Sleek Elegance Full Matte Lacquer Kitchen Project Our latest addition to the portfolio is nothing short of a modern masterpiece. The full matte lacquer kitchen project combines cutting-edge design with seamless functionality. Featuring hidden acute handles that merge seamlessly with the sleek cabinet surfaces, this project redefines contemporary aesthetics. In this project, we embraced the timeless allure of matte lacquer finishes, showcasing its ability to create a sophisticated, velvety texture that exudes luxury. The absence of visible handles not only enhances the minimalist appeal but also ensures a smooth and uninterrupted visual flow throughout the kitchen space. The choice of matte lacquer not only provides a stunning visual impact but also offers practical benefits, such as easy maintenance and durability. Its resistance to fingerprints and stains makes it an ideal choice for those who value both aesthetics and functionality. This kitchen project is a testament to our commitment to delivering innovative and visually stunning designs that elevate living spaces. Explore the gallery below to immerse yourself in the modern elegance and meticulous craftsmanship that define this project. We invite you to experience the future of kitchen design with our full matte lacquer creation.

Photo by Philip Crocker The Iconic Erickson Building \Collaborative design work between our clients and ourselves incorporating their own tastes, furniture and artwork as they downsized from a large home to an almost new condo. As with many of our projects we brought in our core group of trade specialists to consult and advise so that we could guide our clients through an easy process of option selections to meet their standards, timeline and budget. A very smooth project from beginning to end that included removal of the existing hardwood and carpet throughout, new painting throughout, some new lighting and detailed art glass work as well as custom metal and millwork. A successful project with excellent results and happy clients! Do you want to renovate your condo? Showcase Interiors Ltd. specializes in condo renovations. As well as thorough planning assistance including feasibility reviews and inspections, we can also provide permit acquisition services. We also possess Advanced Clearance through Worksafe BC and all General Liability Insurance for Strata Approval required for your proposed project. Showcase Interiors Ltd. is a trusted, fully licensed and insured renovations firm offering exceptional service and high quality workmanship. We work with home and business owners to develop, manage and execute small to large renovations and unique installations. We work with accredited interior designers, engineers and authorities to deliver special projects from concept to completion on time & on budget. Our loyal clients love our integrity, reliability, level of service and depth of experience. Contact us today about your project and join our long list of satisfied clients! We are a proud family business!

Precision Asphalt New Orleans is your trusted local expert for all asphalt paving needs, specializing in asphalt paving, driveway paving, asphalt driveways, and professional asphalt striping. As leading asphalt contractors in New Orleans, we deliver top-quality paving solutions for residential and commercial clients, including durable asphalt parking lots and reliable repairs. Our experienced team uses the latest equipment and techniques to ensure smooth, long-lasting results that enhance your property’s value and curb appeal. Choose Precision Asphalt New Orleans for prompt, affordable, and professional service from a reputable paving company. Call us today for a free estimate and experience the difference in quality and customer care.

