Search results for "Restoration process" in Home Design Ideas

Naked buckwheat (Eriogonum nudum) with red buckwheat (Eriogonum grande var. rubescens). Photo by Pete Veilleux, East Bay Wilds

These dryers are facing the most saturated area of the room.
Home design - traditional home design idea in DC Metro
Home design - traditional home design idea in DC Metro

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
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e4 Interior Design
This farmhouse was purchased by the clients in the end of 2015. The timeframe for the renovation was tight, as the home is a hot summer rental in the historic district of Kennebunkport. This antique colonial home had been expanded over the years. The intention behind the renovation was quite simple; to remove wall paper, apply fresh paint, change out some light fixtures and renovate the kitchen. A somewhat small project turned into a massive renovation, with the renovation of 3 bathrooms and a powder room, a kitchen, adding a staircase, plumbing, floors, changing windows, not to mention furnishing the entire house afterwords. The finished product really speaks for itself!
The aesthetic is "coastal farmhouse". We did not want to make it too coastal (as it is not on the water, but rather in a coastal town) or too farmhouse-y (while still trying to maintain some of the character of the house.) Old floors on both the first and second levels were made plumb (reused as vertical supports), and the old wood beams were repurposed as well - both in the floors and in the architectural details. For example - in the fireplace in the kitchen and around the door openings into the dining room you can see the repurposed wood! The newel post and balusters on the mudroom stairs were also from the repurposed lot of wood, but completely refinished for a new use.
The clients were young and savvy, with a very hands on approach to the design and construction process. A very skilled bargain hunter, the client spent much of her free time when she was not working, going to estate sales and outlets to outfit the house. Their builder, as stated earlier, was very savvy in reusing wood where he could as well as salvaging things such as the original doors and door hardware while at the same time bringing the house up to date.

This North Shore of Boston client wanted to make a change; she decided to purchase a seaside antique home and was up for the challenge to re-design and remodel. Her plan involved re-locating her mother from Florida to the newly added wing of the house when the remodel was in full swing.
We believed that what was standing between our client and the kitchen of her dreams was a well thought out, creative design and a wall or two…
Once outdated and worn, this 1830 antique kitchen was closed off from the family room and dining spaces. The newly re-configured kitchen with re-claimed wide-plank wood floors and restorations to wood cladding on the ceiling, beam and open corner shelving really warmed up the room and welcomes friends, neighbors and relatives. Wood bead board paneling around the island cabinetry along with mixed metals, tie in nicely with the stunning soapstone countertops with distinctive copper-colored veining, creating a beautiful vintage appeal.
Styled to look like an old-fashioned stove, this steel range boasts modern conveniences such as dual-fuel (gas burners and electric oven) and a convection oven crowned by a custom steel hood adorned with rivets and metal trims.
To enrich the vintage feel, a white farm-style fire clay apron sink was installed that also evokes a classic and time- honored feel.
Although the process was daunting as it presented several challenges, it was a rewarding experience when the project was completed. Our client and her mother were absolutely thrilled with the final results.
“Thank you to Cathy and Ed very much for all your assistance with my kitchen planning! I’m fortunate to have had your input and expertise! It was great seeing you and spending time together and my mom really liked you both. I would welcome you to stop by and say hello when you’re headed to Portsmouth or the north shore. All the best!”
-Jill P.

This North Shore of Boston client wanted to make a change; she decided to purchase a seaside antique home and was up for the challenge to re-design and remodel. Her plan involved re-locating her mother from Florida to the newly added wing of the house when the remodel was in full swing.
We believed that what was standing between our client and the kitchen of her dreams was a well thought out, creative design and a wall or two…
Once outdated and worn, this 1830 antique kitchen was closed off from the family room and dining spaces. The newly re-configured kitchen with re-claimed wide-plank wood floors and restorations to wood cladding on the ceiling, beam and open corner shelving really warmed up the room and welcomes friends, neighbors and relatives. Wood bead board paneling around the island cabinetry along with mixed metals, tie in nicely with the stunning soapstone countertops with distinctive copper-colored veining, creating a beautiful vintage appeal.
Styled to look like an old-fashioned stove, this steel range boasts modern conveniences such as dual-fuel (gas burners and electric oven) and a convection oven crowned by a custom steel hood adorned with rivets and metal trims.
To enrich the vintage feel, a white farm-style fire clay apron sink was installed that also evokes a classic and time- honored feel.
Although the process was daunting as it presented several challenges, it was a rewarding experience when the project was completed. Our client and her mother were absolutely thrilled with the final results.
“Thank you to Cathy and Ed very much for all your assistance with my kitchen planning! I’m fortunate to have had your input and expertise! It was great seeing you and spending time together and my mom really liked you both. I would welcome you to stop by and say hello when you’re headed to Portsmouth or the north shore. All the best!”
-Jill P.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

