Emerald Coast Real Estate Photography
Inspiration for a coastal balcony remodel in Miami

It’s important to make sure that all trees on your property are healthy and in good condition. This means hiring professional tree trimming services to maintain your trees yearly in order to keep them looking beautiful and healthy. In late winter or early spring is the best time to trim your trees. Doing so will help to improve the new growth that happens later in the spring. But fruit bearing trees and damaged trees can benefit from careful pruning in the summer. It takes an expert to skillfully trim trees during the summer without damaging them or causing harm and our team at Five Star Tree Services is just a call away to help you with your tree trimming needs! Why Trim Your Trees? By trimming your trees annually, this will not only open up your landscaping, which allows more sunlight to get to your property, but there are many other benefits. These can include: -Keep Trees Healthy and Promote Growth When you trim your trees in the spring, before they start producing buds, this helps to stimulate more new growth, which helps to keep trees in excellent condition. This can be especially important for saplings as it encourages them to fill out nicely and in a controlled and structurally sound way. If you are not maintaining your trees properly, they can become too dense, which causes a bunch of problems. One being that it restricts the amount of sunlight getting to all the leaves and it reduces the amount of nutrient circulation needed to support the tree. Professional tree pruning properly aids in tree growth and its overall aesthetic. Cutting off unneeded or unwanted branches allows other parts of the tree to grow easier. Ridding the tree of these extra branches also stimulates more leaf and fruit production. -Increased Safety Your landscape is affected when you neglect to take care of your trees, along with everything else on your property. If you have any dead trees remaining on your property, not only are you putting yourself at risk of injury, but you are putting your family, neighbours, pedestrians, and guests at risk as well. Dead or damaged branches can also be a hazard as they could fall at any time and impact with anyone standing too close to it, or it can fall on your house, which is another issue altogether, if it causes damage. Luckily, you are able to avoid all of this by simply having regular trimmings that will keep your trees healthy. You also need to make sure that all branches close to power lines are cut. This especially, should only be done by a trained professional in order to avoid potential electrocution. -Increase Production of Fruit If you are lucky enough to have a fruit bearing tree, it is especially important to have it professionally trimmed before and after it fruits. Doing so helps to improve its overall health and ability to bear fruit by getting rid of unhealthy branches. New fruit also develops and spurs for bearing fruit for the following year. -Manage Spreading Diseases Tree branches that are damaged tend to be prone to diseases which are able to spread to other plants and trees in your yard. Branches that are dead also have the potential to easily fall with any wind and especially during a storm. Severely damaged branches can even fall without reason. When you get your trees trimmed and pruned regularly, this prevents these things from happening. It also prevents spreading disease to other trees. Any disease branches should especially be trimmed if they are close to where kids play, people walk, or by doors. -Increase the Value of Your Property and Overall Appearance Continuous maintenance and trilling will improve the aesthetic of your property. It controls clutter and opens up the space of the landscaping. Meaning that the curbside appeal to your property increases. This is especially important if you are planning to sell your house, which will actually raise the value of your property. The first step in enhancing the appearance of your property is properly taking care of your trees. The first thing people see when they pull up to or go past your house is the trees. By simply pruning your trees you can make a good impression on potential buyers and your neighbours as well. -Safeguarding Your Property Owning a house is the biggest investment you will probably ever make. Making the effort to maintain and increase its value by keeping it in good condition should be your first priority. By trimming your trees regularly, you will be protecting your investment. Not to mention this also allows you to enjoy a nicely manicured property. Why Professionals Are Essential Professionals help to improve the health and overall condition of your trees. Trying to trim or prune your trees when you don’t know how can be detrimental. This is why hiring a professional, who has the right knowledge and tools, is better than trying to do it yourself. -Cost-Effective Think of it as a short-term expense for a long-term return on your investment. Allowing professional arborists to do your tree maintenance can potentially help to negate the costs of injuries attained from DIY home improvements related to trees, replacements and repairs. -Skilled and Experienced Real tools required for trimming a tree need to be handled properly and by the appropriate people. If a regular person were to try and use these tools, the end result could be injury and property damage. This is especially true for any trimming required around power lines. All professionals will have the right experience and skills required to wield these tools in a safe way. This minimizes the likelihood of hazards, injuries, and life-threatening incidents. -Proper Tools Heavy-duty chainsaws, ladders, and protective gear are all needed to safely and properly trim a tree. When you hire a professional, they have all the required tools and more. Meaning that you won’t have to go out and buy these tools yourself. As a professional, they also make sure that their tools are reliable and well-maintained in order to efficiently get the job done well. -Insured Professionals are also always insured with liability insurance when doing jobs to cover any damages or injuries attained while working. They are able to also provide a guarantee for the safety of your property and belongings while they are doing a job for you. How Five Star Tree Services Can Help Although trimming your tree might seem like an easy job, it’s always best to trust the professionals. Proper execution of the task requires the right skills, experience, and knowledge. Our team at Five Star Tree Services have all of this and more! Give us a call at (416) 990-3355 to enlist us for all your Toronto Tree Trimming needs!

