Bedroom - transitional bedroom idea in San Francisco

We designed this writer's studio in tandem with an urban backyard and hardscaping renovation. Originally this building was to be a new garage, but the owner liked it so much that halfway through the process, he decided to forgo a garage in favor of an office. Photo: Anna M Campbell: annamcampbell.com

Welcome to Breezy Bay. A charming retreat on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, offering timeless elegance and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Thoughtfully designed to capture stunning lake views, this custom home blends classic architecture with modern comforts, creating the perfect lakeside escape.

Eric Roth Photography
Example of a mid-sized country open concept light wood floor living room design in Boston with white walls and no tv

A home office is nestled into a small nook of the residence.
Home office - contemporary home office idea in Chicago

Colin Price Photography
Trendy master light wood floor bedroom photo in San Francisco with blue walls

Bill Stengel
Inspiration for a farmhouse home design remodel in Albuquerque

Philadelphia Row Home Renovation focusing on maximizing storage for a young family of 5. We created a "mudroom" in the front of the row home with a large living room space for family time + hosting. We used kid-friendly furnishings with performance fabrics that are durable and easy to clean. Prioritized eco-friendly selections, utilizing locally sourced + American made pieces.

Paul Finkel
Bedroom - modern bedroom idea in Austin

small bathroom, orchids, glass shelves, tiger wood, concrete, concrete walls, RAM windows, Duravit toilets, Mockett, Okite, frosted glass, bathroom, wood wall, transom

A comfortable home office to work in as well as great guests. Custom designed furniture with an angled desk and credenza. The walls are upholstered in gray linen fabric and the same fabric for the window treatment with an interesting border design flanking the the bright contemporary art. The room is acoustically sound because of the upholstered walls adding a luxurious yet comfortable ambiance to this home office. Royal blue chairs add the spark and coordinates with the art in this neutral home office.

The boys can climb the walls and swing from the ceiling in this playroom designed for indoor activity. When the toys are removed it can easily convert to the party barn with two sets of mahogany double doors that open out onto a patio in the front of the house and a poolside deck on the waterside.

Kitchen - victorian kitchen idea in Orange County

Designing a Health-Focused Home Living Space Designing a health-focused home living space is more than just arranging furniture and choosing colors; it's about creating an environment that promotes physical well-being, mental clarity, and overall wellness. As we spend more time at home, especially in the wake of recent global shifts towards remote work and lifestyle changes, the importance of our living spaces in supporting our health has never been greater. Here are some key considerations when designing a health-oriented home. Natural Light and Air Quality Natural light plays a crucial role in our health, affecting everything from our sleep patterns to our mood. When designing your home, prioritize spaces that allow for ample sunlight. Large windows, skylights, and strategically placed mirrors can help maximize natural light. In rooms where natural light is limited, consider using full-spectrum lighting that mimics daylight to support your circadian rhythms. Air quality is another critical factor in a health-focused home. Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air due to various factors like off-gassing from furniture, household cleaners, and poor ventilation. Incorporating plants that are known to purify air, such as spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies, can help improve indoor air quality. Additionally, ensure your home is well-ventilated by using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and consider investing in air purifiers, especially if you live in an area with high pollution levels. Ergonomic Furniture and Movement Spaces The furniture you choose and how you arrange it can significantly impact your physical health. Ergonomic furniture, especially in workspaces, can help prevent strain and injury. Adjustable desks, supportive chairs, and monitor stands can contribute to better posture and reduced risk of musculoskeletal issues. Incorporating spaces that encourage movement is also important. For example, a small home gym or a yoga corner can serve as a dedicated area for physical activity. Even in smaller spaces, you can create movement opportunities by ensuring there’s enough room to stretch or do simple exercises. Open floor plans or multipurpose spaces that can be easily reconfigured for different activities can help integrate movement into daily life. Mindful and Minimalist Design A clutter-free environment is conducive to mental clarity and relaxation. Mindful and minimalist design principles focus on creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing without being overwhelming. Start by decluttering and organizing your belongings, keeping only what you need and what brings you joy. Choose furniture and decor that are simple, natural, and calming. Materials like wood, stone, and natural fibers not only add a touch of nature to your home but also tend to have fewer chemicals than synthetic materials. Neutral color palettes with accents of soothing colors like blues and greens can help create a tranquil atmosphere. Sleep and Restful Areas A significant part of health-focused design is creating spaces that promote restful sleep. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary that encourages relaxation. Invest in a good-quality mattress and pillows that support your body. Blackout curtains, soundproofing, and maintaining a cool room temperature can also contribute to better sleep quality. In addition to the bedroom, consider creating other restful areas in your home where you can unwind, meditate, or practice mindfulness. A cozy reading nook, a meditation space, or even a comfortable chair by a window can serve as your personal retreat. Incorporating Nature and Green Spaces Finally, integrating elements of nature into your living space can have a profound impact on your health. Biophilic design, which connects indoor environments with nature, has been shown to reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being. This can be as simple as adding more houseplants, incorporating natural materials, or even installing a small indoor water feature. If you have outdoor space, create a garden or a patio where you can relax and enjoy fresh air. Even a small balcony can be transformed into a green oasis with the right plants and seating. By thoughtfully designing your living space with health in mind, you create an environment that not only looks beautiful but also supports your physical and mental well-being.

