● The Climbing furniture is made from high class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition. ● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, does not emit harmful substances. ● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps developing independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination. DIMENSIONS •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ● Climbing ramp Small size (with sidewalls and a ladder): Height: 100 cm / 39.4 inches Width: 34 cm/ 13.4 inches ● Climbing Arch Small size: Height: 37 cm / 14.6 inches Width: 73 cm / 28.7 inches Length steps : 52 cm / 20,5 inches ● Climbing Triangle Small size: Height: 65 cm / 25.6 inches Width: 65 cm/ 25.6 inches Length steps 73 cm / 28.7 inches ATTENTION •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ⚠️ This set DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY DANGEROUS CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND IS SAFE FOR YOUR BABY!!! ⚠️ Watch your children during games on children's furniture!!! Always be vigilant during children's games!!! ⚠️ The color of the product may be slightly different (lighter / darker) because it is made of natural wood.

● The Climbing furniture is made from high-class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition. ● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, do not emit harmful substances. ● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps developing independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination. ● Climbing ramp Small size (with sidewalls and a ladder): Height: 100 cm / 39.4 inches Width: 34 cm/ 13.4 inches ● Climbing Arch Small size: Height: 37 cm / 14.6 inches Width: 73 cm / 28.7 inches Length steps : 52 cm / 20,5 inches ● Climbing Triangle Small size: Height: 65 cm / 25.6 inches Width: 65 cm/ 25.6 inches Length steps 73 cm / 28.7 inches ATTENTION •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ⚠️ This set DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY DANGEROUS CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND IS SAFE FOR YOUR BABY!!! ⚠️ Watch your children during games on children's furniture!!! Always be vigilant during children's games!!! ⚠️ The color of the product may be slightly different (lighter / darker) because it is made of natural wood.

● The Climbing furniture is made from high class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition. ● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, does not emit harmful substances. ● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps developing independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination. DIMENSIONS •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ● Climbing ramp Small size (with sidewalls and a ladder): Height: 100 cm / 39.4 inches Width: 34 cm/ 13.4 inches ● Climbing Arch Small size: Height: 37 cm / 14.6 inches Width: 73 cm / 28.7 inches Length steps : 52 cm / 20,5 inches ● Climbing Triangle Small size: Height: 65 cm / 25.6 inches Width: 65 cm/ 25.6 inches Length steps 73 cm / 28.7 inches ATTENTION •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ⚠️ This set DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY DANGEROUS CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND IS SAFE FOR YOUR BABY!!! ⚠️ Watch your children during games on children's furniture!!! Always be vigilant during children's games!!! ⚠️ The color of the product may be slightly different (lighter / darker) because it is made of natural wood.

● The Climbing furniture is made from high-class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition. ● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, do not emit harmful substances. ● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps developing independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination. ● Climbing ramp Small size (with sidewalls and a ladder): Height: 100 cm / 39.4 inches Width: 34 cm/ 13.4 inches ● Climbing Arch Small size: Height: 37 cm / 14.6 inches Width: 73 cm / 28.7 inches Length steps : 52 cm / 20,5 inches ● Climbing Triangle Small size: Height: 65 cm / 25.6 inches Width: 65 cm/ 25.6 inches Length steps 73 cm / 28.7 inches ATTENTION •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ⚠️ This set DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY DANGEROUS CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND IS SAFE FOR YOUR BABY!!! ⚠️ Watch your children during games on children's furniture!!! Always be vigilant during children's games!!! ⚠️ The color of the product may be slightly different (lighter / darker) because it is made of natural wood.

● The Climbing furniture is made from high-class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition. ● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, do not emit harmful substances. ● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps developing independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination. ● Climbing ramp Small size (with sidewalls and a ladder): Height: 100 cm / 39.4 inches Width: 34 cm/ 13.4 inches ● Climbing Arch Small size: Height: 37 cm / 14.6 inches Width: 73 cm / 28.7 inches Length steps : 52 cm / 20,5 inches ● Climbing Triangle Small size: Height: 65 cm / 25.6 inches Width: 65 cm/ 25.6 inches Length steps 73 cm / 28.7 inches ATTENTION •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ⚠️ This set DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY DANGEROUS CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND IS SAFE FOR YOUR BABY!!! ⚠️ Watch your children during games on children's furniture!!! Always be vigilant during children's games!!! ⚠️ The color of the product may be slightly different (lighter / darker) because it is made of natural wood.

Two Birds Photography
Kids' room - transitional kids' room idea in Chicago

● The Climbing furniture is made from high-class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition. ● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, do not emit harmful substances. ● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps developing independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination. ● Climbing ramp Small size (with sidewalls and a ladder): Height: 100 cm / 39.4 inches Width: 34 cm/ 13.4 inches ● Climbing Arch Small size: Height: 37 cm / 14.6 inches Width: 73 cm / 28.7 inches Length steps : 52 cm / 20,5 inches ● Climbing Triangle Small size: Height: 65 cm / 25.6 inches Width: 65 cm/ 25.6 inches Length steps 73 cm / 28.7 inches ATTENTION •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ⚠️ This set DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY DANGEROUS CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND IS SAFE FOR YOUR BABY!!! ⚠️ Watch your children during games on children's furniture!!! Always be vigilant during children's games!!! ⚠️ The color of the product may be slightly different (lighter / darker) because it is made of natural wood.

Our clients are always teaching us. In this case, our clients had a vision that changed the direction of the design process midstream. Often our clients tell us they have trouble visualizing. This time, we must admit, we had a little trouble visualizing how their big idea was better than what we were planning. And then, it clicked! This young family of five had outgrown their dark and dated kitchen. Food prep, cooking and baking play a large daily role in this home. Pantry storage was overflowing to the point where bulk ingredients, small appliances and other daily necessities were stored in a nearby closet and the laundry room at the end of the house. Counter space was scarce. The kitchen also served as an office area for the husband, who works from home, and a study area for the three school age children. Given some constraints and a fixed budget, our inclination was to work with the existing kitchen to design a much more efficient space, keeping it close to the laundry room/pantry, which could be maximized for convenient storage and access. We would create an organized work area within the kitchen as well. Our clients were happy with the design. Then, out of the blue, they announced that they would like to move the kitchen into the family room space! Our first reaction was to question how this could work being so far from the pantry storage areas, and the other living spaces of the home. The flow seemed as though it would be odd, but we heard them out and allowed some time for the idea to blossom. And blossom, it did. The existing kitchen and eating space became the new study and family room with enlarged windows and an added sliding door bringing their beautiful gardens into clear sight. The pantry dilemma was solved by adding a full wall of tall cabinetry with roll out storage flanking a beautiful fireplace. A large island with waterfall sides provides copious counter space and seating for the whole family. Dark, dated traditional styling of the past kitchen gave way to contemporary high gloss white and warm rosewood elements. The dramatic Dekton Aura backsplash is the icing on the cake! Matt Villano Photography

Treatment For Residential Waste water Every home generates wastewater and while there is no way of getting away from this fact, it is good to know that there are quite a few options when it comes to treating residential wastewater. The traditional septic tank For a very long time, the septic tank ruled the roost when it came to residential water treatment. This tank is a fairly simple construction and is very widely used. It relies on the sedimentation process to deal with residential wastewater. Sometimes the septic tank can be boosted in its processes with the use of: • Flocculates. • Chemical inputs. • Patented or proprietary technology and so on. Use of chemical methods Processes such as chlorination have emerged as cost effective methods to treat wastewater. At the heart of the following processes is the use of a chemical agent and a chemical reaction to get the wastewater treated: • Ion exchange. • Adsorption. • Chlorination. • Use of polyvalent metals for coagulation and so on. Biological processes In a very unique wastewater treatment approach – bacteria are used to break down the components of wastewater! Of course there is a lot of science and research that has gone into these methods of treating wastewater. For instance, the use of a septic tank, as stated above is a biological, anaerobic method of treatment. Biological processes will also cater for destroying any disease causing organisms. The combined approach Residential wastewater is also treated with the use of a combination of methods. For instance, a device that uses an aerobic approach to wastewater treatment will also have mechanical components to get the process to be even more effective. It is critical to invest in a system that promises total – 100% - treatment of the wastewater. If the residential wastewater is not treated comprehensively then the effluents can cause all kinds of health issues to the people in the property. Effective systems If you are scouting for a system to help in treating residential wastewater then you should know that there are systems that are sophisticated in their working. Flow equalization to ensure 100% treatment and the use of an internet based alarm system make such products very effective and energy efficient too. It is also a good idea to check with your local sanitation authorities before investing in products so you can ensure you are compliant with all local health and public safety rules and regulations. For instance, using NSF certified systems can help in this regard.

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.

Our clients are always teaching us. In this case, our clients had a vision that changed the direction of the design process midstream. Often our clients tell us they have trouble visualizing. This time, we must admit, we had a little trouble visualizing how their big idea was better than what we were planning. And then, it clicked! This young family of five had outgrown their dark and dated kitchen. Food prep, cooking and baking play a large daily role in this home. Pantry storage was overflowing to the point where bulk ingredients, small appliances and other daily necessities were stored in a nearby closet and the laundry room at the end of the house. Counter space was scarce. The kitchen also served as an office area for the husband, who works from home, and a study area for the three school age children. Given some constraints and a fixed budget, our inclination was to work with the existing kitchen to design a much more efficient space, keeping it close to the laundry room/pantry, which could be maximized for convenient storage and access. We would create an organized work area within the kitchen as well. Our clients were happy with the design. Then, out of the blue, they announced that they would like to move the kitchen into the family room space! Our first reaction was to question how this could work being so far from the pantry storage areas, and the other living spaces of the home. The flow seemed as though it would be odd, but we heard them out and allowed some time for the idea to blossom. And blossom, it did. The existing kitchen and eating space became the new study and family room with enlarged windows and an added sliding door bringing their beautiful gardens into clear sight. The pantry dilemma was solved by adding a full wall of tall cabinetry with roll out storage flanking a beautiful fireplace. A large island with waterfall sides provides copious counter space and seating for the whole family. Dark, dated traditional styling of the past kitchen gave way to contemporary high gloss white and warm rosewood elements. The dramatic Dekton Aura backsplash is the icing on the cake! Matt Villano Photography

Our clients are always teaching us. In this case, our clients had a vision that changed the direction of the design process midstream. Often our clients tell us they have trouble visualizing. This time, we must admit, we had a little trouble visualizing how their big idea was better than what we were planning. And then, it clicked! This young family of five had outgrown their dark and dated kitchen. Food prep, cooking and baking play a large daily role in this home. Pantry storage was overflowing to the point where bulk ingredients, small appliances and other daily necessities were stored in a nearby closet and the laundry room at the end of the house. Counter space was scarce. The kitchen also served as an office area for the husband, who works from home, and a study area for the three school age children. Given some constraints and a fixed budget, our inclination was to work with the existing kitchen to design a much more efficient space, keeping it close to the laundry room/pantry, which could be maximized for convenient storage and access. We would create an organized work area within the kitchen as well. Our clients were happy with the design. Then, out of the blue, they announced that they would like to move the kitchen into the family room space! Our first reaction was to question how this could work being so far from the pantry storage areas, and the other living spaces of the home. The flow seemed as though it would be odd, but we heard them out and allowed some time for the idea to blossom. And blossom, it did. The existing kitchen and eating space became the new study and family room with enlarged windows and an added sliding door bringing their beautiful gardens into clear sight. The pantry dilemma was solved by adding a full wall of tall cabinetry with roll out storage flanking a beautiful fireplace. A large island with waterfall sides provides copious counter space and seating for the whole family. Dark, dated traditional styling of the past kitchen gave way to contemporary high gloss white and warm rosewood elements. The dramatic Dekton Aura backsplash is the icing on the cake! Matt Villano Photography

Our clients are always teaching us. In this case, our clients had a vision that changed the direction of the design process midstream. Often our clients tell us they have trouble visualizing. This time, we must admit, we had a little trouble visualizing how their big idea was better than what we were planning. And then, it clicked! This young family of five had outgrown their dark and dated kitchen. Food prep, cooking and baking play a large daily role in this home. Pantry storage was overflowing to the point where bulk ingredients, small appliances and other daily necessities were stored in a nearby closet and the laundry room at the end of the house. Counter space was scarce. The kitchen also served as an office area for the husband, who works from home, and a study area for the three school age children. Given some constraints and a fixed budget, our inclination was to work with the existing kitchen to design a much more efficient space, keeping it close to the laundry room/pantry, which could be maximized for convenient storage and access. We would create an organized work area within the kitchen as well. Our clients were happy with the design. Then, out of the blue, they announced that they would like to move the kitchen into the family room space! Our first reaction was to question how this could work being so far from the pantry storage areas, and the other living spaces of the home. The flow seemed as though it would be odd, but we heard them out and allowed some time for the idea to blossom. And blossom, it did. The existing kitchen and eating space became the new study and family room with enlarged windows and an added sliding door bringing their beautiful gardens into clear sight. The pantry dilemma was solved by adding a full wall of tall cabinetry with roll out storage flanking a beautiful fireplace. A large island with waterfall sides provides copious counter space and seating for the whole family. Dark, dated traditional styling of the past kitchen gave way to contemporary high gloss white and warm rosewood elements. The dramatic Dekton Aura backsplash is the icing on the cake! Matt Villano Photography

Our clients are always teaching us. In this case, our clients had a vision that changed the direction of the design process midstream. Often our clients tell us they have trouble visualizing. This time, we must admit, we had a little trouble visualizing how their big idea was better than what we were planning. And then, it clicked! This young family of five had outgrown their dark and dated kitchen. Food prep, cooking and baking play a large daily role in this home. Pantry storage was overflowing to the point where bulk ingredients, small appliances and other daily necessities were stored in a nearby closet and the laundry room at the end of the house. Counter space was scarce. The kitchen also served as an office area for the husband, who works from home, and a study area for the three school age children. Given some constraints and a fixed budget, our inclination was to work with the existing kitchen to design a much more efficient space, keeping it close to the laundry room/pantry, which could be maximized for convenient storage and access. We would create an organized work area within the kitchen as well. Our clients were happy with the design. Then, out of the blue, they announced that they would like to move the kitchen into the family room space! Our first reaction was to question how this could work being so far from the pantry storage areas, and the other living spaces of the home. The flow seemed as though it would be odd, but we heard them out and allowed some time for the idea to blossom. And blossom, it did. The existing kitchen and eating space became the new study and family room with enlarged windows and an added sliding door bringing their beautiful gardens into clear sight. The pantry dilemma was solved by adding a full wall of tall cabinetry with roll out storage flanking a beautiful fireplace. A large island with waterfall sides provides copious counter space and seating for the whole family. Dark, dated traditional styling of the past kitchen gave way to contemporary high gloss white and warm rosewood elements. The dramatic Dekton Aura backsplash is the icing on the cake! Matt Villano Photography

Our clients are always teaching us. In this case, our clients had a vision that changed the direction of the design process midstream. Often our clients tell us they have trouble visualizing. This time, we must admit, we had a little trouble visualizing how their big idea was better than what we were planning. And then, it clicked! This young family of five had outgrown their dark and dated kitchen. Food prep, cooking and baking play a large daily role in this home. Pantry storage was overflowing to the point where bulk ingredients, small appliances and other daily necessities were stored in a nearby closet and the laundry room at the end of the house. Counter space was scarce. The kitchen also served as an office area for the husband, who works from home, and a study area for the three school age children. Given some constraints and a fixed budget, our inclination was to work with the existing kitchen to design a much more efficient space, keeping it close to the laundry room/pantry, which could be maximized for convenient storage and access. We would create an organized work area within the kitchen as well. Our clients were happy with the design. Then, out of the blue, they announced that they would like to move the kitchen into the family room space! Our first reaction was to question how this could work being so far from the pantry storage areas, and the other living spaces of the home. The flow seemed as though it would be odd, but we heard them out and allowed some time for the idea to blossom. And blossom, it did. The existing kitchen and eating space became the new study and family room with enlarged windows and an added sliding door bringing their beautiful gardens into clear sight. The pantry dilemma was solved by adding a full wall of tall cabinetry with roll out storage flanking a beautiful fireplace. A large island with waterfall sides provides copious counter space and seating for the whole family. Dark, dated traditional styling of the past kitchen gave way to contemporary high gloss white and warm rosewood elements. The dramatic Dekton Aura backsplash is the icing on the cake! Matt Villano Photography

Our clients are always teaching us. In this case, our clients had a vision that changed the direction of the design process midstream. Often our clients tell us they have trouble visualizing. This time, we must admit, we had a little trouble visualizing how their big idea was better than what we were planning. And then, it clicked! This young family of five had outgrown their dark and dated kitchen. Food prep, cooking and baking play a large daily role in this home. Pantry storage was overflowing to the point where bulk ingredients, small appliances and other daily necessities were stored in a nearby closet and the laundry room at the end of the house. Counter space was scarce. The kitchen also served as an office area for the husband, who works from home, and a study area for the three school age children. Given some constraints and a fixed budget, our inclination was to work with the existing kitchen to design a much more efficient space, keeping it close to the laundry room/pantry, which could be maximized for convenient storage and access. We would create an organized work area within the kitchen as well. Our clients were happy with the design. Then, out of the blue, they announced that they would like to move the kitchen into the family room space! Our first reaction was to question how this could work being so far from the pantry storage areas, and the other living spaces of the home. The flow seemed as though it would be odd, but we heard them out and allowed some time for the idea to blossom. And blossom, it did. The existing kitchen and eating space became the new study and family room with enlarged windows and an added sliding door bringing their beautiful gardens into clear sight. The pantry dilemma was solved by adding a full wall of tall cabinetry with roll out storage flanking a beautiful fireplace. A large island with waterfall sides provides copious counter space and seating for the whole family. Dark, dated traditional styling of the past kitchen gave way to contemporary high gloss white and warm rosewood elements. The dramatic Dekton Aura backsplash is the icing on the cake! Matt Villano Photography

Our clients are always teaching us. In this case, our clients had a vision that changed the direction of the design process midstream. Often our clients tell us they have trouble visualizing. This time, we must admit, we had a little trouble visualizing how their big idea was better than what we were planning. And then, it clicked! This young family of five had outgrown their dark and dated kitchen. Food prep, cooking and baking play a large daily role in this home. Pantry storage was overflowing to the point where bulk ingredients, small appliances and other daily necessities were stored in a nearby closet and the laundry room at the end of the house. Counter space was scarce. The kitchen also served as an office area for the husband, who works from home, and a study area for the three school age children. Given some constraints and a fixed budget, our inclination was to work with the existing kitchen to design a much more efficient space, keeping it close to the laundry room/pantry, which could be maximized for convenient storage and access. We would create an organized work area within the kitchen as well. Our clients were happy with the design. Then, out of the blue, they announced that they would like to move the kitchen into the family room space! Our first reaction was to question how this could work being so far from the pantry storage areas, and the other living spaces of the home. The flow seemed as though it would be odd, but we heard them out and allowed some time for the idea to blossom. And blossom, it did. The existing kitchen and eating space became the new study and family room with enlarged windows and an added sliding door bringing their beautiful gardens into clear sight. The pantry dilemma was solved by adding a full wall of tall cabinetry with roll out storage flanking a beautiful fireplace. A large island with waterfall sides provides copious counter space and seating for the whole family. Dark, dated traditional styling of the past kitchen gave way to contemporary high gloss white and warm rosewood elements. The dramatic Dekton Aura backsplash is the icing on the cake! Matt Villano Photography

Our clients are always teaching us. In this case, our clients had a vision that changed the direction of the design process midstream. Often our clients tell us they have trouble visualizing. This time, we must admit, we had a little trouble visualizing how their big idea was better than what we were planning. And then, it clicked! This young family of five had outgrown their dark and dated kitchen. Food prep, cooking and baking play a large daily role in this home. Pantry storage was overflowing to the point where bulk ingredients, small appliances and other daily necessities were stored in a nearby closet and the laundry room at the end of the house. Counter space was scarce. The kitchen also served as an office area for the husband, who works from home, and a study area for the three school age children. Given some constraints and a fixed budget, our inclination was to work with the existing kitchen to design a much more efficient space, keeping it close to the laundry room/pantry, which could be maximized for convenient storage and access. We would create an organized work area within the kitchen as well. Our clients were happy with the design. Then, out of the blue, they announced that they would like to move the kitchen into the family room space! Our first reaction was to question how this could work being so far from the pantry storage areas, and the other living spaces of the home. The flow seemed as though it would be odd, but we heard them out and allowed some time for the idea to blossom. And blossom, it did. The existing kitchen and eating space became the new study and family room with enlarged windows and an added sliding door bringing their beautiful gardens into clear sight. The pantry dilemma was solved by adding a full wall of tall cabinetry with roll out storage flanking a beautiful fireplace. A large island with waterfall sides provides copious counter space and seating for the whole family. Dark, dated traditional styling of the past kitchen gave way to contemporary high gloss white and warm rosewood elements. The dramatic Dekton Aura backsplash is the icing on the cake! Matt Villano Photography

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.