Ed Gohlich
Photo of a craftsman landscaping in San Diego.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Our clients came to us looking to do some updates to their new condo unit primarily in the kitchen and living room. The couple has a lifelong love of Arts and Crafts and Modernism, and are the co-founders of PrairieMod, an online retailer that offers timeless modern lifestyle through American made, handcrafted, and exclusively designed products. So, having such a design savvy client was super exciting for us, especially since the couple had many unique pieces of pottery and furniture to provide inspiration for the design. The condo is a large, sunny top floor unit, with a large open feel. The existing kitchen was a peninsula which housed the sink, and they wanted to change that out to an island, relocating the new sink there as well. This can sometimes be tricky with all the plumbing for the building potentially running up through one stack. After consulting with our contractor team, it was determined that our plan would likely work and after confirmation at demo, we pushed on. The new kitchen is a simple L-shaped space, featuring several storage devices for trash, trays dividers and roll out shelving. To keep the budget in check, we used semi-custom cabinetry, but added custom details including a shiplap hood with white oak detail that plays off the oak “X” endcaps at the island, as well as some of the couple’s existing white oak furniture. We also mixed metals with gold hardware and plumbing and matte black lighting that plays well with the unique black herringbone backsplash and metal barstools. New weathered oak flooring throughout the unit provides a nice soft backdrop for all the updates. We wanted to take the cabinets to the ceiling to obtain as much storage as possible, but an angled soffit on two of the walls provided a bit of a challenge. We asked our carpenter to field modify a few of the wall cabinets where necessary and now the space is truly custom. Part of the project also included a new fireplace design including a custom mantle that houses a built-in sound bar and a Panasonic Frame TV, that doubles as hanging artwork when not in use. The TV is mounted flush to the wall, and there are different finishes for the frame available. The TV can display works of art or family photos while not in use. We repeated the black herringbone tile for the fireplace surround here and installed bookshelves on either side for storage and media components. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

When the weather begins to get colder, this can be a dangerous time for trees. There are many reasons how the cold and other elements during winter can harm your trees and surrounding landscape. This also means that there are many ways in which you can help prevent any unfortunate accidents due to the weather. Some of the most common reasons trees can get damaged from the cold weather are as follows: -Root damage -Extensive bark -Core chewing from pests We here at Five Star Tree Services want to provide you with the right information on how to help prevent winter tree damage. Root Damage Prevention Unlike the rest of the tree, which includes the stems, branches, and buds, the roots are the last part of the tree to go dormant for the winter. This means that they are more vulnerable when the weather takes a sharp cold turn. The reason this tends to happen is that the soil temperatures stay warmer than the air, hence why the branches go dormant first and the roots take longer. There are also a number of different things that dictate soil temperatures. For instance, dry soil gets colder quicker than sodden soil. Making it so that there is more ice present in sandy or dry soils, which is how it gets colder in temperature. If you want your soil temperatures to be higher, mulch and snow can help insulate the ground and keep it sheltered from the harsher elements. If you have recently planted a tree, the disturbed soil will now allow cold air to get at the roots, which will hinder any root development or even kill newly grown roots. How To Prevent For newly planted trees, you should cover the roots with 3-4 inches of wood mulch. The best thing to do is make a 6-inch circle surrounding the base of your tree but make sure to keep it away from the trunk. Doing this is going to help support the tree during the winter and help stop unusual roots from growing. Before you lay your mulch down, you should also be checking for holes or breaks in the soil and fill them in before laying your mulch down. In the fall and spring, the soil is continuously being defrosted and refreezing again. This makes the soil contract and expand and can hurt newly planted roots. It can also be enough to push them out of the ground completely! Making mulch even more important since it can provide more consistent temperatures in the soil. If you are experiencing a dry fall with little to no rain happening, you need to give your tree a really good watering before the ground starts to freeze. Doing this is going to lower the risk of your tree getting infiltrated by ice or frost. Pest Damage Prevention There are plenty of things that can harm your trees when the weather turns cold. Some of these other things include: -Sunscald -Dieback -Brown evergreen foliage -Salt damage But aside from weather related ailments, you also need to worry about the damage done by certain pests as well. This can include: -Mice -Hares -Voles -Deer These seemingly harmless animals are known to do major damage to plants during the winter when they are foraging on things like twigs, bark, stems, and leaves. They have even been known to completely eat bushes, right to the ground, and kill trees when they destroy their bark. One of the only ways to prevent animals from chewing on the bark is by building barriers around your trees in order to keep the pests from getting at them. Luckily, making these barriers isn’t as hard as you might be thinking. There are numerous potions for you to choose from that are easy to assemble and disassemble that you can find at your local garden center or landscaping stores. How Five Star Tree Services Can Help Colder weather insights many potential negative things for your trees that can severely harm them, damage them, or even kill them if they are not properly protected. It is always important to make sure that your trees are properly prepared for the winter months ahead. This means utilizing preventative measures to alleviate the risks of things like root and animal damage. If you require help to prepare your trees for winter, our team at Five Star Tree Services is here to help you with our tree care services in Richmond Hill, don’t wait until it’s too late, give us a call today at (416) 990-3355!

