The new owners of this 1974 Post and Beam home originally contacted us for help furnishing their main floor living spaces. But it wasn’t long before these delightfully open minded clients agreed to a much larger project, including a full kitchen renovation. They were looking to personalize their “forever home,” a place where they looked forward to spending time together entertaining friends and family. In a bold move, we proposed teal cabinetry that tied in beautifully with their ocean and mountain views and suggested covering the original cedar plank ceilings with white shiplap to allow for improved lighting in the ceilings. We also added a full height panelled wall creating a proper front entrance and closing off part of the kitchen while still keeping the space open for entertaining. Finally, we curated a selection of custom designed wood and upholstered furniture for their open concept living spaces and moody home theatre room beyond. This project is a Top 5 Finalist for Western Living Magazine's 2021 Home of the Year.

Project: Full Ensuite Bathroom Renovation Location: Mississauga – Square One Area This full ensuite renovation focused on improving layout, comfort, and functionality. The original bathroom felt enclosed and outdated. The shower was dark, closed off, and had a low ceiling due to a bulkhead. A large deck-mounted bathtub occupied significant space and was never used by the homeowner. The existing cabinetry lacked proper storage and did not meet the client’s needs. To transform the space, we fully opened the shower area by removing the bulkhead and side wall, allowing for better light flow and ceiling height. The deck-mounted bathtub, old tile, and existing furniture were completely removed. The new walk-in shower features a linear drain with a non-threshold Schluter system, creating a seamless, clean look and improving accessibility. The custom glass enclosure was designed to maintain openness while defining the space. We installed a custom vanity to maximize storage and discreetly conceal electrical outlets, keeping the design streamlined and practical. Key features include: Zitta freestanding bathtub Tenzo freestanding tub filler Tenzo shower valve with thermostatic and volume control The result is a bright, functional, and thoughtfully planned ensuite that feels open, modern, and tailored to the homeowner’s lifestyle.

THE SETUP This client lives in a great high-rise condo in downtown Chicago. Alicia has already remodeled a few areas of her home, including her kitchen and home office. The bathroom is one of the last big places the client wanted to update. The existing bathroom had a large, outdated whirlpool tub in the corner. It was a darker space that had a lack of natural light. There are no windows (due to the bathroom’s location within the high-rise building). So, the idea was to brighten up the space and give the client an updated, elegant primary bathroom that is more her style and tailor-made for her routines. Design Objectives: - Make the space brighter. - Create different daily routine stations to maximize functionality while keeping things clutter-free – a makeup station, a blow-dry station, and a sink-needs station. - Achieve the client’s specific style and function needs while also keeping the look and design open to future possibilities: different users of the space/resale clients. Design Challenges: - Toilet cannot be moved. (In a high-rise, you can’t really move plumbing around too much when reimagining a space) - Existing bathroom had a soffit that hid a lot of electrical wiring, so completely removing the soffit wasn’t an option. - The blow-dry station needs to accommodate the client’s preference for standing up. - Finding a place for the make-up station, which the client wants oriented for sitting. - Create storage within the shower that can eliminate the clutter of personal care products that are actually needed every day. Do this, while keeping the client’s favorite things about the existing shower: the shower bench, a tub filler faucet (for rinsing shaving cream when shaving legs) and a low niche for placing her foot when shaving her legs. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: - Extended a bit of wall near the toilet to give the commode its own area within the space, but without closing it off into a claustrophobic WC. - Worked within the reality of the existing soffit situation, reshaping it to align with the new shower. Can lights were also added. Installed a beautiful ceiling light fixture that works within the new soffit shape, commanding attention and adding light, as if the sofit shape was chosen for it. - Created a nice, furniture-looking 42”-high cabinet with pullout drawers to be the blow-dry station, complete with a mirror and a nice top. The pullout drawers are all powered, concealing a Dyson dryer and curling iron (and all the accoutrements) while keeping them plugged in, which is ideal for easy usage and put away. A stylish mirror on the wall above the cabinet, and proper lighting, make this the perfect blow-dry station. The top has a grommet that can accommodate a power cord should the client ever want to have a powered device on top of the cabinet. - Put the sit-down makeup station where the tub used to be, putting the mirror back into a new recessed wall just a bit, allowing the area to have more room. - Created a niche in the shower’s inner wall so that you can’t see it unless you are literally inside the shower. At the client’s request, it also has a hook so she can hang her loofa. Hiding the utility niche in this way allowed us to use the full main wall of the shower as a canvas for a beautiful accent stripe of raised decorative tile. The new shower has her old favorites, too: the tub filler, foot niche and bench. Alicia’s client loves her new primary bathroom, especially the blow dry area. It is very accommodating for her, as a tall lady, while being very easy to use. The drawers store everything. Being powered, they make using already-plugged in appliances very easy to use and put away. Her previous makeup station was a freestanding vanity with a single drawer, so beauty products were all over the surface top. With her new makeup station, everything is nicely tucked away and organized in drawers. The new lighting is fantastic and the colors are light and soft. The clients loves the overall look and feel of her new bathroom and raves about how well the functionality-minded design makes her morning routine – and her life – easier and enjoyable!

