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

Custom down-filled pillows and chair cushions add an extra layer of comfort and luxury—perfect for lingering over dinner, late-night card games, or simply relaxing together in style.

This gorgeous contemporary glass front custom wine cellar in Corona Del Mar, Newport Beach, California is an eye catcher. The sleek, glass ultra modern wine room was a unique and exciting project for our team here at Vintage Cellars. The stone bar extends into the wine cellar itself, but due to mechanical, cooling, and condensation concerns, our expert custom wine cellar team knew that extra measures needed to be taken to ensure the end quality remained top notch. The bar itself was divided into two sections, one cut section outside to make up the main seating area and the other inside the glass wine room. The stone bar, which is porous, takes up a good portion of the front facing glass panel. Had the bar simply extended into the wine cellar and been sealed off at the joints, the stone would have eventually transferred in enough heat and moisture to cause condensation. Proper wine cellar design and planning enabled this wine cellar to not only look fantastic, but function perfectly as well. One interesting unique feature in this Corona Del Mar, Newport Beach, Orange County, California glass and metal wine cellar is an extension of floor to ceiling frames mounted to the backside of the stone bar. This feature was made to seamlessly show consistency in floor to ceiling vintageview frames throughout. Corona Del Mar, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Coast, Ladera Ranch, Coto De Caza, Laguna Hills, San Clemente, Dana Point, Seal Beach, Laguna Niguel still remain the areas in Orange County that we build wine cellars most often. Contemporary wine cellars such as this are becoming more and more popular in modern design trends. Interior Design, Architecture, and Construction all play a part in ensuring that the client’s vision comes to reality. This project was no different. Working closely with David Close Homes, Vintage Cellars was able to meet with the client and team involved, determine the ultimate wine cellar wine room wine closet goals, and see them to the finish. Upon walking into this glass and metal modern contemporary wine cellar, you become quickly surrounded with triple deep bottles from many of the world’s best wineries. On the left below the countertop is a black stained poplar wine racking system for single 750ml bottles. Above lies room for display case storage, room for large format bottles, and label forward vintageview design racking to the ceiling. On the middle wall of this wine room is room for case storage below, similarly with triple deep vintageview floor to ceiling frames dying into more case storage above. On the right side of this wall lies a vertical space for single large format case storage. Ultra Modern wine cellars such as this are all the rage in contemporary homes in San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles. This glass enclosed wine cellar with a sleek modern contemporary racking system is truly a showpiece in this home in Corona Del Mar, Newport Beach, California. Wine Racking, Wine Cellar Cooling, Wine Cellar design, Wine Cellar Build out and Wine Cellar Installation is what Vintage Cellars does best. Timeless Luxury.

Love, love, love this extra-large serving bowl...its uses are simply infinite. Please be sure to visit our website for more!
Inspiration for a cottage home design remodel in San Francisco

About This Project: This exquisite coastal style home will be sure to please even the pickiest of buyers! The eat in kitchen is simply a work of art, with its stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and conveniently-sized island. It really takes the cake with its double ovens that make baking or cook-offs a breeze! Relish in pure bliss rolled up in ultimate comfort when you step into the master bathroom. Double sinks perfectly fit two people and come complete with floating vanity, custom cabinetry for extra storage, large walk-in shower, and an incredible backsplash tile for visual effect. Soak it all in and feel at ease knowing your home is everything you dreamed of! CRx Construction is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network. Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples. As a Certified Luxury Builder, Cox Construction is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.

If you want to create a gorgeous and glamorous wedding, holiday, or event centerpiece, look no further than our gold-brushed cylinder vase. Use this stylish metallic vase to showcase long-stemmed flowers like roses, tulips, and lilies, or simply as a standalone centerpiece to create an extra visual appeal for your decorations. A bridal shower or engagement party with a gold theme will be incomplete without this lovely vase. Sold individually, the vase measures 5" Diameter & 14" Tall. You can count on quality, design, and manufacturing when you order from Serene Spaces Living products, where we curate everything with love.