This is an organic Lime Wash done with a true lime wash product as opposed to a brick mortar or concrete that is often seen on new houses. This product can be applied as a solid coating making the surface completely white, or can be applied and "washed off" in many artistic ways, as seen here. If you hate your brick or just want something unique this is a great option! Photo credit: Jeff Murrey

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and actress and comedian Ali Wong on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show Celebrity IOU. In the Ali Wong’s Renovation Surprise for A Dear Friend episode, Ali takes sledgehammers and crowbars into her own hands to help transform her best friend, Citadelle’s barren basement and backyard into the perfect indoor-outdoor entertaining space. Ali credits much of her early success to her best friend, Citadelle, whose tireless support helped her when she first started out in Los Angeles. “I really wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for her,” noted Ali. Citadelle opened up space in her home for Ali while she went on auditions. So years later, Ali knew it was time to give back in a big way. “Her friendship has been such a gift” said Ali. “I was supposed to stay there for two weeks and it ended up being a year.” With the help of Drew and Jonathan Scott, Ali was determined to update the entire lower level of Citadelle’s home inside and out and making these spaces as entertainment-friendly as possible for the whole family, including Citadelle’s husband and kids, to enjoy. The multipurpose downstairs basement makeover included turning the family room into a classy lounge with a built in bar, removing the basic stand up shower and replacing it with a luxurious spa tub with stone tiles and converting the guest bedroom into “an office by day and bedroom by night” courtesy of a hidden pull down Murphy bed. All Weather Series 7000 French Swing Doors extend and connect the indoor lounge area to the new outdoor living spaces. The ultimate backyard includes a stylish fireplace, white pergola, outdoor seating and dining area, an outdoor kitchen/grill and new turf for the yard and play structure areas. THE PROPERTY BROTHERS also painted the entire house white with black trim, leveled the backyard and basically doubled the livable square footage of the home. Check out the PROJECT PHOTOS here. Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude and to surprise someone who is important in their life by giving their living space a complete transformation, courtesy of the Drew and Jonathan Scott.

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and Friend’s Alumnus Lisa Kudrow on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show Celebrity IOU. In the Lisa Kudrow’s Stunning Condo Surprise episode, Lisa stuns her deserving cousin and best friend Thea, by transforming her condo into a stylish, functional and animal friendly home for the rescued abused animals she cares for. Lisa not only helped the brothers come up with design ideas, but also picked up a sledgehammer and an electric saw to help them break up a wall. She also helped them kick down a dividing wall and pull tiles off the fireplace. After both of Thea’s parents passed away suddenly, she channeled her grief in meaningful ways, namely by caring for abused shelter pets. Lisa wanted to make sure Thea knew she was loved Renovating her outdated condo was the perfect gift. “Thea has spent the last few years navigating loss,” said Lisa. “She needs a soft place to land.” Lisa added. “She needs a functional space that’s safe and comfortable for the pets she loves.” Besides modernizing Thea’s outdated condo, the focus was to make everything pet friendly in the remodeled the living room, dining room and outdoor patio. From premium vinyl plank flooring, to performance fabric furniture, to an outdoor dog run and pet potty platform. All Weather Series 8100 Multi Slide Doors effortlessly connect the indoors to the outdoors allowing Thea’s four legged friends to explore the pet friendly outdoor patio. The magnificent makeover includes a custom built pantry, new modern fireplace, more storage, an open living room floor plan, pet friendly floating shelves and bench seating and slat wall shading. Check out more PROJECT PHOTOS here. Lisa did join THE PROPERTY BROTHERS to sing her famous song Smelly Cat from the beloved sitcom Friends. ‘I’m just embarrassed I did such a poor job with Smelly Cat,’ Lisa added. ‘I should have just let Drew do it.” Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude and to surprise someone who is important in their life by giving their living space a complete transformation, courtesy of the Drew and Jonathan Scott.

