KEY FEATURES • Hand Made in Europe • Hand-Made by 3rd. generation of Aydin family. • Premium Quality • Hand lined bottom • Hand stitching • 100% genuine cowhide leather • European (Balkan) breed animals • Each product is BRANDED with serial number and Craftsmanship seal. • Hides used for making Patchworks are sourced ethically and humanely and 100% as byproduct of meat production • Animals are free-range raised, sustainable sourced mainly on mountain pastures of Eastern Europe. • Animal skins are endemic to breeds specific for Eastern European region. • Skins ARE NOT processed by mass processing facility, but rather family owned business with "Old Craft" certificate. This means that such business falls in "tradition" category of business, since third family generation takes care of business. • All skins are hand processed using solutions with the P.H value of drinking water (7)! We have been assured into that by being present inside the workshop during skin processing • Skins are processed in small batches, usually 5-10 at the time, in order for skin to preserve, to the greatest extend, its natural distinctions and quality. • NOTE: The photo on this page represents design and style of this rug and IT IS AN IMAGE OF ACTUAL product you will receive. All rug sizes are approximate. Due to the difference of monitor colors, some rug colors may vary slightly. • NOTE: Few products may contain some natural flaws due to conditions inherent to natural animal products (scratches, insect bites, wrinkles, cuts, etc.) that will be discretely repaired. Please note that we do not wedge our cowhides but we rather discretely stitch and repair. Such flaws are acceptable for this type of product, since it represents the life of the animal to the fullest possible extent. SQ21

Home design - contemporary home design idea in London

Located in the heart of Downtown St. Petersburg, the Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club is one of the city's most iconic hotels. This downtown gem can easily be distinguished by its salmon color and Mediterranean Revival style architecture. Situated right on the bay, this luxury resort is just a short walk from all of the area’s major attractions such as the Dali Museum, Beach Drive, and the Mahaffey Theater. The Vinoy was constructed in 1925 and has been through a long history of renovations and construction within its lifetime. Efforts are constantly being made to preserve the hotel’s historic past while still providing guests with a unique, comfortable, and luxurious experience. With that being said, it was recently announced that the hotel will undergo a three-year $50 million plan to improve several aspects of the property. Patio Lane took part in these upgrades by designing and producing custom cushions for two locations on the property: the veranda and smoking area seating. We fabricated a total of 187 custom cushions with 13 different configurations for the hotel: dining chair seat, lounge chair, love seat, center sectional, end sectionals, as well as ottomans. Patio Lane directly competed with the original furniture and cushion manufacturer for this project. However, being an essential part of St. Petersburg, the resort appreciated a local vendor with strong initiative to earn their business. As far as the project requirements, the Vinoy needed something that will hold up through the harsh sun and storms of Central Florida. Typically, cushions in a commercial setting will last a few years depending on the human traffic. For a luxury hotel, such as the Vinoy, these cushions should have been replaced within 3 years. To ensure that they would have high performing seating for their guests, they chose cushions fabricated with Sunbrella Rain performance fabric. This fabric is 100% waterproof and specifically made for outdoor spaces that endure heavy rainfall or any kind of moisture. Sunbrella Rain eliminates drying time after wet weather. Resort staff can simply wipe the cushions down and their guests are ready to continue lounging and relaxing. The Vinoy’s original cushions used a polyurethane foam that had since lost its strength and was no longer providing a comfortable seat. (When we initially surveyed the Vinoy, we witnessed many customers doubling up on cushions to place behind their backs!) Numerous cushions had ripped at the seams and the zippers were non-functional. Dry-fast foam, the preferred option for cushions fabricated with Sunbrella Rain, was the perfect choice with the 4 in. thick seats & 5 in. thick backs because it will provide a firm seat and support for years to come.

