Bruce Saunders Photography, CGLLC

Patio kitchen plans these days require the ability to incorporate high-tech, modern appliances into timeless – even ancient-looking – environments. You can see this juxtaposition pulled off perfectly in this outdoor kitchen by Outdoor Homescapes of Houston. “A smart patio kitchen plan requires not only a balance of the new and old,” says Outdoor Homescapes owner Wayne Franks, “but a blending of new elements – like an outdoor kitchen – with the existing home and outdoor living features like a pool, hardscaping or landscaping.” In this case, explains Franks, the existing 25-by-15-foot pool had a craggy edge of moss rock boulders, plus a spa and firepit faced with a rough Scabos splitface travertine. “The overall look was rustic and naturalistic,” says Franks, “so we of course wanted the new outdoor kitchen island to match.” Hence the 14-foot-long outdoor kitchen island with a raised bar, also faced in the Scabos splitface travertine and topped with a Normandy granite countertop. The hardscaping around it is Kool Deck® textured concrete. “People used to shy away from busy textures in outside patio kitchen plans, but now they’re embracing them,” notes Franks. “They’re increasingly attracted to the beautiful imperfections and irregularities of nature – there’s more of an authenticity and character to it.” Now, for the high-tech part: A Traeger wood pellet grill. Traeger grills are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to infuse amazing, rich flavor and for their versatility (they can grill, bake, smoke, slow cook, braise and barbecue). This premier model, the Memphis Pro 304, features 562 square inches of cooking space and a three-in-one cooking system (high-temperature grill, low-and-low smoker and true-convection-oven roasting and baking). It also has an intuitive Intelligent Temperature Control (see the display panel to the left of the grill) that can be set for cooking and internal temperature. A programmable food probe tells you when the internal temperature is reached and drops the grill down to a programmed lower temperature to keep the food warm till serving. The dual-fan convection system, with reliable metal blades, circulates heat evenly for tender, juicy results. Double-walled and sealed construction of 304 stainless steel allows for optimum heat retention and consistent temperatures in all weather conditions. A direct-flame “flavorizer” insert delivers the added flavor of a seared finish. Outdoor Homescapes also added a mount sink with a custom oil-rubbed bronze faucet by Moen and the following RCS stainless steel accessories: a pull-out trash door, a countertop trash chute, dual horizontal grill utensil drawers and a swing-out storage door. “At first, you’d think all this technology and the smooth, modern stainless steel would fight with the rustic look of the rough-faced stone in outdoor patio kitchen plans,” says Franks. “But it actually provides some visual rest from all the rugged textures and busyness.” Serving a similar function is the smooth, polished Scabos travertine tile used for the pool coping and firepit ledge. “It’s a perfect environment for the client to entertain business associates,” says Franks. “He’s very happy with the old-meets-new approach, and so are we.” More patio kitchen plans can be found at Outdoor Homescapes of Houston’s website, at www.outdoorhomescapes.com

This was the second phase adding a back stone patio, boulders for retaining, landscaping and ring of stones for a fire pit.

Extension of pool deck for fire pit. Pouring new concrete would have been boring and not matched. The solution is not trying to match and installing a more aesthetic colorful paver. EP Henry Coventry Brickstone harvest and dakota blends mixed 50/50

Tom's

Photography by Steve Tague | http://taguephoto.com/

This original 1930's Michiana Log home was updated for year round use with an addition that included an Entry, connecting to a new two-car garage, Master Suite, Dining Room, Office, Bunk Room, and Screen Porch. Careful design consideration was given to maintaining the original cabin aesthetic, including the exterior materials and the intimacy of the interior spaces. Privacy and the creation of outdoor spaces was also a priority.

A lake house on Smith Mountain lake. The residence uses stone, glass, and wood to provide views to the lake. The large roof overhangs protect the glass from the sun. An open plan allows for the sharing of space between functions. Most of the rooms enjoy a view of the water.

The Homesteader Gas Fire Pit Table features an aged look with antique accents.

Outdoor Living space completed in March 2013 off McAfee and Washington near Timber Creek Canyon and Lake Tanglewood. The project includes: - Stone Benches, Bar, and Fire Pit - Limestone Countertops : Acid stained to achieve specified color - Flagstone patio set in decomposed granite - All stone sealed upon completion - 18’ X 22’ Western Red Cedar Pergola 8x8 Posts 6x8 Scalloped Corner Braces 2x6 Joists 2x2 Shade Layer