We relocated these hydrangea that had not flowered in over 10 years from another section of the property. Sometimes a plant that has grown "comfortable" can be forced to bloom by the trauma of the movement to a new location. Behold their struggle to survive in the new location.

Photo: Bjorg Magnea Furniture: AbbyElle Style
Example of a trendy porcelain tile living room design in New York

Mimi & Larry Elmore
Photo of a large southwestern drought-tolerant and partial sun front yard stone landscaping in Denver for summer.

Front porch with stone accents.
Mid-sized craftsman green two-story wood gable roof idea

Tapestry Landscape Architecture
Photo of a traditional courtyard gravel garden path in New York.

Climbing mandevilla vines have to be replaced every spring as they cannot survive the cold New York winters.
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in New York.

2025: Closeup of the PurePave paving, composed of granite embedded in a weather-proof but water-permeable resin, here surrounded by concrete pavers. The permeability of the PurePave paving depends on the gravel bed underneath, through which rainwater percolates extremely rapidly. The PurePave technology is extremely rugged (tested in climates like Canada's). This is how it looks in 2025, having survived the deep freeze and thaw cycle of the Canadian winter and spring. It's offered in an attractive selection of colours to complement every house colour and landscape, and in two options: one for pedestrians (patios/walkways) and one for vehicular traffic.

Our clients' endured the loss of surviving parents each within months of the other so this space is special. The table and hutch are family heirlooms. The table was finished and, as was the hutch, faux finished to match the fresh decor in the living room. Most of the pieces on the hutch and the clock were also heirloom pieces. We added the upholstered end chairs.

So-called Elm Grove due to a tree-lined driveway (six surviving); which at one time had been a lovely grove of Elm trees. Authentic Federal style architecture featuring 3-levels with 3900 Sqft, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths & 2 Half Baths

The restored front porch virtually replicates the original design, and is significantly more sympathetic to the other homes on the street, nearly all of which share this feature. The new tongue & groove wood flooring is traditional for houses of this era, as are the sky-blue beaded board ceiling and the wood railing that was custom-fabricated from the one surviving segment of the original. A new Craftsman style front door (with beefy solid bronze hardware) and period-appropriate lighting fixtures provide a welcoming first impression, and a deep, rich paint palette accentuates the home’s picturesque qualities.

The original bathroom kept a two-tone square tile shower behind a framed aluminum door, fittings mounted low and the plank ceiling running straight over the top. The black and white idea survived into the remodel even though none of the material did.

Strawberries grow well on S facing balconies, but only the Alpine varieties (not the regular varieties) can overwintered outside on a balcony in our climate, USDA zone 4/Canada zone 5. They can survive winter after winter, but it is still helpful to use a straw or pine needle mulch to add a layer of protection. Nevertheless, if you love the larger strawberries, you can grow them in larger containers during the clement weather, and start over with new plants in the spring.

The restored front porch virtually replicates the original design, and is significantly more sympathetic to the other homes on the street, nearly all of which share this feature. The new tongue & groove wood flooring is traditional for houses of this era, as are the sky-blue beaded board ceiling and the wood railing that was custom-fabricated from the one surviving segment of the original. A new Craftsman style front door (with beefy solid bronze hardware) and period-appropriate lighting fixtures provide a welcoming first impression, and a deep, rich paint palette accentuates the home’s picturesque qualities.

The shape conjures up stools of the 1800s and the line of the legs is rounded and slightly upturned, an icon of the classic high stool. Charles Ghost is constructed from a single block of transparent polycarbonate which makes it indestructible and allows it to survive anywhere. It is available in three different heights: from the stool for occasional and informal use to that for the kitchen bench or bar counter. It is just as suited to closed surroundings as it is to open spaces and it embraces every kind of decor and culture. A wide range of transparent and opaque colours allows for the creation of intriguing chromatic combinations.

Kate Arends from Wit & Delight discovered the key to surviving and thriving in the sub-zero temperatures of a Minnesota winter is a modern and cozy COSMO gas fireplace from Heat & Glo. // Photo by: Wit & Delight

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.

Inspiration for a transitional home design remodel in Austin

The waterfront perspective has been completely re-imagined into a passive use garden. A Hollywood juniper survived the storm and stands strong in the background. Photo by Susan Sotera

Kate Arends from Wit & Delight discovered the key to surviving and thriving in the sub-zero temperatures of a Minnesota winter is a modern and cozy COSMO gas fireplace from Heat & Glo. // Photo by: Wit & Delight