Rob Karosis, photographer
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard stone and rectangular lap pool remodel in New York

Douglas VanderHorn Architects
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard stone patio remodel in New York with a gazebo

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard rectangular and tile lap hot tub remodel in Sacramento

Example of a large classic backyard rectangular and brick pool design in San Francisco

Challenge This 2001 riverfront home was purchased by the owners in 2015 and immediately renovated. Progressive Design Build was hired at that time to remodel the interior, with tentative plans to remodel their outdoor living space as a second phase design/build remodel. True to their word, after completing the interior remodel, this young family turned to Progressive Design Build in 2017 to address known zoning regulations and restrictions in their backyard and build an outdoor living space that was fit for entertaining and everyday use. The homeowners wanted a pool and spa, outdoor living room, kitchen, fireplace and covered patio. They also wanted to stay true to their home’s Old Florida style architecture while also adding a Jamaican influence to the ceiling detail, which held sentimental value to the homeowners who honeymooned in Jamaica. Solution To tackle the known zoning regulations and restrictions in the backyard, the homeowners researched and applied for a variance. With the variance in hand, Progressive Design Build sat down with the homeowners to review several design options. These options included: Option 1) Modifications to the original pool design, changing it to be longer and narrower and comply with an existing drainage easement Option 2) Two different layouts of the outdoor living area Option 3) Two different height elevations and options for the fire pit area Option 4) A proposed breezeway connecting the new area with the existing home After reviewing the options, the homeowners chose the design that placed the pool on the backside of the house and the outdoor living area on the west side of the home (Option 1). It was important to build a patio structure that could sustain a hurricane (a Southwest Florida necessity), and provide substantial sun protection. The new covered area was supported by structural columns and designed as an open-air porch (with no screens) to allow for an unimpeded view of the Caloosahatchee River. The open porch design also made the area feel larger, and the roof extension was built with substantial strength to survive severe weather conditions. The pool and spa were connected to the adjoining patio area, designed to flow seamlessly into the next. The pool deck was designed intentionally in a 3-color blend of concrete brick with freeform edge detail to mimic the natural river setting. Bringing the outdoors inside, the pool and fire pit were slightly elevated to create a small separation of space. Result All of the desirable amenities of a screened porch were built into an open porch, including electrical outlets, a ceiling fan/light kit, TV, audio speakers, and a fireplace. The outdoor living area was finished off with additional storage for cushions, ample lighting, an outdoor dining area, a smoker, a grill, a double-side burner, an under cabinet refrigerator, a major ventilation system, and water supply plumbing that delivers hot and cold water to the sinks. Because the porch is under a roof, we had the option to use classy woods that would give the structure a natural look and feel. We chose a dark cypress ceiling with a gloss finish, replicating the same detail that the homeowners experienced in Jamaica. This created a deep visceral and emotional reaction from the homeowners to their new backyard. The family now spends more time outdoors enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Their professional lives allow them to take a trip to paradise right in their backyard—stealing moments that reflect on the past, but are also enjoyed in the present.

Patio - cottage patio idea in Austin with a bbq area

Pavilion at night. At center is a wood-burning fire pit with a custom copper hood. An internal fan in the flue pulls smoke up and out of the pavilion. Octagonal fire pit and spa are on axis with the home's octagonal dining table up the slope and inside the house. At right is the bathroom, at left is the outdoor kitchen. I designed this outdoor living project when at CG&S, and it was beautifully built by their team. Photo: Paul Finkel 2012

Antico Onyx pavers
Large elegant backyard stone and rectangular lap pool fountain photo in Dallas

This freestanding covered patio with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace is the perfect retreat! Just a few steps away from the home, this covered patio is about 500 square feet. The homeowner had an existing structure they wanted replaced. This new one has a custom built wood burning fireplace with an outdoor kitchen and is a great area for entertaining. The flooring is a travertine tile in a Versailles pattern over a concrete patio. The outdoor kitchen has an L-shaped counter with plenty of space for prepping and serving meals as well as space for dining. The fascia is stone and the countertops are granite. The wood-burning fireplace is constructed of the same stone and has a ledgestone hearth and cedar mantle. What a perfect place to cozy up and enjoy a cool evening outside. The structure has cedar columns and beams. The vaulted ceiling is stained tongue and groove and really gives the space a very open feel. Special details include the cedar braces under the bar top counter, carriage lights on the columns and directional lights along the sides of the ceiling. Click Photography

2016 LCA Grand Award and 2016 NALP Grand Award winning property in Leesburg, Virginia. This project encompassed creating a master plan for the entire property, in which the landscape seamlessly complements the newly constructed home. Features include a paved entrance motor court, travertine entry walkway with a custom French-inspired fountain, pea gravel walkway under an allele of crape myrtles, circular French fountain, expansive pool deck, and custom pool house. Morgan Howarth Photography, Surrounds Inc.

Pool - mid-sized traditional backyard stone and rectangular lap pool idea in New York

Example of a huge classic backyard rectangular infinity pool fountain design in Boston

With clean lines and classic style, the CAMDEN pavilion makes your backyard living area look great! Built with the idea that simple is better, this pavilion will make your backyard the envy of the neighborhood.

Patio photo in Other

The perfect patio cover for compact backyards is this cozy wooden pavilion with a brick paver patio underneath.
Small backyard brick patio photo in Oklahoma City with a pergola

Situated in Kenwood, Maryland just outside of Washington, D.C., this whole-house renovation reinterprets a 1950s split-level into a rustic French country house. Published 3 times, The French country house plans for this renovation inform and guide the remodel. Short double-hung existing windows of various sizes on a 1950s brick front wall (see below) were replaced by straightforward openings along the front facade. By replacing them with a series of similar openings, the end result is a principled, simple elegance inspired by French country style homes. The rustic application of field stone arches and rough stucco are both inviting and enchanting, echoing French country interior design. Elements of French country home decor complement the home. The traditional French country home design has been widely published, including features in Renovation Style and Maryland Life magazines, among others. One singular continuous walkway runs the entire length of the main front under each of the French doors, and a courtyard created by stucco walls and stone piers create an inner sanctum in the front yard. In the back of the property, added French gates lead to this newly constructed pavilion.

Third Shift Photography
Inspiration for a large rustic backyard concrete paver patio remodel in Other with a roof extension

Custom Outdoor Pavilion with heater and custom speaker system
Patio - mid-sized traditional backyard concrete paver patio idea in San Francisco with a fire pit and a gazebo

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard brick patio remodel in Columbus with a fire pit and a pergola