This is an example of a landscaping in Phoenix.

Updated Spec Home: Foyer and Great Room In our last post, we introduced you to my mom and sister’s Updated Spec Home; the Foyer and Great Room will be featured in this post. Foyer As you enter their home, to the right is a hall closet and a french door which leads to the Basement. To the left is a long wall which was perfect for an extra long console table in a rustic finish that served as a sofa table in their previous home. I love repositioning furniture, and by using this table in the entry, it makes it feel new. Additionally, we placed a vibrant piece of art previously used in my sister’s Bedroom above the table. This piece not only sets the tone for our color palette, it also makes the kind of statement you want in your Foyer – Wow! We added accessories and an unique lamp to complete the space. Great Room In the Great Room which is open to the Foyer, we installed our inspiration artwork in the place of honor over the mantel. Since the piece was vertical, it did not take up enough space. I do not like a “fussy” mantel with lots of accessories so we found these two vases in a silver leaf finish. They were perfect because they were large enough, but not too deep. Accessorizing mantels can be tricky because the majority of them are not deep. We went to Jan’s Floral Design to add vibrant color and interesting textures to the vases. The original mantel was too small and uninspired. Therefore, we had our contractor Brad Anderson built a new one based on a photo of a mantel we liked. The new mantel has lots of great detail and is the appropriate proportion for the fireplace. We replaced beige 12×12 ceramic tiles with gorgeous large pieces of smoked carrara marble for a striking fireplace surround. Check out this other mantel that we updated. For furniture, we purchased a shorter sofa in a gray tweed fabric. Typically, two throw pillows come with a sofa.We added a fun fringe to the pillows that came with the sofa. I recommend ordering pillows that match your sofa fabric and layering with custom pillows that support your color palette. We added a patterned custom pillow and a striped throw. Next, we got a small scale recliner in a yummy gray leather for my mom and a chair and ottoman in a small scale mint and gray geometric pattern for my sister. We added an accent chair in a fun small scale stripe to fill a corner and add additional seating – which is always a good thing. Remember that this was a Spec Home so there were no built-ins. As a result, we needed a media cabinet for the television and some bookcases to display my mom’s decorative box collection and my sister’s collection of blown colored glass. This set from Ballard Designs fit the bill perfectly. The back is open and airy with nice detail. The wood finish also adds a richness to the space. My mom needed a space for her computer, and this small writing desk fit the space perfectly. Finally, for finishing touches, we added a patterned rug, cornice boards in a mint leaf fabric, and great lamps for ambient lighting. These two rooms are stunning, vibrant and livable. Can’t wait to show you more in our next post! Enjoy!

Nestled in the heart of Dallas, our clients enjoy a 4-acre estate where they have developed the property for a "park" and "garden" like feel with lots of privacy and sound barrier from the neighbors and busy street along the front. They travel a lot for work and want to be able to come home and enjoy their own backyard oasis that is properly maintained and cared for. They also have 4 grandchildren who live on part of the property and roam around everywhere, so having lots of manicured lawn space to drive their toys around on, explore, etc. is important too. We service the property one day per week, since they retain a full-time porter. However, he is stretched thin as doesn't tend to much of the landscaping as needed as he's typically working on other side projects for the client. In order to complete our maintenance work within 5 hours on our service day, we work diligently with the client and the client’ assistant to constantly communicate issues we see and/or need to have resolved. Thankfully our client is very quick to respond and allows us an abundance of freedom to make necessary improvements when deemed necessary. Additionally, last minute work functions and/or parties are often hosted at their house. We often times have to respond quickly with an extra service visit, service date change, seasonal color change, bed mulching, etc. to help get it ready for their company. We value the trust and communication we have with this client and look forward to working with them for years to come!

