For years, this family felt like their main floor was working against them. The kitchen was a tight galley where only one person could comfortably stand at a time. An old addition felt disconnected and awkward, making everyday life a struggle. Rethinking the Space They thought the only solution was a big, expensive addition. But after walking through the home and completing a feasibility study, we found that the square footage was already there. It just needed a smarter plan. Designing a Floor That Works We reimagined how the home works day to day. The kitchen became a bright, open hub with a generous island perfect for cooking, homework, and family time. Awkward corners were given clear and useful purposes. A long steel span replaced an exterior wall that could not carry the load, opening the space safely and effectively. Personal Touches We made sure the house reflected the family. A custom basement door with a built-in cat door adds charm and function, and cat-shaped handles in the laundry room bring personality throughout the home. Even the piano room feels warm, inviting, and easy to live in. A Home That Flows Now, multiple people can cook together comfortably. The rooms feel connected and welcoming. The previously awkward addition feels fully integrated. Daily life flows naturally, and the house finally supports the family instead of working against them. Discover the Potential in Your Home If your kitchen does not work or a space feels off, there may be more potential than you realize. Sometimes the right solution is already within your walls. Reach out to us, and see what your home could become! Sosna Incorporated 7250 Keele Street, Unit 372 Vaughan, ON L4K 1Z8 Phone: 416-888-7366 extension 1 Email: contact@sosna.ca

Our client purchased what had been a custom home built in 1973 on a high bank waterfront lot. They did their due diligence with respect to the septic system, well and the existing underground fuel tank but little did they know, they had purchased a house that would fit into the Three Little Pigs Story book. The original idea was to do a thorough cosmetic remodel to bring the home up to date using all high durability/low maintenance materials and provide the homeowners with a flexible floor plan that would allow them to live in the home for as long as they chose to, not how long the home would allow them to stay safely. However, there was one structure element that had to change, the staircase. The staircase blocked the beautiful water/mountain few from the kitchen and part of the dining room. It also bisected the second-floor master suite creating a maze of small dysfunctional rooms with a very narrow (and unsafe) top stair landing. In the process of redesigning the stairs and reviewing replacement options for the 1972 custom milled one inch thick cupped and cracked cedar siding, it was discovered that the house had no seismic support and that the dining/family room/hot tub room and been a poorly constructed addition and required significant structural reinforcement. It should be noted that it is not uncommon for this home to be subjected to 60-100 mile an hour winds and that the geographic area is in a known earthquake zone. Once the structural engineering was complete, the redesign of the home became an open pallet. The homeowners top requests included: no additional square footage, accessibility, high durability/low maintenance materials, high performance mechanicals and appliances, water and energy efficient fixtures and equipment and improved lighting incorporated into: two master suites (one upstairs and one downstairs), a healthy kitchen (appliances that preserve fresh food nutrients and materials that minimize bacterial growth), accessible bathing and toileting, functionally designed closets and storage, a multi-purpose laundry room, an exercise room, a functionally designed home office, a catio (second floor balcony on the front of the home), with an exterior that was not just code compliant but beautiful and easy to maintain. All of this was achieved and more. The finished project speaks for itself.

Stable Works will provide labor, material and equipment for the completion of the scope of work outlined below. -Current (22'x8') New (22'x20' with 5'x'5 landing for stairs) -Supply and install deck extension as pictured in rendering - Remove current facia, soffet and header - Temporarily support roof while work is being performed - Move center support beam to against the house (Needed to carry the load of new LVL) - Install new 5 1/2" x 11 7/8" x 22' LVL header - Replace all facia and soffet -All footings will use 4000psi concrete -6"x6" pressure treated supports -Decking will be Fiberon Good Life (Cottage) $2.49 per linear foot) -Railing will be White vinyl "Safe-T-Rail" -Gate at top of steps to be made same as railing. -Fascia and risers will be PVC board to color match -Fix all missing fasteners on current deck -Relocate electrical under new stairs -Add LED low voltage lighting to post caps and stair treads -All trash and debris will be removed from site -Deck area will be power washed after completion

