One of over fourteen miles of hiking trails at the Shaw Nature Reserve, a footpath through the open woodlands invites visitors to explore. Courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden

Photo Credit: Sherwood Cox
Design ideas for a tropical landscaping in New Orleans.

NEWLY PLANTED, SEE PHOTOS TAKEN AFTER 2 YEARS. This San Rafael front landscape has been dramatically updated with a welcoming concrete pathway entrance, and complimented by a variety of architectural plants, hardy succulents, textural grasses and a majestic, fruitless olive tree. The dramatic transformation is enhanced by a raised corten steel planter at the pathway entrance with gravel and succulents. Two horizontal ipe wood structures provide contemporary accents. New raised concrete planters alongside the new concrete driveway define the property and showcase more colorful succulents. A beautiful gray house paint color and ipe accents complete the remodel. Drawings, Design and Photos © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Example of a large classic beige three-story mixed siding exterior home design in Philadelphia with a shingle roof

Jennifer M. Ramos © 2018 Houzz
Eclectic living room photo in Austin

Drought tolerant, humidity tolerant tropical border Le jardinet
Inspiration for a landscaping in Orlando.

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.

Set in Montana's tranquil Shields River Valley, the Shilo Ranch Compound is a collection of structures that were specifically built on a relatively smaller scale, to maximize efficiency. The main house has two bedrooms, a living area, dining and kitchen, bath and adjacent greenhouse, while two guest homes within the compound can sleep a total of 12 friends and family. There's also a common gathering hall, for dinners, games, and time together. The overall feel here is of sophisticated simplicity, with plaster walls, concrete and wood floors, and weathered boards for exteriors. The placement of each building was considered closely when envisioning how people would move through the property, based on anticipated needs and interests. Sustainability and consumption was also taken into consideration, as evidenced by the photovoltaic panels on roof of the garage, and the capability to shut down any of the compound's buildings when not in use.

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.

Perennial Garden
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Los Angeles.

Brian Thomas Jones
Mid-sized trendy galley concrete floor and gray floor open concept kitchen photo in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

If walls could talk, the stories harbored in this Wrightsville Beach historic house on Henderson Street would go on for days. The history that pours from the front doors as guests are welcomed in was important for her new owner's to preserve while remodeling. And so, here, the cedar-shaked beach cottage stands on stilts overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway telling stories of her birth in 1941, survival of hurricanes like Hazel, hot summer nights, well over 70 Thanksgiving dinners when fresh catch from her dock was more important than the turkey baking in her kitchen, children counting shooting stars from her front porch and, now, her new life after quite a bit of reconstruction. While maintaining every bit of history possible, each room was reevaluated closely by the owners and Schmidt Custom Builders in a collaboration to bring new life to the bones of this three-story beach beauty. New hardwoods went in to replace what was no longer able to be resurfaced to match the original flooring. New fixtures adorn every wall and ceiling to add classic modernity as well as a coat of fresh paint. Floor to ceiling windows were added to the living room to bring scenes of the water world in. And above the living room, an en suite was added as a getaway retreat for the parents of four. This master bathroom includes a wall-to-wall countertop with his and hers vanities, an enormous rainfall shower and a free-standing tub that stares off into the sound. The kitchen took on a complete new look with all new appliances, fresh white cabinets, backsplash, fixtures and countertops as it was opened up into the living room to create more space. On the outside, Schmidt Custom Builders added a custom outdoor shower to the sound side of the home and a full bar with a tap that serves as the perfect welcome to the L-shaped porch.

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz
Photo of an eclectic landscaping in Dallas.

If walls could talk, the stories harbored in this Wrightsville Beach historic house on Henderson Street would go on for days. The history that pours from the front doors as guests are welcomed in was important for her new owner's to preserve while remodeling. And so, here, the cedar-shaked beach cottage stands on stilts overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway telling stories of her birth in 1941, survival of hurricanes like Hazel, hot summer nights, well over 70 Thanksgiving dinners when fresh catch from her dock was more important than the turkey baking in her kitchen, children counting shooting stars from her front porch and, now, her new life after quite a bit of reconstruction. While maintaining every bit of history possible, each room was reevaluated closely by the owners and Schmidt Custom Builders in a collaboration to bring new life to the bones of this three-story beach beauty. New hardwoods went in to replace what was no longer able to be resurfaced to match the original flooring. New fixtures adorn every wall and ceiling to add classic modernity as well as a coat of fresh paint. Floor to ceiling windows were added to the living room to bring scenes of the water world in. And above the living room, an en suite was added as a getaway retreat for the parents of four. This master bathroom includes a wall-to-wall countertop with his and hers vanities, an enormous rainfall shower and a free-standing tub that stares off into the sound. The kitchen took on a complete new look with all new appliances, fresh white cabinets, backsplash, fixtures and countertops as it was opened up into the living room to create more space. On the outside, Schmidt Custom Builders added a custom outdoor shower to the sound side of the home and a full bar with a tap that serves as the perfect welcome to the L-shaped porch.

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.

Donna Dotan Photography
Large minimalist rooftop deck photo in New York with a fire pit and no cover

Patrick & Topaze McCaffery - Taproot Garden Design "April 2017: Plants include Salvia sonomensis 'Bee's Bliss', Eschscholzia californica (California Poppy), Eriogonum umbellatum polyanthum (Shasta Sulfur Buckwheat), and Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman'. This garden has no irrigation installed and has survived many years with only hand-watering during the hottest months."

Portabella stained bamboo base cabinets and island with crystal white wall cabinets provide the backdrop for this modern kitchen. The slab doors, floating shelves and square lines contribute to the minimalist design. A geometric pattern backsplash adds depth to the space while solid white quartz countertops pulls the look together. Finishing touches include a custom range hood with a brushed nickel skirt and brushed nickel hardware.

This project is a skillion style roof with an outdoor kitchen, entertainment, heaters, and gas fireplace! It has a super modern look with the white stone on the kitchen and fireplace that complements the house well.