Located in Sedona, Arizona, Stargazer Trail was designed as a peaceful retreat surrounded by towering trees and the quiet beauty of Oak Creek. Our client wanted a vacation home that felt warm and welcoming for personal getaways while also offering the durability and low-maintenance features needed for future guests and short-term stays. Rather than reinventing the home's rustic character, we built upon it. Original pine tongue-and-groove ceilings were preserved, while a palette of black, cream, and natural textures introduced a fresh, contemporary contrast. Thoughtfully selected furnishings, durable materials, and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living create a home that feels connected to its surroundings while offering a comfortable escape in every season.

The house is located on a hillside overlooking the Colorado River and mountains beyond. It is designed for a young couple with two children, and grandparents who come to visit and stay for certain period of time. The house consists of a L shaped two-story volume connected by a one-story base. A courtyard with a reflection pool is located in the heart of the house, bringing daylight and fresh air into the surrounding rooms. The main living areas are positioned on the south end and open up for sunlight and uninterrupted views out to the mountains. Outside the dining and living rooms is a covered terrace with a fire place on one end, a place to get directly connected with natural surroundings. Wood screens are located at along windows and the terrace facing south, the screens can move to different positions to block unwanted sun light at different time of the day. The house is mainly made of concrete with large glass windows and sliding doors that bring in daylight and permit natural ventilation. The design intends to create a structure that people can perceive and appreciate both the “raw” nature outside the house: the mountain, the river and the trees, and also the “abstract” natural phenomena filtered through the structure, such as the reflection pool, the sound of rain water dropping into the pool, the light and shadow play by the sun penetrating through the windows, and the wind flowing through the space.

The owners of this farmhouse were tempted to sell their home and move to Florida. They decided they would stay if they could remodel to accommodate main floor living with a new master suite and an enlarged family room. A design with three additions enabled us to make all the changes they requested. One addition created the master suite, the second was a five-foot bump out in the family room, and the third is a breezeway addition connecting the garage to the main house. Special features include a master bath with a no-threshold shower and floating vanity. Windows are strategically placed throughout to allow views to the outdoor swimming pool.

The owners of this farmhouse were tempted to sell their home and move to Florida. They decided they would stay if they could remodel to accommodate main floor living with a new master suite and an enlarged family room. A design with three additions enabled us to make all the changes they requested. One addition created the master suite, the second was a five-foot bump out in the family room, and the third is a breezeway addition connecting the garage to the main house. Special features include a master bath with a no-threshold shower and floating vanity. Windows are strategically placed throughout to allow views to the outdoor swimming pool.

Brian Vanden Brink Photographer
Inspiration for a large craftsman u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Portland Maine with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, brown backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The owners of this farmhouse were tempted to sell their home and move to Florida. They decided they would stay if they could remodel to accommodate main floor living with a new master suite and an enlarged family room. A design with three additions enabled us to make all the changes they requested. One addition created the master suite, the second was a five-foot bump out in the family room, and the third is a breezeway addition connecting the garage to the main house. Special features include a master bath with a no-threshold shower and floating vanity. Windows are strategically placed throughout to allow views to the outdoor swimming pool.

We designed this 3,162 square foot home for empty-nesters who love lake life. Functionally, the home accommodates multiple generations. Elderly in-laws stay for prolonged periods, and the homeowners are thinking ahead to their own aging in place. This required two master suites on the first floor. Accommodations were made for visiting children upstairs. Aside from the functional needs of the occupants, our clients desired a home which maximizes indoor connection to the lake, provides covered outdoor living, and is conducive to entertaining. Our concept celebrates the natural surroundings through materials, views, daylighting, and building massing. We placed all main public living areas along the rear of the house to capitalize on the lake views while efficiently stacking the bedrooms and bathrooms in a two-story side wing. Secondary support spaces are integrated across the front of the house with the dramatic foyer. The front elevation, with painted green and natural wood siding and soffits, blends harmoniously with wooded surroundings. The lines and contrasting colors of the light granite wall and silver roofline draws attention toward the entry and through the house to the real focus: the water. The one-story roof over the garage and support spaces takes flight at the entry, wraps the two-story wing, turns, and soars again toward the lake as it approaches the rear patio. The granite wall extending from the entry through the interior living space is mirrored along the opposite end of the rear covered patio. These granite bookends direct focus to the lake.

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.

A Georgetown backyard built for gathering. A deck sits up top and a shaded patio tucks underneath, with a flagstone path running through river rock to connect both levels down to the lawn. The layout gives the family room to spread out, whether that is dinner on the deck or shade below on a hot afternoon. Big shade trees anchor the space, with a putting green off to one side and a swing bed hung in the shade for slow afternoons. We kept the planting easy and the materials natural, so the whole yard feels relaxed and built to be used rather than just looked at. Levels, shade, and a few good reasons to stay outside all day. Designed and built by Studio Rostrata in Georgetown, Texas.