Oak trees have been a symbol of strength for a long time. They are also known to live for a very long time, given the right conditions. The reason they became a symbol of strength is because they themselves are very strong and are able to survive some of the harshest storms, when healthy. The wood it produces is undoubtedly very strong as well and is commonly used in the making of furniture, homes, and boats. Oak trees are not only used for their strong wood, but also for their beauty. There are even certain species that produce distinctive lobed leaves, allowing them to stand out. Then, when fall comes around, they become even more majestic when their leaves turn bright and brilliant colours that add texture and a unique spectacle to the changing environment. The beauty is so amazing that you might even want one for your own yard. Our team here at Five Star Tree Services is going to go over a few different types of oak trees that might be perfect for your landscape! These are guaranteed to have spectacular fall colours, great shade, and amazing texture. Different Types of Oaks You might be interested to know that oaks are one of the oldest trees in the world. Archeologists have been able to date them back to around 65 million years ago. A healthy oak can even live to about 200-300 years old. But do you know where these big trees come from? Little tiny acorns. A single oak tree is able to produce roughly 10 million acorns over the course of its lifetime. Not only are oak trees beneficial to people but they are also great for animals. They are able to support more than 500 moth and butterfly species, which is more than other native trees can do. Insects also like to find homes in oak trees, which helps to feed the birds. Not to mention that small animals like squirrels also can utilize them for things like food, shade, and shelter. They also help larger animals, such as the white-tailed deer, who eats the acorns during the fall and winter season, which is about 75% of their diets. Around the world, you can find more than 600 species of oak trees. Let’s go over a small handful of our favourites that are great for providing dazzling colourful displays during the fall months, when the leaves change colours. These are going to range from bronzes, to golds, to reds, and everything in between. Black Oak It might be apparent that the name comes from the outward appearance from the almost black bark that you see, along with the deep orange or yellow inner bark of the tree. Being quite a statement tree, you can enjoy the green glossy leaves in the summer and then enjoy them again then they turn orange and red in the fall. This tree has a tendency to look very similar to a red oak, but one of the major differences is that black oaks are a little smaller and are able to tolerate drier soil conditions. Specifications: -Growing Zones: 3-9 -Sun Tolerance: Full sun, which can equate to 6 hours of uninterrupted sunlight each day -Soil: Needs slightly acidic, well-drained, and rich soil -Growing height: 50-60 feet White Oak This oak tree is great for shade and can easily be spotted by the light colour of its bark. During the spring, it comes out with pinkish leaves that later on turn to dark green. The leaves of this tree are 4-9 inches long, have 7-9 lobes, and turn reddish-brown in the fall. Specifications: -Growing Zone: 3-9 -Sun Tolerance: Full sun, which can equate to 6 hours of uninterrupted sunlight each day -Soil: Needs to be planted in well drained and slightly acidic soil -Growing Height: 80 feet Red Oak This oak doesn’t have its name for nothing. It offers the brightest red leaves out of all the oak trees. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful deep red. During the summer, it has glossy green leaves and an open canopy. This is a widely adaptable tree and it also grows much faster than other oaks. Specifications: -Growing Zone: 3-9 -Sun Tolerance: Full sun, which can equate to 6 hours of uninterrupted sunlight each day -Soil: Needs to be plated in slightly acidic, moist, but well-drained soil -Growing Height: 50-75 feet Bur Oak One of the defining features of this tree is that it has unique acorns. They are larger than other trees and are fringed. It grows in a round shape that is dense with leaves, offering lovely shade and is able to tolerate heat stress and pollution. In the fall the leaves of this oak tree can turn either yellow/green, muted yellow, or yellow/brown. Specifications: -Growing Zones: 3-8 -Sun Tolerance: Full sun, which can equate to 6 hours of uninterrupted sunlight each day -Soil: Needs neutral to alkaline soil -Growing Height: 60-80 feet Pin Oak Typically found along rivers in eastern and central US, this oak tree’s unique feature is its distinctive branching pattern. It has large leaves that are pointed with sweeping U-shaped spaces between lobes. The leaves in the fall turn a scarlet red and eventually become bronze later in the fall. Specifications: -Growing Zone: 4-8 -Sun Tolerance: Full sun, which can equate to 6 hours of uninterrupted sunlight each day -Soil: Needs slightly acidic soil. Can tolerate wet and heavy clay soils -Growing Height: 60-70 feet Live Oak These are not usually super tall but they do have winding and spiraling branches which have the ability to grow into a massive diameter, larger than other oak trees, and this helps to provide a large area of shade. Another special thing about this particular type of tree is that it is the only evergreen, not a deciduous tree like the rest. This specific oak tree is one of the strongest and was used in colonial times for making ships in the US Navy. The glossy leathery leaves on this tree are 1-3 inches long and are dark green with lighter green underneath, which lasts during the entire winter. Specifications: -Growing Zone: 8-11 -Sun Tolerance: Full sun, which can equate to 6 hours of uninterrupted sunlight each day -Soil: Needs to be planted in slightly acidic soil -Growing Height: 40-80 feet How Five Star Tree Services Can Help Whether you are looking for the best oak tree for your yard or any other tree, our professionals here at Five Star Tree Services can help! With our wide variety of services, we can help you with all your tree care services in Richmond Hill! Give us a call today at (416) 990-3355!

