design: Studio TOOP, 2013 location: Rotterdam, NL status: built in 2014, Weldam Groenprojecten photo: Hans Clauzing, 2014 Our good friend Gerda is an avid photographer with a special interest in nature photography and butterflies. She also suffers from a lung disease that sometimes leaves her less mobile and able to head out to pursue this passion. A garden to take pictures in, even when you're not up to heading further out into the world. That was the main goal of this garden. With limited means and the use of affordable materials we created a wheel chair friendly garden that offers ample space for both human and wild life.

Sandstone is a particularly popular choice for kitchen and hallway floors amongst home owners in the UK. It not only possesses beautiful natural shades and features, but it is also typically hard wearing, making it an ideal stone for tiled flooring in high traffic areas of a house and can often be found laid as large riven flagstones in pubs and other commercial premises. Naturally, just like any other type of tiled floor, Sandstone needs to be maintained using appropriate products and methods. A lack of adequate surface sealer in particular leaves Sandstone susceptible to ingrained dirt, and can leave distinct, unsightly patches such as those in the photograph below. In this instance, I visited a client in the old Essex town of Thaxted, who believed that her four square meter Sandstone tiled floor might be suffering from damp issues after lifting up the mats covering the area. However, when I arrived at the property and ran damp tests, I found the issue to be superficial. The Sandstone floor however did require attention in the form of a deep clean and a fresh seal to tackle the white patches and prevent further discolouration. To begin the cleaning process I spread Tile Doctor Remove & Go evenly across the floor. It was left to dwell for approximately 15 minutes, during which time it worked to break down the old sealer remaining on the tiles. I then agitated the area twice over with both a black scrubbing pad fitted to a rotation machine lift away any dirt. The resultant slurry was removed using a wet vacuum and the floor was then rinsed with water and then mixed a strong solution of one part Tile Doctor Pro Clean to three parts water which was used to give the floor a final clean and scrub the grout clean before using the wet vacuum again and giving the floor a final rinse with water. After completing the cleaning process I left the floor to dry over the weekend. Upon my return to the house I proceeded to seal the tiles with three coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is an impregnating sealer that soaks into the pores of the stone and provide durable surface protection going forward. Colour Grow is also specially designed to let the floor breathe and enhance the natural colours in the stone and, in this case, really helped to intensify the natural sand-coloured shades in the tiles. The difference made to these Sandstone tiles was really noticeable, with the white patches completely removed and the surface more generally back to looking like new, needless to say, my client was very happy with the results. Nick Murphy South Essex Tile Doctor

This bathroom needed help as it was tired, dated and cramped! The vanity area was open to the master bedroom and sandwiched between a closet and existing bathroom wall. Behind the bathroom wall, was a second sink, a small walk-in shower and the commode. A poorly placed linen closet ate into the area and there was a soffit over the shower adding to the cramped feeling. The ceiling was cluttered with old-school heating lamps, flush-mount fixtures and ventilation grills. The “movie star” lighting meant to add some glamour only made the bathroom feel dated and sad. Our clients wanted to bring this bathroom to life. We built a wall and added a door between the bedroom and bathroom to ensure more privacy and define the space. In addition, we removed the wall separating the actual bathroom and vanity area to make the master bathroom larger. The linen closet was also taken out so the shower could be expanded significantly. Our homeowner had recently suffered a knee injury so they were looking for future solutions that would work for them as they continued to age. We made the shower large enough to include a bench and installed a handheld sprayer located near the seat. Shower walls were reinforced so that when the day came that a grab bar was needed, they would be ready. We added a tall cabinet that featured two, deep rollouts and interior shelving to keep linens and bathroom supplies organized. Beneath the sinks, we included rollout drawers so items would not get lost in those dark areas under the plumbing. Everything that had been cluttering the ceiling was removed including the shower soffit and heat lamp. With those gone, we added evenly-spaced, recessed ceiling lights to help brighten the space making it safer and more practical. We chose a custom blue-green paint for the cabinets which was understated enough to provide a sense of serenity while still offering a splash of color to help liven up the room. Walnut-framed mirrors added a touch of warmth and the patterned floor tile made the whole room fun! An old bathroom came alive!

