Dan Piassick
Example of a large minimalist exterior home design in Dallas

Example of a mid-sized transitional formal and open concept light wood floor living room design in Minneapolis with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and no tv

This home was featured in the January 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/beauty-exemplified-british-west-indies-style/

Copyright © 2009 Robert Reck. All Rights Reserved.
Example of a large southwest open concept dark wood floor and brown floor family room design in Albuquerque with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

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.

Mountain style backyard stone patio photo in Orange County with a fire pit and a roof extension

Inspiration for a southwestern home design remodel in Phoenix

This hillside lake home on Lake Metigoshe in southwest Manitoba pairs ICF construction with a featured white pine timber frame in the great room and kitchen. A 24-foot vaulted ceiling and a queen bent truss anchor the main living space, taking full advantage of 180-degree lake views, while an integrated corner staircase connects the main floor to a loft above and a walk-out level below. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, completed in 2020 with Amplify Design and built by Alair Homes Brandon.

The formal living room now includes a custom bar in black. the cane fronts and glass doors are lit from behind, giving extra mood. The chandelier is certainly a scene stealer from every view.

Wayne Suggs
Southwest terra-cotta tile living room photo in Austin with beige walls and a corner fireplace

Pool - southwestern backyard tile and rectangular lap pool idea in Phoenix

Large southwest open concept dark wood floor and brown floor family room photo in Albuquerque with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

Living room - mid-sized rustic formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Charlotte with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Living room - mid-sized rustic formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Charlotte with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Example of a large southwest open concept dark wood floor and brown floor family room design in Albuquerque with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Charlotte with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Charlotte with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Example of a mid-sized transitional carpeted basement design in San Diego with brown walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

Example of a mid-sized mountain style formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design in Charlotte with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv