Kim Grant, Architect; Elizabeth Barkett, Interior Designer - Ross Thiele & Sons Ltd.; Theresa Clark, Landscape Architect; Gail Owens, Photographer

FIRE AND WATER This relaxation retreat provides the cool breezes from the water front vista and the glowing warmth of a custom fire table. The fire table crafted of decorative tile also is accented with a unique and elegant water feature. The Cypress pergola is supported by tasteful columns and decorative base adorned with custom sculpted elements.

Enhanced curb appeal for the front and a face-lift for the pool, spa and outdoor patio space in the backyard; all result in tranquil outdoor living for these Dallas, TX home owners. We designed the custom patio to include unique, full-color plank Pennsylvania Bluestone on the deck that resembles a wood floor pattern. The patio deck leads out to an outdoor kitchen and bar covered by a custom pergola of smooth cedar finished in white matching the aesthetic of the home. Continuing the cohesiveness, we used the same full-color plank Bluestone for the small patio outside the outdoor pool house as well as smooth thermal Pennsylvania Bluestone for the spa, pool coping, and step pads around the pool. http://www.onespecialty.com/enduring-springs/

This project is a skillion style roof with an outdoor kitchen, entertainment, heaters, and gas fireplace! It has a super modern look with the white stone on the kitchen and fireplace that complements the house well.

Here in Florida, we’re blessed with great weather year-round. So it’s no surprise that outdoor entertaining areas are an extremely popular way to enhance outdoor living. When our clients requested an update to their existing outdoor kitchen while they were away on vacation, we were ready to hit the ground running. While their beautiful 2-story home on a golf course had a pool and covered lanai area, the existing outdoor kitchen just didn’t function well for their needs. Mainly, they craved additional counter space and more seating. And, as avid football fans, with a son playing on a renown Division 1 college team, they also wanted a large screen TV to watch games. After all, what better way to share game day excitement than at a barbecue with family and friends? A Bigger, Better Kitchen Layout Our brilliant design team came up with a much larger, u-shaped outdoor kitchen layout for increased functionality. The extra base cabinets provided plenty of storage as well as a foundation for additional countertop space. Adjacent to the sink, we added a 24” outdoor refrigerator to keep food and beverages chilled, and the high top bar allowed for more seating around the perimeter. For cooking, our clients selected a much larger Lynx grill and side burner to replace the original grill. While the kitchen was already set up for a grilling area, it required a hood, so we built and installed a custom hood for proper ventilation. Then, we added a large screen TV above the hood for easy viewing. Finishing Touches To softly illuminate the entire space at night, we installed additional recessed light fixtures into the ceiling and under the grill hood. We also tied the Cypress wood ceiling and the crown molding together into the design with a luxurious cabinet stain. Along with these finishing touches, we added a decorative travertine stone backsplash behind the grill and homogenized the front face of the bar for a polished, matching look. Ventilation Challenges With the outdoor kitchen lanai located directly under a second-floor living area, we had expected to tuck away ventilation ductwork between the second-level floor joists and the exterior wall running parallel to the grill hood. However, upon further investigation, we discovered the second floor joist system, in fact, ran perpendicular to the grill hood. In short, we needed a new way to hide the venting without compromising the original design. Our team came up with an inspired solution: Construction of a false wall behind the outdoor kitchen allowed us to run ductwork without creating a visible chase for the vent, thus maintaining a symmetrical look on both sides of the grill and decorative hood. Exceeding Expectations In the end, we didn’t just meet our clients’ needs for a beautiful outdoor kitchen update – we exceeded them. As planned, we completed the new outdoor kitchen while they were out of town. But when our clients returned from vacation, they were so impressed with the results (and the stress-free design/build experience) that they promptly hired us for another extensive remodel – a stunning home addition!

Easy to clean, this space is usable year around. Whether entertainment was planned or not, this space is perfect for catching a game.

Steven Paul Whitsitt Photography

This cozy, yet gorgeous space added over 310 square feet of outdoor living space and has been in the works for several years. The home had a small covered space that was just not big enough for what the family wanted and needed. They desired a larger space to be able to entertain outdoors in style. With the additional square footage came more concrete and a patio cover to match the original roof line of the home. Brick to match the home was used on the new columns with cedar wrapped posts and the large custom wood burning fireplace that was built. The fireplace has built-in wood holders and a reclaimed beam as the mantle. Low voltage lighting was installed to accent the large hearth that also serves as a seat wall. A privacy wall of stained shiplap was installed behind the grill – an EVO 30” ceramic top griddle. The counter is a wood to accent the other aspects of the project. The ceiling is pre-stained tongue and groove with cedar beams. The flooring is a stained stamped concrete without a pattern. The homeowner now has a great space to entertain – they had custom tables made to fit in the space. TK Images

Blu Fish Photography

First installation of its kind. Two Oversize 9’ x 16’ grand patio openings by NanaWall, expand indoor living to the great outdoors. Heat lamps surrounding the grand openings create a heat blanket that extend outdoor entertaining in spring and fall. Custom IPE boardwalk with flush-mounted perimeter LED lighting borders entire 32’ span for ease of access. Two completely mitered marble fire features, anchor the gathering places for best views. From planes, boats & helicopters, ambient sound from the serene waterfall creates a peaceful environment in busy Coal Harbour. Fully automated lighting and audio system, allows residents and guests experience amazing city backdrops from dawn to dusk where the sunset welcomes the night with city lights in style. Chef sized 48” Wolf BBQ allows you to dine company at centre stage. Basalt stepping stones also lead you to more private spaces to continue conversations away from the main patios.

To create a more modern and inviting outdoor space for entertaining, we enlarged and enclosed the front patio of this Tiburon re-do. Without changing the house's size or structure, we installed very low-maintenance cement fiber siding, specifically a combination of Nichiha Vintagewood vertical siding and Hardie Plank horizontal siding. New windows and sliding doors by Fleetwood were also installed. Photo credit: Jonathan Mitchell Photography / jonathanmitchell.co