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and Queen of Broadway Idina Menzel on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show CELEBRTIY IOU. In the Idina Menzel’s Slam Dunk Reno episode, Idina pivots from her award-winning stage, film and music success to give back and surprise her good friend and son’s basketball coach James, by transforming his detached garage into a dedicated office and athletic retreat. James Hunt founded Culture Run, a youth basketball program that gives kids the skills to succeed in both basketball and life. With IDINA MENZEL’S surprise renovation, James is one step closer to running a centralized training facility and headquarters where kids can drop by for counseling, basketball tips, and more. When the PROPERTY BROTHERS meet up with Idina to demo the garage, they involve her in every step. Menzel gets her hands dirty by swinging a sledgehammer, operating an electric hand saw and removing storage bins. “I didn’t know they get as down and dirty as they do,” Menzel commented. “I also didn’t know they were gonna have me do so much!” Menzel also helped choose the tile, cabinets, hardware, flooring and the overall color palette. All the effort was worthwhile because Menzel was able to surprise James with the basketball hangout and showstopping of his dreams. The newly dedicated office and athletic retreat features All Weather SERIES 7000 French Swing Doors and SERIES 5000 casement and fixed windows to allow natural light and fresh air in; a sleek kitchenette with an induction cooktop; a modern bathroom with a 7 1/2′ tall shower head for basketball players; a comfortable seating area for James to review film, meet with his players or simply relax; and a unique basketball themed wall mural. Check out more PROJECT PHOTS here. Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude to friends, family and mentors by giving them a surprise renovation courtesy of Drew and Jonathan Scott.

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and Queen of Broadway Idina Menzel on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show CELEBRTIY IOU. In the Idina Menzel’s Slam Dunk Reno episode, Idina pivots from her award-winning stage, film and music success to give back and surprise her good friend and son’s basketball coach James, by transforming his detached garage into a dedicated office and athletic retreat. James Hunt founded Culture Run, a youth basketball program that gives kids the skills to succeed in both basketball and life. With IDINA MENZEL’S surprise renovation, James is one step closer to running a centralized training facility and headquarters where kids can drop by for counseling, basketball tips, and more. When the PROPERTY BROTHERS meet up with Idina to demo the garage, they involve her in every step. Menzel gets her hands dirty by swinging a sledgehammer, operating an electric hand saw and removing storage bins. “I didn’t know they get as down and dirty as they do,” Menzel commented. “I also didn’t know they were gonna have me do so much!” Menzel also helped choose the tile, cabinets, hardware, flooring and the overall color palette. All the effort was worthwhile because Menzel was able to surprise James with the basketball hangout and showstopping of his dreams. The newly dedicated office and athletic retreat features All Weather SERIES 7000 French Swing Doors and SERIES 5000 casement and fixed windows to allow natural light and fresh air in; a sleek kitchenette with an induction cooktop; a modern bathroom with a 7 1/2′ tall shower head for basketball players; a comfortable seating area for James to review film, meet with his players or simply relax; and a unique basketball themed wall mural. Check out more PROJECT PHOTS here. Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude to friends, family and mentors by giving them a surprise renovation courtesy of Drew and Jonathan Scott.

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and Queen of Broadway Idina Menzel on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show CELEBRTIY IOU. In the Idina Menzel’s Slam Dunk Reno episode, Idina pivots from her award-winning stage, film and music success to give back and surprise her good friend and son’s basketball coach James, by transforming his detached garage into a dedicated office and athletic retreat. James Hunt founded Culture Run, a youth basketball program that gives kids the skills to succeed in both basketball and life. With IDINA MENZEL’S surprise renovation, James is one step closer to running a centralized training facility and headquarters where kids can drop by for counseling, basketball tips, and more. When the PROPERTY BROTHERS meet up with Idina to demo the garage, they involve her in every step. Menzel gets her hands dirty by swinging a sledgehammer, operating an electric hand saw and removing storage bins. “I didn’t know they get as down and dirty as they do,” Menzel commented. “I also didn’t know they were gonna have me do so much!” Menzel also helped choose the tile, cabinets, hardware, flooring and the overall color palette. All the effort was worthwhile because Menzel was able to surprise James with the basketball hangout and showstopping of his dreams. The newly dedicated office and athletic retreat features All Weather SERIES 7000 French Swing Doors and SERIES 5000 casement and fixed windows to allow natural light and fresh air in; a sleek kitchenette with an induction cooktop; a modern bathroom with a 7 1/2′ tall shower head for basketball players; a comfortable seating area for James to review film, meet with his players or simply relax; and a unique basketball themed wall mural. Check out more PROJECT PHOTS here. Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude to friends, family and mentors by giving them a surprise renovation courtesy of Drew and Jonathan Scott.

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and Queen of Broadway Idina Menzel on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show CELEBRTIY IOU. In the Idina Menzel’s Slam Dunk Reno episode, Idina pivots from her award-winning stage, film and music success to give back and surprise her good friend and son’s basketball coach James, by transforming his detached garage into a dedicated office and athletic retreat. James Hunt founded Culture Run, a youth basketball program that gives kids the skills to succeed in both basketball and life. With IDINA MENZEL’S surprise renovation, James is one step closer to running a centralized training facility and headquarters where kids can drop by for counseling, basketball tips, and more. When the PROPERTY BROTHERS meet up with Idina to demo the garage, they involve her in every step. Menzel gets her hands dirty by swinging a sledgehammer, operating an electric hand saw and removing storage bins. “I didn’t know they get as down and dirty as they do,” Menzel commented. “I also didn’t know they were gonna have me do so much!” Menzel also helped choose the tile, cabinets, hardware, flooring and the overall color palette. All the effort was worthwhile because Menzel was able to surprise James with the basketball hangout and showstopping of his dreams. The newly dedicated office and athletic retreat features All Weather SERIES 7000 French Swing Doors and SERIES 5000 casement and fixed windows to allow natural light and fresh air in; a sleek kitchenette with an induction cooktop; a modern bathroom with a 7 1/2′ tall shower head for basketball players; a comfortable seating area for James to review film, meet with his players or simply relax; and a unique basketball themed wall mural. Check out more PROJECT PHOTS here. Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude to friends, family and mentors by giving them a surprise renovation courtesy of Drew and Jonathan Scott.

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and Queen of Broadway Idina Menzel on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show CELEBRTIY IOU. In the Idina Menzel’s Slam Dunk Reno episode, Idina pivots from her award-winning stage, film and music success to give back and surprise her good friend and son’s basketball coach James, by transforming his detached garage into a dedicated office and athletic retreat. James Hunt founded Culture Run, a youth basketball program that gives kids the skills to succeed in both basketball and life. With IDINA MENZEL’S surprise renovation, James is one step closer to running a centralized training facility and headquarters where kids can drop by for counseling, basketball tips, and more. When the PROPERTY BROTHERS meet up with Idina to demo the garage, they involve her in every step. Menzel gets her hands dirty by swinging a sledgehammer, operating an electric hand saw and removing storage bins. “I didn’t know they get as down and dirty as they do,” Menzel commented. “I also didn’t know they were gonna have me do so much!” Menzel also helped choose the tile, cabinets, hardware, flooring and the overall color palette. All the effort was worthwhile because Menzel was able to surprise James with the basketball hangout and showstopping of his dreams. The newly dedicated office and athletic retreat features All Weather SERIES 7000 French Swing Doors and SERIES 5000 casement and fixed windows to allow natural light and fresh air in; a sleek kitchenette with an induction cooktop; a modern bathroom with a 7 1/2′ tall shower head for basketball players; a comfortable seating area for James to review film, meet with his players or simply relax; and a unique basketball themed wall mural. Check out more PROJECT PHOTS here. Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude to friends, family and mentors by giving them a surprise renovation courtesy of Drew and Jonathan Scott.

