In collaboration with Green Hammer, this forested lot in the West Hills achieved the goals of increased daylight, improved energy efficiency, and optimized functionality through a series of mindful space planning, finish, and fixture decisions. By re-orienting the split level stair circulation, individual yet interconnected spaces were clearly defined, while celebrating the home’s connection to its natural setting.

We are pleased to announce that we were awarded the 2015 Best Kitchen Renovation by the Harrisburg Builders Association for our project completed in the summer of 2014. Teresa & Duane Brunot wanted to update their small 1980's kitchen. With the help of our talented designer, Tracy West, and ideas found on Houzz.com, the Brunot's created their dream kitchen. Our "exceptional crew" was able to bring the design to life with traditional raised panel doors with rope molding and glaze. Countertop selections include Napoli, Rainforest, and Atlantis granite. A custom made mantle was added between the built-in bookshelves. A beautiful wet bar was added to also improve the living space. Photos by: Elliot Quintin "I met Tracy West through a friend of mine. I emailed Tracy and the very next day we had an appointment. We met with Tracy several times before we signed our contract. She never tired of all of our questions, emails, texts and pictures of ideas that we found on Houzz. I've spoken to Brandon O'Hanlon several times and no matter what I asked for, he made a way for it to happen. He is very personable and professional. O'Hanlon Kitchens took our ideas and made it happen. They took my very small 1980's kitchen and turned it into a beautiful open floor plan kitchen. Not only did they do my kitchen, they also replaced my 1980's brick fireplace with a custom mantle (from a picture I found on Houzz) and added built-ins on either side. And it didn't stop there. They also added a wet bar in the room that we like to call the Parlor. I couldn't be happier with my new home. I love coming home and cooking now. I highly recommend Brandon O'Hanlon, Tracy West and their exceptional crew!" Teresa Brunot

Quigley Decks. Deck in lakeshore suburb north of Milwaukee Quigley Decks is a Madison, WI-based home improvement contractor specializing in building decks, pergolas, porches, patios and carpentry projects that make the outside of your home a more pleasing place to relax. We are pleased to service much of greater Wisconsin including Cottage Grove, De Forest, Fitchburg, Janesville, Lake Mills, Madison, Middleton, Monona, Mt. Horeb, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Verona, Waunakee, Milwaukee, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, the Dells area and more. We believe in solid workmanship and take great care in hand-selecting quality materials including Western Red Cedar, Ipe hardwoods and Trex, TimberTech and AZEK composites from select, southern Wisconsin vendors. Our goals are building quality and customer satisfaction. We ensure that no matter what the size of the job, it will be done right the first time and built to last.

M-S Pro Architects announce the completion of an indoor swimming pool in a state-of-the-art, single storey family home set in a picturesque location on the outskirts of Bratislava - one of Europe’s youngest capital cities. Kebony, a beautiful wood recommended by leading architects, was chosen to craft the ceiling of the swimming pool, which is designed to emulate rippling waves as well as for the terrace deck and structural beams. Sustainability and a desire to recreate the close proximity often seen between wood and water in the natural environment were primary focuses in the design of this project. This led a requirement for a low maintenance wood, compatible humidity and with advanced durability, for the swimming pool ceiling. In addition, a high level of precision when cutting the wood was required in order to achieve the desired appearance of waves. Supplied by Leading Market, Kebony was carefully selected for the pool ceiling, which consists of 490 lamellae of timber, due to its versatility, durability and environmental credentials. Kebony was also installed throughout the exterior of this property, both for the spacious outdoor terrace and the exterior and interior beams. One of the reasons to choose Kebony was the unified look of wood in all these different applications. Developed in Norway, the patented Kebony technology uses an environmentally friendly process, which permanently enhances the properties of sustainable softwood with a bio-based liquid derived from agricultural crop waste. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall with furfuryl alcohol, the wood gains greatly improved durability and dimensional stability, giving it characteristics similar to those of tropical hardwood. In creating a wood with comparable properties to tropical hardwood that can be grown in a FSC certified, sustainably managed forest, the demand for tropical woods is reduced, allowing timber to once again be an important part of sustainable construction. Tomáš Hubinský, Lead Architect at M-S Pro, commented: “From conception through to completion, the creation of this ceiling has been a real feat. Despite the challenges faced by such an intricate design, Kebony was the perfect material to convey our desired effect of waves rippling along the ceiling. We will continue to incorporate Kebony into our interior and exterior designs, with wood fast becoming the first choice material for all architects.” Mette Valen, Sales Manager Norway at Kebony, explained: “The distinctive nature of this design cleverly portrays the capability of Kebony, demonstrating both the aesthetic and performance qualities of the product. We would be honoured to work with M-S Pro in the future and look forward to seeing how they utilise Kebony in their future projects.”