Kids' room - transitional kids' room idea in Minneapolis

These doors are a prominent architectural feature of the home. Their custom window design as well as their arched header make for beautiful "garden style" doors.

THE SETUP This client lives in a great high-rise condo in downtown Chicago. Alicia has already remodeled a few areas of her home, including her kitchen and home office. The bathroom is one of the last big places the client wanted to update. The existing bathroom had a large, outdated whirlpool tub in the corner. It was a darker space that had a lack of natural light. There are no windows (due to the bathroom’s location within the high-rise building). So, the idea was to brighten up the space and give the client an updated, elegant primary bathroom that is more her style and tailor-made for her routines. Design Objectives: - Make the space brighter. - Create different daily routine stations to maximize functionality while keeping things clutter-free – a makeup station, a blow-dry station, and a sink-needs station. - Achieve the client’s specific style and function needs while also keeping the look and design open to future possibilities: different users of the space/resale clients. Design Challenges: - Toilet cannot be moved. (In a high-rise, you can’t really move plumbing around too much when reimagining a space) - Existing bathroom had a soffit that hid a lot of electrical wiring, so completely removing the soffit wasn’t an option. - The blow-dry station needs to accommodate the client’s preference for standing up. - Finding a place for the make-up station, which the client wants oriented for sitting. - Create storage within the shower that can eliminate the clutter of personal care products that are actually needed every day. Do this, while keeping the client’s favorite things about the existing shower: the shower bench, a tub filler faucet (for rinsing shaving cream when shaving legs) and a low niche for placing her foot when shaving her legs. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: - Extended a bit of wall near the toilet to give the commode its own area within the space, but without closing it off into a claustrophobic WC. - Worked within the reality of the existing soffit situation, reshaping it to align with the new shower. Can lights were also added. Installed a beautiful ceiling light fixture that works within the new soffit shape, commanding attention and adding light, as if the sofit shape was chosen for it. - Created a nice, furniture-looking 42”-high cabinet with pullout drawers to be the blow-dry station, complete with a mirror and a nice top. The pullout drawers are all powered, concealing a Dyson dryer and curling iron (and all the accoutrements) while keeping them plugged in, which is ideal for easy usage and put away. A stylish mirror on the wall above the cabinet, and proper lighting, make this the perfect blow-dry station. The top has a grommet that can accommodate a power cord should the client ever want to have a powered device on top of the cabinet. - Put the sit-down makeup station where the tub used to be, putting the mirror back into a new recessed wall just a bit, allowing the area to have more room. - Created a niche in the shower’s inner wall so that you can’t see it unless you are literally inside the shower. At the client’s request, it also has a hook so she can hang her loofa. Hiding the utility niche in this way allowed us to use the full main wall of the shower as a canvas for a beautiful accent stripe of raised decorative tile. The new shower has her old favorites, too: the tub filler, foot niche and bench. Alicia’s client loves her new primary bathroom, especially the blow dry area. It is very accommodating for her, as a tall lady, while being very easy to use. The drawers store everything. Being powered, they make using already-plugged in appliances very easy to use and put away. Her previous makeup station was a freestanding vanity with a single drawer, so beauty products were all over the surface top. With her new makeup station, everything is nicely tucked away and organized in drawers. The new lighting is fantastic and the colors are light and soft. The clients loves the overall look and feel of her new bathroom and raves about how well the functionality-minded design makes her morning routine – and her life – easier and enjoyable!

