Southwestern style family room with built-in media wall. Architect: Urban Design Associates Builder: R-Net Custom Homes Interiors: Billie Springer Photography: Thompson Photographic

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.

Photo by Pixy
Living room - eclectic formal light wood floor and brown floor living room idea in New York with white walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Minimalist backyard concrete patio photo in Dallas with a roof extension

Karl Neumann Photography
Inspiration for a large rustic open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room remodel in Other with a stone fireplace, a standard fireplace, beige walls and no tv

Minimalist backyard concrete patio photo in Dallas with a roof extension

Dramatic framework forms a matrix focal point over this North Scottsdale home's back patio and negative edge pool, underlining the architect's trademark use of symmetry to draw the eye through the house and out to the stunning views of the Valley beyond. This almost 9000 SF hillside hideaway is an effortless blend of Old World charm with contemporary style and amenities. Organic colors and rustic finishes connect the space with its desert surroundings. Large glass walls topped with clerestory windows that retract into the walls open the main living space to the outdoors.

Organic Southwestern style living room with round fireplace and radial ceiling beams. Architect: Urban Design Associates, Lee Hutchison Interior Designer: Bess Jones Interiors Builder: R-Net Custom Homes Photography: Dino Tonn

Example of a southwest beige floor living room design in Phoenix with brown walls and a standard fireplace

Elisa Macomber
Example of a mid-sized southwest formal terra-cotta tile and orange floor living room design in Other with a corner fireplace, a plaster fireplace, no tv and beige walls

Lori Hamilton Photography
Trendy backyard patio photo in Miami with a fire pit and a roof extension

Marshall Elias Photography
Inspiration for a small southwestern enclosed brick floor and brown floor living room remodel in Other with white walls, a corner fireplace, a plaster fireplace and no tv

Lake Front Country Estate Living Room, designed by Tom Markalunas, built by Resort Custom Homes. Photography by Rachael Boling.
Inspiration for a timeless formal and open concept medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Other with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

An Organic Southwestern Living Room with Ceiling beams and flagstone floors. Architect: Urban Design Associates, Lee Hutchison Interior Designer: Bess Jones Interiors Builder: R-Net Custom Homes Photography: Dino Tonn

Southwest tile patio photo in Phoenix with a fireplace and a roof extension

This home was featured in the May 2016 edition of HOME & DESIGN Magazine. To see the rest of the home tour as well as other luxury homes featured, visit http://www.homeanddesign.net/art-in-architecture/

Organic Southwestern style beehive fireplace with built-in mantel shelf. Architect: Urban Design Associates, Lee Hutchison Interior Designer: Bess Jones Interiors Builder: R-Net Custom Homes Photography: Dino Tonn

Karl Neumann Photography
Example of a large mountain style open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design in Other with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace, beige walls and no tv

wendy mceahern
Inspiration for a large southwestern open concept and formal medium tone wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam living room remodel in Albuquerque with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace and no tv