This thoughtfully designed lower-level home gym combines functionality with a sleek, modern aesthetic. Glass walls create a seamless flow between the workout area and the adjacent entertainment space, allowing natural light to brighten the room while maintaining sound separation. The space is fully outfitted with rubber gym flooring, a wall-mounted mirror for form-checking, and essential fitness equipment including a TRUE elliptical, adjustable bench, free weights, TRX straps, and a yoga mat zone for stretching or core work. A large wall-mounted TV adds both entertainment and the option for guided virtual workouts. Just steps from the gym, a cozy lounge with a gas fireplace and plush sectional provides the perfect post-workout recovery zone. A stylish built-in bar with floating shelves and woodgrain cabinetry adds a touch of luxury and practicality, ideal for hydration or hosting guests. This project is a perfect example of how a basement can be transformed into a multi-functional wellness and entertainment hub that feels just as polished as the main living areas.

This thoughtfully designed lower-level home gym combines functionality with a sleek, modern aesthetic. Glass walls create a seamless flow between the workout area and the adjacent entertainment space, allowing natural light to brighten the room while maintaining sound separation. The space is fully outfitted with rubber gym flooring, a wall-mounted mirror for form-checking, and essential fitness equipment including a TRUE elliptical, adjustable bench, free weights, TRX straps, and a yoga mat zone for stretching or core work. A large wall-mounted TV adds both entertainment and the option for guided virtual workouts. Just steps from the gym, a cozy lounge with a gas fireplace and plush sectional provides the perfect post-workout recovery zone. A stylish built-in bar with floating shelves and woodgrain cabinetry adds a touch of luxury and practicality, ideal for hydration or hosting guests. This project is a perfect example of how a basement can be transformed into a multi-functional wellness and entertainment hub that feels just as polished as the main living areas.

While no plant is fire proof, some native foliage is particularly adept at resisting fire. Dwarf Coyote Bush is a California native with protective qualities. It maintains hydration year round with very little supplemental water. This hydration helps it resist fire, which can give space and time to fire fighters. It also roots deeply to protect slopes. It is so good at this job, it will continue doing it even if all above-ground foliage burns to the ground. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

The stylish HydroTap Arc is both a source of inspiration and a source of wellness with its ability to instantly dispense filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water. With seven exquisite finish options to compliment any design, it's no wonder the HydroTap by Zip Water is the new standard in home hydration.

In Progress... outdoor kitchen, outdoor entertainment area, gazebo Stone: Provia Mystic Ledgestone Dry Stacked Stone #boydscustommasonry #block #provia #stone #drystack #masonry #laticrete #dreamstonecountertops #lowes #backyard #outdoorliving #homegoals #outdoorkitchen #gazebo #outdoorentertaining #skills #gateraid #hydrate

This is a vertical garden wall installation in a shaded location. The plants are growing in pockets made of a horticulture fabric made entirely from recycled, non-toxic plastics which will last a lifetime. The automatic drip irrigation system delivers water to the top row of plants.The water is absorbed by the fabric, and then drips down through the entire wall, hydrating all the plants evenly on an adjustable schedule. The fabric is designed to hold and release moisture. As the plants continue to grow, the fabric will become less and less visible, until entirely hidden, resulting in a solid wall of attractive plants.

Elevate your gardening experience with the Dot TruDrop Modern Self Watering Planter by Crescent Garden. Its minimalist design seamlessly fits into any indoor or outdoor space, while its double-wall construction provides insulation for plant roots, ensuring their longevity through temperature shifts. The TruDrop system caters to all gardening styles, from beginners to enthusiasts, offering optimal plant hydration without constant watering. Whether you tend to over-water or under-water, or if you're just beginning your gardening journey, our TruDrop system offers a lifeline for your plants, adapting to their needs without constant monitoring. The modern round planter's Braille texture celebrates the beauty of communication. Effortlessly merge traditional and modern aesthetics by grouping different sizes of Dot planters together. Featuring the TruDrop One system, this self-watering marvel frees you from daily watering duties, granting you more time to savor the joys of gardening and worry-free travels.

