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.

View from one of two second story viewing decks shows geometrically angled, tiered steps and planters leading beyond the Argentinean barbecue to the pool and cabana beyond. Surfaces include natural stone pavers, reclaimed wood decking, gravel, and acid etched concrete | Kurt Jordan Photography

After completing an interior remodel for this mid-century home in the South Salem hills, we revived the old, rundown backyard and transformed it into an outdoor living room that reflects the openness of the new interior living space. We tied the outside and inside together to create a cohesive connection between the two. The yard was spread out with multiple elevations and tiers, which we used to create “outdoor rooms” with separate seating, eating and gardening areas that flowed seamlessly from one to another. We installed a fire pit in the seating area; built-in pizza oven, wok and bar-b-que in the outdoor kitchen; and a soaking tub on the lower deck. The concrete dining table doubled as a ping-pong table and required a boom truck to lift the pieces over the house and into the backyard. The result is an outdoor sanctuary the homeowners can effortlessly enjoy year-round.

Lake Front Country Estate Outdoor Shower, designed by Tom Markalunas, built by Resort Custom Homes. Photography by Rachael Boling

Dry Stone Walled Private Sunken Garden area with Box & Mature Hedging and Naturalising Bulbs. Built in an area which used to be wasteland and a bog on this Llama Development. The sunken area is flagged with Reclaimed 150 year York Stone and the Bull Nosed York Stone tops of the sunken area were off an old Railway Platform. Low LED spots are on the floor of the sunken patio area so as to give low lighting in the early evening.

A complete contemporary backyard project was taken to another level of design. This amazing backyard was completed in the beginning of 2013 in Weston, Florida. The project included an Outdoor Kitchen with equipment by Lynx, and finished with Emperador Light Marble and a Spanish stone on walls. Also, a 32” X 16” wooden pergola attached to the house with a customized wooden wall for the TV on a structured bench with the same finishes matching the Outdoor Kitchen. The project also consist of outdoor furniture by The Patio District, pool deck with gold travertine material, and an ivy wall with LED lights and custom construction with Black Absolute granite finish and grey stone on walls. For more information regarding this or any other of our outdoor projects please visit our website at www.luxapatio.com where you may also shop online. You can also visit our showroom located in the Doral Design District (3305 NW 79 Ave Miami FL. 33122) or contact us at 305-477-5141. URL http://www.luxapatio.com

The outdoor fireplace and raised spa, make a beautiful focal point in this exquisite backyard landscape renovation.

This home is on several acres, and the homeowner wanted a freestanding outdoor living room with a large kitchen and fireplace that matched their home. The rustic/hill country vibe is just perfect. The rustic stone and dark stained columns and beams create this stunning outdoor space. A walkway from the home to the new outdoor space was poured for easy access to the 624 SF freestanding living room. Everything was built to look original to the home – matching the siding, metal roof, and gel-stained Hardie on the columns and beams. The flooring inside the space is hand-carved limecrete overlay in a travertine pattern. There are concrete pads on the outside for a smoker and plants. The 18’ kitchen along one side has a grill, sink, fridge, storage, and a ceramic smoker. The granite is Fantasy Brown 3cm leather finish from InStyle Granite and Marble. The raised bar top provides plenty of space for dining outdoors. All the stone on the project is Colonial Monte Vista from Apex Stone. The hearth and seat walls are topped with Ashton Moire ledge stone from Apex Stone. The custom-built fireplace is woodburning with storage on either side for wood storage. The ceiling is American Nut Brown pre-stained tongue and groove by Woodtone.

This North Buckhead project included refinishing the pool, adding a spa, and replacing the surround, stairs and existing gazebo. We used the gazebo space to create an outdoor kitchen and lounge pavilion, and we added a putting green.T he style combines the sophistication of the large Buckhead home with it’s beautiful woodsy surroundings. Stone is prominent throughout the pavilion/gazebo, adding a bit of rustic style. The vaulted ceiling is composed of rich cedar boards and contains plenty of lights that can be adjusted for the mood.

Natural stone patio and firepit overlooking Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata.

We love the combination of paver colors the clients selected for their Unilock patio and hardscape. The field of the patio features Unilock’s Beacon Hill Flagstone pavers in the platinum color, and the darker soldier course features Unilock’s Series 3000 pavers in black granite. We built the outer edge of the patio with Unilock’s Ledgestone.

This custom Dallas backyard cabana features a gable with hip roof, as well as an attached shed roof atop the eat-in space. Speaking of space, this cabana boasts separate areas for cooking, eating, and TV viewing and conversation. These homeowners can host outdoor dinner parties, without relying one iota on interior kitchen or dining amenities. The outdoor kitchen area includes a Turtle grill and freezer with stainless steel accessories, such as a towel holder and access panel with drawers. The kitchen is outfitted with extra electrical outlets for added convenience. In addition, the space features a cozy custom stone fireplace.

World Renowned Architecture Firm Fratantoni Design created this beautiful home! They design home plans for families all over the world in any size and style. They also have in-house Interior Designer Firm Fratantoni Interior Designers and world class Luxury Home Building Firm Fratantoni Luxury Estates! Hire one or all three companies to design and build and or remodel your home!

This courtyard features cement pavers with grass in between. A seated patio area in front of the custom built-in fireplace with two black wall trellis' on both sides of the fireplace. Decorated with four white wingback armchairs with black trim detailing and a stone coffee table in the center. A French-inspired fountain sits across from the patio space. A wood gate acts as the entrance into the courtyard.

Beautiful lakefront location with fire bowls/fountains. Vista is framed by coconut palms and stained tongue and groove ceiling.