This project began with the goal of updating both style and function to allow for improved ease of use for a wheelchair. The previous space was overstuffed with an island that didn't really fit, an over-sized fridge in a location that complicated a primary doorway, and a 42" tall high bar that was inaccessible from a wheelchair. Our clients desired a space that would improve wheelchair use for both cooking or just being in the room, yet did not look like an ADA space. It became a story of less is more, and subtle, thoughtful changes from a standard design. After working through options, we designed an open floorplan that provided a galley kitchen function with a full 5 ft walkway by use of a peninsula open to the family den. This peninsula is highlighted by a drop down, table-height countertop wrapping the end and long backside that is now accessible to all members of the family by providing a perfect height for a flexible workstation in a wheelchair or comfortable entertaining on the backside. We then dropped the height for cooking at the new induction cooktop and created knee space below. Further, we specified an apron front sink that brings the sink closer in reach than a traditional undermount sink that would have countertop rimming in front. An articulating faucet with no limitations on reach provides full range of access in the sink. The ovens and microwave were also situated at a height comfortable for use from a wheelchair. Where a refrigerator used to block the doorway, a pull out is now located giving easy access to dry goods for cooks at all heights. Every element within the space was considered for the impact to our homes occupants - wheelchair or not, even the doorswing on the microwave. Now our client has a kitchen that every member of the family can use and be a part of. Simple design, with a well-thought out plan, makes a difference in the lives of another family. Photos by David Cobb Photography

Centered on six full-sized city lots in the heart of Portland’s Irvington neighborhood, this historic estate badly needed a new kitchen and a reconceived connection to the spacious grounds at the rear of the home. The owner’s impeccable design sense was a perfect match for Emerick Architects’ skill and space planning. The craftsmen at Hammer & Hand brought their vision to life with wood, stone, cabinetry, and paint in the sun room, master suite, great room, and kitchen remodels. Extensive casework detailed to exactly match the complicated profiles of the existing house makes the addition a truly seamless remodel.

Taking care of plants, trees or shrubs may seem easy, but for many homeowners, the task is riddled with complications. For those who have no previous experience with plant or tree care, mistakes can cause damage or even death to the trees. A lack of proper training or a lack of proper information about tree care can do much more harm than good. We care about your trees and shrubs as much as you care about your property. To help you avoid common mistakes, our team at Five Star Tree Services has created an easy to follow quick start guide for shrubs and tree maintenance. Following this guide will help you take care of your trees and shrubs in-between visits from our trained arborist. Hire Help Professional arborists are qualified and the best to trim, plant, maintain trees and to preform shrub trimming in just about any environment. Not only does a professional arborist have the experience, but they also are specially trained in the care and diagnosis of various plant species and diseases. In addition to taking care of your plant life, they will also offer you instructions on how to care for your plants when they are unavailable. Make sure to take care in who you decide to hire. Instead of choosing the first company you find or the lowest priced plant care service, first you should research their qualifications by asking about how they usually care for trees, what their pruning style is, and how often they plan to visit for seasonal care. If they are not willing to answer your questions or educate you on the proper tree and plant care, keep searching. Proper Tree Care Starts With You Tree care starts with the property owner. The moment you chose a tree and how you care for it once it has been planted, will shape its health for the rest of its life. Proper care in the early years will ensure that it grows into a healthy shape and has a long life ahead of it. Working with a certified arborist will ensure that you choose the right trees for your area and that they are planted and care for properly during the early years. There are many different species and types of plants, shrubs, and trees. Understanding how to care for each one will give you the knowledge needed to help them thrive. Speaking with a skilled professional will allow you to take care of your property effectively and efficiently. Listen Carefully As tedious or as boring as tree care instructions may be, it is important to pay close attention and take notes. Understanding the responsibilities you have as a property owner towards the shrubs and trees on your property is the best way to ensure they are well cared for. In the event that you are unsure about what to do or how to care for your plant life, you can always reach out to one of our certified arborists here at Five Star Tree Services. How We Can Help Whenever you have any Toronto tree care questions, Five Star Tree Services is here to help. We care about your plant life and are dedicated to offering each of our client’s comprehensive care so that your trees and shrubs will thrive. For more information or to get some tips on taking care of the trees on your property, give us a call at (416) 990-3355 to find out more.

A close up look at the lowest tier of the retainin walls. The wall block used was Belgard Brisa. This provided a nice natural stone look without the complications and cost of building a wall out of natural stone. The color blends well with the painted brick facade.