The she shed was intended for a combination art studio and a place to relax for the homeowner who was elderly and suffered with a severe medical condition. We needed to maximize the space to it’s potential, especially since it’s a small space. Included was higher-end pieces such as a stunning chandelier and a stunning Anderson door entrance system. For a more tranquil environment, we incorporated space for comfortable furniture and a propane fireplace. Space was used to the max with built in shelving and cabinetry for the art work and supplies This 12x18 she-shed was customized with: Cathedral ceiling with skylights for abundance of natural light Propane fireplace Built in cabinets and shelving for art studio supplies Barn door entrance to small garden tool storage area

The existing concrete aggregate terrace suffered from disrepair and access was limited from the rear of the Bethesda home. We were tasked with replacing all paving, coping, and stairs. New masonry stairs provides a seamless connection with the house and leads the residents to the new outdoor kitchen.

Powder room turned into accessible 3/4 bath for Tom R, who suffered a severe spinal cord injury on an electric scooter. Shower is roll in with plenty of room for his shower chair and helper. It also doubles as a dog shower for these two

This residence was a complete gut renovation of a 4-story row house in Park Slope, and included a new rear extension and penthouse addition. The owners wished to create a warm, family home using a modern language that would act as a clean canvas to feature rich textiles and items from their world travels. As with most Brooklyn row houses, the existing house suffered from a lack of natural light and connection to exterior spaces, an issue that Principal Brendan Coburn is acutely aware of from his experience re-imagining historic structures in the New York area. The resulting architecture is designed around moments featuring natural light and views to the exterior, of both the private garden and the sky, throughout the house, and a stripped-down language of detailing and finishes allows for the concept of the modern-natural to shine. Upon entering the home, the kitchen and dining space draw you in with views beyond through the large glazed opening at the rear of the house. An extension was built to allow for a large sunken living room that provides a family gathering space connected to the kitchen and dining room, but remains distinctly separate, with a strong visual connection to the rear garden. The open sculptural stair tower was designed to function like that of a traditional row house stair, but with a smaller footprint. By extending it up past the original roof level into the new penthouse, the stair becomes an atmospheric shaft for the spaces surrounding the core. All types of weather – sunshine, rain, lightning, can be sensed throughout the home through this unifying vertical environment. The stair space also strives to foster family communication, making open living spaces visible between floors. At the upper-most level, a free-form bench sits suspended over the stair, just by the new roof deck, which provides at-ease entertaining. Oak was used throughout the home as a unifying material element. As one travels upwards within the house, the oak finishes are bleached to further degrees as a nod to how light enters the home. The owners worked with CWB to add their own personality to the project. The meter of a white oak and blackened steel stair screen was designed by the family to read “I love you” in Morse Code, and tile was selected throughout to reference places that hold special significance to the family. To support the owners’ comfort, the architectural design engages passive house technologies to reduce energy use, while increasing air quality within the home – a strategy which aims to respect the environment while providing a refuge from the harsh elements of urban living. This project was published by Wendy Goodman as her Space of the Week, part of New York Magazine’s Design Hunting on The Cut. Photography by Kevin Kunstadt

This silk area rug had suffered heavy staining in one section approximately 5 inches in diameter. After several failed attempts by the client to remove the stain with grocery cleaning agents, the client gave us a call. The area rug was an expensive purchase and the client's were clearly distraught about what had happened to their rug. After working with our team of master area rug cleaning experts, we were successful in removing the stain. Take a look at the before and after photos.

After years of suffering through a poorly designed kitchen that didn’t meet her needs, our client made the difficult decision to re-remodel her kitchen. Now that the kitchen is complete, she's happier than ever in her new kitchen. What used to be a space that was intimidating and difficult to use has become a place designed specifically for her needs, where every appliance and shelf is within comfortable reach and the design is tailored exactly to her personal style.

