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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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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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Porch Living

“Most people love the outdoor experience, especially when it is easy and comfortable to enjoy,” says David Buffington of Brentwood Interiors. Covered porches are a favored way to enjoy the outdoor world, he says. Overhead shelter makes an outdoor space easier to maintain. Rain isn’t as much of an issue, and it is easier to furnish such a space with deep cushions, deep colors, electronics, and more. “The popularity of outdoor living has fueled the increased availability of stylish outdoor fabrics and rugs,” says Buffington. “Synthetic fabrics have been used for a long time, but today’s fabrics are softer and …

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Holiday Decorating

Holiday decorating has seen an increase in natural materials and themes, ranging from the burlap and blues mixed with natural birds found at the Southern Living Idea House at Fontanel to ornaments, swags, and wreaths found in many area stores. Some themes mix pearls and other shiny features with the natural look, while vintage looks featuring red, white, and sometimes black are also popular. While traditional red and green remain perpetually popular, some play up the more vibrant apple greens. Birds, too, are popular with this year’s designers, ranging from peacocks in traditional hues as well as richer ones in …

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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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