©StevenPaulWhitsitt_Photography Frequent entertainers, this large New York family wanted special attention paid to making their new kitchen both stylish and especially welcoming for their guests, so they hired Julie Deuble of Artisan Kitchens & Baths at Appliance Associates. In addition to the logistical issues of working in a high-rise, some of Deuble’s biggest challenges came with incorporating appliances, such as properly venting the 48-inch pro-style range. To integrate several large appliances into the relatively small space while maintaining a seamless appearance, she included custom panels over the refrigerator, dishwasher drawers, and refrigerator drawers. She then housed a microwave and a TV in identical wall cabinets. Since the kitchen opens to the living room, Deuble needed to design it as a space to be shown, not hidden. To achieve this, custom details were included throughout, such as a table-style peninsula with decorative legs, three-stage crown molding, mullion doors, an entertainment center with wine and liquor storage, and a desk designed to match the cabinetry. Well-thoughtout details such as the push-to-open hardware on the peninsula’s full-height cabinet doors provided the finishing touches to this showcase-worthy space. Learn more about this designer at www.artisankitchensandbaths.com.

This East Troy home on Booth Lake had a few drainage issues that needed to be resolved, but one thing was clear, the homeowners knew with the proper design features, their property had amazing potential to be a fixture on the lake. Starting with a redesign of the backyard, including retaining walls and other drainage features, the home was then ready for a radical facelift. We redesigned the entry of the home with a timber frame portico/entryway. The entire portico was built with the old-world artistry of a mortise and tenon framing method. We also designed and installed a new deck and patio facing the lake, installed an integrated driveway and sidewalk system throughout the property and added a splash of evening effects with some beautiful architectural lighting around the house. A Timber Tech deck with Radiance cable rail system was added off the side of the house to increase lake viewing opportunities and a beautiful stamped concrete patio was installed at the lower level of the house for additional lounging. Lastly, the original detached garage was razed and rebuilt with a new design that not only suits our client’s needs, but is designed to complement the home’s new look. The garage was built with trusses to create the tongue and groove wood cathedral ceiling and the storage area to the front of the garage. The secondary doors on the lakeside of the garage were installed to allow our client to drive his golf cart along the crushed granite pathways and to provide a stunning view of Booth Lake from the multi-purpose garage. Photos by Beth Welsh, Interior Changes

Mr. Mescher – Home Owner Shares Story “I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you that I am extremely pleased with the work that Columbia Roofing did in replacing the roof on our Kent Island home. The house has a complicated roof structure with multiple gables and a quarter round conical roof which spans between two vertical walls in the back. We choose a 50 year Owens Corning shingle and to assure a good job, we only obtained quotes from roofing companies that received outstanding reviews. We were pleased when the Columbia production crew roofed the house without issue and brought the full visual effect of slate using the 4 tab asphalt shingle with its distinctive keyway. When it came to the conical roof, we were faced with the possibility of having to install a metal roof in lieu of maintaining the slate like appearance that was so prominent on the other roof sections of the house. Our preference was to maintain the appearance of slate on the conical section similar to that seen on the old slate roof cathedrals. While this is easy to say, I can now appreciate how difficult it is to do. To honor our wishes, Ben Alsop came to the house and worked through the complicated layout necessary to use the same 4 tab shingles on the conical section. To do the job properly, every single 4 tab shingle had to be cut into individual tabs. Each tab was then taken up on the roof where the keyway was aligned to vertical through a system of straight lines drawn from the point of the conical roof to the starter shingle at the roof’s edge. Each tab had to be cut again (often multiple times) after the tab alignment was complete. To assure the accuracy necessary to maintain the visual effect, Ben took it upon himself to personally perform the roofing of the conical section. Ben is a manager for Columbia Roofing who no longer performs the physical roofing work after coming up through the ranks of the roofing trade. His personal dedication to getting this job done for us in a way that is simply stellar could not go without acknowledgement. Ben is not only a craftsman, he is an artisan whose skill set can clearly be seen in the pictures that I have attached. I want to thank Columbia Roofing for a job well done and particularly I want to thank Ben for taking the time and putting in the effort to truly make this a stellar installation.”

The ever increasing screen size of today’s modern sleek TV’s offer very exciting visual opportunities. When choosing an entertainment system for it, functionality should be a key ingredient. Functionality becomes the issue as soon as you start to connect the TV to the cable box, DVD player, amplifier, surround sound speakers and subwoofers…and any of the other numerous components, including computers and gaming devices. Beyond the initial hook up, there will likely be future needs for components to be upgraded or replaced. A properly designed media entertainment center can make this not only easier but also make a statement as an artful furniture addition to the living room, man Cave or bedroom.

©StevenPaulWhitsitt_Photography Frequent entertainers, this large New York family wanted special attention paid to making their new kitchen both stylish and especially welcoming for their guests, so they hired Julie Deuble of Artisan Kitchens & Baths at Appliance Associates. In addition to the logistical issues of working in a high-rise, some of Deuble’s biggest challenges came with incorporating appliances, such as properly venting the 48-inch pro-style range. To integrate several large appliances into the relatively small space while maintaining a seamless appearance, she included custom panels over the refrigerator, dishwasher drawers, and refrigerator drawers. She then housed a microwave and a TV in identical wall cabinets. Since the kitchen opens to the living room, Deuble needed to design it as a space to be shown, not hidden. To achieve this, custom details were included throughout, such as a table-style peninsula with decorative legs, three-stage crown molding, mullion doors, an entertainment center with wine and liquor storage, and a desk designed to match the cabinetry. Well-thoughtout details such as the push-to-open hardware on the peninsula’s full-height cabinet doors provided the finishing touches to this showcase-worthy space. Learn more about this designer at www.artisankitchensandbaths.com.

This beautiful Carlsbad kitchen remodel strikes a perfect balance of being light and bright while feeling warm and inviting with the mix of wood tones. While large in size, the original kitchen lacked functionality, so the design of the space had to address several key concerns for the homeowners who are both avid home chefs. One of the key focal points was designing an island that would provide ample prep space while also serving as a gathering spot for the family. Additionally, utilizing a different wood finish for the island - in this case walnut - enhanced the custom look and feel of the space. Drawers were selected for storage as opposed to traditional cabinets in the island, while elegant brass pulls complete the look. For the cabinetry around the perimeter of the kitchen, a creamy white finish was selected with glass front upper cabinets illuminated along the top - the perfect spot for displaying family mementos. Special attention was paid to properly space planning the kitchen to ensure that there was ample space for the refrigerator, pantry door, and oven to open comfortably - an issue that had plagued the original design. Top of the line appliances from SubZero and Wolf were selected to complete the client’s wish for a kitchen with all of the culinary bells and whistles.

Master bedroom exterior.
Example of an arts and crafts exterior home design in Boston

This East Troy home on Booth Lake had a few drainage issues that needed to be resolved, but one thing was clear, the homeowners knew with the proper design features, their property had amazing potential to be a fixture on the lake. Starting with a redesign of the backyard, including retaining walls and other drainage features, the home was then ready for a radical facelift. We redesigned the entry of the home with a timber frame portico/entryway. The entire portico was built with the old-world artistry of a mortise and tenon framing method. We also designed and installed a new deck and patio facing the lake, installed an integrated driveway and sidewalk system throughout the property and added a splash of evening effects with some beautiful architectural lighting around the house. A Timber Tech deck with Radiance cable rail system was added off the side of the house to increase lake viewing opportunities and a beautiful stamped concrete patio was installed at the lower level of the house for additional lounging. Lastly, the original detached garage was razed and rebuilt with a new design that not only suits our client’s needs, but is designed to complement the home’s new look. The garage was built with trusses to create the tongue and groove wood cathedral ceiling and the storage area to the front of the garage. The secondary doors on the lakeside of the garage were installed to allow our client to drive his golf cart along the crushed granite pathways and to provide a stunning view of Booth Lake from the multi-purpose garage. Photos by Beth Welsh, Interior Changes

Faucet repair involves diagnosing and fixing issues like leaks, drips, or reduced water flow by replacing damaged parts or adjusting components to restore proper functionality.

Our client wanted a nice, tranquil, and easy to maintain new backyard space to replace the cluttered and overgrown space that they inherited when they purchased their new home. They had some major drainage issues from a "hole" under the old deck and the previous owners had built the deck right over the egress window well from the basement, which is not to code. We demo'd the old yard, ensured proper drainage with a survey, and built an easy to maintain solid paver surface for lots of sitting options and a future spa. We ran 220v power for the spa as well as had an egress cover made for the window well so now it is safe for occupants as well as for kids or pets so they don't fall in. What a transformation!!

Our client wanted to transform their overrun and cluttered yard that had water drainage issues, with an easy to maintain yard that maximized space for sitting areas and also a new spa. We demo'd the old yard and re-graded to ensure proper drainage, then created a solid surface with a small planting area. We ran 220v electrical for the future spa and also an egress cover for the basement window well that is safe for kids and pets. Viola!!