? Elevate Your Home's Charm with a Front Porch Makeover! ?
✨ Front porch beautifully refinished by the top-notch professionals at Windy City Painters, the best painting company in Chicago! ?
Here's a glimpse of the meticulous process :
? Power Wash Magic:
Started with a thorough power wash to bid farewell to dirt, grime, and the remnants of old paint. The porch now sparkles!
? Wood Whispering - Sanding Edition:
Embraced the art of sanding to create a smooth canvas for the upcoming masterpiece. Goodbye rough edges, hello silky surfaces!
? Stairway to Elegance - Staining the Steps:
The step treads and landing got a luxurious makeover with a premium stain, adding warmth and sophistication to the entrance. It's like a red carpet for your doorstep!
⚪ Radiant in White - Railings, Risers, and Sides:
The talented hands at Windy City Painters painted the railings, risers, and step sides in a crisp, classic white. The result? A porch that exudes timeless charm and curb appeal.
?♂️ About Windy City Painters:
? Expertise Beyond Compare: Windy City Painters specializes not only in front porch refinishing but also in wrought iron fences and metal porches. They work their magic with rust removal, treatment, and restoration, ensuring longevity and beauty.
? Drywall Water Damage Repairs: Water damage? Not a problem! They're your go-to for seamless drywall repairs, leaving no traces of past troubles.
?️ Wallpaper Wizards: Transform your interiors with their impeccable wallpaper installation services. From subtle textures to bold patterns, they bring your vision to life.
? Kitchen Cabinets Revival: Give your kitchen a facelift! Windy City Painters excels in painting kitchen cabinets, turning them from outdated to dazzling.
? Contact Windy City Painters:
? WindyCityPainters.com
? WindyPainters.com
☎️ Phone: 773-818-6331
? andy@windypainters.com
✅ Experience the Windy City Painters Difference!
Transforming homes into masterpieces, one stroke at a time. Schedule your consultation today and let the experts work their magic. Your dream home awaits!
#WindyCityPainters #ChicagoPainting #HomeMakeover #FrontPorchRefinishing #PorchPainter #ChicagoWallpaperInstaller #ChicagoCabinetsPainter ✨?️

This North Shore of Boston client wanted to make a change; she decided to purchase a seaside antique home and was up for the challenge to re-design and remodel. Her plan involved re-locating her mother from Florida to the newly added wing of the house when the remodel was in full swing.
We believed that what was standing between our client and the kitchen of her dreams was a well thought out, creative design and a wall or two…
Once outdated and worn, this 1830 antique kitchen was closed off from the family room and dining spaces. The newly re-configured kitchen with re-claimed wide-plank wood floors and restorations to wood cladding on the ceiling, beam and open corner shelving really warmed up the room and welcomes friends, neighbors and relatives. Wood bead board paneling around the island cabinetry along with mixed metals, tie in nicely with the stunning soapstone countertops with distinctive copper-colored veining, creating a beautiful vintage appeal.
Styled to look like an old-fashioned stove, this steel range boasts modern conveniences such as dual-fuel (gas burners and electric oven) and a convection oven crowned by a custom steel hood adorned with rivets and metal trims.
To enrich the vintage feel, a white farm-style fire clay apron sink was installed that also evokes a classic and time- honored feel.
Although the process was daunting as it presented several challenges, it was a rewarding experience when the project was completed. Our client and her mother were absolutely thrilled with the final results.
“Thank you to Cathy and Ed very much for all your assistance with my kitchen planning! I’m fortunate to have had your input and expertise! It was great seeing you and spending time together and my mom really liked you both. I would welcome you to stop by and say hello when you’re headed to Portsmouth or the north shore. All the best!”
-Jill P.

? Elevate Your Home's Charm with a Front Porch Makeover! ?
✨ Front porch beautifully refinished by the top-notch professionals at Windy City Painters, the best painting company in Chicago! ?
Here's a glimpse of the meticulous process :
? Power Wash Magic:
Started with a thorough power wash to bid farewell to dirt, grime, and the remnants of old paint. The porch now sparkles!
? Wood Whispering - Sanding Edition:
Embraced the art of sanding to create a smooth canvas for the upcoming masterpiece. Goodbye rough edges, hello silky surfaces!
? Stairway to Elegance - Staining the Steps:
The step treads and landing got a luxurious makeover with a premium stain, adding warmth and sophistication to the entrance. It's like a red carpet for your doorstep!
⚪ Radiant in White - Railings, Risers, and Sides:
The talented hands at Windy City Painters painted the railings, risers, and step sides in a crisp, classic white. The result? A porch that exudes timeless charm and curb appeal.
?♂️ About Windy City Painters:
? Expertise Beyond Compare: Windy City Painters specializes not only in front porch refinishing but also in wrought iron fences and metal porches. They work their magic with rust removal, treatment, and restoration, ensuring longevity and beauty.
? Drywall Water Damage Repairs: Water damage? Not a problem! They're your go-to for seamless drywall repairs, leaving no traces of past troubles.
?️ Wallpaper Wizards: Transform your interiors with their impeccable wallpaper installation services. From subtle textures to bold patterns, they bring your vision to life.
? Kitchen Cabinets Revival: Give your kitchen a facelift! Windy City Painters excels in painting kitchen cabinets, turning them from outdated to dazzling.
? Contact Windy City Painters:
? WindyCityPainters.com
? WindyPainters.com
☎️ Phone: 773-818-6331
? andy@windypainters.com
✅ Experience the Windy City Painters Difference!
Transforming homes into masterpieces, one stroke at a time. Schedule your consultation today and let the experts work their magic. Your dream home awaits!
#WindyCityPainters #ChicagoPainting #HomeMakeover #FrontPorchRefinishing #PorchPainter #ChicagoWallpaperInstaller #ChicagoCabinetsPainter ✨?️

This North Shore of Boston client wanted to make a change; she decided to purchase a seaside antique home and was up for the challenge to re-design and remodel. Her plan involved re-locating her mother from Florida to the newly added wing of the house when the remodel was in full swing.
We believed that what was standing between our client and the kitchen of her dreams was a well thought out, creative design and a wall or two…
Once outdated and worn, this 1830 antique kitchen was closed off from the family room and dining spaces. The newly re-configured kitchen with re-claimed wide-plank wood floors and restorations to wood cladding on the ceiling, beam and open corner shelving really warmed up the room and welcomes friends, neighbors and relatives. Wood bead board paneling around the island cabinetry along with mixed metals, tie in nicely with the stunning soapstone countertops with distinctive copper-colored veining, creating a beautiful vintage appeal.
Styled to look like an old-fashioned stove, this steel range boasts modern conveniences such as dual-fuel (gas burners and electric oven) and a convection oven crowned by a custom steel hood adorned with rivets and metal trims.
To enrich the vintage feel, a white farm-style fire clay apron sink was installed that also evokes a classic and time- honored feel.
Although the process was daunting as it presented several challenges, it was a rewarding experience when the project was completed. Our client and her mother were absolutely thrilled with the final results.
“Thank you to Cathy and Ed very much for all your assistance with my kitchen planning! I’m fortunate to have had your input and expertise! It was great seeing you and spending time together and my mom really liked you both. I would welcome you to stop by and say hello when you’re headed to Portsmouth or the north shore. All the best!”
-Jill P.

Another quick job here in Cheshire, this time in the town of Wilmslow. Much like Alderly Edge, where I recently completed another job, Wilmslow is an affluent area known for its upmarket lifestyle and as a popular option for residence amongst celebrities and famous figures. In fact it is currently, and has previously been, home to several Premier League footballers from the nearby clubs Manchester United and Manchester City.
This job was another case of where a tiled floor had lost its shine due to the sealer wearing away over time. In this instance, my client had a Travertine tiled floor in her kitchen that she wanted to me to restore back to looking at its best.
Travertine is a fantastic natural stone which possesses unique features that no other stone can offer. It offers a particularly distinctive design style, making it a popular choice both for commercial and residential use. Many homeowners use Travertine tiles for kitchen flooring, bathroom walls and floors and for external floors, such as patios.
The process of stripping off old sealer can be done effectively and relatively quickly without using a liquid stripper. The best method is to use a series of fine diamond encrusted burnishing pads, which is exactly what I did in this case. The burnishing pads are applied in sequence from coarse, medium, fine and superfine to remove the old sealer without damaging the Travertine and then re-polish to a lovely polished shine.
One the floor had been burnished, rinsed and dried; I proceeded to re-seal the floor with Tile Doctor Colour Grow. Colour Grow is particularly effective when to seal porous natural stone surfaces such as Travertine and Limestone, whether internal or external. This is because the product is specially formulated to penetrate deep into the pores of the stone, providing durable surface protection from within.
The other key benefit of Colour Grow is that it intensifies the colours within the stone, as you can from the photos. This adds additional character and flair to already impressive household features like this Travertine floor.
The finished results were exactly what my client had hoped for. It goes to show that with the right methods and know-how such a big difference can be made to the appearance of tiled floors. I was very happy to help.
Steve Keary
North Cheshire Tile Doctor

