Front Porch the
spring 2016
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The Art of Cultivating Simple Pleasures and Living Well
Outdoor Living O
One of the latest trends in home design is motivating people to get more fresh air. It is called the outdoor living room, and it takes many of our favorite indoor comforts and brings them outdoors. As we head into spring, a season of renewal and growth, we are excited to share some ways in which outdoor living can enrich your patio landscape. Outdoor cooking has been a national pastime ever since the postwar suburban boom. Portable charcoal and gas grills debuted in the 1950s and became permanent fixtures in American backyards. Designed to serve a single purpose (cook meat), they were hardly anything to look at. Many of today’s luxury grills are custom made to complement the home’s exterior. They work equally as state-of-the-art appliances and aesthetic focal points. And lately, they’ve been growing into full-on kitchens with built-in refrigerators, countertops, sinks, lighting, and storage areas. Continued on page 10.
A French-inspired luncheon is easy to prepare and a sensory delight. For recipes, see page 14.
Clockwise from upper left: 1] You don’t have to wander through a desert to find an oasis. Edwards Pool Construction can create one in your backyard. The irregular shape of this pool mimics a naturally formed lagoon situated next to a lush garden. The pool blends in quite seamlessly with the backdrop of rocks and vegetation, thanks to a rock face that spills over the edge of the pool. 2] The fire pit is the highlight of this outdoor living space, created by Gas Can Kitchens. And doesn’t it look inviting? The homeowner has utilized several of the stained-concrete ledges for potted plants, and the adjacent stone bench invite family and friends to sit and spend time together. In the background, a pizza oven and fireplace stand ready to emanate pleasing aromas and warmth. It looks like an evening for alfresco dining. 3] All Things Barbecue put together this outdoor living room, which includes furnishings from Castelle’s Monterey Collection. A sofa and two swivel rockers make for comfy seating in front of a full-scale southwest-style fireplace. Red accents from the bricks, area rug, and pillows tie everything together nicely. The crackling fire will add enchantment to summer nights and warmth during the cooler evenings of spring, fall, and even winter. Fireplaces, fire pits, and fire tables are both elegant and practical. Because they are sources of heat, they can extend the life of your patio throughout the year so you can enjoy the outdoors even during colder weather.
number 27 2 Peaceable Kingdom: songbirds delight with morning serenades 2 Shades of Green: Riverside welcomes local organic food hub 4 Quiet Spaces: early morning on a front porch fosters quiet reflection 6 Noteworthy: hostas take root in a local designer’s heart and garden