Here in Florida, we’re blessed with great weather year-round. So it’s no surprise that outdoor entertaining areas are an extremely popular way to enhance outdoor living. When our clients requested an update to their existing outdoor kitchen while they were away on vacation, we were ready to hit the ground running. While their beautiful 2-story home on a golf course had a pool and covered lanai area, the existing outdoor kitchen just didn’t function well for their needs. Mainly, they craved additional counter space and more seating. And, as avid football fans, with a son playing on a renown Division 1 college team, they also wanted a large screen TV to watch games. After all, what better way to share game day excitement than at a barbecue with family and friends? A Bigger, Better Kitchen Layout Our brilliant design team came up with a much larger, u-shaped outdoor kitchen layout for increased functionality. The extra base cabinets provided plenty of storage as well as a foundation for additional countertop space. Adjacent to the sink, we added a 24” outdoor refrigerator to keep food and beverages chilled, and the high top bar allowed for more seating around the perimeter. For cooking, our clients selected a much larger Lynx grill and side burner to replace the original grill. While the kitchen was already set up for a grilling area, it required a hood, so we built and installed a custom hood for proper ventilation. Then, we added a large screen TV above the hood for easy viewing. Finishing Touches To softly illuminate the entire space at night, we installed additional recessed light fixtures into the ceiling and under the grill hood. We also tied the Cypress wood ceiling and the crown molding together into the design with a luxurious cabinet stain. Along with these finishing touches, we added a decorative travertine stone backsplash behind the grill and homogenized the front face of the bar for a polished, matching look. Ventilation Challenges With the outdoor kitchen lanai located directly under a second-floor living area, we had expected to tuck away ventilation ductwork between the second-level floor joists and the exterior wall running parallel to the grill hood. However, upon further investigation, we discovered the second floor joist system, in fact, ran perpendicular to the grill hood. In short, we needed a new way to hide the venting without compromising the original design. Our team came up with an inspired solution: Construction of a false wall behind the outdoor kitchen allowed us to run ductwork without creating a visible chase for the vent, thus maintaining a symmetrical look on both sides of the grill and decorative hood. Exceeding Expectations In the end, we didn’t just meet our clients’ needs for a beautiful outdoor kitchen update – we exceeded them. As planned, we completed the new outdoor kitchen while they were out of town. But when our clients returned from vacation, they were so impressed with the results (and the stress-free design/build experience) that they promptly hired us for another extensive remodel – a stunning home addition!

As you move through the hallway and into the extension, a larger aperture with sliding doors, and three fixed frameless skylights are revealed, together evoking a wonderful sculptural quality and allowing an abundance of natural daylight to wash indoors. Within the extension is a beautifully handcrafted kitchen, space for a large dining table next to the sliding doors, and a small seating area overlooking the garden; it’s a comfortable, modern and inspiring space.

Nestled in its own private and gated 10 acre hidden canyon this spectacular home offers serenity and tranquility with million dollar views of the valley beyond. Walls of glass bring the beautiful desert surroundings into every room of this 7500 SF luxurious retreat. Thompson photographic

Modern Front Porch: covered terrace with hanging swing chairs, handcrafted sculptural furniture, and a floor of Black Locust wood pavers set in gravel. building Lab is a design build firm specialized in modern architecture.

Design: Charlie & Co. Design | Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Interiors & Photo Styling: Lucy Interior Design | Susan Gilmore Photography
Trendy dark wood floor enclosed dining room photo in Minneapolis with white walls

Intentional. Elevated. Artisanal. With three children under the age of 5, our clients were starting to feel the confines of their Pacific Heights home when the expansive 1902 Italianate across the street went on the market. After learning the home had been recently remodeled, they jumped at the chance to purchase a move-in ready property. We worked with them to infuse the already refined, elegant living areas with subtle edginess and handcrafted details, and also helped them reimagine unused space to delight their little ones. Elevated furnishings on the main floor complement the home’s existing high ceilings, modern brass bannisters and extensive walnut cabinetry. In the living room, sumptuous emerald upholstery on a velvet side chair balances the deep wood tones of the existing baby grand. Minimally and intentionally accessorized, the room feels formal but still retains a sharp edge—on the walls moody portraiture gets irreverent with a bold paint stroke, and on the the etagere, jagged crystals and metallic sculpture feel rugged and unapologetic. Throughout the main floor handcrafted, textured notes are everywhere—a nubby jute rug underlies inviting sofas in the family room and a half-moon mirror in the living room mixes geometric lines with flax-colored fringe. On the home’s lower level, we repurposed an unused wine cellar into a well-stocked craft room, with a custom chalkboard, art-display area and thoughtful storage. In the adjoining space, we installed a custom climbing wall and filled the balance of the room with low sofas, plush area rugs, poufs and storage baskets, creating the perfect space for active play or a quiet reading session. The bold colors and playful attitudes apparent in these spaces are echoed upstairs in each of the children’s imaginative bedrooms. Architect + Developer: McMahon Architects + Studio, Photographer: Suzanna Scott Photography