I was recently asked to this property in Wimbledon in to see if there was anything we could do to resolve the problem with a recently laid Black Limestone tiled floor. The builders that had laid the Limestone did not cover or clean the tiles prior to sealing with an impregnating seal thereby trapping in all the dirt from the building works. They then grouted the tiles but didn’t clean the grout off the surface before putting on another two coats of sealer all of which resulted in a very poor finish.
Naturally the customer was not happy so called them back to rectify the problem and so they came back and tried to strip the sealer off with cloths and a chemical stripper. Then without rinsing the stone to remove the chemicals they added another two coats of sealer; in desperation the lady gave up with them and called me in.
To resolve I tried all the sealant strippers available to me but couldn’t budge the mess effectively. The only other option available was to diamond grind the surface so I discussed this with the customer and she agreed to this and left me to carry on.
Initially I started with a coarse 400 grit diamond pad but even that wasn’t having much effect so in the end I had to cut back the surface using a 100 grit pad moving up to 200 grit, then 400 before finally stopping at 800. To lubricate the process you need to use a little water and then rinse away the resultant soil after each pad. If this was a polished stone surface I would have continued with finer and finer grits to restore the surface polish however these tiles were rough limestone and I needed to leave it as near to how it should be.
Once all the Limestone had been stripped back the stone turned an uninviting grey colour, so to bring it back to black I applied two coats of Tile Doctor Stone Oil which enhanced the colour.
I left the floor overnight to allow the Stone Oil to dry out and then returned to seal the Limestone using two coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is an impregnating sealer that enhances the colour in the stone and will protect it from staining going forward.
When the customer saw the final result she was overwhelmed and said she felt like crying with relief, because the floor now looked how she had imagined it to be. It was a great feeling for me to know that I had solved the problems for her.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath transformed this 1940s Delafield cape cod into a stunning home full of charm. We worked with the homeowner from concept through completion, ensuring every detail of the interior and exterior was perfect!
The goal was to restore the historic beauty of this home. Interior renovations included the kitchen, two full bathrooms, and cosmetic updates to the bedrooms and breezeway. We added character with glass interior door knobs, three-panel doors, mouldings, etched custom lighting and refinishing the original hardwood floors.
The center of this home is the incredible kitchen. The original space had soffits, outdated cabinets, laminate counters and was closed off from the dining room with a peninsula. The new space was opened into the dining room to allow for an island with more counter space and seating. The highlights include quartzite counters, a farmhouse sink, a subway tile backsplash, custom inset cabinets, mullion glass doors and beadboard wainscoting.
The two full bathrooms are full of character – carrara marble basketweave flooring, beadboard, custom cabinetry, quartzite counters and custom lighting. The walk-in showers feature subway tile, Kohler fixtures and custom glass doors.
The exterior of the home was updated to give it an authentic European cottage feel. We gave the garage a new look with carriage style custom doors to match the new trim and siding. We also updated the exterior doors and added a set of french doors near the deck. Other updates included new front steps, decking, lannon stone pathway, custom lighting and ornate iron railings.
This Nagawicka Lake home will be enjoyed by the family for many years.

Not too long ago I visited a client who had just moved into a lovely old cottage in Milton, Oxfordshire. She wanted to restore many of the antique features of the building, including a fantastic Quarry tiled floor in the kitchen.
Quarry is typically a robust, hard wearing stone, but in a high traffic area like a kitchen, the tiles will need regular maintenance. These tiles clearly hadn’t seen a thorough clean and fresh seal in a long time, and so I was called in to provide just that.
On the first day of work, I gave the Quarry tiles a deep clean using a strong solution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean and water. Pro-Clean is a versatile alkaline cleaner that also helps to break down any old and no longer effectual sealer remaining on the tiles.
The solution was applied evenly to the floor and left to dwell for half an hour, allowing time for it to seep into the stone to get underneath and lift out the ingrained dirt. I then removed the dirt by agitating the solution with a scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary floor scrubber. I worked in small sections at first, and gradually finished the entire floor.
After completing the initial clean, I rinsed away the soiled solution and vacuumed up the excess moisture using a wet-vac machine. I then scrubbed the floor an acid wash using a dilution of Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up to remove grout smears and other mineral type deposits. The resulting solution was then removed in a similar fashion using a wet-vac.
The final step in the cleaning process was to rinse the floor with Tile Doctor pH Neutral Cleaner to remove any trace of product helps to tackle any remaining dirt and reset the pH balance of the tiles before sealing.
After leaving the floor to dry overnight, I returned the next day to the house to seal the floor with Tile Doctor Seal & Go, a water-based topical sealer which gives the floor an aesthetically pleasing sheen and a robust surface seal.
The photos demonstrate the results better than this short account can, needless to say the floor is now transformed.
Barry Woodward
Oxfordshire Tile Doctor

