Willie & Leslie of Barrington Hills loved the location of their home. Its breathtaking views overlooked a wooded backyard and a captivating lake. They didn’t want to move, but they needed more space. But the house was missing that big family room where everyone could gather, relax and converse, and the house was completely cut off visually from the beautiful outdoor view right outside! They knew what they wanted meant building an addition to their home. They began searching the internet and came across Advance Design Studio, and after browsing through project after project and reading one outstanding client review after another, they were sold on Advance Design. Additionally, they loved Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” process and felt confident that it would allow the Design/Build company to easily coordinate the multiple projects they wanted to complete all at one time. Willie and Leslie immediately set up a meeting with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Claudia Pop. When the meeting ended, they were sure that Advance Design were the right people and the right approach for their project. "Establishing a direction and a budget is always key in project of this size," Todd said. "This house was screaming for a family room and it didn't have one. Ultimately, it's about working together towards the same goal of a beautiful functional addition." The project consisted of a significant family room addition with an extraordinary vaulted ceiling and floor to ceiling fireplace, a guest suite renovation with a luxury bath, a garage addition, and an adjoining outdoor patio renovation complete with a fantastic built in grilling station. The main goal was to add comfort and space to the existing home that would last their lifetime, and finally allow them to capture the amazing view of the backyard and lake that they never could really enjoy previously. Willie, Leslie and Claudia paid special attention to designing the space to make sure that the footprint of the room did not interfere with the views. Floor to ceiling Pella windows were incorporated into a spectacular window wall to provide plenty of natural light. Vaulted ceilings gave the room a bigger feel and the stunning floor to ceiling masonry fireplace was designed giving the room a rustic, comfortable feel of a Colorado Lodge. Barnwood doors and exposed wooden beams accentuate the crackling fireplace and family gathering space. An oversized statement chandelier bathes the space in soft light once the sun sets and compliments the exposed wood and fireplace perfectly. “It simple elegant and beautiful,” Designer Claudia Pop said. “It is a great family room that captures the views perfectly. They love the fireplace, the barndoors and the openness of the space we designed for the whole family now to enjoy.” And when warm weather beckons, the outdoor patio is a terrific place to spend an evening. The family now enjoys fall nights in front of their outdoor fireplace overlooking the quiet lake. Dekton Trillium Quartz counters tops adorn an amazing grilling bar. Nearly indestructible, they are the only manufactured stone product designed exclusively to withstand high heat in summer and extreme cold temperatures in winter. The guest bath renovation makes Willie and Leslie’s friends and family feel like they are staying at a 5-star hotel. Carlisle colored Maple cabinets from Medallion make a roomy dual vanity more than adequate with plenty of space to get ready for the day after a peaceful night’s sleep. Cambria Quartz countertops are durable and elegant, while contrasting the neutral cabinets flawlessly. Heated flooring from Warmly Yours is the cherry on top for this cozy guest bath. All the projects turned out better than they even imagined. Willie and Leslie now have a spacious family room with even better views of the lake and woods, a much larger garage, a fantastic relaxing outdoor patio, and a guest bath that makes it almost impossible to get the guest to leave after their stay. Are you thinking about a remodeling project? Talk to the experts at Advance Design about the renovation of your dreams. Now is the perfect time to renovate. Check out other amazing projects here. With “Common Sense Remodeling”, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about your kitchen remodeling project, or any other home renovation you are planning. Our talented team can help you design and build the new space you’ve been dreaming about.

This custom home is an elegant paradise. It boasts an effortless flow from the open kitchen and lounge areas, to the outdoor pool and back again. And the prominently placed wet bar is always there at your disposal if you get thirsty along the way. These empty nesters love to cook, socialize, and enjoy the good life, and their meticulous attention to detail meant that every nook and corner fits perfectly into the big picture. High-end finishes and light fixtures are just the thing to accompany a vaulted living room and customized cabinetry in every room. Even the beloved family dog was taken into consideration and now has his own dedicated dog wash in the laundry room. The result is nothing short of spectacular, and we might be feeling just a little jealous that we didn’t get to keep this home for ourselves at the end of the project.

