outdoor rooms

     “I can’t speak for other parts of the country, but here in the South we tend to spend entertainment time in the kitchen,” says Mark D.Thomas of Mark D. Thomas Exterior Design and Consultation. “The addition of an outdoor kitchen acts as an extension of the home and allows a relaxing, informal setting in which to expand our entertaining options.”

     The rationale for this new attitude toward outdoor spaces is explained by Joel Tomlin of the Office of Joel Tomlin. “People who love the outdoors want to live as well outdoors as they do indoors. This is driving the desires for high quality outdoor kitchen design,”he says.

     Trinity Allen-Scharett of Interiors by Trinity says kitchens built outdoors are the perfect way to enjoy quality time with family and friends without having to spend most of the task time inside. “User friendly elements are the foundation of today’s outdoor kitchens. Grills, sinks, and refrigerators are usually a must, as is plenty of prep area for food and serving.And an island or raised bar offers a great seating option for the family,” she says.

     Color Burst Landscapes’ Corey Williams suggests that many homeowners have decided to invest in their present home instead of purchasing a new home. “Many times these improvements include enhancing their landscape and adding more outdoor features such as kitchens,” he says.

     Reporting that homeowners want their own unique area in which to unwind is Ryan Decker of Kinwood Landscape. “Our customers want an entire entertaining area with atmosphere and character,” he says. “The realization is that the kitchen area itself is not as important as the overall atmosphere. You won’t want to sit around a beautiful outdoor kitchen if your yard and surroundings don’t have character. People want to design the entire yard with the kitchen area included, and in many cases work toward the overall project in phases.”

     Where once outdoor kitchens were out in the open, Doug Franklin of Lynn’s Patio Shop says the majority of outdoor kitchens today are covered and often encompass adjacent seating area that include large flat screen televisions and fireplaces.

     “We have gone from selling counter and barstools to entire seating and dining groups. All-weather wicker has been a best seller,” Franklin says.  “The trend has greatly expanded the outdoor kitchen’s usable time—rain is no longer an issue when everything is undercover.”  That same cover has allowed for multiple fans for cooling and elaborate heating systems that extend the summer season. “This expanded season justifies the expense and adds to the enjoyment of the space,” he adds.

     As indoor kitchens move outdoors, according to Zach at Embers Grill & Fireplace, so does the entertainment space a homeowner is creating. “In addition to a quality grill designed to stand up to years of use, homeowners are putting an emphasis on space for sitting and dining, and patio heaters help extend the season for the patio,” he says, adding that in addition to custom outdoor kitchens, Embers offers hanging patio heaters similar to those seen in some restaurants.

     Williams says some of his customers may choose more than one grill to give their outdoor kitchen greater versatility, and many also add sinks, refrigerators, fireplaces, and specific entertainment areas.

     Imagine Audio Video,Inc. notes a growing interest in outdoor television viewing and music enjoyment. “We’re seeing interest in music for the pool, backyard, and covered porch, as well as outdoor television watching and outdoor movie night on a large screen,” says Michael Koreiga.

     Thomas reports that his clients select equal features and components for their outdoor kitchens as they do for their interior kitchens. “The outdoor grill station/kitchen is simply an expansion of my clients’ taste and an extension of their homes’ architecture,” he says.

     In agreement with Thomas is Anna Aycock of Designs by Anna Aycock. “My clients want to know which brand names are most reliable, and they want to make an investment that will last. They like to entertain outdoors during the spring and summer, and enjoy not worrying about food and wine spilling on their indoor rugs and upholstery.”

     Explaining that as the meal is the centerpiece of family time, the outdoor kitchen is the centerpiece for outdoor family living is Robert Edwards of Teacup Gardener. “The popularity of the outdoor kitchen is due to the increased enjoyment of outdoor spaces with family and friends,” he says. “I believe we have a greater appreciation for our patios and gardens, are spending more time outdoors in order to enjoy them, and that is leading to the trend toward expanded outdoor kitchens.”

     According to Randy Young of Tranquil Waterscapes, the outdoor room is becoming more of a complete living space for the homeowner. “The addition of the outdoor kitchen mirrors the interior design of the home,” he says. “This area—the kitchen and family room/gathering area—is the heart of entertaining and family activity.”

     The outdoor room, he adds, is the family’s quiet retreat, away from computers, video games, and other distractions. “The addition of the kitchen completes the whole experience and keeps the cook in the center of the action. In addition, there is no traffic in and out of the house and no mess in the kitchen.”

     Tomlin says that in addition to a grill, storage, and counter space, outdoor kitchens might include sinks, refrigerators, warming drawers, firewood storage, and more.

     Having all your indoor comforts at arm’s reach outdoors leads the trends, according to Lance Stockard of Mid South Mulch. “Homeowners want their grill, refrigerator, wine cooler, fireplace, television, etc. outdoors today,” he says. “It’s not just about the outdoor kitchen. It’s about the entire atmosphere of outdoor living. It starts with the grill and the rest of the entertainment area is built around that.”

     Stockard reports that customers prefer the use of stone and materials that will withstand the weather. “These spaces can range from a patio with a firepit to an outdoor haven with a fireplace, seating, cooking, wining, and dining,” he adds.

     The emphasis on outdoor kitchens is changing the way homeowners think, according to the experts. “Outdoor kitchen areas are becoming standard in new home construction,” says Decker.  “It has already started to become the hot trend in high end homes, apartment complexes, and hotels.”  

     There are a number of sources for outdoor kitchens in the Nashville area including:

A-1 Appliances
Nashville
615/ 352-5174

Brock Enclosures
Nashville
615/ 232-8839

Color Burst Landscapes
615/ 373-0722

Designs by Anna Aycock
Brentwood
615/ 377-6935

Embers Grill & Fireplace
Brentwood
615/ 309-7738

Graham’s Outdoor Living
Franklin
615/ 771-3400

Hermitage Lighting Gallery
Nashville
615/ 843-3300

Integrity Landscape
Fairview
615/ 799-5440

Interiors by Trinity
Hendersonville
615/ 513-6458

Kinwood Landscape
Brentwood
615/ 373-3809

Lynn’s Patio Shop
Hendersonville
615/ 824-7643

Mark D.Thomas Ext. Des.
Nashville
615/ 742-0098

Mid South Mulch
Franklin
615/ 599-7550

Office of Joel Tomlin,III
Franklin
615/ 445-5694

Teacup Gardener
Nashvill
615/ 262-7441

Tranquil Waterscapes
Franklin
615/ 599-9976