Elegant brown floor laundry room photo in Detroit with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

Photography: Nanne Springer
Danish hallway photo in Toronto

Mukesh Baghel Hospital is the best pediatric child care, where every little one matters. From the first moment of life to adulthood, we understand the needs of children, and we have a full range of pediatric services. For our expert team of pediatricians, the best care is routine check-ups, early screening, vaccinations, and treatment for health issues. We believe that every kid deserves the best child care and therefore offer health services, not only expertise, but also a caring, kid-friendly environment that makes kids feel at ease. Best pediatric child care Apart from that, it also provides specialized care for the most complicated conditions. Even the most challenging health issues are met, more so in personalized solutions. The scope of child health has not ended in the treatment; it goes also for preventing health problems, taking remedial action, and continuous monitoring, all of which ensure a more extended happy life. The development of a plan of care for every family, especially with each child’s unique need and concern, is also targeted. Thus, with an uncompromised commitment to excellence, we offer the highest affordable standard in quality child care: the physical and emotional aspects. Mukesh Baghel is a step forward in the provision of best pediatric child care routine or specialized care at a single point. This is how every little one grows up strong and healthy he Mukesh Baghel Hospital has the largest best children’s physician for every age of childhood. The health needs of your child are cared for by expertise and care. From newborn to adolescence, it covers such routine check-ups, vaccinations, preventive measures, and treatment of complex health issues. This team, experienced and trained in the unique needs of all developmental stages, provides personalized care to promote wellness and works together with families in achieving this. Then, we have early detection and intervention, so we can treat some things before they get worse. You can be sure that we combine the best in medical treatment with the warmest environment for each child. Quality and compassionate care will prove, in the end, an inevitable protector for families with children in terms of a good name for them. Email:connect@drmbhospital.com Contact no…+91-7505910637

There are thousands of tree species all over the world and all these trees share the same anatomical features. All trees have trunks, branches, intricate rooting systems and leaves that make up their core systems. If you are curious about the anatomy and importance of each part, reading this guide by Five Star Tree Services is a great way to educate yourself. Tree Branches & Twigs The branches grow from the trunk of the tree and they help support the flowers, fruits and leaves the tree produces. The twigs and branches are also used as transport between the trunk and leaves. The top part of the tree along with the leaves is called the tree crown. This area filters dust and other debris from the atmosphere. In addition to cleaning the air, the crown also offers shade for animals and humans alike. Tree Leaves The leaves of a tree manage the photosynthesis process which ensures the tree has food and maintains its health. The leaves are also tasked with drawing in carbon monoxide and releasing oxygen for the rest of us to use. Many leaves have different edges which work to collect water, repel pests, and reduce wind resistance. The Tree Trunk The trunk of every tree has five layers. These layers consist of the inner bark, the outer bark, heartwood, sapwood, and cambium cell. The outer bark protects from harsh temperatures and pests, in addition to helping the tree retain moisture. The inner bark, specifically the phloem is the digestive system that passes the food through to other parts of the tree. This part of the tree has a very short life, and it turns into cork before merging with the outer layer of bark when it dies. The cambium cell layer produces new tree bark and wood as the tree grows and this is generated from the hormones that come from the leaves and pass to the inner layer. Sapwood is tasked with moving water to the leaves of the tree and as the wood ages, it transforms into heartwood, which is in the tree center. The heartwood is the main support of the tree structure and though it no longer grows, it won’t decay or become frail as long as it is protected by the outer layers. The Tree Root System One of the most important parts of the tree is its root system. These are found in the first three feet of soil around the tree and can extend as much as four times further away than the total circumference of the tree crown. The roots collect minerals and water from the ground, store food for the tree, and help secure it to its spot in the ground. How Five Star Tree Services Can Help Here at Five Star Tree Services, we care about the life and health of your trees. Our arborist offers 24-hour emergency services in addition to our regular tree and plant care services. If you are in need of trimming, tree assessment, deep root feeding, or tree removal in Toronto or the GTA, give us a call at (416) 990-3355 to set up an appointment.