Brick patio Kansas City or paver patios Kansas City are the best investment for improving the landscape and outlook of your yard. Careful selection of the brick pattern and color while keeping in mind the matching backgrounds in your surroundings is very important but it may go waste unless the patio is installed carefully. Though not tough and complicated, ignorance of basics in installation can ruin the patterns besides reducing the life of the patio. Building a paver patio or remodeling an existing one is an exciting process for any homeowners. The most fun and important decision is choosing a color and shape that meets not only your aesthetic needs but your lifestyle needs as well. Kansas City Paver Patios and Paver stone installations Kansas City are very popular because of their beauty and ability to enhance any landscape. Paver stones are incredibly versatile and can be designed in any configuration and size to create patios, outdoor kitchens, pool decks, courtyards and walkways to meet client needs and the needs of the landscape. With the wide variety of materials, sizes, colors and patterns available our landscape design experts will help you create the desert oasis of your dreams. In addition to being an affordable and aesthetically beautiful option, they are quite durable and incredibly low maintenance. A wooden deck needs to be maintained seasonally and may need constant repairs due to damage from weather. With paver patios or paver stone installations, there is almost no maintenance and they are very easy to repair as needed. The advantages of paver patios or paver stone installations are numerous and there are really no drawbacks. Paver patios and paver stone installations are beautiful, versatile, affordable, low maintenance, and enhance the value of your home.

We just completed this complicated bathroom remodel. Now you can step into serene luxury primary bathroom with oversized Royal Peacock porcelain slabs that create a bold, sophisticated statement in this meticulously designed bathroom. The deep, calming hues of the tiles contrast elegantly with sleek, modern fixtures, inviting a spa-like experience. Every detail in this space exudes elegance and relaxation, perfect for unwinding in style. Designed by @signaturedesigns.kbi and multiple collaborators @lusso_porcelain_and_design View the entire project on our website. https://www.signaturedesignskitchenbath.com/.../littleton... #masterbathroom #masterbathroomdesign #bathroomideas #bathroom #bathroomstyling #bathroominspo #homedesign #interiordesign #interiordesigner #bathroomlights

When these home owners called me for a color consultation they warned me the task would be complicated. The home had been in the family for a few generations and was added to repeatedly. Behind the house is a beautiful stream with waterfalls and rock walls which the home curves around as the newer additions ramble along. The great room, which was in essence a barn-like edifice was a different, larger scale then the rest of the home so we decided a single color for the whole place would not create a truly united whole. Instead, we decided to flaunt the barn's butch dimensions by painting it a darker, stronger color then the rest of the home and used the same cream trim color to connect them. The results are a color palette which plays up the home's best features while settling it into the landscape as well. Paint colors are Benjamin Moore.

This was a big complicated layout of a house with really good bones....We originally were going to update the master bathroom and quickly there after ended up completely gutting the entire house and adding more square footage too. The client took a chance and was greatly rewarded. Their home has such a beautiful flow now.

Example of a transitional kitchen design in San Francisco

The roofline on this project was one of the most complicated ones we've ever taken on. The array of roof valleys and hips make the timber frame a perfect 'lid' for this exquisite beach house. The designers and builders attention to details, ensuring that timber details align with trim details and window layout really payed off on the end result. The client, an engineer retired from a successful career in the timber business, was most particular about the wood work, resulting in a home that really showcases craftsmanship and quality wood products.

Two adjacent bathrooms remodelling took lot of planning, designing as well as the process of realization of the project was, time consuming, and complicated. Final results were very rewarding and client was very happy and satisfied. As always this is what is important for me in the end.

Greg Hadley Photography Instead of a straight hallway, our designer suggested a more dramatic connection between the addition and original home—one that would allow light the flood through both floors. Though the home had 9-foot ceilings on the lower level, in the stair area the ceiling was only 7-feet. To open up the space, she opted for a step up to a landing across from the original stairs. The landing is open to the lower level. To create this floating landing, our engineer suggested adding a stringer beam that runs from the existing landing to the new landing. The windows in the landing face the north, so we added a skylight to bring in more natural light.

This fast pace second level addition in Lakeview has received a lot of attention in this quite neighborhood by neighbors and house visitors. Ana Borden designed the second level addition on this previous one story residence and drew from her experience completing complicated multi-million dollar institutional projects. The overall project, including designing the second level addition included tieing into the existing conditions in order to preserve the remaining exterior lot for a new pool. The Architect constructed a three dimensional model in Revit to convey to the Clients the design intent while adhering to all required building codes. The challenge also included providing roof slopes within the allowable existing chimney distances, stair clearances, desired room sizes and working with the structural engineer to design connections and structural member sizes to fit the constraints listed above. Also, extensive coordination was required for the second addition, including supports designed by the structural engineer in conjunction with the existing pre and post tensioned slab. The Architect’s intent was also to create a seamless addition that appears to have been part of the existing residence while not impacting the remaining lot. Overall, the final construction fulfilled the Client’s goals of adding a bedroom and bathroom as well as additional storage space within their time frame and, of course, budget. Smart Media

The Timothy Hyde House, c. 1729, dear to the homeowners for its historic details, but long-lacking the family oriented spaces and living areas essential for today’s extended family lifestyle. Unwilling to compromise an ounce of character, this growing family longed for more practical amenities like a visitor’s private retreat with bedroom, living room and bath, garage parking, a proper master bedroom layout with full bath and walk-in closet, in addition to a new kitchen that would function as the heart of the home. Ultimately the total square footage was doubled and the entire flow of the home was reworked keeping all of the character details intact. The kitchen is the hub, serving up its center island topped off with reclaimed white oak once belonging to a barn built in the 1880’s; jet mist leather granite tops off the remainder of the kitchen. Custom cable lighting was the ingenious solution for the complicated preservation of the original exposed beams and posts in the kitchen. The barn door was custom crafted from original timbers. Many cups of coffee will be enjoyed at the cozy, sun-filled dining nook overlooking the family room and new adjacent deck. The rear, separate entry mudroom with step-up laundry was a long awaited luxury over the previous basement facilities. Moving upstairs, a centrally located bathroom was removed to create a wheelhouse style landing/passage hall, now home to a quiet workspace, featuring original wide plank floors and tailor-made sconces. Baths were added and upgraded including soapstone tops, marble, a glorious soaker tub in the generous master bath, all giving the home a taste of luxury. Bathing in sunlight rests the master suite starring the original beams, cathedral ceilings, and well-suited chandelier. Throughout the home strategically designed built-ins provide a plethora of storage and organization. This 280 year-old Colonial shines on brighter than ever. We are proud to have been part of its long history. Photo by Eric Roth

This was a big complicated layout of a house with really good bones....We originally were going to update the master bathroom and quickly there after ended up completely gutting the entire house and adding more square footage too. The client took a chance and was greatly rewarded. Their home has such a beautiful flow now.

This four-story Victorian revival was amazing to see unfold; from replacing the foundation, building out the 1st floor, hoisting structural steel into place, and upgrading to in-floor radiant heat. This gorgeous “Old Lady” got all the bells and whistles. This quintessential Victorian presented itself with all the complications imaginable when bringing an early 1900’s home back to life. Our favorite task? The Custom woodwork: hand carving and installing over 200 florets to match historical home details. Anyone would be hard-pressed to see the transitions from existing to new, but we invite you to come and try for yourselves!

Small trendy deck photo in San Diego

The fixed black windows add the perfect amount of natural light in this breathtaking and jaw dropping kitchen designed by Erin Kleinberg. As the famous Julie Child says “You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces – just good food from fresh ingredients.” I think it’s safe to say a lot of great food is cooked in this kitchen. What do you think of the black fixed windows in this kitchen? Photo Credit: Jeremie Warshafsky

The living room, dining room, music area, and a bar are all located within a single large space. This open concept facilitates the flow while entertaining quests and allows for uninterrupted transition of events throughout the evening. The ceiling coves cleverly hide linear a/c diffusers, hence you will not see them throughout the house. And the LED linear lighting and floating ceilings delineate different areas of the space. Large four-panel sliding glass doors on two walls open up this living and entertaining space to the outdoor living room, wrap around infinity lap pool, pool deck, and outside entertaining space. The large Mahogany sliding door panels open up the interior and outdoor spaces to one another and facilitate smooth/natural flow of the entertaining guests inside and out. Throughout the main living space, in lieu of traditional accessories, for this home, we opted to incorporate client’s unique memorabilia. They personalize the home and provide a unique approach to accessorizing. From helmets, trophies, custom sculptures, and racing car models, this home truly reflects the connection between owner’s life in the fast lane and the serenity of an escape. Each time you visit the home, the subtle architectural details continuously attract. Quite possibly, it’s due to the tone-on-tone color scheme, simple-looking but complicated and engineered design, floating illuminated ceilings that give space a lot of interest without overpowering the rooms. It creates a background that changes throughout the day and creates a backdrop for Client’s possessions. As you move through this open floor plan home, large full height windows and doors and uninterrupted ceilings extend from inside to the outside and while they identify the various spaces they give you the illusion of openness between the interior and exterior world. Photography: Craig Denis