Bring the inside out! The modern, mid-century style that typically steals the attention of interior décor is perfect as an outdoor furniture set. This 4pc seating group offers deep, comfortable seating and durable materials, making it a great set for you and your family to relax in. Features: Set includes a 71-inch loveseat, two club chairs, and a woven coffee table. Modern, mid-century tapered legs add style and flair. Mixed material frames are paired with designer coordinated accent cushions. Plush, tailored cushions are fully-sewn, quick to dry, and six inches thick. Materials are engineered to withstand any type of outdoor environment. Durable, lightweight powder-coated aluminum frame is rust-resistant and long-lasting. Furniture is easy to clean, keeping your furniture looking just as new as it did the day it arrived.

Designed by: TOC design - Tania Scardellato Construction by : TOC design & Construction inc. Pictures by: Mathieu Laflamme Like clothing or furniture, kitchens come in many styles. Since a new kitchen costs the most and last the longest, choosing a kitchen style requires serious thought. Speaking broadly, it helps to know if you prefer a more classic or more modern look. Making that decision will help you start to narrow down choices on everything from wall color to cabinet doors. Picking a very specific design theme, such as French Colonial or Art Deco, gives you even more of a design road map. Mixing and matching styles typically is called eclectic, while a look that blends traditional and contemporary elements is considered transitional. The design for this home is Transitional Transitional kitchens include elements of both traditional and contemporary design. Eclectic in nature, they mix natural and man-made materials as well as finishes and textures. For example, an Arts & Crafts or Shaker kitchen can be made transitional rather than traditional by lightening the color palette, adding bamboo flooring, and showcasing appliances rather than hiding them behind wooden panels. Molding and fixtures aren't elaborate but do have some ornamentation.

A teak outdoor chair is an ideal choice for anyone looking to create a classic, timeless look in their outdoor space. Teak is a beautiful hardwood that is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and pests, making it ideal for outdoor use. Teak outdoor chairs are typically made from solid teak and feature a classic, timeless design that can last for decades. They are available in a variety of styles, including traditional, contemporary, and even modern designs. Teak outdoor chairs are also incredibly comfortable, making them a great choice for outdoor relaxation and entertaining. Whether used in a patio, poolside, or garden, teak outdoor chairs are a great addition to any outdoor space. oroa.com

On average, a Proto Home™ can be constructed within four months, thanks to our new building methods that save time and money, while increasing accuracy. Proto Homes™ are built through a hybrid construction system: factory produced + site built elements. By prefabricating the shell and core features of the home off-site, construction can essentially begin before permitting has, thus saving you time and money. Foundation/Slab Detailing: The foundation is detailed to serve two primary purposes. The foundation curb is formed in such a way that it acts as a measuring "rubric" for the house, first in providing a horizontal registration point for finish floors inside the house, and grading and landscape for outside. Secondly, it serves as a vertical indexing margin for all exterior finishes including panel systems and metal cladding. In addition, the delineation provided by the curb provides a clean aesthetic for the foundation itself and waterproofs the home. Roofing construction is made more efficient in a Proto Home™. By doing away with the traditional attic, we've utilized every last square inch – which in this case provides higher ceilings. Every Proto Home™ features a "zero-penetration" roof that is uninterrupted by plumbing vents or ducts thanks to the Proto Core™ design, which moves traditional roof vents to the side wall of the core. The all-steel roof assembly provides structural stability and resists damage from weather and pests, giving it longevity not typical in today's roofs. With Proto Home's™, it's all about the details. From the garage to the bathrooms, the amenities we use everyday have been slightly adjusted to make our lives easier. The Proto Home™ garage is carefully designed to function as efficiently as the rest of the home. The floor is perfectly level, and outfitted with the same concrete as the rest of the first floor, which makes fitting the space with shelves and furniture much easier. Bathtubs are reworked into "Soak In Showers," which are easy to enter and exit, yet deep enough to bathe in. In keeping with sleek lines and uninterrupted design, we have developed "Zero Jam," a patented interior door jam made of solid aluminum. When closed, the door blends with the adjoining wall to create the appearance of one continuous unit. Proto Home's™ also work with the seasons to compensate for changes in weather. The climate control can be adjusted so that during the summer air-conditioned cold air flows in from the top and descends to cool the space below. During the winter, the hot air is forced in from the ground level and ascends heating the entire house. Photo Credit: Lisa Romerein, Proto Homes, LLC