The "Corner Villa" design principles are meticulously crafted to create communal spaces for celebrations and gatherings while catering to the owner's need for private sanctuaries and privacy. One unique feature of the villa is the courtyard at the back of the building, separated from the main facade and parking area. This placement ensures that the courtyard and private areas of the villa remain secluded and at the center of the structure. In addition, the desire for a peaceful space away from the main reception and party hall led to more secluded private spaces and bedrooms on a single floor. These spaces are connected by a deep balcony, allowing for different activities to take place simultaneously, making the villa more energy-efficient during periods of lower occupancy and contributing to reduced energy consumption. The villa's shape features broken lines and geometric lozenges that create corners. This design not only allows for expansive balconies but also provides captivating views. The broken lines also serve the purpose of shading areas that receive intense sunlight, ensuring thermal comfort. Addressing the client's crucial need for a serene and tranquil space detached from the main reception and party hall led to the creation of more secluded private spaces and bedrooms on a single floor due to building restrictions. A deep balcony was introduced as a connecting point between these spaces. This arrangement enables various activities, such as parties and relaxation, to occur simultaneously, contributing to energy-efficient practices during periods of lower occupancy, thus aiding in reduced energy consumption.

This historic 1840’s Gothic Revival home perched on the harbor, presented an array of challenges: they included a narrow-restricted lot cozy to the neighboring properties, a sensitive coastal location, and a structure desperately in need of major renovations. The renovation concept respected the historic notion of individual rooms and connecting hallways, yet wanted to take better advantage of water views. The solution was an expansion of windows on the water siding of the house, and a small addition that incorporates an open kitchen/family room concept, the street face of the home was historically preserved. The interior of the home has been completely refreshed, bringing in a combined reflection of art and family history with modern fanciful choices. Adds testament to the successful renovation, the master bathroom has been described as “full of rainbows” in the morning.

our ADU: a modern cabin in the heart of the mission district Having recently purchased a well located 3-bed/2.5-bath residence in The Mission District of San Francisco, our client (he is an eye surgeon, she is an IT specialist in the medical field) came to us looking for guidance in redesigning a dilapidated casita in the rear of the property. The original vision of building a 2-level structure with a roof deck was quickly abandoned because of code restrictions. Instead, we proposed a full gut renovation of this stand alone cottage within the existing 400 sf footprint. As such, we focused on creating an expansive and serene environment through improved organization and flow, refined material details, and an abundance of light.

Restricted by variances and elevation we got the most out of a small space. A private oasis with relaxing fire features and pool scuppers. Moving from the wading area to the spa with ease as you enjoy the glimmering glass tile accents bringing the Tuscany feel to Ohio.

Kitchen in Monte Lindo | Room Type: Full Home Furnishing – 4,368 sq ft | 6 Bedrooms | 5 Baths- Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen Nook, Family Room, Office, Primary Bedroom + Bath. Project Name: Monte Lindo | Key Feature: A Modern Transitional new build transformed from builder-grade into a unique, personality-driven home through curated furnishings, lighting, art, and mirrors. Challenge: COVID-related supply and delivery delays, along with limitations of working within a builder-grade home that restricted creativity in certain areas. Solution: The team elevated the space with thoughtfully selected furnishings, lighting, wallpaper, art, and mirrors, pushing the clients slightly outside their comfort zone to create a home that felt both comfortable and impressive. Materials: Lighting: Arteriors, Palecek, Circa, Memoky. Rugs: Loloi, Surya. Mirrors: Four Hands, Ferguson, Arteriors. Wallpaper: Savannah Hayes. Furniture: Classic Home, Four Hands, Moss Home, Dovetail, Union Home. Budget: $50k-$75K | Timeline: 11 months, completed September 2021.