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and Queen of Broadway Idina Menzel on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show CELEBRTIY IOU. In the Idina Menzel’s Slam Dunk Reno episode, Idina pivots from her award-winning stage, film and music success to give back and surprise her good friend and son’s basketball coach James, by transforming his detached garage into a dedicated office and athletic retreat. James Hunt founded Culture Run, a youth basketball program that gives kids the skills to succeed in both basketball and life. With IDINA MENZEL’S surprise renovation, James is one step closer to running a centralized training facility and headquarters where kids can drop by for counseling, basketball tips, and more. When the PROPERTY BROTHERS meet up with Idina to demo the garage, they involve her in every step. Menzel gets her hands dirty by swinging a sledgehammer, operating an electric hand saw and removing storage bins. “I didn’t know they get as down and dirty as they do,” Menzel commented. “I also didn’t know they were gonna have me do so much!” Menzel also helped choose the tile, cabinets, hardware, flooring and the overall color palette. All the effort was worthwhile because Menzel was able to surprise James with the basketball hangout and showstopping of his dreams. The newly dedicated office and athletic retreat features All Weather SERIES 7000 French Swing Doors and SERIES 5000 casement and fixed windows to allow natural light and fresh air in; a sleek kitchenette with an induction cooktop; a modern bathroom with a 7 1/2′ tall shower head for basketball players; a comfortable seating area for James to review film, meet with his players or simply relax; and a unique basketball themed wall mural. Check out more PROJECT PHOTS here. Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude to friends, family and mentors by giving them a surprise renovation courtesy of Drew and Jonathan Scott.

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and Queen of Broadway Idina Menzel on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show CELEBRTIY IOU. In the Idina Menzel’s Slam Dunk Reno episode, Idina pivots from her award-winning stage, film and music success to give back and surprise her good friend and son’s basketball coach James, by transforming his detached garage into a dedicated office and athletic retreat. James Hunt founded Culture Run, a youth basketball program that gives kids the skills to succeed in both basketball and life. With IDINA MENZEL’S surprise renovation, James is one step closer to running a centralized training facility and headquarters where kids can drop by for counseling, basketball tips, and more. When the PROPERTY BROTHERS meet up with Idina to demo the garage, they involve her in every step. Menzel gets her hands dirty by swinging a sledgehammer, operating an electric hand saw and removing storage bins. “I didn’t know they get as down and dirty as they do,” Menzel commented. “I also didn’t know they were gonna have me do so much!” Menzel also helped choose the tile, cabinets, hardware, flooring and the overall color palette. All the effort was worthwhile because Menzel was able to surprise James with the basketball hangout and showstopping of his dreams. The newly dedicated office and athletic retreat features All Weather SERIES 7000 French Swing Doors and SERIES 5000 casement and fixed windows to allow natural light and fresh air in; a sleek kitchenette with an induction cooktop; a modern bathroom with a 7 1/2′ tall shower head for basketball players; a comfortable seating area for James to review film, meet with his players or simply relax; and a unique basketball themed wall mural. Check out more PROJECT PHOTS here. Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude to friends, family and mentors by giving them a surprise renovation courtesy of Drew and Jonathan Scott.

All Weather teamed up with the Property Brothers and Queen of Broadway Idina Menzel on this week’s episode of HGTV’s hit show CELEBRTIY IOU. In the Idina Menzel’s Slam Dunk Reno episode, Idina pivots from her award-winning stage, film and music success to give back and surprise her good friend and son’s basketball coach James, by transforming his detached garage into a dedicated office and athletic retreat. James Hunt founded Culture Run, a youth basketball program that gives kids the skills to succeed in both basketball and life. With IDINA MENZEL’S surprise renovation, James is one step closer to running a centralized training facility and headquarters where kids can drop by for counseling, basketball tips, and more. When the PROPERTY BROTHERS meet up with Idina to demo the garage, they involve her in every step. Menzel gets her hands dirty by swinging a sledgehammer, operating an electric hand saw and removing storage bins. “I didn’t know they get as down and dirty as they do,” Menzel commented. “I also didn’t know they were gonna have me do so much!” Menzel also helped choose the tile, cabinets, hardware, flooring and the overall color palette. All the effort was worthwhile because Menzel was able to surprise James with the basketball hangout and showstopping of his dreams. The newly dedicated office and athletic retreat features All Weather SERIES 7000 French Swing Doors and SERIES 5000 casement and fixed windows to allow natural light and fresh air in; a sleek kitchenette with an induction cooktop; a modern bathroom with a 7 1/2′ tall shower head for basketball players; a comfortable seating area for James to review film, meet with his players or simply relax; and a unique basketball themed wall mural. Check out more PROJECT PHOTS here. Now in its third season, Celebrity IOU gives celebrities a chance to show their deepest gratitude to friends, family and mentors by giving them a surprise renovation courtesy of Drew and Jonathan Scott.

Joseph Teplitz of Press1Photos, LLC
Inspiration for a large rustic master carpeted bedroom remodel in Louisville with green walls and no fireplace

Willie & Leslie of Barrington Hills loved the location of their home. Its breathtaking views overlooked a wooded backyard and a captivating lake. They didn’t want to move, but they needed more space. But the house was missing that big family room where everyone could gather, relax and converse, and the house was completely cut off visually from the beautiful outdoor view right outside! They knew what they wanted meant building an addition to their home. They began searching the internet and came across Advance Design Studio, and after browsing through project after project and reading one outstanding client review after another, they were sold on Advance Design. Additionally, they loved Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” process and felt confident that it would allow the Design/Build company to easily coordinate the multiple projects they wanted to complete all at one time. Willie and Leslie immediately set up a meeting with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Claudia Pop. When the meeting ended, they were sure that Advance Design were the right people and the right approach for their project. "Establishing a direction and a budget is always key in project of this size," Todd said. "This house was screaming for a family room and it didn't have one. Ultimately, it's about working together towards the same goal of a beautiful functional addition." The project consisted of a significant family room addition with an extraordinary vaulted ceiling and floor to ceiling fireplace, a guest suite renovation with a luxury bath, a garage addition, and an adjoining outdoor patio renovation complete with a fantastic built in grilling station. The main goal was to add comfort and space to the existing home that would last their lifetime, and finally allow them to capture the amazing view of the backyard and lake that they never could really enjoy previously. Willie, Leslie and Claudia paid special attention to designing the space to make sure that the footprint of the room did not interfere with the views. Floor to ceiling Pella windows were incorporated into a spectacular window wall to provide plenty of natural light. Vaulted ceilings gave the room a bigger feel and the stunning floor to ceiling masonry fireplace was designed giving the room a rustic, comfortable feel of a Colorado Lodge. Barnwood doors and exposed wooden beams accentuate the crackling fireplace and family gathering space. An oversized statement chandelier bathes the space in soft light once the sun sets and compliments the exposed wood and fireplace perfectly. “It simple elegant and beautiful,” Designer Claudia Pop said. “It is a great family room that captures the views perfectly. They love the fireplace, the barndoors and the openness of the space we designed for the whole family now to enjoy.” And when warm weather beckons, the outdoor patio is a terrific place to spend an evening. The family now enjoys fall nights in front of their outdoor fireplace overlooking the quiet lake. Dekton Trillium Quartz counters tops adorn an amazing grilling bar. Nearly indestructible, they are the only manufactured stone product designed exclusively to withstand high heat in summer and extreme cold temperatures in winter. The guest bath renovation makes Willie and Leslie’s friends and family feel like they are staying at a 5-star hotel. Carlisle colored Maple cabinets from Medallion make a roomy dual vanity more than adequate with plenty of space to get ready for the day after a peaceful night’s sleep. Cambria Quartz countertops are durable and elegant, while contrasting the neutral cabinets flawlessly. Heated flooring from Warmly Yours is the cherry on top for this cozy guest bath. All the projects turned out better than they even imagined. Willie and Leslie now have a spacious family room with even better views of the lake and woods, a much larger garage, a fantastic relaxing outdoor patio, and a guest bath that makes it almost impossible to get the guest to leave after their stay. Are you thinking about a remodeling project? Talk to the experts at Advance Design about the renovation of your dreams. Now is the perfect time to renovate. Check out other amazing projects here. With “Common Sense Remodeling”, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about your kitchen remodeling project, or any other home renovation you are planning. Our talented team can help you design and build the new space you’ve been dreaming about.

