Photography: Nathan Schroder
Inspiration for a mediterranean front yard landscaping in Dallas.

Patio kitchen - craftsman backyard concrete paver patio kitchen idea in San Francisco with a roof extension

Our clients loved the location of their duplex home with its peak-a-boo ocean view, but their existing kitchen was not suited for their growing family. They wanted a kitchen with a coastal vibe, plenty of storage space, and an eat-in area. We started by bringing the far wall into the kitchen space to accommodate a large panty and communication center for the family. Doing this allowed us to move the refrigerator out of the main traffic area and doubled the amount of storage space. Several new windows were added to bring in natural light. A half wall was moved to allow more countertop area and open up sight lines. The previously awkwardly shaped island was slimmed down to create better flow. There were a few venting challenges to overcome; gas lines and plumbing had to be re-routed without disturbing the unit below. To open up sight lines, soffits were eliminated which allowed the extension of cabinets to the ceiling. To stay within the homeowner’s budget, we match existing scraped flooring by lacing in and repairing patches. The old dining area was too small for table, so we designed and built a custom banquette to maximize the space and take advantage of the outdoor views. The overall space works for family meals as well as entertaining. A light summer palette was used to reflect the shades of the sand, sea and sky. Even though the new kitchen is actually smaller than the original space, its now far more functional and open.

Tim Heelan
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Minneapolis with a fire pit and a roof extension

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.

1950s open concept living room photo in San Francisco with gray walls

Francis Dzikowski
Inspiration for a timeless dining room remodel in New York with yellow walls

Example of a mid-sized trendy 3/4 white tile white floor and marble floor alcove bathtub design in Toronto with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white countertops, white walls and an undermount sink

Large elegant enclosed dark wood floor and brown floor family room library photo in Salt Lake City with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Photo: Charles Davis Smith, AIA
Small urban backyard concrete paver patio photo in Dallas with a roof extension

Inspiration for a large timeless beige backyard and two-story concrete paver gable roof remodel in Boston with a fire pit, a roof extension and a shingle roof

Country eat-in kitchen photo in Salt Lake City with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and multicolored countertops

Country concrete floor kitchen photo in San Francisco with an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets and paneled appliances

Carol Kurth Architecture, PC , Peter Krupenye Photography
Inspiration for a large timeless backyard patio remodel in New York with a roof extension and a fire pit

Picture Perfect Home
Example of a mid-sized classic medium tone wood floor and black floor mudroom design in Chicago with gray walls

Large farmhouse light wood floor dining room photo in Charlotte with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, no island, white walls and a standard fireplace

Andersen A-Series double-hung windows and Frenchwood outswing hinged patio door.
Mid-sized beach style front porch photo in Minneapolis with decking and a roof extension

Patio - large mediterranean backyard concrete paver patio idea in Miami with a roof extension and a bbq area

Patio - large traditional backyard concrete patio idea in Nashville with a roof extension and a fireplace