Maybe you can relate to these empty nesters who reached out to us to design and build a new kitchen for their current and long term needs. They do lots of entertaining, have an extensive wine collection and enjoy welcoming more grandchildren into the family. Both cook, although he prefers his grill. They wanted their new kitchen to be an open space that is easier to move around in. They were also looking forward to more storage and new, state-of-the-art appliances. Design objectives: -New layout to accommodate large groups for frequent entertaining -Big island to seat as many people as possible Improve traffic flow by omitting a counter peninsula by the family room and other cabinet barriers -Main cooktop to face visitors with point-of-use spices, utensils, pots & pans nearby -Multiple cooking & refrigeration appliances -Plan for as much countertop space as possible for multiple cooks -Dedicated spaces needed for wine, liquor, cold drinks & decorative glassware -Incorporate special details such as thick or waterfall countertops, unique backsplash, wood accents -Need better task, ambient and general lighting -Make it beautiful – a kitchen the homeowners could be proud of -Seamlessly join kitchen with breakfast room, given load-bearing wall & various ceiling heights -Ensure the large, newly opened space remains intimate and inclusive -Determine how to best utilize the breakfast room, given limited availability of wall space with two sets of French doors and a large window -Relocating two ventilation ducts currently in a wall to be removed -Incorporate multiple appliances while adding functional storage -Integrate special details that wouldn’t be lost in a large room -Utilize multiple finishes and colors that provide continuity Design solutions: -The wall between the kitchen & breakfast nook was completely removed – the structural beam was shortened, providing the largest opening possible -One small wall section remained intact to relocate ductwork, which conveniently created an alcove for the dual refrigerator armoire -Two islands in the same finish visually join the elongated room -The cooking island includes necessary point-of-use storage along with a steam oven and additional storage on the opposite side The wide cooking island allows for two cooks to comfortably share the counter space, allowing casual interaction -The second island fills the center of the former breakfast room; tall cabinets in a contrasting finish flank the French doors and provide visual balance -The sizable second island provides seating for six on a conversation-conducive curve. It houses freezer drawers, a microwave drawer, an under-counter refrigerator, plus additional storage -Docking station inside drawer -Two cabinet styles in three finishes provide continuity, balance and interest in the large room While the clients didn’t have a specific vision of the remodeled space, they were completely open to new ideas and knew which features they wanted when they saw them. They were truly doing the project for their own enjoyment and that of their family and guests. We’re happy to know they are thrilled with the end result. In fact, we had so much fun working together we’re now talking about a new project!

The Stone planters have an oval organic shaped design with a molded planting basin. They are available with a matte or high gloss lacquer finish in several colors and in illuminated styles. The LED lighted version can display white, red, green, blue, light blue, pink or yellow. The fluorescent light style displays white light only. Uses 120V current and comes with a 10' cord. Remote control is included. They are also available with or without a built in semi-automatic watering system. The watering system version has a reservoir that filters water to the plant roots for up to three months. They are made of rotationally molded of 100% recyclable polyethylene and resistant to extreme heat, cold and UV.

Pictured here is a closeup of the microwave and island storage which includes 4 pantry drawers, under cabinet microwave, drawers for pots and pans easily located near the cooktop and drawers for kitchen supplies, napkins, and other items. The kitchen was originally planned to mimic the location of appliances in her current kitchen to minimize re-learning of appliance locations. The only change was adding a trash cabinet between the fridge and the sink. A french door fridge allows someone in a wheelchair to easily access frozen and cold foods, while the water and ice dispenser on the outside of the door make it easy to stay hydrated rather than using the sink each time. She can roll up to the kitchen sink due to the recessed cabinetry under the sink or stand at counter height to put away dishes from the dishwasher. The dishwasher is ADA and very simple to use , and is raised off the floor so whether she is sitting or standing it's easier to reach. The gas cooktop has controls at the front making it easy to reach from the wheelchair and the exhaust fan above also has a control at the front. All cabinet door handles are D-shape, which makes them easy to grasp and there is plenty of electric outlets for charging phones, computers and small appliances. The kitchen island is table height at 30" so meal prep can be easily done in a wheelchair while guests and can be seated in a chair or wheelchair around the island. The dining chairs can also be turned around to add extra seating in the living room area. Pendant lights above the kitchen island light up the space, while recessed lighting in the kitchen and living room provide overall room lighting. There is also under cabinet lighting which makes the room glow at night! Wainscoting made of commercial grade material is strategically placed on sharp corners and exposed walls to reduce and minimize damage from the wheel chair, while creating a finished and complete look! We selected a free standing microwave to sit below the island, which is easy to use and is the same style as in her previous apartment. The island is 48" from the appliance wall, leaving ample space to open doors and maneuver around in the wheelchair and has easy access to the laundry area as well. We eliminated the pocket doors that had been in front of the laundry area for easy access, and since it was exposed, dressed it up with coordinating tile to the kitchen with additional cabinets above. There is a coordinating quartz counter on top of the washer and dryer for folding laundry or storing additional supplies.

The striking contemporary design of the Bum Bum Collection will be the centerpiece of any outdoor setting. The collection includes a sofa, chair and coffee table. It is rotationally molded of 100% recyclable polyethylene and resistant to extreme heat, cold and UV. It is available with a matte or high gloss lacquer finish in several colors. The collection is also available in an LED version or compact fluorescent style. The LED style can display white, red, green, blue, light blue, pink or yellow. The fluorescent style displays in white light only. The finish for both is white when not lighted. Both use 120V current and come with a 10' cord. Remote control is included with the LED version. A cushion in a matching color for the sofa and chair are available. The fabric is Silvertex, a 100% polyester fabric. It is resistant to sun fading, mildew, temperature extremes and abrasion.

Maybe you can relate to these empty nesters who reached out to us to design and build a new kitchen for their current and long term needs. They do lots of entertaining, have an extensive wine collection and enjoy welcoming more grandchildren into the family. Both cook, although he prefers his grill. They wanted their new kitchen to be an open space that is easier to move around in. They were also looking forward to more storage and new, state-of-the-art appliances. Design objectives: -New layout to accommodate large groups for frequent entertaining -Big island to seat as many people as possible Improve traffic flow by omitting a counter peninsula by the family room and other cabinet barriers -Main cooktop to face visitors with point-of-use spices, utensils, pots & pans nearby -Multiple cooking & refrigeration appliances -Plan for as much countertop space as possible for multiple cooks -Dedicated spaces needed for wine, liquor, cold drinks & decorative glassware -Incorporate special details such as thick or waterfall countertops, unique backsplash, wood accents -Need better task, ambient and general lighting -Make it beautiful – a kitchen the homeowners could be proud of -Seamlessly join kitchen with breakfast room, given load-bearing wall & various ceiling heights -Ensure the large, newly opened space remains intimate and inclusive -Determine how to best utilize the breakfast room, given limited availability of wall space with two sets of French doors and a large window -Relocating two ventilation ducts currently in a wall to be removed -Incorporate multiple appliances while adding functional storage -Integrate special details that wouldn’t be lost in a large room -Utilize multiple finishes and colors that provide continuity Design solutions: -The wall between the kitchen & breakfast nook was completely removed – the structural beam was shortened, providing the largest opening possible -One small wall section remained intact to relocate ductwork, which conveniently created an alcove for the dual refrigerator armoire -Two islands in the same finish visually join the elongated room -The cooking island includes necessary point-of-use storage along with a steam oven and additional storage on the opposite side The wide cooking island allows for two cooks to comfortably share the counter space, allowing casual interaction -The second island fills the center of the former breakfast room; tall cabinets in a contrasting finish flank the French doors and provide visual balance -The sizable second island provides seating for six on a conversation-conducive curve. It houses freezer drawers, a microwave drawer, an under-counter refrigerator, plus additional storage -Docking station inside drawer -Two cabinet styles in three finishes provide continuity, balance and interest in the large room While the clients didn’t have a specific vision of the remodeled space, they were completely open to new ideas and knew which features they wanted when they saw them. They were truly doing the project for their own enjoyment and that of their family and guests. We’re happy to know they are thrilled with the end result. In fact, we had so much fun working together we’re now talking about a new project!