Location- Lake Forest, IL ColorPlus- Iron Gray w/ Arctic White trim
Mid-sized elegant gray two-story wood gable roof photo in Chicago

A large master bathroom remodeled to fit our clients' needs. For this renovation, we replaced the large jacuzzi tub with a second vanity, exchanged the floor-to-ceiling shower doors with lower Starfire glass (which also prevents excess steam), a new shower bench and niche, as well as a new entryway to the walk-in closet. This new and improved master bath was then adorned with large dark grey floor tiles, dark grey painted walls and vanities, rich blonde maple doors, and artisanal pendant lights with sleek Edison bulbs. Designed by Chi Renovation & Design who serve Chicago and it's surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Wilmette, and all of the way up to Lake Forest.

We renovated the dining area to match the new and improved kitchen aesthetic. Two stained glass windows were installed, bringing in more sunlight and creating symmetry. Accents of teal, bursts of wood, and contemporary pendant lighting match the features in the kitchen, ensuring a complementary and cohesive design. One of the most unique features of the dining room is the secret door. The teal bookshelf is actually a doorway that leads to an old staircase that was previously walled off - it is now used as a nifty (and impressive) closet. Designed by Chi Renovations & Design who serve Chicago and it's surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest. For more about Chi Renovation & Design, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/portfolio/roscoe-village-renovation/

Dave Wilhide from Reico Kitchen & Bath in Springfield, VA, partnered with Professional Home Improvements to design a transitional kitchen featuring Green Forest Cabinetry in the Park Place door style in a White finish. The space is complemented by MSI Q New Carrara Marmi countertops and a full-height backsplash, along with KitchenAid appliances. The client shared, “The hardest part was waiting to get started once we decided to move forward. Dave Wilhide was very helpful at the right times to keep things on track and offer advice that made final decisions easier. We really love the clean look and the additional amount of storage space.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images.

We gave this large kitchen a completely new look! We brought the style up-to-date and added in some much needed counter space and storage. We loved the quirky charm of the original design, so we made to sure to keep it's unique style very much a part of the new design through the use of mixed materials. Artisanal hand-made floating shelves (made out of old barn wood) along with the exposed wooden beams create a soft but powerful statement -- warm and earthy but strikingly trendy. The rich woods from the floating shelves and height-adjustable pull-out pantry contrast beautifully with the glistening glass cabinets, which offer the perfect place to show off their stunning glassware. By installing new countertops, cabinets, and a peninsula, we were able to drastically improve the amount of workspace. The peninsula offers a place to dine, work, or even use as a buffet - just the kind of functionality and versatility our clients were looking for. The marble backsplash and stainless steel work table add a subtle touch of modernism, that blends extremely well with the more rustic elements. Also, the stainless steel table was the perfect solution for a make-shift island since this older kitchen did not have the typical width that is needed to add a built-in island (plus, it can easily be moved to fit the needs of the homeowners!). Other features include a brand new exhaust fan, which wasn't included in the original design, and entire leveling of the new hardwood floors, which were previously sinking down almost a foot from one side of the space to the other. Designed by Chi Renovation & Design who serve Chicago and it's surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest.