Luxury – Prestige – Status KEY FEATURES Hand Made in Europe Hand-Made by 3rd. generation of Aydin family. Premium Quality Hand lined bottom Hand stitching 100% genuine cowhide leather European (Balkan) breed animals Each product is BRANDED with serial number and Craftsmanship seal. Hides used for making Patchworks are sourced ethically and humanely and 100% as byproduct of meat production Animals are free-range raised, sustainable sourced mainly on mountain pastures of Eastern Europe. Animal skins are endemic to breeds specific for Eastern European region. Skins ARE NOT processed by mass processing facility, but rather family owned business with "Old Craft" certificate. This means that such business falls in "Traditional" category of business. All skins are hand processed using solutions with the P.H value of drinking water. Skins are processed in small batches, usually 5-10 at the time, in order for skin to preserve, to the greatest extend, its natural distinctions and quality. NOTE: The photo on this page represents design and style of this rug and IT IS AN IMAGE OF ACTUAL product you will receive. All rug sizes are approximate. Due to the difference of monitor colors, some rug colors may vary slightly. NOTE: Few products may contain some natural flaws due to conditions inherent to natural animal products (scratches, insect bites, wrinkles, cuts, etc.) that will be discretely repaired. Please note that we do not wedge our cowhides but we rather discretely stitch and repair. Such flaws are acceptable for this type of product, since it represents the life of the animal to the fullest possible extent.

Dimension: 18" L X 18" D X 34" H Bring a luxe air of comfort to your dining room ensemble with our Delaware Rustic Solid Wood Dining Chair with Upholstered Seat. A stunning display of organic details with natural finish gives this upholstered dining room chair a rustic, time-honored patina. The aesthetic offers the classic look of transitional styling with a nod to the farmhouse trend. Neutral tone fabric covers the seats of the chairs, complemented by the crisp linear lines of the straight back that brings a welcoming warmth to any room in your home. This solid-back dining chair is designed with firm support that delivers a sophisticated look with a simple silhouette and comfortable contouring. This handsome wooden chair is a versatile option that can complement nearly any style table or fit into the visual interest of a mismatched chair set. A work of old-world artistry, this fabric upholstered dining chair is handcrafted with solid woods to assure a piece of long-living history for you and your family. The chair's rich array of fine grains, knots, and bands are fantastically captured to allude to a simpler time of days long passed, perfectly designed for today's busy family. Keep the look going with our Delaware Rustic Solid Wood Dining Table and 3 Drawer Sideboard Buffet. Special Features: • 100% Handcrafted • Made of solid wood • Rustic natural finish • Fabric upholstered seat • Solid-back chair • Part of the Delaware Collection Note: Real wood is a product of nature, and as such, no two pieces are alike. Variations in solid wood grain patterns are to be expected and make each furniture uniquely beautiful, just like us humans.

Client has a complex business, loves to entertain family and friends, wanted the living area to be sensible space for his beloved dog and at the same time, lovely for humans too!

KEY FEATURES • Hand Made in Europe • Hand-Made by 3rd. generation of Aydin family. • Premium Quality • Hand lined bottom • Hand stitching • 100% genuine cowhide leather • European (Balkan) breed animals • Each product is BRANDED with serial number and Craftsmanship seal. • Hides used for making Patchworks are sourced ethically and humanely and 100% as byproduct of meat production • Animals are free-range raised, sustainable sourced mainly on mountain pastures of Eastern Europe. • Animal skins are endemic to breeds specific for Eastern European region. • Skins ARE NOT processed by mass processing facility, but rather family owned business with "Old Craft" certificate. This means that such business falls in "tradition" category of business, since third family generation takes care of business. • All skins are hand processed using solutions with the P.H value of drinking water (7)! We have been assured into that by being present inside the workshop during skin processing • Skins are processed in small batches, usually 5-10 at the time, in order for skin to preserve, to the greatest extend, its natural distinctions and quality. • NOTE: The photo on this page represents design and style of this rug and IT IS AN IMAGE OF ACTUAL product you will receive. All rug sizes are approximate. Due to the difference of monitor colors, some rug colors may vary slightly. • NOTE: Few products may contain some natural flaws due to conditions inherent to natural animal products (scratches, insect bites, wrinkles, cuts, etc.) that will be discretely repaired. Please note that we do not wedge our cowhides but we rather discretely stitch and repair. Such flaws are acceptable for this type of product, since it represents the life of the animal to the fullest possible extent. SQ21

