Minimalist exterior home photo in Toronto

Greg Riegler Photography
Garage - detached two-car garage idea

Example of a mid-sized classic single-wall dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, granite countertops, blue backsplash, paneled appliances, an island, white cabinets and ceramic backsplash

Design drawings prepared in support of zoning By-Law variance application
Small traditional three-story mixed siding gable roof idea in Toronto with a mixed material roof

Design drawings prepared in support of zoning By-Law variance application
Small elegant three-story mixed siding gable roof photo in Toronto with a mixed material roof

Hickory has beautiful natural colour variances,
Bedroom - craftsman bedroom idea in Calgary

Hickory has beautiful natural colour variances,
Inspiration for a craftsman bedroom remodel in Calgary

Hickory has beautiful natural colour variances,
Bedroom - craftsman bedroom idea in Calgary

Family room - mid-sized rustic dark wood floor family room idea in Denver with brown walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Morris chair variance shown with ottoman in selected Cherry
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman living room remodel in Montreal

Greg Premru
Example of a mid-sized minimalist light wood floor multiuse home gym design in Boston with white walls

Example of a small eclectic formal and open concept carpeted and brown floor living room design in Raleigh with yellow walls, no fireplace and no tv

Hickory has beautiful natural colour variances,
Bedroom - craftsman bedroom idea in Calgary

Hickory has beautiful natural colour variances,
Inspiration for a craftsman bedroom remodel in Calgary

Hickory has beautiful natural colour variances,
Bedroom - craftsman bedroom idea in Calgary

Greg Premru
Mid-sized minimalist loft-style light wood floor bedroom photo in Boston with white walls and no fireplace

Shades of gray in a multitude of materials - glass subway tile, large format porcelain, wood cabinetry - combine to create a subtle, yet interesting composition for this master bath. Photo by Jeri Koegel.

Inspiration for a transitional two-story stone exterior home remodel in Portland

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.