Every year, the same thing happens. The first real snowfall arrives, demand for de-icing materials spikes overnight, and the businesses that waited too long find themselves scrambling for supply at the worst possible moment. Facility managers, property owners, contractors, and municipalities all depend on a steady supply of salt and ice melt to keep their properties safe and operational through winter. The ones who plan ahead sail through. The ones who don't pay more, wait longer, and take on real risk. Sourcing de-icing materials well is not complicated, but it does require thinking ahead and understanding the options. The choices you make about what to buy, how to buy it, and who to buy it from have a direct effect on your costs, your reliability, and your ability to keep people safe when conditions turn dangerous. This article lays out what matters. Why Your Choice of Supplier Matters More Than You Think It is easy to treat de-icing material as a commodity, something you grab whenever you need it without much thought about where it comes from. That works fine until the moment it doesn't, usually in the middle of a storm when everyone needs supply at once and the casual sources have run dry. At that point, the relationships you built before the season become the difference between staying stocked and being stuck. Reliable supply is the whole game in winter operations. A property that runs out of ice melt during a storm faces safety hazards, liability exposure, and disruption, none of which can wait for a back-ordered shipment. This is why establishing relationships with dependable rock salt suppliers before the season starts is one of the smartest moves a facility manager or contractor can make. It locks in supply, often locks in better pricing, and removes a major source of mid-winter stress. The lesson here is to treat sourcing as a planning decision rather than a last-minute errand. The businesses that come through winter smoothly are almost always the ones that secured their supply chain early, chose suppliers who could actually deliver when it counted, and never had to gamble on finding material during a shortage. Reliability bought in advance is far cheaper than scarcity paid for in a crisis. Bagged or Bulk: Matching the Material to the Job One of the first practical decisions is whether to buy de-icing material in bags or in bulk, and the right answer depends entirely on the operation. Each format has clear advantages, and many operations end up using both for different purposes. Bagged material offers convenience, control, and easy storage. It is simple to handle, easy to distribute to different locations or crews, straightforward to store without special equipment, and convenient for spot application by hand. It suits smaller properties, businesses without bulk storage, and situations where portion control and tidiness matter. Bulk material, on the other hand, tends to make sense for large operations that go through high volumes, where buying in quantity lowers the per-unit cost and the operation has the equipment and space to store and handle it. The tradeoff is between the convenience and flexibility of bags and the volume economics of bulk. For many operations, the right approach is a mix: bulk for the high-volume core of the work and bags for flexibility, spot treatment, and locations where bulk handling is impractical. The key is to match the format to how the material will actually be stored, moved, and applied, rather than defaulting to one or the other out of habit. Thinking this through in advance avoids both the waste of over-buying bulk you can't handle and the expense of relying entirely on bags for a large operation. Rock Salt Is Not Your Only Option Rock salt, or sodium chloride, is the workhorse of winter de-icing for good reason. It is effective, widely available, and cost-efficient, which makes it the default choice for most operations most of the time. But it has limits, and understanding the alternatives helps you choose the right material for the conditions you actually face. The most important limitation is temperature. Rock salt becomes less effective as temperatures drop, and in genuinely cold conditions it can struggle to do the job at all. This is where alternatives come in. Calcium chloride, for instance, works at much lower temperatures than rock salt and acts quickly, which makes it valuable when conditions are severe or when fast melting matters. Operations that face hard freezes or need dependable performance in extreme cold often keep calcium chloride for sale on hand for exactly those situations, using it alongside rock salt rather than instead of it. The practical approach is to understand the conditions your property faces and stock accordingly. For many operations, rock salt handles the bulk of the work while a faster, colder-rated material like calcium chloride covers the extreme days when ordinary salt falls short. Matching the material to the temperature and the urgency of the situation is what separates an operation that stays ahead of winter from one that is constantly reacting to it. Securing Your Supply Before the Season Knowing what to buy is only half the equation. The other half is