Photo: K M, via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-2.0 Generic

Product: Kronos Antique Stone Floors By: Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.ancientsurfaces.com/Kronos-Stone.html The Kronos Limestone evokes a tranquil and soothing ambiance that both unworldly and anachronistic to our modern day era without being type casted under a specific style of design or architecture. The complexity of its surface textured that’s been created by centuries of exposure to the natural elements, is at the same time diametrically opposed yet complementary to its harmonic and muted shades of beige and gray tonality. Making the Kronos stone your choice for stone surfacing and accenting is always a wise one considering its Promethean attributes and its ability to blend seamlessly with any design style, application, environment and function. To learn more please visit us or call us at, Ancient Surfaces Web: http://www.ancientsurfaces.com Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Phone: (212) 461-0245

photos by Pedro Marti This large light-filled open loft in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York City was purchased by a growing family to make into their family home. The loft, previously a lighting showroom, had been converted for residential use with the standard amenities but was entirely open and therefore needed to be reconfigured. One of the best attributes of this particular loft is its extremely large windows situated on all four sides due to the locations of neighboring buildings. This unusual condition allowed much of the rear of the space to be divided into 3 bedrooms/3 bathrooms, all of which had ample windows. The kitchen and the utilities were moved to the center of the space as they did not require as much natural lighting, leaving the entire front of the loft as an open dining/living area. The overall space was given a more modern feel while emphasizing it’s industrial character. The original tin ceiling was preserved throughout the loft with all new lighting run in orderly conduit beneath it, much of which is exposed light bulbs. In a play on the ceiling material the main wall opposite the kitchen was clad in unfinished, distressed tin panels creating a focal point in the home. Traditional baseboards and door casings were thrown out in lieu of blackened steel angle throughout the loft. Blackened steel was also used in combination with glass panels to create an enclosure for the office at the end of the main corridor; this allowed the light from the large window in the office to pass though while creating a private yet open space to work. The master suite features a large open bath with a sculptural freestanding tub all clad in a serene beige tile that has the feel of concrete. The kids bath is a fun play of large cobalt blue hexagon tile on the floor and rear wall of the tub juxtaposed with a bright white subway tile on the remaining walls. The kitchen features a long wall of floor to ceiling white and navy cabinetry with an adjacent 15 foot island of which half is a table for casual dining. Other interesting features of the loft are the industrial ladder up to the small elevated play area in the living room, the navy cabinetry and antique mirror clad dining niche, and the wallpapered powder room with antique mirror and blackened steel accessories.

My client had recently visited England and wanted an authentic European look, with timber framing and steep pitch roofs. She also wanted lots of craftsman style woodwork in the home, with unique windows, balconies and overlooks. I designed the home with all this in mind, but also defined the spaces to take advantage of the long views throughout the home. The land was flat, so I created ways to get daylight into the lower level. Without ever compromising the attributes that make a Tudor a Tudor, the home is designed and built to the level of the old Tudors, with the modern, open plan living for today.

A local homeowner partnered with VPC Builders to create the mountain retreat of his dreams. The custom-built, two-level residence stands at 3200 square feet and features three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a bonus room, and a two-car garage. Upon arrival, viewers are immediately captivated by a modern double front door, unique cedar trim, and bold dark colors. The exterior showcases Cypress siding and black roofing. A thin-cut, natural stone veneer placed around the covered front porch incorporates the rustic mountain setting. Inside the home, the natural lighting provides a bright and crisp space that compliments the recessed lighting and hickory engineered flooring. The living room boasts a reclaimed accent mantle, true steel beams, and a vaulted ceiling. The area provides an ideal space for entertaining on cooler evenings with a full steel gas fireplace. The kitchen and dining area are visible from the living room and were custom-designed to reflect the homeowner’s passion for cooking. The kitchen harbors a double-thick island top, stunning quartz countertops, a six-burner oven, steel hood, and a full custom quartz backsplash...perfect for an aspiring chef. The master bedroom, complete with a deck access and full bath, provides the homeowner with a private getaway. The master bathroom has a double vanity sink with a quartz countertop and a full glass steam shower. Each of the two guest rooms are fit for a queen-sized bed. They each include a full bath displaying stunning tile designs and built-in showers. Another noteworthy attribute of the home is a covered back porch deck that features a fireplace, television mount, and a built-in bar window that connects to the kitchen. Modern Rustic Lodge truly offers a stunning escape to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Every detail was tailored to complement the homeowner’s lifestyle and avocations. VPC is confident that this home will provide mountain adventures and lasting memories for years to come.

