Architect: THINK ARCHITECTURE Builder: Magleby Construction Photographer: Blakely Photography
Inspiration for a transitional white two-story mixed siding exterior home remodel in Other with a shingle roof

This Toronto backyard may be small in space but it's big on style. We created two defined living spaces - a dining area on a raised square cut flagstone patio and a sunken living area with a fire table that will add style to any evening ambiance. This space is a perfect extension of the house. It's not only big on style but function as well and makes it perfect for this young family of five. There is a cozy bbq area with bench height stone wall and lounge area for mom or dad, long stretch of grass perfect for throwing the football and dining for the whole family (even the little ones!) When design in small spaces, creating defined rooms and keeping the unity between them can make the space feel larger and much more functional.

Our client desired a functional, tasteful, and improved environment to compliment their home. The overall goal was to create a landscape that was subtle and not overdone. The client was highly focused on their deck environment that would span across the rear of the house with an area for a Jacuzzi as well. A portion of the deck has a screened in porch due to the naturally buggy environment since the home is situated in the woods and a low area. A mosquito repellent injection system was incorporated into the irrigation system to help with the bug issue. We improved circulation of the driveway, increased the overall curb appeal of the entrance of the home, and created a scaled and proportional outdoor living environment for the clients to enjoy. The client has religious guidelines that needed to be adhered to with the overall function and design of the landscape, which included an arbor over the deck to support a Sukkah and a Green Egg smoker to cook Kosher foods. Two columns were added at the driveway entrance with lights to help define their driveway entrance since it's the end of a long pipe-stem. New light fixtures were also added to the rear of the house. Our client desired multiple amenities with a limited budget, so everything had to be value engineered through the design and construction process. There is heavy deer pressure on the site, a mosquito issue, low site elevations, flat topography, poor soil, and overall poor drainage of the site. The original driveway was not sized appropriately and the front porch had structural issues, as well as leaked water onto the landing below. The septic tank was also situated close to the rear of the house and had to be contemplated during the design process. Photography: Morgan Howarth. Landscape Architect: Howard Cohen, Surrounds Inc.

Inspiration for a transitional exterior home remodel in Minneapolis

Photo by Jay Sifford

Pure forms. Premium finishes. A refined interplay of tones and textures defines this kitchen: the greige Fenix worktop exudes understated elegance, while the full-height bookcase in graphite grey and greige Fenix lacquered doors adds architectural presence. At the heart of it all, the island hood stands as a sculptural centerpiece — uniting function and style in perfect harmony. This is a kitchen concept rooted in essential beauty. Every line is intentional, every surface thoughtfully selected. The seamless match between the Fenix greige worktop and the adjacent drawers in matt greige lacquer is a tribute to refined simplicity — proof that luxury lives in the details.

We started with a blank slate on this basement project where our only obstacles were exposed steel support columns, existing plumbing risers from the concrete slab, and dropped soffits concealing ductwork on the ceiling. It had the advantage of tall ceilings, an existing egress window, and a sliding door leading to a newly constructed patio. This family of five loves the beach and frequents summer beach resorts in the Northeast. Bringing that aesthetic home to enjoy all year long was the inspiration for the décor, as well as creating a family-friendly space for entertaining. Wish list items included room for a billiard table, wet bar, game table, family room, guest bedroom, full bathroom, space for a treadmill and closed storage. The existing structural elements helped to define how best to organize the basement. For instance, we knew we wanted to connect the bar area and billiards table with the patio in order to create an indoor/outdoor entertaining space. It made sense to use the egress window for the guest bedroom for both safety and natural light. The bedroom also would be adjacent to the plumbing risers for easy access to the new bathroom. Since the primary focus of the family room would be for TV viewing, natural light did not need to filter into that space. We made sure to hide the columns inside of newly constructed walls and dropped additional soffits where needed to make the ceiling mechanicals feel less random. In addition to the beach vibe, the homeowner has valuable sports memorabilia that was to be prominently displayed including two seats from the original Yankee stadium. For a coastal feel, shiplap is used on two walls of the family room area. In the bathroom shiplap is used again in a more creative way using wood grain white porcelain tile as the horizontal shiplap “wood”. We connected the tile horizontally with vertical white grout joints and mimicked the horizontal shadow line with dark grey grout. At first glance it looks like we wrapped the shower with real wood shiplap. Materials including a blue and white patterned floor, blue penny tiles and a natural wood vanity checked the list for that seaside feel. A large reclaimed wood door on an exposed sliding barn track separates the family room from the game room where reclaimed beams are punctuated with cable lighting. Cabinetry and a beverage refrigerator are tucked behind the rolling bar cabinet (that doubles as a Blackjack table!). A TV and upright video arcade machine round-out the entertainment in the room. Bar stools, two rotating club chairs, and large square poufs along with the Yankee Stadium seats provide fun places to sit while having a drink, watching billiards or a game on the TV. Signed baseballs can be found behind the bar, adjacent to the billiard table, and on specially designed display shelves next to the poker table in the family room. Thoughtful touches like the surfboards, signage, photographs and accessories make a visitor feel like they are on vacation at a well-appointed beach resort without being cliché.

Our client desired a functional, tasteful, and improved environment to compliment their home. The overall goal was to create a landscape that was subtle and not overdone. The client was highly focused on their deck environment that would span across the rear of the house with an area for a Jacuzzi as well. A portion of the deck has a screened in porch due to the naturally buggy environment since the home is situated in the woods and a low area. A mosquito repellent injection system was incorporated into the irrigation system to help with the bug issue. We improved circulation of the driveway, increased the overall curb appeal of the entrance of the home, and created a scaled and proportional outdoor living environment for the clients to enjoy. The client has religious guidelines that needed to be adhered to with the overall function and design of the landscape, which included an arbor over the deck to support a Sukkah and a Green Egg smoker to cook Kosher foods. Two columns were added at the driveway entrance with lights to help define their driveway entrance since it's the end of a long pipe-stem. New light fixtures were also added to the rear of the house. Our client desired multiple amenities with a limited budget, so everything had to be value engineered through the design and construction process. There is heavy deer pressure on the site, a mosquito issue, low site elevations, flat topography, poor soil, and overall poor drainage of the site. The original driveway was not sized appropriately and the front porch had structural issues, as well as leaked water onto the landing below. The septic tank was also situated close to the rear of the house and had to be contemplated during the design process. Photography: Morgan Howarth. Landscape Architect: Howard Cohen, Surrounds Inc.

This culinary kitchen design has a transitional style and incorporates beautiful clean lines. The designer selected a beautiful combination of three different finishes from Medallion to create a well-designed and functional space to satisfy your inner chef. The custom designed kitchen island showcases our Greystone finish from the New Stoney Brooke Collection and creates defined cooking, cleaning, and prep zones within the overall space. Medallion’s new Stoney Brooke Collection is uniquely textured in subtle shades of grays and browns. This unique finish is achieved by artfully brushing multiple glaze materials onto a stained surface. The varying shades of this glaze application create a subtle textural feel and appearance. The component hood creates a function focal point and is finished in both Greystone and our new Irish Crème painted finish. The Irish Crème wall cabinetry coordinates beautifully with the Smoke stained base cabinets which provide a neutral backdrop for your culinary creations. Extend the style and well-appropriated design of your kitchen into the pantry. Select coordinating cabinetry and specialized storage options to fit your culinary needs. Find a Medallion Showroom near you today: http://www.medallioncabinetry.com/DealerLocator

The dining room at Stemwinder Camp is a beautiful expression of simple elegance, where thoughtful design and abundant natural sunlight create an inviting, timeless atmosphere. Large windows flood the space with light throughout the day, highlighting the clean lines and warm materials that define the home’s refined craftsman aesthetic. The sunlight enhances the room’s airy quality, making it feel both open and intimate—perfect for everyday meals or relaxed gatherings. True to the vision of the architects at Historical Concepts, the dining room balances contemporary simplicity with classic craftsman principles. Subtle detailing, well-proportioned architecture, and a restrained palette allow the natural surroundings of Balsam Mountain Preserve to take center stage. The result is a dining space that feels calm, bright, and effortlessly elegant—rooted in tradition, yet perfectly suited for modern mountain living.

Custom Bookcases These bookcases were designed to create aesthetic book storage as well as a hidden storage space for unsightly AV equipment. There’s an integrated wire chase that connects to their integrated speaker system in the ceiling as well as their TV above the mantle. These are a few inches shallower than the actual framing to hide a bump-out wire and plumbing chase required to support the upstairs living space. Window Seat This window seat frames the existing window with useful storage and creates a perfect alcove to curl up with a book. We wrapped the ceiling with a soffit here to define space space more and create a vertical surface for accent lighting. This additional bookshelf on the left completes the space and hides another mechanical chase that feeds the upstairs living space. Fireplace & Mantle Our team added a new gas-burning fireplace to this room and we milled custom knotty alder tongue and groove paneling for an accent above. Box mantle in knotty alder as well. Wire chase and receptacle for TV set as well.

ORCA Chair Furniture – Outdoor Product Dimensions (IN): L72” x W37” x H24.5” Product Weight (LB): 47 Product Dimensions (CM): L183” x W94” x H62.2” Product Weight (KG): 21.3 Orca Chair is a customized, form-fitting, and functional achievement in design and usability. Modelled in the semblance of a killer whale, the curvaceously contoured chair exudes comfort and style. Several patterned, symmetrical openings serve as handles in key areas for ease of maneuverability, as well as a way to prevent water build-up in the concave structure, providing the added feature of water drainage and easy clean-up. Available in 43 exterior colours with white as the inside primary colour, this is the chair of the season for outdoor patio parties, functions and hotel, bar, restaurant and lounge events. Sporty as well as spacious, sleek as well as sensible, Orca is a chair that can be enjoyed poolside at the home away from home, beach side, or as part of an outdoor courtyard-themed speciality look. Commercially viable, as well as residential-ready, Orca is a coolly defined chair that will enhance and add personality to your outdoor space. Each sold separately. Materials: Fiberglass resin Gel coat (custom colours) Orca Chair is custom made to order. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Made in Canada ABOUT WARRANTY ANTI-SHOCK WEATHERPROOF LIGHTWEIGHT

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!

Custom Bookcases These bookcases were designed to create aesthetic book storage as well as a hidden storage space for unsightly AV equipment. There’s an integrated wire chase that connects to their integrated speaker system in the ceiling as well as their TV above the mantle. These are a few inches shallower than the actual framing to hide a bump-out wire and plumbing chase required to support the upstairs living space. Window Seat This window seat frames the existing window with useful storage and creates a perfect alcove to curl up with a book. We wrapped the ceiling with a soffit here to define space space more and create a vertical surface for accent lighting. This additional bookshelf on the left completes the space and hides another mechanical chase that feeds the upstairs living space. Fireplace & Mantle Our team added a new gas-burning fireplace to this room and we milled custom knotty alder tongue and groove paneling for an accent above. Box mantle in knotty alder as well. Wire chase and receptacle for TV set as well.

ORCA Chair Furniture – Outdoor Product Dimensions (IN): L72” x W37” x H24.5” Product Weight (LB): 47 Product Dimensions (CM): L183” x W94” x H62.2” Product Weight (KG): 21.3 Orca Chair is a customized, form-fitting, and functional achievement in design and usability. Modelled in the semblance of a killer whale, the curvaceously contoured chair exudes comfort and style. Several patterned, symmetrical openings serve as handles in key areas for ease of maneuverability, as well as a way to prevent water build-up in the concave structure, providing the added feature of water drainage and easy clean-up. Available in 43 exterior colours with white as the inside primary colour, this is the chair of the season for outdoor patio parties, functions and hotel, bar, restaurant and lounge events. Sporty as well as spacious, sleek as well as sensible, Orca is a chair that can be enjoyed poolside at the home away from home, beach side, or as part of an outdoor courtyard-themed speciality look. Commercially viable, as well as residential-ready, Orca is a coolly defined chair that will enhance and add personality to your outdoor space. Each sold separately. Materials: Fiberglass resin Gel coat (custom colours) Orca Chair is custom made to order. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Made in Canada ABOUT WARRANTY ANTI-SHOCK WEATHERPROOF LIGHTWEIGHT