Located in the heart of Downtown St. Petersburg, the Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club is one of the city's most iconic hotels. This downtown gem can easily be distinguished by its salmon color and Mediterranean Revival style architecture. Situated right on the bay, this luxury resort is just a short walk from all of the area’s major attractions such as the Dali Museum, Beach Drive, and the Mahaffey Theater. The Vinoy was constructed in 1925 and has been through a long history of renovations and construction within its lifetime. Efforts are constantly being made to preserve the hotel’s historic past while still providing guests with a unique, comfortable, and luxurious experience. With that being said, it was recently announced that the hotel will undergo a three-year $50 million plan to improve several aspects of the property. Patio Lane took part in these upgrades by designing and producing custom cushions for two locations on the property: the veranda and smoking area seating. We fabricated a total of 187 custom cushions with 13 different configurations for the hotel: dining chair seat, lounge chair, love seat, center sectional, end sectionals, as well as ottomans. Patio Lane directly competed with the original furniture and cushion manufacturer for this project. However, being an essential part of St. Petersburg, the resort appreciated a local vendor with strong initiative to earn their business. As far as the project requirements, the Vinoy needed something that will hold up through the harsh sun and storms of Central Florida. Typically, cushions in a commercial setting will last a few years depending on the human traffic. For a luxury hotel, such as the Vinoy, these cushions should have been replaced within 3 years. To ensure that they would have high performing seating for their guests, they chose cushions fabricated with Sunbrella Rain performance fabric. This fabric is 100% waterproof and specifically made for outdoor spaces that endure heavy rainfall or any kind of moisture. Sunbrella Rain eliminates drying time after wet weather. Resort staff can simply wipe the cushions down and their guests are ready to continue lounging and relaxing. The Vinoy’s original cushions used a polyurethane foam that had since lost its strength and was no longer providing a comfortable seat. (When we initially surveyed the Vinoy, we witnessed many customers doubling up on cushions to place behind their backs!) Numerous cushions had ripped at the seams and the zippers were non-functional. Dry-fast foam, the preferred option for cushions fabricated with Sunbrella Rain, was the perfect choice with the 4 in. thick seats & 5 in. thick backs because it will provide a firm seat and support for years to come.

