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Unique Perspectives: What’s Cookin’?

Kitchens and bathrooms are established markers of luxury — without updated, high-end versions of these important rooms, a home is likely to quickly decrease in value regardless of how elegant its other elements may be. However, the most luxurious homes need more than just above-average indoor spaces to be considered grandiose.

An entertaining, opulent addition to a large backyard, outdoor kitchens have become popular staples among luxury homeowners. From small-scale pizza ovens accompanied by an understated seating area to a fully furnished kitchen tailored to outdoor cooking, having access to a means of preparing food in an outdoor space is crucial to high-end homebuyers, especially in warm
weather states.

Arcadia White Pane. Photo courtesy of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet.

Photo courtesy of Brantley Photography. 

Kalamazoo Gaucho Grill. Photo courtesy of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet.

Russ Faulk, Chief Designer and Head of Product at Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, says that one of the biggest outdoor culinary trends is cooking on a live fire. 

“Live-fire cooking isn’t new; in fact, it is the oldest form of cooking,” Faulk says. “But more recently, people are re-embracing wood-fired cooking and its primal nature. It started with the chef community. Restaurant menus described dishes as wood-fired or wood-grilled steaks, seafood, vegetables, and even dessert. It was all about capturing the char, smoke and unique flavor that comes when you grill using wood. Now people can capture that same experience right in their backyards.”

Outdoor kitchen design used to capitalize on the novelty of the out-in-the-elements nature of the space, but lately, Faulk has seen homeowners transition their outdoor kitchens to mirror their indoor ones.

Photo courtesy of Brantley Photography.

“We’re seeing indoor kitchen trends move into the outdoor kitchen. That includes more transitional designs, more cabinetry drawers versus doors, and more color,” he says.

These spaces can serve as a poolside dining area made for entertaining, or more simply as a peaceful place to cook on a summer night. The versatility and unconventionality of an outdoor kitchen makes a statement even among the most luxurious of homes.

On a quiet afternoon you may decide to read a book, enjoy a glass of wine or watch passersby — and, a porch is the perfect place to pass the time. 

By Alyssa Gautieri

The term “porching” has become popular among Americans who enjoy spending time outdoors on their porch. With summer officially under way, we decided to take a look at some communities perfect for porching. From the coastal South to the mountain lodges, here are four real estate developments that embrace porching.

Palmetto Bluff

South Carolina
Situated in the heart of South Carolina Lowcountry, this 20,000-acre property embraces traditional Lowcountry architecture with countless porches. Views include picturesque moss-draped oaks and gas-lit walkways. Montage Palmetto Bluff also recently debuted a new Inn with a wrap-around porch complete with relaxing rocking chairs.

Photo courtesy Palmetto Bluff

Snake River Sporting Club

Wyoming
Nestled in the woods, the Residences offer expansive porches with sunny mountain views. Additionally, owners can porch up at The Clubhouse, which overlooks the Snake River. Residents may choose to grab a drink or bite to eat from the local restaurant to optimize their porching experience.

Photos courtesy Snake River Lodge

The Cliffs

The Carolinas
The Cliffs is a collection of residential communities set upon a protected national forest that extends from Asheville, North Carolina to Greenville, South Carolina. The communities offer a range of porching opportunities, from Lake Keowee to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville.

Photos courtesy The Cliffs

Kukui’ula

Hawaii
Each residence at Kukui’ula — the leading luxury resort community on Kauai’s south shore — offers an expansive patio overlooking lush tropical landscaping and a variety of ocean, golf and mountain views. Owners and guests can easily grab a cocktail or glass of wine at the nearby restaurant to complete their porching experience.
 

Photos courtesy Kukui’ula

The top pool trends from Mountainscapers Landscape & Design are in for this summer, 2017. Mountainscapers offers a variety of services for new or contemporary pools, such as waterfalls, fire fountains, and flowing creeks, to name a few.
 

Knife-Edge Design

An upgrade from the ever popular infinity edge design, the knife-edge shares the same negative drop-off characteristics without the necessity of an overhanging ledge. Ideal for every backyard and even smaller pools, knife-edge design can accommodate any flat-surfaced area.

Accentuated Lighting

LED lights can push a pool over the top and are very suitable for swimming after dusk. Lighting systems can even be programed to change color, depending on the look one desires. 

Fire Features

Fire and water features are a vivid addition and can add depth to a backyard atmosphere, while setting the tone of the landscape. Fully functional, and optimal for warming up after a swim, these features enhance and accentuate the characteristics of the pool.

Outdoor Amenities

Bringing the indoors outdoors is a a very popular trend this year. Outdoor kitchens, seating areas and areas to entertain and relax in are must-haves for a modern and engaging backyard. 

Photos courtesy of Mountainscapers Landscape & Design.



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