Imagine stepping outside your home to your very own backyard oasis, complete with a stunning ecosystem pond. You get to sit back, relax, feed the fish and enjoy the sound of running water. It is a personal vacation spot for the entire family and a reason for you to spend more time outdoors. Our ponds are made from only the top of the line pond products that create 100% all natural ecosystems. We install Aquascape ponds that are self-sustaining and require very little to no maintenance, providing an opportunity to have fish and interesting new varieties of plants. Bird lovers will be delighted in the new variety of beautiful feathered friends that your pond will attract. And of course you can create your own aquatic family of fish, koi, water lilies, pond plants and all the other enchanting creatures that flourish and thrive in their new home.

a tranquil place to unwind and an interesting place for neighbourhood creatures to come for a visit
Photo of a mid-sized rustic shade hillside landscaping in Toronto for fall.

Alison Bramhall Big blue whale, harbor seal, blue lobster and red crab.

A whimsical, gender neutral nursery -- designed with layers of sunshine & wondrous creatures -- to evoke joy and the happiest of childhood memories!

Tom Harper This home was a renovation of a traditional weekend log home into a modern full time retirement residence. This home was shy of storage, loaded with lots of wood (floors, walls and ceilings were all wood) and was dated and dull. We completely blew out the kitchen and all bathrooms and totally renovated the basement into a cozy entertainment space. The style ended up being "mountain modern" which was sensitive to the modern home style, but fresh with contemporary creature comforts and details.

The existing primary bathroom was simply outdated. The goal was to create an oasis – a place of serenity, privacy and renewal. This is where the day begins. A thoughtful design would need to accommodate the rigueurs and requirements of personal care rituals and, of course, storage for all the accoutrements involved. The homeowners also wanted two commode rooms. Design challenges: -Could not move the window or rework anything on the exterior -Could not take too much width from the tub -Make everything hidden but easily accessible -Design solutions and new creature comforts: --His and her sinks with pull-out waste ---Pull-out hair accessory cabinet with an outlet inside ---Makeup area ---Ample of storage along back wall for everyday work clothes and hampers ---A tub with air jets ---Spa-like steam shower with body sprays ---Two DTV-control pads to start and adjust the shower without getting wet ---Heated floor, shower floor and bench ---Recessed cabinet with an appliance garage to hide the electric toothbrushes and provide storage for everyday toiletries ---Frosted shower privacy window This new primary bathroom is part of a larger remodeling project that also involved a new primary suite closet, an additional bathroom and a large kitchen.

A close up of the custom concrete countertop and backsplash reveals a sea-creature inspired design. Photo by Ron Blunt.
Trendy kitchen photo in DC Metro

It was time for a major upgrade from an older kitchen in this home to reflect more closely the customers lifestyle. Creature comforts such as a built in coffee maker, new high output icemaker, beverage fridge, prep sink, built in fridge and dishwasher, etc. all figured into the new design. We started by installing new 24 x 48 porcelain floor tiles, followed by new, Benjamin Moore painted, Canadian Manufactured cabinetry. New quartz countertops and backsplash were then added to elevate the clean, minimalistic look. We also used wood accents to create some additional interest in the new space as well as a new display/ storage area beside the table. The end result is a new level of beautiful!

Michele Burton

Cunning, beautiful, shrewd, and surprisingly kind spirit animals, foxes are one of nature's most adaptable creatures. Our Vibrant Fox Smalti Mosaic captures the spirit of the fox propagating through detailed eyes. It is handmade from authentic Orsoni smalti mosaic, waterproof and highly durable, and a great fit for walls, indoors or outdoors.

ANNAPOLIS FILM FESTIVAL 2016 Design Concept With film makers visiting from all corners of the country and globe, my vision was to highlight the beauty and mysteries of the Chesapeake Bay through Zentangle© inspired art. The hand painted backdrop in the main seating area depicts some of our waterway's magical creatures. We are home to three different species of jellyfish, as well as ribbed mussels and abundant submerged aquatic vegetation. The interview area screen is hand painted. The red herring swimming against the flow is particularly relevant to this festival for its diversification from the mainstream. It also highlights the river herring project in our bay, funded by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation. Finally, the conference area displays Maryland's state fish, the Striped Bass, on a driftwood easel from our shores.

Imagine stepping outside your home to your very own backyard oasis, complete with a stunning ecosystem pond. You get to sit back, relax, feed the fish and enjoy the sound of running water. It is a personal vacation spot for the entire family and a reason for you to spend more time outdoors. Our ponds are made from only the top of the line pond products that create 100% all natural ecosystems. We install Aquascape ponds that are self-sustaining and require very little to no maintenance, providing an opportunity to have fish and interesting new varieties of plants. Bird lovers will be delighted in the new variety of beautiful feathered friends that your pond will attract. And of course you can create your own aquatic family of fish, koi, water lilies, pond plants and all the other enchanting creatures that flourish and thrive in their new home.

Example of a large transitional walk-out gray floor basement design in Charlotte with white walls

It was time for a major upgrade from an older kitchen in this home to reflect more closely the customers lifestyle. Creature comforts such as a built in coffee maker, new high output icemaker, beverage fridge, prep sink, built in fridge and dishwasher, etc. all figured into the new design. We started by installing new 24 x 48 porcelain floor tiles, followed by new, Benjamin Moore painted, Canadian Manufactured cabinetry. New quartz countertops and backsplash were then added to elevate the clean, minimalistic look. We also used wood accents to create some additional interest in the new space as well as a new display/ storage area beside the table. The end result is a new level of beautiful!

