Hearth & Home Magazine - 2020 August Issue by Hearth & Home

THE VOICE OF THE HEARTH, BARBECUE AND PATIO INDUSTRIES

AUGUST 2020 ®

THE

OUTDOOR ROOM

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| CONTENTS | FEATURES Trend Report: 10 The Outdoor Room

With the home now a haven, the Outdoor Room has become a top priority.

Retail Penetration 28 Based on a Hearth & Home survey, here’s a list of

Outdoor Room products and the percent of specialty retailers who presently carry each one.

The Outdoor Room Design Ideas 32 For 11 years, Hearth & Home has devoted its August issue ®

to the Outdoor Room. Seven years ago, we launched our annual special section on Outdoor Room Design. Our goal, as it is now, was to inspire ideas and spark creativity by showcasing the work of our talented readers, including specialty retailers, manufacturers, architects, landscape architects, designers, and builders.

Elements of The Outdoor Room 50 Here’s a wide variety of new products that you could

be selling for the well-appointed Outdoor Room – Patio furniture, grills, outdoor kitchens, shade products, outdoor fireplaces, and fire pits.

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DEPARTMENTS

Perspective

66 Business Climate 70 Stock Watch

Ad Index

Who Reads Hearth & Home?

Parting Shot

ON THE WEB News Business Outlook Is More Pessimistic The Worst Is Still to Come

Recipes

Mediterranean Beet Burgers with Feta & Black Garlic from Napoleon Grills

Lilikoi Lemonade from Bull Outdoor Products

On the Cover AXIS Productions, Pittsburgh, PA; Aimee Conrardy, Project Designer. See page 46 for details.

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Don’t settle for less.

Publisher/Editor Richard Wright wright@villagewest.com Editorial only, send digital images to paquette@villagewest.com

Advertising Jackie Avignone, Director avignone@villagewest.com Melody Baird, Administrative Assistant baird@villagewest.com

Contributing Writers Standard Ring Burner with 180K BTU’s

Lisa Readie Mayer, Tom Lassiter, Bill Sendelback, Larry Thomas Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

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Copyright © 2020 by Village West Publishing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All advertising is subject to approval by the publisher. Please address all correspondence to Hearth & Home, P.O. Box 1288, Laconia, NH 03247, (603) 528-4285, (800) 258-3772, FAX: (603) 524-0643. Hearth & Home, The Outdoor Room and Vesta Awards are registered trademarks of Village West Publishing. Village West Publishing is not associated with, and has no financial interest in, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association.

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Hearth & Home (USPS 575-210/ISSN 02735695), Vol. XLI, No. 9 is published monthly by Village West Publishing, 25 Country Club Road, Ste. 403, Gilford, NH 03249/P.O. Box 1288, Laconia, NH 03247. Subscription price $36 per year; $60 (USD) in Canada; $120 (USD) overseas (first class, airmail only). Single copy price $15 (includes postage and handling) in U.S. and in Canada. Periodicals postage paid at Laconia, NH and at additional entry office. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Village West Publishing, Circulation Department, P.O. Box 1288, Laconia, NH 03247.

| Perspective |

Where Would We Be?

here would we be without the Outdoor Room trend? Not nearly as healthy as we are right now, that’s certain. During two major catastrophes – the global banking crisis of 2007-2008, and the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 – the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue industries have flourished – at least the smart retailers and manufacturers have. Step back about two decades, to 1989, and you will find that the Outdoor Room trend was but a babe and, as usual, that trend was occurring first in southern California.

| The Outdoor Room® Design Ideas |

OUTDOOR ROOM Design Ideas

The

By Lisa Readie Mayer

e are pleased to present Hearth & Home’s 7th Annual Outdoor Room Design Ideas special section, a showcase of some of the most fabulous and awe-inspiring Outdoor Rooms around. This year, like every other, our talented readers – including manufacturers, retailers, architects, landscape architects, designers, and builders – have amazed and impressed us with their work. Their outdoor living projects feature smart design, indoor-like esthetics, and an ever-growing list of amenities that add fun, function and beauty to the backyard. Like always, we faced the near-impossible task of selecting projects from the many more submitted than we had room to print. And, as usual, when the task was done, we were left daydreaming about what could be done in our own backyards. But what’s different this year, of course, is a pandemic crisis that’s fueling a desire – or, in some states, a mandate – to shelter at home. One consequence of this: interest in the Outdoor Room is higher than ever, as families look for ways to add backyard amenities to improve quality-of-life for their new at-home lifestyle. An outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven makes for a fun, hands-on option on Friday pizza nights. A beverage bar with counter seating is a great spot to host happy-hours with neighbors. A pergola, set over some new outdoor furniture, creates a delightful, alfresco office for remote working or learning. An outdoor fire pit or fireplace and outdoor television, could provide endless hours of movienight entertainment. Perhaps you are already noticing more calls from customers looking for these or other outdoor upgrades. If not, we predict you soon will. Either way, we hope these pages provide you and your customers with Outdoor Room design ideas and inspiration. While the featured projects represent the crème-de-la-crème, and many are not for the faint-of-wallet, the concepts can be tailored to a family’s specific needs and budget to achieve the same goal. Whether it’s created in a sprawling backyard, a tiny terrace, or even an urban rooftop, an Outdoor Room is an essential shelter in these stormy times. We invite you to submit your Outdoor Room projects for possible publication in future issues of Hearth & Home. Visit www.hearthandhome.com and click on the Outdoor Room tab to share project information and photos.

This project is from AMS Landscape Design Studios. See details of this project on page 34.

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www.hearthandhome.com | AUGUST 2020 | 33

Patio furniture manufacturers were upping their game, and David Swers and his dad Alan Swers were (still) trying to convince reluctant retailers that their new Sunbrella fabric could hold up under the sweltering sun, frigid winters, and the ketchup dropped by very young kids. Barbecue grills were also changing, as a number of former appliance employees decided to leave the world of washers and dryers to set up their own barbecue manufacturing business (darn good move!). That quickly morphed into full outdoor kitchens, with everything including the outdoor sink, and a TV for the chef.

As we entered the ’90s, many major newspapers and magazines began to write about the Outdoor Room trend. It was also fueled, to a great extent, by Jamie Durie, an Australian ex-stripper turned horticulturist and television star; his program showed us how to create our own Outdoor Rooms. He also wrote at least a half dozen books on that subject. By the first decade of the new century, both the Patio and Barbecue industries were producing very sophisticated products. They had upped their game appreciably. Companies such as Summer Classics, Woodard, Brown Jordan, and many more had taken the industry into the new century. They, and many others, were ready for what was coming. During the global banking crisis of 2007-2008, we learned that when people are restricted to their home, they quickly find an outlet for their energy – and their money. Luckily, that energy has been poured into projects, mainly into the creation of a better backyard, one that would accommodate the family, and bring everyone together. BUT, and it’s a big but, many in the Patio and Barbecue industries hunkered down and didn’t take advantage of an opportunity placed at their feet. The Patio and Barbecue industries came out of that downturn within two years. The Hearth industry, which had done little to ride the wave of the Outdoor Room, required many years (4 to 8?) to finally get back to where it was prior to the banking crisis. But then it recognized that fire does have a place on the patio. Fire pits became the hottest product in the stable; fireplaces also have been selling very well, as are fire sculptures, fire bowls, etc. So when we were confronted by the coronavirus, everyone in the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue industries was ready to capitalize on another opportunity. Not really. Many manufacturers immediately pulled back; many retailers canceled orders, and locked up shop. Those who pushed forward and found creative solutions to problems they faced are just coming off one of the best five months they’ve ever had. By the way, the Outdoor Room trend, which has been around for about 25 years now, is still going strong. Remember that when the next catastrophe comes along.

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TREND REPORT:

OUTDOOR ROOM

The

With the home now a haven, The Outdoor Room has become a ®

top priority.

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By Lisa Readie Mayer

he Outdoor Room has been on consumers’ home-improvement wish lists for some time. But now, after months sheltering at home during the pandemic, many are moving it to the top of the list. “The outdoors has always been important, but these times have brought to light the need for outdoor spaces,” says Margarita Blanco, co-founder and director of landscape architecture firm ArqGEO,

during an online conference on outdoor living trends. “Even more today, the great outdoors is now in.” Patty Dominguez, vice president of Architecture and Design for Cosentino North America, makers of Dekton countertop surfaces, who also participated in the virtual conference, agrees. “We are all feeling sad, anxious, and many other emotions in this crazy time, but we feel safe at home outdoors with our families,” she says. “Outdoor spaces add a sense of safety and enjoyment to the home.”

According to the NPD Group, the “seismic shift in making more meals at home,” has significantly increased sales of home appliances like bread machines, electric pasta makers and pizza ovens, that enable new, fun ways to cook at home. The experience has been shared by some barbecue retailers who are reporting brisk sales of pellet grills, gas grills, pizza ovens, griddle accessories, and more since the crisis began.

75%

of consumers who cook outdoors say they’re cooking out more frequently during the crisis.

“Right now, our lives have slowed down,” adds Stefan Marchant, co-founder and head of Design for Urban Bonfire, a manufacturer of modular outdoor kitchen cabinetry systems. “Home used to be a space for coffee and dinner, and the rest of our lives were on-the-go. Now we’re spending more time at home and treating home as a sacred space for family and friends. Even as we return to normal, I think this feeling will remain.” Prioritizing Outdoor Living The experts say the pandemic has prioritized having a pleasant outdoor living space at home for relaxing, socializing,

cooking, dining, working, learning, playing, and exercising. A Sellics.com study of online shopping trends during the COVID-19 epidemic finds spending on “Backyard Betterment” was third, after “Groceries and Home Basics” and “Survival Shopping.” Year-over-year Google searches for outdoor kitchens nearly doubled in May 2020, and searches for other terms related to the outdoor living space skyrocketed, as well. Wayfair reports searches for “outdoor kitchens and dining areas” rose 130%, and searches for “outdoor bars” increased 155% during the period.

The NPD Group’s “Impact of COVID-19 on Outdoor Grilling Report” reveals 75% of consumers who cook outdoors say they’re cooking out more frequently during the crisis. And, more than 80% of those who already cooked out twice a week before the pandemic, say they’re now cooking outdoors more frequently. Even 48% of those whose jobs have been affected or had pay reduced, plan to cook out more frequently. Russ Faulk, lead Designer and head of Product at Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, says consumers are seizing the opportunity to learn new grilling techniques and hone their skills. “(They are) learning to use a kamado and cook with charcoal, or to master woodfired grilling on an Argentinian-style grill… (They are learning) pizza-making skills and finding the perfect pizza dough recipe… They’re embracing live-fire cooking. All of these things are great ways to enjoy extra time with family, and the newfound skills will pay dividends (in the form of great meals) in future years,” he says. It’s not just outdoor cooking products that are in demand for the Outdoor Room. Reports indicate sales of fire pits, pools, trampolines, backyard games, gardening supplies, and even egg-laying chickens are through the roof, as families search for ways to entertain themselves at home. Dual element WD-Series heater from Infratech Comfort is flush mounted in the outdoor kitchen of this contemporary home.

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| The Outdoor Room® Trends |

A patio is the third mostwanted home feature, with at least

80%

of respondents considering it a desirable or essential home element.

And, last year’s “Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens’ State of the Industry Report on Outdoor Living”, indicated 64% of designers are seeing growing interest in outdoor living spaces among their clients. A study by Realtor.com finds first-time homebuyers rank additional square footage, outdoor space and a quiet neighborhood as the top three must-have features when searching for a home. A private backyard and a backyard deck also make the top-ten list.

buyers want livability and private outdoor spaces,” says Gina Nixon, vice president, Sales and Marketing, at Thomas James Homes, the country’s largest single-lot, home-replacement builder. The company, which specializes in buying homes in desirable neighborhoods where the housing stock is old, and then builds new homes designed with features and amenities for today’s lifestyles, now incorporates a covered outdoor living

Thomas James Homes. A number of different areas allows for dining, talking, and relaxing.

From “Want” to “Need” Interest in the Outdoor Room was already climbing in pre-pandemic times. In fact, outdoor living spaces topped the list of the most-popular home features in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2019 Home Design Trends Survey, with 68% of architects reporting an increase in homeowner requests for an Outdoor Room.

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Similarly, a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) study finds a patio is the third most-wanted home feature, with at least 80% of respondents considering it a desirable or essential home element. Builders are taking action to meet this growing demand. “We have done a ton of consumer research about what people are looking for in a home today, and we know

space, patio hardscape, and an outdoor kitchen as standard in all its homes. It also offers a long list of outdoor-focused upgrades, including fire pits. “No matter where people live, they want to be outdoors as much as possible,” Nixon says. “Outdoor spaces are very popular and truly valued.” So, what’s IN in the Outdoor Room?

Make that Rooms, with an S Nixon says people are increasingly requesting multiple rooms within the outdoor space. “They want formal adult spaces, as well as kids’ spaces,” she says.

52%

of Outdoor Room projects now include a fixed overhead structure; 30% of the structures are pergolas. “They want some areas to be covered or sheltered, and other areas to be uncovered and open to the sun. They want small, cozy nooks and intimate spots for private reading, relaxing, and conversation, as well as bigger entertaining spaces to accommodate a dining table for ten.”

Gimme Shelter Pergolas and pavilions are trending in Outdoor Rooms. According to a study by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), 52% of Outdoor Room projects now include a fixed overhead structure; 30% of the structures are pergolas. The study also reveals 12% of consumers regret not “spending more time/money” on a shelter or shade enclosure for their Outdoor Room. According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), pergolas can help delineate the perimeter of an outdoor living space and create a sense of enclosure. And, with retractable shade panels or louvered shutters installed overhead, today’s pergolas can provide additional protection from sun and showers. Increasingly, people are recognizing an outdoor structure is worth the investment because it extends the season for enjoying the Outdoor Room. The design website Houzz says pergolas and pavilions help to maximize usage of an outdoor

space, particularly when the structure is customized for the climate, such as with a solid roof, ceiling fans and/or heaters. Outdoor Kitchens Just as an indoor kitchen is the center of home life, an outdoor kitchen is the hub of the Outdoor Room, and it is becoming a must-have amenity. “Like indoors, an outdoor kitchen is where we cook, hang out with family or friends, drink wine,” says Ryan Bloom, co-founder and president of Urban Bonfire. “It is an outdoor space for living, cooking and entertaining.” The 2019 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey, indicates outdoor kitchens are now the most popular specialty feature in a home, with 49% of architects reporting an increase in client requests for the amenity, up from 45% in 2018. Outdoor kitchens beat out butler’s pantries, wine storage, and a smart/connected kitchen.

www.hearthandhome.com | AUGUST 2020 | 13

| The Outdoor Room® Trends | Faulk says rather than creating “one monolithic kitchen,” the trend is to break up the outdoor kitchen into sections that serve different activities. He says dividing the outdoor kitchen into task-based stations, each with sufficient storage and countertop workspace, “keeps your grill, sink and pizza oven from being crowded together and makes the outdoor kitchen a more enjoyable place to cook.” Multiple Appliances “People are beginning to think of an outdoor kitchen not as just a grill, but as a real, functional kitchen,” says Bloom. “A gas grill is a given in an outdoor kitchen, but more and more, consumers are adding a whole suite of supporting appliances.” In fact, according to NKBA, 31% of outdoor kitchens today have two grills, and about a fourth include wine refrigerators and/or ice makers. The “Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens’ State of the Industry Report” indicates consumers want an outdoor kitchen that can operate independently from the indoor kitchen. The finding might help explain why the company is now seeing an increase in projects that include multiple specialty appliances, such as pizza ovens, smokers, power burners, solid-top

Elements from Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens in collaboration with international architect and designer Daniel Germani.

griddles, refrigerators, kegerators, and wine refrigerators. In addition, the company reports consumers want storage space for barbecue tools and accessories, and ample counter space for meal prep in their outdoor kitchens. “One of the greatest advantages of an outdoor kitchen is the ability to create restaurant-quality meals at home,” says

This image from Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet shows areas for relaxing, dining, and cooking.

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Faulk. “Specialty pieces, such as a Kalamazoo Gaucho Grill, undercounter smoker cabinet, pizza oven, or even keg tapper, make staying at home a lot more like going out.” He adds that premium grills can provide commercialgrade heat in an outdoor kitchen, achieving hotter searing and faster cooking than is possible indoors and furthering the restaurant-like experience.

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| The Outdoor Room® Trends |

“

The activation cost of an outdoor space per square foot, is about 25- to 30-cents on the dollar compared to indoor space. Historically, the return-on-investment for an outdoor kitchen area is very high.

”

— Ryan Bloom, co-founder and president of Urban Bonfire.

By the Numbers An NKBA study finds the average outdoor kitchen budget is $13,000, but 14% of homeowners spend between $20,000 and $30,000 and 14% spend more than $30,000. The most popular size for an outdoor kitchen and dining area is between 100 and 400 sq. ft. (66%), while 22% are greater than 400 sq. ft., and 12% are less than 100 sq. ft. Blanco says outdoor kitchens and outdoor living rooms are a smart home investment with high resale value. A study of 4 million home sales nationwide in 2016 and 2017 by online real estate company Zillow, found homes with outdoor kitchens sold for 25% higher than expected, providing a substantial return on investment.

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“An outdoor space adds tremendous perceived value to consumers that is disproportionate to the actual cost,” suggests Bloom. “The activation cost of an outdoor space per square foot, is about 25- to 30-cents on the dollar compared to indoor space. Historically, the returnon-investment for an outdoor kitchen area is very high.” Glass Houses According to Forbes, one of today’s biggest architectural trends is to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. An AIA survey indicates 57% of architects report an increase in clients requesting blended indoor-outdoor spaces, up from 52% the year prior.

To facilitate this, Outdoor Room projects are increasingly incorporating floor-to-ceiling glass window-walls, accordion-type fold-and-stack doors, or sliding glass-panel doors to bring in light and nature, while seamlessly linking interior living areas to outdoor spaces. “Indoor-outdoor living is very important to people because it makes the home’s living space feel larger,” says Nixon. “Glass walls are very popular today because they create that sense of indoor-outdoor living by extending the interior living space outdoors. And, since people want access to outdoor spaces from multiple interior points, they are using glass walls in multiple rooms.” Fit, Finish and Design Trends According to Bloom, as use of glass walls grow, so too does consumers’ desire to maintain a cohesive design esthetic indoors and out. “The esthetics and functionality of the outdoor area takes on much greater importance when you’re in your living room looking through a wall of glass into the backyard,” he says. “People are realizing they shouldn’t consider indoors and outdoors as two separate spaces; they are two parts of the whole.”

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| The Outdoor Room® Trends |

“

People don’t need a large outdoor space, but they need a welldesigned space that’s flexible and multipurpose, with functional storage, and elements selected to suit a family’s lifestyle.

”

— Stefan Marchant, co-founder and head of Design for Urban Bonfire

“Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens’ State of the Industry Report” forecasts modular outdoor cabinetry systems will continue to gain traction as homeowners desire to bring indoor styles and elements into their outdoor spaces. According to the report, transitional and traditional styles such as beadboard door designs remain in demand for outdoor kitchen cabinetry, but contemporary designs are gaining in popularity, particularly in urban areas. Finish preferences vary by region: woodgrain looks are most popular in the West, while the South prefers textured finishes, and the Midwest and Northeast go for metallics, the report reveals. The company has also seen growing interest

TRUE Residential notes that color is becoming a “huge trend” in outdoor kitchens, with vibrant hues such as Saffron, Cobalt, and Emerald, and sophisticated finishes such as matte white and brass are catching on. As for countertops, the NKBA reports natural stone is still the top choice, preferred by 57%. Quartz counters are used in 23% of projects. The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) report of “Top Landscaping Trends for 2020” notes that hardscaping with intricate and detailed patterns such as chevrons, lattice, and basket-weaves, are now being incorporated into patios, walkways, retaining walls, and

Undercounter Refrigerator & Freezer Drawers in Saffron, Undercounter Refrigerator, Beverage Dispenser in Cobalt, and Dual Zone Wine Cabinet in Emerald by True Residential.

“People don’t need a large outdoor space, but they need a well-designed space that’s flexible and multipurpose, with functional storage, and elements selected to suit a family’s lifestyle,” says Marchant. “The smaller the space, the more sacred it is for people, and the greater the need for good design.” Appliance manufacturer TRUE Residential finds people are tiring of heavy brick and stacked-stone outdoor kitchen islands, and are turning to modular cabinet systems that resemble indoor cabinetry.

18 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

in finishes with the look of cement, stone, or aged metals, in part because the color variations in the patina are visually interesting and more forgiving than solid-color finishes in outdoor environments. The Wall Street Journal indicates matte finishes, leathered textures, and unpolished metals such as oxidized CorTen steel and dark zinc, are becoming more popular outdoors, because they lend “earthy elegance” and require less maintenance.

fire features. People are also requesting more edible gardens as part of the landscape. According to the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA), 2020 outdoor furniture trends include more luxurious, “living room quality” furnishings, such as fully upholstered modular sectionals; performance fabrics with intricate patterns and trims; marinegrade plastics with realistic wood grains; outdoor furniture with reclining features; and indoor-like throw pillows, and other decorative accessories.

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| The Outdoor Room® Trends | Interest in sustainability is driving interest in outdoor tables made from reclaimed wood, and in chairs and tables made from recycled plastics repurposed into board lumber. Rooftops Are the New Backyards Outdoor living spaces are becoming more prevalent in urban environments with installations increasing on balconies and rooftops in multifamily buildings.

A rooftop Outdoor Room amenity adds value, usable living space, and close-by access to nature, and is a highly desirable perk for residents. It also pays long-term benefits; residents develop a strong desire for an outdoor living space and expect one in any home they purchase down the road. According to Forbes, rooftop Outdoor Rooms are beginning to transition from multifamily residential properties and hotels to private residential homes. The article points out that utilizing roof space

outdoor dining. According to the restaurant and bar industry newsletter “The Rail,” restaurants are purchasing outdoor dining tables, umbrellas, patio heaters, lighting, and other amenities to spruce up these newly created outdoor dining spaces. Office buildings are looking to convert rooftops, sections of parking lots, and courtyard areas into outdoor living space for workers, often incorporating outdoor kitchens, seating lounges, dining areas, and even exercise areas.

Comfortable seating with a spectacular view, and a bit of warmth provided by a fire pit.

“Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens’ State of the Industry Report” says rooftop outdoor living spaces – often tricked out with outdoor kitchens, fire pits and/or fireplaces, pergolas, sheltered dining pavilions, and high-end deep-seating furnishings – are key differentiators in the super-competitive, luxury multifamily housing market. The report indicates the trend is being fueled by the growing availability of lighter-weight, outdoor kitchen cabinetry systems, and ADA-compliant grills, a requirement in communal settings.

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is a smart idea for homes with a compact footprint; built on a small lot; situated on uneven land that may be too costly to grade; or simply to add a “wow” factor. Beyond the Rooftop and the Backyard Outdoor Rooms are growing at commercial and corporate locations, too, a trend that is being escalated by the COVID-19 crisis. For instance, in locales where indoor dining is prohibited or subject to capacity restrictions, restaurants are looking to add supplemental

Bloom was seeing “tremendous interest” in this before COVID-19, and he says it has grown even more since, as companies look to alfresco areas to help with social distancing, and entice employees back to the office. “Companies are realizing they can add space without spending another dollar on rent,” he says. “They are creating outdoor spaces where employees can work, have meetings, and eat lunch outside, or bring in caterers for conferences without having the expense of going offsite.”

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| The Outdoor Room® Trends | Millennials Millennials are “coming of age” when it comes to outdoor living. According to the ICFA, nearly a third of Millennials (32%) want to renovate their outdoor spaces to add value to their homes. The generation is beginning to drive sales of outdoor furniture. Over half (53%) indicate they plan to buy multiple pieces of outdoor furniture in the next year, compared to 29% of Baby Boomers. They are also more interested than Baby Boomers in outdoor furnishings with indoor-like designs, such as outdoor sofas or sectionals (40% vs. 17% Boomers), bars (37% vs. 17% Boomers), and decorative accessories such as rugs or throw pillows (25% vs. 17% Boomers).

