Test Power - Photos & Ideas

Just recently I had the pleasure of working on a remarkable ranch in the Texas Hill Country. The ranch belongs to John and Betty Martin, two extraordinary people with impeccable taste. The Martins live in the hustle and bustle of Katy, enjoying life with children and grandchildren. One thing that they share as a family is their appreciation of nature. In addition to raising trophy deer and exotic animals, they love to hunt and fish. They also take long nature walks in search of arrowheads, fossils and other treasures which they often incorporate into their own designs on walls, walkways and patios. Having found this remote corner of God’s country, it would not be easy to find a builder who could be on site daily and truly listen to the specific directions, details and overall vision of how this “San Miguel de Allende” style ranchero was to be constructed. Would it prove to be impossible? Not with a little luck, and a whole lot of Girl Power! The amazing Betty Martin ended up with an equally amazing builder named Judy Ramsey. This woman rancher, who raises exotic animals and trophy deer, is involved in real estate, leases her ranch for hunting and builds high end “casas” for the most discerning clients! Heck, she builds great little cabins too! When Catrina’s Ranch Interiors became involved with the ambitious project, and I first viewed the blue prints and renderings, I was speechless. The plans were for a 17,000 square foot home built around a central courtyard. The courtyard had a bell tower over the front entrance gate; a real one. The main house had an observation tower that overlooked the dammed up river and a picturesque view of Heaven on Earth. There was a magnificent outdoor kitchen off of an enormous porch. The plans showed a large, ornate, fountain in the middle of the central courtyard. This home was to have all the bells and whistles, with unimaginable details, while sparing no expense. It would take two years to build and finish. Judy, Betty and I had many meetings over the next two years. We designed and built 58 chandeliers and sconces, indoors and out. We designed and built custom doors, custom cabinets, custom kitchens and candle holders. “If you can dream it, we can build it” is Catrina’s Ranch Interiors’ motto and, as always, we delivered on this promise. I like to think of myself as a “Can Do” kind of girl, but this job tested my abilities on a regular basis. Antler chandeliers measuring 7 ft. by 7 ft. would be no problem! Hammered copper panels in the cabinet doors? Not a problem! I have much to tell you about this experience, but nothing says it better than the stunning color photographs taken by San Antonio’s most famous magazine photographer, for Urban Home Magazine’s next issue. See for yourself. When Urban Home Magazine owner Louis Doucette went with me to photograph the ranch, Louis told me that it was my best work and then corrected himself to tell me that it was the best work he had ever seen. Take a close look at the details of the Martin Ranch project in the January 2014 issue and come see us at Catrina’s Ranch Interiors in Boerne. No job is too big or too small. No idea is too far outside the box when making dreams come true.