making sure you can actually get it when you need it, which means securing your supply before winter arrives rather than after it has already started. Timing is one of the most underrated factors in winter operations. The logic is simple. Demand for de-icing materials is highly seasonal and spikes sharply during storms, when everyone needs supply simultaneously. Prices and availability both move against the buyer at exactly those moments. By contrast, planning ahead, estimating your needs and arranging supply before the season, puts you in a far stronger position. Working with established rock salt suppliers ahead of time means your material is accounted for before the rush, often at better pricing and with the confidence that it will be there when the first storm hits. This kind of planning also lets you think clearly rather than react under pressure. You can estimate your seasonal needs based on your property and past winters, decide on the right mix of materials and formats, and arrange storage in advance. Operations that do this consistently spend less, worry less, and never find themselves making frantic calls during a storm. The effort of planning ahead is modest, and the payoff in reliability and cost savings is substantial. Storing and Handling What You Buy Securing supply is not much use if the material degrades before you can use it, which makes proper storage and handling an important and often overlooked part of the equation. De-icing materials are sensitive to moisture, and poor storage can turn a good supply into a clumped, hardened mess that is difficult to apply. The fundamentals are straightforward. Keep material dry and protected from moisture, since salt and ice melt readily absorb water and can harden if exposed. Store it in a way that suits the format, whether that means a proper bulk storage area or a dry space for stacked bags. Keep it accessible, so crews can get to it quickly when a storm hits and time is short. And handle it with the right equipment for the format and volume, which protects both the material and the people working with it. None of this is complicated, but neglecting it can undermine even a well-planned supply. Good storage practices protect the investment you made in securing supply early. There is little point in arranging your materials ahead of the season only to have them degrade before use. Treating storage and handling as part of the overall plan, rather than an afterthought, ensures that the material you secured is actually usable when the moment comes. It is the final link in a supply chain built to perform under winter conditions. Estimating How Much You Actually Need One question trips up operations of every size: how much de-icing material to buy. Order too little and you risk running short during a storm. Order too much and you tie up money and storage space in material you may not use. Getting the estimate reasonably right is a meaningful part of sourcing well. Several factors shape the answer. The size and type of the areas you treat, sidewalks, lots, entrances, and drive lanes, set the baseline for how much material each application consumes. The local climate matters too, since colder regions and those with frequent snowfall go through far more material than milder ones. Application frequency depends on how often storms hit and how quickly surfaces need to be cleared, which varies with the kind of property and the expectations of the people who use it. And the type of material plays a role, since different products are applied at different rates. Past experience is often the best guide. Operations that track what they used in previous winters, adjusted for the size of the property and the severity of the season, can estimate their needs with reasonable confidence. For newer operations without that history, it helps to plan conservatively and to work with a supplier who can replenish stock reliably, so that a low estimate does not turn into a mid-storm shortage. The goal is not perfect precision but a sound, slightly cautious estimate paired with a dependable supply relationship. That combination lets an operation keep enough material on hand to handle the season without over-committing to volume it cannot store or use. Thinking this through before winter, rather than guessing during it, is one more way that planning ahead pays off when the snow starts to fall. The Bottom Line Sourcing de-icing materials well comes down to a few straightforward principles: plan ahead, choose reliable suppliers before the season, match your materials and formats to your actual needs and conditions, and store what you buy properly. The operations that follow these principles move through winter with confidence, while those that improvise pay more and take on needless risk. Winter is predictable in one respect: it arrives every year, and demand for de-icing material spikes the moment it does. The businesses that prepare for that reality, rather than being surprised by it, are the ones that keep their properties safe, their costs controlled, and their operations running no matter what the season throws at them. A little foresight before the first snowfall pays off through every storm that follows.

Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Southern Pines, NC, collaborated with Tod Reid to design a transitional-style kitchen featuring Merillat Autograph and Masterpiece cabinetry. The perimeter cabinets are Merillat Autograph in the Bayard door style in Warm White, while the island features Masterpiece cabinetry in the Bolton door style in Rainfall. The kitchen also includes MSI Q Calacatta Laza countertops, 8x8 Angela Harris Florista Leave backsplash tile from Tile Inc. and KitchenAid range with downdraft, dishwasher and refrigerator. The client shared, “My experience with Reico was very pleasant from the start. Nancy was proficient and knowledgeable. Her timeline went as planned, and she presented several design options while adjusting to my preferences. Her attention to detail paid off—she found the perfect backsplash to complement my kitchen and home. Nancy also communicated well with my contractor. He appreciated the organized binder she prepared, which clearly laid out all the plans and specifications. The project went smoothly, and now I have a more efficient kitchen that has become the focal point of my home. I’m confident we’ll enjoy it for years to come.” Nancy explained, “The homeowners were ready for a change. We kept the same layout but updated the cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. We also installed large 12x24 floor tile. Because the home has an open floor plan, we needed the kitchen to blend with the rest of the space. The Warm White perimeter cabinets keep things bright, while the Rainfall island adds a pop of color. The backsplash tile, which reflects the homeowner’s love of plants, is visible from the front door and is my favorite part of the design.” Photos courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Designed around a subtle maritime theme, this custom-built coastal kitchen lends itself to effortless home cooking, entertaining and relaxing. In the center of the kitchen, three pendant lights suspended over the island are reminiscent of lanterns on a ship, and curved hood surrounds clad in white glass tiles of varying size have the feel of a hull. White bands wrap around the room, much like the horizontal structural boards of a yacht’s frame. Smooth teak cabinetry from Bentwood Luxury Kitchens also steers the design in a coastal direction, infusing it with warmth and welcoming style. In this beautiful haven where modern luxury meets ocean scenery, everything is doubly delightful. A Monogram® 48" professional range in close proximity to a 48" rangetop makes it possible for couples to experience the joys of cooking together. Likewise, a 30" fully integrated refrigerator installed near a 30" wine reserve assures there’s always plenty of food and beverages on hand. An undercounter double-drawer refrigerator adds convenience when it comes to cooling and storing fresh foods. Two fully integrated dishwashers make light work of cleaning tasks. With inviting ambience and cooking innovation in abundance, life is but a dream.

