Karuna Passive House designed by Holst Architecture and built by Hammer & Hand. This high performance home meets the world's most demanding green building certifications. Photo by Jeremy Bittermann.

Elliott Johnson
Inspiration for a farmhouse patio remodel in San Luis Obispo with no cover

Inspiration for a 1950s exterior home remodel in San Francisco

Susanne Hayek Photography
Mid-sized trendy backyard concrete patio photo in Los Angeles with no cover

Large transitional gender-neutral dark wood floor walk-in closet photo in New York with open cabinets and white cabinets

Large minimalist white two-story stucco flat roof photo in Barcelona

Patio - rustic patio idea in San Francisco with a fire pit and a pergola

Jeri Koegel
Minimalist one-story flat roof photo in Orange County

This is an example of a traditional full sun landscaping in Boston with a pergola.

Nat Rea
Example of a small beach style light wood floor playroom design in Providence with white walls

Frank Ooms
Inspiration for a modern exterior home remodel in Austin with a shed roof

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.

Example of a country living room design in New York

Lara Swimmer
Patio - contemporary patio idea in Seattle

Study room - transitional freestanding desk medium tone wood floor study room idea in Dallas with beige walls

Tuscan home bar photo in Austin

The enclosed organic vegetable garden has its own watering system, mesh fencing that extends underground to keep critters out and raised beds for all vegetables. The wood is cedar, and a convenient garden shed is attached.

CAST architecture
Small contemporary brown one-story metal exterior home idea in Seattle with a shed roof

Example of a huge trendy exterior home design in Denver