Dirk Heydemann of HA Photography
Hallway - mid-sized contemporary light wood floor hallway idea in Vancouver with white walls

Elevate your kitchen and bathroom experience with our top-notch design and build services, exclusively offered in the picturesque Golf Park neighborhood of Broadmoor, Seattle. Our team is renowned for specializing in European kitchen cabinets, which not only imbue your kitchen with an unmatched elegance but also offer extensive storage solutions, ensuring your space remains both organized and clutter-free. We pride ourselves on our ability to seamlessly integrate built-in refrigerators, marrying functionality with aesthetic appeal in your kitchen space.✨ Our kitchen enhancement services don't stop there; we also provide drawer microwave installation services, further boosting the efficiency and beauty of your culinary environment. Our unwavering attention to detail and steadfast commitment to quality guarantee that every facet of your kitchen remodeling project is executed flawlessly. Venture into your bathroom sanctuary, where opulence and practicality coalesce. Our design includes a large mirror adorned with LED backlighting, serving as a breathtaking centerpiece while introducing a modern, elegant vibe. The vanity, along with its matching cabinets, offers extensive storage options, effortlessly accommodating all your bathroom necessities. Equipped with dual faucets, our vanity setup ensures convenience is always within reach, streamlining your daily routines. ? Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our bathtub, designed to provide a spacious haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. Crafted with sleek lines and constructed from premium materials, it promises both durability and style, significantly elevating your bathroom's aesthetic. ? ? Alongside the bathtub, our shower installation offers unmatched convenience and versatility, catering to all your preferences, whether you're in the mood for a brisk morning shower or a prolonged, indulgent soak. This combination allows you to tailor your bathing experience to your exact desires.? ? At the heart of our mission is the commitment to deliver extraordinary outcomes that surpass your expectations. We take immense pride in our craftsmanship and are fervently passionate about sculpting spaces that mirror your unique style and personality. Discover the unparalleled difference with our kitchen and bathroom design and build services in Broadmoor, Seattle. GET IN TOUCH WITH US TODAY TO GET YOUR FREE ESTIMATE. ? (425) 998-8958 ? info@leviteconstruction.com #seattlehomedesign #remodelingbathroom #homerenovationspecialist #kitchenremodeler #remodelingproject #residentialrenovation #seattlehome #bathroomdesigner #kitchenproject #housemakeover #seattlehomes #bathroomrenovations #kitchentransformation #bathroomremodeling #bathroomdesigns #kitchenremodeling #bathroominterior #kitchenmakeover #kitchendesigner #bathroomreno #renovating #kitchenreno #homeremodeling #homeimprovements #bathroomremodel #homeowner #homerenovation #Broadmoor #LeviteConstruction

A few years ago, the owners added two stories with finished basement to their Edina home. It was a big project that greatly expanded and enhanced the first-floor kitchen, dining room and living room. The project also added a second-floor bedroom/home office. Their home has another two bedrooms and ¾ bath on the first floor, plus a beautiful master bedroom and ¾ bath on the second floor which they’ve been using for years. Looking into the future they began to consider aging in place: What living on one floor might look like. They determined that the only thing that needed attention was the first-floor bath – it was pretty dated. So, they built their dream bath. They began with tearing everything out, right down to the studs. The new 5’ X 9’ ¾ bath includes a 5’ X 3’ walk-in glass enclosed shower, with a twist. The shower control has been moved from the typical location (just below the shower head) to the opposite wall, just inside the shower door. This allows one to turn on the shower and wait for it to get hot without having to step into the shower and then just stand there and get wet with cold water. A small detail that has proven to be a good idea. The shower floor is made using 3/4" x 3/4" Penny round matte Porcelain mosaic tile set in charcoal grout. The back shower wall and the remaining bathroom floor is constructed with Aster 9" x 10" hexagon glazed Porcelain patterned wall & floor tile. Hexagonal tile adds an unusual feature that establishes a unique, interesting, repeated design. The main bath’s walls feature white matt finish 6" x 18" ceramic Subway Wall tile in white grout. A TOTO center flushing toilet looks great on the dark hexagonal floor tile. The custom vanity features a walnut base with white Silestone top and undermounted Kohler sink with brushed nickel fixtures. Another interesting feature are two 3” X 6” X 18” floating Walnut shelves – just the right touch to add character to the bath without taking up too much space. Finally, the dimmable can lighting is enhanced with two black cylinder slotted pendant lights on either side of the vanity. This project fulfills the promise of down-the-road one floor living with an efficient, comfortable ¾ bath.

