The Prince George Citizen | Summer 2012
Destination:
istockphoto
Patio
Create the perfect backyard staycation spot with globe-trotting inspiration
Plus: Waves & Flames | Small GardenTricks | Eco-Friendly Lawn
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A Lesson in
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Remember these 5 must-do maintenance tasks to fend off rust and wear
Q&A with ‘Kitchen Crashers’ CITIZEN host Alison Victoria about her THE outdoor kitchen wish list PRINCE GEORGE
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Destination: Patio
Make your backyard an escape from day-to-day life. Four vacation destinations serve as inspiration for patio design
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Lawn
The Greenest
CITIZEN Homestyle is a product of the THE CITIZEN PRINCE GEORGE
Available on-line at www.pgcitizen.ca General Inquiries 250-562-2441 Publisher: Colleen Sparrow Editor: Neil Godbout Reader Sales: Alan Ramsay Advertising: Lu Verticchio Creative: Colleen McComb
The most eco-friendly lawn isn’t necessarily green in hue
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Please Recycle
My Tiny Garden
14
Chaz Howard
Cursed with a perpetually black thumb? Start small. Container gardens can bring verdant bliss to small spaces
Waves & Flames
Bring some drama to the patio with fire, water or an epic combination of the two
These celebs tell us their favorite place to park their seats to enjoy the great outdoors
W
hat’s the best way to unwind after a long day of work in the summertime? Outdoors and in the sun, of course! These celebrities share the lounge chairs that work best for their hectic lifestyles.
Tiffani Thiessen
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Actor and co-designer of PetitNest, a room design collection for infants and children “The one lounge-type chair I love and use outside is my hammock. It’s wonderful to lie in after a long day or to take little naps in when I can. And my daughter, Harper, loves to lay in it with me, which makes it better.”
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Ty Pennington
16
Sears
This Little yard of mine... I’m gonna let it shine
Invest in some flattering lighting to enhance the visual appeal of the great outdoors after the sun goes down
LINDSEY ROMAIN | CTW Features
istockphoto
PetitNest
5
Essential Outdoor Crushing on Upkeep Kitchens THE PRINCE GEORGE
Host of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” carpenter and designer “My favorite moments growing up in the South were always hanging out on the porch, swinging back and forth on a glider. So when I worked with my team at Sears to design the Mayfield Swivel glider and set, I wanted it to have that comfortable, casual, relaxed feel but be nice enough to enjoy a formal party with your neighbors – complete with a Mason jar full of fireflies as a lantern.”
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Essential Outdoor iStockphoto
Remember these 5 must-do maintenance tasks so you can get busy relaxing instead of worrying about rust and wear
of San Luis Obispo, Calif.-based DeckExpert.com, says.“Many times, it’s too late.We have to put it out of its misery and rebuild it. [Customers] didn’t want to seal or waterproof their deck in the wintertime.And in the summertime, they couldn’t do it because they were busy entertaining. Before you know it, the deck needs to be replaced.” Here are five steps to maintain your outdoor living spaces in pristine – or near to it – condition.
4
Apply the pressure:A pressure washer is an amazing tool for outdoor spaces. Use it to quickly clean patios, balconies and decks. It can also spray away that unsightly green moss that grows on the sides of the home and garage.
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DAN RAFTER | CTW Features Jamie Durie, host of HGTV’s “Outdoor Room,” has a key piece of advice for homeowners struggling to maintain their outdoor living spaces: Keep it simple. Outdoor living spaces such as decks, patios, balconies and gardens can offer homeowners a place to both entertain and escape. Many homeowners have invested heavily in manicured gardens, decks that come with outdoor kitchens and patios that boast fountains and separate seating areas. The problem is, it’s not always easy to maintain these areas, to keep them looking fresh from one season to the next. That’s where Durie’s emphasis on simplicity comes in handy: “One of the most important rules I apply when designing a garden is to keep it simple,” Durie says.“Use a maximum of around three different materials and use them throughout the different elements in your garden. Choosing low-maintenance plants, materials and design elements is also part of this.” If your outdoor living areas need a touch-up this season, don’t feel bad; you’re far from alone. “Fortunately, for the repair end of my business, most people neglect their decks and outdoor living spaces to the bitter end,” Bill Leys, a contractor and owner
of each summer season, waterproof the deck with a sealant recommended by the deck’s manufacturer. Do this yourself with a sprayer or roller, or save yourself the work by hiring a professional contractor.
dotted with dozens of rotting boards and little chance of repair.
3
Waterproof your deck:Water is the greatest enemy of a wooden deck.At the end
1
Don’t overestimate your abilities: It’s easy for homeowners to go overboard when selecting plants for outdoor gardens. But too many varieties of plants lead to an overgrown mess of a garden. As Durie says, it’s easier to tend a garden with three or four different varieties of plants that go well together.
2
Inspect your deck every spring: In cold climates, outdoor decks suffer during the winter months when exposed to harsh weather.When spring arrives, perform a quick inspection. Be on the lookout for rotting boards and replace them immediately. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a deck that’s page 5 — homestyle — summer 2012
Keep rust at bay:A barbeque grill is a key component of many outdoor living areas. But rain and snow can turn these tools into rust heaps. Before harsh weather arrives, store the barbecue grill in a garage. If that’s not an option, protect the grill with a heavyduty liner. Make sure to tie the liner securely to the grill; if you don’t, high winds can blow it away.
Destination:Patio West Elm
As staycations get more popular, homeowners want to make their outdoor space feel like an escape from day-to-day life.These four patio styles will evoke favorite vacation destinations right at home Lambeth Hochwald | CTW Features
N
ot looking to book a plane ticket this year? That doesn’t mean you can’t relax at a tiki bar or enjoy a Zen garden. Homeowners are looking to create their own outdoor escapes with a touch of flavor from around the world. “Outdoor rooms are about living as comfortably and functionally outdoors as we do indoors,” says Jamie Durie, host of HGTV’s “The Outdoor Room” and author of several home design books.“The trick is to determine how you can best achieve this in your unique space.”
The Miami Beach Resort Design Goal: A patio with an art deco feel.“You can either achieve this through a color scheme of white, espresso, silver and stainless steel, or you can opt for more tropical colors to pull together this patio style,” says Will Hayward, creative director of Set-
Jamie Durie’s “the Outdoor Room”
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ting the Space Design, a design firm in Plymouth, Mass. Floors/Walls: “A poured concrete floor paired with slatted wood walkways will make this patio pop,” suggests Lily Gahagan, market editor of Houzz.com, an online community for home design enthusiasts. Colors: If you’re going for a tropical look, accessorize with bright pinks, burnt oranges, wild purples and turquoise, Durie says. Furniture: Shop for white wicker wideweave couches with pale cushions that have a pop of color, Hayward says. Appliances: A gas cooktop for easy outdoor meals. Standout Item: These modern-minimalist Barrow Loungers by West Elm ($329, above right) are inspired by the poolside parties of Miami and Palm Springs.
Tonya McCahon
The Caribbean Paradise
Design Goal: A light and airy retreat that feels fresh and beachy. Accent the patio with a lazily spinning overhead fan.
“Accessorize the space with tropical trees such as Sago palms as well as Mandevilla plants,” suggests Durie.“Finish
the look with brass lighting, colored glass, bright fabrics and outdoor curtains with bright tropical turquoise prints.” Floors/Walls: Stone and teak floors are just right for this patio style, Hayward says. Colors: Use cushions and accessories in bright colors like orange and Caribbean blue in this space.“These colors will inject a feeling of fun into your backyard patio,” says Gahagan. Furniture: Shop for white wicker sofas topped with cushions in white, cream, teal and blue accents.“Or go for comfort with hammocks, loungers and lots of pillows,” Gahagan adds. Appliances: A self-contained
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Ten Thousand Villages
Destination x Patio
outdoor bar with a fridge. Standout Item: This striped handwoven hammock chair ($94, below) from Ten Thousand Villages will beckon you to relax – plus, its fair trade credentials make it a socially conscious outdoor choice.
Destination x Patio
The Mediterranean Escape Design Goal: A lush, rustic space filled with mosaics, brick and majolica (tin-glazed earthenware) pottery.“To complete the look, plant bougainvillea and lavender either in containers or in the garden surrounding your patio,” Durie says. Floors/Walls: Keep the space neutral by constructing light, caramel-colored stone or terracotta floors.“Or, opt to pave your floors with aged quarry brick,” Gahagan says. Decorate walls with Spanish tiles. Colors: Paint the patio with ochre, gold, olive or brick red finishes, suggests Hayward.“These colors will give the space a Mediterranean-inspired feel,” he says. Furniture: When shopping for furniture, select carved oak
couches and richly painted glossy wood chairs with a rustic finish, Hayward adds. Appliances: An outdoor pizza oven. Standout Item: This outdoor copper fire pit from Grandin Road ($129, below) adds romantic lighting to your traditional patio space. It’s perfect for making s’mores, too.
Grandin Road
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Jamie Durie’s “the Outdoor Room”
Destination x Patio
The Bali Retreat
Design Goal: Think koi pond and bamboo for this patio, which should ultimately feel like a reflective retreat where you can do yoga, relax and meditate. “You want this patio to evoke tranquility and a sense of calm,” Durie says.
Soothing Walls
Floors/Walls: To pull together the space, install floors made of stone, sand, gravel and beach rock, Hayward suggests. Walls can be simple bamboo poles or Balinese carvings, Durie adds. Colors: Lime greens and white work best in this patio, Hayward recommends. Furniture: Shop for furniture, whether it’s seating or a dining room table and chairs, in bamboo and teak, Hayward says. Appliances: Outdoor drawer fridge. Standout Item: This contemporary water fountain ($325, below) from Soothing Walls is made of stacked geometric shapes and comes in natural tones of slate and copper.
Jamie Durie’s “the Outdoor Room”
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The
Greenest Lawn Goodbye, grass: A mixture of native grasses, plants, gravel and other hardscaping can make a front or back yard more eco-friendly.
Evelyn J. Hadden
New Sunset Western Garden Book, Sunset Publishing Corp. (2011)
The most eco-friendly lawn isn’t necessarily green in hue
Rooms without walls: Create separate outdoor rooms with furniture, grasses and gravel to delineate each area.
DAWN KLINGENSMITH | CTW Features
T
he smell of freshly mowed grass is synonymous with summer in most people’s minds. But the idea of a beautiful green lawn in front of every house has become objectionable to those who consider “green” a set of values rather than a color. Environmentally speaking, grass lawns are not very “green.” Were it not for constant human intervention, most lawns would dry up, turn brown and lose ground to weeds and anthills. For instance, it takes an extraordinary amount of fresh water to keep lawns hydrated. Mowing burns up nonrenewable fossil fuels. Lawn chemicals can be harmful to people, pets or the watershed. However, it is possible to cultivate an eco-friendlier lawn. Solutions can range from simply watering and mowing less, to a complete re-thinking of the front and back yards.
Honey, I Shrunk the Lawn
The most dramatic way to lessen the environmental impact of a lawn is to shrink it. “We always tell people to have lawn only where you need it for specific uses, like where the kids play or where you spread a blanket for a picnic,” says Kathy Brenzel, Sunset magazine’s garden editor. One approach is to “whittle away at the sides,” as Brenzel puts it. Frame the lawn with shrubbery or beds, adding visual interest to the perimeter. “There are hundreds of varieties of perennials, shrubs and trees that look good bordering a property, which the neighbors won’t find objectionable,” says Tom Girolamo, author of “Your Eco-Friendly Yard” (Krause Publications, 2009).Try the dwarf varieties of these plants, which don’t require constant pruning, he adds. Another way is to “erase the center,” says Evelyn Hadden, au-
thor of the book “Beautiful NoMow Yards: 50 Amazing Lawn Alternatives” (Timber Press, 2012). Working from the inside out, create an “island” around an existing tree or grouping of trees by replacing the grass with low-maintenance plants such as perennials, ornamental grasses and hardy groundcovers.The island then becomes a focal point. “Make the view come alive by creating a little ecosystem that attracts birds and butterflies,” she adds.
all the plants at eye level,” she adds,“so you can have nodding plants like snowdrops, with their little bells, or see in the faces of daffodils.” It’s not necessary to take up the sod when shrinking a lawn. “Instead of rototilling, just lay heavy paper or cardboard over the area and put organic mulch over it,” Girolamo advises. Deprived of sunlight, the grass will die and decompose, and the space will be ready for the next project.
A Whole New Perspective
Go Hard or Go Home
Convert unused parts of the lawn to something more practical or enjoyable, such as a vegetable or cutting garden. Slopes, which pose a challenge to mowers and typically serve no purpose, can be turned into a low-maintenance garden that will capture and absorb runoff more effectively, Hadden says. “If you have a walkway at the base of the slope, you can see
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Hardscaping like patios, paved walkways and outdoor fireplaces provides functional spaces and can be used to create a series of “outdoor rooms,” Hadden says, with certain rooms delineated by patches of grass no larger than an area rug. Gravel beds are often touted as an easy-care alternative to grass. Cont’d on page 11
The x Greenest x Lawn Cont’d from page 10 But they fill up with leaves and twigs and tend to spill over their borders, says Girolamo, who is not necessarily a fan of full-blown rock gardens, either. “Getting rock to a site is very energy-consumptive,” he says. Since groundcover spreads and fills in a space, it can replace a large area of grass, perhaps doing away with an entire corner.
Grass Be-Gone
Not all low-lying groundcover is as impactful on the environment as grass. Other plants can replace or supplement grass to make a lawn more eco-friendly. One easy adjustment to make is to stop trying to get rid of clover.“Clover kind of acts like a slow-release fertilizer. It takes a lot of the work away from us and lets nature take over the job of fertilizing the lawn,” Hadden says. “Clover lawns are making a comeback due to clover’s drought-tolerant and low-maintenance qualities,” says Rob Wendell, CEO of Nature’s Finest Seed, a grass and wildflower seed developer based in Lehi, Utah. Clover provides nutrients, crowds out harmful weeds and has the ability to reseed itself. “Every time you mow your lawn, you are adding clover clippings back into the ground and spurring incredible growth,” reducing or eliminating the need for fertilizer, he adds. Clover isn’t intended to replace a lawn entirely, but to grow freely among it. On the other hand, pink chintz thyme can handle a moderate amount of foot traffic and can be used as a lawn substitute. It stays low and knits together to form a tight, darkgreen mat. Lemon thyme works for a smaller expanse or in the backyard, but be conscious that it won’t blend in with the neighbors’ yards because of its
Evelyn J. Hadden
yellowish leaves.“You can walk right through it and it has a nice smell to it,” Girolamo says. “You can cook with it, and it’s a natural mosquito repellent.” Newer grass seed varieties are bred to tolerate drought and grow low to the ground, so less watering and mowing is required. And older varieties have been significantly improved. One example of a “greener” grass that’s gaining in popularity is buffalograss, native to the Great Plains region.“It’s extremely drought-tolerant and thrives during the hot summer months as traditional grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass are starting to go dormant,”Wendell says.“With the development of new high-quality varieties of buffalograss, there’s no need to worry about it looking clumpy or straggly. It produces a thick turf that only gets about 4 to 7 inches high. It’s a very slow grower and needs far less mowing than traditional lawn grasses.” Fescues are another popular alternative.“The newer varieties we use are far superior to the varieties used in the past,”Wendell says, with a finer texture that blends more easily.
For the kids: Lawnless play areas offer diverse experiences to feed growing minds and bodies.
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Tips for eco-friendlier lawn care Water the lawn only when it shows signs of drought stress and then water deeply (at least 1 inch). Set the mower as high as it will go, as shorter grass is likelier to end up with weeds and brown spots. Leave nutrient-rich clippings on the lawn after mowing.
Top-dress the lawn with a thin layer of organic compost in spring and fall to improve the soil. Introduce self-feeding clover to the lawn.
My Tiny
Garden Y
Cursed with a perpetually black thumb? Start small. Container gardens can bring verdant bliss to small spaces
EPHRAIM TUCHO | CTW Features
CICO Books
earning for a natural escape but don’t have the skills or space to create an urban Eden? Small gardens can be an inexpensive and quick way to improve the look of a balcony or lighten up
an interior space. Aspiring gardeners who don’t have much space or time need not worry. A small garden can be grown by anyone. While much of gardening is learned through trial and error, it only takes a few precautions to steer clear of common pitfalls that many new gardeners make.Two small-garden experts share essential tips for container gardens.
Space
One of the first steps of planning and setting up a balcony garden is understanding the space.“You have a very small space to deal with,” says Isabelle Palmer, author of “The Balcony Gardener” (CICO Books, 2012) and founder of an online company of the same name.“You have to be clever with what you can do with it.” Use portable furniture to maximize space. Also, ensure that the balcony can support the weight of the containers.Taking these precautions will eliminate problems down the road.
Containers
Expert urban gardener and author Isabelle Palmer believes everyone deserves a unique green space.