A Georgetown backyard built for gathering. A deck sits up top and a shaded patio tucks underneath, with a flagstone path running through river rock to connect both levels down to the lawn. The layout gives the family room to spread out, whether that is dinner on the deck or shade below on a hot afternoon. Big shade trees anchor the space, with a putting green off to one side and a swing bed hung in the shade for slow afternoons. We kept the planting easy and the materials natural, so the whole yard feels relaxed and built to be used rather than just looked at. Levels, shade, and a few good reasons to stay outside all day. Designed and built by Studio Rostrata in Georgetown, Texas.

A Georgetown backyard built for gathering. A deck sits up top and a shaded patio tucks underneath, with a flagstone path running through river rock to connect both levels down to the lawn. The layout gives the family room to spread out, whether that is dinner on the deck or shade below on a hot afternoon. Big shade trees anchor the space, with a putting green off to one side and a swing bed hung in the shade for slow afternoons. We kept the planting easy and the materials natural, so the whole yard feels relaxed and built to be used rather than just looked at. Levels, shade, and a few good reasons to stay outside all day. Designed and built by Studio Rostrata in Georgetown, Texas.

A Georgetown backyard built for gathering. A deck sits up top and a shaded patio tucks underneath, with a flagstone path running through river rock to connect both levels down to the lawn. The layout gives the family room to spread out, whether that is dinner on the deck or shade below on a hot afternoon. Big shade trees anchor the space, with a putting green off to one side and a swing bed hung in the shade for slow afternoons. We kept the planting easy and the materials natural, so the whole yard feels relaxed and built to be used rather than just looked at. Levels, shade, and a few good reasons to stay outside all day. Designed and built by Studio Rostrata in Georgetown, Texas.

The classic modern design of this kitchen was planned for an active young family of four who uses the space as their central hub for gathering, eating and staying connected. Our goals were to create a beautiful and highly functional kitchen with an emphasis on cabinet organization, heated floors and incorporating a live edge slab countertop. We removed an existing bulky island and replaced it with a new island that while only 60 x 26 in size packs a powerful punch housing a baking center, trash/recycle center, microwave oven and cookbook storage. The island seemed the natural place for the gorgeous live edge slab coupled with vintage mercury glass light pendants that make for a truly stunning kitchen island. Polished carrara quartz perimeter counters pair beautifully with the watery blue-green glass backsplash tile. A message center conveniently located on a side panel of the refrigerator cabinet houses built in mailboxes, a family calendar and magnetic surface to display the children’s artwork. We are pleased to have met the family’s goals and that they love their kitchen. Design mission accomplished! Photography by: Marcela Winspear

The owners of this farmhouse were tempted to sell their home and move to Florida. They decided they would stay if they could remodel to accommodate main floor living with a new master suite and an enlarged family room. A design with three additions enabled us to make all the changes they requested. One addition created the master suite, the second was a five-foot bump out in the family room, and the third is a breezeway addition connecting the garage to the main house. Special features include a master bath with a no-threshold shower and floating vanity. Windows are strategically placed throughout to allow views to the outdoor swimming pool.

A Georgetown backyard built for gathering. A deck sits up top and a shaded patio tucks underneath, with a flagstone path running through river rock to connect both levels down to the lawn. The layout gives the family room to spread out, whether that is dinner on the deck or shade below on a hot afternoon. Big shade trees anchor the space, with a putting green off to one side and a swing bed hung in the shade for slow afternoons. We kept the planting easy and the materials natural, so the whole yard feels relaxed and built to be used rather than just looked at. Levels, shade, and a few good reasons to stay outside all day. Designed and built by Studio Rostrata in Georgetown, Texas.

The owners of this farmhouse were tempted to sell their home and move to Florida. They decided they would stay if they could remodel to accommodate main floor living with a new master suite and an enlarged family room. A design with three additions enabled us to make all the changes they requested. One addition created the master suite, the second was a five-foot bump out in the family room, and the third is a breezeway addition connecting the garage to the main house. Special features include a master bath with a no-threshold shower and floating vanity. Windows are strategically placed throughout to allow views to the outdoor swimming pool.

Modern Primary Bathroom Renovation A complete transformation of a primary bathroom into a bright, luxurious oasis. Designed with clean lines and warm neutral tones, this project combines high-end functionality with timeless elegance: Frameless Glass Walk-In Shower: Features custom floor-to-ceiling tile work, recessed lighting, and premium chrome shower fixtures. Built-In Jetted Soaking Tub: Seamlessly integrated alongside the shower with custom marble deck surround and sleek deck-mounted controls. Warm Neutral Palette & Tile: Large-format marble-look floor tiles paired with soft warm walls and refined crown molding to accentuate the space and natural light. Spacious En-Suite Layout: Reconfigured for an open, airy feel while staying seamlessly connected to the adjoining primary suite.

A Georgetown backyard built for gathering. A deck sits up top and a shaded patio tucks underneath, with a flagstone path running through river rock to connect both levels down to the lawn. The layout gives the family room to spread out, whether that is dinner on the deck or shade below on a hot afternoon. Big shade trees anchor the space, with a putting green off to one side and a swing bed hung in the shade for slow afternoons. We kept the planting easy and the materials natural, so the whole yard feels relaxed and built to be used rather than just looked at. Levels, shade, and a few good reasons to stay outside all day. Designed and built by Studio Rostrata in Georgetown, Texas.