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Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens remain high on homeowners’ wish lists, and can range from a simple “plug and play” grill island to a far more complex addition of built ins under shelter designed to take every cooking chore outdoors. Outdoor living and outdoor kitchens are the number one desire for many homeowners, according to Carol Sullivan of Nashville’s Hearth & Grill Store. “The demand for outdoor living has led to the expansion of manufacturer’s offerings,” she says, everything from portable outdoor grills to grills installed in custom islands, with added features such as refrigerators, side cookers, ice makers, smokers from The Big Green Egg, …

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Sunrooms, Outdoor Rooms

“People want to feel connected to the world around them even while they’re indoors,” says Christine Marvin of Marvin Windows and Doors. “More people want to spend their time outdoors, or at least feeling connected to what’s outside their walls,” she says. While screened porches remain popular, allowing outdoor living with barriers to the weather and bugs, homeowners today often opt for three- to four-season sunrooms. Sunrooms not only bring the outdoors in but are a space that can be lived-in all year.       Jonathan Miller Architecture and Design Reporting that people want to make as much use …

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Outdoor Living

In the past 15 years, homeowners have taken a new look at their outdoor spaces. Today’s private backyard spaces frequently feature covered living space, outdoor kitchens fitted with appliances similar to those found indoors, and upholstered furniture reminiscent of a living room. Doug Franklin of Lynn’s Patio Shop says, “The new outdoor room is the wow factor of the house. The customer who previously may have come in to purchase furniture to go around the pool is now looking for furniture to go under the roof of their outdoor room.” In the past an outdoor pool may have been open …

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Outdoor Living

  Outdoor Living The move of expanding indoor space to the outdoors continues to grow. As part of that trend is the creation of more private areas that are room-like, complete with kitchens and fireplaces, according to Lori Pruitt of Summer Classics Home. Today’s requirements for outdoor spaces are just about the same as those for indoor spaces, according to Gail Adkins of Change-Magic. “We need comfortable seating, adequate surfaces for food and drinks, and good lighting. And if space isn’t covered, then colorful umbrellas are essential,” Adkins says. “Since people are using their outdoor spaces for entertaining, comfort and …

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Readers Favorites Awards 2012

  Readers Favorites Awards 2012 Readers of Greater Nashville House & Home & Garden™ have cast their votes for their 2012 favorites—their favorite designers, builders, landscapers, “little known” stores, just to name a few. If you’re looking for a service provider and aren’t sure who to choose, try one of these—they’ve received the stamp of approval from readers of the only shelter publication serving the Nashville area. architect/home plan designer 1st Place —  Quirk Designs 2nd Place — Jack Herr Design Associates 3rd Place —  Manuel Zeitlin Architects air conditioning/heating service company 1st Place —  Lee Company 2nd Place — …

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