Kitchen designed for differing heights of kitchen cooks. One of the homeowners has an arm / shoulder injury making chopping food painful. The island countertop was lowered to accommodate her height and allow her to cut at a level that didn't cause pain. Photography: Augie Salbosa

This mid century modern home, built in 1957, suffered a fire and poor repairs over twenty years ago. A cohesive approach of restoration and remodeling resulted in this newly modern home which preserves original features and brings living spaces into the 21st century. Photography by Atlantic Archives

Challenge: This prestigious Bridle Path kitchen suffered from poor lighting and functionality issues that prevented it from reaching its full potential. Our clients desired a luxury kitchen that would serve as both a functional workspace and an elegant entertaining hub, requiring us to address the lighting deficiencies while creating a sophisticated aesthetic worthy of this upscale neighborhood. Solution: We transformed this space into a luxury kitchen that balances exceptional functionality with breathtaking beauty. The design centers around the stunning Taj Mahal quartzite, whose naturally elegant patterns became the foundation for all other design decisions. By addressing the lighting challenges and incorporating warm finishes throughout, we created a space that feels both inviting and sophisticated. Highlights: • Taj Mahal quartzite countertops and backsplash - the jewel of the space with naturally beautiful and elegant patterns • Custom millwork cabinetry designed for both beauty and optimal functionality • High-end appliances seamlessly integrated into the sophisticated design • Warm finishes throughout that complement the quartzite's natural beauty • Expert craftsmanship by skilled local fabricators ensuring flawless installation Results: The transformed kitchen now serves as a stunning centerpiece of this Bridle Path home, where the Taj Mahal quartzite's natural elegance takes center stage. This project demonstrates our ability to solve functional challenges while creating luxury spaces that celebrate exceptional materials, proving that sometimes the most beautiful design solutions let natural beauty shine without unnecessary embellishment.

Recently I visited a client in the town of Maidenhead, Berkshire who needed assistance restoring a very dirty pitted Limestone tiled floor which had suffered over the years due to poor maintenance choices. The pressures of a busy family life had, understandably, prevented my client from undertaking regular cleaning and the products and methods used for cleaning were by and large unsuitable for this type of natural stone. In addition, the pits in the tiles had been filled with grout; however, they were not flush to the tile and therefore a large amount of soil had collected in the pockets. The result was a Limestone tiled floor in considerably poor condition that was increasingly difficult to keep clean. My client had tried and tried to get the floor clean, using methods such as scrubbing with toothbrushes, steam cleaners, and mopping – but they weren’t getting anywhere! I explained to my client that steaming is, in fact, one of the worst cleaning systems to use on natural stone floors. Steam not only damages sealers, it also thins out greasy soils. Some of these soils are absorbed onto the domestic microfiber pads, however a lot of the soil becomes thinner allowing it to penetrate deeper into the pours of the stone and grout. This in itself starts the vicious circle to rapidly soiled and dirty tiles and grout. This happens because the grease soils magnetise dirt! My first task in the cleaning process was to mix a strong solution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, which is a high alkaline cleaner. This solution was applied liberally across the entire Limestone tiled floor and grout. It was allowed to dwell for 30-40 minutes, giving it time to seep into the stone to get underneath and lift the ingrained dirt to the surface. During this time, I scrubbed the grout lines using a specialist stiff grout brush. The Limestone tiles were then scrubbed with heavy mechanical rotary agitation machine. I then gave the floor a thorough rinse using the latest in cleaning and capture technology, which involves firing hot water at high pressure in a spinning motion across the floor, in effect blasting away the ingrained soils from the grout and pitting in the limestone. The high pressure is delivered from a system mounted inside my van which also contains waste tanks to capture the extracted soiled water. After being allowed to dry thoroughly for 24 hours, I returned to seal the floor with Tile Doctor Colour Grow which would have brought out the deep colours in the stone, however after discussing the options with the client it became clear that they wanted to keep the floor looking as light as possible so Tile Doctor Ultra Seal was applied. Ultra Seal is a natural look impregnating sealer that soaks into the pores of the stone and protects it from within. The floor now looks fantastic and the sealer should ensure it remains looking that way for some time to come and before leaving I made sure to provide my client with some professional maintenance advice. Tim Colenutt Berkshire Tile Doctor

This garden suffered severe damage from Hurricane Sandy. The owners wanted a complete makeover. Working with the grading of the land, we cut raised beds into the landscape. Two of these cedar raised beds are 18' long giving this homeowner a huge canvas for growing veggies. We now grow berry bushes, fruit trees within this space along side tomatoes, beans, peppers and more. Truly a mini farm for this family. Photo credit- Joseph Leonard

The original Master bath suffered a tiny shower and a tub that was never used. It was very dark and cavernous and needed some softness to oppose angled walls. The tub was removed to make a larger, more accessible shower. The desired style was modern but not severe. We installed Cambria Britannica quartz slab with large veining and soft flowing movement on all the shower walls. A dark floor grounds the space. A combination of light walls, and sleek floating cabinets, creates an overall softness in this Modern Masterpiece.

JLC was charged with transforming a 35 year old home which had suffered a remodel or two into a cohesive and modern home. Sustainable design principles were placed at the forefront of the design process alongside functionality and aesthetics. The end result is a roughly 3,000 sf home that is both comfortable and beautiful. The exterior palette is defined by Resysta siding and decking, acrylic stucco, a standing seam metal roof and black aluminum windows and doors. At the interiors white oak and walnut cabinetry throughout bring natural warmth to the clean, white interior. The home achieved LEED Platinum in 2017 and was featured on the San Diego Green Building Council’s 2017 Green Homes Tour. Project website: neuhaus-encinitas.blogspot.com

Most ranges these days are insulated well enough that spices stored in a cabinet next to the range will not suffer a reduced shelf life. (We do suggest getting some small round labels at an office supply store and labeling the tops of the jars for better visibility when storing spices below eye level.)

Challenge: Our client needed their downtown Toronto condo to serve as a peaceful retreat from the demanding pace of urban professional life. The space suffered from the sterile, impersonal aesthetic typical of many Toronto condos, lacking the warmth and tranquility needed to truly unwind after busy workdays in the city's core. Solution: We approached this project in thoughtful stages, transforming the condo into a serene sanctuary that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation. By incorporating a palette of light, calming colors and introducing rich textural elements throughout the space, we elevated the sterile interior into a sophisticated retreat. Each design decision was made with the goal of creating visual and tactile interest that would engage the senses and promote a sense of calm. Highlights: • Staged design approach that allowed for thoughtful evolution of the space • Light color palette that enhances natural light and creates an airy, peaceful atmosphere • Rich variety of textures that add warmth and visual interest to combat sterile condo interiors • Strategic material selection that transforms typical condo finishes into sophisticated design elements Results: The transformed Downtown Zen condo now serves as the perfect urban escape—a space that immediately shifts the client's mindset from work mode to relaxation. This project demonstrates how thoughtful design can overcome the limitations of typical Toronto condo interiors, creating a personalized sanctuary that enhances daily life and well-being.

I've been on dedicated plant watch the past couple of weeks. With the temperatures rising here in the Hudson River Valley, my garden has just started to emerge from its winter rest. This past winter may not have had the arctic blasts and epic snow storms of the previous years, but it was still long and dark like any typical northeast winter. So it's always with giddy anticipation that I obsessively check in on the garden in the early spring for the first signs of green! The Woodland Peony has been one of the first plants to push through the garden with its rosy, brownish-green leaves. I mistakenly planted it last year near the hose bib, watched it bud up and then quickly get trampled by my children who have a frenetic passion for all things water. After I got over my sudden loss, I relocated the bare roots last fall under our old Crabapple tree at the front of the house. Unlike the more common peonies that thrive in full sun, the Woodland Peony is a nice, compact selection for the woodland shade garden. These peonies naturalize in deciduous woodlands where they can enjoy early spring sun and summer shade. I'm hoping that our Crabapple's canopy will provide just the right amount of filtered sunlight. The Woodland Peony, as with all peonies, is also deer resistant, which always makes for an attractive plant in my eyes. We live on a little under two-and-a-half acres of land surrounded by properties that find themselves somewhere between farmland, meadow, woodland and marsh. Needless to say, the deer are king here and our gardens suffer. My peonies were a gift, but came from Peony's Envy, a nursery located in Bernardsville, New Jersey. Their website is a great resource for all things peony. I'm hoping one day to make it out to their nursery to take walk among their acres of tree, herbaceous and intersectional peonies. PAEONIA JAPONICA Type - Herbaceous Perennial Hardiness Zone - 3-8 Height - 1.0 - 1.5' Spread - 1.0 - 1.5' Exposure - Part shade Bloom Color - White single flower with yellow stamens Bloom Time - Mid-Late April Flower - Fragrant Features - Scarlet and indigo seed pods, Deer resistance For more information on Paeonia japonica see the Missouri Botanical Garden's Plant Finder.