Conoclinium Coelestinum / Blue Mistflower Photo: Fritz Flohr Reynolds, via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

Prairie Spiderwort / Tradescantia occidentalis Photo: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-3.0 Unported

Photo: Mike's Birds, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

"About The Project: This elegant home embodies contemporary sophistication harmonized with farmhouse charm. Meticulously crafted, the property boasts an expansive 3500 square feet of conditioned living space. The house features three comfortable bedrooms, 3.5 luxurious bathrooms, and special attributes that create a unique sense of style. High ten-foot ceilings invite an airy ambiance, enhanced by stunning shiplap trim work on the walls and ceilings. Cedar beams add warmth and authenticity to the living and dining rooms, echoing the home's farmhouse roots. Vaulted ceilings adorn the master bedroom and dining room, while an oversized closet provides ample storage. The master bath stands out as an oasis of indulgence with a free-standing tub and his-and-hers vanities, offering a daily escape into tranquility. A distinctive custom iron front door greets visitors, leading them into the captivating blend of design and function inside. The exterior reflects the meticulous attention to detail prevalent throughout the home, with gorgeous brickwork adding to the allure. On a lot spanning 0.8 acres, this home capitalizes on its lakeside location to offer an unparalleled lifestyle that blends luxury with the bliss of nature. Campagna Homes is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network. Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples. As a Certified Luxury Builder, Campagna Homes is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information."

Design, Style, and High End Luxury, are some of the attributes of our Exclusive retractable awnings. Every customer is unique and receives the best custom made Luxury Retractable Awning along with its top notch German technology. In other words each of our awnings reflect the signature and personality of its owner. Welcome to the best retractable Awnings in the World. Dare to brake free from tradition.

The Prairie View project completely transformed the back outdoor living space and enhanced the curb appeal in the front of the property. A beautifully crafted deck now features a fire pit and also heating and cooling attributes to allow this space to be enjoyed year-round, along with the assistance of a roof addition. The under-decking system protects the patio below from moisture, making it the ideal location to cook even during inclement weather. The meticulously crafted walkway, illuminated retaining walls, and entryway were the perfect finishes to tie this transformation together.

Packed with cottage attributes, Sunset View features an open floor plan without sacrificing intimate spaces. Detailed design elements and updated amenities add both warmth and character to this multi-seasonal, multi-level Shingle-style-inspired home. Columns, beams, half-walls and built-ins throughout add a sense of Old World craftsmanship. Opening to the kitchen and a double-sided fireplace, the dining room features a lounge area and a curved booth that seats up to eight at a time. When space is needed for a larger crowd, furniture in the sitting area can be traded for an expanded table and more chairs. On the other side of the fireplace, expansive lake views are the highlight of the hearth room, which features drop down steps for even more beautiful vistas. An unusual stair tower connects the home’s five levels. While spacious, each room was designed for maximum living in minimum space.

New York-style townhomes resulting from vertical and horizontal addition in Russian Hill. Six full levels are revealed behind the modest but meticulously restored facade, with panoramic views, sophisticated finishes, sustainable features everywhere, decks on all levels, full-featured wellness floor and inviting nestled yard, car elevator spawning three levels, parking for 4+ cars, multi-family intergenerational planning and full set of smarthome features among many other attributes.

Tucked away into the quiet of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies Haven Lookout. The success of this project can be attributed to collaboration in the design between VPC Builders and the homeowners. VPC’s craftsmanship combined with the creativity of the homeowner sparked a functional yet extraordinary mountain getaway. This 3,325 sq. ft, 3 bedrooms, and 3 bath home is ensconced with mountain-inspired elements, exquisite mountain views, and an inviting tenor of hearth and luxury. Upon arrival, captivation begins. Stunning features like the arch top door and timber framing welcome guests and residents at the front door. Each room was customized and designed to fit the needs and vision of the owners and we are delighted at the results of this new residence.