Inspiration for a kitchen remodel in Grand Rapids

Luxury – Prestige – Status KEY FEATURES Hand Made in Europe Hand-Made by 3rd. generation of Aydin family. Premium Quality Hand lined bottom Hand stitching 100% genuine cowhide leather European (Balkan) breed animals Each product is BRANDED with serial number and Craftsmanship seal. Hides used for making Patchworks are sourced ethically and humanely and 100% as byproduct of meat production Animals are free-range raised, sustainable sourced mainly on mountain pastures of Eastern Europe. Animal skins are endemic to breeds specific for Eastern European region. Skins ARE NOT processed by mass processing facility, but rather family owned business with "Old Craft" certificate. This means that such business falls in "Traditional" category of business. All skins are hand processed using solutions with the P.H value of drinking water. Skins are processed in small batches, usually 5-10 at the time, in order for skin to preserve, to the greatest extend, its natural distinctions and quality. NOTE: The photo on this page represents design and style of this rug and IT IS AN IMAGE OF ACTUAL product you will receive. All rug sizes are approximate. Due to the difference of monitor colors, some rug colors may vary slightly. NOTE: Few products may contain some natural flaws due to conditions inherent to natural animal products (scratches, insect bites, wrinkles, cuts, etc.) that will be discretely repaired. Please note that we do not wedge our cowhides but we rather discretely stitch and repair. Such flaws are acceptable for this type of product, since it represents the life of the animal to the fullest possible extent.

Luxury – Prestige – Status KEY FEATURES Hand Made in Europe Hand-Made by 3rd. generation of Aydin family. Premium Quality Hand lined bottom Hand stitching 100% genuine cowhide leather European (Balkan) breed animals Each product is BRANDED with serial number and Craftsmanship seal. Hides used for making Patchworks are sourced ethically and humanely and 100% as byproduct of meat production Animals are free-range raised, sustainable sourced mainly on mountain pastures of Eastern Europe. Animal skins are endemic to breeds specific for Eastern European region. Skins ARE NOT processed by mass processing facility, but rather family owned business with "Old Craft" certificate. This means that such business falls in "Traditional" category of business. All skins are hand processed using solutions with the P.H value of drinking water. Skins are processed in small batches, usually 5-10 at the time, in order for skin to preserve, to the greatest extend, its natural distinctions and quality. NOTE: The photo on this page represents design and style of this rug and IT IS AN IMAGE OF ACTUAL product you will receive. All rug sizes are approximate. Due to the difference of monitor colors, some rug colors may vary slightly. NOTE: Few products may contain some natural flaws due to conditions inherent to natural animal products (scratches, insect bites, wrinkles, cuts, etc.) that will be discretely repaired. Please note that we do not wedge our cowhides but we rather discretely stitch and repair. Such flaws are acceptable for this type of product, since it represents the life of the animal to the fullest possible extent.

Seamingly Straight, Inc. is a Las Vegas family owned and operated business founded in 1979. Recipients of numerous awards over 45 years of service in the wallpaper & paint industry. Honors and citations issued from Chamber of Commerce, Victoria Magazine, Historic Preservation Society, Women-Owned Business Societies, Angie’s List, Angi, Home Advisor, Houzz, Sherwin Williams, Yelp, Las Vegas Magazine and Habitat for Humanity. Licensed with the Nevada State Contractor’s Board, State of Nevada and City of Las Vegas. Fully insured and bonded.

CommonGrounds is leading the evolution of the workplace away from long-term and stagnant to dynamic and sophisticated. Pioneers in shared workspace business, Common Grounds have designed human-centric workplaces in thriving markets with the latest technologies, services, and furnishings delivering more frictionless environments to drive the twenty-first-century workforces. Their latest location in downtown Portland Pearl is an old warehouse revived into this ultra-modern workspace with 2 custom finish Castle Bespoke Mainstreet Raw products embellishing the floors.

