When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

Example of a trendy kitchen design in Seattle

We performed a deep cleaning on the staircase carpet to remove stains, accumulated dirt, and revitalize the fibers. Our cleaning process eliminates odors, increases carpet durability, and leaves the staircase looking refreshed. Ideal for high-traffic areas and perfect for keeping your home or business environment clean and inviting.

A simple entryway lets hand made sconces by artist David Wiseman shine. Decorating the table top is a delicate crystal 20 karat yellow gold hand painted Baccarat butterfly sculpture. A slim entry table by a local craftsperson provides space enough space for entry odds and ends, without allowing clutter to accumulate. David Wiseman geranium sconces are the first work of art you see when entering the home, and offer a moment of beauty and appreciation before continuing deeper into the house.

This project focused on restoring and transforming a historic pressed tin ceiling that had accumulated significant wear over time. Years of modifications had left the ceiling with nail holes, damaged areas, missing ornamental details, and inconsistent finishes that hid much of the original craftsmanship. Our team carefully repaired the damaged sections and rebuilt missing ornamental elements to restore the integrity of the original design. Once the repairs were complete, the entire ceiling was professionally prepared and refinished. The ceiling and exposed HVAC ductwork were finished in Sherwin-Williams “Caviar,” a deep, rich tone that highlights the intricate patterns and architectural details of the pressed tin panels. The darker finish adds contrast and depth to the space, allowing the historic texture and decorative elements to stand out rather than blend into the background. The result is a dramatic transformation that brings new life to the historic ceiling while preserving its character. What was once a worn and inconsistent surface is now a striking architectural feature that anchors the room and celebrates the craftsmanship of the original tin work.

The Fluida series is an Italian-made rectified color body porcelain. Created using 3D digital print technology, the Fluida porcelain tile design mimics a natural stone with layers of minerals accumulated over time which create visually interesting patterns.

This custom steam shower satisfied every requirement that had accumulated after years of making do with the cramped old 5'x7' tub/shower combo.
Inspiration for a timeless bathroom remodel in Bridgeport

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This project was never really about the architecture. It was about a family that collects — art, ceramics, books, ideas — and needed a home that could hold all of that without turning into a museum. The existing unit had good bones: generous ceiling heights, a floating stair, and enough square footage to work with. What it lacked was a coherent logic — a way of moving through the space that felt intentional, where each transition earned its moment. We rebuilt that logic from the ground up. The ground floor is organized around a single corridor that runs from the kitchen island through to the living room, with the staircase serving as the spine of the whole sequence. Rather than treating the stair as purely functional, we kept the glass balustrade open and lit the treads from below, so it reads as a light source as much as a passage. The console beneath it became a natural landing for ceramics and found objects — not styled, just placed. In the living room, the brief was simple: make room for a very large painting without the room feeling like a gallery. The answer was to keep everything else quiet — a white built-in that does its job, sheer linen curtains that diffuse the light, black leather chairs that anchor the space without competing. The painting does the rest. Upstairs, the landing is lit by a skylight that washes the hallway in natural light through most of the day. We lined one side with a burl wood console and let the ceramics and framed works speak for themselves. The mix of abstract prints, a bold red canvas, and handmade vessels gives the corridor a rhythm that feels accumulated over time rather than installed all at once — because it was. Throughout, the material palette is deliberately restrained: white oak floors, white walls, white millwork. The restraint isn't minimalism for its own sake — it's a backdrop. The owners bring the color, texture, and personality. Our job was to give them the right walls to hang things on.

Open Graded crushed stone base with proper drainage grid was installed to effectively address water accumulation. Quality Permeable Concrete Paver Patio was installed to successfully absorb any rain water AND re-route raising ground water to the new drainage system. Another water problem solved, and Owners gained a beautiful hard surface patio to enjoy.