The Holloway blends the recent revival of mid-century aesthetics with the timelessness of a country farmhouse. Each façade features playfully arranged windows tucked under steeply pitched gables. Natural wood lapped siding emphasizes this homes more modern elements, while classic white board & batten covers the core of this house. A rustic stone water table wraps around the base and contours down into the rear view-out terrace. Inside, a wide hallway connects the foyer to the den and living spaces through smooth case-less openings. Featuring a grey stone fireplace, tall windows, and vaulted wood ceiling, the living room bridges between the kitchen and den. The kitchen picks up some mid-century through the use of flat-faced upper and lower cabinets with chrome pulls. Richly toned wood chairs and table cap off the dining room, which is surrounded by windows on three sides. The grand staircase, to the left, is viewable from the outside through a set of giant casement windows on the upper landing. A spacious master suite is situated off of this upper landing. Featuring separate closets, a tiled bath with tub and shower, this suite has a perfect view out to the rear yard through the bedroom's rear windows. All the way upstairs, and to the right of the staircase, is four separate bedrooms. Downstairs, under the master suite, is a gymnasium. This gymnasium is connected to the outdoors through an overhead door and is perfect for athletic activities or storing a boat during cold months. The lower level also features a living room with a view out windows and a private guest suite. Architect: Visbeen Architects Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Builder: AVB Inc.

Our clients wanted to create a backyard that would grow with their young family as well as with their extended family and friends. Entertaining was a huge priority! This family-focused backyard was designed to equally accommodate play and outdoor living/entertaining. The outdoor living spaces needed to accommodate a large number of people – adults and kids. Urban Oasis designed a deck off the back door so that the kitchen could be 36” height, with a bar along the outside edge at 42” for overflow seating. The interior space is approximate 600 sf and accommodates both a large dining table and a comfortable couch and chair set. The fire pit patio includes a seat wall for overflow seating around the fire feature (which doubles as a retaining wall) with ample room for chairs. The artificial turf lawn is spacious enough to accommodate a trampoline and other childhood favorites. Down the road, this area could be used for bocce or other lawn games. The concept is to leave all spaces large enough to be programmed in different ways as the family’s needs change. A steep slope presents itself to the yard and is a focal point. Planting a variety of colors and textures mixed among a few key existing trees changed this eyesore into a beautifully planted amenity for the property. Jimmy White Photography

AquaTerra Outdoors transformed the entire environment at this country side estate from a blank slate to a luxurious destination for outdoor living, playing and relaxing. Features of this project include all new pool, spa, fire feature, outdoor kitchen, travertine paver decks and patios, and landscaping. Photo Credit: Daniel Driensky

Our client needed a place for their kids to play and host friends. The attached garage was the solution. We conducted an extensive insulation and heating process to ensure that the room meets and surpasses indoor requirements in those areas! The final solution, a place to have fun and additional square footage in the living area.

Baron Construction & Remodeling Design Build Firm General Contractor Home Builder 700 sf room addition Master Bathroom Kitchen Remodel Bathroom Remodel Flooring Remodel Open Concept Home Extension

The sloping perimeter of the garden was transformed into a usable area that the whole family can enjoy.
Photo of a modern landscaping in Other.

This Arcadia residence embraces modern outdoor living with clean geometry, lush privacy, and balanced simplicity. In the front yard, a structured walkway flanked by soft plantings and architectural lighting creates a quiet, elegant welcome. Crisp lines and a refined plant palette align with the home’s fresh white façade, setting the tone for what’s beyond. The rear yard is centered on symmetry and serenity. A long lap pool with rhythmic water features is framed by bold turf bands and limestone pavers, offering both visual impact and practical flow. A recessed lounge pad, formal lawn, and olive tree planters add softness and scale, while a tucked-away play area blends seamlessly into the layout. This modern desert landscape was designed for beauty, balance, and everyday livability, rooted in restraint and built for how families really live outdoors.

Example of a large classic backyard concrete patio design in Houston with a roof extension

School play yard
Large elegant backyard concrete patio photo in Houston with a roof extension

Example of a mid-sized minimalist backyard concrete paver patio kitchen design in San Francisco with a roof extension

Patio kitchen - mid-sized modern backyard concrete paver patio kitchen idea in San Francisco with a roof extension

This Arcadia residence embraces modern outdoor living with clean geometry, lush privacy, and balanced simplicity. In the front yard, a structured walkway flanked by soft plantings and architectural lighting creates a quiet, elegant welcome. Crisp lines and a refined plant palette align with the home’s fresh white façade, setting the tone for what’s beyond. The rear yard is centered on symmetry and serenity. A long lap pool with rhythmic water features is framed by bold turf bands and limestone pavers, offering both visual impact and practical flow. A recessed lounge pad, formal lawn, and olive tree planters add softness and scale, while a tucked-away play area blends seamlessly into the layout. This modern desert landscape was designed for beauty, balance, and everyday livability, rooted in restraint and built for how families really live outdoors.

Patio - backyard patio idea in Toronto with a roof extension