Rhonda
Example of an urban home design design in Other

Dave Wilhide from Reico Kitchen & Bath in Woodbridge, VA, partnered with Professional Home Improvements to design a transitional kitchen. The perimeter cabinets are Green Forest Cabinetry in the Park Place door style with a Bianco finish, and the island features Yorktowne Cabinetry in the Calhoun door style with an Eucalyptus finish. The countertops are Cambria in Britannica Warm. The client shared, “We had a great experience with the Reico team. From measurements and design to ordering and installation, communication was excellent. We discovered features we now love, like drawers inside the pantry cabinets, spice rack inserts, and the oversized island. We’re loving the new kitchen, which has become a centerpiece for our home!” Photos courtesy of BTW Images.

M-S Pro Architects announce the completion of an indoor swimming pool in a state-of-the-art, single storey family home set in a picturesque location on the outskirts of Bratislava - one of Europe’s youngest capital cities. Kebony, a beautiful wood recommended by leading architects, was chosen to craft the ceiling of the swimming pool, which is designed to emulate rippling waves as well as for the terrace deck and structural beams. Sustainability and a desire to recreate the close proximity often seen between wood and water in the natural environment were primary focuses in the design of this project. This led a requirement for a low maintenance wood, compatible humidity and with advanced durability, for the swimming pool ceiling. In addition, a high level of precision when cutting the wood was required in order to achieve the desired appearance of waves. Supplied by Leading Market, Kebony was carefully selected for the pool ceiling, which consists of 490 lamellae of timber, due to its versatility, durability and environmental credentials. Kebony was also installed throughout the exterior of this property, both for the spacious outdoor terrace and the exterior and interior beams. One of the reasons to choose Kebony was the unified look of wood in all these different applications. Developed in Norway, the patented Kebony technology uses an environmentally friendly process, which permanently enhances the properties of sustainable softwood with a bio-based liquid derived from agricultural crop waste. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall with furfuryl alcohol, the wood gains greatly improved durability and dimensional stability, giving it characteristics similar to those of tropical hardwood. In creating a wood with comparable properties to tropical hardwood that can be grown in a FSC certified, sustainably managed forest, the demand for tropical woods is reduced, allowing timber to once again be an important part of sustainable construction. Tomáš Hubinský, Lead Architect at M-S Pro, commented: “From conception through to completion, the creation of this ceiling has been a real feat. Despite the challenges faced by such an intricate design, Kebony was the perfect material to convey our desired effect of waves rippling along the ceiling. We will continue to incorporate Kebony into our interior and exterior designs, with wood fast becoming the first choice material for all architects.” Mette Valen, Sales Manager Norway at Kebony, explained: “The distinctive nature of this design cleverly portrays the capability of Kebony, demonstrating both the aesthetic and performance qualities of the product. We would be honoured to work with M-S Pro in the future and look forward to seeing how they utilise Kebony in their future projects.”

We gave this large kitchen a completely new look! We brought the style up-to-date and added in some much needed counter space and storage. We loved the quirky charm of the original design, so we made to sure to keep it's unique style very much a part of the new design through the use of mixed materials. Artisanal hand-made floating shelves (made out of old barn wood) along with the exposed wooden beams create a soft but powerful statement -- warm and earthy but strikingly trendy. The rich woods from the floating shelves and height-adjustable pull-out pantry contrast beautifully with the glistening glass cabinets, which offer the perfect place to show off their stunning glassware. By installing new countertops, cabinets, and a peninsula, we were able to drastically improve the amount of workspace. The peninsula offers a place to dine, work, or even use as a buffet - just the kind of functionality and versatility our clients were looking for. The marble backsplash and stainless steel work table add a subtle touch of modernism, that blends extremely well with the more rustic elements. Also, the stainless steel table was the perfect solution for a make-shift island since this older kitchen did not have the typical width that is needed to add a built-in island (plus, it can easily be moved to fit the needs of the homeowners!). Other features include a brand new exhaust fan, which wasn't included in the original design, and entire leveling of the new hardwood floors, which were previously sinking down almost a foot from one side of the space to the other. Designed by Chi Renovation & Design who serve Chicago and it's surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest. For more about Chi Renovation & Design, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/galleries/kitchen-dining/