Functionality of layout Unique design elements Choice of materials Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health) Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices Open-concept and filled with sunshine, a culinary hub that’s designed to be the social heart of this home and a subtle reference to the engaged, family-first lifestyle that would have been found in the original, heritage farmhouse located on this property. 8x5-foot* island (with seating for 4-5 people) includes storage on each side plus convenient USB outlets to keep everyone’s electronics powered up and ready to go. Easy flow when entertaining is appreciated by family/guests alike who want to engage with chefs-at-work without intruding into their workspace. Pendant lighting above island is purposefully absent. View-lines to adjacent great-room remains unobstructed, thus fulfilling clients desire to provide the entire family (from teen to grandparents) with welcoming space to simply hang out together. Gas cooktop (with elegantly-curved, chimney hood-fan) and two, full-sized wall-ovens (regular and microwave/convection) conveniently located adjacent to each other on the back wall where it’s easy to transfer steaming dishes directly onto the island ready for your guests/family to help themselves. Subway-tile (3x6-inch) quartz backsplash creates visual continuity with the solid-slab island surface and perimeter countertops. Custom millwork (in contemporary white with brushed chrome handles) designed with full-height cabinets with upper shelves back-lit for warm night-time visual. Extra bonus storage and reduced dusting: always a winning combo. Easy-access spice kitchen includes all the features today’s savvy buyers expect from their cooking space: full-sized range with induction* cooktop, fridge, dishwasher, and 36-inch* sink that’s deep enough to effortlessly handle the biggest spaghetti/corn pots. A caterer’s dream too. Large format (3x3-foot) marble-inspired porcelain floor-tiling is extension of material used throughout main floor. Elegant, contemporary, dramatic. Warm on the feet, thanks to energy-efficient, in-floor radiant heating.

This transitional bright south Tulsa kitchen features two islands. The first is the homeowner's cooking centric island housing an induction cooktop below a stainless professional vent hood, the super-functional Galley Workstation with plenty of base cabinet storage below, round seating area on one side with a waterfall edge counter on the other. The second smaller island features glass front base cabinets for storing plates and glassware on one side and bar sink, under-counter beverage refrigerator and base storage on the other. The natural wood flooring offsets the bright cabinets perfectly. The professional stainless steel appliances housed in both tall storage and base storage (which include but are not limited to a Sub-Zero side-by-side freezer and refrigerator and Bosch dishwasher on one side of the clean-up sink with Bosch under-counter drawer microwave joining the Bosch double ovens on the other). The combination of tall pantry storage, standard wall cabinets and glass front counter-top height cabinets add the perfect extra storage touch to a kitchen already loaded with storage options. The layout of this kitchen is both functional and beautiful. With the super cool Beatles artwork on the walls, we simply had to call this kitchen we designed, 'Beautiful Rock Star'!

About This Project: This exquisite coastal style home will be sure to please even the pickiest of buyers! The eat in kitchen is simply a work of art, with its stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and conveniently-sized island. It really takes the cake with its double ovens that make baking or cook-offs a breeze! Relish in pure bliss rolled up in ultimate comfort when you step into the master bathroom. Double sinks perfectly fit two people and come complete with floating vanity, custom cabinetry for extra storage, large walk-in shower, and an incredible backsplash tile for visual effect. Soak it all in and feel at ease knowing your home is everything you dreamed of! Showcase Builders is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network. Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples. As a Certified Luxury Builder, Showcase Builders is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.

If you're looking to create a captivating and glamorous centerpiece, look no further than our vintage brass trumpet vase. Crafted using iron, this gorgeous vase is the perfect way to bring a traditional touch to your sophisticated event or wedding. Use this stylish vase to showcase hydrangeas, beautiful roses, and our boxwood ball, or simply as a standalone centerpiece to create an extra visual appeal for your decorations. Whether placed on the floor, atop your entryway table or used as a centerpiece during dinner, this charming tall vase will be a perfect focal point for your decor. Sold individually, the vase measures 8" Diameter & 20" Tall. You can count on quality, design, and manufacturing when you order from Serene Spaces Living, where we curate everything with love.

When homeowners Garry and Sherry bought their 1799 farmhouse in Lancaster, they prepared themselves for many years of renovation: 28 years, to be exact. They gradually tackled inside projects like the master bath, basement, a recent kitchen remodel and even an office-turned-Irish pub. During one painfully hot summer, they installed a pool that became their go-to for summer entertainment and parties. Now, Garry and Sherry’s four children have grown and the couple has found free time in not devoting their days to hockey, volleyball and softball games. So several years ago, they decided to take on the outdoor space. The couple contacted Bobby Kenyon and Adrian Kapp of C.E. Pontz (www.cepontzsons.com) to create a design that would blend with the rustic look of their farmhouse. They hoped to increase the amount of entertaining space by enlarging the patio area and adding a pavilion and outdoor kitchen. Another must-have was a covered area that could ensure the party would not end even if the weather would not cooperate. After brainstorming with Bobby and Adrian, they decided to include a gas fireplace, an outdoor television in the pavilion, and a Kegerator in the kitchen. For the outdoor overhaul, C.E. Pontz began by adding two separate patios of flagstone and natural stone that combine to a total area of 1,100 square feet. They laid large stone slabs to create a walkway connecting the kitchen and living area. For sunny days, C.E. Pontz installed an outdoor kitchen complete with granite countertops, sink, gas burner, grill and storage area. A pergola above the grill offers shade to whomever is tending the tongs that night. Sherry said that having an outdoor kitchen has made entertaining a time for sharing and enjoying food rather than preparing and serving it. When their indoor kitchen was being remodeled last summer, the family prepared nearly all of their meals outdoors, from eggs at breakfast to pasta at dinner. And they still love the summer staple of anything with grill marks. Because the perfect addition to charred meats and veggies is usually a cold draft, C.E. Pontz completed the kitchen with a Kegerator, placed conveniently in arm’s reach of the guest seating. Across the walkway and above the adjoining stone patio, C.E. Pontz built a 16- by 20-foot pavilion, or, essentially, a living room under the trees. A fan hanging from the vaulted ceiling keeps guests cool while they lounge in plush wicker chairs, watching television. Sherry and Garry furnished the space with dark wicker seating from Wicker Imports in Lancaster (www.wickerimportsonline.com). They added pillows and cushions in earth-toned patterns for extra comfort and color. To keep the space alive after the sun sets, they decorated with lots of candles as well as copper lighting that Garry, having an electrical background, installed himself. Plus, C.E. Pontz constructed a gas-fed stone fireplace just outside the pavilion that illuminates the living area and provides a cozy warmth in colder months. Garry, who has a green thumb according to his wife, sets out 18 to 20 large planters around the pool and patio in the summer. These complement the roses, nandina and various grasses that C.E. Pontz used to landscape around the patios. In spring, the couple works to beautify the beds so that in summer, they simply need to water the plants and enjoy the flora. “It is truly an outdoor oasis that we utilize during the warm months and are sorry to see closed during the winter months,” Sherry says. After nearly thirty years of transformation, their 217-year-old home is the entertaining hot spot for friends, family and grandkids. Fun Facts: A Kegerator? Simpler than it sounds, a Kegerator is a dispensing device connected to a keg (typically of beer) that is kept in a refrigerated container. It maintains the quality of the beer for longer periods of time, even for several months. Approximately 60 tons of stone base material were used for this project. Two patios were added that combined a total area of 1,100 square feet of natural flagstone. This landscape features about 18,000 pounds of flagstone. This article appears in the April 2016 issue of Susquehanna Style Did you like what you read here? Subscribe to Susquehanna Style » http://www.susquehannastyle.com/April-2016/Historic-Hot-Spot/

Custom down-filled pillows and chair cushions add an extra layer of comfort and luxury—perfect for lingering over dinner, late-night card games, or simply relaxing together in style.

Shower Interior view (hinged glass door opens in) - simply beautiful! We're biased, but we love this shower. Constrained space required creative combining of older style tub plus stall shower into this lovely larger shower minus the old never-used tub. Dark crowded and cluttered original 1980's Master Bath is now a spa-toned bright space with linen closet (left door) and lavatory (right door) at the far end. Extra-spacious step-in shower with roomy bench and shelf, luxury fixtures, partial frosted glass surround, and elegant neutral mix of tile-and-marble patterns make this an airy and very practical upgrade to a Master Bath that was crying out for some major help!

The long summer days are upon us and backyard barbecues, cookouts and picnics are some of our favorite outdoor activities. Outdoor kitchens provide the perfect space for entertaining and creating lasting memories with family and friends. Caliper Farms offers kitchen design solutions that cater to your specific needs whether you are simply looking for extra counter space for the grill or a complete kitchen with all of the amenities.

This transitional bright south Tulsa kitchen features two islands. The first is the homeowner's cooking centric island housing an induction cooktop below a stainless professional vent hood, the super-functional Galley Workstation with plenty of base cabinet storage below, round seating area on one side with a waterfall edge counter on the other. The second smaller island features glass front base cabinets for storing plates and glassware on one side and bar sink, under-counter beverage refrigerator and base storage on the other. The natural wood flooring offsets the bright cabinets perfectly. The professional stainless steel appliances housed in both tall storage and base storage (which include but are not limited to a Sub-Zero side-by-side freezer and refrigerator and Bosch dishwasher on one side of the clean-up sink with Bosch under-counter drawer microwave joining the Bosch double ovens on the other). The combination of tall pantry storage, standard wall cabinets and glass front counter-top height cabinets add the perfect extra storage touch to a kitchen already loaded with storage options. The layout of this kitchen is both functional and beautiful. With the super cool Beatles artwork on the walls, we simply had to call this kitchen we designed, 'Beautiful Rock Star'!