“Newer gardeners take small pots that dry out quickly and stunt the growth of the plant,” says Fern Richardson, author of “Small-Space Container Gardens” (Timber Press, 2012).“They’ll take a pot and not think about drainage.” Without proper drainage in the pot, the water will remain in the container.The root of the plant will rot and the plant will die. Containers also are often the most expensive part of container gardening, Richardson says. Keep costs low by reusing containers like wine crates and wooden panels for plants. “You can use any vessel that can hold soil as a pot. You just have to make sure you put drainage holes in the bottom,” Richardson says.
Sun
Different plants need different amounts of direct or partial sunlight in order to survive. Cont’d on page 13 page 12 — homestyle — summer 2012
My xTiny x Garden
credit
Cont’d from page 12 Balconies with at least six hours of direct sunlight are suited to house “full sun” plants. If there are only three to six hours of sunlight, it will support “partial sun” or “partial shade” plants best. Even if there is little to no direct sunlight, balconies can still support “full shade” plants. “If you know what percentage of your garden space gets full sun versus part or full shade, you’ll be able to make better plant-buying decisions,” writes Richardson in her book.
Water
Watering is a common problem for new gardeners. Knowing when to water and when not to water is important toward maintaining the health of the plants. In the summer, it is important to water plants at least once a day, Palmer says. Problems typically arise during the cooler months. Some gardeners may over-water their plants, which can kill them. As a rule-of-thumb, Richardson suggests sticking your finger in the soil to your second knuckle. If it feels dry, then you should water the plant, she says.
Mediterranean Planter from “The Balcony Gardener” (CICO Books, 2012)
CICO Books
This wooden window box can hold enough produce for a variety of delicious summer dishes. You will need the box, polystyrene “crocks” or small stones, potting mix, horticultural grit and plant food. Author Isabelle Palmer suggests a chili pepper plant, bush basil, curry plant, golden thyme, marjoram, oregano and purple basil. Grow a tomato plant in a separate large pot to complement the herb mixture. Place in location that will receive six to eight hours of sun per day.
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CHRISTINE BOCKELMAN | CTW Features
istockphoto
and
Bring some drama to the patio with fire, water or an epic combination of the two
I
t seems what happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay in Vegas – at least when it comes to patio design. Inspired by the outdoor spaces of trendy high-end hotels in the City of Sin and across the country, the backyard is getting a makeover. Plastic patio sets and simple decking are out; fire pits and waterfalls are in. “People would go to a nice resort somewhere and see pretty furniture and nice outdoor seating, and want that same experience at home,” says Leslie Wheeler, director of communications for the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, a trade group.
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Homeowners attempting to replicate these resort-like atmospheres have moved beyond outdoor kitchens and couches to something more elemental – fire and water.
Feel the Heat Sales of fire pits are soaring, Wheeler says.“Pardon the pun, but fire pits are very hot these days.There’s every shape imaginable, different fuels and a huge range of price points. It’s a huge product category.” Cont’d on page 15 Cont’d from page 14
Advances in technology have made fire pits more accessible and desirable. It’s possible to get a basic fire pit for around $100, or spend tens of thousands on a more elaborate custom-built display. While many fire pits use wood, gas or propane, bioethanol is also popular. Bioethanol is a renewable fuel that has no toxic byproducts when burned and doesn’t require any additional gas or fuel lines or ventilation sources. “There are no construction headaches and nothing is hardwired, so homeowners can also take these fire features with them when they move,” says Pau Torruella, owner of Fire & Patio Co., Denver. Although the biofuel flames look pretty, they are better for ambiance than heat. Go with natural gas, propane or wood if people need to get warm around the fire. In smaller spaces, fire tables are more convenient than fire pits.“People don’t want to sacrifice table space,”Torruella says. “With fire tables, they can have the best of both worlds – the beauty of a fire and a place to put their wine glasses.” For big spenders and technogeeks, some top-of-the-line fire features can be operated with remote controls or even an iPhone, says Kevin Doud, president of Grand Effects in Irvine, Calif. “The electronics are in part for safety.You don’t have to manually light the fire and it will automatically shut itself down if it gets too windy or rainy,” Doud says.“But it’s also a ‘wow’ factor.”
