Sean Litchfield
Entryway - farmhouse entryway idea in Boston

Architect: Peterssen Keller Architecture | Builder: Elevation Homes | Photographer: Spacecrafting
Trendy carpeted and gray floor family room photo in Minneapolis with gray walls

Chipper Hatter Photography
Inspiration for a large contemporary galley light wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in San Diego with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, white walls, an undermount sink, solid surface countertops and stone tile backsplash

The lower level features a wet bar with marble subway tile, leather-textured granite, and custom cabinetry. There are also beverage and wine refrigerators, perfect for entertaining. Photo Credit: David Bader Photography

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Photo: Nicholas A. Tonelli, via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-2.0 generic Understory of cinnamon ferns (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum) in a dense forest of spruce, hemlocks, and northern hardwoods, Monroe County, within the Thomas Darling Preserve at Two-Mile Run.

This Parkville, MO basement remodel transforms an unfinished lower level into a clean, modern space designed to support everyday living and grow with the family. Guided by a simple and intentional aesthetic, the layout was designed to create distinct yet connected zones within an open-concept plan. A dedicated media area accommodates multiple screens, while adjacent spaces provide room for active play and a functional workout zone with space for weights and equipment. A wet bar positioned just off the main living area adds convenience for entertaining without interrupting the flow of the space. Throughout the design, durability and organization were prioritized to ensure the basement functions effortlessly for daily use. Even the bathroom was treated as a design opportunity, incorporating a unique feature that brings personality and character to the lower level. The result is a bright, flexible extension of the home that feels cohesive, highly functional, and built to evolve with the family over time.

Transitional laundry room photo in Sacramento

This Parkville, MO basement remodel transforms an unfinished lower level into a clean, modern space designed to support everyday living and grow with the family. Guided by a simple and intentional aesthetic, the layout was designed to create distinct yet connected zones within an open-concept plan. A dedicated media area accommodates multiple screens, while adjacent spaces provide room for active play and a functional workout zone with space for weights and equipment. A wet bar positioned just off the main living area adds convenience for entertaining without interrupting the flow of the space. Throughout the design, durability and organization were prioritized to ensure the basement functions effortlessly for daily use. Even the bathroom was treated as a design opportunity, incorporating a unique feature that brings personality and character to the lower level. The result is a bright, flexible extension of the home that feels cohesive, highly functional, and built to evolve with the family over time.

This Parkville, MO basement remodel transforms an unfinished lower level into a clean, modern space designed to support everyday living and grow with the family. Guided by a simple and intentional aesthetic, the layout was designed to create distinct yet connected zones within an open-concept plan. A dedicated media area accommodates multiple screens, while adjacent spaces provide room for active play and a functional workout zone with space for weights and equipment. A wet bar positioned just off the main living area adds convenience for entertaining without interrupting the flow of the space. Throughout the design, durability and organization were prioritized to ensure the basement functions effortlessly for daily use. Even the bathroom was treated as a design opportunity, incorporating a unique feature that brings personality and character to the lower level. The result is a bright, flexible extension of the home that feels cohesive, highly functional, and built to evolve with the family over time.

This Parkville, MO basement remodel transforms an unfinished lower level into a clean, modern space designed to support everyday living and grow with the family. Guided by a simple and intentional aesthetic, the layout was designed to create distinct yet connected zones within an open-concept plan. A dedicated media area accommodates multiple screens, while adjacent spaces provide room for active play and a functional workout zone with space for weights and equipment. A wet bar positioned just off the main living area adds convenience for entertaining without interrupting the flow of the space. Throughout the design, durability and organization were prioritized to ensure the basement functions effortlessly for daily use. Even the bathroom was treated as a design opportunity, incorporating a unique feature that brings personality and character to the lower level. The result is a bright, flexible extension of the home that feels cohesive, highly functional, and built to evolve with the family over time.

This finished basement was designed as a multifunctional entertainment space, combining a custom wet bar, game area, and comfortable media lounge into one cohesive layout. Dark wood cabinetry and wall paneling create a rich, modern atmosphere, while light wood flooring and soft neutral walls balance the space with warmth and contrast. The custom bar features quartz countertops, a beverage refrigerator, and ample storage, making it ideal for hosting. The open layout seamlessly connects the bar area to a spacious game zone and a dedicated lounge with built-in media wall, creating distinct zones for relaxing and entertaining. Thoughtful lighting, durable finishes, and clean-lined details complete this basement transformation, resulting in a functional and inviting extension of the home.

This Parkville, MO basement remodel transforms an unfinished lower level into a clean, modern space designed to support everyday living and grow with the family. Guided by a simple and intentional aesthetic, the layout was designed to create distinct yet connected zones within an open-concept plan. A dedicated media area accommodates multiple screens, while adjacent spaces provide room for active play and a functional workout zone with space for weights and equipment. A wet bar positioned just off the main living area adds convenience for entertaining without interrupting the flow of the space. Throughout the design, durability and organization were prioritized to ensure the basement functions effortlessly for daily use. Even the bathroom was treated as a design opportunity, incorporating a unique feature that brings personality and character to the lower level. The result is a bright, flexible extension of the home that feels cohesive, highly functional, and built to evolve with the family over time.

Transitional home bar photo in Boston

This Parkville, MO basement remodel transforms an unfinished lower level into a clean, modern space designed to support everyday living and grow with the family. Guided by a simple and intentional aesthetic, the layout was designed to create distinct yet connected zones within an open-concept plan. A dedicated media area accommodates multiple screens, while adjacent spaces provide room for active play and a functional workout zone with space for weights and equipment. A wet bar positioned just off the main living area adds convenience for entertaining without interrupting the flow of the space. Throughout the design, durability and organization were prioritized to ensure the basement functions effortlessly for daily use. Even the bathroom was treated as a design opportunity, incorporating a unique feature that brings personality and character to the lower level. The result is a bright, flexible extension of the home that feels cohesive, highly functional, and built to evolve with the family over time.

This finished basement was designed as a multifunctional entertainment space, combining a custom wet bar, game area, and comfortable media lounge into one cohesive layout. Dark wood cabinetry and wall paneling create a rich, modern atmosphere, while light wood flooring and soft neutral walls balance the space with warmth and contrast. The custom bar features quartz countertops, a beverage refrigerator, and ample storage, making it ideal for hosting. The open layout seamlessly connects the bar area to a spacious game zone and a dedicated lounge with built-in media wall, creating distinct zones for relaxing and entertaining. Thoughtful lighting, durable finishes, and clean-lined details complete this basement transformation, resulting in a functional and inviting extension of the home.

$8,000 Builder credit paid to you towards window coverings, closing costs or interest buy-down! Magazine quality kitchen w/ expensive high gloss white finish, frosted glass showcase and soft close / pull-out cabinetry * Upgraded touch faucet * Upgraded composite granite sink for durability * Upgraded GE Cafe SS appliances * Upgraded 4" solid hardwood flooring * Upgraded slimline fireplace * Upgraded tankless water heater for high efficiency* Upgraded solid core doors throughout (twice the price of standard hollow core) * Upgraded custom handmade wrought-iron rail / with butcher block wood stairsystem * Rec/Media Room w/ upgraded roll-up garage door double pane & insulated for energy efficiency * Expansive patio with panoramic unobstructed city skyline AND mountain views perfect for entertaining* Full wet bar w/ wine refrigerator, sink and storage * 4 bedroom potential (call broker for specs) * 2 car detached garage * Ample storage space in 14' garage and temp controlled 3' crawl space.

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!

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