Miele Generation 6000 Kitchen Appliances

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

Miele Appliances at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center 26767 Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone 818.880.0011 Fax 818.880.0411 12050 Ventura Blvd.,Studio City, CA 91604 Phone 818.755.1111 Fax 818.755.9111 www.uakc.com Miele Generation 6000 is bringing design and innovation that exceed expectations. It includes two distinct design styles - PureLine and ContourLine - as well as several color options including Brilliant White and Truffle Brown. Design for Miele is not simply the exterior. Like the design principle, form follows function; the true beauty of the Generation 6000 series is highlighted by its intuitive user interface, which ensures unsurpassed performance and convenience in the kitchen. With these new color options and the uniform design of the Generation 6000 series, Miele has created a series of appliances that will seamlessly integrate into any kitchen or lifestyle. Whether appliances are installed vertically, horizontally, as a square or in a T-shape configuration, the design is fully resolved. M Touch – Top-class technology with a special touch Whether it’s creating a double cappuccino at the touch of a single button, finding the desired MasterChef automatic program on the Combi-Steam Oven in an instant or selecting the operating mode and temperature in just a few simple steps – Miele eliminates the guesswork. All of these operations are easier than ever because of M Touch. Reminiscent of smart phones and tablets, M Touch is an intuitive user interface that allows the user to swipe or scroll through the menu with the tip of a finger. A new high resolution control panel with white TFT (Thin Film Transistor) text brings a brilliant display. And because the interface is universal across all Gen 6000 appliances, the transition from appliance to appliance is easier than ever. Oven Innovations: Moisture Plus, Gourmet Center and MultiSteam Developed exclusively for Miele USA, Moisture Plus is a truly unique steam injection system featured in Miele M Touch 30” Convection Ovens. Moisture Plus automatically injects a burst of steam into the oven cavity at pre-determined points during the cooking process. The addition of moisture improves results when proofing dough, gives loaves of bread a crisp crust and glossy finish and makes cuts of meat particularly crisp on the outside and succulent inside. Also new to the 30” Convection Oven is the addition of MasterChef Plus programs. Ideal for the consummate baker at home, this exclusive new menu system houses 14 automatic bread programs and replicates results seen in artisan bakeries. Included are programs for sourdough, whole grain, rolls and baguettes. A pioneer in steam oven technology, Generation 6000 Steam and Combi-Steam Ovens are equipped with MultiSteam technology, a revolutionary new steam cooking generation. The addition of six steam inlets in the Steam Oven and eight steam inlets in the Combi-Steam Oven, delivers fast, even steam distribution and incredibly quick heat-up times for even cooking results through a more powerful steam generator. Long regarded for its ingredient-driven menu, Miele MasterChef programs are now located within the Gourmet Center. Choose from more than 100 easy to use programs for grains, vegetables, meats, fish and poultry. At just the touch of a button, the program will deliver menu options that guide the user step by step - from the desired oven mode to temperature - all resulting in the perfect dish. Generation 6000 Coffee Systems impress with comfort and innovation There are several new highlights to the Generation 6000 Whole Bean Coffee System including a new CupSensor, EasyClick Milk System and One Touch for Two features. Exclusive to Miele, the CupSensor automatically adjusts the height of the spout to the optimum position for different cup and glass sizes. Whether a tall latté macchiato or a dainty espresso is being prepared, the central spout automatically adjusts to the cup’s rim and eliminates splashing. The CupSensor even reacts precisely to beverages made with milk by raising the spout slightly to make room for the incoming espresso. Also new is the EasyClick milk system which is a dishwasher safe glass, milk flask that effortlessly clicks into place at the front of the machine. And for easy maintenance, the new Miele Coffee Systems now automatically rinse all milk spouts and hoses with water after each use. The One Touch for Two feature allows the user to prepare two coffee specialties such as cappuccino and latté macchiato at the same time, thus reducing prep time when two or more drinks are being served. Miele Generation 6000 series is distinguished by its elegant design and remarkable innovations to deliver unmatched results that can be seen, touched and tasted. German engineered and tested to last 20 years, Generation 6000 reinforces the Miele Design for Life philosophy and solidifies Miele at the forefront of residential culinary appliances.

The Waterfall Residence

User

Packed with off-grid tech, the three-bedroom, three-bath Waterfall Residence soaks up stunning views of Carmel Valley. Andrew Goodwin Designs collaborated with the homeowners who are seasoned industrial designers on the final structure. To avoid disturbing the dozens of old-growth oak trees, and to mitigate the site’s elevation change of 75-plus feet, the architects opted to lift the 2,330-square-foot, home into the tree canopy, ensuring spectacular views that overlook the valley in three directions-west, south and east. Built with the factory-fabricated Blue Sky Building System (BSBS), the home’s steel-framed floor, roof, and structural posts were rapidly bolted together on-site in less than two weeks. All-Weather dual-glazed sliding doors and windows frame views of the landscape and flood the interior with natural light. "This home is a culmination of design efforts—by them and us—to achieve a space where they can celebrate contemporary design," says Goodwin. The Waterfall Residence is named after the home’s rear wall, which is angled to funnel rainwater runoff from the roof into two 2,000-gallon storage tanks under the home. Powered by a 6.5-kWh solar array and equipped with mostly electric appliances, the Waterfall Residence is designed to achieve net-zero energy after it’s been tested for a full year.

