This family, who has lived all over the world, wanted a fresh cozy living space, inspired by Scandinavian style, in which to entertain and make their Canadian memories.

If you’re a first time buyer in the process of renovating or redecorating your new property, you may well discover some fantastic tiled floors hidden under your carpets. Certainly in my experience this happens quite often, so it came as no surprise when I got a call from a couple who had pulled up the carpet in the kitchen of their new house in Chester to find Quarry tiles, along with some fantastic Victorian tiles in the hallway. While the Quarry tiles were in relatively good condition – having been shielded by carpet for many years – the couple were still understandably keen to get them back to looking their very best. I was more than happy to help them do just that. Before beginning the restoration, I removed the kick boards from the kitchen cupboards so as not to damage them. I then applied a solution of our versatile, high alkaline cleaner, Tile Doctor Pro Clean, and let it soak into the tiles for a short period before scrubbing it in using a rotary machine fitted with a black scrubbing pad. Pro Clean is suitable for use on most natural stone tiles, including Quarry, Victorian and Slate, doing the trick to break down medium to heavy soil buildup. The floor was then rinsed off with clean water, and the resulting slurry was promptly removed using a wet vac. I then left the floor dry out overnight. I returned to the property the next morning, and started out by taking a couple of damp meter readings to make sure the floor was dry enough to seal. This is an essential task before sealing any tiled floor as even the smallest amount of excess moisture can cloud the sealer and damage its performance. To seal the floor, I firstly applied one coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow, which really brought out the natural reddish shades in the Quarry. As an impregnating sealer, Colour Colour fills the pores in the stone and prevents dirt from becoming ingrained. I followed the application of Colour Grow by applying three coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go Extra. As a topical sealer, Seal and Go Extra forms an additional stain resistant seal on the surface of the tiles to protect against dirt and stains. It also gave the tiles a quality sheen finish as requested by the customer. The customers were very happy with their newly restored Quarry tiled floor. They left the following feedback: “We were both thrilled to bits with how nice the Quarry tiled kitchen floor looked, after being cleaned and sealed. Alastair was a pleasure to deal with and we would highly recommend him to anyone considering having their floor done.” Alastair Robb West Cheshire Tile Doctor

Large transitional blue two-story concrete fiberboard gable roof photo in DC Metro

Custom-painted maple cabinetry in the Shaker door style is featured on the perimeter, with custom-stained cherry cabinetry in a Rich Tobacco finish for the island and matching floating shelves, all accented with Top Knobs Morris Pull hardware. Features include a mixer lift, cutlery insert, drawer peg organizer, double trash pull-out with organizer, lazy Susan, base tray roll-out, base pull-out pantry, base blind corner with full-access tray pull-out, and a countertop wall cabinet with left-and-stay appliance storage. A microwave is installed in the island. The countertop is MSI Envi Venetian Lace quartz. The backsplash is Mesmerist Spirit 3x12 glossy ceramic, installed on both the sink wall and range wall, extending from countertop to ceiling. The sink is a Bocchi Fireclay Contempo 33” apron-front model in white, with a stainless steel rinse rack. Fixtures include the Kohler Components pull-out spray and pot filler in Vibrant Brushed Moderne Brass finish. The flooring, installed throughout the first floor, is Homecrest Cascade Winslow Oak Luxury Series LVT.

Set in a serene, light-filled modern home, this kitchen exudes both warmth and bold sophistication. At the heart of it all is a 42" hand-finished stainless steel Paragon™ workstation sink by Rachiele®—a showpiece that redefines what it means to cook in comfort and style. Designed for seamless performance and intuitive use, the sink offers a dual-tier ledge system that transforms it from a simple basin into a fully integrated prep zone. From chopping and rinsing to plating and cleaning, every task flows effortlessly thanks to custom-fit accessories that move along the interior ledge system. The gleaming stainless steel sink makes a striking statement against the deep, dramatic veining of the black soapstone island. Paired with a matte black extended-reach faucet and a matching air switch, the entire workstation reads as both refined and powerful. Each element was selected not just for its visual impact, but for how it supports the rhythm of daily life in the kitchen—from quick weekday breakfasts to sprawling weekend dinner prep. Every detail of this space was curated with intention: the crisp cabinetry, the understated lighting, and the seamless view out to the treetops all reinforce the idea that a kitchen should be as beautiful as it is functional. Crafted in the USA and built to last, the Paragon™ sink doesn’t just meet expectations—it elevates them.