Ever been out in a park, forest, or even just in your backyard and wanted to see just a small side of the picture? Beauty is in the midst of us, but we are not doing enough to see it—we see only at a superficial level. The reality is that there is an entire universe on a scale that is so miniscule yet all around us, waiting to be discovered. Put the digital microscope camera on the scope, and that little quantum universe you never knew was there awaits your gaze. Makes everyday outdoor activities exciting adventures and learning experiences with leaves, rocks, and bugs that are all interesting. It used to look just the same, and now it's vibrant with patterns, textures, and stories you didn't know before!
What is a Digital Microscope Camera?
A digital microscope camera is a compact device that magnifies very small objects and can display its real-time image on the screen. This new type of microscope can be taken outside and is much easier to transport than a conventional microscope. It is based on three important technologies: the magnification lenses, digital imaging, and As the name implies, snapping up shots of the objects when you bring them close and displaying them clearly on your smartphone, tablet, or its built-in display. This gives you the power to see details of a microworld anywhere you go, with no special equipment.
How a Digital Microscope Camera Works in Real Life
It is easy and yet powerful to operate a digital microscope camera. It brings very small objects closer by employing a system of lenses, and through a digital sensor, it turns the image into a compelling display. After focusing, the image becomes so big that it displays details that the human eye isn't able to see. Whereas, in an actual setting, an individual can simply place the gadget over an object, such as a leaf, insect, or soil surface. This is then performed to get a focus on the details, clear and sharp. In the blink of an eye, you will be exploring a hidden reality with patterns and structures.
Why Nature Looks Completely Different at the Micro Level
If you watch nature with an unbiased eye, it's all straightforward. Leaves are green; insects are tiny and land on a mere brown earth. However, things look so different through the microscope camera's zoom-in. A leaf is more than a leaf: it is a complex system of veins and cells! However, the insect is not merely a tiny insect anymore, but it gradually turns into an object with wings, eyes, and patterns, all of which seem almost like art. From soils a combination of small particles of rock, organic material, and unseen creatures.
Gaining appreciation for the details in leaves and plants.
Plant life is one of the most interesting objects to be examined under the microscope. The details on the leaves, stems, and petals are amazing and would get lost in the details otherwise. By using a digital microscope camera, the vein network that transports water and nutrients can be readily observed. These veins are naturally occurring and run in patterns that resemble roads and/or rivers in the landscape. Every leaf grows differently and is as individual as a fingerprint.
Discovering the Hidden World of Insects
There is no better thing to see under the microscope than one of the many interesting insects. They may appear at first glance to be quite unassuming and tiny, but magnified, they let one in on the whole other universe. They feature fine patterns in their wings – like those found on glass artworks – that are often difficult to see. They have eyes comprised of multiple repeating units. Even their legs and segments of their bodies have special textures.
The Secret Life Inside Soil and Sand
A microscope camera reveals a soil in which activity is taking place in a lively world in the seemingly lifeless soil. The very small particles of rock, decayed plant material, and micro-living organisms are interacting. Sand grains look similar to miniature crystals; all of them are distinctively shaped and structured. As organic matter decomposes, it forms patterns that illustrate how nature continually recycles itself.
Tree Bark: A Natural Storybook
Another interesting area of interest for micro-focusing is the bark of trees. Apparently, this appears to be rough and simple, but under magnification, it is seen as a highly detailed landscape of cracks, lines, and textures. The bark patterns that can be observed on each branch offer a glimpse of the branch's years of growth, weather, and environmental stresses. It's as if someone wrote the history of a tree on its trunk!
Tips for Getting the Best Microscopic Results Outdoors
A few simple techniques can make a big difference in the variety of images you get before getting clear and detailed images. Always make sure that the hands are stable or have a resting surface so that there is no shaking. Moving, even slightly, can cause the picture to become blurry. Lighting is one of the other important ones. This is because natural soft lighting is best suited, as it doesn't create strong reflections and it does show detail. Minimize exposure to strong sunlight/deep shade when possible.
Conclusion:
The digital microscope camera isn't just a camera; it's a new way of viewing life. Makes routine walks outdoors into thrilling explorations of the scientific world and how minute details make a difference. It can teach us something about living by the rules of nature! It is something that we can contemplate, clarify, and enjoy more.

Who do you think lives in this delightful cottage? A fairy, a gnome, a troll? Something else, perhaps? Let your imagination take you away! Whoever lives inside, there certainly are a lot of guests, including a bird, a frog, and a squirrel perched on the roof. Wait, are an owl and a rabbit peeking out the windows? It seems to have charmed a lot of woodland creatures, and it's sure to charm you as well! Tuck it into a fairy garden, or give it to a special little one in your life, so they can bring a bit of magic right into their bedroom! This charming accent is handcrafted in the USA, made of 100% weatherproof stone with an aged stone patina that replicates soft brown earth tones. It's an all-original, copyrighted design. Dimensions: 9½" H x 8¼" W x 3" D. Weight: 8 lbs.

Photos by Nettie Einhorn Designer Rene Costabile
Mid-sized kitchen photo in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

1916 Bungalow. This kitchen had been remodeled multiple times throughout the years and was in dire need of a fresh remodel. The home owners now have a time period appropriate style kitchen with modern creature comforts every cook will love.

Wool Rug Orange and greys
Family room - large eclectic open concept carpeted, gray floor and coffered ceiling family room idea in New York with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace