Traditional Style Fire Feature - the Prescott Fire Pit - using Techo-Bloc's Prescott wall & Piedimonte cap.
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard stone landscaping in New York with a fire pit.

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.

© Linda Jaquez
Elegant orange tile mosaic tile floor and orange floor alcove bathtub photo in New York with a console sink and yellow walls

Mid-sized island style blue two-story mixed siding house exterior photo in San Diego with a hip roof and a metal roof

Spacious enclosed curb-less shower accented with beautiful walnut honed marble tile, bench seating and built in niche with shelf. Flat panel cabinetry with exposed shelf and abundant storage, glass mosaic backsplash accents and quart countertops with undermount sink. Edmunds Studio Photography

Inspiration for a contemporary built-in desk light wood floor study room remodel in San Francisco with brown walls

Alcove bathtub - mid-sized modern white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and white floor alcove bathtub idea in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, a two-piece toilet and gray walls

How delicious is your home when every nook is kept tidy and organized! With chocolate finish and plenty of adjustable shelves, this custom reach-in closet gives tiny space a ton of storage in style.

This Secret finish custom reach-in closet is not a well kept secret, but not one to hide either! Fully custom storage, it’s a joy to use and look at, especially when you have an open closet. Shown with an oil rubbed bronze hardware, this custom reach-in closet provides plenty of storage with shelves, hanging rods and drawers.

Bob Narod
Basement - industrial basement idea in DC Metro

The beauty of custom factory cabinets by Wood-Mode, the possibilities and design options are endless. Aluminum tambour cabinet surrounded by Plain Sawn Walnut cabinets. The interior finish of this piece is white melamine to coordinate with the stainless steel appliances and aluminum tambour. All pictures are copyright Wood-Mode. For promotional use only.

Photo: Kimberley Bryan © 2014 Houzz
Example of a farmhouse home office design in Seattle

Take advantage of larger garage space by incorporating a convenient laundry station. Easily access tools and supplies with cabinets and racks!
Example of a small trendy garage design in Orange County

Smart Builders Glenview Custom Home - Master Bathroom - Kristin Petro Interiors, Inc. - Creative Millwork, LLC - Larry Malvin Photography - Marvin Windows and Doors - CAI Designs Lighting - Crawford Supply - Porcelanosa - Terrazzo & Marble Supply Companies -

Dedicated laundry room - cottage medium tone wood floor and brown floor dedicated laundry room idea in Kansas City with open cabinets, white cabinets, white walls and white countertops

Architectural Designer: Bruce Lenzen Design/Build - Landcape Designer: Hedberg Supply, Landscape & Masonry - Photo: Spacecrafting Photography
Huge contemporary beige two-story stone exterior home idea in Minneapolis with a hip roof

Streamline your space—no more awkward bending and twisting.
Example of a trendy kitchen design in Atlanta

Photo: Rikki Snyder ©2016 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic kitchen remodel in Providence

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.