Maybe you can relate to these empty nesters who reached out to us to design and build a new kitchen for their current and long term needs. They do lots of entertaining, have an extensive wine collection and enjoy welcoming more grandchildren into the family. Both cook, although he prefers his grill. They wanted their new kitchen to be an open space that is easier to move around in. They were also looking forward to more storage and new, state-of-the-art appliances. Design objectives: -New layout to accommodate large groups for frequent entertaining -Big island to seat as many people as possible Improve traffic flow by omitting a counter peninsula by the family room and other cabinet barriers -Main cooktop to face visitors with point-of-use spices, utensils, pots & pans nearby -Multiple cooking & refrigeration appliances -Plan for as much countertop space as possible for multiple cooks -Dedicated spaces needed for wine, liquor, cold drinks & decorative glassware -Incorporate special details such as thick or waterfall countertops, unique backsplash, wood accents -Need better task, ambient and general lighting -Make it beautiful – a kitchen the homeowners could be proud of -Seamlessly join kitchen with breakfast room, given load-bearing wall & various ceiling heights -Ensure the large, newly opened space remains intimate and inclusive -Determine how to best utilize the breakfast room, given limited availability of wall space with two sets of French doors and a large window -Relocating two ventilation ducts currently in a wall to be removed -Incorporate multiple appliances while adding functional storage -Integrate special details that wouldn’t be lost in a large room -Utilize multiple finishes and colors that provide continuity Design solutions: -The wall between the kitchen & breakfast nook was completely removed – the structural beam was shortened, providing the largest opening possible -One small wall section remained intact to relocate ductwork, which conveniently created an alcove for the dual refrigerator armoire -Two islands in the same finish visually join the elongated room -The cooking island includes necessary point-of-use storage along with a steam oven and additional storage on the opposite side The wide cooking island allows for two cooks to comfortably share the counter space, allowing casual interaction -The second island fills the center of the former breakfast room; tall cabinets in a contrasting finish flank the French doors and provide visual balance -The sizable second island provides seating for six on a conversation-conducive curve. It houses freezer drawers, a microwave drawer, an under-counter refrigerator, plus additional storage -Docking station inside drawer -Two cabinet styles in three finishes provide continuity, balance and interest in the large room While the clients didn’t have a specific vision of the remodeled space, they were completely open to new ideas and knew which features they wanted when they saw them. They were truly doing the project for their own enjoyment and that of their family and guests. We’re happy to know they are thrilled with the end result. In fact, we had so much fun working together we’re now talking about a new project!

The striking diamond shaped design of the Vases Island bench is made even more dramatic with this illuminated version. The bench has a recessed basin in the center to accommodate a plant container, ice or storage. The LED illumination can display white, red, green, blue, light blue, pink or yellow. The finish is white when not lighted. Uses 120V current and each piece comes with a 10' cord. Remote control is included. The Island is also available in a non-illuminated version with a matte or high gloss lacquer finish in several colors. It is rotationally molded of 100% recyclable polyethylene and resistant to extreme heat, cold and UV. The cushion fabric is Silvertex, a 100% polyester fabric. It is resistant to sun fading, mildew, temperature extremes and abrasion. If you intend to use the center basin as a planter it is available with or without a built in semi-automatic watering system. The watering system has a reservoir that filters water to the plant roots for up to three months.

Large transitional home design photo in Grand Rapids

Careful edits and updates were needed in our client's guest bedroom. Their current metal sleigh bed was far too bulky and heavy visually in addition to taking up too much precious space in this tiny bedroom. The room felt cluttered with far too much furniture, cold and downright unwelcoming. For balance, the bed was relocated to the opposite wall. A bold Nikki Chu wallcovering with a playful abstract design was then added to create a focal point and interest. To free up space and to add balance to this room, a 'headboard only' design (minus the footboard) was selected. The headboard's teak and jute elements paired well with this new backdrop to add great texture and interest to the room. Less furniture, visually exciting feature wall and crisp draperies in a free form pattern helped to complete the look.

This illuminated outdoor planter is available with LED lighting in multiple colors or a style with a fluorescent bulb that displays only white light. It has a molded planting basin to reduce the amount of soil needed and water reservoir that filters water to the plant roots for up to three months. The LED lighted version will display white, red, green, blue, light blue, pink or yellow color. The colors can be changed with the included remote control. Both lighting styles use 120V current and come with a 10' cord. They are made of rotationally molded of 100% recyclable polyethylene and resistant to extreme heat, cold and UV.

The free-flowing contemporary design of the Biophilia Collection adds an aire of elegance to the outdoor room. The collection includes a chair, sofa and a coffee table. It is rotationally molded of 100% recyclable polyethylene and resistant to extreme heat, cold and UV. It is available with a matte or high gloss lacquer finish in several colors. The collection is also available in a fluorescent or LED lighted versions. The LED style can display white, red, green, blue, light blue, pink or yellow. The fluorescent style displays white light only. The finish is white when not lighted. Uses 120V current and comes with a 10' cord. Remote control is included.