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

Location: Santa Clarita, CA Area: 1,000 sq. ft. Project Overview: We recently completed a stunning paver installation in Santa Clarita, transforming a 1,000 square foot area into a beautifully functional outdoor space. The project involved flattening the entire area, providing a perfect foundation for the installation of a custom paver patio. This platform, built entirely from interlocking pavers, features two elegant side pillars and two steps leading to a designated firepit area, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Key Features: Paver Platform & Pillars: Crafted entirely from matching decorative pavers, the platform and pillars add a cohesive and stylish touch to the outdoor space. Firepit Area: The steps leading up to the firepit area create a natural focal point for gatherings. Drainage System: We completely redid the drainage system to ensure proper water flow and prevent any issues in the future. Sprinkler System: A new sprinkler system was installed to maintain the planters, keeping the greenery vibrant and healthy. Paving: The entire area was meticulously paved with aesthetically pleasing paving stones, providing a durable and visually appealing surface. Results: The finished project not only enhances the functionality of the outdoor space but also adds significant value and curb appeal to the property. Our client was thrilled with the outcome, enjoying their new outdoor oasis. Get Started: Interested in transforming your outdoor space with a custom paver installation? Contact us Caspiconstruction.com | Contact Us today to discuss your vision!

The term “forever home” is often used to describe a house that portends to meet all of one’s current and future needs. Attaining such a residence often entails moving from one’s current home, leaving behind years of memories. We had the satisfaction of collaborating with a client to make their existing home into their forever home with smart adaptations that will allow them to age in place…in the house and neighborhood they love. The site is challenging in that the front of the home is perched atop a steep incline, and the home is primarily entered via a more accessible alley in the back. Thus, the home has two “fronts.” The existing low-slung ranch/bungalow had suited this couple for many years. However, newly retired with more free time, the couple sought to create a more gracious home to enjoy entertaining indoors and out, hosting guests for extended stays, and exploring their artistic sides in a proper studio space. A successful project would be a home filled with natural light that allowed them to age in place. A “happy house.” Inspiration for the design was found in the owners’ love of 1920s Arts & Crafts bungalows and bright colors. The existing home provided design cues, such as a porch with stucco columns and shallow arches that had been concealed by a previous renovation. Building upon that, we proposed to reconfigure the roof into a cross-gable to maximize interior space on the second floor while increasing the home’s contextuality with neighboring ones. A new primary bedroom suite with bathroom, his and hers closets, and a dressing room for the lady of the house were created. To maximizing versatility, the dressing room can also be utilized as a guest room. The balance of the second floor includes a hall bathroom and large office, gallery walls to display artwork, storage areas, and even some private meditation spaces with doors hidden behind bookcases. A first-floor addition expanded the casual dining room into the rear garden and created a new art studio. To imbue the middle of the house with light, skylights were introduced over the existing stair; new screened stairwells, inspired by the work of Louis Sullivan, filter the natural light. Acknowledging practical issues of aging in place, all openings were designed to allow easy passage by a wheelchair, and bathroom accommodations include grab bars and roll-in showers. Additionally, a small first floor bathroom was expanded and, along with an adjacent bedroom, will allow for single floor living if necessary. Exterior detailing was again influenced by the Arts & Crafts tradition: deep overhangs, brackets, and tapered columns. New cedar shingles were installed, the original porch restored, and the low arch motif was re-introduced into the design. A new garden of native plantings with an outdoor room anchors the house in the landscape. While one never truly know what the future holds, creating their “forever home” gives the inhabitants peace of mind that they can live in this place that brings them joy and gives them comfort now and, in the days, to come.

This beautiful Downtown Toronto condo, with magnificent views of the city, and Toronto Island, required some updates to the original kitchen. There were space & storage issues mainly, and much of the upper cabinets were open and not very functional. The kitchen island also needed to be transformed into a functional area with proper storage as well. Our clients really wanted to transform this space into a beautiful modern kitchen with clean lines and warm wood accents, while including a number of automated features. This was achieved with Sub Zero refrigeration and wine cooling, along with enhanced Miele cooking features. They include an induction stove with steam features, and a built in speed oven. This kitchen also features touch faucet controls, Casetta Wireless, and Lutron Serena wireless shades to assist with bright southern exposures.

This beautiful Downtown Toronto condo, with magnificent views of the city, and Toronto Island, required some updates to the original kitchen. There were space & storage issues mainly, and much of the upper cabinets were open and not very functional. The kitchen island also needed to be transformed into a functional area with proper storage as well. Our clients really wanted to transform this space into a beautiful modern kitchen with clean lines and warm wood accents, while including a number of automated features. This was achieved with Sub Zero refrigeration and wine cooling, along with enhanced Miele cooking features. They include an induction stove with steam features, and a built in speed oven. This kitchen also features touch faucet controls, Casetta Wireless, and Lutron Serena wireless shades to assist with bright southern exposures.

©StevenPaulWhitsitt_Photography Frequent entertainers, this large New York family wanted special attention paid to making their new kitchen both stylish and especially welcoming for their guests, so they hired Julie Deuble of Artisan Kitchens & Baths at Appliance Associates. In addition to the logistical issues of working in a high-rise, some of Deuble’s biggest challenges came with incorporating appliances, such as properly venting the 48-inch pro-style range. To integrate several large appliances into the relatively small space while maintaining a seamless appearance, she included custom panels over the refrigerator, dishwasher drawers, and refrigerator drawers. She then housed a microwave and a TV in identical wall cabinets. Since the kitchen opens to the living room, Deuble needed to design it as a space to be shown, not hidden. To achieve this, custom details were included throughout, such as a table-style peninsula with decorative legs, three-stage crown molding, mullion doors, an entertainment center with wine and liquor storage, and a desk designed to match the cabinetry. Well-thoughtout details such as the push-to-open hardware on the peninsula’s full-height cabinet doors provided the finishing touches to this showcase-worthy space. Learn more about this designer at www.artisankitchensandbaths.com.

©StevenPaulWhitsitt_Photography Frequent entertainers, this large New York family wanted special attention paid to making their new kitchen both stylish and especially welcoming for their guests, so they hired Julie Deuble of Artisan Kitchens & Baths at Appliance Associates. In addition to the logistical issues of working in a high-rise, some of Deuble’s biggest challenges came with incorporating appliances, such as properly venting the 48-inch pro-style range. To integrate several large appliances into the relatively small space while maintaining a seamless appearance, she included custom panels over the refrigerator, dishwasher drawers, and refrigerator drawers. She then housed a microwave and a TV in identical wall cabinets. Since the kitchen opens to the living room, Deuble needed to design it as a space to be shown, not hidden. To achieve this, custom details were included throughout, such as a table-style peninsula with decorative legs, three-stage crown molding, mullion doors, an entertainment center with wine and liquor storage, and a desk designed to match the cabinetry. Well-thoughtout details such as the push-to-open hardware on the peninsula’s full-height cabinet doors provided the finishing touches to this showcase-worthy space. Learn more about this designer at www.artisankitchensandbaths.com.

When you have found the home of your dreams, having a beautiful tree in the yard is simply an added bonus. Many people specifically search for homes that have one or more trees when considering a new property. Trees are an essential part of our environment, but it is important to note that these beautiful living pieces of art can also be dangerous. Five Star Tree Services has come across quite a few situations where trees have done some incredible damage to homes. So if you have a tree or several trees on your property, it is important to keep a few things in mind to avoid similar accidents. Mind the Tree Roots The roots of a tree help it to grow up straight and tall. They also help to anchor it in its position. While the roots are important in keeping the tree firmly in the ground, they are also one of the leading causes of damage. Roots can move the soil and materials of your foundation which can weaken the overall structure of your home. In addition to the foundation, roots have the strength to break underground pipes as well. Many homeowners with leaking water in their basement or puddles in their lower levels can trace the problem back to roots disturbing the plumbing. In order to repair these issues, you must call a professional tree care company. In some cases, the roots can be moved from around your plumbing or foundations, but in most cases, tree removal is required. Dead or Dying Trees Trees that are on the verge of dying or those that have already died need to be removed as soon as possible. It is important to pay attention to the health of your trees to keep your family and your property safe. The biggest sign of a tree that is at risk of falling over is deep cracks in the trunk and branches. The tree may have died due to old age, diseases, or an infestation. The cause could have also been a result of storm damage. Regardless of the cause, dead trees can tip over and fall on your home or even people who happen to be passing by. Instead of risking your family’s health or your property, have ailing trees removed as soon as possible. Natural Pests Pest control is important, especially if you have one or more trees on your property. Trees attract critters no matter how well you maintain them, from owls and squirrels to termites and other bugs. Depending on how close the trees in your yard are to your home, you may need to watch out for pests invading your home. Termites are the most harmful, so it is important to have both your trees and your home inspected on a regular basis. The other pests can be controlled with proper pruning and regular maintenance. Squirrels are the second-largest danger. If they can reach your roof from nearby trees, you will have to worry about holes in your roof, insulation, and even in your foundation. Taking Care of Your Trees Trees are an important part of our environment and can add beauty and value to any property. With the right care and regular maintenance from Five Star Tree Services, you can enjoy the beauty of your trees while avoiding the dangers. Give us a call at (416) 990-3355 to find out more about our Toronto tree care services.