Charles Aydlett Photography
Living room - small modern open concept light wood floor and brown floor living room idea with beige walls

Example of a transitional bathroom design in Chicago

One of the best things about my job is getting to meet new people, and I had so much fun with this Glen Ellyn client who, after many years of contemplation, came in to remodel her kitchen and bath. We planned to tear out her old kitchen and master bath and replace them with new, fresh designs that would feel at home with her cottage style home, take into consideration her love for the outdoors, and tackle some aging-in-place challenges. The master bath was a very tight space with an awkward vanity, tub and toilet. For ease of use, the client wanted to eliminate the tub and add a shower, so we transformed the tub into a zero threshold shower with a small flip-down bench and hand shower so that she can shower sitting down if needed and there is no risk of tripping on the shower curb. A small cone shaped vanity provides a unique look and provides storage. A wall hung toilet helps address some clearance issues, and grab bars at shower and toilet address safety concerns. There was even room for a small built in cabinet across from the toilet for towel and toiletry storage. Antique lighting and wallpaper combined with modern plumbing fixtures keep the space looking cottage-y but also up-to-date. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Dawn Jackman For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Inspiration for a small coastal galley ceramic tile and multicolored floor dedicated laundry room remodel in Salt Lake City

One of the best things about my job is getting to meet new people, and I had so much fun with this Glen Ellyn client who, after many years of contemplation, came in to remodel her kitchen and bath. We planned to tear out her old kitchen and master bath and replace them with new, fresh designs that would feel at home with her cottage style home, take into consideration her love for the outdoors, and tackle some aging-in-place challenges. The master bath was a very tight space with an awkward vanity, tub and toilet. For ease of use, the client wanted to eliminate the tub and add a shower, so we transformed the tub into a zero threshold shower with a small flip-down bench and hand shower so that she can shower sitting down if needed and there is no risk of tripping on the shower curb. A small cone shaped vanity provides a unique look and provides storage. A wall hung toilet helps address some clearance issues, and grab bars at shower and toilet address safety concerns. There was even room for a small built in cabinet across from the toilet for towel and toiletry storage. Antique lighting and wallpaper combined with modern plumbing fixtures keep the space looking cottage-y but also up-to-date. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Dawn Jackman For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Inspiration for a contemporary outdoor patio shower remodel in New York

One of the best things about my job is getting to meet new people, and I had so much fun with this Glen Ellyn client who, after many years of contemplation, came in to remodel her kitchen and bath. We planned to tear out her old kitchen and master bath and replace them with new, fresh designs that would feel at home with her cottage style home, take into consideration her love for the outdoors, and tackle some aging-in-place challenges. The master bath was a very tight space with an awkward vanity, tub and toilet. For ease of use, the client wanted to eliminate the tub and add a shower, so we transformed the tub into a zero threshold shower with a small flip-down bench and hand shower so that she can shower sitting down if needed and there is no risk of tripping on the shower curb. A small cone shaped vanity provides a unique look and provides storage. A wall hung toilet helps address some clearance issues, and grab bars at shower and toilet address safety concerns. There was even room for a small built in cabinet across from the toilet for towel and toiletry storage. Antique lighting and wallpaper combined with modern plumbing fixtures keep the space looking cottage-y but also up-to-date. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Dawn Jackman For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Originally built in 1859 by Justice William J. Robertson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, this home has elements of both the Italianate and Gothic Revival styles which were taken into consideration during the design process. The project consisted of three main components: a basement renovation, a new screened in porch and a new two car garage. For the basement renovation we removed the original brick floor which was causing moisture issues and replaced them with an insulated, colored concrete slab. The end result: a previously unusable space was transformed into a family room with a complete guest suite and an exercise room. In the guest bedroom, low ceilings due to existing duct work were strategically wrapped with stained pine tongue and groove creating a cozy sleeping nook. In the bathroom, subway tiles and lightly stained wood are the background to a livelier tile accent in the shower and around the vanity. The family room features floor to ceiling millwork piece that has several storage cubbies; some with doors to conceal and others open for display. The screened porch is located at the back of the house overlooking a new stone patio at the lower level yard. The new porch takes cues from the existing sun room by matching materials, colors, and proportion. The new porch off the living room allows the clients to sit and relax while staying close to their children when inside or playing in the yard. The garage was built using the same material palette and style of the house but set back so as to not to detract from the main house. With large sliding barn doors on the back, it opens up to a manicured lawn allowing the garage to double as a pavilion for outdoor entertaining and yard parties. Alloy worked with Water Street Studio, a local architectural landscaping firm, to create more inviting and usable spaces for the children and adults to enjoy. Andrea Hubbel Photography

One of the best things about my job is getting to meet new people, and I had so much fun with this Glen Ellyn client who, after many years of contemplation, came in to remodel her kitchen and bath. We planned to tear out her old kitchen and master bath and replace them with new, fresh designs that would feel at home with her cottage style home, take into consideration her love for the outdoors, and tackle some aging-in-place challenges. The master bath was a very tight space with an awkward vanity, tub and toilet. For ease of use, the client wanted to eliminate the tub and add a shower, so we transformed the tub into a zero threshold shower with a small flip-down bench and hand shower so that she can shower sitting down if needed and there is no risk of tripping on the shower curb. A small cone shaped vanity provides a unique look and provides storage. A wall hung toilet helps address some clearance issues, and grab bars at shower and toilet address safety concerns. There was even room for a small built in cabinet across from the toilet for towel and toiletry storage. Antique lighting and wallpaper combined with modern plumbing fixtures keep the space looking cottage-y but also up-to-date. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Dawn Jackman For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

One of the best things about my job is getting to meet new people, and I had so much fun with this Glen Ellyn client who, after many years of contemplation, came in to remodel her kitchen and bath. We planned to tear out her old kitchen and master bath and replace them with new, fresh designs that would feel at home with her cottage style home, take into consideration her love for the outdoors, and tackle some aging-in-place challenges. The master bath was a very tight space with an awkward vanity, tub and toilet. For ease of use, the client wanted to eliminate the tub and add a shower, so we transformed the tub into a zero threshold shower with a small flip-down bench and hand shower so that she can shower sitting down if needed and there is no risk of tripping on the shower curb. A small cone shaped vanity provides a unique look and provides storage. A wall hung toilet helps address some clearance issues, and grab bars at shower and toilet address safety concerns. There was even room for a small built in cabinet across from the toilet for towel and toiletry storage. Antique lighting and wallpaper combined with modern plumbing fixtures keep the space looking cottage-y but also up-to-date. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Dawn Jackman For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Tamara Heather Interior Design solved the challenge of where to put the televison in this 1920's home, by designing a custom Arts and Crafts style TV/media cabinet that acts as a room divider and defines the entry. Additional updates included a new coffered ceiling, lighting and new paint colors throughout the home. Stephen Wilfong Photography

Apartment Courtyard
Small transitional gray two-story stucco gable roof photo in Los Angeles with a shingle roof

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

Originally built in 1859 by Justice William J. Robertson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, this home has elements of both the Italianate and Gothic Revival styles which were taken into consideration during the design process. The project consisted of three main components: a basement renovation, a new screened in porch and a new two car garage. For the basement renovation we removed the original brick floor which was causing moisture issues and replaced them with an insulated, colored concrete slab. The end result: a previously unusable space was transformed into a family room with a complete guest suite and an exercise room. In the guest bedroom, low ceilings due to existing duct work were strategically wrapped with stained pine tongue and groove creating a cozy sleeping nook. In the bathroom, subway tiles and lightly stained wood are the background to a livelier tile accent in the shower and around the vanity. The family room features floor to ceiling millwork piece that has several storage cubbies; some with doors to conceal and others open for display. The screened porch is located at the back of the house overlooking a new stone patio at the lower level yard. The new porch takes cues from the existing sun room by matching materials, colors, and proportion. The new porch off the living room allows the clients to sit and relax while staying close to their children when inside or playing in the yard. The garage was built using the same material palette and style of the house but set back so as to not to detract from the main house. With large sliding barn doors on the back, it opens up to a manicured lawn allowing the garage to double as a pavilion for outdoor entertaining and yard parties. Alloy worked with Water Street Studio, a local architectural landscaping firm, to create more inviting and usable spaces for the children and adults to enjoy. Andrea Hubbel Photography