About This Project: This exquisite coastal style home will be sure to please even the pickiest of buyers! The eat in kitchen is simply a work of art, with its stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and conveniently-sized island. It really takes the cake with its double ovens that make baking or cook-offs a breeze! Relish in pure bliss rolled up in ultimate comfort when you step into the master bathroom. Double sinks perfectly fit two people and come complete with floating vanity, custom cabinetry for extra storage, large walk-in shower, and an incredible backsplash tile for visual effect. Soak it all in and feel at ease knowing your home is everything you dreamed of! Ziman Development is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network. Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples. As a Certified Luxury Builder, Ziman Development is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.

Kitchen by Av Elva Sol. This kitchen was designed to maximize the function of a relatively small space, and styled to be timeless, classic with a beach feel. Custom walnut and paint kitchen cabinetry is simply styled so the beauty of the wood can be appreciated. Ann Sacks clear glass subway tile is airy and plays with the light, taking on the atmosphere of the present lighting conditions. Stainless SubZero, Wolf and Miele appliances. Glass knob hardware alternately sparkles and disappears from view depending on the viewing angle. Oil rubbed bronze hardware is classic and large for functional ease. Absolute black granite island reflects the light like a deep pool, adding depth and austerity, and acting as a neutral backdrop to whatever is happening in the kitchen. The quiet grays of the limestone counters, combined with the natural wood set a flexible color scheme. Multiple layers of dimmable lighting, in & under cabinet, recessed ceiling LEDs and island pendants ensure everything is well-lit. The Murano glass pendants by CXNY throw a patterned light onto the ceiling to add extra visual interest.

Large elegant dark wood floor enclosed dining room photo in New York with no fireplace

My clients approached this kitchen remodel hoping not only for improved functionality but for a space that invited comfort, warmth, and daily enjoyment. Their existing kitchen was limited in both layout and atmosphere where a small island barely larger than a podium offered little utility. An oversized double-width doorway at the rear of the room leading into the adjacent living space disrupted the flow, making furniture placement nearly impossible. They longed for a kitchen where cooking felt easy and intuitive, but also one where they could sit at the table with a book and a cup of tea, or host friends without feeling cramped or awkwardly positioned. One of the most impactful decisions we made early on was to close off that extra-wide opening to the living room. Doing so allowed us to reclaim the wall, which not only improved circulation but also gave us the freedom to rethink the spacing of the kitchen and eat-in area. With that change, we could introduce a much larger island—truly functional this time—complete with generous workspace and storage. It became a true centerpiece for meal prep, casual dining, and gathering. From there I turned my attention to layering in comfort, personality, and style. I curated a color palette of soft white, pale blue, light wood tones, and touches of sunshine yellow. This fresh and uplifting combination feels timeless and relaxed. We chose cabinetry with traditional Shaker-style doors, accented by black forged iron hardware for a subtle hint of contrast and authenticity. For the countertops we chose a Gold Calacatta-look quartz, bringing elegance and warmth with its soft veining and classic appeal. To elevate the kitchen walls I selected a soft matte glass tile in a moody, sky-blue that blankets the backsplash, providing a gentle wash of color that’s calming and cohesive. On the floors I chose a limestone-look porcelain tile in a classic Versailles pattern as an homage to old English manor houses—bringing character and texture underfoot while remaining durable and low-maintenance for modern life. Lastly I transformed the adjacent eat-in area into a cozy, multifunctional space. We added custom built-in bookshelves and a sideboard for serving and display—perfect for entertaining or simply making daily routines feel more special. A black iron picture light softly illuminates the buffet, lending a warm, ambient glow in the evenings. I carefully planned the seating arrangement to include a space-saving banquette along the wall, paired with a trestle-style dining table and side chairs. At either end I placed tufted host chairs upholstered in an exquisite, tonal Chinoiserie dragon pattern that are comfortable enough to sit on for hours. Whether sharing a leisurely meal, reading in the sunlight, or gazing out at the greenery just beyond the windows, this spot now invites my clients to truly enjoy their home in a new, deeper way. Photo: Bernardo Grijalva