This couple had been using the unfinished basement as an exercise and storage area. They wanted to clean it up and make it more comfortable and usable for all their requirements, such as get togethers, relaxation, and storage. This included making half the basement a large exercise room, including a padded floor. The other half a comfortable living and entertainment area, with TV and fireplace for coziness and entertainment for family and friends. Extras included a bar, with sink and fridge, washroom, close to the activities, and proper lighting for all events. They were both happy with the results that resulted in a warm and friendly environment.

Blue Dunes granite is a striking choice for a bathroom vanity, and this one in Columbia shows why. The stone carries a deep blue-gray base with movement that shifts from soft charcoal to cooler blue tones depending on the light in the room. It's the kind of slab that reads almost like natural stone artwork more than a countertop, which matters in a bathroom where you're standing close to it every morning and evening. Granite works well here because a vanity top takes a real beating over the years. Water sits on it, makeup and skincare products get set down and wiped up, and it needs to hold up without staining or dulling. Blue Dunes has the density and low porosity you want in that spot. Sealed properly, it resists moisture and everyday spills without much fuss, and it keeps its polish for years with basic care. Fabricating a double or single vanity top out of a stone like this means paying attention to the slab before it's ever cut. We template the vanity to the exact cabinet dimensions, then lay out the cut so the veining and color movement land where they'll actually be seen, not just where they happen to fall. With a stone that has as much personality as Blue Dunes, that layout work makes the difference between a top that looks intentional and one that looks like an afterthought. The edge on this one is eased, which keeps the look clean and doesn't fight with the stone's natural pattern. It's a small detail but it's the right call for a vanity where the visual weight should sit with the granite itself. Day to day, this top will handle exactly what a bathroom throws at it. It won't scratch from normal use, it wipes clean easily, and the color stays consistent whether the bathroom's lit by daylight or a vanity light at night. For a Columbia home, it's a solid, good-looking upgrade that fits right into the kind of work we do across the Midlands, matching the right stone to the right room and making sure it's built to last.

Clients were wanting to expand their 50's era semi-bungalow to a full two storey so they could add one more bedroom and bathroom to their second level. Part of the plan was to create an actual master suite with proper ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet space. Phase one took the project to drywall stage, but later we added phase two where we finished the rest of the second level to finish stage along with a complete refresh of the main level with new finishings including flooring and counter-tops. The exterior of the home was also re-done including new windows, doors, and siding plus roof shingles of course. The result was a great and expanded character bungalow in a very desirable area located close to downtown.

A ground-level perspective showing the structural framing and fine craftsmanship of this multi-level deck project. This view highlights the decorative curved metal balusters on the upper rail, straight balusters along the staircase, and clean wood lattice underpinning that neatly closes off the underside of the deck while allowing proper ventilation. Handcrafted by Greywolf Cabinets and More, every landing, stair stringer, and handrail is built for safety, stability, and long-lasting outdoor appeal.

The new owners of this 1974 Post and Beam home originally contacted us for help furnishing their main floor living spaces. But it wasn’t long before these delightfully open minded clients agreed to a much larger project, including a full kitchen renovation. They were looking to personalize their “forever home,” a place where they looked forward to spending time together entertaining friends and family. In a bold move, we proposed teal cabinetry that tied in beautifully with their ocean and mountain views and suggested covering the original cedar plank ceilings with white shiplap to allow for improved lighting in the ceilings. We also added a full height panelled wall creating a proper front entrance and closing off part of the kitchen while still keeping the space open for entertaining. Finally, we curated a selection of custom designed wood and upholstered furniture for their open concept living spaces and moody home theatre room beyond. * This project has been featured in Western Living Magazine.