Low Maintenance Many others feel the same way. “Today’s consumers are asking for low-maintenance, high-performance products,” according to Marchant. “They don’t want to put a lot of work into maintaining the Outdoor Room or repeatedly re-sealing or re-staining finishes. People are looking for robust and durable products that can withstand harsh outdoor elements, including salt air.” The “Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens’ State of the Industry Report” finds durability is increasingly a key consideration in product-purchase decisions, particularly for consumers and designers in the Northeast and South, where they demand low-maintenance materials that hold up well outdoors.

area tidy and eliminate trips indoors to wash dishes and clean up. One high-maintenance issue that remains unsolved is the nuisance of pests. The NKBA reports 30% of consumers say that bugs and mosquitoes are the biggest challenge in their outdoor space. Extra Features The “Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens’ State of the Industry Report” indicates fire pits and fireplaces are the most popular upgrade to outdoor kitchen projects throughout the country. A recent survey by the NALP also finds gas and wood-burning fire features continue to rise in popularity, as a source of both ambiance and warmth to extend use of the outdoor space in cooler months.

Lemonade in Newport Beach, California, has eight Infratech WD-Series heaters for comfortable year-round outdoor dining.

The Washington Post reports Millennials prioritize outdoor spaces when shopping for a home. They want a covered patio where they can entertain friends, and space for a fire pit. One thing they don’t want is maintenance. According to the article, an outdoor space that requires a lot of time and effort to maintain “is something that repels Millennial buyers.”

22 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

Ease of maintenance and cleaning is “a big trend” in outdoor kitchens that is becoming even more important, says Travis Rotelli, Strategic director of Trade Partner Management at Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet. In addition, he says, if the budget allows, designers now frequently incorporate a sink and faucet, and a waste and recycling station into outdoor kitchen plans to help keep the

Market research firm The Freedonia Group says other heat sources, such as ceilingmounted infrared heaters, freestanding propane patio heaters, and heat lamps that provide comfort and extend use of the outdoor space, are trending, too. In climates where excessive heat is a factor, cooling products such as fans and misters are popular. According to the NKBA, 62% of Outdoor Rooms now include a television.

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| The Outdoor Room® Trends |

A gas grill and kamado grill form the perfect couple for serious grillers.

Lighting is becoming another increasingly important element in the outdoor space. According to the 2019 annual “NAHB Builder Practices Survey,” the use of outdoor lighting has more than doubled, from an average installation of five fixtures in 2005 to 11 fixtures in 2018. The study attributes this growth to “the increased attention given to outdoor living spaces over the last decade.” Project Inspiration and Assistance When homeowners embark on an outdoor living project, 64% use a designer, 41% use a landscape architect or landscape designer, and 10% use an architect to help with planning, according to a study by the NKBA. The study shows consumers also get inspiration and ideas for Outdoor Room projects from a variety of other sources, including home or design magazines (40%), TV home-improvement programs (39%), and friends/neighbors (45%). The latter is a compelling argument for the power of word-of-mouth recommendations.

24 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

If you can get into one backyard in a neighborhood, other sales will often follow. Growth Opportunity Experts expect the Outdoor Room will continue to gain momentum in light of the coronavirus pandemic, as people remain hesitant about traveling on vacation and socializing in restaurants and bars, or as new virus spikes restrict out-of-home activities in some states. The trend specialists at Sphere Trending predict at-home “staycations” will be “mustcations” for the foreseeable future, fueling homeowners’ desires to create enjoyable outdoor living areas at home. “Working from home is not going away,” says Nixon. With that in mind, Thomas James Homes is now merchandising outdoor living areas as multifunctional spaces, suitable for remote working. “We give thought to the placement of the technology hub in the home so people will have access outside if they want to work from their outdoor space,” she says. “This is becoming a greater point of interest since the crisis.”

The pandemic also has created a longing for private outdoor living space among city-dwelling renters, leading many of them to search for a home of their own outside the city. According to Builder.com, the April 2020 “America at Home Study” of 3,000 renters, ages 25 to 74, with household incomes of $50,000 or more, found 46% of current renters would prefer to own a home, with the majority in the 25-to44 age range. The respondents indicated access to private outdoor space was something they were “very interested” in, even if it was just a balcony, porch, deck, or patio, as opposed to a big yard. According to the report, this is “a sizable shift since the NAHB first-quarter “2020 Housing Trends Report,” which indicated just 16% of Millennials were looking to make a home purchase in the next year.” If the finding pans out, it could mean 7.4 million households will purchase homes in the near future, and create a significant number of new Outdoor Rooms.

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| The Outdoor Room® – Survey Results |

Outdoor Room Retail Penetration

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

41% OF RETAILERS NOW SELL AND INSTALL OUTDOOR KITCHENS

28 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

In mid-June, a questionnaire was sent to 2,845 retailers of Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue products. A total of 167 were returned and usable.

he chart at right tracks the percent of specialty retailers who sell products for Outdoor Rooms. We’ve been watching the ups and downs of different product categories for a few decades now, and there are always surprises. Frankly, we would love to see some specialty retailers carrying most of the products shown here. The list represents a wonderful group of products that many consumers covet. But if you even carry 50% of those products, that is still a strong signal to your customers that you are the place to buy Outdoor Room products. One Person’s Wish List Wood Fireplace; Pellet Grill; Charcoal Grill, Patio Heaters; Pizza Oven; Barbecue Island; Outdoor Furniture; Refrigerator; Beverage Center; Outdoor Sink; Umbrellas; Kitchen Cabinets; Outdoor Lighting; Pergola; Stereo Equipment. There are 15 products in that list. Put together they equal a spectacular Outdoor Room. Think about it. There are 30 products in the list at the right. Out of that group, the product that gained the most ground is Electric Outdoor Fireplaces with an 11% increase in retail penetration, from 27% to 38%. That’s a huge jump. Pizza Ovens came in second, going from 29% to 38% – another giant leap. Outdoor Wood Fireplaces came in third, with an increase of 7%, from 59% to 66%. Design & Installations Outdoor Kitchens continue to be a very hot item. You can choose to sell and install Outdoor Kitchens, or purchase modular units offered by a number of manufacturers. The percent of retailers choosing to sell and install Outdoor Kitchens went from 29% to 41%, an increase of 12%. It’s fair to say that four out of 10 retailers now sell and install Outdoor Kitchens! The percent of retailers offering Design Services continues to grow. As our survey shows, it went from 32% to 35%, a small increase but significant.

Please check all of the outdoor products that you presently sell.

% of Retailers 100% 2020

2019

% of Change

Fire Pits – Gas

77%

78%

-1%

Outdoor Fireplaces – Gas

75%

72%

Outdoor Fireplaces – Wood

66%

59%

Grills – Gas

60%

61%

-1%

Fire Pits – Wood

57%

60%

-3%

Grills – Built-in

51%

49%

Grills – Cart

46%

Grills – Pellet

45%

50%

-5%

Grills – Charcoal

43%

47%

-4%

Grills – Kamado

41%

45%

-4%

Patio Heaters

41%

52%

-11%

Outdoor Fireplaces – Electric

38%

27%

11%

Pizza Ovens

38%

29%

Barbecue Islands

34%

Outdoor Furniture

32%

35%

-3%

Refrigerators

29%

32%

-3%

Torches

26%

35%

-9%

Beverage Centers

23%

22%

Outdoor Sinks Umbrellas

23%

20%

(garden, market, cantilevered, etc.)

23%

31%

-8%

Venting Hoods

23%

20%

Grills – Electric

22%

27%

-5%

Kitchen Cabinets Outdoor Flooring

18%

21%

-3%

(rugs, mats, etc.)

17%

Outdoor Lighting

14%

15%

-1%

Pergolas

11%

15%

-4%

Gazebos

10%

Pavilions

13%

-6%

Stereo Equipment

Televisions

-1%

Answer

50%

% of Retailers Answer

50%

100%

2020

2019

% of Change

54%

35%

32%

15%

17%

-2%

12%

Do you actively promote the concept of the Outdoor Room? Yes

Do you provide Design Services for customers interested in Outdoor Rooms? Yes Do you sell and install Pergolas? Yes Do you sell and install Gazebos? Yes

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| The Outdoor Room® Design Ideas |

OUTDOOR ROOM Design Ideas

The

32 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

By Lisa Readie Mayer

This project is from AMS Landscape Design Studios. See details of this project on page 34.

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| The Outdoor Room® Design Ideas |

Fire & Water

tranquil courtyard for relaxing and outdoor entertaining extends from the interior rooms of this Dana Point, California, home. Multiple seating, dining, and lounging areas surround an infinity pool and spa located at the center of the space. A pavilion with tongue-and-groove ceiling shelters a large U-shaped outdoor kitchen island with a built-in gas grill, sink, and ample storage cabinetry. On one side of the island, the quartzite counter extends for bar seating with views of a wallmounted television. Steps away, a fire/water wall anchors a seating area beside the pool. Water spills from cutouts in the smooth plaster walls that extend from either side of a large fireplace. The onyx used on the decorative panel above the mantel is repeated on the back-lit veneer of a show-stopping L-shaped fire pit on a separate backyard patio overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. A steep and fragile rear-yard slope, and strict city and state Coastal Commission requirements, necessitated extreme care during planning and construction, and prevented the installation of irrigation systems. Drought-tolerant plantings were used to stabilize the integrity of the slope, and a natural hedge was added for privacy.

Designer: Drew Sivgals Company: AMS Landscape Design Studios, Newport Beach, CA Website: www.amslandscapedesign.com Other Contributors: Builder – Altera Landscape, Dana Point, CA, www.alteralandscape.com Project Size: 3,700 sq. ft. Materials: Ceiling – Painted tongue-and-groove with exposed rafters; Walls – Smooth plaster, split-face limestone, ipe wood; Floor – 24 x 48-inch Limestone; Fireplace – Smooth plaster, precast surround, onyx panel; Fire Pit – Onyx; Island – Powder-coated, stainless-steel cabinetry with ipe wood trim; Island Counter – Quartzite Brands: Grill – Alfresco 42-inch LXE Luxury Grill; Outdoor Kitchen Doors and Drawers – Danver Stainless Outdoor Kitchens Budget: $375,000

34 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

Through the Looking Glass

urrounded by glass walls on three sides, and accessible through five sets of flush-on-grade, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, the outdoor courtyard of this new-construction contemporary home is visible from nearly all interior spaces. As such, landscape architect Candace Dillingham designed an outdoor space that is, by necessity, visually stunning from every possible vantage point. She solved grading and runoff challenges by raising the pool and spa 14 inches above the paving elevation, and installing a custom drainage system around the perimeter. Beyond its practical purpose, the raised pool wall provides seating for guests when entertaining. Likewise, the utilitarian drain grates do double duty by adding visual interest.

Dillingham created custom designs for the grate covers, which were laser cut by the homeowner’s metalworks company. The unique patterns are repeated in other artistic structures throughout the property, including two entry gates, the driveway security gate, and a backdrop for a turtle sanctuary pond. At the far end of the pool, a modern horizontal fireplace, built into a clean Cultured Stone surround, is an attractive focal point, day or night. To minimize the footprint of the fireplace, a slim, 5-inch foot ledge of Pennsylvania bluestone substitutes for a larger hearth. Two more fireplaces are incorporated into sheltered outdoor living rooms located on the upper and ground levels of the space.