Updated Spec Home: Foyer and Great Room In our last post, we introduced you to my mom and sister’s Updated Spec Home; the Foyer and Great Room will be featured in this post. Foyer As you enter their home, to the right is a hall closet and a french door which leads to the Basement. To the left is a long wall which was perfect for an extra long console table in a rustic finish that served as a sofa table in their previous home. I love repositioning furniture, and by using this table in the entry, it makes it feel new. Additionally, we placed a vibrant piece of art previously used in my sister’s Bedroom above the table. This piece not only sets the tone for our color palette, it also makes the kind of statement you want in your Foyer – Wow! We added accessories and an unique lamp to complete the space. Great Room In the Great Room which is open to the Foyer, we installed our inspiration artwork in the place of honor over the mantel. Since the piece was vertical, it did not take up enough space. I do not like a “fussy” mantel with lots of accessories so we found these two vases in a silver leaf finish. They were perfect because they were large enough, but not too deep. Accessorizing mantels can be tricky because the majority of them are not deep. We went to Jan’s Floral Design to add vibrant color and interesting textures to the vases. The original mantel was too small and uninspired. Therefore, we had our contractor Brad Anderson built a new one based on a photo of a mantel we liked. The new mantel has lots of great detail and is the appropriate proportion for the fireplace. We replaced beige 12×12 ceramic tiles with gorgeous large pieces of smoked carrara marble for a striking fireplace surround. Check out this other mantel that we updated. For furniture, we purchased a shorter sofa in a gray tweed fabric. Typically, two throw pillows come with a sofa.We added a fun fringe to the pillows that came with the sofa. I recommend ordering pillows that match your sofa fabric and layering with custom pillows that support your color palette. We added a patterned custom pillow and a striped throw. Next, we got a small scale recliner in a yummy gray leather for my mom and a chair and ottoman in a small scale mint and gray geometric pattern for my sister. We added an accent chair in a fun small scale stripe to fill a corner and add additional seating – which is always a good thing. Remember that this was a Spec Home so there were no built-ins. As a result, we needed a media cabinet for the television and some bookcases to display my mom’s decorative box collection and my sister’s collection of blown colored glass. This set from Ballard Designs fit the bill perfectly. The back is open and airy with nice detail. The wood finish also adds a richness to the space. My mom needed a space for her computer, and this small writing desk fit the space perfectly. Finally, for finishing touches, we added a patterned rug, cornice boards in a mint leaf fabric, and great lamps for ambient lighting. These two rooms are stunning, vibrant and livable. Can’t wait to show you more in our next post! Enjoy!

Originally built in 1938, this bungalow cottage had enduring character, but its traditional closed kitchen layout – typical of the era – didn’t align with the way the homeowners envisioned living in the space. Inspired by their travels through England’s Cotswolds, the French countryside, and Carmel’s whimsical Storybook Cottages by the Sea, the homeowners dreamed of a home that captured the romance of cottages and one that would seamlessly connect with their stunning English-style garden. After years of attempting to reimagine the kitchen in its original location the homeowners realized it would never truly suit the way they lived & wanted to entertain. The original kitchen was historical & was built when the kitchen was the last room you wanted guests to see. It was tucked into the front corner of the home off a hallway leading to the main level bedrooms and bath. To reach the dining room, you passed through a servery swing door, then continued into the living room. While the original door had charm, it disrupted the flow and connection between the kitchen and the main living areas. To bring the homeowners’ vision to life, the design called for a bold move—relocating the kitchen entirely. We designed a 560-square-foot addition off the living room – placing the kitchen at the heart of the home and connecting it to the gardens. The new space includes a sunlit breakfast nook, a charming butler’s pantry, a garden vestibule with its own entry porch, and a wraparound porch that encourages indoor-outdoor living. The main level remodel also redefined existing spaces: the old dining room was transformed into a cozy study library, while a former bedroom became an elegant dining room just off the new kitchen. Every design decision honored the home’s original 1938 architecture and character. Matching the home’s original 1.5-story proportions, the new kitchen wing was designed with intersecting gables that echo the scale and pitch of the existing roofline. A stone-wrapped chimney topped with a handcrafted copper cap is straight from the pages of a storybook. Decorative corbels, intricate window trim, and cedar shake in the gable ends further connect the new architecture to the home’s historic detailing. Finishes and fixtures were thoughtfully chosen to marry the home’s moodier, character-rich original rooms with the brighter, lighter new spaces. The result is a timeless transformation that feels as though it has always been part of the home – an enchanting blend of storybook charm, functional design, and garden-centered living. At the ground level, a Pennsylvania bluestone porch and stone skirting ground the addition in traditional materials. Inside, a tongue-and-groove ceiling with hand-hewn beams gives purpose and intimacy to the heightened kitchen ceiling. The home’s signature arched openings were meticulously replicated in the new kitchen, breakfast nook, and dining room, ensuring a seamless transition between old and new. Every element – inside and out – was chosen to honor the original home while enhancing the charm, character, and connection to the garden. Photos by MK Photography

Updated Spec Home: Foyer and Great Room In our last post, we introduced you to my mom and sister’s Updated Spec Home; the Foyer and Great Room will be featured in this post. Foyer As you enter their home, to the right is a hall closet and a french door which leads to the Basement. To the left is a long wall which was perfect for an extra long console table in a rustic finish that served as a sofa table in their previous home. I love repositioning furniture, and by using this table in the entry, it makes it feel new. Additionally, we placed a vibrant piece of art previously used in my sister’s Bedroom above the table. This piece not only sets the tone for our color palette, it also makes the kind of statement you want in your Foyer – Wow! We added accessories and an unique lamp to complete the space. Great Room In the Great Room which is open to the Foyer, we installed our inspiration artwork in the place of honor over the mantel. Since the piece was vertical, it did not take up enough space. I do not like a “fussy” mantel with lots of accessories so we found these two vases in a silver leaf finish. They were perfect because they were large enough, but not too deep. Accessorizing mantels can be tricky because the majority of them are not deep. We went to Jan’s Floral Design to add vibrant color and interesting textures to the vases. The original mantel was too small and uninspired. Therefore, we had our contractor Brad Anderson built a new one based on a photo of a mantel we liked. The new mantel has lots of great detail and is the appropriate proportion for the fireplace. We replaced beige 12×12 ceramic tiles with gorgeous large pieces of smoked carrara marble for a striking fireplace surround. Check out this other mantel that we updated. For furniture, we purchased a shorter sofa in a gray tweed fabric. Typically, two throw pillows come with a sofa.We added a fun fringe to the pillows that came with the sofa. I recommend ordering pillows that match your sofa fabric and layering with custom pillows that support your color palette. We added a patterned custom pillow and a striped throw. Next, we got a small scale recliner in a yummy gray leather for my mom and a chair and ottoman in a small scale mint and gray geometric pattern for my sister. We added an accent chair in a fun small scale stripe to fill a corner and add additional seating – which is always a good thing. Remember that this was a Spec Home so there were no built-ins. As a result, we needed a media cabinet for the television and some bookcases to display my mom’s decorative box collection and my sister’s collection of blown colored glass. This set from Ballard Designs fit the bill perfectly. The back is open and airy with nice detail. The wood finish also adds a richness to the space. My mom needed a space for her computer, and this small writing desk fit the space perfectly. Finally, for finishing touches, we added a patterned rug, cornice boards in a mint leaf fabric, and great lamps for ambient lighting. These two rooms are stunning, vibrant and livable. Can’t wait to show you more in our next post! Enjoy!

Asked by her client to review a typically mundane South Hampton ‘50s saltbox because “the last designer they talked to said they would have to add on to make the house anything,” Ms. Cohen approached the renovation in exactly the opposite manner. To refine the small building footprint, precise architectural gestures were used with a series of finely calibrated moments make the space more gracious and welcoming. Architectural acts were bold in concept but not in actual construction work; such as capturing the car garage to add a hyper modern sunroom/den along with a powder room and laundry. Reconfiguring one side of the house’s roofline to manipulate the space into a sensational master suite saved the north side of the house from remaining an un-useful attic space. This inner sanctum of bedroom and master bath is reminiscent of a Hampton’s beachscape in all its elegance and minimalism. The only square footage actually added was a tiny 4X4 corner as an addition to the front entry, oddly an essential piece of real estate to make an actual vestibule. All these refinements make for a crafted, articulate result rather than bowing to the bigger is better theme, which is more prevalent in the Hamptons. The function of the plan and the accompanying finishes are impressive. The Jack and Jill bathroom, an invention of the American post-war housing boom, was outfitted in handsome walnut Duravit vanity cabinets and neutral finishes. The master bath, with its expansive skylights, might be mistaken for a conceptual art installation due to its evocative marble countertop in striped ethereal hues. Finally, Ms. Cohen uses wallpaper like a museum curator, hanging an iconic Knoll pattern to punctuate the dining/media space. Each room in the house was sculpted via a palette of watercolor blue of varying saturations. Fabrics were culled from the greats of modernist textiles, Maharam’s Quatrefoil pattern in blue and Knoll classic Sway pattern in sea shades. The blue on white “beach” scheme runs from a soft cotton candy sky in the girl’s room to an immersive David Sutherland Park Bark wallpaper in the powder room. This intellectual inquiry as to what are the true colors at the beach belays the sophistication that surpasses the usual nautical curse of the average beach house. Out of the corner of your eye, in almost every quadrant of the house, is a burst of colorful expression and delight; this serves as Ms. Cohen’s painterly gift to the client. Ms. Cohen’s hidden strength is her ability to choreograph a seating area. Whether it is a formal living room or the ultimate hang out spot, each space has the right amount of distance, intimacy and dare I say intrigue to make the arrangements inviting. Each conversation, because it really looks like a fine chat can be had, has an elegant side table ready for duty and all tête-à-têtes are regulated to a sumptuous area rugs. Habitants in Ms. Cohen’s world only work through deep discourse.