The picture shows an Travertine patio that was installed at a property in Hackney E5 around ten years ago and it had never been sealed. Over the year’s pollution and weather etc had taken its toll on the stone leaving the travertine stained with lichen, dull and grey as opposed to their original white/cream colour. Had the patio been sealed it would have provided some protection from the elements. I conducted an initial visit where I tested several products to see what would be the most effective and establish what was required. Using that knowledge, I followed up with a written quote which was accepted, and a date arranged to complete the work. We have adopted new working practices since the COVID-19 epidemic so we can work safely inside or outside but given the excellent weather this year this was an ideal and much easier to maintain social distancing. During day 1 on site I started by sweeping away loose stones and other debris you typically find on patios. Then Tile Doctor Patio and Brick Driveway cleaner was applied neat to the stone and left for two hours. This is a very strong product designed for use by professionals which cuts through the dirt and was ideal for this situation. There are certain precautions you do need to take when using it such as wearing PPE and you must keep it away from ponds etc. Using water to lubricate, the solution was then scrubbed into the stone using a coarse 200-grit pad fitted to a rotary machine and followed up with a lot of rinsing and extracting with water and a wet vacuum. To refine the surface after the coarse Travertine the 200-grit pad I followed with 400, 800 and then 1500-grit burnishing pads in sequence rinsing with water and extracting after each pad was applied. This process is known as burnishing and closes the pores in the stone giving it a polished appearance. By this point the Travertine looked way better and we were starting to get the smooth finish back. The weather held so the following morning a 3000-grit polishing pad was applied dry to the stone using only a little water. This brings up the appearance of the stone even further and has the added advantage of leaving it dry and ready for sealing. The client wanted a natural appearance so two coats of Tile Doctor Ultra Seal were applied to seal the stone. Ultra-Seal is an impregnating sealer that soaks into the stone, protecting it from within yet without changing the appearance of the stone leaving a completely natural look. The client very happy with job and now proud so show off her revamped patio. They hadn’t realised that the patio should have looked like this from the start. For aftercare I recommended they use Tile Doctor Stone Soap, many day to day cleaning products you find in supermarkets can strip off a sealer so if your using something else do check the label first. Jackson Davis East London Tile Doctor

Reclaimed wood timber posts and header beams frame the glass wall overlooking this luxury indoor basketball and sport court, bringing warmth, texture, and material richness to a high volume space that could easily feel cold and industrial. The dark chocolate brown tones, deep checking, and heavily weathered surface of these old growth hardwoods create a striking contrast against the steel angle bracket connections and the clean glass walls. This install shows that reclaimed wood is not limited to living rooms and dining rooms. Large scale recreational spaces, home gyms, and sport courts are an uncommon and dramatic application for reclaimed timber framing, and the results speak for themselves. At Manomin Resawn Timbers, every piece goes through a detailed process of denailing, kiln drying, and precision milling so that antique character is preserved while performing beautifully in any application. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner looking to bring reclaimed wood into a sport court, home gym, or large scale recreational space, Manomin Resawn Timbers has been helping people discover the antique charm of reclaimed wood since 2002. We serve homebuilders, contractors, and designers across the country. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message to get started. Image via Landmark Photography

This close-up of a reclaimed wood mantel captures something rare: two faces of the same antique timber telling entirely different parts of the same story. The weathered silver-gray face carries more than a century of natural aging, with deeply pronounced grain lines, natural checking, and a timeworn texture that cannot be manufactured or replicated. The freshly cut end reveals the warm reddish-brown tones beneath, a glimpse of the old growth hardwood at the heart of every piece Manomin Resawn Timbers works with. Together they show exactly what makes reclaimed wood unlike anything else you can put in a home. This is not just a mantel. It is a piece of American history, prepared with care and precision to take its place above your hearth for generations to come. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner looking to add a reclaimed wood mantel with genuine character to your fireplace, Manomin Resawn Timbers has been helping people discover the antique charm of reclaimed wood since 2002. We ship nationwide and are happy to help you find the right piece from anywhere in the country. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message to get started. Landmark Photography -- Bob Michels Construction