One frustrating thing about tree infections and diseases is that they are virtually completely unpredictable. It is essential to understand all the different types of risks and causes that can contribute to these issues in an attempt to understand how you can try and prevent and manage these things when they happen. Five Star Tree Services is going to go over the reasons as to how and why your trees can develop these certain issues. Since there are so many different causes behind why a tree’s development might be interrupted, first think of them as two different categories you can split them into; non-living factors or abiotic, and living factors or biotic. We also want to note that it is possible for more than one factor to affect a tree’s health and development at any given time. You can also make a distinction between primary pests and secondary pests. The primary pests exert a serious influence on the tree’s immediate survival. Whereas secondary pests have a less significant influence on the survival of the tree. The only time they will jeopardize a tree’s survival is if the tree has a previous debilitating issue from another risk factor. For an individual tree’s circumstances, this will distinct the chances of an infestation, especially if it has any past debilitating issues. Which can be seen from any compromising management practices or pre-existing issues which affect the tree’s development as well as lower its resistance to infections. Poor management in planting is a very common predisposed factor that compromises a tree’s infection defense. For instance, any saplings that are pot-bound will not get to develop solid root systems which doesn’t allow them to develop properly when they eventually get planted. Another example is when a tree gets stressed, along with other outer factors, will have significant effects on the overall wellbeing of the tree and its condition. Other factors to consider are bad soil quality as well as bad drainage. Abiotic Non-Living Influences The overall health of a tree can be linked to impacts such as bad growing conditions and bad soil quality. These things will put trees at a higher risk for catching a number of different biotic issues. Sickness, infections, and infestation can all be linked to ineffective nutrient absorption when a tree has insufficiently developed its natural resistances and defenses. One of the worst factors for this is fire damage. It is so debilitating that it makes trees hopeless at defending themselves against biotic attacks. To uncover what circumstantial predispositions your tree might have due to poor developmental conditions, arborists can use the growth rings as a means of assessment for the long-term effects, wellbeing, and growth of a tree. There are many outer and non-living variables that will influence the health of a tree and if it will be predisposed to biotic infestations. Such variables can include things like extensive cold winters and long dry spells. Abiotic Common Influences Include: -Water -Chemicals -Soil Conditions -Weather -Mechanical Agents Biotic Living Influences Sometimes, you are able to notice certain infestations easily, while others can be hard to tell. For instance, seeing an insect on a tree is no cause for alarm. A lot of them are harmless to the tree and do not cause harm while they regularly feed. However, some insects are actually harmful to a tree’s survival and knowing the difference between harmless and harmful ones is what you need to notice. You might also see fungi on rotting matter or a dead tree. Fungi are not usually the immediate influence of a negative manifestation found in a tree’s development. There are other growths that can be seen living on trees. These include saprobic and pathogenic organisms. Saprobic growths are mostly found on rotting or dead tissues and pathogenic growths are less common. Some other living infestations include lichens, epiphytes, and mosses. But these don’t usually have any effect on a tree’s wellbeing. They live symbiotically together. Biotic Common Influences Include: -Mites -Deer and Rodents -Fungi -Weeds -Viruses -Parasitic Plants -Bacteria -Phytoplasmas -Insects How Five Star Tree Service Can Help It is important to know the basics to look out for when trying to prevent developmental issues or help a tree that is developing. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when helping a tree grow, flourish, and live a healthy long life. If you have any questions or concerns about your trees, contact us at Five Star Tree Services today at (416) 990-3355. We will be able to help you with all your tree related needs. Check out our website for a full list of our Tree Services in Toronto!