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The Waterfall Residence

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Countertop Installation

Liberty Kitchen Design

Discover the transformative power of meticulously installed countertops with Liberty Kitchen Design, a name synonymous with quality and finesse in the realm of kitchen and bathroom remodeling. Our countertop installation service isn't just about adding a piece to your space; it's about redefining your interiors with surfaces that resonate with your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. At Liberty Kitchen Design, we bring to the fore decades of expertise in sculpting and installing countertops that are not only visually compelling but are also built to stand the test of time. Our passion for perfection and dedication to craftsmanship ensures that each installation is a seamless fusion of beauty and functionality, tailored to elevate your kitchen or bathroom's overall ambiance. Our expansive showroom stands as a testament to our commitment to diversity and quality, featuring an array of countertop options that cater to every taste and design preference. From the timeless elegance of marble to the robust charm of granite and the modern allure of quartz, Liberty Kitchen Design offers a palette of choices, ensuring you find the perfect countertop to match your vision. Our experienced team is on hand to guide you through each selection process, offering insights into the unique characteristics, benefits, and care requirements of different materials. This personalized approach ensures that every countertop installation reflects the homeowner's personality and lifestyle, creating spaces that inspire and delight. Embarking on a countertop installation project with Liberty Kitchen Design means entrusting your home to seasoned professionals who regard every project with the utmost significance. Our meticulous attention to detail, from precise measurements to the final touches, guarantees flawless execution and results that surpass expectations. We understand that a countertop is not just a work surface but a centerpiece that brings together the aesthetics and functionality of your kitchen and bathroom. That's why we devote ourselves to crafting installations that blend seamlessly with your existing décor, enhancing both the visual appeal and the practicality of your space. Our dedication to excellence at every step of the installation process has cemented our reputation as industry leaders in kitchen and bathroom remodeling. Liberty Kitchen Design's countertop installation service is where your quest for elegance, durability, and precision finds its answer. Our unyielding commitment to quality, coupled with our diverse showroom selection, ensures that every project we undertake is a hallmark of innovation and craftsmanship. Whether renovating your kitchen, upgrading your bathroom, or simply seeking to inject a new lease of life into your home, partnering with Liberty Kitchen Design guarantees a service that transcends the ordinary. Experience the difference with us, where every countertop installation is a step towards realizing the home of your dreams. Let us help you transform your vision into reality, setting new benchmarks in beauty and functionality.

Countertop Installation

Liberty Kitchen Design

Garage door opener back in service after logic board replacement

Orange County Garage Doors

Back on powered operation. Remotes, wall control and myQ pairing were reprogrammed, travel limits and force settings reset, safety reversal tested and the door cycled. Powerhead, motor and rail unchanged, and about an hour on site.

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Fredericksburg, OH

High Point Cabinets21 Reviews

Columbus' Experienced Custom Cabinet Builder | 4x Best of Houzz Winner

Perfect Pool Side Cabana

Centerline Construction Company, LLC

Elevated Outdoor Living: Knox Cabana Project There’s a difference between an outdoor patio and a true destination. At Centerline Construction, we specialize in the latter. One of our last projects in Forsyth County, Georgia, is a masterclass in blending rugged natural materials with high-end modern luxury. The Architecture of Leisure- Framed with solid, hand-selected cedar, this pavilion features massive timber beams that provide both structural integrity and a striking aesthetic. Inside, the pine tongue-and-groove ceiling creates a warm, inviting canopy, illuminated by integrated modern lighting that allows the party to continue long after the sun sets over the Georgia pines. Masterful Integration- Built to serve as the crown jewel for a stunning pool designed by Cosmic Design, this cabana is packed with features for the ultimate host! The Collaboration- Great work happens when experts unite. This build was a powerful collaboration between Centerline Construction CEO Alfred Tudela and Luis Duchi, owner of Fixit Team. This project was designed and brought to completion by Cosmic Design Studio, who also constructed the pool and completed the amazing stone work. By combining our crews' specialized skills, we were able to execute this complex design with precision and speed, delivering a space that will stand the test of time. Ready to transform your backyard? At Centerline Construction, we don’t just build structures; we build the backdrop for your best memories.