Utilizing the right plants can really spruce up the look of your property. But before you go and buy the first plant you see, it’s important to think about how dedicated you are to maintaining them and how much time you are willing to invest in them. All plants are alive and need love and attention. The amount of love and attention can vary depending on the plant. If you are a busy person who doesn’t have a lot of time to dedicate to the care of your plants, this doesn’t mean you can’t have plants and have them thrive. There are many low-maintenance plants that you can choose from. These will allow you to add to the aesthetic of your property, without consuming your time to care for them. We here at Five Star Tree Services have come up with a list of the best low-maintenance shrubs for you to consider. Flowering Shrubs Looking to add colour and beauty to your landscape? You might be thinking regular flowers can do this, but have you considered flowering shrubs? These are something simple and beautiful that you can add to your yard. Hibiscus These plants come in many colours. It is also known as Chinese Hibiscus, China Rose, and Tropical Hibiscus. This evergreen perennial is native to warm temperature, subtropical and tropical places around the world. The flowers it produces can be 3-8 inches in diameter. Some resemble trumpets. Every flower has 5 or more petals and can range in colours from red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, and white. Flowers are constantly produced by this plant but each blossom only lasts a day. Its growth can be 24 inches a year and has the potential to reach 15 feet fully grown. Forsythia This shrub is part of the olive family. It is mostly native to eastern Asia but one is native to southeastern Europe. This plant is also known as golden bells. This is a deciduous shrub that can grow to 3-9 feet but ones with rough grey-brown bark have been known to grow to 20 feet. With opposite positioned leaves, that can grow between 2 and 10 cm in length. They produce bright yellow flowers and will bloom in early spring before the leaves come out. Evergreen Shrubs It is beneficial to have more green plants around you. There was a study done that showed women can have improved mental health and a longer life expectancy if you live in or near green areas. If you have a busy life and don’t have space in your home, you are able to still benefit from and experience evergreen shrubs. They are perfect for small yards and large ones alike. Euonymus This plant is native to places like East Asia, North America, Madagascar, the Himalayas, and Europe. Depending on what country you are in will determine the species you encounter. These have many names and you might have heard them referred to as a spindle tree, burning-bush, euonymus, strawberry-bush, spindle, or wintercreeper. There are 130 species of deciduous small trees, evergreen shrubs, and lianas. The wintercreeper is a herbaceous perennial vine and it can grow to 70 feet. But it usually is left at 2-4 feet as a mounded shrub. It has egg-shaped leaves that measure to 1-2.5 inches long and 1-1.75 inches wide. They can vary in colour, such as dark green, green-gold, or green-white. Blue Star Juniper This is a needled shrub and is a member of the cypress family. It is native to the Himalayas, Afghanistan, and western China. You might also know it as flaky juniper, Himalayan juniper, or singleseed juniper. This is a dwarf shrub and when it gets to a mature size, it is a compact mound measuring from 1-3 feet high and 1.5-3 feet wide. It grows slow and has a tendency to grow out and not up. It has silvery-blue foliage and is densely packed with needles that are awl-shaped. Privacy Shrubs Everyone wants privacy while you are in your home or yard. Some people decide to install a fence in order to give themselves privacy. But there is a more creative way to acquire your privacy; with privacy shrubs! If you are looking for something that is different from a fence and low-maintenance, privacy shrubs are exactly what you are looking for. Not only do these plants provide you with the much-needed privacy you desire, they also add beauty to your landscaping. Some suggestions are as follows: Thuja Green Giant This is a genus of coniferous trees that belong to the cypress or Cupressaceae family. 3 out of 5 of these plants are native to Eastern Asia and the other 2 are from North America. This evergreen can also be known as Thuja green rocket or green giant arborvitae. They are fast growing and can grow to 3-5 feet in one season. Growing in a uniform shape, when mature, they can be 50-60 feet tall and 12-20 feet wide. They have tiny, glossy leaves that resemble scales. These overlap tightly together and create a fan of foliage. Boxwood hedges These evergreen shrubs and small trees are slow growing. You might also have heard them called boxes. They are native to numerous places that include Mexico, southern and eastern Asia, Africa, and southern and western Europe. These plants have been specifically grown for their foliage but they also produce a flower. They can grow from 1-20 feet tall and spread 2-8 feet wide. They have leathery feeling leaves that are lace-shaped or almost round. The colours can range from pale green to dark blue-green. They produce small yellow-green flowers in the spring. WARNIIG: this plant produces a toxic alkaloid that can hurt humans and animals. If a person or animal were to eat the leaves, it can trigger convulsions, dizziness, intestinal distress, and respiratory failure. If you come in contact with the sap, it could cause skin irritation. It is best to avoid this plant if you have small children or pets. Wax Myrtle Tree This large shrub or small tree is native to the Caribbean and North and Central America. There are many names for this plant that include bayberry tree, southern wax myrtle, southern bayberry, tallow shrub, and candleberry. It is very adaptable to various habitats but it naturally will grow near rivers and streams, wetlands, dunes, fields, pine barrens, hillsides, and in mixed-broadleaf and coniferous forests. This shrub can grow 20-25 feet tall with light olive-green leaves that have serrated edges. It also has smooth thin gray-brown bark. It can also produce bluish-white fruit which grows on short stalks in clusters. How Five Star Tree Service Can Help When looking for privacy for your home, utilizing low-maintenance plants is a great way to do this. It is also a great way to add something unique to your yard. Some of these shrubs will require some maintenance, which is where our team at Five Star Tree Services can help! We offer shrub trimming services in Toronto and if you require our assistance, make sure to give us a call at (416) 990-3355.