Originally built in 1859 by Justice William J. Robertson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, this home has elements of both the Italianate and Gothic Revival styles which were taken into consideration during the design process. The project consisted of three main components: a basement renovation, a new screened in porch and a new two car garage. For the basement renovation we removed the original brick floor which was causing moisture issues and replaced them with an insulated, colored concrete slab. The end result: a previously unusable space was transformed into a family room with a complete guest suite and an exercise room. In the guest bedroom, low ceilings due to existing duct work were strategically wrapped with stained pine tongue and groove creating a cozy sleeping nook. In the bathroom, subway tiles and lightly stained wood are the background to a livelier tile accent in the shower and around the vanity. The family room features floor to ceiling millwork piece that has several storage cubbies; some with doors to conceal and others open for display. The screened porch is located at the back of the house overlooking a new stone patio at the lower level yard. The new porch takes cues from the existing sun room by matching materials, colors, and proportion. The new porch off the living room allows the clients to sit and relax while staying close to their children when inside or playing in the yard. The garage was built using the same material palette and style of the house but set back so as to not to detract from the main house. With large sliding barn doors on the back, it opens up to a manicured lawn allowing the garage to double as a pavilion for outdoor entertaining and yard parties. Alloy worked with Water Street Studio, a local architectural landscaping firm, to create more inviting and usable spaces for the children and adults to enjoy. Andrea Hubbel Photography

Originally built in 1859 by Justice William J. Robertson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, this home has elements of both the Italianate and Gothic Revival styles which were taken into consideration during the design process. The project consisted of three main components: a basement renovation, a new screened in porch and a new two car garage. For the basement renovation we removed the original brick floor which was causing moisture issues and replaced them with an insulated, colored concrete slab. The end result: a previously unusable space was transformed into a family room with a complete guest suite and an exercise room. In the guest bedroom, low ceilings due to existing duct work were strategically wrapped with stained pine tongue and groove creating a cozy sleeping nook. In the bathroom, subway tiles and lightly stained wood are the background to a livelier tile accent in the shower and around the vanity. The family room features floor to ceiling millwork piece that has several storage cubbies; some with doors to conceal and others open for display. The screened porch is located at the back of the house overlooking a new stone patio at the lower level yard. The new porch takes cues from the existing sun room by matching materials, colors, and proportion. The new porch off the living room allows the clients to sit and relax while staying close to their children when inside or playing in the yard. The garage was built using the same material palette and style of the house but set back so as to not to detract from the main house. With large sliding barn doors on the back, it opens up to a manicured lawn allowing the garage to double as a pavilion for outdoor entertaining and yard parties. Alloy worked with Water Street Studio, a local architectural landscaping firm, to create more inviting and usable spaces for the children and adults to enjoy. Andrea Hubbel Photography

Originally built in 1859 by Justice William J. Robertson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, this home has elements of both the Italianate and Gothic Revival styles which were taken into consideration during the design process. The project consisted of three main components: a basement renovation, a new screened in porch and a new two car garage. For the basement renovation we removed the original brick floor which was causing moisture issues and replaced them with an insulated, colored concrete slab. The end result: a previously unusable space was transformed into a family room with a complete guest suite and an exercise room. In the guest bedroom, low ceilings due to existing duct work were strategically wrapped with stained pine tongue and groove creating a cozy sleeping nook. In the bathroom, subway tiles and lightly stained wood are the background to a livelier tile accent in the shower and around the vanity. The family room features floor to ceiling millwork piece that has several storage cubbies; some with doors to conceal and others open for display. The screened porch is located at the back of the house overlooking a new stone patio at the lower level yard. The new porch takes cues from the existing sun room by matching materials, colors, and proportion. The new porch off the living room allows the clients to sit and relax while staying close to their children when inside or playing in the yard. The garage was built using the same material palette and style of the house but set back so as to not to detract from the main house. With large sliding barn doors on the back, it opens up to a manicured lawn allowing the garage to double as a pavilion for outdoor entertaining and yard parties. Alloy worked with Water Street Studio, a local architectural landscaping firm, to create more inviting and usable spaces for the children and adults to enjoy. Andrea Hubbel Photography