  Phoenix's food scene is vibrant and thriving, but also one of the most closely watched in the country. Health inspectors in Maricopa County are strict, and customers expect spotless dining spaces.  To stay competitive, restaurant owners and food vendors must stay on top of evolving health codes, sanitation protocols, and food safety benchmarks. That starts with a firm grip on restaurant cleaning safety standards. Ignoring sanitation rules risks more than bad reviews. It invites citations, customer complaints, and operational shutdowns. Whether you're operating a food truck or a restaurant, following these Phoenix cleaning standards helps you stay compliant, pass health inspections, and build customer trust. Importance of a Clean Phoenix Restaurant that Follows Food Health and Safety Standards The restaurant industry in Phoenix operates under strict oversight. The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department conducts regular inspections, and violations can result in fines or closures. In this climate, restaurant cleaning is not just a hygiene standard. It is a business-critical measure. Proper food handling and establishment cleaning protocols reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, control pests, protect equipment, and keep your staff safe. Inconsistent practices, on the other hand, can quickly become liabilities. Start With the Food Code Phoenix food vendors must comply with the 2017 FDA Food Code as adopted by Maricopa County. This includes rules on:

• Sanitizing food-contact surfaces after each use
• Maintaining proper water temperatures for dishwashing
• Cleaning restrooms frequently and keeping them stocked
• Storing cleaning chemicals away from prep areas

Each violation tier, from Priority to Core, has consequences. Priority violations (like improper sanitization) trigger repeat inspections and possible permit suspensions. Establish a Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Cleaning Routine for Phoenix Restaurants and Commercial Kitchens High-performing food vendors operate with cleaning checklists categorized by frequency:

• Daily: Wipe prep tables, mop floors, clean grills, sanitize cutting boards
• Weekly: Deep clean kitchen hoods, polish cooking equipment, disinfect drains
• Monthly: Check pest control measures, clean freezer coils, and inspect HVAC filters

Your routines should align with the facility’s risk level and menu complexity. A meat-heavy kitchen faces a higher risk of contamination than a coffee cart. Build your cleaning schedule accordingly. Train Staff on Cleaning Protocols Staff must be trained to clean as effectively as they cook and do food preparation. This includes:

• Using the right sanitizers and PPE
• Logging cleaning times and who performed the task
• Identifying signs of mold, grease buildup, or rodent activity
• Conducting thorough surface cleaning to ensure all food-contact surfaces are sanitized regularly

Training is not one-time. Update it quarterly and post protocols in shared areas. Use EPA-Approved  Cleaning Products for Arizona Food Business Phoenix regulations call for cleaning products that meet EPA standards. These should be:

• Food-safe and non-corrosive
• Effective against norovirus, salmonella, and E. coli
• Clearly labeled and stored in original containers

Over-the-counter products won’t always meet the grade. Confirm that all cleaning products meet EPA standards by checking them against the official List N for food-contact disinfectants. Maintain Clean Air and Water Systems Your HVAC system can be a hidden contamination source. Dirty filters affect air quality and can lead to dust settling on surfaces. Water lines used in ice machines and beverage dispensers must also be sanitized. Schedule routine inspections with licensed technicians and keep maintenance logs. Phoenix’s dry climate compounds dust issues, making this step even more essential. Waste Management Is Part of Cleaning Waste bins should be emptied multiple times a day and sanitized regularly. Grease traps, in particular, require strict oversight. Phoenix plumbing codes demand regular removal of grease buildup to prevent clogs and contamination. Document waste pickup schedules and trap cleanings to show inspectors you take this seriously. Be Pest-Prevention Oriented Phoenix’s warm climate creates a year-round pest risk. From roaches to rodents, pest sightings during inspections can instantly tank your sanitation score. To avoid this:

• Seal gaps around doors and pipes
• Store dry goods in sealed, elevated containers
• Keep outdoor waste bins locked and distanced from entry points

Implement a pest control plan that follows local best practices. Proactive prevention will save your operation from reputational damage. Comply With Local Licensing and Inspections Food establishments and vendors must display current food permits and be ready for unannounced inspections. In Phoenix, inspectors from Maricopa County use a digital scoring system, and all inspection results are publicly available online. That means your customers can see your cleaning track record before ever placing an order. If you want to access your past inspection scores or understand local codes better, refer to the official Maricopa County site. The Role of Digital Logs and Compliance Software Many Phoenix-based vendors now use cleaning log apps or digital food safety checklists. These tools:

• Record cleaning completion in real time
• Alert managers when tasks are missed
• Keep a historical record for inspections

Adopting digital systems minimizes human error and provides credibility when auditors review your procedures. Monitor Cleaning Performance Through Internal Audits Routine cleaning is only effective when verified. Conduct regular internal audits to identify missed steps, correct improper practices, and maintain accountability. Assign a team member to perform weekly sanitation checks using a standardized checklist. Focus on key areas like surface residue, properly labeled chemicals, and temperature logs. Document each audit and review the results with your team during pre-shift meetings. This ensures your staff stays inspection-ready and fosters a culture of vigilance. In Phoenix’s competitive food market, consistent self-checks help prevent issues before inspectors arrive. When to Hire Restaurant Cleaning Services in Phoenix Some cleaning jobs go beyond what your in-house team can handle. Tasks like vent hood cleaning, ceiling dusting, or chemical deep cleaning are best left to commercial cleaning services. Choose a cleaning vendor who:

• Is certified and understands the Arizona food codes
• Provides documented service reports
• Offers customized cleaning plans
• Offers flexible scheduling around your operating hours

Outsourcing specialized cleaning ensures your facility stays compliant without interrupting your business flow. Cleaning Practices for Food Prep Areas In Phoenix, with its dry climate and year-round warmth, food prep areas are especially vulnerable to contamination. To comply with restaurant cleaning safety standards, these areas require focused cleaning efforts to prevent cross-contamination and maintain food safety. Here’s how to integrate cleaning into your food prep protocols:

• Cross-contamination prevention: Regularly clean food prep surfaces and tools, and use separate equipment for raw meats, vegetables, and ready-to-eat foods. Proper cleaning prevents any contact with food that could lead to cross-contamination and affects food quality.
• Temperature monitoring: While not directly related to cleaning, maintaining proper food temperature is essential. Hot foods should be stored above 140°F, and cold foods below 40°F. Regularly monitor temperatures and clean temperature gauges to ensure accuracy.
• Proper storage: Use clean storage containers and shelving for food storage, keeping items off the floor. Ensure all food is sealed and labeled to avoid contamination risks and comply with food safety standards.

Food Safety Starts With What Customers Can’t See In Phoenix's food service industry, cleanliness is essential to your success. But cleanliness goes deeper than shiny tables and spotless floors. It’s the behind-the-scenes work: the sanitizing, logging, and double-checking that keep your kitchen safe and your customers confident. When you take both sides seriously, your business doesn’t just stay open; it thrives. Meta Title: Restaurant Cleaning Safety Standards for Phoenix Food Vendors Meta Description: Explore Phoenix-specific restaurant cleaning safety standards so your food business stays compliant, avoids fines, passes inspections, and earns customer trust.  

Our semi-round open can has a flat back for placement against the wall and out of the way, while its open lid design makes it easy to toss in trash on the go. The sturdy stainless steel construction, lift-off lid, and large capacity make it an ideal choice for commercial spaces such as restaurants and coffee shops, or even busy families.

Seamingly Straight, Inc. is a Las Vegas family owned and operated business founded in 1979. Recipients of numerous awards over 45 years of service in the wallpaper & paint industry. Honors and citations issued from Chamber of Commerce, Victoria Magazine, Historic Preservation Society, Women-Owned Business Societies, Angie’s List, Angi, Home Advisor, Houzz, Sherwin Williams, Yelp, Las Vegas Magazine and Habitat for Humanity. Licensed with the Nevada State Contractor’s Board, State of Nevada and City of Las Vegas. Fully insured and bonded.

