It's not everyday that we get to radically transform the heart of a home. There are often restrictions that keep the kitchen in the kitchen. These clients wanted a vaulted kitchen ceiling, which would have required major roof reconstruction. That is until it was decided to use an adjacent part of the home that already had a vaulted ceiling. The kitchen is now more connected to the living and dining areas, they have a walk-in pantry that better uses the low-ceilings, and with added storage space. Like the clients said we "blew their minds!"

This project began with a sketch from our client that they'd received from a friend. It gave us a general idea of what they wanted but adjustments needed to be made for us to keep the renovation within budget. There were plenty of challenges in the designing and building stages. Early on, we learned the main structure of this 1940s house was encroaching the building restriction line. To remain within zoning limits, we needed to have two corners of the new addition slightly out of square. The new structure, cantilevered on both sides, required a heavy 45-degree angle beam to carry the load of the second floor and the roof. We equipped the house with central AC and expanded the existing hydronic heating system into the new space. The completed addition resulted in a shared music room and in-law suite with a bathroom on the first floor, and a master bedroom, bath, and hall bath on the second floor.

It's not everyday that we get to radically transform the heart of a home. There are often restrictions that keep the kitchen in the kitchen. These clients wanted a vaulted kitchen ceiling, which would have required major roof reconstruction. That is until it was decided to use an adjacent part of the home that already had a vaulted ceiling. The kitchen is now more connected to the living and dining areas, they have a walk-in pantry that better uses the low-ceilings, and with added storage space. Like the clients said we "blew their minds!"

Our clients were inspired by the idea of a master bedroom with beautiful, functional closet space, and a larger shower – more so than there loathed 36″ x 36″ corner acrylic unit. After a number of visits, a plan was devised to build 3 closet areas, and a large shower with a floating quartz bench. The bedroom would see a dividing wall, but not to the ceiling so light could come through. The biggest of the three closets would be closest to the window, with a room entirely devoted to that space. The floor in the bathroom would feature a heated flooring system, and the vanity would have backlight lighting on the mirror. The demolition uncovered some surprises, which restricted certain locations of plumbing, so the shower was enlarged and one of the closets was scrapped. In the end, it worked out fantastic. More emphasis was placed on the open concept closet, which thrilled our clients. They were also not disappointed with their larger shower. Photo Aristea Photography

When we first met with these clients, they provided us with a very specific idea of what they wanted to create. The limitations of that project came into play with city build line restrictions which meant modifying the space. In the end, the result is a nice area to lounge by the pool, enjoy coffee in the mornings, and grill with your friends and family. We built up the new stamped concrete to the height of the first steps of the pool deck and tied it all in, removing the flagstone. The outdoor kitchen area is the same as the full size selection on the fireplace and columns. Behind the kitchen is a small bar height sitting area and stone foot rest for guests. The tongue and groove ceiling ties in well with the dark stain cedar wrapped posts and beams to create a cozy rustic finish. We offset the fireplace towards the back to maximize walk space for furniture. The small bench walls flanking each side of the fireplace not only provide definition to the area but also allow for extra seating without adding furniture pieces. The ceiling heaters provide additional heat for those nights when you need to take the chill out of the air.

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.

My clients always wanted a fireplace in the family room but could not build the necessary chimney due to building restrictions. To overcome this obstacle we installed an Eco Smart bio fuel fireplace. which became the focal point of the room. Next we added custom cabinetry for storage which coordinated with the kitchen (which is an open room adjacent to this space). Custom furnishings from American Leather and Hickory Chair were selected for my tall client. High performance fabrics were selected to provide worry free enjoyment of the furniture. Finishing accent pieces from Charleston Forge add a warm and contemporary vibe to the pace. The dark stain is a beautiful contrast to the lighter colorway. As you can see there are 2 skylights and 2 very large windows so light is not a problem but sun and heat are. With the height of the ceilings, we needed a large but good looking ceiling fan to control the temperature. An oversize custom ceiling fan was chosen. The walls are a coordinated blue grey to compliment the Venetian plaster finished fireplace column. The rear wall is painted a contrasting color to highlight the fireplace and the built in cherry cabinetry. a Vintage Patchwork rug defines the furniture area and helps soften the sound in the room Custom artwork by the clients mother add the final touches. Peter Rymwid Architectural Photography

DADU 2nd bedroom. Fir car decking serves as the finish floor for the bedrooms.
Example of a trendy guest bedroom design in Seattle

Nancy B. Greene
Home design - eclectic home design idea in Los Angeles

With a large family, 'Cloud Nine' was designed to be a functional and well utilized space for entertaining. Multiple retaining walls were necessary to achieve the desired design because of the restricted regrading allowed on the property. A warm and inviting space is created underneath the upper deck with a seating area around the fire and a L-shaped outdoor kitchen. A bocce court, a putting green tucked away by the treeline, a hammock swaying from the custom pergola, and a large pool patio can keep anyone busy. A feature that really makes this design unique is the turf terrace overlooking the pool. 2016 Award of Excellence winner

On a quiet cul-de-sac not too far from downtown San Luis Obispo lies the contemporary craftsman styled Clausen Residence. The challenges that accompanied this project were what, in the end, made it so interesting. The buildable area of the site is very small due to the fact that almost half of the property is occupied by a biological open space easement, established to protect the creek that runs behind the lot. In addition to this, the site is incredibly steep, which lent itself well to a stair stepped 3-story floor plan. Strict height restrictions set by the local jurisdiction governed the decision to bury the garage in the hill, and set the main living space on top of it, accompanied by the children’s bedrooms and game room further back on the site. The 3rd floor is occupied fully by the master suite, which looks down on the back yard below. Off of the great room is a vast deck, with built in barbecue, fire place and heaters, ideal for outdoor entertaining year round. The house, adorned in lap siding and true craftsman details is flanked by gorgeous oak trees and the creek beyond.

The confined kitchen and unused hall closet were too restricting, so walls were removed to open the space. Recessed and undercounter lighting were replaced with LED fixtures. Wood-look tile floor compliments the custom finish on the cabinets, and leathered quartzite provides a subtle contrast to the dark cabinets. Yorktowne Salinger Maple Appoloosa cabinets. Berenson decorative hardware. Renoir Leathered Quartzite with standard ease edge. Stainless steel undermount sink. Danze D457015SS Melrose Stainless steel pull-down faucet. Adex white 3x6 subway tile with Mapei Avalanche grout.

The small, boring and dysfunctional patio space this client inherited when they purchased their home is now replaced by outdoor room experiences that better meet the entertainment needs and expectations of our client. The built-in masonry sofa and fire pit is always the hit of every party! The old mismatched dated planting areas have been removed to make way for current colorful succulents, natural grasses, and blooming perennials. The water hogging mowed lawn areas that were always being eaten by rabbits is now replaced with artificial grass that looks so real that the neighbors were reminding our client they could only water once a week due to drought restrictions!

The small, boring and dysfunctional patio space this client inherited when they purchased their home is now replaced by outdoor room experiences that better meet the entertainment needs and expectations of our client. The built-in masonry sofa and fire pit is always the hit of every party! The old mismatched dated planting areas have been removed to make way for current colorful succulents, natural grasses, and blooming perennials. The water hogging mowed lawn areas that were always being eaten by rabbits is now replaced with artificial grass that looks so real that the neighbors were reminding our client they could only water once a week due to drought restrictions!

We designed the unique roofline of this custom home in accordance with the city’s strict height restrictions, carefully upheld to preserve beautiful views of the city, water, and Stanley Park. The result is a standing-seam metal roof that doubles as a tool—maximizing the region’s abundant rainfall by gathering rain water and funneling it into a Zen garden below. The entire main level enjoys an open-concept plan and varying ceiling heights, creating a sense of variation throughout the house. The master suite, offering incredible views, is located opposite the secondary bedrooms, while three covered balconies provide multiple places to enjoy the outdoors, even in the rain.

Built for one of the most restrictive sites we've ever worked on, the Wolf-Huang Lake House will face the sunset views over Lake Orange. ​ Inspired by the architect's love of houseboats and trips to Amsterdam to visit them, this house has the feeling that it could indeed be launched right into the Lake to float along the banks. ​ Despite the incredibly limited allowable building area, we were able to get the Tom and Yiqing's building program to fit in just right. A generous living and dining room faces the beautiful water view with large sliding glass doors and picture windows. There are three comfortable bedrooms, withe the Main Bedroom and a luxurious bathroom also facing the lake. ​ We hope our clients will feel that this is like being on vacation all the time, except without crowded flights and long lines! ​ Buildsense was the General Contractor for this project.

The owners of this historic house on a promontory surrounded by water asked Morpurgo Architects to maximize ocean views while expanding their home for their growing family. Conforming to The Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission’s requirements, our modifications to the existing structure are sympathetic to the original Stuccoed Mission-style and contextually in keeping with neighboring historic homes. This challenging site presented numerous constraints, including adherence to oceanfront setbacks and environmental and zoning regulations. We overcame imposing restrictions to develop a dynamic plan that fulfilled the clients’ programmatic and aesthetic needs. The kitchen was identified by our clients as the focal point of family activity. We maximized this lifestyle concept by developing the kitchen into a spacious living area with commanding views of the water. Renovations to the third floor allowed Morpurgo Architects to create an outdoor space offering a panorama of the historic surrounding communities.

It's not everyday that we get to radically transform the heart of a home. There are often restrictions that keep the kitchen in the kitchen. These clients wanted a vaulted kitchen ceiling, which would have required major roof reconstruction. That is until it was decided to use an adjacent part of the home that already had a vaulted ceiling. The kitchen is now more connected to the living and dining areas, they have a walk-in pantry that better uses the low-ceilings, and with added storage space. Like the clients said we "blew their minds!"

It's not everyday that we get to radically transform the heart of a home. There are often restrictions that keep the kitchen in the kitchen. These clients wanted a vaulted kitchen ceiling, which would have required major roof reconstruction. That is until it was decided to use an adjacent part of the home that already had a vaulted ceiling. The kitchen is now more connected to the living and dining areas, they have a walk-in pantry that better uses the low-ceilings, and with added storage space. Like the clients said we "blew their minds!"