Scott and Janet of Elgin have had four design to build renovations with Advance Design over the last decade. We got the chance to sit down and talk with Janet about her experience working with Advance Design on so many different areas of her home. Starting with her kitchen in 2009, Janet proclaimed, “The reason we kept coming back is because our first [renovation] went so extremely well, exceeding all of my expectations.” Since their kitchen renovation with Advance Design ten years ago, Scott and Janet have also worked with Advance to remodel their master bedroom, their power room, a wet bar, and most recently their master bath. Having renovated practically every major room in the house with the team, we asked Janet what made her experience with Advance Design so special. “We went with Advance Design because we trusted them so much more, their experience, and everything that they brought. We were confident they were giving us what we wanted for the money we were spending.” For their most recent renovation, Scott and Janet clearly knew what to expect going into their master bath renovation. They were familiar with Advance’s step by step design process that epitomizes the “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy applied in every project Advance creates. After once again experiencing the careful budgeting analysis, the pointed design meetings, and the clear documentation that leads up the a thoroughly managed installation, Janet’s simple summary of their experience is this; “The word I would use to describe the process is – collaboration!” Working closely with Advance Design kitchen designer Michelle Lecinski, together they were able to develop a new master bath design that not only worked with their investment goal, but also made sense for their lifestyle. “Oh Michelle, my designer! I connected with her immediately. She spent time getting to know us, our lifestyle, even the setting of our house.” The threesome had a great experience designing and producing yet another successful project together. When it came to their new project plans, Scott and Janet were interested in creating a relaxing “spa-like” experience in their master bath. One of the many ideas Michelle introduced during the design process was installing a Kohler Alteo series showerhead for a rain-like shower experience. This designer showerhead, mixed with the warm ambiance of the lighting and pebble accent running throughout the shower make for what Janet calls a “luxury spa essence”. From the oversized glass sliding door to the recessed niche for accessories, each special detail was considered and implemented intentionally so as to create the maximumly optimized use of the compact space. Not only was this transformation one of beauty and luxury, but special attention was given to every way possible to provide additional storage to maximize the functionality of the bath area as a whole. Once design was complete and the bath construction project began in their home, making sure everything happened efficiently and on schedule became new priority number one. “Having a project manager made an enormous difference,” Janet said, “It was so worth it to hire professionals that knew exactly what they were doing. Even after all of these years, I wouldn’t change a thing.” “It was a pleasure working together with Janet and Scott to create this beautiful space that will enhance their lives for many years,” says Michelle. “It is so much fun to get to do this job every day, I love that I can have this sort of impact on their lives by doing something for them [Janet & Scott] that comes so naturally to me!” After reviewing the long-term relationship with clients like Scott and Janet, owner Todd Jurs had this to say, “Clients returning and asking us to transform that next area of their home really warms my heart. It reaffirms that every decision to please clients no matter what is always the right choice, and that our honesty and integrity along with the immense collective talent of this team is recognized and appreciated by those who continue to return to us year after year.” He continued to say, “I always say how blessed we truly are to be able to do what we do, and experiences like this one put a smile on my face every time.”