Zoltan Gavai
Danish enclosed light wood floor and beige floor living room photo in Gothenburg with white walls and no tv

Maybe you can relate to these empty nesters who reached out to us to design and build a new kitchen for their current and long term needs. They do lots of entertaining, have an extensive wine collection and enjoy welcoming more grandchildren into the family. Both cook, although he prefers his grill. They wanted their new kitchen to be an open space that is easier to move around in. They were also looking forward to more storage and new, state-of-the-art appliances. Design objectives: -New layout to accommodate large groups for frequent entertaining -Big island to seat as many people as possible Improve traffic flow by omitting a counter peninsula by the family room and other cabinet barriers -Main cooktop to face visitors with point-of-use spices, utensils, pots & pans nearby -Multiple cooking & refrigeration appliances -Plan for as much countertop space as possible for multiple cooks -Dedicated spaces needed for wine, liquor, cold drinks & decorative glassware -Incorporate special details such as thick or waterfall countertops, unique backsplash, wood accents -Need better task, ambient and general lighting -Make it beautiful – a kitchen the homeowners could be proud of -Seamlessly join kitchen with breakfast room, given load-bearing wall & various ceiling heights -Ensure the large, newly opened space remains intimate and inclusive -Determine how to best utilize the breakfast room, given limited availability of wall space with two sets of French doors and a large window -Relocating two ventilation ducts currently in a wall to be removed -Incorporate multiple appliances while adding functional storage -Integrate special details that wouldn’t be lost in a large room -Utilize multiple finishes and colors that provide continuity Design solutions: -The wall between the kitchen & breakfast nook was completely removed – the structural beam was shortened, providing the largest opening possible -One small wall section remained intact to relocate ductwork, which conveniently created an alcove for the dual refrigerator armoire -Two islands in the same finish visually join the elongated room -The cooking island includes necessary point-of-use storage along with a steam oven and additional storage on the opposite side The wide cooking island allows for two cooks to comfortably share the counter space, allowing casual interaction -The second island fills the center of the former breakfast room; tall cabinets in a contrasting finish flank the French doors and provide visual balance -The sizable second island provides seating for six on a conversation-conducive curve. It houses freezer drawers, a microwave drawer, an under-counter refrigerator, plus additional storage -Docking station inside drawer -Two cabinet styles in three finishes provide continuity, balance and interest in the large room While the clients didn’t have a specific vision of the remodeled space, they were completely open to new ideas and knew which features they wanted when they saw them. They were truly doing the project for their own enjoyment and that of their family and guests. We’re happy to know they are thrilled with the end result. In fact, we had so much fun working together we’re now talking about a new project!

When our clients approached us to renovate their 1950s Newfoundland home, their goal was to modernize while reflecting both their West Coast roots and current East Coast lifestyle. What began as a simple ensuite repair expanded into a full home transformation, completed in two thoughtfully phased renovations. Drawing from our cross-coastal experience—and a personal connection to the home’s past—we blended classic East Coast charm with West Coast simplicity. From reworking the layout and finishes to integrating their art collection and layering in warm, tactile materials, every detail was designed to feel cohesive, inviting, and deeply personal.

Mid-sized transitional galley light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen photo in Toronto with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and blue cabinets

Philippe Clairo
Example of a small farmhouse family room design in Calgary

The homeowner confessed that she found her bathroom depressing. She lived in an outdated 1980s space that turned her morning routine into a chore rather than a moment of self-care. After fifteen years in the house, she was finally ready to invest in herself. What she was looking for was classic elegance with a touch of personality, something timeless that wouldn’t feel outdated in five years. And that’s precisely what we delivered. The renovation required stripping everything down, even the studs. Opening up the walls, we discovered outdated plumbing that needed complete replacement: copper pipes and new drainage systems installed to current standards. We also installed appropriate waterproofing membranes, essential for long-lasting durability, especially in the shower area. The design focuses on soft gray tones that feel calming rather than cold. The custom double vanity, with its elegant gray cabinetry and white quartz countertop, offers both beauty and functionality; Finally, no more fighting over mirror space in the mornings. Those chrome sconces flanking the mirrors add a touch of glamour while providing excellent lighting. The true star of the design is the patterned tile. The homeowner was worried it would be “too busy,” but our designer was certain—and she was right—that it would bring the gray to life. We convinced her to try it, and it became the bathroom’s defining feature: a beautiful geometric pattern in black, white, and gray that adds character without overwhelming the space. The combination of a bathtub and shower behind frameless glass creates a sense of spaciousness and light, with classic white subway tiles that never go out of style. Three windows flood the space with natural light, a luxury in any bathroom. The end result is a space of calm, relaxation, and beauty. That’s the kind of transformation that gives meaning to our work.

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.

Check out these beautiful new Marvin Clad Ultimate Double Hung windows with evergreen cladding that Weather-Tek had the pleasure of installing for a family in Shorewood, WI. Remember, we install windows through the winter months, so make sure your home is comfortable for the remainder of the cold Wisconsin winter! Check out our current promotions: https://goo.gl/D3ooju