cause it to become trapped underneath where it will pool and eventually reach out to the walls and result in rising damp.
Once complete the floor looked brand new and I’m pleased to say with the deep clean and a fresh sealer applied it was impossible to tell the difference between the original and repaired sections of flooring.
For the aftercare of sealed Victorian tiled floors, I recommend Tile Doctor Neutral Cleaner, it’s a mild day to day cleaner with a neutral pH that won’t damage the sealer. Many of the tile cleaning products you find in supermarkets are simply too strong.
Andrew Newstead
North London Tile Doctor

CLIENT ISSUES/PROBLEMS
o Large property with variety of native and foreign species
o requires expertise and thorough understanding of gardening to ensure property maintenance
o regular functions held on weekends, require coordination to ensure all aspects of required gardening are addressed
MOMENTOUS APPROACH
o 6 year maintenance client
o weekly maintenance scheduled for end of week to ensure property looks it’s best for weekend functions
o recommendation of plants and soil for areas needing replacement or additions
o consistent crew leader to ensure development of relationship with client
o treatment of plants for pests/mites/insects (IPM Certified Staff)
RESULTS
o Well maintained property that shows amazing colour and interest year-round
o Strong relationship between Momentous Impressions and Client, allowing for ease of communication and quick follow-up for client requests

Photo: Janice Tucker for Santa Fe Botanical Garden
Growth habit of alkali sacaton Sporobolus airoides taken at Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve, Santa Fe, NM (La Cienega), a Santa Fe Botanical Garden site.

A majority of small-sized city homes are now looking for space reclamation through ADU construction services in Hidden Hills that promises them additional square footage and carpet area, by smartly converting a garage. This is how all space-crunched residences are readying themselves to welcome guests and new family members.
ADU and Garage Conversion in Hidden Hills, CA - https://www.sunshineremodelers.com/

New Urban Luxury
Private Residence – Alys Beach, Florida
Architect: Khoury & Vogt Architects
Builder: BRW Builders of Destin
E. F. San Juan supplied all the interior and exterior wood millwork for this expertly designed residence adjacent to the snow-white dunes found in the serene New Urban townscape of Alys Beach, Florida.
Challenges:
The most significant design challenge of this project was to engineer a processing method to fabricate the complex millwork components in mass for the outdoor lounge. Khoury & Vogt Architects created a custom design for an inspiring and elegant outdoor living space. Fortunately, this house had a resourceful and creative team ensuring the vision of the design stayed intact.
Solution:
The intricate design required a creative approach which entailed high-level fabricating skills. “This project stands out in my mind because it required that I personally design and build numerous jigs,” says Edward San Juan. Taking on the challenge, San Juan designed and handcrafted each jig to the exact specification required for the exterior design.
The team at E. F. San Juan continued with the creative approach, integrating and assembling the custom jigs to produce a work of art. The millwork beautifully complements the sleek white design on the deep indoor-outdoor decks, allowing the feel of the surrounding nature to flow inside. The result is a breathtaking and inspiring New Urban home in a luxurious beach town along Scenic Highway 30-A.
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Photography by Jack Gardner
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