Nestled against the serene backdrop of Lake Sammamish, this mid-century modern house has undergone a breathtaking architectural renovation that blends warm design with contemporary elegance. The heart of the home is a stunning custom plaster wall, its soft texture and warm hues creating an inviting focal point that beautifully contrasts with the clean lines and expansive windows. The natural light floods the living spaces, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship that defines the entire renovation. Every angle reveals the tranquil lake, with views that seem to stretch infinitely, inviting the outdoors in and creating a seamless connection with nature. The kitchen stands as a testament to modern luxury, featuring rift-sawn white oak cabinets that evoke warmth and sophistication. Their intricate grain patterns add depth, while the smooth quartz countertops provide both durability and a sleek aesthetic. The custom cabinetry showcases innovative storage solutions, making it not only a visual delight but also an incredibly functional space for family gatherings. Each detail was thoughtfully considered, with the architect and builder collaborating closely to ensure that the design met the unique needs of the family, resulting in a kitchen that is as joyful to cook in as it is beautiful to behold. The renovation also shines with elegant ceramic white light fixtures that gracefully offset the stunning views of Lake Sammamish. These fixtures not only illuminate the spaces but also serve as sculptural accents that enhance the home’s mid-century modern aesthetic. Their soft glow complements the natural light, casting a warm ambiance throughout the day and evening. In the heart of the kitchen, a custom breakfast nook beckons, designed with furniture thoughtfully selected by the architect to create an intimate gathering space. Here, the family can savor their morning coffee while soaking in the breathtaking vistas, turning each breakfast into a cherished communion with the tranquil beauty of the lake. This cozy corner not only fosters connection but also encapsulates the spirit of the home, where every meal becomes a celebration of nature and togetherness. In the primary bathroom, exquisite glass tiles shimmer like jewels, transforming the space into a serene retreat. The careful selection of materials reflects a commitment to quality and style, with each element harmonizing to create a luxurious yet comfortable environment. Throughout the home, the architect’s vision is complemented by the builder’s expertise, ensuring that every feature—from the placement of windows to the flow of rooms—enhances the family’s experience. The result is a haven of happiness, where each room invites creativity, connection, and tranquility, making this residence not just a house, but a cherished home.