ORCA Chair Furniture – Outdoor Product Dimensions (IN): L72” x W37” x H24.5” Product Weight (LB): 47 Product Dimensions (CM): L183” x W94” x H62.2” Product Weight (KG): 21.3 Orca Chair is a customized, form-fitting, and functional achievement in design and usability. Modelled in the semblance of a killer whale, the curvaceously contoured chair exudes comfort and style. Several patterned, symmetrical openings serve as handles in key areas for ease of maneuverability, as well as a way to prevent water build-up in the concave structure, providing the added feature of water drainage and easy clean-up. Available in 43 exterior colours with white as the inside primary colour, this is the chair of the season for outdoor patio parties, functions and hotel, bar, restaurant and lounge events. Sporty as well as spacious, sleek as well as sensible, Orca is a chair that can be enjoyed poolside at the home away from home, beach side, or as part of an outdoor courtyard-themed speciality look. Commercially viable, as well as residential-ready, Orca is a coolly defined chair that will enhance and add personality to your outdoor space. Each sold separately. Materials: Fiberglass resin Gel coat (custom colours) Orca Chair is custom made to order. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Made in Canada ABOUT WARRANTY ANTI-SHOCK WEATHERPROOF LIGHTWEIGHT

ORCA Chair Furniture – Outdoor Product Dimensions (IN): L72” x W37” x H24.5” Product Weight (LB): 47 Product Dimensions (CM): L183” x W94” x H62.2” Product Weight (KG): 21.3 Orca Chair is a customized, form-fitting, and functional achievement in design and usability. Modelled in the semblance of a killer whale, the curvaceously contoured chair exudes comfort and style. Several patterned, symmetrical openings serve as handles in key areas for ease of maneuverability, as well as a way to prevent water build-up in the concave structure, providing the added feature of water drainage and easy clean-up. Available in 43 exterior colours with white as the inside primary colour, this is the chair of the season for outdoor patio parties, functions and hotel, bar, restaurant and lounge events. Sporty as well as spacious, sleek as well as sensible, Orca is a chair that can be enjoyed poolside at the home away from home, beach side, or as part of an outdoor courtyard-themed speciality look. Commercially viable, as well as residential-ready, Orca is a coolly defined chair that will enhance and add personality to your outdoor space. Each sold separately. Materials: Fiberglass resin Gel coat (custom colours) Orca Chair is custom made to order. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Made in Canada ABOUT WARRANTY ANTI-SHOCK WEATHERPROOF LIGHTWEIGHT

ORCA Chair Furniture – Outdoor Product Dimensions (IN): L72” x W37” x H24.5” Product Weight (LB): 47 Product Dimensions (CM): L183” x W94” x H62.2” Product Weight (KG): 21.3 Orca Chair is a customized, form-fitting, and functional achievement in design and usability. Modelled in the semblance of a killer whale, the curvaceously contoured chair exudes comfort and style. Several patterned, symmetrical openings serve as handles in key areas for ease of maneuverability, as well as a way to prevent water build-up in the concave structure, providing the added feature of water drainage and easy clean-up. Available in 43 exterior colours with white as the inside primary colour, this is the chair of the season for outdoor patio parties, functions and hotel, bar, restaurant and lounge events. Sporty as well as spacious, sleek as well as sensible, Orca is a chair that can be enjoyed poolside at the home away from home, beach side, or as part of an outdoor courtyard-themed speciality look. Commercially viable, as well as residential-ready, Orca is a coolly defined chair that will enhance and add personality to your outdoor space. Each sold separately. Materials: Fiberglass resin Gel coat (custom colours) Orca Chair is custom made to order. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Made in Canada ABOUT WARRANTY ANTI-SHOCK WEATHERPROOF LIGHTWEIGHT

Custom Bookcases These bookcases were designed to create aesthetic book storage as well as a hidden storage space for unsightly AV equipment. There’s an integrated wire chase that connects to their integrated speaker system in the ceiling as well as their TV above the mantle. These are a few inches shallower than the actual framing to hide a bump-out wire and plumbing chase required to support the upstairs living space. Window Seat This window seat frames the existing window with useful storage and creates a perfect alcove to curl up with a book. We wrapped the ceiling with a soffit here to define space space more and create a vertical surface for accent lighting. This additional bookshelf on the left completes the space and hides another mechanical chase that feeds the upstairs living space. Fireplace & Mantle Our team added a new gas-burning fireplace to this room and we milled custom knotty alder tongue and groove paneling for an accent above. Box mantle in knotty alder as well. Wire chase and receptacle for TV set as well.