Countertop Installation

Liberty Kitchen Design

Countertop Installation

Liberty Kitchen Design

Countertop Installation

Liberty Kitchen Design

Renovated Multi-Coloured Slate Floor in Staines Upon Thames

Tile Doctor Ltd

Except for general cleaning this multi-coloured slate floor had not been professionally cleaned since installation eleven years prior. Any sealer that had once been applied to the slate had long since worn off and dirt was now ingrained in the pores of the stone causing it to look dull and un-attractive. The property was in the lovely town of Staines Upon Thames, obviously situated on the banks of the River Thames and a popular place to live for London commuters. I visited site to take a closer look at the floor and provide the client with an accurate price for renovating the stone. It turns out that the client had used all sorts of different household cleaners in an attempt to get the floor clean. Unfortunately, they were probably making the situation worse as these strong cleaning products would have actually stripped the sealant off the stone leaving it open to dirt. I carried out a test clean for them and they were very pleased to see how the floor could look. We agreed a price for the work and arranged a suitable date to carry out the work. Cleaning a Multi-Coloured Slate Tiled Kitchen Floor My first task was to strip off what was left of the old sealer and deep clean the stone using a dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go mixed 50:50 with Tile Doctor Pro-Clean. This powerful cocktail was applied to the floor and left to soak in for ten minutes before being scrubbed in using a rotary machine fitted with a black scrubbing pad. The grout was hand scrubbed using more of the cleaning solution along the grout lines until I was happy the floor was as clean as it possibly could be. The floor was rinsed with water and the soil extracted by using the wet vacuum. Once the floor was clear the Slate was inspected, and any stubborn areas were spot treated using the same process as before. After a final rinse and extraction, the floor was dried as much as possible using the wet vacuum and left to dry off overnight. Sealing a Multi-Coloured Slate Tiled Kitchen Floor I came back the next day and checked the moisture levels of the tiles using a damp meter. The floor had dried well so I had a green light for applying a new sealer. For this I used four Coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. This product works really well on Slate and gave the tiles a nice sheen finish, the fresh sealer will also make maintenance cleaning far easier in the future. The client was very happy with the result, the floor now looks great and the natural colours of the stone is so much more evident. For aftercare I recommended they throw away all those supermarket products and use Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner which is a pH neutral product that won’t prematurely erode the new sealer with use. Jonathan Oldham South Middlesex Tile Doctor

Renovating a Beautiful Slate Tiled Kitchen Floor in Sutton Coldfield

Tile Doctor Ltd

I recently completed the renovation of a Multi-Coloured Slate tiled kitchen floor in Sutton Coldfield. I was actually at the property before Christmas to survey the floor and quote for the work however the owners had planned to have a new kitchen installed in the new year, so we decided it was best for me to wait until after the installation to complete the work. The slate was in good condition but like any stone floor you do need to maintain the sealer to prevent dirt becoming ingrained in the stone. Sealer do wear off overtime especially in the high foot traffic areas such as Kitchens and within a few years the tiles become dull and difficult to clean effectively. The kitchen was installed on schedule and I got the call to arrange a visit to deep clean and reseal the floor which would take to two days, one to clean and one to seal. To begin the restoration, I soaked the slate in a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean and left it to soak in for about ten minutes re-applying extra solution where it dried. Pro-Clean is a powerful tile cleaner that will strip old sealers when applied in concentrated form. I agitated the product using a black pad fitted to a rotary buffing machine. I paid particular attention to the grout which the customer had trouble keeping clean. The rotary pad struggles to reach into the recesses of the grout lines so I also made sure to scrub the solution into the grout with a grout brush. Once I was satisfied that the Slate and the Grout was clean and clear of old sealers, I gave the whole floor a thorough rinse with water using a wet vacuum to extract the soil and get the floor as dry as possible. The floor was then left to dry off fully overnight. Returning to the property the next day, I ran some quick damp tests to check for any excess moisture that might have prevented me from sealing the floor. We will always do this as excess moisture can affect the sealer curing. The customer was very happy with the clean and the floor was dry, so we discussed sealer options to find out their preference for Matt or Satin finish. With the decision made to go with a Satin finish I began the application of the Tile Doctor Seal and Go which enhances the look of the stone with an aesthetically pleasing low-sheen finish, as well as providing on-going protection against ingrained dirt and staining. A total of four coats of Seal and Go were needed to seal the Slate tiles and as you can see from the photos the sealer really put the life back into the floor. Trevor Preece Staffordshire Tile Doctor

Pemberton Heights

Naikoon Contracting Ltd

Architect: M3 Architecture Inc. Interior Design: Mocoro Studio We recently completed a development project in the Pemberton Heights area of North Vancouver. These 2 houses were built to benefit the long-term durability through the selection of efficient materials and process which will give a longer lifespan with lower maintenance and energy costs. This project was a perfect fit for us to assist in the design and execute the construction while working with some outstanding clients and consultants. A win for all of us!  The original home was recycled hitting our target goals of 90%, leading way to a couple of stealth looking homes with performance levels right there with the best of them. Our mechanical engineer designed the mechanical systems to achieve maximum efficiency and hit our internal target goals that we have set for ourselves in accordance with our Vision here at Naikoon. These homes came in at EnerGuide score of 85% which can also be referenced in GJ with a score of 54GJ. To give you an idea of how this rating relates to an average home of this size, these 2 beauties on Mackay are about 80% more efficient. The main components in the design and equipment selection that leads to this are: 1) Space heating and Cooling 2) Water Heating 3) Lights and Appliances 4) Wall assemblies and insulation  Like all of our projects, we take pride in looking at the small details of the house. Things like, insulated water lines, domestic hot water heat recovery units, electric car plug-ins, solar power ready, extensive use of environmentally friendly materials, hot water heat pumps and stringent testing and inspection point along the way, led to a successful completion of 2 certified high-performance homes with Built Green Platinum and EnergyStar certifications. Photo credits: vopenhouse.ca