Photo: Andrew Snow © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a contemporary gray two-story mixed siding gable roof remodel in Toronto

Inspiration for a large transitional backyard stone patio remodel in Toronto

A beautiful habitat plant, this small tree's architectural branches fill with these berries to feed songbirds through the heat of summer, then deliver stunning little bell-like flowers to keep hummingbirds happy as they start their December nesting season. In summer, manzanita holds its bright green leaves - and its hydration. While all plants can burn, manzanita both resists and quickly recovers from fire. It's deep roots help retain slopes.

A deep drawer was custom designed with dividers and extra height to accommodate the owners assortment of water bottles. A movable divider keeps the bottles organized and upright.

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 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! Wainscotting 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!

This thoughtfully designed lower-level home gym combines functionality with a sleek, modern aesthetic. Glass walls create a seamless flow between the workout area and the adjacent entertainment space, allowing natural light to brighten the room while maintaining sound separation. The space is fully outfitted with rubber gym flooring, a wall-mounted mirror for form-checking, and essential fitness equipment including a TRUE elliptical, adjustable bench, free weights, TRX straps, and a yoga mat zone for stretching or core work. A large wall-mounted TV adds both entertainment and the option for guided virtual workouts. Just steps from the gym, a cozy lounge with a gas fireplace and plush sectional provides the perfect post-workout recovery zone. A stylish built-in bar with floating shelves and woodgrain cabinetry adds a touch of luxury and practicality, ideal for hydration or hosting guests. This project is a perfect example of how a basement can be transformed into a multi-functional wellness and entertainment hub that feels just as polished as the main living areas.

This thoughtfully designed lower-level home gym combines functionality with a sleek, modern aesthetic. Glass walls create a seamless flow between the workout area and the adjacent entertainment space, allowing natural light to brighten the room while maintaining sound separation. The space is fully outfitted with rubber gym flooring, a wall-mounted mirror for form-checking, and essential fitness equipment including a TRUE elliptical, adjustable bench, free weights, TRX straps, and a yoga mat zone for stretching or core work. A large wall-mounted TV adds both entertainment and the option for guided virtual workouts. Just steps from the gym, a cozy lounge with a gas fireplace and plush sectional provides the perfect post-workout recovery zone. A stylish built-in bar with floating shelves and woodgrain cabinetry adds a touch of luxury and practicality, ideal for hydration or hosting guests. This project is a perfect example of how a basement can be transformed into a multi-functional wellness and entertainment hub that feels just as polished as the main living areas.

Water is the essence of life. It hydrates and nourishes our mind & body. Liquid Interiors embodies this essence to create a fusion of elegance and sustainability that also nurtures the soul. This stylish Parkview home exemplifies that design, ensuring the client's absolute cleansing experience.

It's important to keep your freshly pointed mortar joints hydrated to allow for proper curing.
Inspiration for a victorian home design remodel in Toronto

A tree has many parts, all of which contribute to its overall health. Just like the human body, each part of the tree works together to ensure the tree’s survival. There are a few important elements that trees and other plants need to live; these include carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and food. A tree that has been planted in a nourishing environment and that has quality soil for its roots will grow tall, strong, and healthy. Trees that are planted in an urban environment such as on someone’s personal property need regular maintenance to thrive. The arborists here at Five Star Tree Services are happy to provide residential and commercial tree care services, including pruning and removal. We help trees stay healthy by getting rid of dead branches, trimming overgrown leaves to prevent them from infringing on power lines and much more. Aside from regular care, homeowners should pay particular attention to the roots of the tree, and here’s why. Why Trees Have Roots The roots are what hold the tree in place as well as used to absorb essential nutrients from the surrounding soil. Furthermore, water is also absorbed by the roots, which is critical for the tree’s survival. The majority of the roots of a tree are located between six inches and one foot underground. While they may be shallow going down, they extend very far horizontally, even surpassing the canopy of the tree. If a tree didn’t have roots, then it would not be able to stand or withstand harsh weather. Allow The Roots to Breathe The roots of your tree need to be protected, but they also need plenty of oxygen in order for your tree to thrive. Drying out the soil under your tree will allow oxygen to reach the area. Instead of watering your tree on a daily basis, choose a schedule that keeps the tree hydrated but allows the soil to rest. Packing the soil around the tree too tight will also limit the airflow which may suffocate surface roots. Watering Trees constantly require water regardless of their age. Trees need to be watered on a regular schedule, especially during dry seasons or drought. Ample watering will boost tree growth and maintain tree health. Don’t Cut Them Cutting the roots of a tree not only limits its ability to nourish itself, but it can also leave it open to attacks. Bacteria, insects, and viruses are more prone to strike a tree with a weak root system than one with a sturdy one. Cutting will also place stress on the tree which may stunt its growth for several years. Depending on the severity of the cut, severed roots may even cause the death of your tree. Invest in Mulch Mulch is a material placed around the bottom of a tree. It is fully organic and is intended to give the roots extra protection while also providing nutrients for your tree. Mulch should be placed around the base of a tree in the spring in order to promote new growth. An additional layer should be added in the winter to provide a buffer from the cold. Tree Care by Five Star Tree Services If you are worried about the health of your tree Five Star Tree Services is here to help. We offer Toronto Tree Care Services, storm damage, regular maintenance, affordable tree removal, pruning and planting services all over the metro area. If you are interested in boosting the aesthetic value of your property, or just maintaining your tree’s health, give us a call at (416) 990-3355 today.