"About The Project: This elegant home embodies contemporary sophistication harmonized with farmhouse charm. Meticulously crafted, the property boasts an expansive 3500 square feet of conditioned living space. The house features three comfortable bedrooms, 3.5 luxurious bathrooms, and special attributes that create a unique sense of style. High ten-foot ceilings invite an airy ambiance, enhanced by stunning shiplap trim work on the walls and ceilings. Cedar beams add warmth and authenticity to the living and dining rooms, echoing the home's farmhouse roots. Vaulted ceilings adorn the master bedroom and dining room, while an oversized closet provides ample storage. The master bath stands out as an oasis of indulgence with a free-standing tub and his-and-hers vanities, offering a daily escape into tranquility. A distinctive custom iron front door greets visitors, leading them into the captivating blend of design and function inside. The exterior reflects the meticulous attention to detail prevalent throughout the home, with gorgeous brickwork adding to the allure. On a lot spanning 0.8 acres, this home capitalizes on its lakeside location to offer an unparalleled lifestyle that blends luxury with the bliss of nature. 41 West is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network. Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples. As a Certified Luxury Builder, 41 West is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information."

Bamboo flooring are one of the most popular green flooring options. It gets its eco-friendly stamp of approval because it is made from a rapidly renewing resource that matures quickly and regenerates without replanting. Topped with a polyurethane coating, the green attributes of bamboo flooring are enhanced by its durability and design flexibility.

"Beginning to end, it honestly has been a pleasure to work with Jason. He possesses a rare combination of attributes that afford him the simultaneous perspective of an architect, an engineer, and a builder. In our case, the end result is a unique, well thought out, elegant extension of our home that truly reflects our highest aspirations. I can not recommend Jason highly enough, and am already planning our next collaboration." - Homeowner This 19th Century home received a front porch makeover. The historic renovation consisted of: 1) Demolishing the old porch 2) Installing new footings for the extended wrap around porch 3) New 10" round columns and western red cedar railings and balusters. 4) New Ipe flooring 5) Refinished the front door (done by homeowner) 6) New siding and re trimmed windows

You might have heard the expression “strong as Oak” somewhere before. Although this saying might make you think it is talking about the strong physical attributes of the tree; like the storm-resistant trunk or the strong root system, it is actually referring to something deeper than that. Five Star Tree Services is here to dive deep into the ancient history of this magnificent tree! Throughout Greek mythology and time, the Oak tree has continuously been represented as a symbol of wisdom. It has also been the embodiment of time, strength, and wisdom. The Greeks have linked the oldest oak tree, which surpassed 300 years old, as Zeus, the God of Thunder. When we talk about this tree outside of all the symbolism it represents, it also has many other useful uses for us and animals as well. This includes things like having a strong root system that aids against erosion, producing acorns that feed farm animals, very strong wood that we can use for furniture, bringing beauty to any yard, and being a good home for wildlife. This particular tree is easy to spot amongst many others. You can depict an Oak tree by the iconic broad canopy, multi pointed leaves, and strong branches coming from the trunk. At full maturity, these trees stretch out as much as they get tall. Meaning that these trees are perfect for hanging swings, providing plenty of shade, or partake in a lovely family picnic. Oak trees are probably the most well-known and famous trees in the world. This is due to all the people who love the overall look of the tree, history, and symbolism. This tree is depicted throughout history and also has appeared in some of Hollywood’s movies. You may have seen the movie Forrest Gump and might have noticed a big beautiful tree with a couple different scenes. The Oak tree appears in the movie for the scene where Forrest and Jenny are kids and sitting on a low hanging branch. In another scene, you get to see a row of oaks and the iconic scene of “run Forrest, run”. As well as at the end of the movie where Forrest has Jenny buried. Throughout this movie, the Oak tree symbolizes strength and at-home consistency. If you are thinking about planting one of these majestic trees, you are going to need to seriously consider the placement of the permanent location where this tree will stay for its whole life. You need to think about the future growth of this tree and make accommodations for how big and wide it will get. This means thinking hundreds of years into the future and planning accordingly. Maintaining this magnificent tree is a necessity for its longevity, overall aesthetic, and for safety reasons. It will require a full pruning every couple of years and yearly fertilization in order to give the Oak tree the best care possible and to help it last many lifetimes. How Five Star Tree Service Can Help Oak trees are very symbolic, strong, and beautiful trees. When given enough room for growth, they are perfect for any home! This tress will leave a legacy for many generations to see and behold. If you have been contemplating adding this beautiful tree to your property, Five Star Tree Services would love to help you with our Toronto Tree Planting services! Our highly knowledgeable team will be able to assist you in choosing the perfect location for this tree and of course, planting it for you! If you are interested in our services, give us a call today at (416) 990-3355. To learn more, check out our website for more information.

Example of a large transitional backyard concrete paver patio vegetable garden design in Toronto