Revitalizing Limestone Floor Tile & Grouting in Silfield

Tile Doctor Ltd

Earlier this year I was invited over to a property in the village of Silfield near Wymondham in Norfolk to inspect a Limestone tiled floor. Now I don’t usually quote my clients, but this is how the owner of the property had described the floor in the enquiry I received from Tile Doctor. “Grout Black, where tiles have divots, dirt is encased, plus no shine to floor, sealant non-existent.” The problems listed were quite comprehensive and having had chance to survey the floor we found them to be quite accurate and really could not disagree with her comments! The Limestone tiles had been laid throughout the Kitchen diner and it was clear the sealer had worn off completely allowing dirt to become ingrained in the Limestone tiles and especially the grout which had turned black. I understood from the owner that the grout lines should have been a pale cream colour rather than the black it was now, additionally the natural pitting in the Limestone was full of the same black contaminants. I ran a quick water test on the tiles to see if there was a seal present and it confirmed that if there had ever been one it was now completely compromised. The lack of sealer had allowed all liquid spills and dirt to soak straight into the tile making it dirty and exceedingly difficult to clean. A large birthday celebration party had been planned and our client was desperate for the floor to be brought back to life beforehand. Although I couldn’t start immediately due to other commitments, it was able to return in time to get the floor clean for the party. Our first job was to tackle the severe soiling trapped in the pits and grout lines. To do this a very strong dilution (2:1 ratio) of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean was applied to the floor and left to soak into the tile and grout for about 10 minutes. Then is was scrubbed into the tiles with help from a rotary buffer fitted with a soft/medium long-bristled nylon brush. The resulting slurry was then power rinsed with 60-degree hot water and extracted with our 400psi machine which jetted out all the black, oily contaminants from the grout and pits. The floor was speed dried with the assistance of a large air mover. Once dry to the touch our attention was turned to filling the now exposed pitts in the Limestone tiles and two cracks with an appropriately coloured fast cure epoxy compound. Having allowed the filler time to reach full hardness, we ground down the excess material with 100 and 200 grit hand burnishing blocks in preparation for the next stage. We find the best way to renovate the appearance of stone is to use a process called burnishing which hones the stone and beings up the polish. For this you need a set of 17-inch diamond encrusted burnishing pads. The pads fit the rotary buffer and are applied to the floor in sequence from 400, 800 and then 1500 grit using water to lubricate the process. The waster turns into a slurry as you work, and this is then rinsed off the floor with water after each pad and extracted using a wet vacuum. The floor was then left to dry thoroughly overnight with the assistance of our large capacity dehumidifier. Returning the following day, we thoroughly vacuumed the floor to remove any remaining powder and grit left from the previous day’s wet work before spray burnishing the surface with a Tile Doctor 3000-grit diamond pad. This last pad really beings up the polished appearance of the Limestone and gave the tiles a deep and rich shine. This last pad is applied without water and so leaves the floor dry and ready to for a new sealer to be applied. Our sealer of choice was Tile Doctor Ultra Seal, it’s a premium penetrating sealer that soaks into the pores of the stone protecting it from within. Ultra-Seal doesn’t alter the natural appearance of the stone giving it undetectable protection from staining. Having allowed the sealed floor to dry with the assistance of our air mover, the whole area was buffed using a white buffing pad and a small amount of finely sprayed water to remove any light smearing before vacuuming once again to finish. My client was delighted with the result and left the following feedback for us: “Totally renewed two flooring areas in our house to what looks like a recently laid floor. I have already had so many compliments without even telling people it had been professionally cleaned! Nick and Sue are always very easy to have about, inconspicuous and hard working. Absolutely delighted with the outcome and would recommend without hesitation. Thank you so much!” For aftercare cleaning I recommended Tile Doctor Stone Soap, its designed for cleaning polished stone floors and will help build-up the patina. It’s a neutral pH product so won’t prematurely erode the sealer like many tile cleaning products you find in supermarkets which are really sold for cleaning glazed ceramic tiles not sealed natural stone. Nick White Norfolk Tile Doctor

Pemberton Heights

Naikoon Contracting Ltd

Pemberton Heights

Naikoon Contracting Ltd

Pemberton Heights

Naikoon Contracting Ltd

Pemberton Heights

Naikoon Contracting Ltd

Pemberton Heights

Naikoon Contracting Ltd