Transitional home design photo in Charleston

A rustic tiled bathroom with modern fixtures makes this a perfect space to rinse off after a jump in the pool. Graphic Executions Design Studio
Inspiration for a timeless bathroom remodel in Minneapolis

This family came to Gary Duff Designs before they had even closed on their new house. It wouldn’t be the home of their dreams if they couldn’t have a backyard of their dreams to match. Gary Duff Designs turned these new homeowners’ vision a reality. The complete redesign included a built-out swimming pool with three sheer descents, a spacious fire pit equipped with seating space and new fence and plantings for privacy. It even included an added bonus: an outdoor shower that offers the perfect environment to rinse and relax.

Outside shower - perfect for a quick rinse after playing in the dirt, returning from the beach or river. Large random pebble stone floor.
Inspiration for a transitional bathroom remodel in Atlanta

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.

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

As innkeepers, Lois and Evan Evans know all about hospitality. So after buying a 1955 Cape Cod cottage whose interiors hadn’t been updated since the 1970s, they set out on a whole-house renovation, a major focus of which was the kitchen. The goal of this renovation was to create a space that would be efficient and inviting for entertaining, as well as compatible with the home’s beach-cottage style. Cape Associates removed the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to create an open, airy layout. The ceilings were raised and clad in shiplap siding and highlighted with new pine beams, reflective of the cottage style of the home. New windows add a vintage look. The designer used a whitewashed palette and traditional cabinetry to push a casual and beachy vibe, while granite countertops add a touch of elegance. The layout was rearranged to include an island that’s roomy enough for casual meals and for guests to hang around when the owners are prepping party meals. Placing the main sink and dishwasher in the island instead of the usual under-the-window spot was a decision made by Lois early in the planning stages. “If we have guests over, I can face everyone when I’m rinsing vegetables or washing dishes,” she says. “Otherwise, my back would be turned.” The old avocado-hued linoleum flooring had an unexpected bonus: preserving the original oak floors, which were refinished. The new layout includes room for the homeowners’ hutch from their previous residence, as well as an old pot-bellied stove, a family heirloom. A glass-front cabinet allows the homeowners to show off colorful dishes. Bringing the cabinet down to counter level adds more storage. Stacking the microwave, oven and warming drawer adds efficiency.

Gilbertson Photography
Eat-in kitchen - large transitional l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Minneapolis with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

A farmhouse kitchen with a neutral color palette and matte black fixtures. Design and photo by Lacie Sumpter of @loveresideshere.
Inspiration for a farmhouse l-shaped eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

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

A stunning range of Laminam by Crossville collections were used to their maximum–and most beautiful–potential in a hip, urban Philadelphia residence. Laminam by Crossville’s technologically advanced, aesthetically innovative panels are the largest, thinnest porcelain slabs in production anywhere in the world, allowing them to effortlessly skin both floors and walls to dress spaces in ways previously unthinkable in architectural design. The master bath features Laminam's Pietra Di Savoia and I Naturali Ossidiana Vena Scura.

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.

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

I received an enquiry from a property in Crowthorne to come and survey an unknown Flagstone Floor in a converted barn that was ready to be rented out. The owners where concerned the stone was letting the rest of the property down due to it being dirty and heavily stained, particularly around the kitchen and entrance areas. If your selling or renting out a property it really needs to look its best if you want to achieve a good price. Having spoken over the phone we agreed a date for me to pop over to complete a survey. From further inspection I confirmed the stone was in fact a Sandstone, it was also clear that the sealer protecting the stone from ingrained dirt had worn away and was now allowing dirt and staining to ruin the appearance of the flagstones. It was a large floor so I measured up so I could work out the quantities of cleaning and sealing products needed and then walked the customer through the cleaning process. Later that day I sent over a detailed quotation which was accepted, and a date agreed for my return. I should mention this work took place during the Covid restrictions, fortunately being a rental property, I was able to work in the property alone. To deep clean the floor and remove the ingrained dirt and staining I used a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean. It is sprayed onto the floor and left to soak in for five minutes before agitating with a Black scrubbing pad fitted to a weighted buffing machine. The resultant slurry was then wet extracted away using a powerful high-pressure van mounted extracting system. This action cleaned up most of the stone nicely however certain areas where heavily stained, particularly in the kitchen area where food and drink stains were more apparent. To tackle this, I applied a stronger cleaner/stripper product called Tile Doctor Remove and Go this time allowing ten minutes for it to soak in before scrubbing the surface with a very coarse 100-grit soft milling pad. This took quite a few attempts each time extracting the slurry away and then inspecting the floor to see if more work was needed. Happy the stains have been removed, I then focused on renovating the surface Sandstone after the application of the coarse pad. This involves the application of several finer grit burnishing pads which close the pores and adds a subtle polish to the Sandstone. As I started with 100-grit pad it was necessary to gradually refine the surface with an incremental series of pads that included 200, 400 and finally 800-grit pads. Then to ensure a uniform finish across the floor I continued the 400 and 800 grit pads throughout the property. Water is used to lubricate the process and this turns into a fine slurry that is rinse extracted as before. The cleaning process took up the whole of the first day and I am pleased to say the Sandstone floor looked very clean after I had finished. The stone was then allowed dry off overnight with the aid of an industrial air mover and I returned later the next day to apply a new protective seal. In the meantime, my customer had been over to check out the floor and were over the moon with how it looked and wanted to keep the finish as natural as possible. With this in mind, I applied Tile Doctor Ultra-Seal sealer to the Sandstone throughout, only two coats were needed. This is a premium sealer that is almost invisible and works by penetrating the stone thus preventing dirt from becoming ingrained. Once done the floor looked very clean and much brighter than before, it now had that wow factor which will help it attract a good yield in the rental market. The trouble with rental properties of course is making sure the tenant uses the right product to maintain the floor and not a typical supermarket tile cleaner that are only designed for use on Ceramic and Porcelain tiles. In fact, these types of cleaning product can slowly strip the sealer off the floor so it’s always worth checking the label before purchasing. Fortunately Tile Doctor sells a product called Neutral Cleaner that is ideal for maintaining sealed stone floors, so I left them with a complimentary bottle and recommended they get some more to leave under the sink for the new tenant. Dennis Buckland Berkshire Tile Doctor

Our latest project in Glenmont was a remarkable transformation of an existing kitchen with the addition of a stunning sunroom and bathroom. Led by our talented Project Manager, Anthony Mulligan, and brought to life by our exceptional designer, Justina Auer, and our Bennett crew, this project was a true labor of love. Our clients had a clear vision: they wanted a space that would not only welcome guests, but also serve as a hub for precious family time. The sunroom was designed to be the perfect gathering spot for the entire family, whether it’s playing games, sharing a delicious meal or simply hanging out after a relaxing day at the pool. We installed two-tone cabinetry on either side, providing ample storage for pool essentials like towels, items for entertaining friends and overflow from the kitchen. The addition of French doors truly opened up the space, allowing the refreshing summer breeze the flow through the house and seamlessly connecting the sunroom to the outdoors. Along with the breeze, blues and whites were carried in to maintain the serene spa-like atmosphere adding to the harmonious transition. The added bathroom offers guests the utmost privacy during their stay. Moreover, it serves as a convenient spot for quick changes or rinsing off after a delightful day spent by the pool. To promote a more interactive dining experience, we extended the island and added a lower “table” area for everyone to gather, replacing the need for a traditional kitchen table. We’re so proud of this space that celebrates both family and guests by fostering a sense of togetherness, allowing everyone to bond over meals, conversations and laughter.

For this residential project on the North side of Fort Wayne, Indiana we used a penetrating dye to color the concrete. We started by grinding the floor to remove the cure and seal, and going through the necessary passes to bring the floor to an 800-level shine - a reflective shine that is easy to maintain. We then cleaned the floor, added the custom dye, (with a mixture of black and sand), rinsed the floor, densified and finished with a final polish.

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.