Not all architectural imagery is created equal. Some renderings look obviously computer-generated, with flat lighting and plastic-looking materials that fail to convince viewers. Others are so precise that they are indistinguishable from photographs. That second category, realistic architectural visualization rendering, has become the standard expectation for architects, developers, and marketers who need imagery capable of withstanding close scrutiny from investors, buyers, and planning authorities. As audiences grow more visually literate, the tolerance for obviously artificial, video-game-like imagery in professional presentations continues to shrink. What Sets Realistic Visualization Apart Realistic architectural visualization goes beyond simply modeling a building in three dimensions. It requires physically accurate lighting simulation, true-to-life material properties, and careful attention to the small imperfections that make real-world photography convincing, such as subtle reflections, ambient occlusion in corners, and natural depth of field. The goal is an image that a viewer would believe was captured by a camera on-site rather than generated by software. Achieving that level of believability typically means dozens of small adjustments layered on top of one another rather than any single dramatic setting. Realistic Versus Stylized Rendering Approaches Stylized or conceptual renderings still have their place, particularly in early design phases when a looser, more artistic representation helps convey mood without locking in every detail. But once a project moves toward marketing, investment, or permitting, stakeholders need to see exactly what they are getting. Realistic visualization removes ambiguity, showing true material colors, accurate proportions, and honest lighting conditions rather than idealized abstractions. Understanding which approach a project actually needs at each stage helps clients avoid paying for a level of polish that a given milestone does not yet require. Why Realism Builds Client and Buyer Confidence Buyers and investors are understandably skeptical of overly polished or unrealistic marketing images. When a rendering looks convincingly real, it builds trust rather than raising doubts about what the finished project will actually look like. This is especially important in real estate presales, where buyers are committing significant sums based largely on visual material rather than a finished physical space. A rendering that later turns out to have misrepresented the finished product can also create legal and reputational exposure for developers, making accuracy a genuine business risk rather than just an aesthetic preference. The Technical Pillars Behind Every Realistic Scene Achieving true realism depends on several technical disciplines working together: physically based rendering engines that simulate how light actually behaves, high-resolution texture libraries that replicate real materials like stone, wood, and glass, and careful camera work that mimics real photographic lenses and exposure. Post-production adds a final layer of color grading and atmospheric effects that ties everything together into a cohesive, believable image. Each of these pillars depends on the others; even flawless material work can be undermined by lighting that behaves in a physically implausible way. Applications Across Residential, Commercial, and Institutional Projects Realistic visualization serves a wide range of building types, from single-family homes and luxury condominiums to office towers, hotels, schools, and healthcare facilities. Each typology has its own material palette and lighting expectations, and an experienced studio adjusts its approach accordingly, whether that means warm, inviting tones for a residential lobby or crisp, professional lighting for a corporate headquarters. Institutional clients such as universities and hospitals often have additional requirements around accessibility signage and wayfinding, which need to be represented accurately alongside the architecture itself. How AIMIR CG Delivers Photorealistic Accuracy Our studio specializes in realistic architectural visualization rendering that holds up under close inspection. Every project moves through a disciplined pipeline of modeling, texturing, lighting, and post-production review, with artists cross-checking material references and lighting studies against real-world photography. This attention to detail is why clients consistently describe our end product as impressive and our process as easy to work with. A dedicated quality review stage before delivery catches inconsistencies that might otherwise slip through a faster, less structured pipeline. Common Challenges in Achieving True Realism Realistic rendering is technically demanding. Common obstacles include accurately simulating how light bounces between surfaces, matching material reflectivity to real product specifications, and avoiding the uncanny, slightly artificial look that comes from over-processed images. Overcoming these challenges requires experienced artists who understand both the science of light and the craft of photography, not just software proficiency. Rushed production schedules are often the real culprit behind unconvincing renderings, since realism typically requires several iterative passes rather than a single render. What to Look for in a Realism-Focused Rendering Studio When evaluating a rendering partner, review their portfolio critically. Do the images include convincing shadow detail and material variation, or do surfaces look uniformly smooth and artificial? Ask about their revision process and how closely they work with architects to source accurate material and lighting references, since realism is ultimately the product of disciplined collaboration, not a single software setting. It also helps to ask for examples of past projects in a similar building type, since a studio's strengths can vary across typologies. Ready for Renderings That Look Real If your project deserves imagery that can stand up to the scrutiny of investors, buyers, and planning boards, AIMIR CG is ready to help. Our team combines technical precision with artistic judgment to deliver visualization that looks and feels genuinely real. Contact us to discuss how photorealistic rendering can strengthen your next presentation or marketing campaign, and let us show you examples from projects similar to your own.

As soon as you enter into this magnificent residence your attention is drawn to the striking and beautiful stonewall. The warm and simplicity of the modern electric fireplace is an unspoken invitation to “come in and make yourself comfortable”. While your senses are getting marvel by the glare of the enchanted chandelier, you will perceive the depth, character and warmth exuded but the second floor wood accent wall. The use of rich, natural materials creates a sense of extraordinary, and modern elegance. The quality craftsmanship, attention to details, and the warm color pallete generates comfort and harmony.

A background in art and architecture blended with knowledge and experience lend themselves to creative solutions and an attention to detail that will transform your vision into a reality that surpasses your expectations. At TLC Home, your project will get the TLC it deserves. As your Custom Craftsmen, we’ll give it the hands-on attention that leaves you with a finished product you can enjoy for a lifetime. Let’s meet to review your project goals. Then we’ll work together to create the best solution for your needs. You’ll have an opportunity to preview the work with a computer generated image like the one below. All work is then completed at our workshop in Hastings, MN, and installed with precision and TLC.

A background in art and architecture blended with knowledge and experience lend themselves to creative solutions and an attention to detail that will transform your vision into a reality that surpasses your expectations. At TLC Home, your project will get the TLC it deserves. As your Custom Craftsmen, we’ll give it the hands-on attention that leaves you with a finished product you can enjoy for a lifetime. Let’s meet to review your project goals. Then we’ll work together to create the best solution for your needs. You’ll have an opportunity to preview the work with a computer generated image like the one below. All work is then completed at our workshop in Hastings, MN, and installed with precision and TLC.

My client had recently moved into a bungalow in Godalming where they inherited the Limestone tiled kitchen floor pictured below. The previous owner had not looked after the floor very well and by the time they moved in it was pretty filthy. Limestone is a natural but porous stone where, unless sealed, attracts dirt into its tiny holes and as you would expect Cream Limestone shows the dirt easily. The protective seal had long since worn off this floor and was now ingrained with dirt it was now looking permanently dirty. Before quoting I conducted a small test clean to work out the best method to renovate the stone and this also gives the client a good idea of how the floor will look after its finished. They were delighted with the initial result and happy with my quote gave me the go ahead. On arrival first I helped the customer remove his tables and chairs and I then set about tapping up the plinths in the kitchen and the skirtings to protect them from cleaning solutions and equipment. The cleaning equipment I have invested in works more efficiently in open spaces, so it’s worth spending time at the beginning preparing the area first. Next, I used a deck brush to apply a mixture of water and Tile Doctor Pro-Clean to the dirtiest tiles. Tile Doctor Pro-Clean works well when left to dwell for ten minutes or so. I also applied the same product to the grout over half the room so it could get a head start breaking down the dirt. Then using a stiff brush, I scrubbed the grout clean. Once it was worked loose, I extracted the now dirty solution with a wet vacuum. With the grout clean I turned my attention back to the tiles with where the Pro-Clean had been left to soak in. Giving them a quick brush, I noted that what appeared to be permanently ingrained dirt had now come loose. To get the tiles really clean I used a 17″ rotary machine fitted with diamond encrusted buffer pads. This removes the tiny dots of dirt on the stone and with it comes any existing sealer and dirt. A set of four burnishing pads were used, starting with a 400-grit, and finishing with a 3000-grit pad. The first 400-grit pad is coarse, and the grits become smoother as you work through the set. Water is used to lubricate the process and the released dirt is extracted in-between using the wet vacuum mentioned earlier. This process does take time but by the end of day one the floor was looking a lot better. The next step is sealing however the floor needs to be bone dry for that, so I left a couple of industrial fans in place and left the Limestone to dry off overnight. Returning the following day my first job was to ensure the floor was dry by taking multiple moisture readings with a damp meter. The readings were good, so I was able to make a start applying the sealer which for this floor was Tile Doctor Ultra Seal. Ultra-Seal is an impregnating sealer that soaks into those small holes in the stone I mentioned earlier, I occupies the pores thus preventing dirt from becoming ingrained. The other feature of this sealer is it doesn’t change the appearance or colour of the stone leaving it with a very natural finish. Two coats of sealer were applied, leaving the seal to dry between each coat. After the final coat was dried, I gave it a final polish with a soft nylon pad and the floor was finished. Before leaving we discussed after care which for this floor, I recommended Tile Doctor Stone Soap and I requested that the customer to stay out of the kitchen for a couple of hours while the sealer cured. They were over the moon with the new floor and could not believe the difference it had made to their kitchen. Rupert Mcleod West Surrey Tile Doctor

A background in art and architecture blended with knowledge and experience lend themselves to creative solutions and an attention to detail that will transform your vision into a reality that surpasses your expectations. At TLC Home, your project will get the TLC it deserves. As your Custom Craftsmen, we’ll give it the hands-on attention that leaves you with a finished product you can enjoy for a lifetime. Let’s meet to review your project goals. Then we’ll work together to create the best solution for your needs. You’ll have an opportunity to preview the work with a computer generated image like the one below. All work is then completed at our workshop in Hastings, MN, and installed with precision and TLC.

These are the After photos of a home that was in much need of an update (understatement) See the before photos in this project folder so you can get a sense of the remarkable transformation. (understatement) This is another awesome collaboration between ONE eleven ltd. and the Homeowners; "This is what happens when pairing great minds, with persistence and attention to detail. You get a home that when you pull up to it, you are awestruck, and then when you walk through that front door, you are awe inspired!" ~Eddie Leverett Jr.

A background in art and architecture blended with knowledge and experience lend themselves to creative solutions and an attention to detail that will transform your vision into a reality that surpasses your expectations. At TLC Home, your project will get the TLC it deserves. As your Custom Craftsmen, we’ll give it the hands-on attention that leaves you with a finished product you can enjoy for a lifetime. Let’s meet to review your project goals. Then we’ll work together to create the best solution for your needs. You’ll have an opportunity to preview the work with a computer generated image like the one below. All work is then completed at our workshop in Hastings, MN, and installed with precision and TLC.

From holiday parties to family get-togethers, you're sure to get your guests attention with this eye-catching maple bread board from McClure Tables. Handcrafted in our Grand Rapids, MI factory with locally harvested Michigan hard maple, this bread board is the perfect surface for slicing your favorite bread, or put it to working serving your favorite party foods and hors d'oeuvres. Constructed using edge grain wood, our durable maple bread board is tough enough to withstand frequent use yet beautiful enough to be kept out on the counter. Specifications/Features: Measures 7.5" x 18" 1" Thick Great alternative to plastic bread boards Easier on your knives Won't harbor bacteria Hand wash only Oil regularly for best results

Removing a wall between the kitchen and living room brings light and usability to a once closed off, secluded kitchen. Mealtimes become a favorite family time now with a large island with seating for four. The homeowners wanted a more modern feel with a classic touch, and this was achieved with classic white cabinetry topped with leathered granite on the surround and a showstopping Quartz for the island that is a work of art. Playing on textures and finishes, the beveled marble backsplash draws the eyes to the focal point of the room, the mantle style vent hood. Keeping symmetry the star, two Circa Lighting pendants command attention. Not letting style get all the attention, this kitchen lacks no modern conveniences such as a water dispensing station, beverage center, and top of the line appliances. This stunning new kitchen breathes new life to this beautiful home and will grow with this sweet young family.

Utilizing the right plants can really spruce up the look of your property. But before you go and buy the first plant you see, it’s important to think about how dedicated you are to maintaining them and how much time you are willing to invest in them. All plants are alive and need love and attention. The amount of love and attention can vary depending on the plant. If you are a busy person who doesn’t have a lot of time to dedicate to the care of your plants, this doesn’t mean you can’t have plants and have them thrive. There are many low-maintenance plants that you can choose from. These will allow you to add to the aesthetic of your property, without consuming your time to care for them. We here at Five Star Tree Services have come up with a list of the best low-maintenance shrubs for you to consider. Flowering Shrubs Looking to add colour and beauty to your landscape? You might be thinking regular flowers can do this, but have you considered flowering shrubs? These are something simple and beautiful that you can add to your yard. Hibiscus These plants come in many colours. It is also known as Chinese Hibiscus, China Rose, and Tropical Hibiscus. This evergreen perennial is native to warm temperature, subtropical and tropical places around the world. The flowers it produces can be 3-8 inches in diameter. Some resemble trumpets. Every flower has 5 or more petals and can range in colours from red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, and white. Flowers are constantly produced by this plant but each blossom only lasts a day. Its growth can be 24 inches a year and has the potential to reach 15 feet fully grown. Forsythia This shrub is part of the olive family. It is mostly native to eastern Asia but one is native to southeastern Europe. This plant is also known as golden bells. This is a deciduous shrub that can grow to 3-9 feet but ones with rough grey-brown bark have been known to grow to 20 feet. With opposite positioned leaves, that can grow between 2 and 10 cm in length. They produce bright yellow flowers and will bloom in early spring before the leaves come out. Evergreen Shrubs It is beneficial to have more green plants around you. There was a study done that showed women can have improved mental health and a longer life expectancy if you live in or near green areas. If you have a busy life and don’t have space in your home, you are able to still benefit from and experience evergreen shrubs. They are perfect for small yards and large ones alike. Euonymus This plant is native to places like East Asia, North America, Madagascar, the Himalayas, and Europe. Depending on what country you are in will determine the species you encounter. These have many names and you might have heard them referred to as a spindle tree, burning-bush, euonymus, strawberry-bush, spindle, or wintercreeper. There are 130 species of deciduous small trees, evergreen shrubs, and lianas. The wintercreeper is a herbaceous perennial vine and it can grow to 70 feet. But it usually is left at 2-4 feet as a mounded shrub. It has egg-shaped leaves that measure to 1-2.5 inches long and 1-1.75 inches wide. They can vary in colour, such as dark green, green-gold, or green-white. Blue Star Juniper This is a needled shrub and is a member of the cypress family. It is native to the Himalayas, Afghanistan, and western China. You might also know it as flaky juniper, Himalayan juniper, or singleseed juniper. This is a dwarf shrub and when it gets to a mature size, it is a compact mound measuring from 1-3 feet high and 1.5-3 feet wide. It grows slow and has a tendency to grow out and not up. It has silvery-blue foliage and is densely packed with needles that are awl-shaped. Privacy Shrubs Everyone wants privacy while you are in your home or yard. Some people decide to install a fence in order to give themselves privacy. But there is a more creative way to acquire your privacy; with privacy shrubs! If you are looking for something that is different from a fence and low-maintenance, privacy shrubs are exactly what you are looking for. Not only do these plants provide you with the much-needed privacy you desire, they also add beauty to your landscaping. Some suggestions are as follows: Thuja Green Giant This is a genus of coniferous trees that belong to the cypress or Cupressaceae family. 3 out of 5 of these plants are native to Eastern Asia and the other 2 are from North America. This evergreen can also be known as Thuja green rocket or green giant arborvitae. They are fast growing and can grow to 3-5 feet in one season. Growing in a uniform shape, when mature, they can be 50-60 feet tall and 12-20 feet wide. They have tiny, glossy leaves that resemble scales. These overlap tightly together and create a fan of foliage. Boxwood hedges These evergreen shrubs and small trees are slow growing. You might also have heard them called boxes. They are native to numerous places that include Mexico, southern and eastern Asia, Africa, and southern and western Europe. These plants have been specifically grown for their foliage but they also produce a flower. They can grow from 1-20 feet tall and spread 2-8 feet wide. They have leathery feeling leaves that are lace-shaped or almost round. The colours can range from pale green to dark blue-green. They produce small yellow-green flowers in the spring. WARNIIG: this plant produces a toxic alkaloid that can hurt humans and animals. If a person or animal were to eat the leaves, it can trigger convulsions, dizziness, intestinal distress, and respiratory failure. If you come in contact with the sap, it could cause skin irritation. It is best to avoid this plant if you have small children or pets. Wax Myrtle Tree This large shrub or small tree is native to the Caribbean and North and Central America. There are many names for this plant that include bayberry tree, southern wax myrtle, southern bayberry, tallow shrub, and candleberry. It is very adaptable to various habitats but it naturally will grow near rivers and streams, wetlands, dunes, fields, pine barrens, hillsides, and in mixed-broadleaf and coniferous forests. This shrub can grow 20-25 feet tall with light olive-green leaves that have serrated edges. It also has smooth thin gray-brown bark. It can also produce bluish-white fruit which grows on short stalks in clusters. How Five Star Tree Service Can Help When looking for privacy for your home, utilizing low-maintenance plants is a great way to do this. It is also a great way to add something unique to your yard. Some of these shrubs will require some maintenance, which is where our team at Five Star Tree Services can help! We offer shrub trimming services in Toronto and if you require our assistance, make sure to give us a call at (416) 990-3355.

Richard Herman is in the hospitality business and owns several upscale hotels in Florida and in other states as well as cattle ranches in both Florida and Missouri. Their farm in Ocala is by farm their most unique. The property serves as a 4-H demonstration project for the purpose of children’s education. They have been working with the Academy Prep of St. Pete which is dedicated to inner-city youths that are selected on the basis of need and achievement. Wife Diane spends her time on the farm raising Gypsy Vanners, a diminutive draft horse named after the job they did in Eastern Europe, pulling the wagons (vans) for gypsies that wandered across the continent. On the Ocala farm, there are several mules with a unique profession. Richard had visited the Hearthstone display at a Log & Timber Home Shows at the Orlando Convention Center many years ago. He was impressed that Hearthstone had stayed in touch with him over the years by mailings, invitations to shows, and periodic phone calls. When the time came to start serious consideration of the design of barn, Hearthstone responded promptly and professionally to Richard and Diane’s requests for information and a review of their ideas for their barn, which would serve as the centerpiece for their new farm. They wanted a multipurpose facility that could accommodate an educational environment and a large hall suitable for the fundraising events for his charities. Richard wanted a barn that reflected the look and feel of barns built at the dawn of the 20th century. Besides the rustic chicken houses and vegetable gardens, they have completely renovated a 1020’s era farmhouse to be as historically correct as possible and serves as the entry to the farm. “They very careful to feel us out, get comfortable with our capabilities, and be convinced that we could perform as promised,” said Project Manager John Ricketson of Hearthstone. Design Process There were some initial drawings that gave us a start on the basic shape and size of the barn. From there, it was a process of narrowing down the uses of each area and the spans that could be achieved. The barn was going to have the traditional “board & batten” exterior siding and a metal roof. There is a cantilevered ‘hay hood” on the north gable end above the large sliding barn doors that open into the foyer and horse stalls. The wings house a combination of areas, beginning with the large restrooms to accommodate crowds for events. Other parts of the wings have garage areas for the farm vehicles, feed room, tack room, wash rack, storage, offices, and smaller restrooms. Keeping with the look and feel of the turn of the century, Hearthstone developed a process for giving the timbers a surface texture that mimicked the circular cuts of timbers that had just come out of an old sawmill. This was easier said than done. Randy Giles guided his millwright (Wolfgang) in designing a machine that would do this effectively. The barn was delivered in October of 2014 and was erected over the course of two weeks, thanks to a hardworking crew (Eric Foster) and near-perfect weather. After the Hearthstone crew completed the erection and roof dry-in, it was time for the local carpenters to step up and install some light conventional framing on the gable ends before applying the roof fascia and exterior board & batten siding. Next came the big sliding barn doors, plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling. Large rustic fixtures were hung from the great hall roof timbers. Exterior The board & batten siding was cypress and allowed to turn color naturally as rain hit it and the sun started working on it with UV rays. This method causes a much grayer look closer to the ground and less so where the roof overhang provides protection. The North end has some large limestone boulders and planters arranged around the pad with tall pampas grass. The planters provide casual seating before events and during outside receptions. The entire area was sodded with lush St. Augustine grass and split rail fences were added to enclose the barn area. The corrugated metal roof was a special order material that immediately rusted after being exposed to moisture. The layer of rust protects the metal from the elements. Interior The board & batten theme was carried throughout most of the interior with the timbers left natural to show off the circular saw texture. All of the tongue & groove decking was shipped in advance to allow the local painter to pre-stain it with a dark brown transparent stain that is a beautiful background to the light color Eastern White Pine timbers. “Everything was unique in this project” said Project Manager John Ricketson. “The setting on a small demonstration farm close to Ocala, the multipurpose design, the circular saw texture on the timbers.” The Hermans are very proud of their farm’s outcome. Richard sent a note to Randy Giles, owner of Hearthstone: “The Barn is fantastic, not a single problem, period. Next month, we have Jo Dee Messina coming in to help with a fundraiser for a local center for abused kids. Folks love the farm, ...... but that barn gets all of the attention. I would encourage you to use me as a reference for your sales team, feel free to extend my cell phone to any prospective purchasers.”

These are the After photos of a home that was in much need of an update (understatement) See the before photos in this project folder so you can get a sense of the remarkable transformation. (understatement) This is another awesome collaboration between ONE eleven ltd. and the Homeowners; "This is what happens when pairing great minds, with persistence and attention to detail. You get a home that when you pull up to it, you are awestruck, and then when you walk through that front door, you are awe inspired!" ~Eddie Leverett Jr.