The new owners of this 1974 Post and Beam home originally contacted us for help furnishing their main floor living spaces. But it wasn’t long before these delightfully open minded clients agreed to a much larger project, including a full kitchen renovation. They were looking to personalize their “forever home,” a place where they looked forward to spending time together entertaining friends and family. In a bold move, we proposed teal cabinetry that tied in beautifully with their ocean and mountain views and suggested covering the original cedar plank ceilings with white shiplap to allow for improved lighting in the ceilings. We also added a full height panelled wall creating a proper front entrance and closing off part of the kitchen while still keeping the space open for entertaining. Finally, we curated a selection of custom designed wood and upholstered furniture for their open concept living spaces and moody home theatre room beyond. This project is a Top 5 Finalist for Western Living Magazine's 2021 Home of the Year.

The new owners of this 1974 Post and Beam home originally contacted us for help furnishing their main floor living spaces. But it wasn’t long before these delightfully open minded clients agreed to a much larger project, including a full kitchen renovation. They were looking to personalize their “forever home,” a place where they looked forward to spending time together entertaining friends and family. In a bold move, we proposed teal cabinetry that tied in beautifully with their ocean and mountain views and suggested covering the original cedar plank ceilings with white shiplap to allow for improved lighting in the ceilings. We also added a full height panelled wall creating a proper front entrance and closing off part of the kitchen while still keeping the space open for entertaining. Finally, we curated a selection of custom designed wood and upholstered furniture for their open concept living spaces and moody home theatre room beyond. * This project has been featured in Western Living Magazine.

Spring brings the first rays of steady sunlight that encourage your trees to start sprouting fruit and flowers. However, sometimes at the start of spring, the cold weather makes a sudden and abrupt turn as winter tries to reassert its dominance. This can cause a late freeze, which is difficult for many trees to combat. Fruit trees are the most vulnerable during a late freeze, but Five Star Tree Services has some suggestions to help you protect your fruit and flowering trees from a late freeze. Protecting Your Trees Some fruit trees are better able to protect themselves from the cold, but all trees need to be protected from the frost. Depending on the type of tree you have, several methods of protection are effective. Peach Trees: To protect peach trees, cover them with a blanket or a sheet during the day. This will allow heat to build up that will protect them at night during the freeze. Make sure to leave the cover in place until the freeze passes. Citrus Trees: These are the most fragile of all trees. Small trees should be draped with burlap, a sheet, a tree frost blanket, or any other type of fabric at least a day before the freeze occurs. The cover has to surround the whole tree to trap the heat and prevent frost. Apple Trees: These trees are pretty sturdy compared to other fruit-bearing trees. They can handle the cold, but it is still a good idea to cover them during sudden frost. It is important to avoid placing ground covers, mulch, and weeds from around the base of a tree during cold weather and frost periods. The moist bare soil emits more heat than soil that is mulched. Watering trees ahead of a frost can also help to protect them as water also emits heat. When you expect a freeze, it is also best to furrow-irrigate at night or use a sprinkler on its low setting while ensuring there is proper drainage for your trees. Any time the outside temperature is forecast to drop below 32 degrees; you should cover your trees. Which Trees Can Survive in the Cold? No fruit-bearing trees are made for cold climates, but some are better equipped to handle the cold than others. The Plant Hardiness Zone can help you choose the right trees to plant for the area where you live. For example, lemon trees and other citrus trees need to be planted in zones 9-11 where the risk of cold weather is minimal. Pear trees, on the other hand, need cold weather to thrive and should be planted in zones 4-8. Freezing Dangers Some fruit or flowering trees that are caught unguarded during the late frost may lose their blossoms. In many cases, these trees will no longer sprout during the current growing season but will come back next spring as healthy as ever. Younger trees are more prone to damage than mature trees. Trees that have closed buds are also able to handle the cold better than those that have already started to bloom. Of course, the longer a freeze is present, the more dangerous it is for your trees. How We Can Help The skilled arborists here at Five Star Tree Services are always on hand to help protect your trees from frost and with regular maintenance. Some of the other services we provide include tree removal, tree planting, and tree pruning in Richmond Hill and the Greater Toronto Area. If you require our assistance, give us a call at (416) 990-3355 today.

