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.

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

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!

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

Blending contemporary forms and lush plantings, this Garden maximizes the sensory experience of the materials and planting from inside and outside the home. The garden occupies an interior courtyard framed by four interior walls. The home, designed by Architect Cliff May was built in 1948 and the following year was featured in House Beautiful Magazine. The clients list of needs and desires was brief. They wanted a space that would complement the mid century modern home and provide visual interest from inside the home. Some form of water was also requested. They had a budget of $30,000. In order to stay within their budget the clients performed the demolition of the old garden. The designer’s intent was to create a garden that would possess a clear sculptural quality and would be as visually striking from inside the home as it would be from inside the courtyard. The strategy behind the design was to use hardscape materials characterized by simple geometric forms and a planting palette that would emphasize form over color, and then to arrange the materials to achieve an interpretation of modern aesthetic. The views from inside the homes three main living rooms present the garden as a graphic composition of space, hardscape materials and planting. Inside the courtyard the edges are defined by stone and planting. The floor is composed of rectangular slabs of Teakwood flagstone with a counterpoint of Mexican beach pebbles set within the joints and around the edges. Concrete along the edges of the Teakwood pads reduces migration of the modified stone and sand base. The contrast of the Mexican beach pebbles accentuates the pattern of the flagstone. The outside perimeter of the pebbles is contained with low profile edging. An existing catch drain was utilized for storm water runoff. A concrete block pier set on a concrete footing is covered with black stucco and provides a perch for a custom made copper bowl that circulates water into the L shaped water feature. The water features subterranean basin is constructed of pressure treated wood with a custom box liner insert. Since the Teakwood flagstone was unavailable as coping for the water feature, the designer chose Shawnee Buff stone to complement the Teakwood flagstone. The subtle sound of water spilling from the copper bowl and the reflective qualities of the water help to create an atmosphere of relaxation. The planting is composed of shades of green with white flowers in order to accentuate the graphic design. ‘Justin Brouwer’ Boxwood, ‘Sum and Substance’ Hosta, white Anemones, black bamboo and ornamental grasses contrast dramatically with the clean lines of the hardscape elements. The black bamboo is set in 30” diameter concrete containers to control the vigorous plant from spreading. The construction of the interior courtyard space challenged the building team. They set up baffles between the front door and the door to the courtyard as well as temporary protection over the floor to allow the process to move forward without too much disturbance to the client’s lives. All of the materials were shuffled through the temporary portal. The clients love the space and recently said that “the design is so well thought out and simple that they would never get tired of it.” The designs sculptural quality compliments the modern feel of the home and creates a sublime yet dramatic view from within the house or within the courtyard. The clients plan to purchase two black Bertoia Diamond chairs with red cushions which should perfectly integrate with the space.

Part of the Modin Vinyl Plank Collection, Available Exclusively From www.Flooret.com $3.49 / sq ft, 22.08 sq ft per box 50% WIDER. 25% LONGER. TWICE AS DURABLE Luxury Vinyl Plank, 5 mm x 9" x 60" (1.0 mm / 40 mil wear-layer) Lifetime Residential Warranty, 20 year Commercial Warranty Classic Oak Elegance. Arden provides a timeless template with which to define your space. We designed the grain pattern to have just a hint of rustic, but it is still clean enough that you can convincingly use it in a modern setting. REDEFINING DURABILITY The most important specification for determining the durability of vinyl flooring is the thickness of the wear-layer. The best wear-layers are made of thick, clear virgin PVC, which covers the paper print-film that gives the floor its unique appearance. Once the wear-layer wears through, the paper is damaged and the floor will need replacement. Most vinyl floors come with a 8-12 mil wear-layer (0.2-3 mm). The top commercial specs in the industry are higher, at 20-22 mil (0.5 mm). A select few manufacturers offer a "super" commercial spec of 28 mil (0.7 mm). For Modin, we decided to set a new standard: 40 mil (1.0 mm) of premium virgin PVC. This allows us to offer an industry-leading 20 year Commercial Warranty (Lifetime Residential), compared to nearly all other commercial vinyl floors' 10 year Commercial Warranty. Beyond our superior wear-layer, we also use a patented click mechanism for superior hold, and a ceramic-bead coating. SIZE MATTERS Wider and longer planks create a sense of space and luxury. Most vinyl floors come in 6" or 7" widths, and 36" or 48" lengths. For Modin, we designed our planks to be 9" wide, and 60" long. This extra large size allows our gorgeous designs to be fully expressed. DETAILS THAT COUNT We made sure to get all the details right. Real texture, to create the feel of wire-brushed wood. Low sheen level, to ensure a natural look that wears well over time. 4-sided bevels, to more accurately emulate the look of real planks. When added together they help create the unique look that is Modin. DESIGNS THAT INSPIRE We spent nearly a year just focusing on our designs, to ensure they provide the right mix of color and depth. Focusing on timeless wire-brush and European Oak styles, as well as more contemporary modern washes, our collection offers truly beautiful design that is both functional and inspiring.

Michael Gullon, Phoenix Photographic
Living room - traditional living room idea in Baltimore with beige walls

Beach style bedroom photo in Orange County

Part of the Modin Vinyl Plank Collection, Available Exclusively From www.Flooret.com $3.49 / sq ft, 22.08 sq ft per box 50% WIDER. 25% LONGER. TWICE AS DURABLE Luxury Vinyl Plank, 5 mm x 9" x 60" (1.0 mm / 40 mil wear-layer) Lifetime Residential Warranty, 20 year Commercial Warranty Sleek and chic. In terms of high-impact, going with a dark wire-brush pattern is a sure way to quickly define a space. Never boring, this modern pattern will set the mood immediately. The most important specification for determining the durability of vinyl flooring is the thickness of the wear-layer. The best wear-layers are made of thick, clear virgin PVC, which covers the paper print-film that gives the floor its unique appearance. Once the wear-layer wears through, the paper is damaged and the floor will need replacement. Most vinyl floors come with a 8-12 mil wear-layer (0.2-3 mm). The top commercial specs in the industry are higher, at 20-22 mil (0.5 mm). A select few manufacturers offer a “super” commercial spec of 28 mil (0.7 mm). For Modin, we decided to set a new standard: 40 mil (1.0 mm) of premium virgin PVC. This allows us to offer an industry-leading 20 year Commercial Warranty (Lifetime Residential), compared to nearly all other commercial vinyl floors’ 10 year Commercial Warranty. Beyond our superior wear-layer, we also use a patented click mechanism for superior hold, and a ceramic-bead coating. SIZE MATTERS Wider and longer planks create a sense of space and luxury. Most vinyl floors come in 6” or 7” widths, and 36” or 48” lengths. For Modin, we designed our planks to be 9” wide, and 60” long. This extra large size allows our gorgeous designs to be fully expressed. DETAILS THAT COUNT We made sure to get all the details right. Real texture, to create the feel of wire-brushed wood. Low sheen level, to ensure a natural look that wears well over time. 4-sided bevels, to more accurately emulate the look of real planks. When added together they help create the unique look that is Modin. DESIGNS THAT INSPIRE We spent nearly a year just focusing on our designs, to ensure they provide the right mix of color and depth. Focusing on timeless wire-brush and European Oak styles, as well as more contemporary modern washes, our collection offers truly beautiful design that is both functional and inspiring.

With the pending arrival of a beautiful baby girl, the homeowners of this 1928 Minneapolis Tudor wanted a basement that was conducive to a young child, but would still allow a place for family to gather and the occasional house guest. The original basement was typical; cold, lacking natural light with tiny, uncomfortably confined rooms and that “unique” basement smell. The goal was to reverse all of the ill effects of a rarely unappreciated space while increasing the performance of the older home. The frigid temperatures and wet, mildew odor was remedied by demolishing the entire slab floor and excavating to gain an extra six inches in ceiling height. It also allowed us to insulate to R-15, moisture proof under the new slab, install a drain tile and sump pump. Within the concrete slab is a hydronic, in-floor radiant heating system which further helps to add comfort to the space. Lastly, we also sprayed a closed-cell, expanding urethane foam on the inside of the foundation walls all the way to the first floor. To help bring more light down to the basement, we started by opening up the staircase on both sides. A curved wall bends light into the lower level while a countertop and cubbies below provide storage space for odds and ends. On the opposite wall, creatively placed cubbies provide places for paintings, ceramics and plants. We also removed the tiny 18” x 34” window on the south wall and installed a full-sized, high-efficiency, triple pane Pella egress window. To let lots of natural light into the window, we expanded the size of the cedar-lined egress well and included a built-in planter at the base to help bring life into an otherwise empty cavity. Small, unspecified spaces that became storage areas now have purpose. The areas are defined, yet open. Upon descending down the stairs, one is greeted by a large living room with curved walls, custom design media center, built-in daybed and bookshelves. Use of paint was important in the design. Naturally in older homes basements are going to have exposed beams, soffits and a whole gambit of nooks and crannies. Instead of disguising them, we played them up, which created a layer effect with the color. The color also adds a touch of playfulness which anyone, regardless of age, can enjoy. We scavenged the client’s garage and discovered that the previous homeowner kept the old, full-view glass front entry door in the garage. We re-installed the original glass knob and attached the door to sliding barn door hardware which was attached to the main structural beam of the lower level. On the other side of the door was the homeowners’ combined office and small fitness area. The office floor is a blend of thin strips of different colored cork. A built-in storage cabinet sits across from a site-built desk which forms to the curve of the dividing wall. A small, square hole in the curved wall provides a view to see who is coming down the stairs. Opposite of the office area and directly at the base of the stairs is a place for the homeowner’s treadmill. Hidden is the mechanical room, which is home to many green and energy efficient products. The washing machine is a low-water consumption unit while the dryer requires less energy to operate than most standard units. Both sit atop a checkerboard pattern of different colored VCT tiles. We also replaced the aging boiler, which only heated the first and second level, with a 95% efficient heat source for the entire house—including the basement. Behind the curved wall, the bathroom is conveniently located. A large, custom built no-formaldehyde added vanity supports the slab of remnant granite countertop. A piece of eco-resin wall panel, embedded with organic material, contains water in the shower and blends beautifully with the updated colors. Tucked under the stairs, we installed a dual-flush, low-water consumption toilet. Through creative space planning, we packed a lot of into a rather small space. As a result, we have three very happy homeowners who are enjoying their light, clean and safe lower level of their home—however, they’ve been hard pressed to think of it as a “basement”. highlights Moisture management system Insulated slab Hydronic in-floor heat Formaldehyde free cabinetry MN-made custom cabinets Ultra-low VOC paints Wool carpet Dual-flush toilet Cork floor No recessed lights Cedar egress window well with planter Re-used door Eco-resin

The ‘Family Tree’ fireplace screen was commissioned by the property’s owners who were devastated by the loss of a magnificent 200 year old maple tree; eager to pay tribute to the beauty and joy it had provided to them and to the generations preceding who had passed the seasons under its boughs. Inspiration: This tree marked a homestead, sheltered a family, enlivened a neighborhood, and harbored the stories of generations. This was the inspiration for 'Family Tree'. In the course of the design process, it became apparent that the tree was not only an object of beauty, but also a reliquary of family memories. “I feel as though that tree defined the personality of this old, historic house; if it could speak, the stories it would tell,” the client asserted. ‘Family Tree’ weaves a joyful metal tapestry of images and references. A skull and cross bones speak to the legend of Capt’n Kidd and buried treasure (somewhere still to be found on the property!). An iconic wishing well stands filled with legendary stories, real and mostly imagined. A split rail fence defines the front yard with its Great Tree. Initials carved into its massive trunk celebrate generations of grandparents, parents, three adventurous boys and the family dog. References to an active life on the water abound. In this tableau, the blessings of family life are the real hidden treasure. Specifications: “Family Tree” is a 4' x 5' custom fireplace screen. The client selected a bright sanded finish for the imagery, accomplished by grinding the surface revealing a natural steel luster; then hand rubbed with wax to maintain this brilliant finish. The frame stands in contrast with a blackened patina finish. Photo Credit: Edwina Stevenson & Sandra Vlock

Gold Medal Design Award Winner at the 2015 Southwest Region Pool and Spa Show! The most challenging jobs in our industry are small spaces when a client desires an upper end back yard. To make the project more challenging, this site had severe slopes from left to right, as well as away from the house. We utilized the topography to provide the client with all of his wish list. A vanishing edge design was perfect to handle the front to back grade change. A cabana, and swim up bar complex was the answer to the side slope. The cabana has complete kitchen facilities, a changing room, as well as a fire pit immediately out from under roof. Several deck elevations not only helped tackle the contours but also provided defined areas of entertainment (hot tub area, fire pit area, pool deck, etc.). The cabana floor is three feet below the pool, with ten additional steps to give access to the yard below. The existing covered patio was capped with flagstone, which was also used as the coping material and to cap the steps down to the lower level. This pool has a very elaborate arrangement of steps and benches including a large sun shelf, full pool length bench, and bar stool foot rest. The pebble interior is kept free of debris with an in-floor cleaning system. The pool is also fully automated.

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 team took this traditional ranch and overhauled it to create a contemporary dream fit for it’s young family and their elevated tastes. This project included a 300 square foot kitchen addition as well as a full remodel of the existing house. This house proves that modern does not have to feel cold. We replaced the dated windows and doors with a full wall of Jeldwen windows, as well as a huge La Cantina multi slide door for ultimate entertaining. We added contemporary frameless interior doors, white oak flooring, and custom designed walnut cabinets. We finished out the kitchen island with marble waterfall edges and a matching stone splash. The bathrooms were upgraded with a clean and neutral palette that is as durable as it is beautiful. We mixed warm wood tones and creamy tiles with contemporary matte balck and brass fixtures and lighting for a perfect mix of natural texture and refined style. On the exterior- we added smooth stucco to the traditional siding and replaced the composite roof with beautiful stainless steel standing seam. Wood accents in the garage doors and entry add warmth. The end result is a Modern Ranch that exudes clean, contemporary style without losing its Montecito ranch heritage.