A comfortable, modern home to return to is essential for a busy, active, professional and philanthropic bachelor like Kiptyn.
Example of a small trendy freestanding desk dark wood floor study room design in San Diego with blue walls

Trees, like people, are living beings that need care, nutrition, and a healthy environment in order to thrive. Although tree death is a normal part of their life cycle, with the right care and proper conditions, they can live for thousands of years. Trees are an important part of our environment, and without them, humanity itself will cease to thrive. Therefore, it is important that we do everything possible to properly care for the trees on our property and in our area to maintain their vitality. The Benefits of Commercial Tree Care Here at Five Star Tree Services, we care about the environment and have dedicated our business to pruning, cutting, and maintaining trees and hedges. We offer a wide range of services at a price you can afford. Below, we have put together a shortlist of reasons why you should schedule regular commercial tree care services for your property. Reduce Liability A sick tree or a dead branch can cause bodily harm to a person if they happen to be near the tree when it falls. If you own a business, however, there is more to falling branches than the potential for harm or property damage. A customer, employee, or contractor who is hurt by a falling branch or tree on your property has the right to sue. This can cause strain on your business and destroy your good image. Working with a professional Toronto tree care company will ensure that the trees on your property are always healthy and well maintained to prevent accidents. Healthy Trees There is no purpose in keeping dead branches on your tree. Not only do they occupy space, but they also sap nutrients that your tree needs to thrive. Dead branches are also a hazard since they can fall down at any time. Depending on the size of the branch, this can cause property damage or injury. Regular tree care by a professional company keeps dead branches to a minimum and provides protection to your family, customers, and property at the same time. Aesthetics Everyone likes to look at a nice lawn, colourful garden, and well-maintained trees. For commercial locations, customers are more prone to visit stores and businesses that present a well-kept exterior over those that don’t. Quality is always more important than looks, but in the world of commerce, appearances can spur higher quantities of foot traffic. Additionally, when curb appeal increases, property value increases. This is great if you plan on selling it in the future. Proper Maintenance It is easy to ask your employees or your kids to take care of your lawn, but chances are, it is a well-hated chore. Tree care, on the other hand, is not something that should be left up to chance, or handled by those with no experience. When you hire Five Star Tree Services, our team will ensure that the needs of your trees are met and that they are properly maintained. If you are interested in learning more about our services, give us a call at (416) 990-3355 today.

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.

In the residential periphery of Lisbon, two physicians are establishing a home to grow their family. The original interior was conscientiously updated to serve as a pristine haven for the pair of professionals with busy schedules. Neutral walls, left bare to the interplay between light and shadow, are humanized by a verdant leitmotif inspired by their love of outdoor travel. Custom furniture from local craftsmen features simple volumes in wood and white tones that evoke a sense of both the natural and the minimal. Robust yet luxurious, child- and pet-friendly materials dress the interior. The kitchen and dining room were united into one open entertaining space at the heart of the home. Composite countertops chosen to match the existing stone window sills allot ample workspace and serve as a buffet for the adjacent dining room. There, a custom-crafted table and floating shelf provide a neutral canvas for soirées, while mid-century chairs and a dry floral arrangement by a local ikebana artist add a spray of color. The kitchen entrance was transformed into a virescent, multi-purpose pantry corridor, complete with integrated refrigerator and freezer. A corner niche in the foyer features the ceramic sculpture Gato Assanhado (Hissing Cat) by Bordallo Pinheiro, and a bespoke mirror reflects upon double doors to a living room configured for both work and relaxation; a tailored desk and drawer unit support the former, an ample couch and welcoming armchairs the latter. A vintage wooden sideboard and finishing touches from Portuguese flea markets imbue the space with local soul. PHOTOGRAPHY: © ALEXANDER BOGORODSKIY