Condo kitchen has some structural restrictions, (ceiling, electrical, etc.) but we were able to create a new floor plan with contemporary finishes throughout. New track lighting, pendant lighting, chandelier, outlets, flooring, columns, and open island.

Staircase Design by Simply Exquisite Interiors - the focal point on entry of this compact residence. It's already the talk of the neighborhood and we expect it will be for a while to come.

Welcome to St. Andrew's walk! This TOP floor LUXURY studio apartment boasts CHIC trendy finishing’s and is one of the most AFFORDABLE ways to enjoy all that the Bear Mountain RESORT lifestyle has to offer. Just steps to the golf course itself as well as the gym, spa, fine dining, casual cafe/bistros, nature walks, running, and biking trails. BEAR MOUNTAIN offers it all. Enjoy fantastic views of Mt Finlayson from your private extra-large expansive rare patio, which allows BBQs. This EXTENSIVE private space is covered and set up for outdoor living. The 4th floor also includes another shared deck for gatherings which is beautifully surrounded by greenery, serenity & seasonal displays of the mountainside. This location has city convenience that is only a stone's throw away from all amenities. The 14 1/2-foot soaring ceilings make this approx. 700 sq ft (indoor/outdoor combined) space bright, airy, and open. Some of the features in the unit include cherry wood flooring throughout, stainless steel appliances, an electric wall-mounted fireplace, and beautiful granite countertops. This trendy unit has a classic open NY LOFT STYLE layout that offers in-suite laundry, double patio doors, big picture windows, a built-in Murphy Wall Bed, a huge walk-in closet/utility/storage room. Also, you will have secure underground parking, extra communal storage, a bike lock-up, and another separate storage locker. There are no age or rental restrictions, and you can bring your pet. Whether you chose to fall in love and stay or hold it as an investment property. Currently rented for $1400 the month-to-month tenants are extremely flexible and may stay or move out depending on the buyer’s desire. This gorgeous west shore find is where the possibilities are endless, up incoming, and exciting!| Karen Love (250)-727-5868 | RE/MAX Island Properties & www.KarenLove.com |

This comprehensive main floor remodel transformed a dated early-2000s home into a warm, distinctive space tailored for modern family life and effortless entertaining. Located in Northwest Indiana, the home’s renovation included the kitchen, living room, dining-to-sitting room conversion, office, mudroom, and laundry—each space reimagined with layered detail and a cohesive design language. The project’s primary goal was to move away from builder-grade finishes and create a home full of character and comfort. In the kitchen, we reworked the layout to improve flow—removing a restrictive peninsula, extending the island for added seating, and designing a custom hood and cabinetry plan that worked around existing structural beams. A warmer palette of earth tones and neutrals reflected the clients’ personal style, while upgraded lighting, a statement range, and a larger pantry elevated functionality. A double-sided fireplace connecting the kitchen and living room was redesigned to feel more intentional, with cohesive materials used on both faces. In the living area, a previously underwhelming wet bar became a standout moment with deep green cabinetry, a wine fridge, and built-in storage—adding both function and sophistication. Throughout the project, structural limitations and narrow footprints presented design challenges that were met with custom solutions—from a uniquely shaped island to intentional lighting plans that worked around ceiling beams. The final result is a highly personal, connected series of spaces that support both everyday routines and meaningful moments of gathering—infused with warmth, purpose, and a relaxed sense of luxury.

Located in the Perrinville neighborhood of Edmonds, this waterfront project began as a vision for a large addition and attached garage and evolved into a substantial partial rebuild of the existing home. The design goals centered on expanding and modernizing the residence while responding thoughtfully to the site’s sensitive environmental conditions, including a stream, steep slope, and the Puget Sound shoreline with associated buffers. Careful planning ensured compliance with critical area restrictions while maximizing sweeping water views and strengthening the home’s connection to its remarkable setting. The reimagined main floor was designed as an open, light-filled great room organized around a large kitchen and generous entertaining spaces. Expansive glass doors and a dramatic wall of windows frame views of the Puget Sound, creating a seamless indoor–outdoor connection and allowing natural light to fill the interior. A new addition is designed with a two-car garage at the lower level and a primary suite above, designed as a private retreat with elevated views and refined finishes. Sustainability and efficiency were also central goals: the existing foundation and main floor system were salvaged and reused, while rebuilt walls support a modern double shed roofline constructed with SIP panels (Structurally Insulated Panels) over exposed wood beams. The result is a cohesive, contemporary home that balances environmental sensitivity, performance, and waterfront living. + Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design + Interior Design: H2D Architecture + Design www.h2darchitects.com + Built by: Carlisle Classic Homes + Photography: Anastasiya Homes

Situated on the east edge of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, the project site is an original lot of record that was subdivided from a larger lot that included the neighboring home. The resulting lot, at 3,060 square feet, was subject to additional land use constraints such as an eighteen foot height limit and restrictions on structure depth. These limitations are further compounded by taller homes to the south and west, a major arterial to the east, and topographic drop across the site. With few opportunities for the home to orient spaces outward, the design turns inward and upward.