This North Shore of Boston client wanted to make a change; she decided to purchase a seaside antique home and was up for the challenge to re-design and remodel. Her plan involved re-locating her mother from Florida to the newly added wing of the house when the remodel was in full swing.
We believed that what was standing between our client and the kitchen of her dreams was a well thought out, creative design and a wall or two…
Once outdated and worn, this 1830 antique kitchen was closed off from the family room and dining spaces. The newly re-configured kitchen with re-claimed wide-plank wood floors and restorations to wood cladding on the ceiling, beam and open corner shelving really warmed up the room and welcomes friends, neighbors and relatives. Wood bead board paneling around the island cabinetry along with mixed metals, tie in nicely with the stunning soapstone countertops with distinctive copper-colored veining, creating a beautiful vintage appeal.
Styled to look like an old-fashioned stove, this steel range boasts modern conveniences such as dual-fuel (gas burners and electric oven) and a convection oven crowned by a custom steel hood adorned with rivets and metal trims.
To enrich the vintage feel, a white farm-style fire clay apron sink was installed that also evokes a classic and time- honored feel.
Although the process was daunting as it presented several challenges, it was a rewarding experience when the project was completed. Our client and her mother were absolutely thrilled with the final results.
“Thank you to Cathy and Ed very much for all your assistance with my kitchen planning! I’m fortunate to have had your input and expertise! It was great seeing you and spending time together and my mom really liked you both. I would welcome you to stop by and say hello when you’re headed to Portsmouth or the north shore. All the best!”
-Jill P.

This North Shore of Boston client wanted to make a change; she decided to purchase a seaside antique home and was up for the challenge to re-design and remodel. Her plan involved re-locating her mother from Florida to the newly added wing of the house when the remodel was in full swing.
We believed that what was standing between our client and the kitchen of her dreams was a well thought out, creative design and a wall or two…
Once outdated and worn, this 1830 antique kitchen was closed off from the family room and dining spaces. The newly re-configured kitchen with re-claimed wide-plank wood floors and restorations to wood cladding on the ceiling, beam and open corner shelving really warmed up the room and welcomes friends, neighbors and relatives. Wood bead board paneling around the island cabinetry along with mixed metals, tie in nicely with the stunning soapstone countertops with distinctive copper-colored veining, creating a beautiful vintage appeal.
Styled to look like an old-fashioned stove, this steel range boasts modern conveniences such as dual-fuel (gas burners and electric oven) and a convection oven crowned by a custom steel hood adorned with rivets and metal trims.
To enrich the vintage feel, a white farm-style fire clay apron sink was installed that also evokes a classic and time- honored feel.
Although the process was daunting as it presented several challenges, it was a rewarding experience when the project was completed. Our client and her mother were absolutely thrilled with the final results.
“Thank you to Cathy and Ed very much for all your assistance with my kitchen planning! I’m fortunate to have had your input and expertise! It was great seeing you and spending time together and my mom really liked you both. I would welcome you to stop by and say hello when you’re headed to Portsmouth or the north shore. All the best!”
-Jill P.