Originally built in 1938, this bungalow cottage had enduring character, but its traditional closed kitchen layout – typical of the era – didn’t align with the way the homeowners envisioned living in the space. Inspired by their travels through England’s Cotswolds, the French countryside, and Carmel’s whimsical Storybook Cottages by the Sea, the homeowners dreamed of a home that captured the romance of cottages and one that would seamlessly connect with their stunning English-style garden. After years of attempting to reimagine the kitchen in its original location the homeowners realized it would never truly suit the way they lived & wanted to entertain. The original kitchen was historical & was built when the kitchen was the last room you wanted guests to see. It was tucked into the front corner of the home off a hallway leading to the main level bedrooms and bath. To reach the dining room, you passed through a servery swing door, then continued into the living room. While the original door had charm, it disrupted the flow and connection between the kitchen and the main living areas. To bring the homeowners’ vision to life, the design called for a bold move—relocating the kitchen entirely. We designed a 560-square-foot addition off the living room – placing the kitchen at the heart of the home and connecting it to the gardens. The new space includes a sunlit breakfast nook, a charming butler’s pantry, a garden vestibule with its own entry porch, and a wraparound porch that encourages indoor-outdoor living. The main level remodel also redefined existing spaces: the old dining room was transformed into a cozy study library, while a former bedroom became an elegant dining room just off the new kitchen. Every design decision honored the home’s original 1938 architecture and character. Matching the home’s original 1.5-story proportions, the new kitchen wing was designed with intersecting gables that echo the scale and pitch of the existing roofline. A stone-wrapped chimney topped with a handcrafted copper cap is straight from the pages of a storybook. Decorative corbels, intricate window trim, and cedar shake in the gable ends further connect the new architecture to the home’s historic detailing. Finishes and fixtures were thoughtfully chosen to marry the home’s moodier, character-rich original rooms with the brighter, lighter new spaces. The result is a timeless transformation that feels as though it has always been part of the home – an enchanting blend of storybook charm, functional design, and garden-centered living. At the ground level, a Pennsylvania bluestone porch and stone skirting ground the addition in traditional materials. Inside, a tongue-and-groove ceiling with hand-hewn beams gives purpose and intimacy to the heightened kitchen ceiling. The home’s signature arched openings were meticulously replicated in the new kitchen, breakfast nook, and dining room, ensuring a seamless transition between old and new. Every element – inside and out – was chosen to honor the original home while enhancing the charm, character, and connection to the garden. Photos by MK Photography

Before...Working out the plant placement and spacing, building the entry gate last. A style of fence that is typical in Japan. We always make these unique-especially the cap. Here we have layered or lapped boards to repel water. Gil Schieber

This summer travel season, we're especially inspired by the possibilities presented by the Barndominium - a unique style of home which has emerged as a popular "up north" family getaway concept over the last couple of years. Barndominiums are the product of large barn kits which are converted into a living space. They tend to be affordable, low-maintenance, and energy efficient houses that typically include a large attached garage. For large families and outdoor enthusiasts, the allure of the barndominium is clear - it combines a cottage-like, open-concept living space with a large attached garage capable of accommodating all of your vacation toys! We recently had the pleasure of helping make one Byron Center client's barndominium dream a reality. The home sits on several acres of northern Michigan land in which the family enjoys hunting, fishing, and all the recreational activities that the great outdoors have to offer.

