Originally the facade of the waterfront property featured a simple front landing with a small roof supported by two decorative columns. The homeowners not only wanted to increase the outdoor entertainment space but also upgrade the curb appeal of the house. BLB Design/Build partnered with Latady Design to develop a new, 500-square-foot front porch to satisfy both of their desires. The team carried the front porch along the entire length of the façade to create enough space on either side of the steps for the clients to sit and enjoy the view of Joppa Flats, a nearby wildlife sanctuary. The ho ..read more

Outdoor Living Project Profiles: Randy Angell Designs Harrell Remodeling Ryan Hughes Design Jackson Design & Remodeling Mom’s Design Build Dock & Deck Colorful Concepts Hogan Design & Construction The post 2024 Outdoor Planning Guide: Living Large appeared first on QUALIFIED REMODELER ..read more

Living with the ups and downs of Midwest weather, the clients wanted to create a covered porch addition designed to maximize their time spent outdoors. The porch had to blend into the existing design seamlessly and match the look and feel of the unique roof lines and architectural elements of the home. The structure needed to include an area for dining and a large space for entertaining. The covered porch features blue stone brick pavers that match the new al fresco dining patio off the porch, blending with the aesthetics. A brick chimney with a wood-burning gas fireplace ties into the existin ..read more

Nestled within a natural landscape, the contemporary marsh-front home now boasts welcoming outdoor living spaces. The detailed design allows for an appreciation of spectacular views of the wildlife-filled waterway. Spaces include multiple rear outdoor rooms—from the dining and guest balconies to lower decks and lounge areas—that benefit from nature-inspired palettes and layers. Each of the dining and lounging balconies defines a relaxed atmosphere of coastal living through the use of natural woods. They accompany durable contemporary tables, outdoor accessories and rugs. On the lower deck mu ..read more

One of the objectives was to replicate a resort infinity pool the family visited in Cabo San Lucas. The destination left a lasting impact and served as a source of inspiration to create a true “resort backyard.” They wanted it to function as a personal oasis and as a hub for large gatherings. The covered boat dock, boardwalk, putting green, and outdoor kitchens contribute to the experience. With limited space and such dramatic grade and elevation, they adopted a design that utilizes an organic flow with multiple entertainment zones. The upper tier has an infinity pool with a shower and bathro ..read more

The clients built a home on Lake Minnetonka and hoped for a relaxing outdoor living space for their family and friends. Fans of minimalism and the Zen style, they wanted to use timeless and quality materials and ensure the design embraced group entertaining. It was important to them the whole space felt open and airy yet also allowed for unique spaces that would feel connected. Restricted with lake setbacks and hardcover allowances, the team converted the sunken area into a cozy and functional space with unobstructed lake views. The outline of the sunken entertaining space is the exact bounda ..read more

Perched on a hilltop in La Jolla, the homeowners loved their 1948 house and many of its original elements, but they desired more space to relax and entertain. They wanted a design that felt more connected to its stunning natural surroundings. With a deep appreciation for the aesthetics of the Craftsman home style, they sought to express that admiration in the reimagination of their house. The outdoor living space now carefully integrates with the new design and takes full advantage of the home’s picturesque location. Seating and dining areas, an outdoor kitchen, a Jacuzzi and a fire pit becko ..read more

Inspired by classic looks and the desire to create a grand outdoor space for family gatherings and other events, custom design features include the front fountain entry and symmetrically balanced backyard surrounding an all-glass tile pool. Outside the pool, a pergola covers a fire lounge with curated furnishings, and on the opposite end lies a dining pavilion and entertainment lounge area. The pool extends from a swim-up bar area alongside the outdoor kitchen to an infinity raised spa clad in glass tile, and it ends at an elegantly tiled entry stair design. Within the sunken kitchen, a marble ..read more

A family of four longed to replace its cramped, aging deck and dated, concrete paver patio with amenities offering comfort and functionality. They asked for a dining area close to the barbecue grill and kitchen, a place for growing herbs and vegetables, and a space for relaxing with lounge furniture around a fire pit. They also wanted a visual connection to the garage, now a home gym. A retractable awning in a bright sunset color supplies shade when needed for the upper portion of a new bi-level deck. Built-in planters for plants and herbs complement the thoughtfully arranged stairs, which le ..read more

The clients set forth the goal of creating a backyard worthy of a resort for entertaining family and friends and would also allow them to vacation at home every day. They were concerned with the unique shape of their lot, but the design team was able to place the outdoor living pavilion a bit off to one side, only steps away from the covered patio, so the pool could remain the focal point. When guests enter the house, they can view straight through the great room out to the pool area. A 6-foot-tall wall with a cantilevered centerpiece ledge now houses a 6-foot-wide rainfall water feature with ..read more