Search results for "Sourcing deals" in Home Design Ideas

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging.
Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work.
Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once.
In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size.
Proportion Tips
1. Less is more
In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space.
2. Keep it simple
Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room.
On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them.
On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well.
The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity.
3. Embrace the unexpected
On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail.
Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful.
4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm
Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa.
This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight.
5. Proximity matters
This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger.
An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging.
Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work.
Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once.
In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size.
Proportion Tips
1. Less is more
In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space.
2. Keep it simple
Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room.
On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them.
On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well.
The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity.
3. Embrace the unexpected
On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail.
Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful.
4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm
Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa.
This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight.
5. Proximity matters
This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger.
An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

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We’re more than just a B2B marketplace we’re your sourcing partner. From detailed product insights to real-time supplier communication and secure transactions, our B2B Services redefine buying in the B2B industry. Whether you need quick quotes or custom specs, we help you move faster and source better. Join the global buyers already winning with Pipex.ai. To know more, visit Our Website, Pipex.ai Facebook: PipexAi Instagram: pipex_ai Twitter: Pipex_ai
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This family needed help decorating their large new home in Chino. They moved in and didn’t know where to start. We decided to start with the master bedroom. They were sleeping on a mattress on the floor with paper blinds on the windows – totally unacceptable! They had already painted and the flooring was new, so we worked with the existing color scheme, which was great, because they selected a sophisticated neutral color scheme that gave us a perfect base. The room was completely empty, so to get the ball rolling, we started by sourcing and purchasing the larger furniture items first and basing the remainder of the decor around those pieces. I really enjoy finding a good deal and gathering unique accents from multiple sources, rather than having a room decorated all from one store. I never want a client’s home to look like it came straight from a catalog page…where’s the fun in that? Luckily this client felt the same way and they were totally on board with finding special pieces from stores like: Wayfair, Home Goods and Pier 1.

The bathroom now has an open and airy feel. Our client didn't want a glass enclosure, so a simple textured curtain and Turkish towels add dimension while ALSO softening the look. The new bathtub is deep and perfect for a therapeutic soak. The shower niche is finished with glass shelves to maintain an uncluttered look while offering a great deal of storage - no more rusty shower caddies in this space. Meanwhile, the polished nickel finishes and mirrored medicine cabinet reflect light to create a brighter space, which is key in a bathroom without a natural light source. The redesigned bathroom is now functional, timeless and offers a great deal of storage. It is a wonderful space to pamper oneself in.
Photo: Virtual 360NY

A large window in a London apartment can be a great source of natural light and a wonderful way to take in the sights of the bustling city. The window can also bring in a great deal of warmth and air, allowing a resident to truly appreciate the beauty of the area. It can also be a great way to get a sense of the city's culture, from the hustle and bustle of the streets to the iconic buildings and landmarks. With the right window, a London apartment can be a great source of comfort and joy.

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging.
Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work.
Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once.
In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size.
Proportion Tips
1. Less is more
In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space.
2. Keep it simple
Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room.
On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them.
On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well.
The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity.
3. Embrace the unexpected
On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail.
Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful.
4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm
Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa.
This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight.
5. Proximity matters
This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger.
An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

This family needed help decorating their large new home in Chino. They moved in and didn’t know where to start. We decided to start with the master bedroom. They were sleeping on a mattress on the floor with paper blinds on the windows – totally unacceptable! They had already painted and the flooring was new, so we worked with the existing color scheme, which was great, because they selected a sophisticated neutral color scheme that gave us a perfect base. The room was completely empty, so to get the ball rolling, we started by sourcing and purchasing the larger furniture items first and basing the remainder of the decor around those pieces. I really enjoy finding a good deal and gathering unique accents from multiple sources, rather than having a room decorated all from one store. I never want a client’s home to look like it came straight from a catalog page…where’s the fun in that? Luckily this client felt the same way and they were totally on board with finding special pieces from stores like: Wayfair, Home Goods and Pier 1.

This family needed help decorating their large new home in Chino. They moved in and didn’t know where to start. We decided to start with the master bedroom. They were sleeping on a mattress on the floor with paper blinds on the windows – totally unacceptable! They had already painted and the flooring was new, so we worked with the existing color scheme, which was great, because they selected a sophisticated neutral color scheme that gave us a perfect base. The room was completely empty, so to get the ball rolling, we started by sourcing and purchasing the larger furniture items first and basing the remainder of the decor around those pieces. I really enjoy finding a good deal and gathering unique accents from multiple sources, rather than having a room decorated all from one store. I never want a client’s home to look like it came straight from a catalog page…where’s the fun in that? Luckily this client felt the same way and they were totally on board with finding special pieces from stores like: Wayfair, Home Goods and Pier 1.

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging.
Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work.
Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once.
In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size.
Proportion Tips
1. Less is more
In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space.
2. Keep it simple
Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room.
On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them.
On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well.
The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity.
3. Embrace the unexpected
On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail.
Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful.
4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm
Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa.
This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight.
5. Proximity matters
This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger.
An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

This family needed help decorating their large new home in Chino. They moved in and didn’t know where to start. We decided to start with the master bedroom. They were sleeping on a mattress on the floor with paper blinds on the windows – totally unacceptable! They had already painted and the flooring was new, so we worked with the existing color scheme, which was great, because they selected a sophisticated neutral color scheme that gave us a perfect base. The room was completely empty, so to get the ball rolling, we started by sourcing and purchasing the larger furniture items first and basing the remainder of the decor around those pieces. I really enjoy finding a good deal and gathering unique accents from multiple sources, rather than having a room decorated all from one store. I never want a client’s home to look like it came straight from a catalog page…where’s the fun in that? Luckily this client felt the same way and they were totally on board with finding special pieces from stores like: Wayfair, Home Goods and Pier 1.

This family needed help decorating their large new home in Chino. They moved in and didn’t know where to start. We decided to start with the master bedroom. They were sleeping on a mattress on the floor with paper blinds on the windows – totally unacceptable! They had already painted and the flooring was new, so we worked with the existing color scheme, which was great, because they selected a sophisticated neutral color scheme that gave us a perfect base. The room was completely empty, so to get the ball rolling, we started by sourcing and purchasing the larger furniture items first and basing the remainder of the decor around those pieces. I really enjoy finding a good deal and gathering unique accents from multiple sources, rather than having a room decorated all from one store. I never want a client’s home to look like it came straight from a catalog page…where’s the fun in that? Luckily this client felt the same way and they were totally on board with finding special pieces from stores like: Wayfair, Home Goods and Pier 1.

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging.
Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work.
Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once.
In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size.
Proportion Tips
1. Less is more
In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space.
2. Keep it simple
Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room.
On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them.
On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well.
The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity.
3. Embrace the unexpected
On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail.
Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful.
4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm
Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa.
This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight.
5. Proximity matters
This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger.
An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

Detailed below is the restoration of a Victorian tiled hallway floor that we started back in June in Preston. Although we started in June there was so much damage to the subfloor and the tiles it took some time to complete, additionally, the client did not like the colour samples of the replacement tiles we had brought along and so decided to source their own which took some time.
Three months later with replacement tiles now sourced we were given the go ahead to start the restoration. The first day’s focus was cleaning the original floor using very coarse 100-grit and 200-grit Diamond pads fitted to a rotary buffer machine and applied to the floor using a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go to add extra cleaning power. Tile edges were given special attention using a flex machine fitted with small diamond grit pads.
The floor was rinsed with water to remove the soil generated and this was followed up with an acid rinse using a 1:3 dilution of Tile Doctor Grout Clean Up. This last step in the cleaning process is especially recommend for old floors like this which don’t have a damp proof membrane and can suffer from efflorescence issues.
The next stage focused on repairing the floor and started by carefully knocking out all the broken and chipped tiles. We had previously estimated over 30 tiles needed replacing and so the client had bought two boxes, meaning I had plenty of spares to work with.
Before tiling however, the subfloor had suffered over the years and needed attention first. To deal with this the damaged areas were raked out, cleaned up and then back filled with rapid setting self-levelling screed from Mapie adhesives. Once the sub-base was fixed then we put the new tiles back in, they were not an exact match, about 5mm too short and lighter in tone, but the colour was pretty close.
Tiling an old Victorian floor like this can be a bit like dominoes as you move one out of place 2 decent ones come loose and then they also need refixing. Some of the tiles had hair line cracks in them and once they were loose, they just cracked in half. As such the 20 spare tiles that I thought were spare came into good use and I actually ended up using all of them. I could have done with a few more so it was decided to reset the last four broken tiles and grout them in. Luckily for me the client was very understanding about the nature of tile restoration and had accepted that there would be some imperfections and they were not expecting a new floor.
The Tiles were fixed down using Ultralite Rapid Flex (another product from Mapie) and then grouted using the same adhesive (not a grout, as they did not have grout back in the day, just cement and screed).
The floor was left this to cure overnight, and we came back the next day to finish the clean using a 200-grit diamond pad fitted to a buffing machine and lubricated with water, then one last acid rinse to get the tiles as clean as possible and remove any lingering grout haze. This last clean helps to blend the new tiles in with the original.
Before applying a protective sealer, the floor was left to dry for a couple of days, the tiles need to be thoroughly dry before sealing or you can end up with a patchy appearance.
For this floor with no damp proof membrane, it was important to use a fully breathable sealer that will allow moisture to rise through the tile and evaporate at the surface, so Tile Doctor Colour Grow was chosen. This is a good choice for old floors like this as its fully breathable, head wearing, and it contains a colour enhancer that improves the overall appearance of the tile.
Three coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is a fully breathable, colour enhancing sealer hat works by soaking into the pores of the tile protecting it from within. It has a matt finish, and it works really well with all clay tiles and is ideal for these types of floors.
You can probably spot the lighter coloured tiles in the after photos on this page, however it’s a very subtle difference and I think they have blended in quite well with the original. Certainly, my client was very pleased with the newly restored floor, its completely transformed from when we first visited the client, and the floor has now gained character and history. For aftercare we recommend Tile Doctor Neutral Cleaner, its an effective pH neutral product that is compatible with the new sealer.
Russell Taylor
Lancashire Tile Doctor

The owners of this Edwardian property in Finchley had purchased it a couple of years prior and since then had slowly been renovating it to restore its original character. The project was almost complete and now attention had turned to the tiled floor. The tiles were in quite a state and I was asked to work our Tile Doctor magic and bring it back to its original condition.
When they moved in the hallway had been covered with carpet which gave the tiles underneath some protection. Unfortunately, however the carpet has been secured with carpet grippers that had been glued to the tiles around the edges. There were also paint splashes on the surface that would need dealing with. On top of that the floor had a few missing tiles that had been back filled by cement to provide a level base for the carpet, the client wanted like them replaced if possible.
After surveying the floor, I explained what could be done and ever completed a small test clean to demonstrate how the tiles would look once deep cleaned. I was confident on being able to source very similar reclaimed tiles so replacing the missing should not be a problem. The client was very happy with the initial test result and my quotation so booked me in to restore the floor.
On my return I started by applying Tile Doctor Remove and Go to soften up the glue which allowed it to be carefully peeled off the tiles with scrappers. Once all the carpet adhesive was gone, I worked a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go into the tiles using a black pad to work the cleaning solution deeper into the tiles. A wet vacuum was used to remove the slurry created, and I followed this by giving the tiles an extra clean using a 200-grit diamond burnishing pad lubricated with water.
The last step in the cleaning process was to give the floor an acid rinse using Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up, I did this for several reasons, first it removes old grout smears from the surface of the tile and second it neutralised any efflorescent salts lying dormant in the floor. This can be quite a problem for old floors which don’t have the benefit of a protective damp proof membrane under the floor. The floor was given a final rinse with water which was again extracted with a wet vacuum.
I then set about lifting all the loose tiles (approximately ten) and carefully removing the concrete infills. I had previously managed to source replacements for these holes from original features. Unfortunately, they didn’t sell the correct sized octagon tiles, so I had bought 150mm square tiles and then needed to cut them on site to get the right size.
After cutting and fixing the tiles I fixed them in place and regrouted the rest of the floor.
I then left the floor to dry out overnight and returned in the morning. Before applying a sealer, I took several moisture readings with the damp meter to make sure the tiles were dry enough to take the sealer.
I was able to confirm the floor was dry, so went ahead and applied three coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow sealant. Colour Grow is an impregnating sealer that is fully breathable sealer which is important when it comes to old floors like these that don’t have a damp proof membrane installed.
My client was very happy with the renovated floor and for aftercare I left them with a bottle of Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner and gave advice on how best to clean the floor going forward.
Andrew Newstead
North London Tile Doctor

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging.
Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work.
Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once.
In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size.
Proportion Tips
1. Less is more
In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space.
2. Keep it simple
Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room.
On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them.
On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well.
The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity.
3. Embrace the unexpected
On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail.
Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful.
4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm
Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa.
This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight.
5. Proximity matters
This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger.
An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

This family needed help decorating their large new home in Chino. They moved in and didn’t know where to start. We decided to start with the master bedroom. They were sleeping on a mattress on the floor with paper blinds on the windows – totally unacceptable! They had already painted and the flooring was new, so we worked with the existing color scheme, which was great, because they selected a sophisticated neutral color scheme that gave us a perfect base. The room was completely empty, so to get the ball rolling, we started by sourcing and purchasing the larger furniture items first and basing the remainder of the decor around those pieces. I really enjoy finding a good deal and gathering unique accents from multiple sources, rather than having a room decorated all from one store. I never want a client’s home to look like it came straight from a catalog page…where’s the fun in that? Luckily this client felt the same way and they were totally on board with finding special pieces from stores like: Wayfair, Home Goods and Pier 1.

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging.
Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work.
Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once.
In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size.
Proportion Tips
1. Less is more
In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space.
2. Keep it simple
Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room.
On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them.
On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well.
The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity.
3. Embrace the unexpected
On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail.
Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful.
4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm
Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa.
This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight.
5. Proximity matters
This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger.
An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

This family needed help decorating their large new home in Chino. They moved in and didn’t know where to start. We decided to start with the master bedroom. They were sleeping on a mattress on the floor with paper blinds on the windows – totally unacceptable! They had already painted and the flooring was new, so we worked with the existing color scheme, which was great, because they selected a sophisticated neutral color scheme that gave us a perfect base. The room was completely empty, so to get the ball rolling, we started by sourcing and purchasing the larger furniture items first and basing the remainder of the decor around those pieces. I really enjoy finding a good deal and gathering unique accents from multiple sources, rather than having a room decorated all from one store. I never want a client’s home to look like it came straight from a catalog page…where’s the fun in that? Luckily this client felt the same way and they were totally on board with finding special pieces from stores like: Wayfair, Home Goods and Pier 1.

This family needed help decorating their large new home in Chino. They moved in and didn’t know where to start. We decided to start with the master bedroom. They were sleeping on a mattress on the floor with paper blinds on the windows – totally unacceptable! They had already painted and the flooring was new, so we worked with the existing color scheme, which was great, because they selected a sophisticated neutral color scheme that gave us a perfect base. The room was completely empty, so to get the ball rolling, we started by sourcing and purchasing the larger furniture items first and basing the remainder of the decor around those pieces. I really enjoy finding a good deal and gathering unique accents from multiple sources, rather than having a room decorated all from one store. I never want a client’s home to look like it came straight from a catalog page…where’s the fun in that? Luckily this client felt the same way and they were totally on board with finding special pieces from stores like: Wayfair, Home Goods and Pier 1.
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