Although less common than projects from our other product lines, a Sunspace Design pool enclosure is one of the most visually impressive products we offer. This custom pool enclosure was constructed on a beautiful four acre parcel in Carlisle, Massachusetts. It is the third major project Sunspace Design has designed and constructed on this property. We had previously designed and built an orangery as a dining area off the kitchen in the main house. Our use of a mahogany wood frame and insulated glass ceiling became a focal point and ultimately a beloved space for the owners and their children to enjoy. This positive experience led to an ongoing relationship with Sunspace. We were called in some years later as the clients were considering building an indoor swimming pool on their property. They wanted to include wood and glass in the ceiling in the same fashion as the orangery we had completed for them years earlier. Working closely with the clients, their structural engineer, and their mechanical engineer, we developed the elevations and glass roof system, steel superstructure, and a very sophisticated environment control system to properly heat, cool, and regulate humidity within the enclosure. Further enhancements included a full bath, laundry area, and a sitting area adjacent to the pool complete with a fireplace and wall-mounted television. The magnificent interior finishes included a bluestone floor. We were especially happy to deliver this project to the client, and we believe that many years of enjoyment will be had by their friends and family in this new space.

To see the videos about this project: Part 1: https://youtu.be/LfNAaG1lOEs Part 2: https://youtu.be/fBP-RzFqPTM We have created this new front entry porch as a transitional space and intuitive connection between the private world of the family and the public realm of the sidewalk. For a homeowner the front porch can be one of the best ways to build a sense of neighborhood community. For this front entry porch project we have added a multi pitch hip roof across the front of the home. This roof covers the sitting area and serves to properly define the front entry area of the home. This covered porch allows room for entertaining, as well as considerably improving the homes curb appeal.

The new owners of this 1974 Post and Beam home originally contacted us for help furnishing their main floor living spaces. But it wasn’t long before these delightfully open minded clients agreed to a much larger project, including a full kitchen renovation. They were looking to personalize their “forever home,” a place where they looked forward to spending time together entertaining friends and family. In a bold move, we proposed teal cabinetry that tied in beautifully with their ocean and mountain views and suggested covering the original cedar plank ceilings with white shiplap to allow for improved lighting in the ceilings. We also added a full height panelled wall creating a proper front entrance and closing off part of the kitchen while still keeping the space open for entertaining. Finally, we curated a selection of custom designed wood and upholstered furniture for their open concept living spaces and moody home theatre room beyond. * This project has been featured in Western Living Magazine.

This kitchen remodel was designed by Phil Rudick, Architect of Urban Kitchens + Baths, Austin, Texas. The original kitchen was built with a boomerang shaped peninsula which severely restricted traffic flow and only allowed for a small island. one long wall was totally underutilized, and no thought was given to storage and accessibility. We wanted to redesign the space to maximize it's potential. The redesigned kitchen space features a proper work triangle where the areas at the triangle points were fully developed for food prep, cooking and cleanup. The new large island offers seating thanks to a graceful granite counter top overhang, and the bank of tall pantry cabinets is outfitted with mobile full extension self/soft close shelves.

This 1931 replica cabin was in overall good condition, but the south bank of the Willamette River where it sat had eroded dangerously close to the cabin over the past 82 years. Moving the cabin to higher ground was imperative. Each log was hand marked before disassembly and relocated in the exact same location on the new site, insuring proper fit and alignment. New engineering within the existing timbers was created to insure a safe structure. Weathered shingles, original newel posts and historic shutters came right along with all of the invaluable logs and artifacts that make this relocation project a true success. ARCIFORM also recreated a massive stone chimney keeping today’s seismic concerns in mind and updating it for ADA accessibility, Combining new elements and old building techniques in a way that clearly shows the difference between new and old was clearly demonstrated in this project.