Landscape Architect: Candace Dillingham Company: Skii Landscape Architecture, Tulsa, OK Website: www.skiila.com Other Contributors: Architect – Philip Doyle, AIA: Philip Doyle Design, Tulsa, OK, www.doyle-design.com; Builder – Tony Jordan, Jordan & Sons, Owasso, OK; Designer – Melissa Higgins, Melissa Higgins Interior Design, Tulsa, OK Project Size: 15,000 sq. ft. Materials: Walls – Poured-in-place concrete with wall ties exposed; Floor – Concrete in light buff color with strips of porcelain tile and ribbons of Pennsylvania bluestone; Fireplace – Cultured Stone, fire brick, clear glass fire rock Brands: Metal Work on Pedestrian Gates and Turtle Sanctuary Backdrop – Garden Deva; Driveway Security Gate – Empire Fence; All custom-designed by Candace Dillingham Budget: Not available

www.hearthandhome.com | AUGUST 2020 | 35

| The Outdoor Room® Design Ideas |

Bocce Belle

his delightful backyard renovation offers bocce and a beautiful bay view. A regulation bocce court provides fun for the family, along with the opportunity for some friendly competition. Running alongside the court, a unique walkway with large bluestone pads set within a sea of gray pebbles, creates a spot for players to wait their turn without putting wear-and-tear on the lawn. More bluestone patios dot the yard amid landscape beds planted in joyous, showy colors. One patio is outfitted with comfy seating flanking a rectangular fire table, and another features a ring of deepseating chairs around a gas fire pit. An outdoor kitchen has been

added to the existing raised deck off the back of the house. The grill is built into a modular, storage-cabinetry system, finished in white powder-coat that coordinates with the white trim and pergola on the home’s exterior. Eighteen months after the project was completed, the homeowners sent a letter to designer Michelle Derviss, expressing gratitude for their lovely outdoor living space during the shelter-athome period due to COVID-19. “It was a small silver lining during this sad time in our nation’s history,” Derviss says. “It lifted my spirits to know that as designers and builders, we can and do provide quality-of-life experiences.”

Designer: Michelle Derviss Company: Derviss Design, Novato, CA Website: www.dervissdesign.com Other Contributors: Builder – Jose Chavez Landscape Construction Project Size: 20,000 sq. ft. Materials: Floor – Bluestone, lawn, existing deck Brands: Grill – Lynx; Furniture, Fire Pit and Fire Table – Restoration Hardware; Island Base Cabinetry – Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens Budget: Not Available

36 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

Landscape Architect: Don Nesmith Company: Land & Water Design, Haymarket, VA Website: www.landandwaterdesign.com Other Contributors: Architect – Mihn Tran, Land & Water Design; Builder – Phoung Nguyen, Phoung Carpentry Company; Builder – Danny Neto, Neto Construction Project Size: 4,500 sq. ft. Materials: Ceiling – Beaded Douglas Fir; Walls – Western Maryland Fieldstone; Floor – Fiberon composite decking, pavers; Fire Pit – Western Maryland Fieldstone; Island Base – Custom, stainless-steel modular cabinetry with powder coat finish; Island Counter – Leathered granite; Railings – Intex Millwork Solutions composite railings; Pergola – Custom, wrapped PVC Brands: Gas Grill, Electric Warming Drawer, Stainless Steel Sink & Commercial Faucet, Slideout Double Trash & Recycle Center, Stainless Steel Towel Holder – Alfresco Open Air Culinary Systems; Ice Machine – Hoshizaki; Refrigerator – Summit; Outdoor Kitchen Cabinetry System – Danver Stainless Outdoor Kitchens; Ceiling Fan – Casablanca; Two-Tiered Fire Pit Table – Montana Fire Pit, Warming Trends Crossfire Burner with Stones, Bluetooth ignition Budget: Not Available

Backyard Wonderland

his formerly empty backyard was an ideal blank canvas on which the team at Land & Water Design created a wonderland of family fun. Construction was delayed six months to engineer and install a 6-ft. high by 60-ft. long retaining wall, with a 5-ft.-wide concrete footing poured below the frost line. Once completed, the design vision unfolded to include a natural, freeform pool with an oversized, raised, stone-veneered spa, a large tanning shelf and a 25-ft. tubular waterslide. Surrounding the pool is a series of multi-level outdoor living and entertaining spaces with lovely sunset views. A custom, open-gable porch is home to a dining area and a 35-ft. outdoor kitchen outfitted with a grill, warming drawer, trash and recycle center, ice machine, refrigerator, sink, and more, all built into an L-shaped bank of storage cabinetry. Tucked beneath this porch on the ground level, is a covered poolside seating lounge with a granite-topped bar and sink. Recessed lighting, recessed infrared heaters, and ceiling fans in both these sheltered spaces, along with a two-tiered fire feature on the pool deck, ensure comfort day or night, nearly year-round. With practicality in mind, a full bathroom with walk-in tile shower keeps wet feet out of the house. And, use of composite decking, railing and pergola materials, as well as simple, low-maintenance landscaping, ensures the emphasis remains on fun, not upkeep.

www.hearthandhome.com | AUGUST 2020 | 37

| The Outdoor Room® Design Ideas |

Multilevel Marvel

xpansive glass walls, and extensive use of the same stone and wood materials inside and out, blur the lines between the interior and exterior of this custom transitional home in rural Woodstock, Illinois. The home has a series of upper and lower outdoor terraces, combining for more than 2,000 sq. ft. of outdoor living space. Each of the cohesively designed Outdoor Rooms has been strategically situated to maximize the sweeping views of the rolling valley below. The upper terrace features a swimming pool with integrated spa, and a 400 sq. ft. covered lanai with stone columns and a stained tongue-andgroove wood ceiling. A large-screen TV is mounted on a Cor-Ten steel panel above a double-sided fireplace visible from the lanai’s comfy seating and dining areas, as well as from the chaise lounges that line the pool. The lanai also includes an outdoor kitchen with gas grill, warming drawer, and refrigerator built into a base of teak cabinets. A unique water feature, reminiscent of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic home Fallingwater, links the upper and lower terraces, unifying the spaces. A wide sheet of water cascades over two waterfalls until it reaches its final destination in a stone-walled base. The lower terrace encompasses four separate seating areas. The largest is a sunken patio tucked into the landscape, with deep-seating couches surrounding a large, custom, gas fire pit.

38 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

Design/Builder: Eric Pickell Company: Orren Pickell Building Group, Wilmette, IL Website: www.pickellbuilders.com

Other Contributors: Landscape Architect – Pinnacle Land Creations, www.pinnaclelandcreations.com; Pool Design/Builder – Anchor Spa and Pool, www.anchorspaandpool.com; Designer – Thomas Sarti Girot Interiors Project Size: 2,000 sq. ft., including 400 sq. ft. lanai Materials: Ceiling – Black cherry-stained, tight-knot pine; Walls – Honey Brook quartzitic sandstone blend of snapped bedface and machine-cut splitface by Oakfield Stone Company, Cor-Ten steel panels; Floor – Eden Valders buff stone; Fireplace and Fire Pit – Custom; Island Base – Mahogany-stained teak; Island Counter – Stone slab Brands: Grill – Wolf 42-inch gas grill with infrared sear zone; Warming Drawer – Wolf; Refrigerator – Sub-Zero 24 inches. Budget: more than $2 million

www.hearthandhome.com | AUGUST 2020 | 39

| The Outdoor Room® Design Ideas |

Tranquil Oasis

ach of the multiple Outdoor Rooms within this California backyard feels distinct, but together they form one exquisite, cohesively-designed outdoor living environment. A new poolside pavilion is the center of the action. It features a sunken fireside living room and an outdoor kitchen outfitted with a grill, double burners, warming drawer, and refrigerator. Stained tongue-and-groove on the ceiling and a sizeable raised-hearth fireplace add a sense of interior luxury to the space. Another area, created under the shelter of the home’s existing rear loggia, includes a unique bar counter that hides a TV lift system so the family can enjoy sports or movies while dining. A third seating nook in a covered courtyard is framed by arched openings and columns. A collection of deep-cushioned chairs positioned by the fireplace in this area, makes it a quiet spot for conversation or reading. Beyond the infinity spa at one end of the pool, a large patio seating area is elevated to maximize the stunning ocean views. Infrared heaters, deep-seating furnishings, limestone paving, see-through fencing, fountains, and a wide variety of specimen plantings throughout this tranquil oasis enhance both comfort and beauty.

Designer: Drew Sivgals Company: AMS Landscape Design Studios, Newport Beach, CA Website: www.amslandscapedesign.com Other Contributors: Builder – Altera Landscape, Dana Point, CA, www.alteralandscape.com Project Size: 2,650 sq. ft. Materials: Ceiling – Stained tongue-and-groove with exposed rafters; Walls – Stucco to match house; Floor – Limestone; Fireplaces – Precast and stone veneer; Island Base – Splitface limestone; Island Counter – Quartz; Pergola – Precast columns Brands: 48-inch Professional Grill, Double Burners, Warming Drawer, 24-inch Refrigerator – Lynx; Infrared Gas Heaters – Infratech Budget: $275,000

40 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

Desert Dream

fter visiting for years, an East Coast couple found a home of their own in Arizona. Though the Desert Highlands location, situated off a golf course, was perfect, with spectacular views of the mountains and city lights, it came with a less-thanideal, outdated, Santa Fe-style home. Architect Jessica Hutchison-Rough reimagined the home, opening up the boxy floorplan, so the interior rooms flowed seamlessly into the newly created outdoor living spaces. Situated around the existing pool, the outdoor spaces are designed to take full advantage of the vistas. An outdoor kitchen is set against a custom backsplash and within reach of the dining area. After dinner, guests can gather around the fire pit to enjoy the sparkling city lights, or retire to the cozy “cigar patio.” A large flagstone patio underfoot unifies all of these distinct Outdoor Rooms along the rear of the house. In front of the home, an elegant new entry courtyard features a “secret garden” with a unique gate, trellis, and sculpture garden. Though fitting everything into the small backyard was a challenge, sizing the spaces for intimate entertaining and everyday living helped achieve everything on the client’s wish list. “This is a perfect example of ‘Jewel Box Architecture,’” says Hutchison-Rough. “It might be small, but the special shines through in every detail.”

Designer: Jessica Hutchison-Rough Company: Urban Design Associates, Scottsdale, AZ Website: www.urbandesignassociatesltd.com Other Contributors: Builder – Altera Landscape, Dana Point, CA, www.alteralandscape.com Project Size: 3,894 sq. ft. Materials: Ceiling – Brick, wood; Walls – Venetian plaster; Floor – Wood, flagstone; Trellis – Wood, steel Brands: Grill and Sideburner – Wolf Budget: Not Available

www.hearthandhome.com | AUGUST 2020 | 41

| The Outdoor Room® Design Ideas |

Modern Serenity

he name of this outdoor retreat – Modern Serenity – is inspired by the chic yet calming vibe of the space. Completely enclosed by a glass structure, the secluded private oasis is a peaceful escape for year-round enjoyment. A covered outdoor living room along the rear of the house makes a seamless transition from the interior space, thanks to indoor-style furnishings, a large television, and a cooling fan that hangs from the richly stained wood ceiling. At night, the space is aglow with dramatic firelight. Two fire-bowl fountains tumble into the pool water beside the two partially

submerged loungers on the sun ledge. Water spouts incorporated into a custom, contemporary, linear fireplace, spill into a spa lined with decorative glass tiles that extend from the side of the pool. The third fire feature – a linear, gas fire pit table – adds coziness to a pergolatopped lounge area with a deep-seating outdoor sectional. A gourmet outdoor kitchen, sheltered under a solid roof, includes a premium gas grill with ventilation hood, a refrigerator, and storage built into a ledgestone island with bar-height seating. Other special features of the Outdoor Room include a sophisticated outdoor shower and a poolside lounge bed, the perfect spot to relax with a nap. Design/Builder: Ryan Hughes Company: Ryan Hughes Design Build, Tampa, FL Website: www.ryanhughesdesign.com Project Size: 3,500 sq. ft. Materials: Ceiling – Wood veneer in lounge area; Enclosure – Glass; Floor – Travertine tile; Island Base – MSI Ledgestone; Fire Pit Table – MSI Ledgestone; Pergola – Cypress with stone bases; Spa – Glass tiles Brands: Grill – Fire Magic; Outdoor Furnishings – Ledge Lounger chaises, Castelle sling dining set, Patio Renaissance deep-seating modular sectional; Fireplace with Water Feature – Custom by Ryan Hughes Design Build; Fire Bowls – Grand Effects Budget: approx. $500,000

42 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

www.hearthandhome.com | AUGUST 2020 | 43

| The Outdoor Room® Design Ideas |

Family Affair

hen winter rains dislodged boulders from the mountainside and sent them tumbling to the road, the homeowner’s sons used a bobcat loader and truck to transport the four- to six-foot-sized rocks to their backyard. There, the rocks became the cornerstones of a rustic outdoor living environment that seems carved from its natural surroundings. The centerpiece of the space is a lodge-style pavilion structure built by the homeowner’s family and a friend; designer Nick Williams was called in to create the rest of the space. Anchoring the pavilion is a natural-gas fireplace, crafted from the reclaimed rocks. Above the wood mantel, a large-screen TV is the one

modern exception in the space, and great for watching a game from the comfort of the deep-seating furnishings. Adjacent to this Outdoor Room, a U-shaped outdoor kitchen emerges from the rocky hillside. It is designed with a six-inch step-down in the work area to ensure the granite countertop, finished with a suede texture and a chiseled edge, is at counter height in the work zone, and table height for seating along the outer perimeter. A waterfall spills over two enormous and very realistic faux boulders into a fish pond that appears to run beneath the floor of the outdoor pavilion. The family’s collection of antique birdhouses, garden tools, and one-of-a-kind accessories, add the finishing touches to this eclectic space. Designer: Nick Williams Company: Nick Williams and Associates, Calabasas, CA Website: www.nickwilliamsdesigns.com Other Contributors: Water Features – Kirk Nicholas, Waterscapes; Masonry – Ruben Ortega, Ortega Custom Masonry, Woodland Hills, CA, www.ortegacustommasonry.com Project Size: 1,000 sq. ft. Materials: Ceiling – 2 x 6-inch rough-sawn Douglas fir with 8 x 12-inch beams; Floor – Flagstone with washed concrete; Fireplace – Local natural stone and boulders, wood mantel; Island Base – Cinderblock with washed plaster finish; Island Counter – Granite with suede finish and chiseled edge; Sink – Copper faucet and handles; Waterfall – Made from faux boulders Brands: Grill and Sideburner – Lynx Budget: $100,000

44 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

Wow Factor

reated to replace a deteriorating poolside pergola, this stunning Outdoor Room adds a “wow factor” to this Texas backyard. The freestanding structure features a covered patio at the center with pergola extensions off both sides. A dramatic, curved, barrel ceiling, finished with stained tongueand-groove, shelters the covered portion of this outdoor living space. Standing seam metal, bent to fit the barrel shape, clads the exterior roof. Another highlight of the outdoor space is a custom, woodburning fireplace, finished in Granbury Chopped stone with a cast-stone mantel and surround. Cast stone is repeated on the hearth and the tops of the wood boxes that bookend the fireplace, while the Granbury Chopped stone is used again on columns throughout the space. A trio of matching chandeliers, luxury furnishings with thick, burnt-orange cushions, and a huge television, hung above the mantel and proportionate to the oversized fireplace opening, add indoor comfort and style to this outdoor retreat. Flooring, in a blend of Arizona and Blue Mist flagstone to match the existing flagstone around the pool, ensures the new space blends cohesively with the overall backyard design.

Design / Builder: Collin Jarrell Company: Texas Custom Patios - Irving Office, Irving, TX Website: www.texascustompatios.com Project Size: 600 sq. ft. Materials: Ceiling – Woodtone tongue-and-groove, pre-stained in Smokey Bourbon; Roof – Standing seam metal; Floor – Flagstone in Arizona and Blue Mist blend; Fireplace – Custom masonry in Granbury Chopped stone cast stone mantel and surround; Columns – Granbury Chopped stone Budget: $127,250

www.hearthandhome.com | AUGUST 2020 | 45

| The Outdoor Room® Design Ideas |

Mountain Retreat

his remote retreat is nestled in the mountains by the Ruedi Reservoir outside Aspen, Colorado. The home is the fulltime residence of a bachelor who loves to entertain, and is designed to be as comfortable for large groups as it is when the owner is by himself. The interior Great Room opens to an outdoor living area covered by a soaring gabled roof with exposed beams and recessed lights. The shelter protects the outdoor space from the area’s harsh winter elements, including snow that typically falls from October through May. An outdoor kitchen is carved into the exterior side of a wood-burning fireplace that opens to the indoor Great Room. Made of local Ruedi

red sandstone, the massive chimney is a striking feature in the Outdoor Room. Beside it on the semi-circular patio is a custom picnic table in keeping with the home’s rustic design. The warm waters of an eight-person spa, sheltered by the roof and partially recessed into the cement patio, provide an inviting spot for star-gazing. A large custom fire pit, built into the ground just outside the covered space, is another gathering spot. The project uses spruce beetle kill wood on the ceiling and walls. The wood, salvaged from thousands of acres of Colorado forest decimated by a beetle infestation and fungus, has beautiful and distinctive colorations and can be left untreated. Designer: Aimee Conrardy Company: AXIS Productions, Pittsburgh, PA Website: axisproductions.houzz.com Other Contributors: Builder – John Placek, Crystal Constructors Inc. Project Size: 420 sq. ft. Materials: Ceiling – Spruce beetle kill wood; Walls – Spruce beetle kill wood, Ruedi red sandstone; Floor – Colored cement with exposed aggregate border; Island Base – Alder cabinets; Island Backsplash – Ceramic tile, metallic finish; Island Counter – Slate tile Brands: Grill – Wolf; Hot Tub – Sundance; Doors – Sierra Pacific; Picnic Table and Fire Pit – Custom Budget: $45,000

46 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

Made in the Shade

he homeowners wanted a covered Outdoor Room that would lend some much-needed shade and help them more fully enjoy their pool and backyard. This 450 sq. ft. sheltered space checks all the boxes with plenty of room for alfresco relaxing, dining, and entertaining. The tongue-and-groove wood ceiling and wood-look porcelaintile flooring throughout the space mirror each other in rich, stained finishes and unify the separate living and dining areas. A seethrough, custom fireplace in the lounge functions as a wall to create a sense of enclosure in the space while maintaining views, and the raised hearth provides extra seating for guests. Mounted above the

fireplace mantel, the TV can be enjoyed from both the living and dining areas. Creamy tones in the stone-veneer finish on the fireplace, and column supports, provide a light contrast to the dark ceiling and floor. Since the covered Outdoor Room is attached to both the house and garage, the design needed to tie into both structures, incorporate a breezeway path beneath the roof, and maintain proper pitch while staying below the second-floor windows. These challenges were met, as was a solution to a drainage issue, courtesy of a new custom French drainage system. It is cleverly disguised as a black star gravel walkway that links the Outdoor Room to the pool area. Design / Builder: Brandon Huskey Company: Texas Custom Patios, Houston, TX Website: www.texascustompatios.com Project Size: 450 sq. ft.

Materials: Ceiling – 1 x 6 x 14-inch Woodtone tongue-and-groove, pre-stained in English Porter; Floor – 6 x 36-inch wood-look porcelain tiles in dark oak; Fireplace – Custom-built, sunflower cream thin veneer, cream slabs for mantel and hearth Budget: $57,000

www.hearthandhome.com | AUGUST 2020 | 47

| The Outdoor Room® Design Ideas |

Hollywood Hillside

his 20,000 sq.ft. hillside estate, located on a promontory above Los Angeles’s famed Sunset Boulevard, features 300-degree views of the city skyline. The silhouette of the neighboring Stahl House, the iconic, modernist-styled house in the Hollywood Hills, frequently used as a movie set, served as design inspiration. Projecting roof planes create a series of covered outdoor terraces along the exterior walls of the home. These outdoor living spaces connect to the home’s open-floorplan-interior through sliding glass walls that capitalize on the spectacular views and maximize indooroutdoor living. The outdoor spaces are enclosed by a vast infinity pool and lush landscaping that subtly screens neighboring properties for

privacy. Wood platforms, dotted with luxurious chaises, jut into the pool as peninsulas for sunning and relaxing. A sunken, open-air lounge, lined with low sofas surrounding a sleek, horizontal fire pit, is positioned just beyond a covered outdoor living and dining room. Connecting to the indoor kitchen, this space is home to a stylish outdoor kitchen with bar seating, and is sheltered by a ceiling of rich wood slats, an architectural feature carried throughout the home. A rooftop entertaining deck quite literally takes this amazing property to the next level. Furnishings, materials and finishes used in the outdoor areas are as sophisticated and chic as those used indoors, further blurring the lines between the Outdoor Rooms and the elegant interiors. Lead Designers: Mark Bullivant, Philip Olmesdahl, Alwyn De Vos, Eugene Olivier & Conrad Martin Company: SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa Website: www.saota.com Other Contributors: Architect of Record – Woods + Dangaran, www. woodsdangaran.com; Project Manager – Park Lane Projects, www. parklaneprojects.com; Contractor – Fortis Development: Landscape Architect – Chris Sosa, www.chrissosa.com; Lighting Design – Lux Populi, www.luxpopuli.com; Interior Designer – MASS Beverly, www. massbeverly.com; Furnished by – MASS Beverly, Los Angeles, CA www.massbeverly.com and Minotti, Los Angeles, CA, www.minotti-la. com Project Size: 5,534 sq. ft. (outdoor living areas) Materials: Feature Ceilings – Thermory wood; Feature Walls – French limestone, Petra Grigio marble; Floor – French limestone, Esthec composite decking in Emotion; Pergola – Thermory wood Brands: Fire Pit – Top Fires by The Outdoor Plus Budget: Not Available

48 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

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Elements of THE OUTDOOR ROOM

ÂŽ

Poly-Wood

The Ocean Chair transforms ocean-bound plastic containers into outdoor furniture. The chair has a contoured seat and the top of the back rest is styled to look like a cresting wave. Four Adirondack chairs from the Wave Collection placed in a row create a picture of a wave in action. The chair is made of durable, all-weather lumber.

Phone: (773) 615-6622 Website: www.polywood.com

Kingsley Bate

Tribeca tables are made of premium Grade A teak using precise mortise-and-tenon joinery. Table tops have wide slats and legs are sleek and tapered. The group includes rectangular coffee tables in two sizes and also a square side table.

Phone: (703) 361-7000 Website: www.kingsleybate.com

Outdoor Furniture

Sunset West

Modern craftsmanship coupled with timeless lines create refined outdoor entertaining with the Regatta Collection. A satin Frost finish and sling panel detail combine to fashion a mix of materials, while crisp tailored cushions and high rise back offer luxurious comfort and sophisticated styling. Phone: (760) 599-1021 Website: www.sunsetwestusa.com

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Armen Living Furniture

The Living Portals 5 Piece Outdoor Bar Table and Barstools Set includes four aluminum bar chairs and a 37-inch bar table constructed of teak wood and aluminum. The set never needs to be painted, stained or waterproofed and the upholstery fabric dries quickly and is UV-resistant. Choose from white with white removable cushions or black with gray removable cushions. Phone: (818) 767-6626 Website: www.armenliving.com

Ashley Furniture Industries

The Paradise Trail aluminum high dining set features a wood look finish with resin wicker. No cushions are required; bar stools have quick dry foam under the seats for extra comfort. The square bar table has storage space and a stainless-steel burner. Phone: (608) 323-3377 Website: www.ashleyfurniture.com

Four Hands

Style and function come together in the Harpa Outdoor Storage Coffee Table. A high-texture weave lends a natural look to the table. Slatted and sectioned into three separate parts, the teak top lifts to reveal spacious interior storage for pool toys, gardening tools, furniture covers and more. Cover or store the table indoors during inclement weather.â&#x20AC;¨ Phone: (866) 654-9433 Website: www.fourhands.com

Essentials For Living

The Lattis Outdoor Wing Chair combines comfort and flair, bringing style to the porch or patio. Crafted from all-weather White Speckle Flat Rope, the chair has fabric cushions on a solid gray teak frame.

Phone: (949) 858-2100â&#x20AC;¨ Website: www.essentialsforliving.com

OW Lee

Marin Urban Scale deep seating is designed with style and comfort in a smaller scale. The seating group is perfect for smaller spaces such as condo balconies. Seating includes a lounge chair, swivel rocker lounge chair, love seat and sofa. Phone: (800) 776-9533 Website: www.owlee.com

TK Classics

The River Brook 7-piece patio dining set comes with two arm chairs, four armless chairs and a choice of 12 different cushion options. The set is made from handwoven resin wicker with a rich walnut wide weave and a rust-resistant powder-coated aluminum frame and tabletop. An umbrella hole in the center of the tabletop allows for the addition of shade. Phone: (916) 209-5500 Website: www.tkclassics.com

9 Click here for a mobile friendly reading experience

| Elements of The Outdoor RoomÂŽ |

Modway Furniture

Made of Kari wood for solid construction, the Freeport 4 Piece Set has gently reclining backs and padded cushions with all-weather fabric covers. Included in the set is a handy coffee table. Phone: (609) 256-9000 Website: www.modway.com

Outdoor Furniture 13

ZUO

The Lyon Chair fits in any setting and has a sturdy metal frame and high-quality synthetic weave for durable use in outdoor areas. With sleek armrests, the chair also comes in black. Phone: (866) 798-6663 Website: www.zuomod.com

Lagoon Furniture

Ideal for lounging poolside, the Tahiti Outdoor Chaise Lounge is sleek and exudes style. Made of highquality resin, the chaise is durable and weather resistant and comes in black, brown, gray or white. Phone: (786) 420-2934 Website: www.lagoonnfurnitures.com

Sunpan Modern Home

Compact and gracefully sculpted end tabl from the MIXT Collection, the Goya End Table is made from concrete with a white marble look finish. The versatile and attractive piece is suitable for indoor and covered outdoor spaces and easily complements a variety of furnishings, from modern to contemporary styles.

Phone: (800) 787-1019 Website: www.sunpan.com

14 14 52 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

Padmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plantation

The eye-catching Chiara has a wood top and powder-coated, spider-like legs. The reclaimed teak table has unique markings, fractures in the surface and color variations that demonstrate the rich history of the wood. The oval table shape invites guests to linger, seating up to eight. Phone: (800) 753-9190 Website: www.padmasplantation.com

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We’ve always known good enough won’t cut it. Born to withstand nature’s worst, our legendary fabrics prove themselves season after season.

LEGENDARY FABRICS. OFTEN IMITATED, NEVER DUPLICATED.

| Elements of The Outdoor RoomÂŽ |

Heat & Glo

The Plaza outdoor linear gas fire pit is a dramatic statement piece with endless finishing options. A framing kit creates a coffee table or custom design. The fire pit has rust-resistant stainless-steel construction and comes in 2-, 4-, 6-, 8- and 10-inch lengths. Add a wind guard to keep the flame burning on windy days.

Phone: (888) 427-3973 Website: www.heatnglo.com

Valor Fireplaces

Structured as a large format fireplace, the H6 has a firebox design with tapered sides and a shallow depth for smooth installation in a variety of applications. A secondary heat exchanger circulates warm air naturally through convection. The custom fire bed design projects radiant warmth to create steady, even heat.

Phone: (800) 468-2567 Website: www.valorfireplaces.com

3 Fire Outside 4

Lovinflame

With a stainless-steel wick and water soluble, non-toxic Lovinflame Fuel, the Passion Glass Candle offers brilliant flames that are clean burning and weather resistant. The candle is eco-friendly, with a triple wick design and self-cooling system.

Phone: (800) 474-5587 Website: www.lovinflame.com

OW Lee

The Boat Shaped Fire Pit expands the Casual Fireside collection. The fire pit measures 36 x 74-inches and is available in occasional and chat heights. The unique shape adds a fun and relaxed style to any outdoor furniture set. The linear 10 x 50 burner provides heat and beautiful ambience. Choose from 13 finish colors and 16 tiles choices. Phone: (800) 776-9533 Website: www.owlee.com

54 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

The Avana Collection NEW! from OW Lee

CHICAGO MERCHANDISE MART #1572 | LAS VEGAS WORLD MARKET CENTER #B-152 WWW.OWLEE.COM | 800.776.9533 | Since 1947 | Manufactured in the USA Â© OW Lee Co., Inc. Ontario, California

| Elements of The Outdoor RoomÂŽ |

5 6

Montigo

Commercially constructed of thick gauge stainless-steel, the C View Fire Pit makes a statement in outdoor areas and can be customized to fit a variety of designs. The fire pit is offered in linear, square, round, curve, and other custom styles with ribbon or plume flame options and accessories. Phone: (800) 378-3115 Website: www.montigo.com

Fire Outside 7

Breck Ironworks

Attractive and durable, the gaspowered Builder-Grade fire feature couples a clean design with logs crafted from recycled steel in 24-inch, 30-inch and 36-inch. sizes. Phone: (970) 759-3103 Website: www.breckironworks.com

Blaze Outdoor Products

The wall-mounted Firenado Electric Fireplace is stylish with a wide viewing area and sleek design. Homeowners can choose crystals for a modern style or logs for a traditional look and feel. The sleek fireplace design heats up to 400 sq. ft., produces up to 5,100 Btus and functions with or without heat for year-round enjoyment. Phone: (866) 976-9510 Website: www.thefirenado.com

European Home

The elegant form of the Ergofocus Outdoor Fireplace brings beauty and warmth to any space. The floating, natural vent fireplace is perfectly proportioned and maximizes heat efficiency with 360-degree rotation. Choose from an anticorrosion or rust finish. Phone: (781) 324-8383 Website: www.europeanhome.com

56 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

E ASY AS . . .

BURNER OR BURNER INSERT

READY-TO-FINISH BASE

ACCESSORIES

Request a free catalog: outdoorrooms.com/hearth-home (800) 303-4028

| Elements of The Outdoor RoomÂŽ |

Arteflame

The 40-inch Arteflame Grill from the One Series has a cooktop that heats from the center out for higher cooking temperatures. Grill food at various temperatures at the same time, fueled by charcoal or wood chunks. The grill is made of a Â˝-inch carbon steel cooktop and Corten steel base. The grill can also be enjoyed as a fire bowl. Phone: (929) 251-4111 Website: www.arteflame.com

Camp Chef

Collapsible legs fold easily beneath the body of the Portable Flat Top Grill 600. Two opposing side shelves fold inward over the burners for added protection. The grill is made with a cold rolled steel griddle top cooking surface; bring the grill along for tailgating, camping and day-trips. Phone: (800) 783-8347 Website: www.campchef.com

Grills

Memphis Grills

The sophisticated Beale Street grill offers authentic wood-fired, onetouch precision cooking. Features are single fan convection, 12 lb. capacity hopper for up to 18 hours of unattended cooking time and cart side shelves for additional barbecue tool storage. Phone: (888) 883-2260 Website: www.memphisgrills.com

58 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summer Time! Make this summer your best yet with a Blaze Marine Grade Grill. The Blaze Marine Grade Grill is perfect for everyone - made with superior materials and backed with a Lifetime Warranty! www.blazegrills.com

| Elements of The Outdoor Room® |

Stoll

Crafted from lightweight aluminum, versatile and attractive Outdoor Kitchens will not rust and come in a wide variety of colors. The custom-built cabinets have stainless or aluminum countertops and are easy to install. Phone: (800) 421-0771 Website: www.stollindustries.com

Equipment

Glen Dimplex Americas

Offering a modern design with comfort in mind, the DIR series heaters extend the patio season. The heaters have ceramic tinted glass, thermal shock and non-porous surfaces. With full heating power in just seconds, the heater allows outdoor areas to instantly go from cold to comfortable.

Phone: (800) 668-6663 Website: www.dimplex.com

Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens

Elements by Tecno is a freestanding stainless-steel, powder-coated collection built to withstand outdoor conditions. Each module can be used as a sideboard, bar or cooking station. Magnets and gaskets on doors are designed for solid closure. Grill base modules come in three sizes and accommodate a limited variety of manufacturers’ grills and sizes.

Phone: (800) 743-4252 Website: www.brownjordanoutdoorkitchens.com

RTA Outdoor Living

The 8-ft. RTA Outdoor Living pellet grill island is constructed with multi-component proprietary concrete composite panels and countertop. With a chiseled edge and 17½ ft. of preparation space, the island is designed to accommodate parties and gatherings. Clean edge and granite countertop options are available as well.

4 60 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

Phone: (800) 827-1830 Website: www.rtaoutdoorliving.com

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| Elements of The Outdoor Room® |

Fibreworks

Leeds is a sophisticated indoor/ outdoor collection featuring a classic Chevron pattern. Available in four neutral colorways – Devonwood, Orion, Shale and Sorrel – the rugs offer versatility to any space and are durable and easy to clean. Phone: (800) 843-0063 Website: www.fibreworks.com

Elaine Smith

The Bakhmal Indigo pillow sports an attractive and bold image and is made of weather-resistant fabric. The 22 x 22inch pillow is durable and easy to clean.

Accessories

Phone: (561) 863-3333 Website: www.elainesmith.com

Rustic Arrow

Rustic and stylish wooden lanterns are beautiful and versatile décor accessories. The lanterns come in a choice of white/gray or brown/cream and can be styled for any season or holiday by changing what is put on them. The lanterns also look attractive and can stand alone for minimalistic style. Phone: (956) 729-7741 Website: www.rusticarrow.com

4 4 5

KAS Rugs

Homeowners can liven up any room with Provo, a collection of textured indoor/outdoor rugs featuring trendy patterns with pops of color. The rugs can withstand the weather and are machine-woven in Turkey with a low 1⁄4-inch pile height. Phone: (800) 967-4254 Website: www.kasrugs.com

Treasure Garden

Reflections – Ocean Blue rug is a stylish addition to a patio or porch. The rug has blue polypropylene yarns ranging from a rich navy to a neutral white center, inspired by reflections on cooling water. The rug is made of multi-ply cabled heat-set yarns and comes in two sizes. Phone: (626) 814-0168 Website: www.treasuregarden.com

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| Elements of The Outdoor RoomÂŽ |

Accessories

Sagebrook Home

A circle pattern with texture creates a whimsical style for the fivein. Swirly Planter. The planter comes with a saucer and natural wood base for an organic feel. Phone: (323) 720-8881 Website: www.sagebrookhome.com

Unique Loom

The Dubai rug is part of the Jill Zarin Outdoor Collection. Pulling inspiration from Zarinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer holidays, including the bold colorways of Costa Rica and the leopard prints of Cape Town, each style brings a unique element to the collection. Dubai is made of polypropylene, is easy clean and is stain resistant. Phone: (800) 765-6958 Website: www.uniqueloom.com

Shade

Sunset West

For modern and attractive shade poolside or on the patio, the Frost Pergola is a fully welded, powder-coated aluminum structure available in matte graphite or with a satin Frost finish.

Phone: (760) 599-1021 Website: www.sunsetwestusa.com

Phifer

SunTex 97 offers an approximate three percent openness factor that blocks about 97 percent of UV rays, and will deliver increased heat and glare control as well as daytime privacy. Infused with Microban antimicrobial protection, SunTex 97 is available in 10 colors, including Dark Bronze, Mocha, Black, Sand, Chestnut, White/Gray and Alpaca. Phone: (800) 633-5955 Website: www.phifer.com

64 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

Handcrafted from recycled steel in one of America’s favorite ski towns, Breck Ironworks’ fire features come with a lifetime warranty and ship anywhere in the US. Options scaled to your clients’ project size & budget with our four models. SUMMIT | TREELINE TRAILHEAD | PORTABLE

Ask about industry partner pricing today.

Contact Jason at 970.759.3103 or jason@breckironworks.com

www.hearthandhome.com | AUGUST 2020 | 65

| Business Climate |

JUNE SALES In early July Hearth & Home faxed a survey to 2,389 specialty retailers of hearth, patio, and barbecue products, asking them to compare June 2020 sales to June 2019. The accompanying charts and selected comments are from the 233 useable returns.

RETAILER SALES - U.S. AND CANADA June 2020 vs. June 2019

70%

88% 60%

37%

36%

27% 21% 34%

12%

RETAILERS NO CHANGE

RETAILERS UP HEARTH

PATIO

6% 0%

RETAILERS DOWN

BARBECUE

SPAS

25%

Once again, the Spa industry flourished as homeowners stayed at home. Eighty-eight percent of Spa retailers were UP in June, 12% HEARTH PATIO were the same as last year, and no Spa retailers told us they were down; 70% of Patio retailers were UP, 60% of Barbecue retailers were UP, and only 37% of Hearth retailers were UP.

4% 5%

HEARTH HEARTH June July Aug 2019

Sept Oct

6% 5% 4% 5% 3% 3% 4% 4% 4% 2% 13-MONTH-26% YEAR-OVER-YEAR RETAIL SALES 1% -28% -45% 1% 25% -36% -19% 0% 0% -4% 25% June 2020 vs. June 2019 Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar 2020

Apr

May June

PATIO PATIO June July 2019

Aug

7% 7% 4% 5% 4% 4% 4% 5% 3% 3% 4% 4% 2% 4% 3% 4% 4% 4%-26% -36% -19% 3% 2% -26% -36% -19%

6% 6%

June July Aug June July Aug 2019 2019

Sept Oct Sept Oct

Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Nov Dec 2020 Jan Feb Mar 2020

Apr Apr

May June May June

Sept Oct

Nov Dec

Jan Feb Mar 2020

Apr

May June

5% 4% 5% 5% 5% 2% 1% 0% 4% -28% -45% 1% 0% 2% -4% 1% -28% -45% 1% 0% 0% -4% Sept Oct Sept Oct

Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Nov Dec 2020 Jan Feb Mar 2020

Apr Apr

May June May June

41%

30% 23%

BARBECUE

-2%

2% 2%

June July Aug BARBECUE BARBECUE 2019

SPAS 4%

-4% -1%

Sept Oct

Nov Dec

1% 1% -15% -17% 0%

Jan Feb Mar 2020

Apr

23% 23%

May June

4% 4%

-7%

June July SPAS SPAS 2019

41% 41%

12%

Aug

-1%

Sept Oct

12% 12%

Nov Dec

-23% -13%

Jan Feb Mar 2020

Apr

30% 30%

May June

8% 7% 8% 6% 6% 4% 4% 4% 7% 4% 3% 4% 4% 2% 2% 4% 4% 1% 1% -15% -17% 0% 3% -23% -13% -2% 2% 2% -4% -1% -7% -1% 1% 1% -15% -17% 0% -23% -13% -2% -1% -4% -7% -1%UP 23%, In June, sales of Spas were UP 41%; sales of Patio products were UP 25%; sales of Barbecue products were and sales of Hearth products were UP only 3%. June July Aug June July Aug 2019 2019

Sept Oct Sept Oct

Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Nov Dec 2020 Jan Feb Mar 2020

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Apr Apr

May June May June

June July Aug June July Aug 2019 2019

Sept Oct Sept Oct

Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Nov Dec 2020 Jan Feb Mar 2020

Apr Apr

May June May June

RETAILER COMMENTS

WEATHER REPORT

For the following weather charts, the numbers for each state reflect the temperature ranking for the period since records began in 1895.

STATEWIDE AVERAGE TEMPERATURE RANKS NORTHEAST Delaware: (Hearth, BBQ) “We are at the exact numbers from 2019; that being said, 2019 was the worst year in stovesale history. Even though open through COVID-19, floor traffic has not existed.”

JUNE 2020

Maine: (Hearth, Patio, BBQ) “June

retail sales were down slightly. That said, we are fortunate that business is steady with strong interest in home remodeling and existing home installs. We expect a busier than average fall season. Requests for pellet grills with Wi-Fi are up.”

117

89 47

115

119

113

118

111

103

107

118

106

119

101 92 61

53 70 49

56 98

112

117 119 114

53 52

108 114 118 119 117

107

New Jersey: (Hearth, BBQ) “Anything

for outside sells, as long as you can get it. All are out of stock.” New York: (Hearth, Spas) “Heavens to

Murgatroyd, what in tarnation is going on? First we close due to COVID-19, and our business absolutely tanks. Then we open and have the best June we’ve ever had! It must be all that quarantining has folks pining for those home improvement projects. That and the fact that they are collecting TURBO unemployment, plus a stimulus check, plus that juicy tax refund. “Everyone has extra cabbage to spend! (Business owners are excluded from most of those benefits, of course). We are anticipating a great hearth season, provided the supply chain remains well oiled. Hold on tight friends, we’re in for a heck of a ride.” New York: (Spas) “It continues to be a wild

ride. Retail is now open with COVID-19 guidelines. Everyone discovered what a hot tub is eight weeks ago. Inventory sold out quick and floor models also. Replenishing stock slowly due to factory shutdown. All in all, it’s going to be a good sales year if there are no further complications.” New York: (Hearth, BBQ) “We just started

selling pellet barbecue grills. As COVID-19 has hit us all, many homeowners are spending money on products they use at home. Our pellet grills seem to have found a

NATIONAL CLIMATIC DATA CENTER/NESDIS/NOAA

1 = COLDEST / 126 = WARMEST

Much Below Average

Record Coldest

Below Average

Near Average

Above Average

Much Above Average

Record Warmest

In June, the heat was primarily in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and New England. Those areas experienced Much Above Average temperatures.

STATEWIDE AVERAGE TEMPERATURE RANKS APRIL 2020 – JUNE 2020

93 105

75 99

66 107

118

45 38

14 22 17

15 119

120

18 48

70 81 74 73

74 81 55

30 29

120

NATIONAL CLIMATIC DATA CENTER/NESDIS/NOAA

1 = COLDEST / 126 = WARMEST

Record Coldest

Much Below Average

Below Average

Near Average

Above Average

Much Above Average

Record Warmest

For the period April – June, 14 states primarily in the South, Southeast experienced Below Average temperatures, while five states (Florida, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California) experienced Much Above Average temperatures.

Click here for a mobile friendly reading experience

| Business Climate |

WEATHER REPORT

For the following weather charts, the numbers for each state reflect the precipitation ranking for the period since records began in 1895.

STATEWIDE PRECIPITATION RANKS JUNE 2020 13

96 95

114 81

18 88

22 27

49 45

17 62

92 93 77

57 28

83 82

111 93

30 43 17 59

14 22 27 58

NATIONAL CLIMATIC DATA CENTER/NESDIS/NOAA

1 = DRIEST / 126 = WETTEST

Record Driest

Much Below Average

Below Average

Near Average

Above Average

Much Above Average

Record Wettest

In June, Idaho was a standout state with Much Above Average precipitation, while 10 states (Washington, Oregon, Montana, Utah, Wisconsin, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Alabama, and Mississippi were at Above Average precipitation.

market. We sell flavored pellets as well. Our small business is nestled between two large box stores, and customers also like getting our personal service. Looking forward to a long summer.” Pennsylvania: (Hearth) “Our fiscal year

runs July 1 through June 30. We are down 5% for the fiscal year. Last year was our best ever; this past fiscal year was our second best.” SOUTH Arkansas: (Hearth) “Very slow retail

month as expected, but better than last year. No floor traffic whatsoever. It cannot get any worse.” Florida: (Hearth, BBQ) “Wear a mask!”

Oklahoma: (Hearth, BBQ) “Minor

boom from COVID-19 re-opening. Daily problem – supply chain disruptions mean product shortages.”

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Oklahoma: (Hearth, Spas) “My company

was only down 10% because we are in the pool business. Pool business is off the charts. I also sold my son the service part of my pool business so I’m very happy with only being off 10%. We are doing very well.” South Carolina: (Hearth) “Since we

could be considered “essential” during the coronavirus shutdown, we have maintained regular shop hours. People seem to want to get projects done while they are stuck in their homes, and this has benefited us. We’ve also seen some increase in new construction projects, which were largely unaffected by the shutdown.” Texas: (Hearth) “We were closed down

by the city of Texas City and the Texas governor on March 16 as being a nonessential business. That was for all of April and the first week in May.”

“Our coronavirus numbers are way up in Texas. Guess bars and people on our beaches are not taking it seriously. They fill the bars shoulder to shoulder and the beaches are packed but they are closing for the Fourth of July – as our numbers go up! The virus keeps some people home. Others don’t want to wear a mask, but we’re getting better on that. The virus is affecting many small businesses.” Texas: (Patio, BBQ) “Pellet grills are still

our number-one seller.”

Texas: (Hearth & BBQ) “I’m so glad the

factories shut down, because I sold more grills than ever because .com guys could not deliver and I could. On the other side, I will not stock barbecue grills that are sold online at a cheaper price than retail. It will go back to the old normal as long as manufacturers feel their product is not worthy of their suggested price.” Texas: (Hearth, Patio, BBQ) “With the

COVID-19 setbacks it looked like the year could be lost (it still could happen), but we could not be happier. Patio products have really boomed since early May. Big tables and sets for the immediate family to gather together. We have ordered like it will continue with trucks and containers on order now when we would normally be focusing on clearance goods from within. “The great news is we just don’t have much to worry about clearing! All this has been with shorter work days. I feel bad that there are people really suffering from the loss of jobs. We are actually trying to hire one more skilled salesperson and one more tech for the winter season. My concerns with no market will be seeing new products, worrying about ordering in this year, or waiting for new programs. Inflation, tariffs, and price increases could be an issue. Some companies are pro-active and doing a smaller regional display in July. Can’t hibernate forever!” Virginia: (Hearth, BBQ) “Definitely an

unusual June. But, we’ll take it!”

Virginia: (Hearth) “With everything

going on (COVID-19, demonstrations, protests, and riots) most folks are not thinking of buying. Fortunately, newhome construction is moving along, but

not at the pace of this time last year. Another dealer near me just went out of business within the last month. Hopefully, things will improve shortly.” MIDWEST Illinois: (Hearth, Patio, BBQ) “June sales were skewed as some open work orders were closed out too early, and some not yet closed out due to install/supply issues. Barbecue back orders have delayed closing out work orders. Manufacturer’s lack of inventory has hurt some sales, but at the same time has closed other sales because we had the product.” Illinois: (Patio) “Wow. We re-opened on

May 29 and it has been non-stop since. We are fortunate that we deal with a company that is well stocked and so our orders have been shipping quickly. Teak and woven have been the best sellers. We also have cleared out some older floor models. We are hoping that July continues at the same pace.” Indiana: (Patio, BBQ, Spas) “Unreal, can’t

keep up with calls and emails, can’t get product, feel like the hamster on the wheel!” Indiana: (Hearth, Patio, BBQ, Spas)

“Getting back to normal pretty well; closing down after the Fourth of July holiday.”

“We are taking full advantage of immediate gratification and encourage people to bring a truck or trailer as our delivery schedule is now booked for several weeks out.” — Michigan Iowa: (Hearth, BBQ) “Thankful. Added

two more installers. All employees are back.” Iowa: (Hearth, BBQ) “Second quarter 2019

to second quarter 2020, we are down 11.5%.”

Michigan: (Patio, BBQ) “Due to

COVID-19 we missed out on our big push in April 2020 as we were closed. During May we were allowed to open curbside and did manage to gain some sales, but were significantly down for the year. Late May we were able to open our doors and the floodgates opened; we had an uptick of sales and our in-stock sales were up significantly as many of our vendors are currently at eight-plus weeks for custom orders. We are taking full advantage of immediate gratification and encourage people to bring a truck or trailer as our delivery schedule is now booked for several weeks out. We are forecasting to make up our lost numbers in the third quarter.”

Missouri: (Hearth) “June was challenging

given the COVID-19 restrictions. The best part was the customers that had to make an appointment to look at fireplaces generally did not shop around, they came in, made up their mind, and ordered. The amount of remodel/retail interest also has us thinking the fall and winter will be big months too.” Missouri: (Hearth, BBQ) “Hearth

product sales are down this year, which is easily explainable. COVID-19 has slowed floor traffic for stoves and fireplaces. On the flip side, barbecue sales are booming. People are cooking at home and focusing on remodeling projects.” Ohio: (Hearth, BBQ) “We are selling

grills faster than they can make them! We are starting to see the supply chain breaking down a little bit for barbecue products, but hearth looks to be holding strong, so far. If it stays that way, this hearth season could be incredible.”

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE The Consumer Confidence Index increased in June, after virtually no change in May. The Index now stands at 98.1 (1985=100), up from 85.9 in May. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions – improved from 68.4 to 86.2. The Expectations Index – based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions – increased from 97.6 in May to 106.0 this month. “Consumer Confidence par tially rebounded in June but remains well below pre-pandemic levels,” said Lynn Franco, senior director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board. “The re-opening of the economy and relative improvement in unemployment claims helped improve

consumers’ assessment of current conditions, but the Present Situation Index suggests that economic conditions remain weak. “Looking ahead, consumers are less pessimistic about the short-term outlook, but do not foresee a significant pickup in economic activity. Faced with an uncertain and uneven path to recovery, and a potential COVID-19 resurgence, it’s too soon to say that consumers have turned the corner and are ready to begin spending at pre-pandemic levels.”

A reading above 90 indicates the economy is on solid footing; above 100 signals strong growth. The Index is based on a probabilitydesign random sample conducted for The Conference Board by The Nielsen Company.

121.5

126.5

100

98.1

85.7 85.9

Year Ago

6 Mo. Ago

Apr 2020

May 2020

June 2020

1985 = 100

www.hearthandhome.com | AUGUST 2020 | 69

| Business Climate | Wisconsin: (Hearth) “Both retail and

California: (Patio) “We were closed for

contractor markets are strong. Active foot traffic in the store.”

seven weeks during peak season and have been the busiest ever in 47 years after reopening. We are down 13% for the year.”

Wisconsin: (Hearth) “Business as usual.

We expect similar sales this year as last year.”

California: (Hearth, Patio) “The COVID-19

Wisconsin: (Patio) “We were closed for

two months during what is normally our busiest time of year. Once we were able to re-open on May 11, we’ve been crazy busy – and we love it!” Wisconsin: (Hearth, Patio, BBQ) “Walk-

WEST California: (Hearth, BBQ) “With

Oregon: (Hearth, Patio, BBQ) “Very

brisk. Running out of products to sell.”

Washington: (Hearth, Patio, BBQ, Spas)

California: (Hearth, Patio, BBQ) “We

“Lots of quoting on wood – everyone is preparing for the apocalypse.”

Colorado: (BBQ) “Would have been

everything that’s going on we are just happy to be alive and well.”

has destroyed a lot of business.”

closures have most certainly taken huge bites out of the economy. No sector has been spared. Thankfully we have pockets where we make sales – people sheltering in place want to spruce up that place!”

are going crazy, lots of people calling for onsite estimates (with sales) and not a lot of foot traffic in the store. We don’t mind how they buy, just as long as they buy! A good majority are mentioning that they want nothing from China. Sounds good to me.”

in trade is very brisk, new construction is still up, lots of plans are still coming in daily, only barbecue grills are off, must be a Big Box thing, patio furniture is very strong.”

Nevada: (Hearth, BBQ) “COVID-19

better if we could get grills. Best month in our history.”

“April was way down. May and June caught back up.” CANADA British Columbia: (Hearth, BBQ)

British Columbia: (Hearth) “Some

interest on the phone, no personal visits, no sales.” New Brunswick: (Hearth, BBQ) “Our

June traffic was up a bit over last June and sales were up 21%. Business is continuing to increase.”

STOCK WATCH COMPANY – EXCHANGE

SYMBOL

52 WEEK

WEEK ENDING

% CHANGE

HIGH

LOW

29-May-20

26-Jun-20

4 WEEK

26 WEEK

52 WEEK

MARKET CAPITALIZATION ($000,000)

Standard & Poor’s 500 (a)

S&P

3,386.15

2,237.40

3,044.31

3,009.05

-1.2%

-7.1%

2.3%

HNI Corporation (b)

HNI

42.90

16.61

25.47

29.75

16.8%

-20.4%

-15.9%

$1,265.00

Pool Corporation (c)

POOL

276.00

160.35

269.02

260.94

-3.0%

22.3%

36.6%

$10,750.00

Restoration Hardware (b)

268.00

73.14

216.89

254.24

17.2%

18.3%

119.9%

$5,000.00

Wayfair (b)

230.61

21.70

171.55

201.94

17.7%

119.3%

38.3%

$19,755.00

NOTES: (a) = Standard & Poor’s 500 is based on the market capitalizations of 500 large companies having common stock listed on the NYSE or NASDAQ. It is considered one of the best representations of the U.S stock market, and a bellwether for the U.S economy. (b) = New York Stock Exchange. (c) = NASDAQ.

MARKET CAPITALIZATIONS

52-WEEK STOCK PRICE CHANGE

(US $000,000)

119.9%

$20,000 $18,000 18000 $16,000 $14,000

36.6%

38.3%

$12,000 $10,000 $8,000

2.3%

$6,000 $4,000

-15.9%

S&P HNI POOL RH AS OF 26-JUN-2020

70 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

$2,000

HNI

POOL 28-JUN-2019

RH 26-JUN-2020

Ontario: (BBQ) “Best June ever! Bars are

troubled systems, non-EPA-rated stoves (bought off the Internet or from a friend) into old chimney systems, etc. etc. No matter what you say to them, they want us to match the contractors/handyman pricing. When we do go out to look at what is there (for an upgrade) they do not like that we look at the “system” and not just the stove to be replaced. Mentalities have to change!”

closed and restaurants available for take-out only. People are eating at home – cooking at home – buying barbecues in record numbers. The social distancing is a challenge – but the rewards are there to be had.” Ontario: (Hearth) “We are finding that

homeowners are now reverting back to wood heating as a primary source (in our semi-rural area), or as a back-up source due to power outages and fluctuations in our area. Our stove sales for the first half of 2020 have exceeded 2019 by a minimum of 10% and we are quoting on more installations and repairs to existing systems every day. We just wish that people would use a WETT-certified installation company when they are getting numerous quotes. “Small installers like ourselves are getting price beat by the flue-by-nighters. Installing not to code, new units into old

Ontario: (Hearth, Patio, BBQ) “After

fighting the righteous battle of keeping everybody warm and safe in the first quarter, and dismal supply and demand in the first two months of the second quarter, no Mother’s Day, no Father’s Day, we decided to avoid the frustrating lack of masses and be open by appointment only. Should have done that years ago. Set times, personalized service, online photos – more sun time!”

Ontario: (Hearth) “Recent rules for

COVID-19 shelter in place caused an upswing in renovations around people’s homes, including fireplaces.” (Hearth, Patio, BBQ) “Receiving supplies in a reasonable amount of time seems to be the issue right now. Plenty of customers wanting, but not willing to wait for manufacturers to catch up.” Ontario:

Quebec: (Patio) “Because of COVID-19

people are staying at home. We carry no inventory and do only special orders. If we had stock our sales (patio furniture) would have been for May and June 300% plus up from 2019.”

Quebec: (Hearth, Patio, BBQ, Spas)

“People stayed at home during COVID-19. More sales.”

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AUGUST 2020

THE

OUTDOOR ROOM

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www.hearthandhome.com | AUGUST 2020 | 71

AD INDEX This ad index is an additional service provided by Hearth & Home to its advertisers. Hearth & Home assumes no liability for any incorrect information.

Advertiser

Page

Phone

Website

Apricity / Agio - USA

3, 49

(888) 997-7623

www.apricityoutdoor.com

Barlow Tyrie

8, 9

(800) 451-7467

www.teak.com

Blaze Outdoor Products

(866) 976-9510

www.blazegrills.com

Breck Ironworks

(970) 759-3103

www.breckironworks.com

Dansons Group / Louisiana Grills

(877) 303-3134

www.louisiana-grills.com

Empire Comfort Systems / Plaza Luxury Fireplaces

(800) 851-3153

www.plazafireplace.com

Empire Comfort Systems / Primo Ceramic Grills

(800) 851-3153

www.primogrill.com / launch

Evolution Fires

(407) 851-1536

www.evolutionfires.com

F&C Distributors

(630) 241-0506

www.fandcdistributors.com

Hearth & Home Technologies

(800) 927-6841

www.fireplaces.com/intellifire

Infratech Comfort

(800) 421-9455

www.infratech-usa.com

Lovinflame

909-781-8462

www.lovinflame.com

Outdoor GreatRoom, The

(800) 303-4028

www.outdoorrooms.com

OW Lee

(800) 776-9533

www.owlee.com

Parรก Group / Tempotest USA

(972) 512-3534

www.tempotestusa.com

RH Peterson Co. / Firemagic

30, 31

(800) 332-3973

www.firemagicgrills.com

RSF Woodburning Fireplaces / ICC

(450) 565-6336

www.icc-rsf.com

Sunbrella / Glen Raven

(336) 227-6211

www.sunbrella.com

Telescope Casual Furniture

(518) 642-1100

www.telescopecasual.com

Twin Eagles

26, 27

(800) 789-2206

www.twineaglesgrills.com

Valor / Miles Industries

(800) 468-2567

www.valorfireplaces.com/outdoor

Warming Trends

(303) 346-2224

www.warming-trends.com

Wittus - Fire By Design

(914) 764-5679

www.wittus.com

Woodbridge Fireplace

(844) 636-3473

www.woodbridgedealer.com

72 | AUGUST 2020 | www.hearthandhome.com

Who Reads

Nick Bauer, for one! President of Empire Group. Belleville, Illinois

Special Interests/Hobbies: “Running, biking, basketball, snowboarding, scuba diving, traveling, grilling, and wine. I used to like watching sports too, but the shelter-in-place is ruining that for this year. “Go St. Louis Cardinals! Go Stanley Cup-winning St. Louis Blues!” Problems/Issues Facing the Hearth Industry: “The COVID-19 situation has the potential to drastically harm all the independent retailers and manufacturers, such as myself who sell to them. Why can Big Boxes stay open but the independent retailers have to close? The politics of shelter-in-place are favoring one group of retailers, the Big Boxes, over another; government should not be picking winners and losers in a free economy. “It’s driving me crazy!” Key Trends in the Hearth Industry Today: “The biggest trend I’ve noticed over the last several years – and it’s only going to become more pronounced – is the shift to home entertainment. While being sheltered-at-home, consumers will want to take staycations. “I’ve noticed the massive increase in online search for stayat-home products such as grills, fire pits, fireplaces, and whole outdoor kitchens. If people aren’t going to travel for vacations, they will want to make their homes look like a vacation spot. This will help our industry, since we sell products that consumers will use to make their time at home as enjoyable as being on vacation.”

Impact of the Coronavirus on Your Business: “The impact has been enormous. The affect it has had on the company and our team members is difficult to put into words. We’re trying to plan for a crisis that the world hasn’t seen before; there is no playbook. We’ll create a plan, and a day later the governor will announce a new executive order. The plan is no longer relevant. “It’s really difficult trying to manage a group of companies where each location is under different rules that change almost daily. The most difficult impact has been on our employees; it has been very stressful for all of us. But our team has done an amazing job handling the crisis. I couldn’t be more proud of them.” Forecast for Your Sales in 2020: “As I write this, it’s early May and I would be lying to you if I told you I had a good idea of how the year is going to end. It’s my job to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. That’s all I can do right now.” Years Reading Hearth & Home: “I started working in 2007, so it’s 13 years.” Reasons for Reading Hearth & Home: “I love reading all the dealer comments in the back of the magazine, so I always start at the back of the magazine first. I enjoy all of the local retailer articles, and hearing the stories of how they created their companies. I like reading the product articles to see what other companies are introducing – what and why.”

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| Parting Shot |

INTO THE GREEN

fter achieving national renown as a leader in horticulture, Dave MacKenzie – horticulturalist, biologist, and inventor – had sufficient experience to re-think and improve Green roofs as a key contributor to responsible Green building design. This led to a new company, LiveRoof Global (in 2006), which quickly became the industry standard for quality. This, in turn, lead to customers asking for a new/better way of planting walls (based on similar horticulturally-sustainable design). Dave and his staff set about designing a living wall system that gave plants “what they need,” namely upright stem orientation, downward growing roots, a soil-based growing medium with

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beneficial soil-borne microflora, and irrigation that moves downward like rain. Once this was done, the plants grew well, and that led to the founding of LiveWall. Into that LiveWall a fireplace was inserted. It’s a one-of-a-kind 8-ft. linear burner, nestled into a bed of greenery that forms a stunning tableau. iElements, a premier design studio in San Marino, California, worked with Acucraft Fireplaces to create three fireplaces for this spectacular home. iElements, www.ielements.la; Acucraft Fireplaces, www.acucraft.com; LiveWall, https://livewall.com.

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