In this open-plan living space, the existing views to the garden and park were restricted, so to maximize the property’s potential and to improve the sense of space, I suggested fully opening up the corner with sliding doors and a slim pillar. For this project the overriding intention was to create spaces that were laid back, serene and sylvan – connected to the nature surrounding the property – and to instill a sense of calm, from the moment you walk into their home. The result's speak for themselves, seen in this tranquil dining area surrounded by trees.

This Guest Bathroom has a small footprint and the shower was claustrophobic in size. We could not enlarge the bathroom, so we made changes that made it feel more open. By cutting down the shower wall and installing a glass panel, the shower now has a more open feeling. Through the glass panel you are able to see the pretty artisan blue tiles that coordinate with the penny round floor tiles. The vanity was only 18” deep, which restricted our sink options. We chose a natural soapstone countertop with a Corian oval sink. Rich walnut wood cabinetry, polished nickel plumbing and light fixtures add sparkle to the space.

Living Room in Monte Lindo | Room Type: Full Home Furnishing – 4,368 sq ft | 6 Bedrooms | 5 Baths- Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen Nook, Family Room, Office, Primary Bedroom + Bath. Project Name: Monte Lindo | Key Feature: A Modern Transitional new build transformed from builder-grade into a unique, personality-driven home through curated furnishings, lighting, art, and mirrors. Challenge: COVID-related supply and delivery delays, along with limitations of working within a builder-grade home that restricted creativity in certain areas. Solution: The team elevated the space with thoughtfully selected furnishings, lighting, wallpaper, art, and mirrors, pushing the clients slightly outside their comfort zone to create a home that felt both comfortable and impressive. Materials: Lighting: Arteriors, Palecek, Circa, Memoky. Rugs: Loloi, Surya. Mirrors: Four Hands, Ferguson, Arteriors. Wallpaper: Savannah Hayes. Furniture: Classic Home, Four Hands, Moss Home, Dovetail, Union Home. Budget: $50k-$75K | Timeline: 11 months, completed September 2021.

This kitchen, designed by David Arnoff, features Bilotta Collection cabinetry in a classic Frosty White paint on the perimeter and Rift Cut White Oak with a “Driftwood” stain for the island. The kitchen prior to renovation had a small island and a peninsula that blocked the flow into the other rooms. It also had a massive wood hood that flanked both sides of the range all the way down to the countertop which was very cumbersome and restrictive. The client wanted to reuse their appliances which were fairly new. So the cabinetry had to be designed around those models but laid out with a much more functional flow. David chose to eliminate the existing peninsula to allow access to the sun room and living area. He opted instead for a larger island to give back the space lost by removing the peninsula. This gave the same amount of cabinet and counter space and was far more functional and easier to move around. Since the one wall of cabinets (where the main sink is) had no wall cabinets, David designed the opposite wall with double stacked cabinets for additional storage – with glass fronts for aesthetics. They also raised the custom hood, by Amore, allowing for more countertop space around the range. The countertops are polished quartz, Aurea Stone by Eastern Stone. The Backsplash is a basket weave marble from Greenwich Tile Marble. Sink and faucets by Kohler. Appliances are a mix of Subzero and Wolf. Designer: David Arnoff Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

It's not everyday that we get to radically transform the heart of a home. There are often restrictions that keep the kitchen in the kitchen. These clients wanted a vaulted kitchen ceiling, which would have required major roof reconstruction. That is until it was decided to use an adjacent part of the home that already had a vaulted ceiling. The kitchen is now more connected to the living and dining areas, they have a walk-in pantry that better uses the low-ceilings, and with added storage space. Like the clients said we "blew their minds!"

The tree protection and lot coverage restrictions limited the size of the pool and deck. They could not encroach on the roots of their neighbour’s massive trees and the lot coverage was limited to 50%. This, along with the steeply sloping yard, meant the pool and deck would have to be kept close to the house.