Asked by her client to review a typically mundane South Hampton ‘50s saltbox because “the last designer they talked to said they would have to add on to make the house anything,” Ms. Cohen approached the renovation in exactly the opposite manner. To refine the small building footprint, precise architectural gestures were used with a series of finely calibrated moments make the space more gracious and welcoming. Architectural acts were bold in concept but not in actual construction work; such as capturing the car garage to add a hyper modern sunroom/den along with a powder room and laundry. Reconfiguring one side of the house’s roofline to manipulate the space into a sensational master suite saved the north side of the house from remaining an un-useful attic space. This inner sanctum of bedroom and master bath is reminiscent of a Hampton’s beachscape in all its elegance and minimalism. The only square footage actually added was a tiny 4X4 corner as an addition to the front entry, oddly an essential piece of real estate to make an actual vestibule. All these refinements make for a crafted, articulate result rather than bowing to the bigger is better theme, which is more prevalent in the Hamptons. The function of the plan and the accompanying finishes are impressive. The Jack and Jill bathroom, an invention of the American post-war housing boom, was outfitted in handsome walnut Duravit vanity cabinets and neutral finishes. The master bath, with its expansive skylights, might be mistaken for a conceptual art installation due to its evocative marble countertop in striped ethereal hues. Finally, Ms. Cohen uses wallpaper like a museum curator, hanging an iconic Knoll pattern to punctuate the dining/media space. Each room in the house was sculpted via a palette of watercolor blue of varying saturations. Fabrics were culled from the greats of modernist textiles, Maharam’s Quatrefoil pattern in blue and Knoll classic Sway pattern in sea shades. The blue on white “beach” scheme runs from a soft cotton candy sky in the girl’s room to an immersive David Sutherland Park Bark wallpaper in the powder room. This intellectual inquiry as to what are the true colors at the beach belays the sophistication that surpasses the usual nautical curse of the average beach house. Out of the corner of your eye, in almost every quadrant of the house, is a burst of colorful expression and delight; this serves as Ms. Cohen’s painterly gift to the client. Ms. Cohen’s hidden strength is her ability to choreograph a seating area. Whether it is a formal living room or the ultimate hang out spot, each space has the right amount of distance, intimacy and dare I say intrigue to make the arrangements inviting. Each conversation, because it really looks like a fine chat can be had, has an elegant side table ready for duty and all tête-à-têtes are regulated to a sumptuous area rugs. Habitants in Ms. Cohen’s world only work through deep discourse.

Natural Expanded Mesh helps to provide a typically boring service yard a visually modern twist. A new town centre is being created to establish a lasting legacy for Canning Town. In conjunction with the London Borough of Newham, Linkcity and other associated project partners they are delivering one of the most exciting and significant town centre regeneration projects in London. Amron was involved in the first phase of the project working to Contrasol‘s design and supplying Zircon expanded mesh panels to provide a unique and modern appearance to protect a service yard for a national supermarket.

This very typical, 1947 built, story-and-a-half home in South Minneapolis had a small ‘U’ shaped kitchen adjacent to a similarly small dining room. These homeowners needed more space to prepare meals and store all the items needed in a modern kitchen. With a standard side entry access there was no more than a landing at the top of the basement stairs – no place to hang coats or even take off shoes! Many years earlier, a small screened-in porch had been added off the dining room, but it was getting minimal use in our Minnesota climate. With a new, spacious, family room addition in the place of the old screen porch and a 5’ expansion off the kitchen and side entry, along with removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, this home underwent a total transformation. What was once small cramped spaces is now a wide open great room containing kitchen, dining and family gathering spaces. As a bonus, a bright and functional mudroom was included to meet all their active family’s storage needs. Natural light now flows throughout the space and Carrara marble accents in both the kitchen and around the fireplace tie the rooms together quite nicely! An ample amount of kitchen storage space was gained with Bayer Interior Woods cabinetry and stainless steel appliances are one of many modern conveniences this family can now enjoy daily. The flooring selection (Red Oak hardwood floors) will not only last for decades to come but also adds a warm feel to the whole home. See full details (including before photos) on our website at http://www.castlebri.com/wholehouse/project-2408-1/ Designed by: Mark Benzell