Experience the ultimate convenience and luxury with our custom (Electric, Battery, Chain, Crank, Spring, Hand) Roller Blinds, designed to fit any residential or commercial space. Our systems integrate seamlessly with modern smart technologies, allowing you to control light and privacy with just a touch. Featuring premium tubular motors, concealed hardware options, and a variety of fabric choices, these blinds offer both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. Ideal for homes, offices, and large-scale commercial environments, our (Electric, Battery, Chain, Crank, Spring, Hand) Roller Blinds deliver a smooth, quiet operation and can be integrated with existing home automation or building management systems. Available in various designs, including room-darkening and light-filtering fabrics, they provide an elegant solution for any space.

Experience the ultimate convenience and luxury with our custom (Electric, Battery, Chain, Crank, Spring, Hand) Roller Blinds, designed to fit any residential or commercial space. Our systems integrate seamlessly with modern smart technologies, allowing you to control light and privacy with just a touch. Featuring premium tubular motors, concealed hardware options, and a variety of fabric choices, these blinds offer both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. Ideal for homes, offices, and large-scale commercial environments, our (Electric, Battery, Chain, Crank, Spring, Hand) Roller Blinds deliver a smooth, quiet operation and can be integrated with existing home automation or building management systems. Available in various designs, including room-darkening and light-filtering fabrics, they provide an elegant solution for any space.

Located in Buckinghamshire, this bedroom project is a great example of our approach to smart design, quality finishes, and practical touches. Our designer created the space, perfectly capturing the brief from the outset with no revisions needed. Our dedicated Installation and Project Manager then managed the project, overseeing every detail from start to finish to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. For this project, we soundproofed the floors, updated the lighting, and handled the full decorating work, transforming not only the master bedroom but also two additional bedrooms. The finished furniture features Porcelain Nature fronts paired with a Smoked Oak carcass, brought together by 22mm Modern Vinyl worktops. Elegant brushed nickel fluted bar handles add a subtle touch of texture and warmth. Clever features like an IR sensor wardrobe light and a pull-out shoe shelf make this space as functional as it is stylish. A matching chest of drawers completes the setup. At Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Kitchens, we believe the details matter. This project is a great example of how clever design and good workmanship can really change a home for the better.

Nestled against the serene backdrop of Lake Sammamish, this mid-century modern house has undergone a breathtaking architectural renovation that blends warm design with contemporary elegance. The heart of the home is a stunning custom plaster wall, its soft texture and warm hues creating an inviting focal point that beautifully contrasts with the clean lines and expansive windows. The natural light floods the living spaces, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship that defines the entire renovation. Every angle reveals the tranquil lake, with views that seem to stretch infinitely, inviting the outdoors in and creating a seamless connection with nature. The kitchen stands as a testament to modern luxury, featuring rift-sawn white oak cabinets that evoke warmth and sophistication. Their intricate grain patterns add depth, while the smooth quartz countertops provide both durability and a sleek aesthetic. The custom cabinetry showcases innovative storage solutions, making it not only a visual delight but also an incredibly functional space for family gatherings. Each detail was thoughtfully considered, with the architect and builder collaborating closely to ensure that the design met the unique needs of the family, resulting in a kitchen that is as joyful to cook in as it is beautiful to behold. The renovation also shines with elegant ceramic white light fixtures that gracefully offset the stunning views of Lake Sammamish. These fixtures not only illuminate the spaces but also serve as sculptural accents that enhance the home’s mid-century modern aesthetic. Their soft glow complements the natural light, casting a warm ambiance throughout the day and evening. In the heart of the kitchen, a custom breakfast nook beckons, designed with furniture thoughtfully selected by the architect to create an intimate gathering space. Here, the family can savor their morning coffee while soaking in the breathtaking vistas, turning each breakfast into a cherished communion with the tranquil beauty of the lake. This cozy corner not only fosters connection but also encapsulates the spirit of the home, where every meal becomes a celebration of nature and togetherness. In the primary bathroom, exquisite glass tiles shimmer like jewels, transforming the space into a serene retreat. The careful selection of materials reflects a commitment to quality and style, with each element harmonizing to create a luxurious yet comfortable environment. Throughout the home, the architect’s vision is complemented by the builder’s expertise, ensuring that every feature—from the placement of windows to the flow of rooms—enhances the family’s experience. The result is a haven of happiness, where each room invites creativity, connection, and tranquility, making this residence not just a house, but a cherished home.

