Inspiration for a 1950s blue tile and subway tile alcove bathtub remodel in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets and medium tone wood cabinets

The functionality of this spacious kitchen is a far cry from its humble beginnings as a lackluster 9 x 12 foot stretch. The exterior wall was blown out to allow for a 10 ft addition. The daring slab of Calacatta Vagli marble with intrepid British racing green veining was the inspiration for the expansion. Spanish Revival pendants reclaimed from a local restaurant, long forgotten, are a pinnacle feature over the island. Reclaimed wood drawers, juxtaposed with custom glass cupboards add gobs of storage. Cabinets are painted the same luxe green hue and the warmth of butcher block counters create a hard working bar area begging for character-worn use. The perimeter of the kitchen features soapstone counters and that nicely balance the whisper of mushroom-colored custom cabinets. Hand-made 4x4 zellige tiles, hung in a running bond pattern, pay sweet homage to the 1950’s era of the home. A large window flanked by antique brass sconces adds bonus natural light over the sink. Textural, centuries-old barn wood surrounding the range hood adds a cozy surprise element. Matte white appliances with brushed bronze and copper hardware tie in the mixed metals throughout the kitchen helping meld the overall dramatic design.

Example of a large minimalist single-wall concrete floor eat-in kitchen design in New York with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, solid surface countertops, brown backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Gourmet Kitchen with stainless steel appliances, double wall ovens, granite counters, warm staggered cabinetry, large center island and farmhouse pendant lighting.

Photography by Mark Lohman
Example of a large cottage chic master cement tile home design design in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops and white walls

Trees and shrubs are a big part of our local environment. Some are intended to bear fruit, while others are there simply for aesthetics. Of course, some trees are planted to help conserve the environment, and some started to grow on their own. Regardless, there are many facts about trees that you may not know. Five Star Tree Services has put together a list of a few of those facts that you may find surprising! Trees Live Longer Than Anything Else Of all living things, trees can survive the longest on this earth. Some species of trees can survive for several thousands of years. For example, the baobab tree can thrive for thousands of years after it has reached maturity. Trees Have a Godly Connection There are many religions in the world, and in some, it is a common belief that certain trees are homes to the gods. Many of these older traditions and beliefs are currently less prevalent, but there has always been a strong connection between trees and deities. Cottonwood Seeds Stay Airborne for Days Most trees reproduce via seeds. While most tree seeds fall to the ground, or are carried off by animals, the cottonwood tree seed flies through the air for days before landing. Trees Promote Rainfall Mature trees take moisture from the ground and release it into the atmosphere. This then triggers precipitation. The result is more rain in the area where trees are abundant. The best way to prevent or derail desertification is by planting trees in an area. There are Tree Genders This may seem like a sound bite for likes and shares, but some trees have gendered scientific classifications. There are both male and female trees. One great example is the pine tree. The female trees produce seeds in the pine cones, while the male trees shed pollen from their cones to fertilize the female cones. The wind makes the magic happen, which results in a bevy of baby pine cone trees. The Rings Show Its Age Very few methods exist for pinning down the age of a tree. Carbon dating is a complex method of ageing a tree, but you can also count the rings on a cut tree to determine its age. We don’t suggest you cut down a tree just to count the rings, though! Certain Tree Parts Grow Seasonally Unlike people, trees grow in separated sections. The trunk will grow in the summer, while the foliage will thrive in the spring. The roots tend to spread during the fall and winter when the rest of the tree is dormant. Trees Have Their Own Self-Defense Methods If a tree is invaded by insects, it will flood its leaves with phenolics chemicals. This is a compound that discourages insects from eating their foliage. The tree also sends off signals to other trees about the attack so that they can prepare their defenses as well. How We Can Help Here at Five Star Tree Services, we’re passionate about what we do. Our team provides high-quality and affordable tree care and maintenance, including pruning and tree removal services in Toronto. If you require help with the trees on your property or have any questions for our experts, give us a call at (416) 990-3355.

Photo by Carolyn Bates
Mid-sized trendy gray two-story wood house exterior photo in Burlington with a shed roof and a metal roof

Werner Segarra
Living room - large mediterranean open concept living room idea in Phoenix with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Sean Litchfield
Trendy living room photo in Boston with multicolored walls

Example of a mid-sized classic kids' white tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile, black floor and wallpaper powder room design in Boston with an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops, shaker cabinets, red cabinets, multicolored walls and a freestanding vanity

WA designer Tina Dixon created this faux-adobe facade to disguise a tool shed and in doing so created a fun and colorful focal point Le jardinet

Photography by Chuck Heiney
Eat-in kitchen - contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Grand Rapids with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets and an island

Example of a minimalist exterior home design in San Francisco

Photo by Ryann Ford
Eat-in kitchen - scandinavian eat-in kitchen idea in Austin with no island

Rob Karosis, Sabrina Inc
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal front porch remodel in Boston with decking and a roof extension

Example of a mid-sized transitional light wood floor and beige floor great room design in Dallas with white walls and no fireplace

Lee Industries slipcovered Mimosa chairs and accent table from Creative Co-op Photo by Cecilia Anspach
Inspiration for a mid-sized victorian back porch remodel in Cedar Rapids with decking and a roof extension

Warm hardwood floors keep the space grounded. The dark cherry island cabinets compliment the oil-rubbed bronze metal hood and the granite perimeter countertops while simple white subway backsplash tile with a pillowed edge creates a calming backdrop to help complete the look of this well-designed transitional kitchen. The homeowners bright glass accessories add a colorful finishing touch.

Williamson Photography
Eat-in kitchen - large craftsman u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, yellow walls and an island