When we met our client, she had just purchased a beautiful estate in Potomac, Maryland but she did not like layout of her backyard. Initially, she contacted Great American to create a safe place for her kids to play. Eventually, the project scope expanded to design and install a welcoming area to entertain and spend relaxing weekends at home. Our first project involved creating a level area for the playset using boulder walls and lush plantings. A couple of years later we returned to renovate the pool, wall, and porch and patio. The existing concrete porch needed to be demolished and replaced. We added a roof over the porch area with metal roofing, columns, recessed lighting and ceiling fans. The retaining wall was redone with a natural stone veneer, flagstone cap, and low-voltage lighting. The porch and pool deck were all covered with silver grey travertine with a flagstone border. We added metal railing above the wall for fall protection, and lush landscaping to make it inviting all season long.

Arizona residents Gary and Valerie wanted to give their owner-surrendered rescue pups a perfect home—and with the help of ForeverLawn® East Valley, they were able to do just that. The ForeverLawn East Valley team replaced the owner’s dry and dirt-covered backyard with K9Grass® Classic—a dog-friendly and low-maintenance solution. These four corgis from the Arizona Cactus Corgi Rescue now have a forever home with the perfect safe and soft puppy playground thanks to their gracious owners and the crew at ForeverLawn East Valley.

No major renovation was needed in this home to achieve the family’s ideal area, therefore our team focused on lightening up the dark kitchen by painting the existing cabinetry, installing new countertops, backsplash and hardware. We also replaced the existing dark red cherry floors with solid oak floors that opened up the space. In working with the family on making sure their redesign met all of their needs, we learned that two of the client’s children have lung diseases that needed to be taken into account when making material selections. The new hardwood floors had to be solid wood and have no composite or glue, to mitigate anything synthetic. Thus, making sure their home was not only aesthetically pleasing for them but also a safe space to enjoy together for years to come.

THEME Created for a baby girl, this room is magical, feminine and very pink. At its heart is the Carriage Crib, surrounded by a large oak tree with delightful animals, baby blocks, a cozy window seat and an upholstered play area on the floor. FOCUS The eye-catching size and detail of the Carriage Crib, with a dainty canopy held in place by woodland creatures immediately catches a visitor’s attention, and is enhanced by the piece’s fascinating colors and textures. Wall murals, fabrics, accent furniture and lighting accent the beauty of the crib. A handsome Dutch door with a minientrance just for her ensures that this princess feels at home as soon as she steps in the room. STORAGE The room has closet organizers for everyday items, and cubicle storage is beautifully hidden behind the wall letter blocks. GROWTH As the room’s occupant grows from baby to toddler to child and ‘tween, the room is easily transformed with age-appropriate toys, pictures, bedding and fabrics. The crib portion of the carriage can be removed and fitted with a larger mattress, saving both time and money in the future. Letter blocks are easily updated by simply removing the letters and replacing them with mirrors, colors or other images. SAFETY Standard precautions are taken to secure power outlets and keep exposed shelving out of reach. Thickly padded upholstered squares featuring colors and patterns that coordinate with the fabrics on the window seat and valance create a visually inviting, comfortable and safe place to play.

This Bayview and Eglinton condo bathroom renovation included replacing the bathtub with a spacious walk-in shower. Since the drain could not be relocated, we designed a floating shower bench above the Schluter Vario linear drain to keep the shower open, safe and functional. The space also features Tenzo fixtures, a ceiling-mounted rain shower, handheld shower, custom frameless glass, a 60-inch AHM Designers vanity, custom storage and mirrors, upgraded lighting and a Panasonic exhaust fan. Almost all products used in this renovation were made in Canada.

Earlier this year we completed a kitchen, lounge and bedroom refurbishment on behalf of our lovely client, and felt honoured to be called back to also refurbish their dining room into a cosy snug area recently. When designing the space, we wanted to repeat similar materials, colours and themes that were in the other refurbished areas so that our client's property had flow and harmony. We replaced the flooring throughout the house and incorporated a gorgeous sisal rug made from the same material as the main lounge and had the space painted in the same colour as the hallway and had a feature wall installed to provide tantalising texture. Before doing this, we had the side window safely boarded up so that wall lights could be installed and so that the room regained it's symmetry. Previously, the window provided only a restricted amount of day light due to the neighbouring property obstructing light, and hence, was redundant of it's primary function. We decided to install wall lights each side of the television to provide additional lighting that did not obstruct the view of the TV. Overall, the space was transformed into an indulgent yet gloriously cosy room, perfect for snuggling up, watching a film and welcoming those winter nights in.

There are so many design elements to this kitchen, I almost don’t know where to start. Bright and airy with crisp clean white cabinets, the kitchen is open and welcoming. Still crisp but gently contrasting, the stainless steel appliance add depth amid the white. To keep this kitchen warm, natural oak covers the floors and a toasted wheat color washes the walls. And then there is the architectural elements. You know. That post and beam in the middle of the room. It’s the center of attention. When you walk into a room your eyes roam around, establishing the size and shape of the room as your feet take you forward. From the front door of this home straight ahead you encountered this wall. The dining area to the right gives you a glimpse of things to come. Where there is a dining room you will usually find a kitchen. The architecture of years gone by consistently hides the kitchen, the heart of the home, behind walls. I sympathize with my Mom, and all the other Moms, who have had to spend so much time tucked into a tight kitchen, away from the family. This wall had to go, but it was structural. We needed its support but not its bulk. So we got rid of the bulk and only the bulk. Instead of a wall we have a post and beam, offering all of the structure we need. We could have installed a huge steel beam and reconfigure the joists to upset the beam, but why? The small beam and post add an incredible architectural element. It’s turning lemons into lemon, we simply made the most of what we had. It may be functional but it’s so fantastic. It looks like we created the effect just for the drama. The original kitchen may have had a working triangle and some counter space, but it was fairly small, with each area only a step or two away. The dark cabinets made the space feel even smaller and the butcher block patterned laminate counter tops were very dated. The appliances were feeling their age as well, from a coil burner electric stove to a top freezer refrigerator. To keep this kitchen within its space, a half wall separated it from the dining area. With the wall gone we borrowed some space from the living room and extended what was a U shaped kitchen into an L. At the living room window we start our new kitchen. We kept a small part of the wall to support the other end of our decorative beam. Sandwiched between a large pantry and our new French door refrigerator, the wall disappears. With our new open floor plan a sizable island was in order. We split our cooking areas and installed a continuous grill gas cooktop into the island. A sleek island hood takes care of exhaust and adds an extra element to our architectural feature. Under the cooktop we added over-sized drawers for pots and pan storage. The frameless cabinets from New River Cabinetry are maple, painted white, with the Herndon door style. With the cooktop safely nestled into our island, we still had to add an oven. We used the space where the old range sat for a large single oven of stainless steel and glass. If it worked for one, why not two? We created a home for a microwave in the wall cabinets. It’s perfect for heating leftovers so close to the refrigerator. An important consideration for hot spots in your kitchen is landing zones. Each of our cooking areas have generous landing zones, one on each side of the cooktop and an entire counter area above or below the ovens, depending on which one you’re using. We wanted to give the sink area more room so the half wall had to come out. We moved the trash and recycle cans into a cabinet, removed the heavy soffits and kept the sink under the window. With that little bit of extra space we were able to add a larger cabinet above the dishwasher and slide it all down. This used to be where the carpeting met the vinyl floor, but all of it is gone. Long oak planks eliminate that final divide between the kitchen and the dining area, while adding visual length to the area. White wall cabinets on each side of the window reflect the sunlight for a brighter view. With all of the darker cabinetry the backsplash walls had been painted white. Even still, there was a darkness in the corners and it wasn’t very exciting. We wanted to add visual interest and reflect the new under-cabinet lighting, eliminating the shadows in this corner. With 1″x 2″ Arabescato Honed marble mosaics and those under-cabinet lights, we achieved the perfect balance. The marble has subtle swirls in gray and beige on a clean white background, but with the honed finish the light is softly reflected instead of glaring. For granite, we chose the soft gray tones of Luna Pearl. The speckles of gray and beige are a gentle contrast to the white cabinets and emulate the color of the stainless steel. Between the carpet, red half wall, dark railing and dated light fixture, the dining area felt tired. Since the kitchen lacked sufficient storage, a large utility cabinet crowded the table space without adding any decorate elements. Although it didn’t get any bigger, our dining area feels fresher and more open too. With the oak flooring joining the area to the rest of our space and the toasted wheat on the walls, the white table and chairs compliment the cabinetry while contrasting the warmer colors. We replaced the chandelier with recessed lighting and changed that railing too. With our new open floor plan, we ended up with a fairly open area in between our foyer closet and the living room window. Not one to miss an opportunity, we filled the space with a multi-functional work space. With the sunlight streaming in this bright corner works for anything this family needs. There’s plenty of space for a chair under this large desk drawer. A closed cabinet below, glass doors above and lots of open shelving let you store and or showcase your belongings. We added a lite area at the top to keep away the darker corners. The transformation is complete. This kitchen and all of its features are truly the center of attention in this home. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

Earlier this year we completed a kitchen, lounge and bedroom refurbishment on behalf of our lovely client, and felt honoured to be called back to also refurbish their dining room into a cosy snug area recently. When designing the space, we wanted to repeat similar materials, colours and themes that were in the other refurbished areas so that our client's property had flow and harmony. We replaced the flooring throughout the house and incorporated a gorgeous sisal rug made from the same material as the main lounge and had the space painted in the same colour as the hallway and had a feature wall installed to provide tantalising texture. Before doing this, we had the side window safely boarded up so that wall lights could be installed and so that the room regained it's symmetry. Previously, the window provided only a restricted amount of day light due to the neighbouring property obstructing light, and hence, was redundant of it's primary function. We decided to install wall lights each side of the television to provide additional lighting that did not obstruct the view of the TV. Overall, the space was transformed into an indulgent yet gloriously cosy room, perfect for snuggling up, watching a film and welcoming those winter nights in.

I was recently called down to a client’s house in the market town of Wellingborough, situated approximately 11 miles from Northampton. My client’s situation was an interesting one, as she had an old gas pipe sticking out of her Victorian tiled floor, very close to a doorway. Not only was this a bit of an eyesore, it was also significant trip hazard. The floor had been previously covered by carpet, so it is understandable that my client would have been initially unaware of the obstructive gas pipe. Rather than risking an accident in the future, she asked me to see what I could do to rectify the issue. At the same time, I was commissioned to give the floor a much needed clean and re-seal. My first priority was, of course, to deal with the exposed gas pipe. I was unsure whether the pipe was live or not, so I carefully removed the surrounding tiles, allowing a certified engineer access to it. He ensured that the pipe was capped below the tile line, allowing me to safely proceed with my repairs. I returned a few days later, rescreened the area, and began to refit the tiles, carefully hand painting some of the black tiles to hide the damage and cracks. I also applied new grout to fix all of the replaced tiles into position, and this was left to set overnight. Returning to the house the next day, I set about treating the floor to a normal strip, clean and re-seal of the entire floor. There was very little old sealer still remaining on the tiles, so I mixed a solution of Tile Doctor Pro Clean and water, before applying this to the floor. Pro Clean is a strong alkaline cleaner which also contains stripping properties, allowing it to both clean and break down any old sealer. The solution was worked into the tiles using a black scrubbing pad, and any excess residue was quickly absorbed using a wet-vac machine. With older floors you never can tell if a damp proof membrane was installed and it can be troublesome applying a sealant to a damp floor so I left the whole floor to dry for seven days, giving it more than sufficient time to dry completely before the re-seal. To seal the tiles I used five coats of Tile Doctor Seal & Go Extra, which provides both a robust surface seal and the pleasing sheen finish requested by my client; Seal and Go Extra is especially suitable for exterior applications or damp floors due to its increased breathability. My client was very glad to see the back of the gas pipe and pleased with the overall results of the clean and seal, as it had given this Victorian tiled floor – once hidden under carpet – new life and character. Additionally I’m sure that restoring such an original feature for the property has increased its value. Phil Vissian Northamptonshire Tile Doctor

Cordless shades are the RIGHT choice for kids' rooms! Safe. Easy to operate. AND our exclusive No Questions Asked warranty will replace them for free when they become a drawing pad.

"AFTER" -- Remodel of fireplace for residential condominium clubhouse. Replace gas log fireplace with a more modern and safe electric style fire box. Complete remodel of walls, ceiling, lighting, fireplace, bookshelves. This area will be used for parties, activities, group functions and happy hour for residents.

Plaza's grand 55 inch wide by 24 inch tall viewing area will be the focal point of your home for years to come. Its barrier glass design replaces traditional barrier screens with an additional piece of glass, creating a clean, edge to edge viewing area. You can easily set your desired flame height and LED under-lighting with the simple to use remote controls. Finish your fireplace with a variety of log and media options that are sure to accentuate any décor. Plaza fireplaces are engineered with unlimited design and installation capabilities for every room. With the innovative heat redistribution system, finishing materials can be brought up to the fireplace opening. This also allows for a TV, artwork, or mantel to be safely installed above the fireplace. Unobstructed views above the fireplace are made possible by its unique venting configuration. The Plaza also utilizes power vent technology, which means greater vent run lengths and the ability to vent down below the fireplace.

For years, this family felt like their main floor was working against them. The kitchen was a tight galley where only one person could comfortably stand at a time. An old addition felt disconnected and awkward, making everyday life a struggle. Rethinking the Space They thought the only solution was a big, expensive addition. But after walking through the home and completing a feasibility study, we found that the square footage was already there. It just needed a smarter plan. Designing a Floor That Works We reimagined how the home works day to day. The kitchen became a bright, open hub with a generous island perfect for cooking, homework, and family time. Awkward corners were given clear and useful purposes. A long steel span replaced an exterior wall that could not carry the load, opening the space safely and effectively. Personal Touches We made sure the house reflected the family. A custom basement door with a built-in cat door adds charm and function, and cat-shaped handles in the laundry room bring personality throughout the home. Even the piano room feels warm, inviting, and easy to live in. A Home That Flows Now, multiple people can cook together comfortably. The rooms feel connected and welcoming. The previously awkward addition feels fully integrated. Daily life flows naturally, and the house finally supports the family instead of working against them. Discover the Potential in Your Home If your kitchen does not work or a space feels off, there may be more potential than you realize. Sometimes the right solution is already within your walls. Reach out to us, and see what your home could become! Sosna Incorporated 7250 Keele Street, Unit 372 Vaughan, ON L4K 1Z8 Phone: 416-888-7366 extension 1 Email: contact@sosna.ca

This cottage looking over to Kirkland has been in the client's family for a long time. Our client asked us to come up with an economical way to replace the rotted deck on her dock so it would be safe for her grandchildren to use. We removed all of the old lumber and nails and installed a pressure treated deck, secured with stainless steel hardware that should last for many years even out over the lake.

Stable Works will provide labor, material and equipment for the completion of the scope of work outlined below. -Current (22'x8') New (22'x20' with 5'x'5 landing for stairs) -Supply and install deck extension as pictured in rendering - Remove current facia, soffet and header - Temporarily support roof while work is being performed - Move center support beam to against the house (Needed to carry the load of new LVL) - Install new 5 1/2" x 11 7/8" x 22' LVL header - Replace all facia and soffet -All footings will use 4000psi concrete -6"x6" pressure treated supports -Decking will be Fiberon Good Life (Cottage) $2.49 per linear foot) -Railing will be White vinyl "Safe-T-Rail" -Gate at top of steps to be made same as railing. -Fascia and risers will be PVC board to color match -Fix all missing fasteners on current deck -Relocate electrical under new stairs -Add LED low voltage lighting to post caps and stair treads -All trash and debris will be removed from site -Deck area will be power washed after completion

After a client experienced an unfortunate flood in their basement, they contacted us to remediate the space. We began by removing the damaged flooring, baseboards, casings, and drywall. After properly treating and drying the area, we replaced the drywall, flooring, baseboards, and casing with new materials. To complete the transformation, we added a fresh coat of paint and installed new doors, turning the space into a livable and safe environment for the homeowners.