Cool it Down While backyard fire features are certainly hot, water is still a cool addition to any outdoor
entertaining space. “Homeowners see the backyard as an entertaining space, and fire and water are both part of that experience,” says Rob Morton, director of sales for fire and water feature company Bluworld in Orlando, Fla. Low-maintenance pondless waterfalls are an attractive alternative to the time-consuming cleaning of other water features. Something as simple as a piece of stone with a trickle of water coming through a drilled hole can have a pondless basin now; more expensive custom options are also available. “The water in pondless features goes into a basin and percolates through a bed of gravel that buries the pump,” says Jason Bowen, sales manager of Kane Brothers Water Features in Homer Glen, Ill. “There’s no body of water, so upkeep is minimal.” Another trend in water features: Go natural. Gone are the days of an obviously manmade mound of earth with water flowing out of it.“People don’t want things that look like volcanoes in their backyards,” Bowen says. Swimming ponds are more natural-looking alternatives to swimming pools.The ponds don’t use chlorine and utilize natural filtration and native plants and stones. On a smaller,‘do-it-yourself’ scale, design and technology innovations are changing water fountains.There are now freestanding waterfall fountains that can be set up in minutes. “Just add a little water, plug it in and it is ready to go,” Morton says. For projects of any scope, make sure to thoroughly vet a potential installer by asking for references and visiting previous job sites.
Bluworld
Waves x and x Flames
This fire fountain from Bluworld combines fire and water into a single feature. Since the water cascades down the wall, it does not splash onto the fire. “This will not only show their work better than any photo can, but it will also show you they are still on good terms with past clients,” Bowen says.
Mix the Elements Can’t decide between fire and water? It’s possible to combine the two elements in one outdoor display. Commonly called fire fountains, these stunners typically feature water that cascades down a piece of glass, but does not splash on or put out the fire thanks to a protec-
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tive piece of glass. Some fire fountains take advantage of the low heat output and ventless operation of bioethanol. In others, natural gasor propane- fueled flames are made possible by stainless steel devices submerged in pools of water. “There is a lot happening. It all started with hotels, and is trickling down to homeowners,” Doud says.“They are taking inspiration from what they see and using it in their backyards.”
This Little Yard of Mine,
I’m Gonna
Let It Shine
BETTINA CHANG | CTW Features
A
perfect storm of economic, weather and industry conditions have made 2012 the perfect year to consider outdoor lighting.“In the last eight
Mark Lohman
Invest in some flattering lighting to enhance the visual appeal of the great outdoors after the sun goes down
to 10 months, it seems like people are focusing more on outdoor lighting,” says Greg Yale, a landscape lighting designer based in Southampton, N.Y. Yale adds,“It’s also in large part due to great weather, so people are focusing on the
outdoors ahead of time.” In addition, an explosion of innovation and design provides a wide variety of outdoor light bulbs and fixtures for homeowners.“The marketplace has opened up to accept different and innovative design ideas,” says Joe Rey-Barreau, education consultant for the American Lighting Association and an associate professor at the University of Kentucky’s School of Interior Design.
The Perfect Bulb
In particular, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have become effective replacements for incandescent or halogen bulbs that were previously used in outdoor fixtures. LEDs last longer (up to 50,000 hours, compared to 3,500 hours for an incandescent), are waterproof and page 16 — homestyle — summer 2012
energy-efficient.They’re looking a lot nicer now, too:“They have matched the Kelvin temperature that I use in my lighting designs,”Yale says. That’s an essential point, because the color temperature of a bulb (measured on the Kelvin scale) can make the difference between finding a bulb with the perfect warm glow or taking a frustrated trip to the hardware store to exchange a bulb that casts an eerie blue light. “Today, when you go to the store, you almost need a degree to shop for a light bulb,” ReyBarreau jokes. New labeling requirements make it a tad easier – look for the color temperature scale on the “lighting facts” label, and find a bulb between 2700K and 3000K for that warm glow, he recommends. Cont’d on page 17
Let x It x Shine Cont’d from page 16 LEDs can provide a large amount of light from a small space.“A single LED is only about one-sixteenth inch square,” Rey-Barreau says.“They are used in groups, mounted on a platform, so the fixtures can be small but produce a phenomenal amount of light,” perfect for use between the slats of a railing, the corners of decks or on the risers of steps.
Fixture Fix
Innovation hasn’t stopped at the bulb itself. Lighting fixtures and lamps for the outdoors are getting more attention from designers. “In the U.S., we’ve been very traditional and colonial [in style], especially outdoors,” ReyBarreau says.“There’s a trend to really weird-looking or interest-
ing shapes now.” Sandra Soria, a design professional and author of “The New Front Yard Idea Book” (Taunton Press, 2012), agrees.“The fun part is that you can match a light to your architecture,” she says. A Victorian home, for example, can have beautiful reproduction lamp posts in the front yard to enhance the façade. Ranch homes with mid-century design go best with stainless steel fixtures and modern shapes. For homes with an earthy brick feel, Soria suggests taking advantage of metals that get better with wear.“They will put on a weathered patina that you can only get with the help of nature.”
Common Pitfalls
Labeling is important for more than just bulbs. For those
who want to save cash and hassle by installing solar-powered lights,“check out the boxes when you buy because they will tell you the light requirements in a similar way as when you’re shopping for plants,” Soria says. She recommends solar lights because,“unlike any other lighting, they come in their own complete little package.There are no trenches, wires or transformer to install on your house.” They are constantly improving and changing, so choose carefully. Metal lights are more durable than plastic, and larger lights tend to have more solar panels that can collect and store more power. Soria also warns against over-lighting a house, and Yale agrees. He uses minimal lighting in low wattage for his own de-
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signs and cautions homeowners to be mindful of this common mistake. “If you turn the light switch on and look outside and you see a group of light sources that are egregious to the eye, then you’ve done something wrong,” he says. Rey-Barreau suggests that homeowners test out their lighting plans with a portable lighting kit from a local lighting showroom.The low-voltage kit makes it easy to test different light bulbs and angles at night before the installation process. Last of all,Yale recommends that fixtures are mostly hidden from view.“If there is shadowing and silhouette and washes of light against the landscape without knowing where the source comes from, you’ve done a really good job,” he says.
Crushing DIY Network
on Outdoor Kitchens with
JEFF SCHNAUFER | CTW Features
interior designs in affluent Las Vegas residences, then launched her own full-service interior design firm in Chicago and Las Vegas two years later. Since then, Victoria has created her own line of modern luxury furniture, served as creative director for the Silverton Casino Hotel in Las Vegas and designed a unit in Chicago’s Trump tower. As warmer weather ushers in thoughts of backyard barbecues and neighborhood parties, we caught up with Victoria to ask her thoughts on what makes outdoor entertaining so special.
What is your favorite part of the spring/summer outdoor dining season? I love the colors of spring, the smell of spring, daylight savings and bringing the indoors out! The best part is having a small group of friends and family in my backyard, designing a new drink for everyone to enjoy, having my signature candy jars on display and sitting around the outdoor fireplace at the end of the night with a glass of wine and my favorite people. What are your fondest memories of spring/summer as a child? I remember our huge backyard growing up (in The ‘Kitchen Crashers’ host tells us about childhood summer parties and her the suburbs of Chicago) and our big summer kickoff grown-up outdoor kitchen wish list – complete with kegerator and mountedTV party with my brother and his “band” playing on the top of the garage. Me, my sister and brothers and Growing up in the suburbs of the Windy City, Alison Victoria all of our friends would run around and ride our bikes, and the enjoyed a big summer kickoff party with friends and family entire neighborhood would be outside. At the end of the night, and hunting for lightning bugs.Today, as host of DIY Network’s we would catch lightning bugs in jars and hold them captive in “Kitchen Crashers,”Victoria hunts in stores across America for our rooms until the lights went out. weekend warriors who could use her help bringing style, beauty and simplicity together to create harmony in their kitchens. What are your favorite features for an outdoor kitchen or dining area? Victoria’s journey as an interior designer began at the ripe My wish list for my outdoor dream kitchen: pizza oven, kegage of 10, when she asked her mom if she could tackle the erator, hand sink, built-in grill with side burners, undercounter basement in her new house.After completing her studies at the beverage center and a wraparound bar with an ice rail built in to University of Nevada, Las Vegas, she went on to create stunning keep drinks cold on a hot summer day. I love the Marvel 61hk-bs-f for the kegerator. Don’t forget the built-in fireplace with plenty of seating – and yes, I want a TV above the fireplace.
Alison Victoria
How does style fit into outdoor living? Is it something people often forget about? When it comes to a stylish outdoor kitchen/living space, most people don’t consider the outdoor grill a design piece.That brings me to my first piece of advice: Built-in grills are a must! The outdoor kitchen is just as important as the indoor, especially if you live in a climate that allows for it, so pay attention to the space planning and the must-haves versus your own wish list. What is the biggest mistake someone can make when designing an outdoor dining/kitchen area? People often do minimal research to find all options available. Most go through a large, costly operation, only to find they missed items they would have liked to have. Another common mistake is a bad floor plan with too little or poorly planned gathering spaces. page 18 — homestyle — summer 2012
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