If you are dealing with high gloss finish on your cabinets begin by lightly sanding to scuff the surface. Next mix two tablespoons of Dixie Belle Paint’s White Lightning with one hot gallon of water. Clean your cabinets well with a lint-free cloth and then go over them with clean water to rinse. Allow your cabinets to dry.

This spacious, multi-level backyard in San Luis Obispo, CA, once completely underutilized and overtaken by weeds, was converted into the ultimate outdoor entertainment space with a custom pool and spa as the centerpiece. A cabana with a built-in storage bench, outdoor TV and wet bar provide a protected place to chill during hot pool days, and a screened outdoor shower nearby is perfect for rinsing off after a dip. A hammock attached to the master deck and the adjacent pool deck are ideal for relaxing and soaking up some rays. The stone veneer-faced water feature wall acts as a backdrop for the pool area, and transitions into a retaining wall dividing the upper and lower levels. An outdoor sectional surrounds a gas fire bowl to create a cozy spot to entertain in the evenings, with string lights overhead for ambiance. A Belgard paver patio connects the lounge area to the outdoor kitchen with a Bull gas grill and cabinetry, polished concrete counter tops, and a wood bar top with seating. The outdoor kitchen is tucked in next to the main deck, one of the only existing elements that remain from the previous space, which now functions as an outdoor dining area overlooking the entire yard. Finishing touches included low-voltage LED landscape lighting, pea gravel mulch, and lush planting areas and outdoor decor.

Mid-sized transitional porcelain tile and brown floor dedicated laundry room photo in St Louis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray walls, an integrated washer/dryer and gray countertops

The b.b.begonia Cotton Ball Outdoor Rug can vibrantly shower sunshine to any area of your home. The vibrant orange color is muted by the overlapping black fibers making this a standout piece for your living space. You’ll definitely adore this accent design to match your furniture and decors. This reversible mat is a great solution for the patio, deck, pool area or yard. Made from recycled Polypropylene, this b.b.begonia Cotton Ball Outdoor rug is mold and mildew resistant as it doesn’t absorb dirt or stains. Easy to clean, leaves, mud or food spills are rinsed away with water and soap with no trouble. Plus the tightly woven tubular yarn material of b.b.begonia rugs supports your need for a durable and strong rug to outlast the elements. Moreover, the rugs are treated with U.V. inhibitors and state of the art conditioners to ensure color fastness.

Pictured is our 50" double bowl sink with a built in ledge, low divide and offset drains. This model is reversible, and this client chose to install the sink with the smaller bowl off to the right. Model number: 5LD50C Featured accessories on the ledge are the stainless steel colander and the stainless steel rollmat. Resting in the basin of the sink are two stainless steel protective grids to help resist scratching. Sink: https://www.creategoodsinks.com/collections/ledge-sinks/products/1-2-radius-50-ledge-double-bowl-sink-5ld50 Accessories: https://www.creategoodsinks.com/collections/accessories-1

This bathroom remodel by "I'm The Man Services" turned a dated space into a fresh, inviting retreat that’s both stylish and functional. We gave the room a modern makeover with warm, earth-toned tiles that surround the tub-shower combo, making every shower feel like a mini spa experience. The rich, dark wood-look vinyl plank flooring brings a cozy, natural touch while standing up to the daily wear and tear of busy mornings and relaxing evenings. Bright white fixtures, including a sleek toilet and refreshed tub, keep things feeling light, clean, and airy—perfect for a quick rinse or a long, luxurious soak. Every detail, from the perfectly installed tiles to the polished chrome fixtures, was thoughtfully chosen to blend comfort and style seamlessly. It’s proof that with the right touch, any bathroom can feel like a retreat from the everyday.

Sometimes a faucet is the focus of the kitchen. Introducing a commercial grade fixture into the kitchen can add a unique and unexpected feature. Here a flexible goose-neck faucet allows for full coverage of the sink for easy clean up. Eric & Chelsea Eul Photography

Kitchen - kitchen idea in Denver

Inspiration for a cottage laundry room remodel in Birmingham

Mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Milwaukee with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

I was called out to clean a Porcelain tiled floor at a newly built property in Winwick near Huntingdon. The tiles were heavily marked with grout and dirt and were impossible to get clean. To make things worse the tiles were pale, almost white, in colour which made the staining more obvious. It was clear to me that the builder had not managed to polish off all the grout after tiling and this had now set hard on the surface. This is a very common problem known as Grout Haze and fortunately there is a solution, in that it can be removed by giving the tiles a rinse with an acidic tile cleaner called Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up. To prove the point, I carried out a quick demonstration so the new owners could appreciate the difference. I always like to test porcelain tiles for a reaction to acid prior to commencing work as acidic cleaners can have a negative effect on some types of polished porcelain however this one had a textured feel to it so there was no issue. The test went well so having got the go head I began by first cleaning the tiles with a medium dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, this was left for about ten minutes before being worked into the tile with a black scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary machine. I also used a stiff brush along the grout lines to make sure the grout was as clean as the tile. This process generates a lot of soiling which was then extracted using a truck mount machine. By Truck Mount I’m referring to a powerful cleaning machine that’s fitted into my van, it blasts the floor with hot water and then immediately extracts it using an equally powerful vacuum to grey tank in the vehicle, it’s incredibly effective and leaves very little water on the floor afterwards. The next step was to tackle the grout haze and this is done as before by Acid Washing the floor using a dilution of Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up and scrubbing into the tile as before. Again, the resultant soils were extracted as before using the truck mount. The floor was then speed dried using Dripods which are small horizontal fans designed to blow air downwards and ideal for drying carpets and hard floors. Once dry, a coat of Tile Doctor Ultra-Seal was applied, left to dry and any excess buffed away with a White pad. The work was completed in one day and completely transformed the floor much to the delight of my customer who left the following message in a subsequent email: “Thank you very much indeed, we are delighted with the floor.” I’m pleased to say I have since returned to the neighbourhood and completed another identical grout removal job at a neighbour’s property who had the same issue with builder. Tom Conlon Cambridge Tile Doctor

Find the ultimate in outdoor relaxation with a set has everything you need. Full-motion club chairs rotate 360 degrees and rock back and forth, and the sofa is the perfect size to share with a friend. A coffee table is included in the set to accomodate drinks, decor, and accessories so you can keep items within reach as you enjoy your outdoor paradise. Features: Kit includes two motion club chairs, a 76-inch sofa, coffee table, and six coordinated accent pillows. Powder-coated aluminum frames are lightweight and rust-free. Mixed material frames are hand-woven with durable SolarFast® resin wicker Cushions are wrapped in Sunbrella® all-weather, fade resistant fabric. Designed for use in both hot and cold climates. Virtually maintenance free, simply rinse with a mild soap and water. Coordinates with the pieces in the Barcelo Collection.

Emily Minton Redfield EMR Photography
Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in Denver

This Scripps Ranch master bathroom remodel is a perfect example of smart spatial planning. While not large in size, the design features within pack a big punch. The double vanity features lighted mirrors and a tower cabinet that maximizes storage options, using vertical space to define each sink area, while creating a discreet storage solution for personal items without taking up counter space. The enclosed walk-in shower with modern soaking tub affords the best of both worlds - you can soak your troubles away and rinse off in the shower without tracking water across the bathroom floor. What do you love about this remodel?