Sponsored
Galena, OH
Buckeye Restoration & Remodeling Inc.
Central Ohio's Premier Home Remodelers Since 1996

This North Shore of Boston client wanted to make a change; she decided to purchase a seaside antique home and was up for the challenge to re-design and remodel. Her plan involved re-locating her mother from Florida to the newly added wing of the house when the remodel was in full swing.
We believed that what was standing between our client and the kitchen of her dreams was a well thought out, creative design and a wall or two…
Once outdated and worn, this 1830 antique kitchen was closed off from the family room and dining spaces. The newly re-configured kitchen with re-claimed wide-plank wood floors and restorations to wood cladding on the ceiling, beam and open corner shelving really warmed up the room and welcomes friends, neighbors and relatives. Wood bead board paneling around the island cabinetry along with mixed metals, tie in nicely with the stunning soapstone countertops with distinctive copper-colored veining, creating a beautiful vintage appeal.
Styled to look like an old-fashioned stove, this steel range boasts modern conveniences such as dual-fuel (gas burners and electric oven) and a convection oven crowned by a custom steel hood adorned with rivets and metal trims.
To enrich the vintage feel, a white farm-style fire clay apron sink was installed that also evokes a classic and time- honored feel.
Although the process was daunting as it presented several challenges, it was a rewarding experience when the project was completed. Our client and her mother were absolutely thrilled with the final results.
“Thank you to Cathy and Ed very much for all your assistance with my kitchen planning! I’m fortunate to have had your input and expertise! It was great seeing you and spending time together and my mom really liked you both. I would welcome you to stop by and say hello when you’re headed to Portsmouth or the north shore. All the best!”
-Jill P.

For this job, I had the pleasure of visiting the historic Salts Mill, a former textile mill turned art gallery, shopping centre, and restaurant complex near Bingley, West Yorkshire. It was built in 1853 by the famous manufacturer and philanthropist, Sir Titus Salt, and was at one point the largest industrial building in the world by total floor area.
As you can imagine, a lot of the rooms at Salts Mill are over a century and a half old. Most of them also contained stone flooring made from Yorkstone – a type of Sandstone unique to Yorkshire, and easily distinguishable due to its rich, natural yellow colouring. Unfortunately, one such floor in the Salts Mill was in quite a bad state. It has completely lost its vibrance – appearing more grey than yellow – and was evidentially in need of a very deep clean and fresh seal.
I started the Yorkstone tile restoration by soaking the floor in a strong dilution of our reliable alkaline-based tile cleaner, Tile Doctor Pro Clean, and scrubbing it in using a rotary machine fitted with a scrubbing pad. This quickly removed the initial layers of muck and, in the process, revealed oil-based paint and glue stains all over the floor.
To break down the oil and paint I applied Tile Doctor Remove & Go, which is our heavy duty stripper, remover and degreaser. This quickly ate through the paint and glue, and I followed by giving the floor another thorough clean with Pro Clean. Finally, I rinsed the floor with clean water before leaving it to dry for a full two days due to the amount of chemical cleaning product and water applied.
Upon my return to the Salts Mill two days later, I ran some quick damp tests to check for any excess moisture which could’ve prevented me from sealing the floor. Thankfully, the floor was dry and ready to be sealed, but it is always recommended, especially with older floors, to be aware of damp issues as these can be very troublesome.
My choice of sealer was Tile Doctor Seal and Go, a topical sealer which provides a robust, stain resistant seal and a durable low sheen finish all in one product. Multiple coats of Seal and Go were applied, bringing the life and character back to these classic tiles.
Nigel Stoker
North West Yorkshire Tile Doctor

This North Shore of Boston client wanted to make a change; she decided to purchase a seaside antique home and was up for the challenge to re-design and remodel. Her plan involved re-locating her mother from Florida to the newly added wing of the house when the remodel was in full swing.
We believed that what was standing between our client and the kitchen of her dreams was a well thought out, creative design and a wall or two…
Once outdated and worn, this 1830 antique kitchen was closed off from the family room and dining spaces. The newly re-configured kitchen with re-claimed wide-plank wood floors and restorations to wood cladding on the ceiling, beam and open corner shelving really warmed up the room and welcomes friends, neighbors and relatives. Wood bead board paneling around the island cabinetry along with mixed metals, tie in nicely with the stunning soapstone countertops with distinctive copper-colored veining, creating a beautiful vintage appeal.
Styled to look like an old-fashioned stove, this steel range boasts modern conveniences such as dual-fuel (gas burners and electric oven) and a convection oven crowned by a custom steel hood adorned with rivets and metal trims.
To enrich the vintage feel, a white farm-style fire clay apron sink was installed that also evokes a classic and time- honored feel.
Although the process was daunting as it presented several challenges, it was a rewarding experience when the project was completed. Our client and her mother were absolutely thrilled with the final results.
“Thank you to Cathy and Ed very much for all your assistance with my kitchen planning! I’m fortunate to have had your input and expertise! It was great seeing you and spending time together and my mom really liked you both. I would welcome you to stop by and say hello when you’re headed to Portsmouth or the north shore. All the best!”
-Jill P.
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