A classic Seattle craftsman home is reimagined and restored. We cherished the opportunity to help a young couple in Seattle develop a materials, fixtures and lighting package for their beloved home remodel. The master bathroom is layered with a mix of white and black marble hex mosaic floor tile, classic white offset brick pattern subway wall tile, and beautifully crafted wood wainscoting. Kohler's Artifacts plumbing trim collection brings fresh vintage style to the vanity and shower. An easy to care for quartz counter and backsplash adds a bright contrast to the a gorgeous providence blue custom vanity. The powder room which doubles as a guest bathroom is dressed in Pratt and Larson's ceramic mosaic floor tile and paired with a space saving pedestal sink by American Standard. Wall niches lined with white quartz are incorporated into both showers creating a dedicated place to store bathing amenities. The checkboard cork floor in the kitchen adds a FUN pop of personality. Custom mudroom cubbies and a built in eating nook were beautifully crafted and finished in a crisp white paint. Light fixtures by Rejuvenation bathe the room in beautiful period appropriate light. Clever storage hides small appliances and a stand mixer. This project was a labor of love for he homeowners who took an active part in the process and a joy for our team to be involved in! Interior Design (Materials, Fixtures and Lighting Package) by Jennifer Gardner Design Architecture by Gant Nychay Architecture Custom Mudroom, Kitchen Table and Eating Nook Built-ins: Hosburgh Custom Woodwork Photography by Emily Keeney

The mixture of grey green cabinets with the distressed wood floors and ceilings, gives this farmhouse kitchen a feeling of warmth. Cabinets: Brookhaven and the color is Green Stone Benjamin Moore paint color: There's not an exact match for Green Stone, but Gettysburg Grey, HC 107 is close. Sink: Krauss, model KHF200-30, stainless steel Faucet: Kraus, modelKPF-1602 Hardware: Restoration hardware, Dakota cup and Dakota round knob. The finish was either the chestnut or iron. Windows: Bloomberg is the manufacturer the hardware is from Restoration hardware--Dakota cup and Dakota round knob. The finish was either the chestnut or iron. Floors: European Oak that is wired brushed. The company is Provenza, Pompeii collection and the color is Amiata. Distressed wood: The wood is cedar that's been treated to look distressed! My client is brilliant , so he did some googling (is that a word?) and came across several sites that had a recipe to do just that. He put a steel wool pad into a jar of vinegar and let it sit for a bit. In another jar, he mixed black tea with water. Brush the tea on first and let it dry. Then brush on the steel wool/vinegar (don't forget to strain the wool). Voila, the wood turns dark. Andrew Mckinney Photography

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized country slate floor and gray floor eat-in kitchen idea in Boston with a single-bowl sink, blue cabinets, limestone countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Mid-sized transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen photo in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and white countertops

Aliza Schlabach Photography
Living room - large transitional enclosed light wood floor living room idea in Philadelphia with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

This brownstone renovation was a full gut project in every sense of the word. On top of installing new floors, a kitchen and bath renovation, and all the typical restoration and refinishing involved in a brownstone built in 1899, we also completely updated the exterior, constructed a balcony that was not originally there, and converted the space from a single-family home into an an owner’s triplex. A newly separated studio rental on the garden level offers the opportunity for supplemental income, an uncommon and welcome addition to a New York brownstone. A TRANSITIONAL GEM The result is a two-family brownstone that perfectly combines classic townhouse living with today’s modern needs, including SmartHome technology that we installed to control Bluetooth speakers, Nest thermostats, and the security system. The overall aesthetic goal was to pay homage to the historical periods the brownstone has lived through in a cohesive way that is the hallmark of modern transitional style. In the kitchen, white Shaker-style cabinetry, a subway tile backsplash, and marble rather than quartz countertops bring a classically upscale sensibility. To modernize the space further, we opened up the back wall to create floor-to-ceiling windows that are also doors, opening up into the newly built balcony. TIMELY TOUCHES This brownstone renovation included many quintessential elements, such as millwork like the ceiling medallions. We restored some and custom built others, perfectly recreating their original appearance. The heated master bathroom is now serene, with a walk-in shower featuring a subtly modern linear drain. A herringbone Carrera marble tiled floor and marble slab sink complete the scene. In the powder room, we embraced a contemporary look by pairing dark hexagonal floors with light chevron tiles, accented with dramatic navy blue wallpaper. With its clear-cut 1920s-style, we selected the wall sconce to reference one of the brownstone’s earlier eras. DESIGN DETAILS Natural oak herringbone floors we installed throughout the entire home bring a modern yet warm touch. We restored the wood-burning marble fireplace, which is fully functioning. An elegant staircase with a custom-crafted black wooden banister and white balusters winds up and down alongside a real brick interior wall that we restored and refinished. In this brownstone renovation, we were also able to create ceiling height, an unexpected yet aesthetically pleasing side benefit. When working on the joists and beams to level out the floors (a common issue in pre-war renovations) we added ceiling height in the main parlor floor by taking the second floor and raising the ceiling an entire foot. The end result is a main floor with stunning 9-foot ceilings. SOME HIGHLIGHTS - Solid natural oak herringbone floors throughout - A fully restored, refinished, and functioning wood burning fireplace with a marble mantle - Complete exterior renovation of the facade, cornices, windows, mouldings, and even the ironwork, including the railings leading up to the stoop and those facing the street - A brand new central air and heating system with uniquely modern vents – look above the couch in the living room with the fuzzy rug and large painting Considering a brownstone renovation? Contact us today! We specialize in brownstone renovations in New York as well as all pre-war apartments. When you work with a design-and-build firm like Gallery to renovate your brownstone, you get the full range of our expertise in working with all the finest details and pre-war architectural elements of these classic New York spaces. We also handle every step of the process, from filing permits and organizing schedules to sourcing custom pieces and building entirely new rooms (or even balconies). Call us for a free initial consultation when you’re ready.

This neglected farmhouse has found a new family. Together we will undo the exterior muddling of the past, restore the interior spaces and create an amazing home for future generations to enjoy. As part of the process, we are improving the function, durability, energy efficiency and appearance of this home. We are converting a screen porch into a much-needed mudroom, air sealing the walls, increasing the insulation throughout, using resilient materials, and restoring the trim with classic details. Thanks to the amazing clients and excellent building crew, this restoration has been a truly rewarding process; transforming a village eyesore into a beautiful home.

All the woodwork in the hallway was stripped of years of paint for repainting. This process helped to visually bring back the crisp detail in the millwork. The mahogany handrail was stripped and French polished.

Example of a trendy black floor home bar design in Denver

When used to clean natural stone, supermarket products can often cause more harm than good as this recent customer of mine discovered this the hard way! Originally from South Africa, she had lived in a flat in Clapham for a couple of years, but had to suddenly return home earlier than expected. However, part of her flat rental agreement required her to leave the property clean and as she found it, including the fantastic Slate shower cubicle. In a rush, the customer had attempted to clean the Slate using a popular supermarket bathroom cleaner. She left the product to sit on the base of the shower before scrubbing it in with an abrasive pan scourer. This was a big mistake – and the customer called me in a panic after discovering that her attempts had left the Slate severely stained. I traveled to the property to see what could be done to set the situation straight. Upon observing the damage in person, I decided that the best course of action would be to use a process known as burnishing to grind away the stains. I tested a small area of the cubicle with one of our handheld diamond encrusted burnishing blocks. Happy with the results of the test Clean, I started to burnish the whole cubicle using our system of four burnishing blocks, starting with the coarsest first and working my way down to the finest. A small amount of water was used as lubrication for each pad. Through the burnishing process, the white stains started to disappear, exposing the lighter grey coloured Slate shower base. After drying the area completely with a heat gun, I was able to seal the stone with two coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow. This impregnating sealer not only protects the stone but also importantly it restores the natural dark shades in the Slate, enhancing its overall appearance. As an impregnating sealer, Colour Grow penetrates the pores in the stone to fill them and prevent trapped dirt. To say the customer was very relieved would be a complete understatement! By hiring in professional assistance, the customer was able to resolve the situation quickly and painlessly – and more importantly hold onto her £3,000 deposit! Rupert Mcleod West Surrey Tile Doctor

Iron Fence Painting Lincoln Park Chicago - Professional Metal Refinishing Windy City Painters completed this comprehensive iron fence painting project for a beautiful Lincoln Park greystone property. Lincoln Park's historic architecture demands careful attention to detail, and furthermore, Chicago's harsh weather conditions require professional-grade materials and techniques for lasting protection. We utilized premium Sherwin-Williams rust inhibiting primer and Benjamin Moore exterior metal paint for maximum durability. Additionally, our team employed specialized rust removal tools and surface preparation equipment to ensure optimal adhesion and longevity. Our four-step process included complete rust removal and surface cleaning, minor repairs to damaged sections, premium primer application with proper curing time, and final topcoat application using spray and brush techniques for even coverage. Chicago's unique challenges include extreme temperature fluctuations, salt exposure from winter treatments, and moisture from Lake Michigan. Moreover, older properties often have multiple paint layers requiring careful removal. Therefore, professional expertise ensures proper preparation and material selection. The results exceeded client expectations with a smooth, durable finish that enhances the property's curb appeal. Subsequently, the fence now provides years of protection while complementing the neighborhood's architectural character perfectly. Before starting similar projects, homeowners should understand that proper surface preparation accounts for 80% of project success. Additionally, weather conditions significantly impact application timing and results. See more work and request free estimate at windypainters.com. Frequently Asked Questions: Q: How much does iron fence painting cost in Lincoln Park Chicago? A: Iron fence painting costs vary based on fence size, existing condition, rust damage extent, and preparation requirements needed. Q: What preparation is required for successful iron fence painting projects? A: Iron fence painting requires thorough rust removal, surface cleaning, minor repairs, primer application, and proper weather conditions. Q: How long does professional iron fence painting last in Chicago weather? A: Professional iron fence painting typically lasts 8-12 years with quality materials, proper preparation, and regular maintenance. Q: When is the best season for iron fence painting in Chicago? A: Spring through early fall provides optimal conditions for iron fence painting with appropriate temperature and humidity levels. Q: Can you match existing colors for iron fence painting restoration projects? A: Yes, we provide custom color matching services for iron fence painting to complement existing architectural elements perfectly. Q: Do you warranty iron fence painting work in Lincoln Park? A: Windy City Painters provides comprehensive warranties on all iron fence painting projects ensuring quality and customer satisfaction. Q: What makes professional iron fence painting worth the investment cost? A: Professional iron fence painting ensures proper preparation, quality materials, expert application techniques, and significantly extended fence lifespan. Q: How do you prevent rust from returning after iron fence painting? A: Our iron fence painting process includes rust inhibiting primer, quality topcoats, and proper surface preparation for maximum protection. Q: Can iron fence painting increase Lincoln Park property values significantly? A: Professional iron fence painting enhances curb appeal, property aesthetics, and market value in desirable Lincoln Park neighborhood. Q: What safety precautions are necessary during iron fence painting projects? A: Iron fence painting requires proper ventilation, protective equipment, lead paint testing, and professional safety protocols throughout.

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today. A Remodel That Balances Past and Present What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form. Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner. A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it. Navigating Challenges With Precision The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved. Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly. Details That Respect the Eichler DNA The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness. At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence. The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving. Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process. The Value of Evolving Scope As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun. The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA. Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa. Contractor: Golden Cove Construction Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2024 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

Recently it seems I am getting called out to an increasing number of new builds to sort out patchy grout issues. The reason why there have been so many issues arising is a bit of a mystery, but I put it down to a combination of things like poor quality grout, rushed installations, wet subfloors and the use of different batches. This recently built house in the village of Darton is a great example and in this case, I suspect two different batches of the same grout had been applied. Darton by the way is a small village in the Borough of Barnsley. Invariably these problems are picked up by the new owner on their snagging list, with the tiler long gone and the builder keen to get their final payment it is always a tricky situation to resolve. I find the best solution is to apply a Tile Doctor Grout Colourant, it’s a much quicker process than removing the old grout and replacing with new. Most new homeowners would not appreciate us ripping up their brand-new rooms and generating lots of dust in the process! Also, by using the Tile Doctor Grout Colourant it adds a barrier of the grout preventing dirt from discolouring it further down the line. Even though the house was brand new, the Porcelain Tiled floor was not looking great. The client was happy for me to go ahead and would take up the bill with the housebuilder. I first pre-treated it with Tile Doctors Grout Colourant Pre-Treatment. This removes any contamination from the grout which might affect the adhesion of the colourant and being an acid, it also etches the surface of the grout to ensure a superior bond with the colourant. The client chose our Light Grey colour which is one of 10 colours we offer. Once the pre-treatment had been applied, scrubbed, rinsed, and vacuumed away the floor was left to dry. Once dry we started applying the colourant, this is done with a small brush (a toothbrush is ideal) carefully scrubbing colourant into each grout joint and wiping off any excess that gets on the tiles before it is able to dry. Once complete the newly coloured grout lines totally transformed the floor and because the grout colorant is epoxy based the grout lines will stay stain free and never get dirty. The porcelain tiles were factory sealed so there is no need to apply a seal to the floor. I recommended the use of Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner to keep the floor in the best condition. It is pH neutral so is far less harsh on the surface than the everyday household cleaners available. It has a minty fragrance and is mild enough to use daily. They were very happy that the floor now looked as it should have from the start and was the finishing touch to their beautiful new home. Matthew Lovett South Yorkshire Tile Doctor

It’s fairly common for owners of older properties – especially houses those that are over 100 years old or more – to find original Victorian tiled flooring hidden underneath carpet. It can wait years for the tiles to be discovered, by which time they have amassed huge amounts of dirt and dust. Such was the case at this property in Bridlington, a Yorkshire town through which a stream known as the ‘Gypsey Race’ runs, before emptying in the North Sea at the Bridlington Harbour. Interestingly enough, folklore says that when the stream is flowing, bad fortune is at hand. The stream must not have been running on the day that we restored this Victorian hallway, as we managed to achieve some truly fantastic results!! The hallway had been severely dulled after going years without professional care. We set about giving it the thorough clean and fresh seal that I’d des partly needed. Here’s how we did it. Our first task was to remove any old, no longer effectual sealer. We did this by liberally applying a strong dilution of our alkaline-based Tile a Doctor Pro Clean, which doubles as a reliable cleaner and a stripper capable of stripping away old sealer. The product was worked into the tiles using a black stripping pad fitted to a 17″ rotary machine, and the process was repeated three times. I noticed that there was still some stubborn dirt and old sealer around the edges of the hallway, so I used some of our handheld diamond encrusted burnishing blocks to grind it away. To finish the cleaning process, we washed the floor with Tile Doctor pH Neutral Tile Cleaner, leaving it fresh and ready to be sealed once left to dry overnight. Upon our return to the property the next day, we ran some quick tests to check for any excess moisture (even a small amount could have damaged the performance of the new sealer). Once satisfied with the the condition of the floor, we proceeded to see it with an impregnating sealer, meaning a sealer that penetrates into the pores of the tile to fill them and therefore prevent trapped dirt and ingrained stains. Our impregnating sealer, Tile Doctor Colour Grow, has the added benefit of being colour intensifying, which really highlights the unique colourful patterns of the tiles. To give the floor a durable sheen finish, as requested by the customer, we also added a coat of Tile Doctor Seal and Go sealer. The result was a complete transformation of the condition and appearance of this great Victorian tiled hallway. Our customer is very pleased – the floor is now a complete asset to any property, and will now be easier to keep looking great in future. Ronnie Phipps East Yorkshire Tile Doctor

Here’s an interesting work I recently completed on a red Quarry tiled floor at a house in the town of Abington, Northampton. In post-war Britain (more specifically in the 1940s and 1950s), many new homes were built with Quarry tiled hallways and kitchens, so quite a popular feature back then. These floors are typically quite hard wearing and therefore ideal for such high traffic areas; additionally they don’t need a great deal of maintenance but their appearance will degrade over time. In this particular house, the Quarry tiled floor had been covered with linoleum for many years, causing significant patches of visible black mould. The floor also had a loose tile (which I promptly reset to mitigate the potential tripping hazard) and splashes of paint due to a lack of precaution while the house was being renovated. Needless to say, the floor needed a lot of work. Before beginning the cleaning I made sure to vacuum up all of the loose debris from the floor. I then applied Tile Doctor Remove & Go to the tiles, left it to dwell for a short period, and then agitated the area with a black stripping pad, adding water to aid the process. This helped to break down any old and ineffectual sealer, along with the paint splashes marking the tiles, leaving a much cleaner and more refined appearance. I followed this up with Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up to eliminate the odd speck of cement and grout haze dating back to when the floor was first installed; Gout Clean-up has an acid base so it’s not advised to leave it on the tiles for too long, consequently as soon as I was happy it had done the job I rinsed it off with water and give the floor a thorough wash down. I used a wet-vacuum machine to extract as much water as possible and gave the floor a once over with steam cleaner which improves the evaporation of any remaining moisture by heating up the tiles. After completing the cleaning process, I left the house to allow time for the floor to dry completely. Upon my return, I conducted a damp test which showed the floor needed to dry further before sealing so I left an industrial fan in place for a couple of hours to help speed things up. Once I was satisfied that the floor was dry enough to take the sealant, I sealed the floor using Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is an interesting product that will not only provide durable stain protection but also improves the natural colours of the tile. While the floor required a lot of time and work to restore, I think you will agree the results were certainly worth waiting for. Phil Vissian Northamptonshire Tile Doctor

A customer called me out to take a look at restoring the Red and Black Victorian Quarry tiles floor they had discovered under linoleum In the kitchen of their house in the town of Rushden. I carried out a patch test to see which products would have the best results and although most of the old sealants had worn of over time there was still glue from the lino and patches of sealer that would have to be dealt with. A quote was given and accepted and the work was booked in to the customer’s convenience. After vacuuming and mopping the floor I decided my best course of action would be to spray Tile Doctor Remove and Go to 25% of the area, this was then scrubbed in by machine using a black stripping pad. This area was then rinsed off with an extraction machine and the process repeated over the rest of the floor. I then inspected the floor and noticed a few shiny patches where the sealant hadn’t been fully removed so I then tackled these stubborn areas by hand with a second application of Remove & Go. A final rinse to the whole floor was given to make sure no trace of cleaning product remained before sealing. As much water as possible was removed using the extraction machine and a dehumidifier installed and left for seven days to assist the drying process. On my return I confirmed the floor had dried thoroughly by taking took damp meter readings in different parts of the floor. All was well and so I proceeded to seal the tiles using multiple coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go which matched the customers’ requirements of gloss finish. As the pictures show there was a vast improvement in the floor and the customer was very pleased with the results. They were also given information on maintenance of this type of floor to keep it looking its best for years to come.

Architects: B.E. Architecture Photographer: Derek Swalwell
Bedroom - modern carpeted and brown floor bedroom idea in Los Angeles with gray walls and a standard fireplace

Sandstone is a particularly popular choice for kitchen and hallway floors amongst home owners in the UK. It not only possesses beautiful natural shades and features, but it is also typically hard wearing, making it an ideal stone for tiled flooring in high traffic areas of a house and can often be found laid as large riven flagstones in pubs and other commercial premises. Naturally, just like any other type of tiled floor, Sandstone needs to be maintained using appropriate products and methods. A lack of adequate surface sealer in particular leaves Sandstone susceptible to ingrained dirt, and can leave distinct, unsightly patches such as those in the photograph below. In this instance, I visited a client in the old Essex town of Thaxted, who believed that her four square meter Sandstone tiled floor might be suffering from damp issues after lifting up the mats covering the area. However, when I arrived at the property and ran damp tests, I found the issue to be superficial. The Sandstone floor however did require attention in the form of a deep clean and a fresh seal to tackle the white patches and prevent further discolouration. To begin the cleaning process I spread Tile Doctor Remove & Go evenly across the floor. It was left to dwell for approximately 15 minutes, during which time it worked to break down the old sealer remaining on the tiles. I then agitated the area twice over with both a black scrubbing pad fitted to a rotation machine lift away any dirt. The resultant slurry was removed using a wet vacuum and the floor was then rinsed with water and then mixed a strong solution of one part Tile Doctor Pro Clean to three parts water which was used to give the floor a final clean and scrub the grout clean before using the wet vacuum again and giving the floor a final rinse with water. After completing the cleaning process I left the floor to dry over the weekend. Upon my return to the house I proceeded to seal the tiles with three coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is an impregnating sealer that soaks into the pores of the stone and provide durable surface protection going forward. Colour Grow is also specially designed to let the floor breathe and enhance the natural colours in the stone and, in this case, really helped to intensify the natural sand-coloured shades in the tiles. The difference made to these Sandstone tiles was really noticeable, with the white patches completely removed and the surface more generally back to looking like new, needless to say, my client was very happy with the results. Nick Murphy South Essex Tile Doctor