Reverse Shed Eichler This project is part tear-down, part remodel. The original L-shaped plan allowed the living/ dining/ kitchen wing to be completely re-built while retaining the shell of the bedroom wing virtually intact. The rebuilt entertainment wing was enlarged 50% and covered with a low-slope reverse-shed roof sloping from eleven to thirteen feet. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. Cantilevered steel frames support wood roof beams with eaves of up to ten feet. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. A wall-to-wall skylight illuminates the north wall of the kitchen/family room. New additions at the back of the house add several “sliding” wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. The existing bedroom wing has been re-configured on the interior, changing three small bedrooms into two larger ones, and adding a guest suite in part of the original garage. A previous den addition provided the perfect spot for a large master ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see “Concrete Jungle” in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound).

Decorative Outdoor Drapes with Tiebacks in Sunbrella® Outdoor Canvas
Photo of a mediterranean patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature and a pergola.

Ultra™ Series French doors by Milgard. http://bit.ly/1H7HUPE
Design ideas for a contemporary patio in Seattle.

Applied Photogradhy
Mediterranean patio in Orange County with natural stone pavers and an awning.

Elegant Interior Designs in the Philadelphia Suburbs completed a full deck redesign winning a COTY Award in 2011. The client had a poorly utilized dysfunctional deck consisting of a dining table, six chairs and a grill. The narrow dimensions of the deck precluded easy passage way around the table. In addition, the positioning of the grill and the depth of the deck did not allow enough room for a much needed conversational seating area. The pressure treated lumber was a maintenance and splintering problem. There has been a dramatic change from the run down, dilapidated, dysfunctional deck to this stunning outdoor living space. As shown in the photo on the right, this project greatly enhances the existing structure aesthetically. It has increased the value of the property. It creates a more elegant and stately look and feel to the home. • The furniture, fabrics and pillows are sun and mildew resistant and water repellant. They have a sophisticated style and are very durable due to their high rubs factor. Not only are they beautiful but practical as well. PERGOLA A cedar pergola was stained to match the deck boards and added over the dining area to create a more interesting outdoor living space. It also provided a place to attach the fan and light. Now the dining area easily allows adequate traffic flow around the table. LIGHTING Deck time doesn’t end when the sun goes down. The lamp, fan with lights, wall fixtures and overhead spot lights add different levels of light that create a beautiful ambience. Riser lights were added on every few steps that give off soft illumination for safety on stairs. BEFORE COOKING AREA The placement of the grill and the narrow width of the deck did not allow for adequate seating. The removal of the grill on this side of the deck and the enlarged space allowed for the addition of a conversational seating area for relaxation with a fire pit for added ambiance and warmth on a chilly evening. The stunning outdoor lamp is heavily weighted and can stand up to the elements. Problems of slipping, splinters and maintenance are addressed. The cognac colored deck boards are a PVC product engineered for maximum scratch, mildew and stain resistance. The deck boards were laid on a diagonal and bordered in a dark brown contrast color to add to the high end look. The black railing is a composite material with smooth lines and no visible hardware. • Deck boards with a flat grain surface make it very slip resistant next to the pool. • The products do not splinter, so the client can walk barefoot to the pool and hold all hand rails without fear. • Low maintenance decking and railing material eliminates the need to stain and seal. Pamela Kofsky of Elegant Interior Designs, Ambler, PA

The backyard features a pizza oven with built-in seating, counter space and a grill for outdoor entertaining.
Design ideas for a large mediterranean backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen and natural stone pavers.

Design ideas for a courtyard patio in Phoenix.

Photo of a patio in Phoenix with concrete pavers and a pergola.

Red Cedar outdoor shower
Mid-sized beach style backyard patio in Boston with an outdoor shower, decking and a pergola.

Patio in New Orleans.

This is an example of a large traditional backyard patio in Chicago with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Traditional patio in Chicago.

This is an example of a transitional patio in Seattle.

Contemporary patio in Other with tile and no cover.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Denver with stamped concrete.

Progressive started by removing the stucco ceiling on the lanai and the round, dated columns. It was replaced with a gorgeous tongue and groove Roman Rock ceiling finished in a warm wood tone. To create the perfect ambiance and a warm, inviting entertainment space, an Amantii electric fireplace was designed into the outdoor living room, along with a full outdoor kitchen by Danver. The outdoor kitchen features a Lynx stainless steel grill, an under-counter Artisan beverage center, metallic matte bronze cabinets in a Key West Door style and a marble and granite countertop.

This is an example of a small contemporary backyard patio in New York with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Mediterranean patio in Los Angeles with a roof extension.

Tranquil patio & seating area with exceptional lighting throughout.
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen, stamped concrete and a pergola.