Living room - mid-sized transitional formal and open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Other with white walls

Christy and Matt have traveled the world, picking up a love of Monet’s garden in France and many unique artifacts along the way. They had accumulated an extensive art collection of their own which expanded to include an eclectic array of folk art inherited from Christy’s mom. With an eye on downsizing, the couple realized their living environment had become cluttered. They wanted a more serene feeling in their home…like a modern version of Monet’s Garden. LiLu’s inspiration began with a new color palette, using green as a neutral and adding a mixture of vibrant colors reminiscent of a garden. Sheer drapes in the living room diffuse the natural light, almost as if the sun is being filtered through a canopy of trees. The design team also brought focus to their art collection by designing custom built-ins to display their artwork. The dark wood finish relates to the color of the custom dining table creating a cohesive composition. The clean-lined furniture features soft curves to suggest a more botanical feel. The result has brought dazzling serenity to this condo hidden among the busy streets of downtown Minneapolis. ---- Project designed by Minneapolis interior design studio LiLu Interiors. They serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area including Wayzata, Edina, and Rochester, and they travel to the far-flung destinations that their upscale clientele own second homes in. ---- For more about LiLu Interiors, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/ ---- To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/blog/portfolio-items/secret-garden/

Christy and Matt have traveled the world, picking up a love of Monet’s garden in France and many unique artifacts along the way. They had accumulated an extensive art collection of their own which expanded to include an eclectic array of folk art inherited from Christy’s mom. With an eye on downsizing, the couple realized their living environment had become cluttered. They wanted a more serene feeling in their home…like a modern version of Monet’s Garden. LiLu’s inspiration began with a new color palette, using green as a neutral and adding a mixture of vibrant colors reminiscent of a garden. Sheer drapes in the living room diffuse the natural light, almost as if the sun is being filtered through a canopy of trees. The design team also brought focus to their art collection by designing custom built-ins to display their artwork. The dark wood finish relates to the color of the custom dining table creating a cohesive composition. The clean-lined furniture features soft curves to suggest a more botanical feel. The result has brought dazzling serenity to this condo hidden among the busy streets of downtown Minneapolis. ---- Project designed by Minneapolis interior design studio LiLu Interiors. They serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area including Wayzata, Edina, and Rochester, and they travel to the far-flung destinations that their upscale clientele own second homes in. ---- For more about LiLu Interiors, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/ ----- To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/blog/portfolio-items/secret-garden/

Patio - contemporary patio idea in San Francisco

We are here to tackle the most cluttered spaces in your house! Whether it’s a closet in the basement where things have been accumulating for years or your entire house has been overrun with clutter, we can help! In addition to getting you on track, we are available for ongoing maintenance to make sure that your new organizing strategies persist over time. Price $75 per hour or prepaid 6 hours for $400

Winter has arrived and this means many months of snow and ice are ahead. When trees shed their leaves and go dormant for the winter, this is like how bears hibernate; they are both sleeping through the cold and waiting until the warm spring weather comes back. But unlike hibernating bears, who are safe and snuggled up in a warm cave somewhere, trees are left to withstand the harsh, cold elements throughout the entire winter. This means that they are more impacted than you might believe. It is easier for mature trees to be able to handle the long winter months due to their extensive root system and thick bark. But saplings and other newly planted trees are not yet fully equipped with these natural defenses to handle the cold. No matter if you have new or older trees, following our tips will help them prosper during the cold Canadian winter ahead. Our team at Five Star Tree Services has come up with some winter maintenance essentials for your trees that will give them an extra hand over the winter. One Last Water Getting one last good watering in before the ground freezes is helpful to newly planted and young trees. Always make sure to water your tree slowly and gently. This allows the water to seep down into the root system as opposed to it running off the top and freezing. Apply Mulch When you use mulch, it acts like a barrier between the tree roots and the cold snow, it helps to insulate it. When you are applying mulch, make sure you spread it around the base of the tree so that it is no more than 3 inches deep. You also need to make sure to spread the mulch all the way to the drip line surrounding the tree. Make sure to not exceed 3 inches around your entire tree and keep the mulch away from the trunk of the tree. Wrap Tree Trunks There is a condition called sunscalding that can occur during the winter months. This happens when there is a temperature change that happens quickly. You might notice it when the sun warms the trees, which thaws the bark but during the night, when it gets cold again, it causes the melted water in the bark to rupture, causing cracks in the tree’s trunk. Young trees are especially susceptible to this happening. To help stop this from happening, it is best to wrap your trees with tree wraps or a plastic guard. It is advisable to wrap the trunk from the ground up and stop just below the first branch. Shelter Your Trees Young or newly planted trees are fairly defenseless for the first handful of years. Older and more mature trees have had time to develop a strong root system and hardy bark that help to protect them against things like animals and the freezing cold. If you want to help your little sapling along this winter, you can build a shelter that can handle having snow piled on it. You can also periodically use a broom to brush off the snow that accumulates on a tree’s branches. But try to avoid breaking off any ice that has formed on the branches, as this can actually end up hurting the tree if you accidentally break one of its branches instead. Keep Road Salt Away It’s no big secret that the use of road salt is detrimental to trees. When it gets on them, the end result come springtime is a dead tree, or at least, a severely damaged one. As much as you can, protect your trees and limit their exposure to salt over the winter. Protect Your Trees Winter is not only limiting for trees, but for a lot of other animals as well. This includes rabbits, mice, moles, squirrels, and other furry little creatures, who like to use trees as a food source during the summer months. During the winter, this food is now cut off when the trees go dormant. This only leaves the tree’s bark as an alternative food source for these critters. They seem to especially like young tree bark to chew on over the winter. In order to stop this from happening, you need to protect the bark with things like a fence surrounding your tree, wrapping the trunk with a plastic guard or hardware cloth. Winter Pruning The best time to prune any tree is during the winter months when the tree is dormant. Pruning allows you to rid the tree of any excess branches and control disease. Winter pruning is highly beneficial and lets your tree improve branch development in the spring. Don’t Use Always make sure to avoid products that are known to hurt trees, especially ones containing sodium chloride. Products like that cause negative reactions in trees or any plants, as it hinders their water intake. Instead, look for products that have potassium, calcium, and magnesium chloride. How Five Star Tree Services Can Help For newly planted and young trees, it is especially important to help them through the winter as best you can. We here at Five Star Tree Services are here to help you get your trees through the winter. If you require Toronto Tree Care, make sure to give us a call at (416) 990-3355.

Goldenline Remodeling provides a vast range of services for all of your construction and renovations needs. While home construction and remodeling can be exciting, choosing the right contractor for your project is essential. You need a local builder in your area who is experienced and known to have completed the work on time as promised. You want a licensed contractor you can trust to be ethical and known for his integrity. We are your friendly contractor. We strive to provide a high end services and outstanding build quality, while keeping within your budget and time frames. Our reliable and professional services are comprised of our accumulated knowledge and years of successful construction experience. We will guide you through all of the design and build process and manage the entire project for you while keeping you involved and informed in all major decisions, to ensure your total satisfaction.

Nothing makes a bigger splash than bright accents, and our selection of accessories is as vibrant as it is varied. From chevron and floral pillows you can pile on, to colorful poufs and stools you can perch on, we’ve got chic, playful pieces to punch up any area.

Just Add Paint was called into action to finish this gorgeous houzz after the original painting company sent in some unqualified painters and ended up leaving the job before completion. And it was a good thing - we were mortified to find patches that had been painted over before sanding, joints on the tray ceiling and throughout with excess caulk that had been sealed in with paint, fuzzy walls from low grade paint rollers, splatter all over brand new hardwood floors, and the list goes on, We used every trick in the book that we had accumulated from years of experience to get this one cleaned up. It ended up feeling more like a restoration than a repaint, and we easily the most challenging and satisfying project this year. Very proud of work the crew did on this one and happy to put our name on it. Photos by Grant "Shutterbug" Tankersley