We are pleased to announce that we were awarded the 2015 Best Kitchen Renovation by the Harrisburg Builders Association for our project completed in the summer of 2014. Teresa & Duane Brunot wanted to update their small 1980's kitchen. With the help of our talented designer, Tracy West, and ideas found on Houzz.com, the Brunot's created their dream kitchen. Our "exceptional crew" was able to bring the design to life with traditional raised panel doors with rope molding and glaze. Countertop selections include Napoli, Rainforest, and Atlantis granite. A custom made mantle was added between the built-in bookshelves. A beautiful wet bar was added to also improve the living space. Photos by: Elliot Quintin "I met Tracy West through a friend of mine. I emailed Tracy and the very next day we had an appointment. We met with Tracy several times before we signed our contract. She never tired of all of our questions, emails, texts and pictures of ideas that we found on Houzz. I've spoken to Brandon O'Hanlon several times and no matter what I asked for, he made a way for it to happen. He is very personable and professional. O'Hanlon Kitchens took our ideas and made it happen. They took my very small 1980's kitchen and turned it into a beautiful open floor plan kitchen. Not only did they do my kitchen, they also replaced my 1980's brick fireplace with a custom mantle (from a picture I found on Houzz) and added built-ins on either side. And it didn't stop there. They also added a wet bar in the room that we like to call the Parlor. I couldn't be happier with my new home. I love coming home and cooking now. I highly recommend Brandon O'Hanlon, Tracy West and their exceptional crew!" Teresa Brunot

Photo by Becky Alexis
Transitional staircase photo in Denver

Rhonda
Photo of an industrial landscaping in Other.

Designers used Schuler Cabinet - sold exclusively at Lowes. Unique Two tone kitchen in old Chicago neighborhood of River Forest - designed by Kat Mistal and Ron Ruthenbeck of Lowes Home Improvement.

Location- Lake Forest, IL ColorPlus- Iron Gray w/ Arctic White trim
Example of a mid-sized classic gray two-story wood gable roof design in Chicago