During the summer, certain tree pests are particularly active and bent on the destruction of your beloved trees. Spider mites are one of these pests that like to make themselves at home all over your plants. Their only goal in life is to eat plant leaves. A great way to stop their destruction is being able to recognize the warning signs of their infestation. Once you have identified them, you can take care of them and put in precautions in order to keep them away and stop any future problems from them. We here at Five Star Tree Services have come up with ways that you can identify this pest and get rid of it before it’s too late for your precious plants. Some Info on Spider Mites You might have seen these little pests before but didn’t know what they were. They are these tiny creatures that are related to ticks and spiders. What They Look Like In order to see them properly, you will need to look at them through a magnifying glass. These little bugs come in a number of different patterns and colours. Being so incredibly small, they are roughly a millimeter at the most. For reverence, that’s about as thick as your credit card. Trying to look at them without a magnifying glass, all you might see are these tiny moving dots that might be brown, red, black, or yellow. Causes of Spider Mites Due to their shier tininess, these little invaders can waltz right into your gardens undetected. It’s even possible that you have bought a plant for a nursery or garden center that has had spider mites on them. They can even be brought into your garden by the wind. These little pests have the ability to spread very quickly due to their ability to eat a number of different plants. They are not very picky when it comes to eating your plants. They like outdoor and indoor plants, deciduous and evergreen, virtually nothing is safe from them. How To Tell You Have Spider Mites Spider mites prefer to cut and feed on the bottoms of tree leaves, however, the damage they do can be seen at the top of the leaf. Three key things to look for that indicate you have a spider mite infestations are: Yellowing or bronze look to your tree in one or many different areas (common with a big infestation) Silky webs that are woven around the leaves and stems Little yellow or white spots appearing at the top of the leaves/needles If you are suspicious that your plant has spider mites, one way to know for sure is holding a sheet of paper under an infected branch and shaking it. You will be able to see the little mites on the paper. Rid Your Plants of Spider Mites Whether it’s the summer or winter, follow these tips for treating spider mites. Summer: You can use a forceful water spray to knock them off of your tree. Once they are gone, periodically use your hose to rinse your trees for the season. Make sure to get the bottom of the leaves because this is where the mites like to live. Winter: This also includes any time before the buds come out in the spring. If your tree has spider mites, during this time, you will only see the eggs settled on the branches of your tree. Apply dormant oil to all the eggs before they hatch. It is also handy to know what natural predators eat spider mites. Certain rival insects such as lacewings and predator beetles will aid in getting rid of your pesky mites. Preventing Spider Mites Spider mites are most active during drought season. When trees are stressed, this is when they attack. If you are experiencing extended hot days and long dry periods, it is important to keep your trees hydrated. This means giving them at least an inch of water a week and making sure you have enough mulch around them. How Five Star Tree Service Can Help Spider mites are a pest. Catching them before they do any permanent damage is important. If using the dormant oil or spraying your tree with water doesn’t seem to be working, you can give us at Five Star Tree Services a call at (416) 990-3355 and we will come and help take care of them. Visit our website to see a full list of our available tree care services in Toronto!

Example of a trendy light wood floor and beige floor home yoga studio design in Vancouver with white walls