Sleek Elegance Full Matte Lacquer Kitchen Project Our latest addition to the portfolio is nothing short of a modern masterpiece. The full matte lacquer kitchen project combines cutting-edge design with seamless functionality. Featuring hidden acute handles that merge seamlessly with the sleek cabinet surfaces, this project redefines contemporary aesthetics. In this project, we embraced the timeless allure of matte lacquer finishes, showcasing its ability to create a sophisticated, velvety texture that exudes luxury. The absence of visible handles not only enhances the minimalist appeal but also ensures a smooth and uninterrupted visual flow throughout the kitchen space. The choice of matte lacquer not only provides a stunning visual impact but also offers practical benefits, such as easy maintenance and durability. Its resistance to fingerprints and stains makes it an ideal choice for those who value both aesthetics and functionality. This kitchen project is a testament to our commitment to delivering innovative and visually stunning designs that elevate living spaces. Explore the gallery below to immerse yourself in the modern elegance and meticulous craftsmanship that define this project. We invite you to experience the future of kitchen design with our full matte lacquer creation.

Utilizing the right plants can really spruce up the look of your property. But before you go and buy the first plant you see, it’s important to think about how dedicated you are to maintaining them and how much time you are willing to invest in them. All plants are alive and need love and attention. The amount of love and attention can vary depending on the plant. If you are a busy person who doesn’t have a lot of time to dedicate to the care of your plants, this doesn’t mean you can’t have plants and have them thrive. There are many low-maintenance plants that you can choose from. These will allow you to add to the aesthetic of your property, without consuming your time to care for them. We here at Five Star Tree Services have come up with a list of the best low-maintenance shrubs for you to consider. Flowering Shrubs Looking to add colour and beauty to your landscape? You might be thinking regular flowers can do this, but have you considered flowering shrubs? These are something simple and beautiful that you can add to your yard. Hibiscus These plants come in many colours. It is also known as Chinese Hibiscus, China Rose, and Tropical Hibiscus. This evergreen perennial is native to warm temperature, subtropical and tropical places around the world. The flowers it produces can be 3-8 inches in diameter. Some resemble trumpets. Every flower has 5 or more petals and can range in colours from red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, and white. Flowers are constantly produced by this plant but each blossom only lasts a day. Its growth can be 24 inches a year and has the potential to reach 15 feet fully grown. Forsythia This shrub is part of the olive family. It is mostly native to eastern Asia but one is native to southeastern Europe. This plant is also known as golden bells. This is a deciduous shrub that can grow to 3-9 feet but ones with rough grey-brown bark have been known to grow to 20 feet. With opposite positioned leaves, that can grow between 2 and 10 cm in length. They produce bright yellow flowers and will bloom in early spring before the leaves come out. Evergreen Shrubs It is beneficial to have more green plants around you. There was a study done that showed women can have improved mental health and a longer life expectancy if you live in or near green areas. If you have a busy life and don’t have space in your home, you are able to still benefit from and experience evergreen shrubs. They are perfect for small yards and large ones alike. Euonymus This plant is native to places like East Asia, North America, Madagascar, the Himalayas, and Europe. Depending on what country you are in will determine the species you encounter. These have many names and you might have heard them referred to as a spindle tree, burning-bush, euonymus, strawberry-bush, spindle, or wintercreeper. There are 130 species of deciduous small trees, evergreen shrubs, and lianas. The wintercreeper is a herbaceous perennial vine and it can grow to 70 feet. But it usually is left at 2-4 feet as a mounded shrub. It has egg-shaped leaves that measure to 1-2.5 inches long and 1-1.75 inches wide. They can vary in colour, such as dark green, green-gold, or green-white. Blue Star Juniper This is a needled shrub and is a member of the cypress family. It is native to the Himalayas, Afghanistan, and western China. You might also know it as flaky juniper, Himalayan juniper, or singleseed juniper. This is a dwarf shrub and when it gets to a mature size, it is a compact mound measuring from 1-3 feet high and 1.5-3 feet wide. It grows slow and has a tendency to grow out and not up. It has silvery-blue foliage and is densely packed with needles that are awl-shaped. Privacy Shrubs Everyone wants privacy while you are in your home or yard. Some people decide to install a fence in order to give themselves privacy. But there is a more creative way to acquire your privacy; with privacy shrubs! If you are looking for something that is different from a fence and low-maintenance, privacy shrubs are exactly what you are looking for. Not only do these plants provide you with the much-needed privacy you desire, they also add beauty to your landscaping. Some suggestions are as follows: Thuja Green Giant This is a genus of coniferous trees that belong to the cypress or Cupressaceae family. 3 out of 5 of these plants are native to Eastern Asia and the other 2 are from North America. This evergreen can also be known as Thuja green rocket or green giant arborvitae. They are fast growing and can grow to 3-5 feet in one season. Growing in a uniform shape, when mature, they can be 50-60 feet tall and 12-20 feet wide. They have tiny, glossy leaves that resemble scales. These overlap tightly together and create a fan of foliage. Boxwood hedges These evergreen shrubs and small trees are slow growing. You might also have heard them called boxes. They are native to numerous places that include Mexico, southern and eastern Asia, Africa, and southern and western Europe. These plants have been specifically grown for their foliage but they also produce a flower. They can grow from 1-20 feet tall and spread 2-8 feet wide. They have leathery feeling leaves that are lace-shaped or almost round. The colours can range from pale green to dark blue-green. They produce small yellow-green flowers in the spring. WARNIIG: this plant produces a toxic alkaloid that can hurt humans and animals. If a person or animal were to eat the leaves, it can trigger convulsions, dizziness, intestinal distress, and respiratory failure. If you come in contact with the sap, it could cause skin irritation. It is best to avoid this plant if you have small children or pets. Wax Myrtle Tree This large shrub or small tree is native to the Caribbean and North and Central America. There are many names for this plant that include bayberry tree, southern wax myrtle, southern bayberry, tallow shrub, and candleberry. It is very adaptable to various habitats but it naturally will grow near rivers and streams, wetlands, dunes, fields, pine barrens, hillsides, and in mixed-broadleaf and coniferous forests. This shrub can grow 20-25 feet tall with light olive-green leaves that have serrated edges. It also has smooth thin gray-brown bark. It can also produce bluish-white fruit which grows on short stalks in clusters. How Five Star Tree Service Can Help When looking for privacy for your home, utilizing low-maintenance plants is a great way to do this. It is also a great way to add something unique to your yard. Some of these shrubs will require some maintenance, which is where our team at Five Star Tree Services can help! We offer shrub trimming services in Toronto and if you require our assistance, make sure to give us a call at (416) 990-3355.

Nate Turner Wallpaper creates a dynamic experience in the entry of the home. We smooth coated underneath the paper pre-application to avoid a noticeable textural pattern in the white areas.

Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Southern Pines, NC, collaborated with Tod Reid to design a transitional-style kitchen featuring Merillat Autograph and Masterpiece cabinetry. The perimeter cabinets are Merillat Autograph in the Bayard door style in Warm White, while the island features Masterpiece cabinetry in the Bolton door style in Rainfall. The kitchen also includes MSI Q Calacatta Laza countertops, 8x8 Angela Harris Florista Leave backsplash tile from Tile Inc. and KitchenAid range with downdraft, dishwasher and refrigerator. The client shared, “My experience with Reico was very pleasant from the start. Nancy was proficient and knowledgeable. Her timeline went as planned, and she presented several design options while adjusting to my preferences. Her attention to detail paid off—she found the perfect backsplash to complement my kitchen and home. Nancy also communicated well with my contractor. He appreciated the organized binder she prepared, which clearly laid out all the plans and specifications. The project went smoothly, and now I have a more efficient kitchen that has become the focal point of my home. I’m confident we’ll enjoy it for years to come.” Nancy explained, “The homeowners were ready for a change. We kept the same layout but updated the cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. We also installed large 12x24 floor tile. Because the home has an open floor plan, we needed the kitchen to blend with the rest of the space. The Warm White perimeter cabinets keep things bright, while the Rainfall island adds a pop of color. The backsplash tile, which reflects the homeowner’s love of plants, is visible from the front door and is my favorite part of the design.” Photos courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Step into a harmonious blend of modern sophistication and timeless warmth with our custom white and brown kitchen cabinets. Designed to bring together the crisp, clean aesthetics of white cabinetry with the rich, earthy tones of brown accents, this kitchen is a testament to both style and functionality. The main feature of this custom kitchen is the contrast between the white and brown cabinets, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere Each cabinet is meticulously crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. Soft-close hinges and drawer glides provide a quiet and smooth operation, enhancing the overall user experience. The countertops, often adorned in white quartz with subtle veining, offer a luxurious surface for food preparation and entertaining. This choice complements the white cabinetry beautifully while providing a durable and easy-to-maintain surface. Bronze hardware accents the cabinetry, adding a touch of modern flair and functionality. Integrated lighting under the upper cabinets illuminates the workspace, enhancing visibility and creating a warm ambiance. Whether you're cooking a family meal or entertaining guests, our custom white and brown kitchen cabinets combine elegance with practicality, offering a space where style meets functionality effortlessly. Embrace the timeless appeal and versatility of this design, creating a kitchen that not only inspires culinary creativity but also becomes the heart of your home.

Traditional Cottonwood split face veneer paired with smooth Cottonwood surrounds and columns make very a comfy & cozy lake experience.
Elegant beige stone house exterior photo

Pivot doors have become popular because they give a wide, generous opening and a simple, modern appearance. Used mostly on high-end and custom homes, pivoting doors are benefiting from two converging trends in home building. The high-performance hardware allows for smooth operation of panels much wider and taller than a traditional door. The operating hardware itself can be adjusted in both traveling speed and closure speed. This enhances the user experience of opening and closing the door by dialing in the functionality of the door to the individual user or household. . One of the biggest drawbacks to using a pivot door is cost they're up to 30 percent more than a single door and sidelight combination and twice as expensive as a standard-width single door, by some estimates. Pivot doors may be the most expensive designer doors but there’s no escaping the luxurious feel that they lend to designs. .

It’s true in construction, and it’s true in life: sometimes, you have to get down to the bare bones and rebuild from there. A “full gut” is the complete and total rebuilding of a home from the inside out. And that’s what we did for this apartment in a 1921 home in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. Our team took up the floors, raised ceilings, and moved walls, with a new architectural space as the result. The finished apartment is a playful fusion of old and new. Gritty texture meets smooth surface as exposed brick and wood headers contrast with reclaimed wood and fresh paint. The open-flow floor plan blends historic touches with a modern sensibility; when the sliding barn doors are open, the kitchen and living area connects with the bedroom/playroom area. At the center of it all, the custom dining table serves as an elegant visual anchor. Natural light streams in through an uncovered window, affording a calming glimpse of the landscaped yard and garden. At the same time, new interior lighting illumines the kitchen and the bathroom. The latter is a luxury experience, featuring a drop-in tub with granite surround, a custom-tiled niche, and a towel warmer too. The formerly dim, cramped apartment is energized and illuminated; the process of peeling back the layers changed a sub-par space into something special. Want to peel back the layers of your space? Contact us today! Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography