Mark Meissner
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional galley medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen remodel with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This cozy lake cottage skillfully incorporates a number of features that would normally be restricted to a larger home design. A glance of the exterior reveals a simple story and a half gable running the length of the home, enveloping the majority of the interior spaces. To the rear, a pair of gables with copper roofing flanks a covered dining area that connects to a screened porch. Inside, a linear foyer reveals a generous staircase with cascading landing. Further back, a centrally placed kitchen is connected to all of the other main level entertaining spaces through expansive cased openings. A private study serves as the perfect buffer between the homes master suite and living room. Despite its small footprint, the master suite manages to incorporate several closets, built-ins, and adjacent master bath complete with a soaker tub flanked by separate enclosures for shower and water closet. Upstairs, a generous double vanity bathroom is shared by a bunkroom, exercise space, and private bedroom. The bunkroom is configured to provide sleeping accommodations for up to 4 people. The rear facing exercise has great views of the rear yard through a set of windows that overlook the copper roof of the screened porch below. Builder: DeVries & Onderlinde Builders Interior Designer: Vision Interiors by Visbeen Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography

Photo: Bonnie McCarthy © 2015 Houzz
Example of an eclectic home design design in Los Angeles

Site constraints meant that this addition to a 1973 house designed by noted Texas architect Frank Welch could not be contiguous with the existing structure, while neighborhood restrictions dictated that it conform to the style of the existing house. Containing family room and bar with space for entertaining, the new building shares a number of both new and renovated outdoor spaces, while both are completely screened from the street by landscaping and trees. Casey Dunn Photography

DaVinci fireplaces are a modular design that comes in segments measured by feet. They feature a hi-tech air flow system that will keep the glass cool to the touch. These units come single-sided, see-thru, corner unit, or 4-sided glass enclosure. Glass height normally comes in 12", 20", 30", or 36" but can be adjusted. Power venting allows for easy unlimited venting configurations and installation in almost any room. Onsite assembly to eliminate space restrictions such as small stairwells or elevators. Glass media paired with multi-coloured LED lights will make your fire feature a unique experience that you control with a user friendly remote.

This historic home built in the 1800's needed some updating to meet the needs of a modern family. In order to meet impervious coverage restrictions we used a modified approach to this driveway. Installed by Doerler Landscapes

At three-fourths the size of the house’s footprint, it maximizes the available living space at the levels above without overshadowing the 1930s vintage suburb with its single family houses and deed restricted setbacks. The site’s woodland characteristics inspired the use of exterior stone. Accoya, a fast-growing softwood that is impervious to decay in the Houston humidity, was used for siding. The combination of the site strategy, program and aesthetic direction respond to the site’s challenges to create an elegant solution. Peter Molick Photography

This mixed-income housing development on six acres in town is adjacent to national forest. Conservation concerns restricted building south of the creek and budgets led to efficient layouts. All of the units have decks and primary spaces facing south for sun and mountain views; an orientation reflected in the building forms. The seven detached market-rate duplexes along the creek subsidized the deed restricted two- and three-story attached duplexes along the street and west boundary which can be entered through covered access from street and courtyard. This arrangement of the units forms a courtyard and thus unifies them into a single community. The use of corrugated, galvanized metal and fiber cement board – requiring limited maintenance – references ranch and agricultural buildings. These vernacular references, combined with the arrangement of units, integrate the housing development into the fabric of the region. A.I.A. Wyoming Chapter Design Award of Citation 2008 Project Year: 2009

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.

And here is why the owners and GeoBarns accepted the challenge of the zoning restrictions... location, location, location. In this photo we've nearly finished, and the owners are ready to enjoy their new lakeside home.

Tyler Davidson
Mid-sized cottage open concept medium tone wood floor living room photo in Charleston with blue walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Bathroom - transitional bathroom idea in New York

Kitchen with scullery behind. Kitchen has Refrigerator, range and sink. Scullery has ovens, wine refrigerator, sink and dish storage
Kitchen - mediterranean l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in San Diego with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Design ideas for a large traditional front yard stone driveway.

John Cole Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary wooden u-shaped cable railing staircase remodel in DC Metro with wooden risers

The house’s sloped site on a ravine street is highly unusual in Houston’s typically flat and low-lying landscape. In addition, the site is small, facilitating a strategy that creates a basement that houses a three-car garage, utility room, wine room, and storage. At three-fourths the size of the house’s footprint, it maximizes the available living space at the levels above without overshadowing the 1930s vintage suburb with its single family houses and deed restricted setbacks. In addition, the basement garage is entered by driving into the hillside from the bottom of the ravine, obviating the need for an unsightly and space-consuming ramp. Peter Molick Photography

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in San Francisco

This mixed-income housing development on six acres in town is adjacent to national forest. Conservation concerns restricted building south of the creek and budgets led to efficient layouts. All of the units have decks and primary spaces facing south for sun and mountain views; an orientation reflected in the building forms. The seven detached market-rate duplexes along the creek subsidized the deed restricted two- and three-story attached duplexes along the street and west boundary which can be entered through covered access from street and courtyard. This arrangement of the units forms a courtyard and thus unifies them into a single community. The use of corrugated, galvanized metal and fiber cement board – requiring limited maintenance – references ranch and agricultural buildings. These vernacular references, combined with the arrangement of units, integrate the housing development into the fabric of the region. A.I.A. Wyoming Chapter Design Award of Citation 2008 Project Year: 2009

Situated on the east edge of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, the project site is an original lot of record that was subdivided from a larger lot that included the neighboring home. The resulting lot, at 3,060 square feet, was subject to additional land use constraints such as an eighteen foot height limit and restrictions on structure depth. These limitations are further compounded by taller homes to the south and west, a major arterial to the east, and topographic drop across the site. With few opportunities for the home to orient spaces outward, the design turns inward and upward.